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September 2018 Volume 25 Issue 7

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Divorce and separation: coping with emotions From Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, to the more recent Cheryl Tweedy and Liam Payne, it seems celebrity breakups often dominate the headlines and it’s no surprise that marriages and long-term relationships don't always survive the strain of modern living, but there is some good news. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest there were 101,055 opposite sex couples getting a divorce in England and Wales during 2015, which is 9.1% fewer than in 2014 and a massive 34% fewer than in 2003. Despite this downturn, there is still a need for support. A 2016 Relate report recorded that 2.87 million people in the UK were in 'distressed' relationships, with almost 1 in 5 couples arguing regularly or considering separating. It’s often cited that along with bereavement, moving home, losing a job and being affected by a major illness, divorce and separation are regularly named as top causes of stress. And no wonder. The end of a long-term

relationship can make you doubt your own identity and your ability to cope alone. It can also bring up feelings from past relationships, which may put a serious dent in your selfesteem. Most experts agree that people going through a break-up typically experience feelings of overwhelming sadness or grief, not just when their relationship ends but for some time after too. Many also experience waves of other strong emotions such as anger, guilt, fear, worry and blame. Working on your resilience can help if you're going through a divorce or separation. Being resilient helps you to turn negative life events into positive ones. While nobody would ever suggest that going through a break-up is easy, there are some tips you can follow to try and ease the burden. The wellbeing experts at CABA offer their advice if you’re dealing with divorce or separation: Seek divorce advice and information Going through a separation

or divorce can be particularly daunting if you're in the dark about what's going to happen. Get as much information about the process as you can. This will help you to feel more in control of the situation. A good place to start is Gov.uk/divorce. Reconnect with family and friends We all have people we tend to rely on when life gets tough. These are the people who, no matter what, are always there for us when we need support. If the trauma of recent events has made you feel isolated, try to reconnect with the friends and family who make you feel better about yourself. When you feel the time is right, try getting out and about more, connecting with new people. It can sometimes be difficult meeting new people and making new friends when getting older. But it’s important to push yourself out of your comfort zone, try new experiences and meet new people. Talking about your feelings can help you to cope with what you're going through. But if

you prefer to confide in people you don't know, try those who are trained to listen, such as Samaritans Relate, or CABA. Be kind to yourself Take some time to do something that's purely for you. Think about what you enjoy such as a long walk, a soak in the bath, spending time on a hobby or other interest, reading a good book or watching your favourite film. Try to devote some time to thinking positively about yourself. Try writing down something nice about yourself before going to bed each night for a week. Then during the following week, write down 1 thing you did well that day. Also, remember to eat as healthily as possible and get plenty of rest and sleep whenever you can. It’s important to ensure you’re not just physically but also mentally fit and healthy. Seek out the positives The saying 'every cloud has a silver lining' may not seem appropriate when you're going through a difficult time – indeed, it may even sound offensive. But it really can help

to try and find the positives among what may seem like an utterly negative situation. These positives may not be obvious at first – or perhaps all the positives look like they apply to your ex-partner rather than yourself. But keep trying. Remember: if you choose to respond to your situation positively rather than negatively, it may help you to move on with your life sooner rather than later. Get help for depression Going through a divorce or separation is a grieving process. But sometimes this can lead to depression. It's perfectly normal to feel low in such situations – at least for a while. But if you feel constantly low for more than 6 months and you experience

other symptoms such as lack of energy and appetite, sleeping difficulties, lack of concentration or physical restlessness, it's a good idea to speak to your GP in the first instance. If you or someone you know is going through a divorce or separation, it’s important to remember that emotional wellbeing is just one aspect to think about. Financial matters are often cited as significant factors that can lead to divorce. But what about the costs involved in getting divorced or separating? It's often a good idea to get expert help from an independent financial adviser because making sure your finances are in order is an important step in ensuring your overall wellbeing.

Building resilience to Parenting Stress by Gill Tree, Founder of Stressed Parent

Imagine some fresh playdoh straight out of the tub. The bright vibrant colour, fresh smelling, flexible, easy to stretch, malleable, fun to play with and full of possibility. That was me before becoming a parent. Now get some old dried up playdoh; it’s dull, hard, rigid, un-responsive, has cracks and crumbles easily… The stress from the challenges we are presented with as parents on a daily basis can take its toll. When we are stressed we tend to stop doing all or some of the pleasurable things in life. This is even more true as a parent of a challenging 2 Parent Talk September 2018

child. Any spare time is used up with appointments with head teachers, therapists, reading books and managing the behaviour, in addition to the shear exhaustion of trying to keep life on an even keel. We also stop getting any good feelings from the things we love to do. A third layer is the high level of negative emotions we experience from being with a challenging child. How does your child(ren) make you feel? Angry Persecuted Inadequate Helpless Hopeless

Fearful Disappointed Hateful Anxious Rejected Depressed Resentful Overwhelmed Manipulated Ashamed Confused Exhausted Other? This is further compounded by the Guilt for feeling some of the above and for not always being the loving, nurturing, understanding parent we thought we would be. Parenting can bring out a side of yourself that is alien to you and it is stressful being someone you no longer recognise. Continued and heightened stress can lead to: Loss of confidence Loss of direction Loss of motivation Becoming self –critical Over reliance on sugar, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol Depression, lowered immunity and illness Blocked care Dan Hughes and Jonathan Baylin in 2012 identified and named a syndrome they called Blocked care. Their research shows that if

you don’t get enough positive strokes back from the person you care for you can literally turn into old playdoh. Your ability to empathise and care for your child is reduced so that parenting becomes a chore. Parenting whilst in stressed out survival mode makes us defensive, reactive, unable to emotionally regulate and empathise. So some strategies to help relieve the negative loop we can find ourselves Be playful When we are stressed it is so easy to become heavy handed and authoritarian in our parenting. Find a trigger to remind yourself to lighten up and be more playful with your child. I used to wear an elastic band on my wrist. I would twang it when really what I wanted to do was lash out at my son and then it would remind me to lighten up and deal with the situation with less gravitas and more connection. In fact, one of the golden rules of parenting I learnt from psychologist Kim Golding is “Connection before Correction”. It is far easier and much more effective to discipline a child when everyone is calm and relaxed even if that means waiting a few hours.

Stopping the downward spiral. Figure 8 My relationship with my son has moments of great closeness, fun, camaraderie, connection and love. Imagine that being the centre of the number 8. Then something happens and we will move apart and sit somewhere on one of the 2 circles of the 8. Maybe I am tired, have had some bad news or am swamped with work and he does something to annoy me. (Possibly he picks up intuitively on my lack of being present for him and does something to get my attention). If I react negatively we will move further and further apart. The relationship may even get so fractured that we become two separate circles, living almost separate lives. This is common, but it is up to me as the adult to do something as soon as I can to bring us closer and hopefully to be back at the centre of our 8. It may be as simple as an apology or a hug. Empathy and Understanding Listed above are some feelings you may feel when under stress and managing the challenges your children present. BUT What feelings do your child(ren) experience on a daily/weekly basis? Step in their shoes for a while

and feel real empathy. While you’re on your own assume their posture, movements, gestures and tonality and speak as if you are them about how they feel. You may feel a little crazy but it is so insightful. Children often feel helpless and use their behaviours to control the people around them to get some sense of connection, feel less powerless and a little less afraid. Massive self care Have a date with yourself and completely indulge and nurture yourself at least once a week. Everyone will benefit from a healthy happy more relaxed you. It is not selfish! For more strategies on managing your stress, view Gill’s free trial to her interactive film based e-course: https:// ecourses.stressedparent.global/ course/view.php?id=3 Gill Tree Biography As an adopter and former foster carer, with twenty years experience teaching stress management to industry, (clients included British Telecom, HMRC and Atkins Global), Gill is well placed to provide specialist therapeutic parenting training and mentoring. www.stressedparent.global 01373 474778

Parent talk contents Family pages

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Events

Out and About

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Education, information

p7-9

Book Bag

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Education, information

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Book Review

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FAMILY PAGES

Win a Hippychick Fleece Lined Waterproof Suit!

competition Vivary Park Adventure Camps Brik Buster

p5 p11

Dear Readers...

Welcome back and I hope you all had a great summer break. This time I feel we really can say summer and isn’t life so much easier when you’re not having to plan endless rainy day activities! Good luck with the start of term. Seeing them in their school uniform for their first day at school is always very special. Seeing them at the end of their first full week, perhaps less so! Our eldest, now 23, announced ‘I’ve had enough school now!’ and I had to break it to her that aged 4½ she had a few more weeks to go! Happy reading and if you’re looking for some great stories to enjoy together, take a look at our book review. Tamsin (editor)

Play outside whatever the weather www.hippychick.com 01278 434440

Winter is coming, but don’t fret, your children can still play outside throughout the cold season with Hippychick’s warm, windproof, breathable and 100% waterproof all in one suits. With the UK experiencing an average of between 150-200 rainy days each year, it is vital your children have the right protective clothing so they can play outside all year round. The outer skin is made from the very highest quality Peach Skin Polyester and the inner lining from Polyester Fleece, there is a real attention to detail with the Hippychick children's outdoor clothing range from their taped seams to their adjustable ankles and wrists that allow room to grow. They don’t just look good, they are also incredibly practical and can be wiped clean or machine washed. Available in seven sizes and four different colours, these kids Waterproof Fleece Lined All in Ones are generously sized to ensure that they can fit over other clothing. “So warm and cosy for our little adventurer! She loves it and runs around free and we don’t worry about her falling in the cold or getting wet. We LOVE it!!” – Hippychick Customer.

To enter the Hippychick competitions simply email your details to enter@hippychick.com A winner will be drawn and emailed on 01/10/2018. www.hippychick.com

A different approach to family law All too often, solicitors will generate more and more fear in a separation. This may be because they are acting in the best interests of their client, or they might be covering their own backs. Either way, working this way is negative, and creates a culture of litigation: ● Blame ● Point scoring ● Putting the other person down ● Promoting your own case ● Making the other person into the ‘opposition’ While this may, and we mean may, be acceptable in some legal sectors, family problems are different. When a family goes through problems, there is always fracture, hurt and fear. People have their own tribes; friends, family, people down the pub, their solicitor, who all feed into the fear and justification of behaviour.

Rather than help couples towards resolution, the litigation process propels them into polarisation. The legal system is inclined to make things black and white, good and bad, right and wrong. This doesn’t fit ‘family’ at all. Families require help to resolve their situation. Often it is like untangling spaghetti. As a family lawyer of many years standing, it has always been my aim to change the culture of family law from one of blame to one of resolution. It is my overarching belief that wherever children are involved, they must be put right at the centre of the process. If we can change the underlying ethos of family law then many more families will be able to settle their differences without resorting to accusation and anger. The Family Law Company is committed to the promotion of amicable divorce whilst

Norman Hartnell, Managing Director

ensuring our clients are fairly represented. Please contact us on 01823 785 070 if you would like to discuss your own circumstance. Your first appointment is free.

Specialists have an advantage

The same is true in family law Giraffes are specialists as they can reach above the heads of other animals. At The Family Law Co we are specialists too; our expert knowledge enables us to reach resolutions in all aspects of family law including divorce, separation & financial matters, co-habitation agreements and grandparents’ rights. Contact us for specialist advice on all areas of family law.

Tel 01823 785 070 www.thefamilylawco.co.uk Parent Talk September 2018 3

4 Parent Talk December 2012 4 Parent Talk December 2012

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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 . 7th-10th September: Tom Thumb. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. One night tiny Tom hears Mum and Dad talking – there’s nothing left to eat so they are going to leave him and his six brothers in the forest! Outwitting his parents and the ogre, Tom show everybody that even though he is small he is still mighty as he protects his brothers, finds the treasure and makes sure they’ll never be hungry again. Fri 10am & 1pm, Sat-Sun 11.30 & 3pm, Mon 10am & 1pm. Age: 3+. 01225 823409 9th September: The National Animal Welfare Trust’s Annual Dog Show. Heavens Gate Farm, West Henley, Langport TA10 9BE. Family activities include art & craft tent, bouncy castle, giant games, nail art, face painting, tombola and much more! 12th-13th September: Teletubbies Live. Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in a show full of love and laughter as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland. Look out for the Tubby Phone, Noo-noo and the Sun Baby in a fun, bright and safe world which captures young children’s imaginations and encourages them to explore the world

Craft Studio Holiday Clubs for 6+

around them. Join in and enjoy beloved features from the TV series along with brand new songs. 10am and 1pm. 0844 871 3012 14th-16th September: Sky Safari, Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, Longleat, BA12 7NW. Three day event when over 150 balloons of all shapes, sizes and colours take to the skies about Longleat offering breath-taking views during mass launches and tethered displays. Night Glows, back by popular demand on 14th and 15th where a selection of balloons will light up Longleat – firing their burners to an amazing musical soundtrack. Included with an All in One Day Ticket or Annual Pass. 10am-6pm. 01985 844400 15th September: Milkshake! Live ‘The Magic Story Book’. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Starring Milkshake! favourites; Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, this all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales. 12pm and 3.30pm 01935 422884

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

15th September: Hunkypunks Circus Skills and Theatre Group. The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton, TA1 1JL. A Saturday morning club for children and young people who love to express themselves and have fun. Age 8-10 yrs 9.15-10.15am; age 10-15 yrs 10.30am – 12 noon. 01823 283244 15th September: TacchiMorris Arts Centre Open Day, Monkton Heathfield, TA2 8PD. Come and have a look inside the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre. Free taster classes, free kids activities, food and bar, live music. 12pm-3pm. 01823 414141 15th-16th September: Somerset Motofest 2018. Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester BA22 8HT. Entertaining 2 day event with something for all the family, whether you arrive on 2 wheels or 4, at the spectacular Fleet Air Arm Museum. Exhibitors include main motorcycle and car dealerships, training organisations, DVSA, Highways England, emergency services, cycle dealers and various demonstrations. FREE entry to the event – discounted entry to the Museum if you visit the Somerset Road Safety Tent. 10am-5.30pm. 01935 840565 15th September: Taunton Together. Albermarle Centre, Taunton TA1 1BA. 20 cultural community groups sharing and celebrating the diversity and culture in Taunton and Somerset. FREE entry and activities include traditional dance performances and workshops, international food tasting, live international singers and band. Children’s activities and toddlers’ corner include Henna Body Art, Write your name in Chinese, build an island and more. 11am3.30pm. 07377 363165

15th-16th September: How Does This Politics Thing Work Then? the egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, BA1 1ET. A show to help understand how politics works in a clear, informative and fun way. 11.30am & 3pm. Age: 7+. 01225 823409 16th September: Wellbeing and Superfood Festival 2018. Woodlands Castle, Taunton, TA3 5AU. Workshops, tea room and much more. 10am-6pm. 18th-19th September: DragonBird: The Elephant’s Child. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. How did the elephant get his trunk? Come aboard the hot air balloon to the great, grey-green, greasy Limpopo all set about with fever trees and find out! 10am & 11.15am. Age: 6 months – 4yrs. 01225 823409 18th-22nd September: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car in this family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find 'Truly Scrumptious'. Tues 7.30pm, Wed 2.30 & 7.30pm, Thurs-Fri, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30 & 7.30pm. 0844 871 3012 21st September: Toddler Explorers – Beside the Sea. Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury, BA6 8DB. A funfilled session of play and active learning. Age: 1-3 years. Booking required. 10.30-11.30am. 01458 831197 21st-30th September: I Wish I Was a Mountain. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. On the day of the famous annual fair, the town of Faldum receives an unexpected visit. A wanderer offers to grant a wish to anyone who wants one. Before long, the city is transformed. Mansions stand where mud huts once squatted, and beggars ride around in horse drawn carriages. And one man wishes to be turned into a mountain. Times vary. Age: 7+. 01225 823409

22nd September: Frome Carnival. Annual spectacle with illuminated floats, music, majorettes and more. 7pm. Afternoon procession 2.30pm. 22nd-23rd September: The Snail and the Whale. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Join a tiny snail on her trip round the world in Tall Stories’ magical, musical production inspired by the fantastic bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Longing to see the world, a tiny snail hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing adventure - but when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him? Follow the tiny snail’s exciting journey, as seen through the eyes of an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father. 01935 422884 23rd September – 3rd October: Sea Dragons of Street Fossil Exhibition. The Grange, Farm Road, Street, BA16 0BQ Come face to face with Street’s prehistoric past, when Somerset was a tropical ocean filled with sea dragons. Visit a free pop-up exhibition of fossilised ichthyosaurs as well as a selection of smaller fossils found in the local area. 10am-5pm. 01458 444060 25th September: Regal Film Society - Mamma Mia! Here we go again. Regal Theatre, Minehead, TA24 5AY. 01643 706430 26th-27th September: Guess How Much I Love You. The Brewhouse, Taunton, TA1 1JL. Join Little & Big Nutbrown Hare, from the bestselling ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ and ‘I Love You All Year Round’ collection, as they leap off the page and onto the stage in this magical journey through the seasons. Watch Little & Big Nutbrown Hare settle down after a

bedtime story and re-awaken to discover the delights and colours of each season as they compete to measure their love for each other in this timeless loveable story. Wed 4.30pm, Thurs 10.30am & 1.30pm. 01823 283244 28th September: BIBIC Charity Footballathon at Yeovil Town Football Club, Lufton Way, Lufton, Yeovil, BA22 8YF. bibic is hosting its first ever 12 hour Footballathon! The event will be a continuous game of football played in 30 minute back to back sessions over 12 hours. Held at Yeovil Town Football Club’s AstroTurf pitch at their Huish Park ground. Amazing prizes to be won for winning and highest scoring teams, as well as those teams and individuals that raise the most sponsorship. Open to anyone over 9 years old. 29th September: Feast Taunton - Kids’ crafts and activities, Creative Tent, Museum of Somerset Courtyard, Taunton, TA1 4AA. Talks, workshops and cooking demonstrations. Fun filled activities from puzzles to painting, colouring to collaging. 10am-4pm. Part of the four day Feast Taunton, Food & Drink Festival running 27th-30th September. 3rd October: Awful Auntie. The Playhouse, Weston super Mare, BS23 1HP. When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, Lord and Lady Saxby, she has no idea her life is in danger! Waking up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell Stella what has happened. But not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie! Wed 7pm, Thurs 10.30am, 1.30pm and 7pm, Fri 10.30am and 7pm, Sat 11am & 3pm. 01934 645544

Music for the Mind charity concert The stars of a West End musical on the theme of mental health will be appearing at the Music for the Mind concert in Wells on 15th September 2018. Robert S J Lucas and Sherwood Alexander will perform songs from This Is John, which started as an Edinburgh Fringe production and recently completed a successful run at The Other Palace theatre in London. Writer Robert S J Lucas said the theme of his musical 4 Parent Talk Summer 2018

complemented Music for the Mind’s aim of raising awareness of mental health issues. “This Is John is a comedy drama about male mental health. It tackles depression and suicide but it’s also about the everyday mechanics of life and the fact that some people are better at dealing with ups and downs than others.” Lucas will accompany singer Sherwood Alexander on piano for two songs: ‘Lemons’ and ‘Man Up / Man Down’.

“‘Lemons’ is an upbeat song about looking at the brighter side of life when things get you down. ‘Man up/man down’ is a bittersweet ballad about the conflicting messages that men are exposed to. People use expressions like ‘man up’ or ‘be a man’, and it can sometimes feel like there’s no one listening,” said Lucas. The songs will appear on an album of highlights from This Is John, to be released in September. Lucas is also in discussions for a Broadway

version of the musical and a film adaptation. Other performers at Music for the Mind include 22-yearold R&B singer Georgia Box, whose performances on YouTube have gained her a global audience, and the Bathbased Vocal Works Gospel Choir directed by Tim King. Music for the Mind is being held on Saturday 15th September 2018 at Cedars Hall in Wells. Tickets are priced from £30 and are available from the

Cedars Hall box office: https://uk.patronbase.com/_ WellsEvents/Productions/22H/ Performances About Music for the Mind Music for the Mind is a Corporate and Social Responsibility initiative organised by Hewlett Rand’s Director of Training and Digital Learning, Richard Lowe. The event is to raise funds, local community awareness and employer engagement for mental health wellbeing for local Bristol, Bath and South Somerset Mind Charities.

Georgia Box – R&B Singer You Tube Sensation with 90 million views

OUT & ABOUT FAMILY

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre Visit Monkey World and see our latest rescues, the redbellied guenons, Benny & Nia! These incredibly rare monkeys were smuggled from the wild into Lebanon, and Monkey World were called in to rescue them. Now, the park is the only place in the world you can see these monkeys in captivity. The guenons join over 250 other monkeys and apes, mostly endangered and rescued, to live their lives in a safe, stable environment. Opened in 1987, to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, Monkey World is now a sanctuary for primates from all over the world. You can hear all about how the cheeky guenons are settling into life at the park at the daily free keeper talks. Combining fun with conservation, the keepers explain all about man’s

Benny (R) & Nia White-throated guenons ©Monkey World 2018

closest living relatives, their rescue stories, and individual personalities. Once you’ve seen the stars of TV’s Monkey Life, your little monkeys can let off some steam in the Great Ape Play Area, the south’s largest adventure playground. As the largest rescue centre of its kind in the world, visitors

flock to Monkey World to see the biggest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, Europe’s only orang-utan nursery, and the largest breeding population of woolly monkeys. Along with cafes, picnic areas & a scenic woodland walk, Monkey World makes a great day out for all the family.

Monkey World is open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm (July and August 10am to 6pm). Visit www.monkeyworld.org, or call 01929 462537 for more information.

Competition

Win a family ticket to Vivary Park Adventure Camps The Vivary Centre is made up of a 5m course, 9m course, Climbing wall, Power Fan Descender, Gladiator Challenge, Totem Pole, Caving Ladder, Mini Golf, Footgolf and Team Development. Packages available; ● Aerial Challenge - 5 metre Ropes Course ● Aerial Adventure - 5 metre Ropes Course and 9 metre High Ropes Course ● Adrenaline Zone - Ropes Course, High Ropes Course and Power Fan Descender ● Extreme Adventure - Ropes Course, High Ropes Course, Power Fan Descender and Climbing Wall ● Ultimate Adventure - Ropes Course, High Ropes Course, Power Fan Descender, ● Adventure Challenge - 5

metre Ropes Course, Climbing Wall and Power Fan Descender ● Climbing Wall and Totem Pole ● Groups - Team building, team development or just for

fun, contact the site for more information and group prices. ● Family Ticket - Extreme Adventure (based on 2 adults and 2 children)

Parent Talk have 2 family tickets to give away. For your chance to win, fill in the word below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by 1pm on 19th September 2018.

The V _ _ _ _ Y Centre

If you win this competition, we will contact you for permission to pass on your contact details to the PR company concerned. We will never pass on your details without your consent. All other entries will be deleted after the competition closes and will not be passed on to any third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

Parent Talk September 2018 5

OUT & ABOUT

A Go-Kart Party– exciting and fun for all! If you are looking for a party that is really different, exciting, great fun and hassle free then look no further than Go-Kart Party. Nathan and his team offer both boys and girls of 4 -10 years a unique opportunity to race battery powered gokarts around an inflatable mini Grand Prix circuit. The parties are fully hosted and structured and fun games such as cops and robbers, cone dodging, reversing and emergency stopping will give the children an experience they will never forget. Kart speeds and games are

Move it, move it at Bristol Hippodrome

numerous leisure centres and sports halls across Somerset, or even outside at your home, Go-Kart Party is accessible all year round at a venue near you.

tailored to the age and ability of the children so whether they are aged 4 or 10 the kids will have an amazing time and will feel a real sense of

achievement when they pick up their certificate and possibly the Go-Kart Party Best Driver trophy at the end of the party! Available indoors in

You can check out the fantastic feedback Nathan receives from parents on www.facebook.com/ GoKartPartySW and for more information contact Nathan on 07703 719 402, nathan@go-kartparty.co.uk or visit www.gokartpartysw.co.uk

From 9th – 13th October join Alex (X-Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry), Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in Madagascar The Musical at The Bristol Hippodrome. This smash hit musical features all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they

escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. This brand new musical from Dreamworks (Shrek The Musical) will leave audiences with no choice but to ‘move it, move it’! Suitable for ages 5+.

So much more at Willowbrook Garden Centre Put some ‘autumn magic’ into your garden now! At Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre we have lots of fresh plants waiting to get into your garden. The pansy and violas are looking bright and colourful which can be complemented with wallflowers and the new selection of bulbs for next Spring. Our bulbs are available in a wide range of colours, have great names and are easy for small hands to plant. We also have a wide range of trees and shrubs for Autumn colour as

Call Nathan on: 07703 719 402

www.gokartpartysw.co.uk nathan@go-kartparty.co.uk facebook.com/GoKartPartySW TA postcodes only

BACK to SCHOOL! SPECIAL OFFER 4 Weeks of Classes

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Our Pet shop has everything for your pets from leads to food and even some great toys and treats and also has a great range of wild bird food and all the different types of feeders in lots of different styles. We are open seven days a week and with our NEW ‘click and collect’ service you can shop whenever you want. We are situated between Taunton and Wellington on the A38, opposite the Blackbird Inn.

Find us on www.willowbrooknurseryandgardencentre.co.uk. Our friendly and helpful staff look forward to seeing you!

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well as lots of heathers. You can keep warm while collecting the leaves to make your home-grown compost.

We have a selection of rakes and compost bins and just in case, we have children’s wellington boots as well as some for the adults! The Aquatic centre has a wide range for either inside fish or for ponds. The Café and Tea-rooms are serving their seasonal menu along with the chef’s daily specials and ‘Winesolution’ wine shop has the experience to help you pick your new favourite wine.

Res pe ct Fr ie

ndsh

Children have different levels of mental maturity and physical ability. Like the UK school’s National Curriculum, at Evolution Martial Arts we divide our classes to specifically teach and challenge our students. Our classes are split by age and grade, dividing the classes based on these factors, give our students exactly what they need. This makes training more fun and easy to understand. To further improve the quality of our lessons, each class is limited to give our students the best instructor to student ratio. Each student is treated as an individual and never a number. Our children's

classes are fun and engaging, the lessons are taught in a safe, positive and structured environment. Physically, students will build strength, develop co-ordination and gain flexibility. Parents will see psychological benefits such

as improved concentration, self confidence and discipline. These important life skills transfer into the child's home and school life. Children positively benefit from training with Evolution Martial Arts - JOIN NOW!

EDUCATION, INFORMATION FAMILY

Razzamataz - this is ME! A place to be ME One of the stand out films of the year has to be The Greatest Showman, a musical loosely based on the life of PT Barnum, and his circus. It has been an overwhelming hit with Razzamataz Yeovil whose students can empathize with many of the characters who feel the circus is the place where they can be accepted for who they are. Many of our students tell us that Razzamataz is the place where they can really be themselves and this in turn has led them to grow in confidence and self-belief. Across the UK, Razzamataz has this powerful message across billboards, in the hope of inspiring more youngsters to step out of their comfort zone and into a place where they can be accepted, nurtured and grow in confidence. Students take part in singing, acting and dance classes and cover a wide curriculum so they experience both musical theatre as well as the commercial genres

of street dance, pop singing and acting for camera. Whether students are taking part for fun and friendship or they want to make performing arts a career, all the way through their training, Razzamataz provides the support they need. “Razzamataz is not just about creating the next generation

how coming to classes has given them confidence to achieve their dreams, whatever they may be.” Classes in Yeovil are on Saturdays at Westfield Academy, for ages 2-18. To book a FREE trial session at Razzamataz Yeovil email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk, call 01935 411128 or visit yeovil. razzamataz.co.uk

of performers but many of our students show the passion, talent and determination to succeed in this industry, so we do all we can to support them,” says Claire, Principal of Razzamataz Yeovil. “It is wonderful when some students go on and perform professionally, but what we are most proud of are the lovely testimonials about

New year, new term, new music! © Craig Stone Photography

The Centre for Young Musicians Taunton (CYMT) starts the new academic year with an Open Day on Saturday 8 September 9.0012.00 in the Willow Building at Richard Huish College, Taunton. There will be free taster workshops (booking essential) for 5s-18s interested in music-making activities at CYMT and a free concert by Pixels Ensemble in conjunction with Concerts in the West. Free admission, all welcome. Pixels Ensemble is a collective of established chamber music players with a shared passion for performing the finest repertoire, from the classical period to the present day. Vastly experienced and versatile, the group appears in a wide range of combinations and line-ups, lending itself to innovative programming and enabling huge variety within individual concerts. It will be an exciting concert and a fun way to get the autumn term started. CYMT provides high quality sustainable musical training for young people on Saturdays in term time. Open to all committed young musicians, the programme of weekly training comprises ensemble work including orchestra and bands, singing, instrumental lessons, music production, history of music, theory of music, and aural classes, all taught by a high quality team of dedicated and enthusiastic tutors.

Selladoor Family and Hartshorn – Hook Productions in association with Libby Brodie, Stephen McGill Productions and Rigmarole Productions/Rachel Kraftman Productions production of

This term, CYMT builds on last year's successful workshops in music production by launching individual lessons in music production for students aged 11+. Students will have the option to take graded exams in music production in which they can explore the worlds of popular music, electronic music production, movie soundtrack production and chart topping

video game soundtracks. The music production course gives each student a wealth of technical, practical and theoretical knowledge that they can apply audio production, electronic music production, mixing, editing, mastering or sound for media. For more information visit www.cymtaunton.org.uk or contact taunton@cym.org.uk 07754 217993.

Based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited Book By

Kevin Del Aguila

Music & Lyrics by

George Noriega & Joel Someillan

This is me! Proud to be me at Razz!

Confidence building, dance, drama and singing lessons for ages 2 -18 FREE Taster Session Book your place today!

TUE 9 - SAT 13 OCT #proudtobeme

To book your place or for more information call Claire on 01935 411128 or email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk

BOX OFFICE: 0844 871 3012*

W W W.ATG T I C K E T S.CO M/B R I S TO L *Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

Parent Talk September 2018 7

EDUCATION INFORMATION

Why you should use tech to engage your kids at home By Christopher Cederskog screens at school are enough to warrant the removal or limitation of tech at home. However, technical skills are among the most sought-after by employers, and they’re becoming increasingly so. Children NEED to not only understand what tech does, but how it does it, and there are only limited hours in the school day. Learning through play at home can be a vital part of bolstering a child’s understanding, and research has shown that parental involvement in this process can both enhance the learning experience for the child, and strengthen family relationships. OK, so what does this all actually mean? Should I let my kids stay online as long as they want to? Is tech better than playing outside? Do I need to be playing with them constantly and let dinner cook itself? Are apps OK, or should I restrict them to problem-solving and coding? The guiding principle is everything in moderation,

and that technology is most effective when used together, with parents and children interacting and engaging with the same thing at the same time. But this doesn’t have to be strictly educational; tech can be used in all manner of ways: using a phone to video chat with grandparents; discussing what’s on television, rather than just sitting in front of it; using a search engine to complete a homework project; or doing something creative with music, photographs or robotics – essentially playing and exploring the world around them. All animals learn through play, and humans are no exception. The great thing about technology is that it presents such a vast potential for fun, while also presenting an opportunity for the acquisition of immensely transferable skills. While learning to programme a robot to dance, for example, you have to learn the basics of coding, which requires an element of literacy

and numeracy. It works on spatial awareness, encourages creativity and problem-solving, and in working with parents or siblings – or both – it builds upon communication skills. In these activities, parents can guide, support and encourage – and potentially even learn something themselves. While a child can feel a sense of pride in achieving something on their own, it’s significantly multiplied when they have a parent watching – because every child wants mum and/or dad to see when they’ve been clever. And perhaps most importantly of all, when you are involved in your child’s use of technology, you are there to keep them safe. UKCCIS (UK Council for Child Internet Safety) has recently revealed that 86% of children aged between 5 and 16 in the UK have their own internet enabled device. While there are safety measures that you can put in place to protect your child from wandering into the realms of undesirable content, removing undesirable contacts

– whether groomers or bullies – can be more difficult. Sitting beside them, building a confident online-relationship with your child, you become their greatest safeguard. It’s now widely accepted, that when used appropriately, technology can be an extremely effective learning tool. This is why it’s been embraced so broadly within educational establishments the world over. But the emphasis here needs to

be on the word ‘appropriately’. And gauging what is developmentally appropriate for your child, isn’t possible if you simply leave them to it. If you get involved, however, it can be fun and beneficial for the both of you. Christopher Cederskog (pictured) is Managing Director Europe for Wonder Workshop, creator of CleverBots Dash, Dot and Cue designed to suit kids of all ages starting from 6.

Fo u

K nd ing 11 ati ’s + B Av on S rut ail ch on ab ol le ars hi p

‘Screen time’ has been a contentious issue for parents for a long time. How much is too much? Is using a computer for school work as detrimental as sitting and playing apps or watching TV? And IS playing apps necessarily detrimental anyway? It can be hard to strike the balance between enough to understand and too much to socially integrate. This is why it’s so important for parents to get involved, using technology to supplement classroom learning, while ensuring that it’s not an isolating experience. Computer technology is an unavoidable part of modern life. We use it for practically everything, from setting the heating while away from home, to tracking fertility and menstrual cycles. And it’s playing a progressively larger part in education. Homework books have been replaced by e-submissions and coding is part of the curriculum. It’s tempting, as a parent, to think that that is enough; that the hours online and in front of

You are invited to join us for our

Autumn Open Mornings Saturday 6th & Friday 12th October 2018 For further information, call 01963 442 606 and ask for Sarah-Jane

Please come and see us...

Co-educational boarding and day prep school, ages 2½ - 13, in beautiful Somerset 01963 442 606 | www.hazlegrove.co.uk | admissions@hazlegrove.co.uk | Sparkford, Somerset, BA22 7JA 8 Parent Talk September 2018

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

School Community Sing Project led by Internationally Acclaimed Musicians On one of the hottest days of the year, Hazlegrove Prep School was delighted to welcome 200 local primary children and their teachers to join them for ‘Community Sing!’. The event was the brainchild of Hazlegrove’s Director of Music, Vicky Sayles. Vicky, who has performed around the world as a musician in her own right, invited two world class musicians, Pete Churchill and Katie Teague to lead the children in a day of singing workshops. Both musicians have a long and well established career working as musical educators. Director of Music, Vicky Sayles said, ‘We were treated to the most wonderful and inspiring day with our local primary schools for our Community Sing. The children arrived buzzing with excitement. Katie Teage and Pete Churchill worked them so hard without putting any pressure on

them through games and musical fun. They learnt an astounding seven songs in just two and a half hours as well as teaching their families (who attended the performance) one of their favourite songs from the day. Singing enriches us all and today was an example of how it can bring people together

as a community. A huge thank you to our friends in the local community for attending the day and giving it their all! Well done everyone!'. The day culminated in the Community Sing Choirs Performance which rounded off an exciting and creative project for the children and staff involved.

Creative fun and discovery with Millfield Minis Toddler Group! Come along with your little one to Millfield Minis, a warm and welcoming toddler group open to all parents with 1-3 year olds in the local area. The sessions are held at Millfield Pre-Prep in Glastonbury and run every weekday during term time, from 10.00 – 11.30am. Millfield Minis is run by qualified and friendly Millfield Pre-Prep staff. Children can get hands on with a variety of activities including exploring in the woods, gym, sensory play, swimming, art and clay, and trampolining. For more information or to book, please go to millfieldschool.com/minis or 01458 837524

Parent Talk September 2018 9

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

Book Bag

22 September 1791 Birth of Michael Faraday tHe PoWer of

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Ever heard of a game that was designed forto young p popular and exciting, especially kids, by kids? The original Brik Buster by started the Royal Institution Christmas Lec Strictly Briks is an incredible and unique tower These are yearly talks given on a scientific toppling game that provides endless hours of also campaigned against pollution and wor fun for the whole family. First, you stack’em hisbust’em church. down; When he died in 1867, high and then just make sure probably that you don’tdangerous send the chemicals tower tumbling he haddown! used in his exp As a brand that values and learning become onecreativity of the most famous men in the through building, Brik Buster has won the 2017 Platinum Oppenheim Toy Award, the 2017 Eddy Award for Best Education Product, 100 Best by Dr Toy Award and several other prestigious titles. Brik Buster is an exciting game that provides endless hours of creative learning and skill building. Also designed as a fun way to bond with your child, Brik Buster can be enjoyed by two or more players; perfect for family game night! That’s not all. Strictly Briks large building briks are also compatible with all leading brands. A promised guaranteed tight fit with any large size building briks. The opportunities for creativity are endless as your child can combine their sets together and build an infinite amount of creations. The Lowdown: pieces in theChristmas box lectures a ✸ 133 stackable givesincluded one of his popular h Faraday still continue today and are shown on television. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee ✸ Backed by a They ✸ Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 82.6 cm ✸ Recommended age of 3 years and up The Brik Buster Tower Toppling Game costs £26.99 from Amazon. Parent Talk have 4 boxes of Brik Buster to give Eureka Eureka simon simon.indd 55 55 chance to win, rearrange away. ForUK.indd your the words below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by 1pm on 19 September 2018. Entrants must be aged 18 or over.

09:38 10:20

RKBI ETSRUB The next time you blow up a balloon at a birthday party, stop and think. Faraday invented rubber balloons to help him in his experiments!

for more information please visit www.thamesandhudson.com

WinFaraday a made box of in many huge developments As well as his discoveries in physics and ch Brik Buster transformed the way science was taught by

Book Bag NEWS 12 Parent Talk December 2012

Can you spot ten differences?

Sorry I’m late sir. I was dreaming about football. Why did that make you late? They played extra time.

Pupil: Mr Lee, does ham grow on trees? Mr Lee: Of course not. Pupil: Well, what’s an ambush then?

Can you find the w ords?

What kind of meals do maths teachers eat? Square meals.

Teacher: What can you tell me about the Dead Sea? Pupil: I didn’t even know it was sick.

Teacher: Susan, what on earth you doing standing on your head? Susan: Well you just told us to turn things over in our minds.

Why are you crawling into school ten minutes late? You told me never to walk in late again.

Why did the teacher write on the window? Because she wanted the lesson to be very clear.

for the answes to our puzzles please visit www.parenttalk.org.uk

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

New beginnings at Queen’s Pre-Prep After a wonderful summer break, the staff and children at Queen’s College Pre-Prep will be returning to school feeling refreshed and ready for another term full of wonderful learning opportunities. We know the children are excited about getting to know their new class mates and the teachers, equally, are looking forward to getting to know the individual personalities of the pupils in their new classes. Whether it is the first or the last day of term, our dedicated teachers and teaching assistants approach each day enthusiastically, ensuring that every pupil, whatever their needs, engages energetically in our broad and balanced curriculum. We feel very privileged to support our Reception children as they begin their educational journey and settle into ‘big school’. Their transition began in the Summer Term with a range of activities to support their move into the Pre-Prep and this will ensure a relaxed and happy start. They will no doubt take to

school like ducks to water and confidently get to grips with school life! Year 1 and Year 2 pupils will continue to develop the academic and personal progress made last year and will thrive on the new challenges of the academic year. Our aim at Queen’s College Pre-Prep is to educate in its widest sense and develop skills which are essential for life. Our teaching encourages the development of thinking skills, independence and learning through discovery.

We recognise how vital it is to build a child’s confidence, self-esteem and resilience to enable them to cope with future challenges. Our small class sizes ensure each child is supported and encouraged in all aspects of their personal and academic development, allowing them to thrive and reach their full potential. Come and see us in action – book a personal visit by emailing junioradmissions@ queenscollege.org.uk or calling 01823 340830.

Millfield Minis Sport Clubs for Autumn Term Millfield Minis Clubs are open to boys and girls, ages 1-9, in the local area. The clubs are held at Millfield Pre-Prep in Glastonbury on either weekdays or weekends during the term time, depending on which club you choose. The clubs running in the autumn term are Minis Football, Minis Golf, Minis Swimming, Minis Tennis and Minis Trampolining. All the 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. They provide a great opportunity for your young ones to be

active whilst developing their confidence, co-ordination and movement.

For more information or to book, please go to millfieldschool.com/clubs or 01458 837524

Explorer Pianist Horse Rider SOPHIE, AGE 8

Millfield Prep’s next Open Day is Saturday 6 October

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

Parent Talk September 2018 13

14 Parent Talk December 2012

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Mindfulness -The Family Way By Dani Binnington Mindfulness is a pretty straight forward word. It suggests that the mind is fully attending to what’s happening, to what we are doing and to the space we are moving through. Scientific studies have long linked several health benefits, such as increased attention and focus, lowered anxiety levels and increased immune function, to the practice of mindfulness. The conversation around mindfulness is growing with workshops springing up in corporate offices and CEOs who swear by the practice. But what about mindfulness at home? Can we make it accessible to our children too? The answer is pretty much straight forward too: yes. Practising mindfulness can help kids learn to focus, manage stress, regulate emotions and

develop a positive outlook. Positive effects on overall mental health and wellbeing have been reported by many families who develop a mindfulness practice. You might find initial resistance, but unlike many adults, children’s habits are not set in stone as much and they are much more open to try new things. So how do we go about it? There are several ways to start and your chosen route might be by downloading an app which is designed for children. If you feel you’d like to keep it tech-free, then a great starting point is by practising it yourself. 1) Become a role model. Setting routines in place where for just a few minutes a day, you sit down without doing anything, you can close your eyes, notice your breath, your thoughts and emotions. Perhaps you decide you want to think about one

Little Roots @Stoke St Michael Open 9am-3pm Mon, Tues, Wed, Thursday Forest Schools Sessions Moons Hill Road, Stoke St Michael, BA3 5LG Tel 01749 840721

14 Parent Talk September 2018

thing that you are grateful for at the same time. Initially, your child might think it is a bit random for you to do this. But it’s important for our children to see that we take care of our mind and mental wellbeing too. Just like nutritious eating, exercise or reading are healthy habits, this ‘quiet time’ will soon add to one of those. Invite your child to sit with you if you feel he or she is open to it. 2) Allow for a brain break. We service our car, we descale our kettles and we take ourselves for facials. But when was the last time we gave our mind a break? And what about that of our children? School, clubs, tutors, parties, visits to relatives and much more fill up their entire days. Make room and allow your child a brain-break. It’s a necessity to hit that pause button every now and then. Make it into a game with younger children. Who can lie down with their eyes shut the longest? Encourage your child to close his or her eyes and ask them to tell you what they can feel. Like the soft pillow under their head etc. Allow them to go into as much detail as possible. Older children might mope around for a bit moaning about being bored, but that’s exactly what you want!

3) A mindful school-run. Draw your attention to what you can see and point this out to your child. Simply noticing and appreciating your surroundings can make mindfulness an easy and effective tool to be used by the whole family. Once you start to point out the blossoms on trees or the first flowers in spring, your children will soon copy what you do and become more aware of what is going on around them. Appreciations of what’s happening around us on the school run can set your child up to a more relaxed and less worried start to their day. Dani Binnington (pictured) is a yoga practitioner, wellbeing expert and creator of healthywholeme.com which is full of family recipes, wellbeing tips and inspiration for a healthy lifestyle.

Educators urged to register for UK Road Safety Week Educators can now register for Road Safety Week 2018 (19–25 November), the UK’s biggest road safety event, which involves thousands of nurseries, schools and colleges each year. Road safety charity Brake, which coordinates the event, is encouraging anyone who works with children to go to www.roadsafetyweek. org.uk to get ideas on teaching and promoting road safety during the Week, and register for a free online action pack. Road Safety Week has been inspiring young people for 21 years and is coordinated with the support of the Department for Transport. It’s a great chance for teachers, youth workers and early-years educators to engage pupils of all ages in lessons and activities encouraging safe and responsible road use. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to get important messages home to parents and the wider community. Educators can access free electronic resources and guidance to help them get involved. Go to www. roadsafetyweek.org.uk/ educators for ideas and to register for a free online action

pack (available from end of September). This will include assembly and workshop slides, interactive resources, activity sheets, advice and case studies showing how other schools have got involved in previous years. For this year’s Road Safety Week, Brake has chosen to focus on the important message of Bike Smart. Cyclists and motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in the UK, with more than 100 riders injured every day in needless, preventable crashes. This year Brake will develop new age-appropriate resources to raise awareness about the importance of everyone being Bike Smart. For younger children, the focus will be on inspiring and engaging pupils about how to be smart when riding a bike and helping them call for smarter cycle routes so they can get about safely on two wheels. Everyone who registers to take part can include their details on an interactive map, helping inspire other organisations to get involved and link up activities.

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Exciting opportunities Outstanding outcomes await at Wellington School for pupils at All Hallows 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 a number 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 and in addition to some groundbreaking new theatre projects, out pupils are gearing up for a production of School of Rock! 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 many exciting opportunities. Our ethereal Chapel Choir performs regularly and our versatile

musicians regularly 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. Our competitive sports have been resoundingly successful this year with some National players across many sports. Our pioneering new Wellbeing Programme teaches pupils a healthy lifestyle that will serve them at school and long into the future including nutrition, Judo sports psychology and leadership. 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. Wellington inspires and teaches pupils from 11-18 in the Senior School. In addition, the Prep School and Nursery nurtures pupils from aged 3, with wonderful premises, outstanding facilities and inspiring, creative teachers. Additional activities such as Forest School, trips and outdoor education bring the whole experience to life. We are justly proud of the rounded, all-encompassing education our pupils receive. We call it “Learning For Life”. “Happy parents, happy pupils!” – The Good Schools Guide

Please do come along and find out what makes us so special. Join us for our Open Morning on Saturday 22nd September. To find out more, please call 01823 668803 or email admissions@wellington-school.org.uk

At All Hallows Prep School, we believe we are doing something very distinctive and as a result our pupils are achieving superb outcomes in so many areas. Ensuring our children’s happiness and well-being is at the heart of everything we do and they are thriving. All Year 8 pupils in recent years have gained entrance to their senior school of choice and the hugely positive feedback from those schools is heartwarming. Furthermore, last summer, 65% of those going on to senior schools in the UK gained a scholarship or award in a range of disciplines including Academic, Sport, Creative Design, Art, Music and All Rounder – a remarkable achievement for a school that is, in the main, non-selective. The true essence of a prep school lies in the breadth of opportunity for children outside the classroom where strengths and passions can be discovered and nurtured. This starts at All Hallows with the youngest children enjoying a wide range of activities including swimming, tennis, dance and the ever-popular Forest School which takes place in

the extensive onsite woodland. Our hands-on approach to the curriculum sees the children getting fully immersed in topics whether dressing up in Victorian costume to visit SS Great Britain or kayaking on the River Wye to learn about rivers. We strive to ensure our older children are ready to take on the challenges of senior school aged 13 as confident, resilient young people equipped with the essential skills to help them thrive as individuals in whatever comes next. Independence

and development of character are encouraged through opportunities for leadership and responsibility and we support them through the crucial development stage in Years 7 and 8, allowing them to grow up at their own pace and to learn and make mistakes in a safe, secure and caring environment. Come and discover what makes us different on our open morning or at any other time by appointment – we look forward to meeting you.

Please contact Jackie on 01749 881609 or visit www.allhallowschool.co.uk/open-days for more information.

Open Morning Saturday 6th October 9.30am to Midday Come and discover what makes us different and why our children are achieving superb outcomes in so many areas. Set in a stunning location midway between Frome, Bath and Bruton, All Hallows is a truly independent day and boarding school welcoming boys and girls aged 3 to 13. Please call Jackie Truelove on 01749 881609 for further information or to arrange to visit. We look forward to meeting you! www.allhallowsschool.co.uk

Parent Talk September 2018 15

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 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. 01278 441270 or email 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. Family, friendship and festivals are at the heart of this coeducational

please contact Mrs Carrie Crook in Admissions on 01749 824400 or email admissions@brutonschool.co.uk boarding and day school which delights in children being children. The winning combination of experienced, committed staff and small class sizes, creates a friendly, stimulating and secure environment in which pupils lay down firm foundations in all areas of the curriculum, on which they can build in future years. The nursery provides a vibrant and engaging environment for pre-school children and is the ideal start to their school life. For more information and to arrange a visit, please contact Sarah-Jane on 01963 442606 admissions@hazlegrove.co.uk 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 1-3. To arrange a visit please contact: Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524 Perrott Hill Montessori Nursery and Pre-Prep. Given ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the Nursery is situated in the attractive, safe courtyard of the manor house. The Nursery children, aged 3-4 years, have the use of the extensive grounds and facilities of the school (age range 3-13) as well as having their own outdoor adventure play area. The staff are warm and friendly. Free after school care is available. 01460 72051 www.perrotthill.com 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 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

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 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 3 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

To book our Nursery Directory, please call 01458 250461

Teeth friendly lunch boxes As any parent knows, back to school can be a very busy time – from buying new uniforms and shoes to picking out stationery. With so much to plan, it can be easy to overlook what’s going in the packed lunches. But making sure your child has a healthy, inviting and tooth friendly diet is really important. Steve Preddy, Clinical Director at Bupa Dental Care, has shared his top tips to help you create the most teeth-friendly lunches for your kids. Say cheese! Cheese is a great ally for teeth. It is full of calcium and phosphates 16 Parent Talk September 2018

which are known for strengthening bones especially in children. In addition, eating cheese causes salivation, which helps to decrease the acidity levels in the mouth, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Remember to eat in moderation though, cheese maybe easy on the teeth but it’s also high in fat. Pack in the veggies Crunchy fruit and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, are real helpers when it comes to scrubbing away plaque from the teeth. Carrots are also high in fibre and a great source of vitamin A. Make sure you

include some and ask your kids to have them at the end of their meal! Fruit does contain natural sugar so it’s much better to eat during meal times, rather than snacking on it at other times of the day. Find swaps for sugary drinks Fruit juices – especially those made with acidic fruits like grapefruits, oranges, and lemons - are loaded with sugar and acid that can slowly remove tooth enamel. When they are concentrated down into juice, teeth are at risk of decay. When possible, give your kids still water, as it helps wash away food debris. Alternatively,

watered down juices or weak cordials can help reduce the impact too. Don’t feed their sweet tooth! Limiting sweet treats is really important for children. Not only is this good for their overall health but it is also vital for good oral health. Each time you eat something sugary, the levels of acid in your mouth rise significantly. It then takes up to a full hour for the acidity levels to return to a normal state. If a child’s acidity levels are being constantly raised throughout the day from eating sweet treats, they are then at serious risk of tooth decay.

Avoid raisins and dried fruit You might be forgiven for thinking raisins and dried fruit are a great healthy snack to stick in a lunchbox. While raisins may be rich in anti-oxidants, they’re also full of sugar and can be just as damaging to teeth as confectionary. When fruit is dried, the concentrated sugar becomes tacky and sticks to teeth and gums, which can then cause tooth decay. Beware of crisps Crisps contain starch which can get trapped in teeth, leading to plaque build-up. If your kids love a crunch, it’s better sticking to the veggies.

Use whole-wheat bread instead of white Consuming whole-grains actually lowers the risk of gum disease. The enzymes in white bread stick to teeth and then turns into sugar. Switching to wholemeal is a much healthier and tooth-friendly option… don’t worry, you can still cut the crusts off! Get creative Kids love getting involved in the kitchen so why not make a batch of healthier snacks at the weekend to pop in their lunch boxes throughout the week. Mini savoury muffins are usually a big hit, high in protein and low in sugar. You can even get in one or two of their five a day with the right recipes.

CAMPS & COURSES

Make King’s Hall School Your Primary Choice King’s Hall School is a leading Prep and Pre-Prep school for girls and boys aged 2 to 13 years, set in a beautiful countryside location. In a stimulating and dynamic learning environment you can be assured that your child will receive all the support they need to fulfill their potential both in work and play. By working closely with parents and carers, we get to know each individual child, which allows us to create a happy and fun-filled school experience. Early learning is promoted through play and exploration, active learning and creating, discovery and problem solving. We offer encouragement and support at every stage of your child’s learning journey. As well as exciting learning inside the classroom, our children also get the opportunity to have fun outside in our extensive and mature on site Forest School. Here they

OPEN DAY can explore, climb trees, feed the hens, and guinea pigs, make pizzas in the cob oven and even toast marshmallows around the fire! Constantly learning but in a new way. King’s Hall School has an extensive music and hobbies programme which helps develop each child’s interest

outside the classroom. For the busy family we also offer breakfast and tea time clubs where the children will be fed and may take part in various activities, all under the watchful eye of qualified staff. We would be delighted to meet you and your child to show you all that we can offer. .

Our next Open Day is on Friday 5 October or you can arrange to visit any time by calling Tess Spurr on 01823 285928 or visiting www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk for more information.

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.

Open Morning Friday 28 September 9.15am to noon

BE PART OF THE DISCOVERY

To attend or arrange a visit call 01934 845236.

Friday 5th October — 10 am arrival Please contact us to reserve your place Little visitors are welcome to join all the fun of a Forest School session—for over 3s—starting 9.30 am

New affordable weekly boarding packages Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Located just south of Bristol Airport, with daily buses from around Somerset.

Co-educational day & boarding: ages 2-13 telephone: 01823 285928 admissions@kingshalltaunton.co.uk www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk A Woodard School

www.sidcot.org.uk

Parent Talk September 2018 17

BOOK REVIEW

Editor’s choice

Dino Pops Illustrated by Jonathan Woodward Jungle Pops Illustrated by Natasha Durley - 3D Models to Colour Published by Buster Books Explore the prehistoric world and bring the jungle to life with these collections of beautiful press-out models to create. Each simple design is reversible, with a fully coloured dinosaur or animal on one side. On the reverse, the same design is repeated in black line for children to colour. From a stomping Stegosaurus to a mighty lion, and a colourful giraffe to a terrific Triceratops, there are a whole host of characters and interesting facts to discover. A Darkness of Dragons By S.A. Patrick Published by Usborne. Age: 9+. In a world of dragons, songspells, pipers and battles, Patch Brightwater is a boy in disgrace. Thrown in jail for playing a forbidden spell, he is no one’s idea of a hero. But only he knows the deadly truth: the evil Piper of Hamelyn is on the loose. So it’s up to Patch – with the help of Wren, a girl cursed to live as a rat, and Barver, a firebreathing drocgriff – to stop the Piper of Hamelyn unleashing the catastrophic End of the Skies. Three accidental heroes versus one legendary villain – an epic adventure is born.

Why Can’t I Feel the Earth Spinning? And other vital questions about science By James Doyle, illustrated by Claire Goble Published by Thames & Hudson Age: 7+ Why Can’t I Feel the Earth Spinning? tackles twenty-two questions about the world around us so that children can build an understanding of how things work. Fresh and informal without being flippant, this is a swift introduction to science that will enable children to feel confident asking and investigating the questions that interest them most.

A History of Pictures for children By David Hockney and Martin Gayford Illustrated by Rose Blake Published by Thames & Hudson. Age: 7+ A History of Pictures for Children takes readers on a journey through art history, from early art drawn on cave walls to the images we make today on our computers and phone cameras. Based on his bestselling book for adults, this children’s edition of A History of Pictures is told through conversations between the artist David Hockney and the author Marin Gayford, who talk about art with inspiring simplicity and clarity. 18 Parent Talk September 2018

Daddy Do Hairdo By Francis Martin and Claire Powell Published by Simon & Schuster. Age: 3+ When Amy is born she doesn’t have much hair. Not for long! Soon her hair is the stuff of fairy tales – so long she could throw it down a tower to let up a handsome prince. Only, hair this long is also really inconvenient, especially on windy days. So Amy’s dad comes up with some innovative solutions, and soon EVERYONE wants one of Daddy’s Hairdos! Mice in the City – Around the World By Ami Shin Published by Thames & Hudson. Age 5+. Join Stanley the Mouse as he sets out on a trip around the world aboard Mrs Crombie’s airship! Readers will visit sixteen different locations, including London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Beijing, Mexico City, the Great Barrier Reef, Moscow, Rome, Delhi, Namibia’s Etosha National Park, Seoul, the Black Forest, Amsterdam and Barcelona. Hidden on every spread is a local food, flag, dress and greeting for children to spot – plus one very naughty black and white cat who is prone to all sorts of mischief… The Book of Trees Piotr Socha and Wojciech Graijkowski Published by Thames & Hudson. Age: 7+ The latest book by this awardwinning author and illustrator duo answers all of these questions and more, tracking the history of trees from the time of the dinosaurs to the present. Brimming with hundreds of meticulously wrought, vibrant illustrations, this large-format, encyclopaedic book imparts masses of information with a light, humorous touch in a way that will engage children of seven and over.

The Best Sound in the World By Cindy Wume Published by First Editions. Age: 3-6 Roy is a lion and a sound catcher. He catches the sounds of the city and makes them into music, trying to avoid the annoying attentions of his neighbour, Jemmy. Feeling like his music isn’t good enough, he goes on a journey to find the best sound in the world for inspiration. He hears the pitter-patter of the rain in the forest, the wind whistling through the desert and the hustle and bustle of the souk at sunrise, but none of it helps – he can’t decide which is the best sound. Just as he’s about to give up, he hears a familiar voice…can Jemmy teach him that perhaps there are lots of beautiful sounds, not just one, and that for Jemmy, Roy’s music is the best of all? Ten Horse Farm By Robert Sabuda Published by Walker Books. Age: 2+ Horses gallop to life in this impressive pop-up extravaganza. Jumping, racing and grazing horses fill the page and every turn reveals an exciting new scene at this idyllic farm setting. Readers will find grey, dappled and roan 3-D horses and enjoy spotting the many other different animals on the farm.

Mummy Fairy and Me: Fairy in Waiting By Sophie Kinsella, illustrated by Marta Kissi Published by Puffin. Age: 5-7+ Ella’s family has a big secret – her mummy is a fairy! Only, sometimes the spells go a bit wrong, and that’s when Ella steps in to the rescue. In this brand-new book of magical adventures, there are very naughty monkeys, a swimming pool filled with ice cream, and the best birthday party ever – complete with giant cakes and fairy dust.

Getting Things Done for Teens By David Allen, Mike Williams and Mark Wallace Published by Piatkus The most interconnected generation in history is navigating unimaginable amounts of social pressure, both in personal and online interactions. ‘Getting Things Done for Teens’ will train the next generation to overcome these obstacles and flourish by coaching them to use the internationally renowned Getting Things Done® methodology. The Good Stuff By Lucinda Miller Published by Short Books In the mad rush of family life, many parents find themselves too busy to cook and rely increasingy on shopbought convenience foods to get everyone through the day. Drawing on her 20 years of clinical practice, child nutrition expert Lucinda Miller shows how vital it is that we reverse this trend and bring back homecooked food as a mainstay of family life. She offers a series of simple steps to help your child build a positive relationship with food and have huge benefits for their long-term health and well-being.

First Prize for the Worst Witch By Jill Murphy Published by Puffin. Age: 8+ Accident-prone Mildred Hubble is the Worst Witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy. She’s always getting her spells wrong and landing herself in trouble. But Mildred is in the last term of Fourth Year and determined to prove that she’s not as useless as everyone thinks – could it be First Prize for the worst witch after all?

Amazing Animal Babies By Aina Bestard Published by Thames & Hudson. Age: 3+ Tortoises, seahorses, armadillos, penguins, frogs, whales…There are so many different kinds of animal living on earth – and lots of different ways they come into being! This delightful book revels in the miracle of birth and new life in the animal world. Aina Bestard uses tracing paper overlaid on illustrations to create scenes formed through delicate layers. The result is a sensitively handled and charming book on a topic that fascinates adults and children alike.

CLASSIFIED FAMILY Angry Cookie By Laura Dockrill, illustrated by Maria Karipidou Published by Walker Books Age: 3+ Oh No! Barbra the cactus won’t stop playing her recorder, she’s soooo annoying! The yummy strawberry-pudding toothpaste has run out, and now – to top it all off – Cookie’s hair cut has gone all wrong and he only has a teeny tiny hat to cover it up and he just looks silly! All this makes for one VERY ANGRY little cookie. Maybe you can find a way to turn his grumpy frown upside down?

The Black Amulet By J. R. Wallis Published by Simon & Schuster, Age: 9+ Reunited with his parents, Jones has left the Badlands and is finally living with the normal life he’s always wanted. But there’s still magic inside him…His two friends, Ruby and Thomas, are struggling with their new lives too; Thomas’ magical abilities are fading away and Ruby is realising she might never be accepted as a proper Badlander in a world of monster-hunting men. One thing could help them all – the black amulet, a magical artefact hidden for centuries. But finding it won’t be easy, and using it ever harder, because things are never simple when magic is involved…

The City of Guardian Stones By Jacob Sager Weinstein Published by Walker Books. Age: 9+. Hyacinth has just saved London, her mother and possibly the world, uncovering a magical conspiracy stretching back centuries. But there is still the question of what links her family to the hidden secrets of London? When she discovers that Ancient Roman stones are being stolen from all around the city, it is time for another epic adventure, one which might reveal fresh clues about her family history.

Franklin and Luna Go to the Moon By Jen Campbell, illustrated by Katie Harnett Published by Thames & Hudson Age: 3+ Luna and her best friend, Franklin the dragon, love stories and want to visit all the places they’ve read about in books. But for all their reading they still don’t know where dragons come from. And Franklin is now so old – 605 to be exact – he can’t remember! They search high and low, but to no avail. Until one evening, Luna’s tortoise, Neil Armstrong, notices something far away in the sky…The three friends set out on their biggest adventure yet – all the way to the moon – in the hope of reuniting Franklin with his long lost family.

How to Draw a Unicorn & Other Cute Animals By Lulu Mayo Published by OMara Books. Age: 7+ Learn to draw a whole host of cute animal characters in Lulu Mayo’s unique and fun style, using simple shapes and 5 easy-to-follow steps. From a cuddly panda and a jolly llama to a chilled-out sloth and a unique unicorn, there are over 30 drawing exercises to complete.

Wish for a Witch Written by Kay Umansky Illustrated by Ashley King Published by Simon and Schuster. Age: 7+ After her week living in Magenta Sharp’s magical tower, Elsie Pickles is back home and finding normal life a little dull. But when a magical gift leads her back to the Tower, Elsie knows mischief and marvellous magic are about to turn her life upside down again! This time Magenta needs Elsie’s help to save her magic licence and deal with a grumpy genie on the loose! Will it all prove too much for Elsie and her friends?

The Magical Unicorn Society: Official Handbook By Selwyn E. Phipps Illustrated by Harry & Zanna Goldhawk and Helen Dardik Published by Michael O’Mara Books. Age: 8+ After centuries of mystery, the Magical Unicorn Society has published its official handbook. Dedicated to studying, understanding and protecting unicorns, this secretive society have created a treasure chest of unicorn lore – the facts, the fiction, the where, why and what of these elusive creatures. Discover the myths and legendary stories of the seven unicorn families. Find out about their unique powers, where they live around the world, what they eat and how to have the best chance of spotting one. Learn about the history of the Magical Unicorn Society – from its foundation to the present day – and how to become a member.

Eddy Stone and the Mean Genie’s Curse By Simon Cherry, illustrated by Francis Blake Published by Usborne. Age: 8+ When Eddy Stone accidentally releases a wizard from a cursed lamp, his town’s wishes start coming true and his world is turned upside down. Tumbling into a land of genies, madcap emperors and dancing camels, can Eddy find a way to reverse this curse?

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Parent Talk

Editor Tamsin Humphreys Advertising Juliet Barber Production Sarah Harmer October deadline 19th September 2018

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Competition winners Vivary Park Sophie Furse, Taunton Miss A M Gould, Bridgwater

Tractor Ted Mrs T Griffin, Burnham on Sea Parent Talk September 2018 19

Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; craî&#x201E;&#x2014;s & activities on Saturday & Sunday

Market on 29th & 30th September Sppssed by

Find out more at www.feasttaunton.co.uk

Four amazing dinners... Tanner Brothers Great British Menu Chefs Phil Howard Best of Bristol

in aid of

Talks, workshops & cooking demos

throughout Saturday & Sunday