Newcastle Gateshead In this issue Making the best of Open Days

The Benefits of Boredom

Choosing the right Club or Class for your child

Issue 02 Sep/Oct 2018 familiesonline.co.uk Charity No: 1056812 @7stories Tel: 0300 330 1095 ext.300 @7stories See www.sevenstories.org.uk for more information @7stories in this Welcome So, who blinked and the summer holidays were over – yes even though each day probably felt like it would never end. We are in full on back to school mode – back into the routines, the early mornings, new classes and clubs to try now we are another school issue year older and dealing with new teachers, new homework and new challenges. Good Luck to all those ‘Babies’ starting nursery and school – I P4 know they look too small! Where did the time go? But they will be fine – you may not be - but plan a little something nice for news after those first few days of drop off. No matter how old your children are its good to keep in the know about what’s available locally to try out new things, (see the special trial offers on page 5 & Page 11) get signed up at age appropriate times for future classes like beavers and rainbows and even start thinking about school and nursery for your babies. Are you aware of the new 30 hour provision at some nursery’s? P8 P6 Check out your local nursery/school for their open days as September is often busy in the school calendar. Education Family Well I am excited for the Autumn Season with the crisp air, darker nights, candles and snuggles. Get organised for Halloween Matters Matters with your local events. My favourite night of the year approaches with Bonfire Night nearly upon us, the smell of smoke, fireworks and hot chocolate - and then we hit the countdown to You Know What! (Never too early to start planning the holiday season – check out our early bird offer on page 8) I would love to see what you get up to so feel free to tag us on social media and say Hi! P11 Enjoy the Autumn Term and all the newness it may bring. Much Love Club & classes Cáit Note: Gateshead 1/ 2 term dates differ from others.

P13 What’s on & Where

@FamNEMag

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Next issue: Nov/Dec 2018 (Christmas and New Year Special) Circulation: 16,000 copies of Families NewcastleGateshead are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Newcastle and Gateshead. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know. Contact details: Families NewcastleGateshead, Tel: 0191 6591283 / 07377 420 726 www.familiesonline.co.uk Editor: Cáit Summers / [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] Events: [email protected] Design: WITH Creative, www.withcreative.co.uk Print: Warwick Printers, Caswell Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 1QD Tel: 01926 883355 www.warwickprinting.co.uk Families NewcastleGateshead is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Newcastle are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Newcastle. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Newcastle, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any Please recycle consequence thereof.

familiesonline.co.uk Families NewcastleGateshead 3 Razzamtaz

News

Two Thirds of Children Education Linked To Not Safe in Cars Short-Sightedness

said “Myopia develops mainly during school years and then tends to stabilise in adulthood.” In some Asian countries like Singapore, South Korea and China, where there are intensive education pressures including homework at pre-school level, as many as 90% of people are short-sighted by the time they leave school at 18. Half of these Parents are being advised to were incorrectly fitted in the children are already myopic by check their children’s car seats car, while 33% of those that The longer a person spends in the end of primary school, after a new study found that had children in them weren’t education the more short- compared to 10 per cent of two in three children aren’t suitable. sighted they are likely to British children. safe while travelling. Many of the mistakes were become, according to a recent However, it remains unclear The What Car? study, said to be “simple and easy to large scale study. how exactly education impacts created in conjunction with avoid,” and included tightening Researchers based at the a child’s eyesight. specialist organisation Child seat belts, incorrect head University of and One finding was that Seat Safety found that 59% of restraints or harnesses being in University conducted a study of spending more time outdoors children are sitting in car seats the wrong position. 68,000 participants’ education, protects children against the that have been incorrectly fitted In the UK, children are legally sight and genetic information. development of myopia. or are inappropriate for them. required to remain in a car seat The study proves that Another was, near-work The survey on 3,000 seats, until they are either 12 years education is a “causal risk activities such as reading with and without children in old or at least 135 cm tall, factor” for short sight (myopia). contribute to myopia, although them, held at random seat- whichever comes first. Cardiff University’s Prof Jez not to the same extent as lack checking events throughout More info at www.gov.uk/ Guggenheim, from the school of of time outside. the UK, revealed that 36% child-car-seats-the-rules optometry and vision sciences, More info at www.bmj.com

Alesha Dixon Encourages Children to Celebrate their Individuality in Lightning Girl: Superhero Squad

What inspired you to become a Aurora Beam is now starting to everyone else to children’s author? find that this ‘saving-the-world be accepted. You I love new creative challenges! lark’ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. all have a light, I felt there was a gap in the World-famous overnight, she’s don’t so don’t let market for an inspirational book now living in the full glare of the anything dim it. which featured a young female media’s flash bulbs: everyone We’re all unique superhero as a positive role model wants a piece of Aurora. When and collectively we can all help for boys and girls of different she attends a global gathering one another in our own special ethnicities. One of my driving of superheroes, will she find way. It is important to me that forces was the desire for there to support from new friends? Or will all children learn that they can be a book out there to which my there be rivalries and sabotage contribute, that they are daughter could strongly relate. to deal with? There’s twists and counted and that they are Encourages What feedback have you had turns throughout, and the important. I want them to Children to Celebrate their from your first book? challenges get bigger as the realise that nobody should be Individuality in Lightning Girl: I couldn’t be happier with the story moves on. discriminated against, nobody Superhero Squad. feedback I’ve received! There’s There are a lot of messages should feel excluded in any way, We know her as a BGT judge, a nothing more rewarding than interwoven within your book. and we all should feel worthy. If Strictly judge, a TV personality having a child say they love your What do you hope are the core children have a gift or talent, I’d and a pop star, but did you know book, and to have a parent say messages received by your love this book to give them Alesha Dixon has recently become ‘Thank you for getting my child readers? permission to celebrate it. a children’s author? We spoke to enjoy reading’. Essentially, what I’m saying to Lightning Girl: Superhero to Alesha about the upcoming What is the general idea young people is “you all have a Squad by Alesha Dixon will be release of her new book – Lightning plotline of your second book? superpower within you”. It’s published by Scholastic on 6th Girl: Superhero Squad, the sequel Aurora doesn’t want to be a okay to be different, it’s okay to Sept 2018 to her electrifying first book superhero. She just wants to be stand out. You don’t have to Catch up on Aurora’s first Lightning Girl. a normal girl who blends in. follow everyone else or to be like adventure in Lightning Girl!

4 Families NewcastleGateshead familiesonline.co.uk News School Mental Health Referrals One Festival. Two Weekends. Rise By Over a Third 5000 Free Events Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) since 2014/15. Just over half (56%) came from primary schools. Referrals have been steadily increasing every year, reaching 34,757 in 2017/18, the equivalent of 183 every school day. The NSPCC is warning that increased demand for mental The number of referrals by health support is placing the schools seeking mental health system under real pressure, treatment for pupils has shot jeopardising the well-being of up by more than a third in the thousands of children. last three years, the NSPCC Nearly a third of referrals from For the first time ever ’s brings together thousands of has revealed. schools to CAMHS over the last biggest festival of heritage and organisations and properties The charity found that three years were declined culture will take place across across England. schools made 123,713 referrals treatment as they did not meet two weekends in 2018. With a theme of ‘Extraordinary seeking professional help for the criteria for support. Heritage Open Days, 6th to Women,’ this year’s festival will pupils from NHS Child and More info at www.nspcc.org.uk 9th and 13th to 16th September offer visitors more opportunities is an annual celebration of to discover the secret history of The World of David Walliams England’s architecture and their towns, villages and Congratulations book – Alison Todd, culture that allows visitors free countryside. There are hundreds to our Issue 1 Light Water Valley Family Ticket access to historical landmarks of activities for kids, including – Mrs Stephanie Douglas and that are either not usually open dressing up, woodland walks, Competition White House Farm Family Ticket to the public, or would normally and railway rides. Best of all, winners: – Tracy Rawle. Congratulations charge an entrance fee. every single event is FREE! We look forward to hearing all Co-ordinated nationally by the For up to date information on about your days out. National Trust with support from events taking place near you visit, Thanks to all those who entered. the People’s Postcode Lottery it www.heritageopendays.org.uk

We are the ideal place for children aged 4-18 years with an interest in performing to learn Pop Singing, Street Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama! Call us to book your FREE ONE WEEK trial session!

For info or to book a FREE session, call us on 01914 065372 / 07772 577855 or emaiI [email protected]

familiesonline.co.uk Families NewcastleGateshead 5 Family Matters Celebrating Glorious Grandparents Day! By Claire Smith

miss out on opportunities. Having their grandparents around in their lives has enabled us as a family to get so much more out of life.” Jaimie and Scott, who have one daughter, Martha, are also celebrating the role of grandparents in their lives. “Our parents have been an integral part of Martha’s life since she was born. It was never a feasible option to become a stay at home mum. I needed to go back to work to help pay the bills but childcare costs would have made it pointless. My parents, Pat (51) and Rob (55) stepped in and told me they would have Martha three days a week. They wouldn’t take no for an answer! “My parents encouraged Martha with her crawling and walking. At the moment, they sing nursery rhymes with actions and she is picking these up. If Grandparents’ Day in the UK overwhelming 92% of parents regularly on hand to offer my dad is doing DIY, he involves takes place on the first Sunday say that the involvement of their support, advice and comfort. Martha if he is able to. in October and will, this year, parents enriches their children’s I spoke to Ellie, a nurse, who “I am extremely grateful that be celebrated by families on lives while 84% look to their own lives with her partner Ben and my parents are able to look after Sunday 7th October. For those parents for parenting inspiration. daughters Imogen, Beatrice Martha. Nothing ever seems to of you less familiar with the The role of a grandparent has and Matilda. Ellie recognises be a bother for them and they history of this important day, never been more vital or appreciated. how much her family has really do love having her.” Grandparents’ Day was first Whether it’s advice on raising benefited from the So, take out your introduced in 1990 by the children, giving their time for assistance of two diary or schedule charity now known as Age UK. childcare or supporting busy sets of 55% of new and make a note of The first British celebrations parents, grandparents are an grandparents. parents Sunday, 7th began in 2008 and the ever-present shoulder for “We have been wouldn’t be October now. You October date was selected to parents to lean on and, as our very lucky to have able to return may not easily find a honour the autumn years of a research reveals, it does not go both sets of card at major grandparent’s life. unrecognised! And it’s not just grandparents living to work at all retailers for the On Grandparents’ Day this the children and busy parents close by to help without the grandparents in year, it’s worth considering how that benefit from the relationships. with childcare and help of their your life (although you would cope without the There is evidence to suggest bringing up our www.funkypigeon. support of your parents, or that increased social girls. I have gone children’s com stocks a range parents-in-laws. Terribly? You interaction for the elderly is back to work between grandparents. of Grandparents are not alone. linked to a reduced having each of our Day cards and gifts), Recent research 1 million risk of disease, children and but grandparents always love from the Baby to improved mood, having grandparents around a home-made card or gift! Toddler Show has working mobility and has allowed me to do this. I Claire Smith is Marketing found that 55% of mothers in memory.” love my job and feel that it is Manager for The Baby to Toddler new parents wouldn’t the UK rely on Grandparents have important for my girls to see Show returns to ExCeL be able to return a big presence in the me going out to work, so me on 18th and 19th November and to work at all grandparents lives of young UK working is beneficial for everyone. to the NEC in from without the help children - 21% of new “Our girls’ grandparents take 24th to 26th November. The of their children’s grandparents. grandparents see their them to amazing places, play shows are organised by Clarion According to Grandparents Plus, grandchildren daily and 43% see games with them and are there Events, organisers of The Baby a staggering 1 million working them at least once every week. for stories and cuddles. They are Show, the hugely popular mothers in the UK rely on Two thirds of new parents would, only able to do certain activities pregnancy and parenting grandparents for childcare. in fact, like their children to see and classes that they love because event which attracts over And the importance of a even more of their grandparents! their grandparents are around 70,000 people each year. For grandparent in a child’s life For the vast majority of children to take them when we are working. more information, visit goes much further. An in the UK, grandparents are This means that the girls don’t www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk

6 Families NewcastleGateshead familiesonline.co.uk Family Matters The Benefits of Boredom By Gill Sims

and being told to go and read a book, or find something to do? Mine certainly involved a great deal of boredom, that in turn led to imaginary worlds and people and that perhaps then led to me becoming a writer. Without a healthy dose of boredom, there is no incentive to learn to think for ourselves, or to change things to alleviate boredom! Of course, I’m not suggesting that children don’t deserve some fun, special treats and parental input. Just that sometimes, it doesn’t hurt them to be bored. There are enough things we are made to feel guilty about as parents and our children occasionally being bored should definitely not be ‘I’m bored!’ How many times do we hear those words as parents? I have lost one of them! count of the number of times my precious moppets have whined over the If your child complains frequently of boredom, fill a jar years that they are ‘bored’ as they demanded some form of entertainment with paper slips with tedious be provided (or at the very least that their electronics be returned after tasks written on them, like ‘tidy being confiscated yet again). But being bored is good for children; it’s part of your room,’ ‘do the dusting,’ childhood; it’s the catalyst to spark their imagination; it’s the pathway to ‘weed a flowerbed,’ ‘sort out your sock drawer.” Any time creative play and to finding solutions to problems themselves. someone complains of boredom, they have to pick a slip out randomly and complete the Between work commitments response to the plaintive wail of making playdough creations (in chore on it. When faced with and school, our time with our ‘I’m bored’ is ‘Only boring people fact, although my children this, it was astonishing how children is often limited and, of get bored’ to which my children have outgrown playdough, the quickly my children found course, we want that time to roll their eyes and huff at me. very thought of the texture still themselves something more be ‘quality time.’ However, by The children whose parents are makes me shudder). So I always interesting to do! providing a constant carousel like me and allow them to be encouraged my children to play So, embrace boredom! Your of activities, entertainments bored, soon start inventing independently, whether that cherubs will thank you for it one and days out, we are failing games, building worlds and was building Lego, mooching day. And even if they don’t to teach them how to amuse coming up with things to do, round the garden, or spending appreciate what you are so themselves, to develop inner whereas those children who are hours sitting in a selflessly doing resources and be happy with used to being given a series of box that was Without a for them now, their own company. suggestions and things to do, variously a castle, you might get a It’s natural to want our children struggle with the concept of a racing car and healthy dose of tidy house with to have fun, enjoy their childhood being told to just ‘go and play!’ an aeroplane. They boredom, there impeccably and have happy memories to After a little while though, when did have real toys is no incentive ordered sock look back on, but in our quest to no entertainment is too, but for some drawers out of it! do that, sometimes we forget forthcoming, most of them do get reason empty to learn to think that some of their best the hang of making up games, boxes were always for ourselves, or Gill Sims is the memories will come from the and using their imagination, extremely popular to change things bestselling things they learned, discovered, instead of being directed through - perhaps my kids to alleviate author of Why explored and sometimes a series of crafts or activities. In are part cat? But Mummy Drinks, struggled with themselves, not some cases, they even declare think back to your boredom! which spent a the things that were handed to being handed an old blanket own childhood. staggering 30 them on a plate. and told to go and make a den, How much of it was spent with weeks in the Sunday Times Top When my children have to have been ‘the best fun ever!’ your parents organising you 10 and was the bestselling friends over, it’s always My conviction about the into activities, undertaking debut hardback novel of 2017. obvious which ones are used benefits of boredom partly craft projects with you, or Her second novel Why Mummy to boredom, and which ones stems from fairly lazy parenting. taking you on days out, and Swears was published in are accustomed to a constant I’m just not one those parents how much of it was spent Hardback by HarperCollins in programme of events. My usual who enjoy spending hours complaining you were bored July 2018 RRP £12.99.

familiesonline.co.uk Families NewcastleGateshead 7 Education Matters Helping Your Child Cope with Stress By Claire Winter

Positivity: avoid negative language physical activity which will build with your child can help. “With Patience: no one likes to be exercise into their schedule children experiencing more pressured automatically. pressure and stimulus than ever Listen carefully: ask open-ended before, especially in the school rather than leading questions Try Mindfulness environment, mindfulness is a Encourage your children to Starting a new school, the technique which can be used by pursue things they love beginning of the new school families to help them navigate Support: seek extra help if you year and general worry can modern life.” feel it’s needed. make all family members feel Anxiety and stress can be pressured. Mindfulness and self-perpetuating, your child is Create a Healthy Routine meditation can help children anxious so only focusses on the Dr. Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director, and parents alike. There is a things in their life that are and GP at Your Doctor growing body of evidence that causing them to feel stressed. (www.your-doctor.co.uk) says mindfulness can help improve Encourage them to have a that having a healthy routine can concentration and self- positive outlook but also allow help combat stress, particularly awareness, and help us all them to voice their fears. If you when your child is making the manage and regulate difficult help teach your child about Stress in primary school children transition to a new school or emotions. You can introduce resilience and how to cope with has risen to worrying levels starting the new school year. your child to mindfulness via the tough times, as well as the according to school leaders. Here’s what is important: apps on your phone, like good ones, you will be teaching 78% of school primary teachers Headspace and Buddifhy. them a great skill for life. in a recent survey reported a Get Enough Sleep Buddifhy has released a kids’ general increase in stress and Sleep improves our memory, section to their app. Rohan If you are concerned about anxiety among primary pupils. sharpens our attention span and Gunatillake, the creator of the your child, please make sure According to the report by the helps us maintain a healthy app, says taking just ten minutes you seek help from a medical website, Key, a national school weight. Avoiding gadgets an out to practice mindfulness professional. support service, 27% of teachers hour before bed and doing more surveyed attributed the increase relaxing activities such as in anxiety and stress to tests and reading or having a bath can SAT 1 DEC - SAT 5 JAN 37% to social media. Thankfully make all the difference to the LIMITED TIME MPs have finally acknowledged quality of your child’s sleep. the adverse side-effects of SATs SPECIAL and have proposed eliminating Always Eat Breakfast them for seven year olds by 2023. Make sure your child starts the OFFER: The government has also committed day with a nutritious and healthy KIDS GO FREE!* BACK TO SCHOOL £300 million to improve young meal to set them up for a full day. OFFER! people’s mental health. Many This will boost their energy and Kids Go FREE THIS educationalists argue that this is can also improve memory and CHRISTMAS! TICKETS FROM too little, far too late. With decrease stress levels. £10 evidence of self-harm, eating *Book between Sat 1 BOOK YOUR SEATS Sep and Sat 15 Sep to disorders and stress being on the Check-in with your Child get a free child’s ticket BEFORE SAT 15th SEP, AND SAVE! with every adult ticket increase in schools, what should If your child seems stressed, for for selected shows. northernstage.co.uk T&Cs apply. 0191 230 5151 we as parents be doing to help instance, if they are not sleeping For a limited time only, when you buy a full-price adult ticket to selected our kids feel less stressed? well, not eating well, behaving evening performances of our magical family show, more emotionally than usual or A Christmas Carol, you can get a child’s theatre ticket for FREE. Get Talking are less interactive or more clingy, To take advantage of this offer usePROMO CODE: KIDSGOFREE According to a poll run by Time to you need to get them to talk and when booking tickets online, over the phone, or in person at our box Change, 55% of families do not not bottle up their feelings and office. But be quick, our back-to-school offer expires when the th openly discuss mental health. worries. Set aside a time when bells strike midnight on Sat 15 Sep, or until the tickets run out! Katie Buckingham from the social you and they are not too tired, enterprise, Altruist Enterprises like on the walk to school, or after Pick your show: Book Now: 0191 230 5151 / (altruistuk.com) believes families you’ve eaten your evening meal Fri 7 Dec 7PM northernstage.co.uk should talk more about their and ask them how they are really Sat 8 Dec 7PM T&Cs: Tickets are limited per Fri 14 Dec (BSL) 7PM problems. She believes the first feeling. performance and subject to Sat 15 Dec 7PM availability. Offer only valid on step to combating this problem Fri 21 Dec 7PM selected performances. For every Sun 23 Dec 5PM is to simply start a conversation. Exercise full price adult ticket purchased Thu 27 Dec 7PM on selected performances, a Getting regular exercise can Fri 28 Dec 7PM Here are Katie’s six tips (think reduce stress. Try to walk to Sat 29 Dec 7PM child aged up to 15 years of age (inclusive) will be eligible for a free APPLES) when you talk to your school with your child, visit a Sun 30 Dec 5PM Wed 2 Jan 7PM ticket. Tickets must be booked child: playground or park on the way Thu 3 Jan 7PM in one transaction. Offer is valid Approach casually: mention home or get out for a walk at the Fri 4 Jan 7PM exclusively on tickets purchased well-known celebs like Adele weekend. Encourage your child Sat 5 Jan 7PM before 11.59pm on Sat 15th Sep. who openly discuss their issues to participate in a sporting or

8 Families NewcastleGateshead familiesonline.co.uk Education Matters you need find out the criteria for If your child has a particular Making the Best of Open Days entry to the school and visit well interest in a subject, make sure in advance. you visit the department and This autumn, state and of staff also gives a talk which How are Open Days Organised? look at the kind of work they will independent schools will be includes a general overview of the Schools organise Open Evenings be doing. opening their doors to school and its values and ethos. as well as days to allow working What extra-curricular activities prospective pupils and their This is often followed by a parents to visit the school too. Some do they have? Are there clubs parents to give them a flavour presentation by the head of schools (mainly independent) hold that will engage your child and of life at their school. Claire admissions or the relevant head of Open Days on a Saturday. All schools allow them to pursue a broad Winter has the lowdown on how the section of the school (for put a lot of care and organisation range of interests? to get the best out of these example, head of reception, or into the events and they all want While exam results aren’t Open Days and tours. sixth form). to show their school in the best everything, every parent wants When Are They Held? light. However, there may be a lot their child to do well. Academic What is an Open Day? State schools generally hold Open of people attending so do be sure performance is a top priority for School open days help you decide Days in September and October to turn up on time and follow the many families. It’s a good idea to what school you want your child aimed at children and families school’s directions during the event. see how the school is performing to go to. During an open day, looking for a school place for the Tips for Visiting an Open Day compared to other local schools, prospective parents are shown following year. It’s a good idea to Take your child with you. There is using exam league tables and around the school, often on a start looking a year in advance. no point in falling in love with a Ofsted reports. school day, to give them a flavour So if your child is starting school, school only to find your child does If, after the all your initial visits, of the working life of the school start looking at schools when they not want to go there. you are still undecided, go back and the school environment. You are three. If you are looking for What is your general feeling and visit the schools on your shortlist will be able to see the children in secondary school places, start about the school? Your gut again during a normal working day. lessons and talk to the teachers looking in year 5 (when your child reaction is very important. Do the Finally, in making your decision, and pupils. is nine or ten). You can then revisit pupils look happy and engaged? don’t be afraid to trust your Sometimes pupils are given the the schools you are most interested Don’t be afraid to ask questions. instincts; you know your child and task of showing parents around the in with your child the following year. Make sure you ask the pupils what you are best placed to ascertain school. This is a great opportunity Independent schools often they think of the school. what is right for them. If your child to ask them how they enjoy being hold Open Days throughout the Don’t make decisions on is older, do take account of their at the school. How settled, relaxed Autumn and Spring terms. They individual teachers. They often preferences too and include them and confident these children are can have waiting lists for move on and large departments in the decision making process. can give you an idea of how happy Reception-age children or require have a variety of teachers that the children are there. Usually, the children to take a school-specific will rotate every year to teach The best decision will undoubtedly head teacher or a senior member 7+ or 11+ exam to gain a place, so your child a particular subject. be the one you all agree.

familiesonline.co.uk Families NewcastleGateshead 9 Education Matters Where the Journey Begins

self-expression and truly heart of Jesmond, just a stone’s nurture their academic promise. throw from Newcastle city All students, from the lowest centre. The school has been in age of seven through to the top its present location since 1906 end of the senior school at 18, and has some fine Edwardian are encouraged to get involved buildings, yet we continue to with a wide range of activities, invest to ensure we have first challenging and stretching their class facilities with the latest minds to evolve new ways of technologies. Our sports facility thinking and discover future opened its doors in September opportunities. 2015 and has a 25m pool, Student well-being is at the free-weights gym, fitness studio heart of everything we do. Our and a second sports hall. This warm and caring culture helps sits alongside an impressive nurture confidence and develop Performing Arts Centre which all the skills needed for a features a 300-seater theatre, successful and happy life. recording studio, dance studio, The Royal Grammar School is most sought-after universities, Adopting a team around the individual teaching rooms and a a special place, proud of its but also leave realising that life child approach, we bring keyboard lab, and we are about heritage, known and respected outside the classroom has been together a number of to commence our next building throughout the country as well equally rewarding. associated partners including, development project which will as the North East. We inspire Excellence and success are teachers, parents, counsellors create more inspiring spaces for and nurture our students to be built on the freedom our and school nurses, to offer learning. the best they can be, creating students are given to explore support to students, doing all For more information about a deep sense of belonging and and the desire to push we can to ensure they feel the RGS and for information on forging connections that will boundaries both in and outside happy, supported and valued visiting, please go to last a lifetime. the classroom. By exploring on their journey through school. www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk Our students go on to study their passions in a happy We are able to combine all of Open Day 2018: Saturday highly selective courses at the environment we encourage this on one site, based in the 17th November

education system places so Special Educational Needs much emphasis on passing exams and gaining points, any help you This could be: can get is to be welcomed. l Dyslexia Unfortunately, it’s not always l Discalcula that simple. Stretched schools with l English as a second language pupils from diverse backgrounds l Concentration levels (such as have a lot of pulls on their time ADHD) and resources and it may be hard l Ability to socialise (including getting to the point where you Autism spectrum) can have your child assessed and l Speech or hearing problems a ‘statement of special educational l Or a range of other problems needs’ applied. It’s important that or disabilities you approach the school with your worries and your ideas of how Firstly, how do you get to this your child could be helped and point? Parents, though sometimes to keep asking questions – what reluctant to ‘label’ their child with help is there, when can it be We all worry when our child is having trouble what they may see as a disability, given, is there anything else we keeping up with his or her peer group. But what sometimes have a worrying time can do at home to help, and so on. happens if you suspect that it’s not that your when they think their child is Sometimes some extra child is just a little slower at grasping a concept struggling but don’t mention it tuition is all that is required but – but actually needs some specialist help? at the school. They may try to if your child is tested and is given teach their child at home or go a statement, this translates to to a tutor. The truth is that the extra help in classes – and Special Educational Needs, or them than their friends. It means SEN coordinator (SENCO) at most importantly, extra time in SEN, is a legal term that the that they have assessed your child the school really is your best exams, sometimes as much as Government and schools use to and have been able to pinpoint friend here. They will help you 50% extra. And surely, that’s to describe the kind of child who has what it is (or as nearly as they can) to get your child the diagnosis be welcomed as it can mean some form of problem or disability that makes it so very hard for your they need to get more help. And the difference for your child that makes learning harder for child to keep up. at the end of the day, when the between a pass and a fail.

10 Families NewcastleGateshead familiesonline.co.uk Clubs and Classes Choose the Right Club or Class for your Child By Claire Winter Think about Cost Faye thinks that clubs and classes opportunities to find the things Some activities are more expensive help your child find their passions they really love to do but I’m than others. 1:1 tuition or private but being at home is important conscious not to overdo it!! lessons are more costly, whereas too. “When they are young I think Quality playing time at home is classes and team sports tend to it’s good to give the kids just as important.” cost less. Guiding or Scouts is an inexpensive club to join, and it’s great for team building and trying a variety of different Learn to Picking the right extra-curricular activities. Investigate this option activities for your child can ahead of time though, as there swim with sometimes be overwhelming. can be waiting lists. There are a huge variety of How Many? Puddle sports and classes available now How many activities are too many? from coding to Mandarin, from This is really up to you but if you are Ducks! street dance to circus skills, as tired of driving your children to all Our swimming classes for 0-4 year olds run in ten week blocks well as more traditional sports. of their activities, it’s likely your and include free access to an online account to monitor Here’s our guide on how to child will be too; perhaps you are your little one’s progress. Please mention this advert to choose the most appropriate doing too much. Equally, if your receive a complimentary taster class on us. Call 01661 824191 or e-mail [email protected] to club or class for your child. children are bored at home and book. You can also find all class timetable information and A good place to start is to ask asking to be entertained, maybe prices on our website here: www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/ your child what they are interested it’s time to sign them up for north-east We look forward to seeing you in the pool soon! in. It’s likely that they will enjoy something new. the activity if they have picked it Again take the lead from your themselves. My 11 year old twin child. Some children thrive from lots girls have tried a wide variety of of extra-curricular activities while classes, which they enjoyed but others get overwhelmed and Fancy didn’t want to continue. When I over-stimulated. Listen to them and last asked them what they wanted adjust their schedule accordingly. learning to do, they said they wanted to Families asked parents across join a running club. They now train the UK for their views: drums? two to three times a week and Suzanne says, “I think extra compete at least once a month. clubs and lessons help build Now’s your chance It’s a big commitment for the whole confidence and also give children Experienced professional drummer available to teach across family but they absolutely love it. a wider network of friends from Tyne & Wear, South Northumberland and North County Durham. Things to Consider: other schools.” • Trained at prestigious Drumtech Music College. Will your child enjoy the class/club? Amanda likes extra-curricular • 15 years of live and recording experience across the UK. If they enjoy something, whether activities because they give her more • Happy to teach any age range, specialising in beginners. Whether you want to work towards grade exams, join a band it’s art, football, animation or flexibility so she can work. “I love or just learn your favourite songs for fun, get in touch! French they are likely to look forward them for giving me an hour or two 07577 909688 / [email protected] to training with their team or of extra time at the end of the day!” attending a class every week. Meli worries children are getting Try Before You Buy over-scheduled. “I think it’s good Trial classes are a great way for them for children to learn new skills and to experience something before to develop their interests but it can you sign up for a term or group of be too much for children and their Most babies learn best classes. Many clubs and classes parents. I do feel there is too much when they see, hear, feel, offer a free trial before you sign up. pressure to do extra activities. I touch, taste and smell Try a Variety believe clubs and classes are Variety is the spice of life. If your good but in moderation.” schedule allows it, get your children to try a few different Pippa thinks clubs and classes things on a trial basis. If they are teach her children new skills. “I not keen on trying something like that my children get to learn new, get them to go with a friend. things that school wouldn’t Can you Commit? necessarily offer. It broadens their Some activities involve early morning experiences and makes them practice or games at the more resilient to all that life offers. Sneak a peek, it’s amazing weekend. Can your family life It also teaches them to have an Our multi-award winning classes will introduce you and your and schedule accommodate the open mind to new experiences baby to a world of sensory delights, where you can relax, spend commitment needed? If your and people. For example, music quality time with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents. child plays sport competitively, it lessons can help with concentration, To find out more visit: www.babysensory.com can often mean training daily or so they have a positive effect on at least three times a week. school work too!”

familiesonline.co.uk Families NewcastleGateshead 11 Clubs and Classes What are Scouts all about? Dragons’ Den school in Beavers: – 6 – 8 year old Newcastle welcomes Cubs: 8 – 10.5 year old Scouts: 10.5 – 14 year old pre-schoolers Explorers: 14 – 18 year old Network: 18 – 25 year old provide a secure foundation for little one’s development. What do you get up to in Scouts? Classes are open for all children Across all sections we provide Skills aged 2 & 3 years and are for Life, to grow and empower parent/career assisted. As well our young people to succeed in as all the benefits to the children, the future. We do this through the adults can enjoy meeting As Scouts, we believe in preparing fun, challenge and adventure. other parents and carers living young people with skills for life. This includes over 200 activities locally over tea and coffee at We encourage our young which are delivered around the clock, The hugely successful part-time the end of the class while the people to do more, learn more all year long, by our dedicated performing arts theatre school children play. and be more. adult volunteers. We provide that famously appeared on “Razz Tots has been designed Each week, we give over Beaver Scouts with their first Dragons’ Den winning the backing in line with the governments 460,000 young people the night away from home and of Duncan Bannatyne, is delighted Early Years Foundation Stage opportunity to enjoy fun and provide international opportunities to announce a new class aimed at framework to create an adventure while developing the for thousands of young people little ones and their parents/carers. enabling environment which skills they need to succeed, now on a yearly basis. Razz Tots is a new class especially facilitates a secure foundation and in the future. We’re talking for pre-schoolers, which will open for your child’s development,” about teamwork, leadership How do I get my child involved? in Newcastle at the George says Principal of Razzamataz and resilience – skills that have You can find your nearest group Street Social with a FREE taster Newcastle Kayleigh Redford. helped Scouts become everything location on our website, session on the 9th September To secure your child’s place, from teachers and social workers www.scouts.org.uk. Simply pop 2018. The classes are designed to please contact Kayleigh at to astronauts and Olympians. in your postcode and we’ll get you improve confidence, improve [email protected] We believe in bringing in touch with your nearest section. social and motor skills and to / 07772577855. people together. We celebrate diversity and stand against What if I wanted to help? intolerance, always. We’re always looking for Adult Krazy to miss out We’re a worldwide movement, Volunteers to join our ever-growing creating stronger communities organisation. There are many roles on this Kingdom and inspiring positive futures. to get involved with, from leading We have something for everyone Tuesday of every month. a section, helping on a monthly waiting for you at Krazy Kingdom. “Fantastic idea! Nice to see a How old does my child have to be? basis, or getting involved behind We have our Krazy Kafé for venue include every child in a place Young people from the ages of the scenes. Volunteering with ourselves parents to refuel while their we would usually avoid as too 6 up to 25 can get involved in is very flexible – just ask your local little ones can enjoy everything stressful. Thank you very much!” Scouts through several sections. group if you can help them out. from climbing walls, climbing “I really liked all the areas having frames and sliding down the name cards and the First/Then astro slide, basketball and communication boards to help Creating Sensational football and Krazy Karts and my child understand” Kannons to take aim. Birthdays are to be celebrated! Baby Bonds Check out our after school We have 6 packages to cater for Baby Sensory classes will baby’s natural teatime deals with Eat & Play all - from Toddler (1-4) to Disco introduce your baby to a world play-rest-play Special Offers with combined and Make a Bear – all parties of sensory delights, where the cycle. This entry/meal discount deal – booked have a choice of themed two of you can relax, have fun helps avoid available 3pm – 5pm and room, your own party co-ordinator and share some truly special them weekends too from 11am – 5pm. and a choice of hot/cold buffet times. All classes are suitable becoming We offer 2 daily Toddler sessions plus 2 hours entertainment. No from birth, it’s also a great way over or at 10.30am or 1.30 pm for your Hassle! No Stress! And No Mess! of making new friends, helping under-stimulated, and routine is 0-4 year old, with different events Krazy Kingdom is also to create a structure in your important for their security and each day – including messy available as a venue to hire for exciting new life. development. play and story time amongst your own fund raising event. Baby Sensory is a magical world Sharing the information with other activities. Schools, clubs, groups, classes, full of light shows, puppets, bubbles, you is really important to us so Available Monday – Friday teams and charities are able to rainbows, massage, signing and we always explain what we’re (Term Time Only). hire the venue and sell your own songs, with different activities doing and why before each activity. Once a month we close to the tickets, run a raffle and tombola introduced each week. Soon after birth, the brain starts general public and run a SEND and raise funds in a fun What makes our multi-award creating two million new connections session, for parents, children and environment for your chosen cause. winning programme so special is every second! So we love helping siblings to enjoy a more peaceful To take a look visit that every element is carefully you make the most of this atmosphere and meet the animals www.krazykingdom.com or for designed with your baby’s amazing time in your baby’s life. from Hugs, Scales and Puppy Dogs further details and bookings development in mind. The To find your nearest class please Tails for some animal therapy. please call 01207 528899 or structure of our classes follows a visit www.babysensory.com There are 2 sessions on the 1st email: [email protected]

12 Families NewcastleGateshead familiesonline.co.uk What’s on & Where Face Your Fears - The latest inflatable play Be Brave this Half Term craze now in Newcastle

workshop Fear – my Wonderful Pet. “These obstacles are SO fun to Make a din and dance away use, and offer a day out like no the dark in special I’m not Scared other venue in the region. Unlike Dance Parties or take a Walk other attractions, parents don’t on the Dark side in one of our have to pay to look after their after-hours haunted tours of kids – we really encourage families the building. to spend time together and the Dive in, be brave and explore feedback we’ve received so far the deepest, darkest part of Britain’s latest inflatable play proves we are on to a winner! the sea with Mariana Trench! craze has arrived in Newcastle, “We’ve all seen shows like Ninja Charity No: 1056812 This October half-term Seven @7stories Join in an imaginative play bringing a collection of giant Warrior, Total Wipeout, Fun House Tel: 0300 330 1095 ext.300 Stories, the National Centre@7stories for workshop to discover the weird inflatable games and challenges and Gladiators, and now Inflatable See www.sevenstories.org.uk for more informationChildren’s Books, invite you @7stories to face and wonderful creatures you to entertain adults and Planet will give us all the chance your fears, be brave and dream might find lurking in this unknown children alike. to play for real, with people boldly by asking the big questions. part of the world… TV presenter Alex Winters, one encouraged to take on their What are your greatest fears? Plus it will be lights-out at of the team behind Inflatable friends on the inflatables.” Who could you be without your lunchtime for multi-sensory Planet and Gung-Ho! the world’s “I think I’ve seen just about fears? How can books help you, Storytime in the Dark every day! biggest inflatable 5k run, said: every activity and party going your friends and your family With Death and Conversation “We have spent a full year and this beats them all! We have navigate the world we live in Cafes to open up dialogue imagining, designing and testing spent hours here and don’t want and inspire a courageous and around fear, sadness and grief and Inflatable Planet to ensure kids to leave. Every inflatable is such curious life? Glow in the Dark Painting and adults will have serious fun great fun and I’ve loved being Become friends with your – this half-term programme is and we are beyond thrilled that able to be involved although it greatest fear as Polish one not to be missed! Newcastle is our premier took a few attempts for them to children’s book author and Visit www.sevenstories.org.uk location and the first in the UK. convince me to leap off Cliff Jump!” illustrator Piotr Karski helps you to explore the full programme to take a leap in creative and book in advance. SEN 2nd Thursday of the Month Monday SNAP Session at The Ark, Community Session, Crawcrook, NE40 3UG The Ark, Crawcrook, NE40 3UG 4.30 – 6.30pm under 5’s £3.95 over 5’s 1.30 – 3pm School Use Only – To Book £4.95. SNAP sessions are for children (and in advance, FREE. Every Monday the their siblings) with special needs and Ark is available for local community or disabilities. Both the soft play and groups/schools to book out privately for sensory room are closed to general public, Free (donations accepted). Suitable for drinks and snacks are available to preschool to primary age. Users have purchased and meal deals can be pre included support groups for children and ordered up to 2pm on the day of SNAP. adults with learning difficulties, local Suitable for preschool to primary school charities and school groups for interactive age. A short registration is required on R.E. lessons. www.crawcrook.org.uk 1st visit. www.crawcrook.org.uk or tel or tel 0191 413 1339 0191 413 1339 1st Tuesday of the Month Saturday weekly SEND Play Sessions at Krazy Kingdom, Disability Friendly Hour at Inflatable Annfield Plain, Co. Durham DH9 7YB Planet, 4-6 pm or 6-8pm £5.00 per child. For Walker Activity Dome, NE6 3BR children with a range of special needs 3pm – 4pm. Every Saturday there is and disabilities. The doors are closed reduced capacity and quiet surroundings to general public and on-hand SEND with extra support from staff for those specialist using animals as a therapy with disabilities to use the facilities. tool. Siblings welcome. Reserve your www.inflatableplanet.co.uk space at [email protected] or Relaxed Screenings at Tyneside Cinema, tel 01207 528899 , NE1 6QG Details of the current month’s relaxed 1st Saturday of the Month screenings are available from 28th of Early Bird Opening at Seven Stories, the previous month. Anyone can Ouseburn, attend these screenings but they are Newcastle, NE1 2PQ designed to cater for viewers who may 9am – 10am - Normal admission be on the autistic spectrum, have other applies. For visitors on the Autism learning difficulties or experience spectrum and their families. An early anxiety or sensory issues. The lights opening to ease your arrival and are dimmed rather than turned off enjoy a stress free visit. No music or and the volume level is reduced. Visit tannoy announcements. Sensory site to download a Relaxed Screening backpacks and ear defenders Visual Story. Screenings are less available at reception. Relaxed story restrictive of noise and movement by time at 10am. Social story available audience. Details available on line or on the website. at the reception. Please call Please call 0300 330 1095 or visit 0191 227 5500 or visit www.sevenstories.org.uk www.tynesidecinema.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families NewcastleGateshead 13 What’s on & Where Regular What’s On What’s On Daily - until February 2019 change and bottle warming facilities are available with buggy park Sept/Oct Time to Get Up at Seven Stories, available. Some Sunday screenings Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle Upon Tyne. are also available for family viewing. care baby unit at Newcastle RVI). New Free with admission price. A multi sensory www.tynesidecinema.co.uk or call and lightly used baby/toddler toys, clothes adventure with sensory props suitable SEPTEMBER 0191 227 5500 and equipment. Call 07986 902471 for children aged 0-4 years and their www.tinylivesnearlynewsales.org.uk families. Annual pass available. www. Messy Play, The Ark, 30th Aug - 30th Sept sevenstories.org.uk/exhibitions/ttgu Crawcrook, NE40 3UG Great North Festival of Agriculture, 10 – 11am – asabove - but Term Time Beamish The living museum of the North. 24th-30th Sept Daily – until 30th June 2019 Only. Different weekly themes for kids Normal admission applies and free National Eye Health Week aged 0-5 years, Tea/Coffee and juice Were Your Wings Were.... Journeys entry for Unlimited Pass holders. A Awareness week promoting the included and an hour of soft play after. with David Almond at Seven Stories, month long festival celebrating the importance of eye health and the Book online or tel. 0191 413 1339 Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle Upon Tyne. region’s rural heritage. Featuring need for regular sight tests for all. Free with admission price. Exhibition Brunton Toddlers Group, everything from vehicles to vegetables www.visionmatters.org.uk delves into the writers dreamlike worlds St Aidans Community Centre, and including harvest celebrations there and part of The Great Exhibition of Gosforth, NE3 5NJ is family fun to be had each weekend 28th Sept the North. Suitable for children 7+ and 10 – 11.45am – no booking required during September there is a different MacMillan Coffee Morning 2018 their families. Annual pass available. Pre School and early years activities event.www.beamish.org.uk/events/ Perfect excuse for a catch up with www.sevenstories.org.uk/ from arts and crafts, music time & festival-of-agriculture/ friends and you are EXPECTED to exhibitions/713/where-your-wings- parachute games to trikes and dress eat cake!! for a good cause... were-journeys-with-david-almond up. www.newcastletoddlers.com or 6-9th/13-16th Sept obviously! Worlds biggest coffee Storytime at Seven Stories, contact Ade Bilton 07742 522832 Heritage Open Days morning – search the site for your Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Friday England’s largest festival of history local event or host your own. Marks 10.30am/ 1pm/ 3.30pm daily. Free and culture. Every year places across & Spencer, Gateshead have an with admission. Stories by the expert St Mary’s Rhymetime – under 5’s the country throw open their doors event and have a fantastic range Story Catchers for the whole family. St Mary’s Heritage Centre, to celebrate their heritage, community of Coffee Morning treats from All included in normal admission fee. Oakwellgate, Gateshead, NE8 2AU and history. For more information visit: cakes, biscuits, cake mixes and 10:30 – 11:00 / £ 1.00 - per child payable at www.heritageopendays.org.uk limited edition mugs during Monday – Friday Daily the door. Fun session of songs, rhymes, September. Recipes and ideas are Toddler Time Sessions at Krazy Kingdom stories and musical instruments to 8th & 15th Sept available on line. Monday – Friday Daily encourage children to engage with Seven Stories Open Day – Building www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk 10.30 & 1.30pm - £2.85 1-4yrs. Daily reading from an early age. Refreshments History and Tour – Heritage Days Toddler sessions with a different theme served afterwards. 11am & 2pm – FREE but booking 30th Sept each day. Free for 0-6 month/ £0.50 [email protected] essential. Guided tour to unveil the Saltwell Park Family Sculture Day, 6-12 month. / (0191) 433 4699 building’s history and the connection The Grove, Saltwell Park, Gateshead. www.krazykingdom.com Ryton Toddler Group – Term Time Only to David Almond’s book Heaven Eyes. 11am – 4pm FREE but donations Ryton Community Infant School, Main The tour lasts 45 mins and is suitable welcome – small charge for tool hire Monday Road, Ryton, Tyne and Wear, NE40 3AF for the whole family. Places are limited. and nails. This years theme is Brunton Babies Group, 9.30 – 11.00 / £1.00 per session. Runs ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. A St Aidan’sChurch Community Room, Weekly in Orange Class. Toys, games, 15th Sept family day of building and banging and creating with construction. As Gosforth, NE3 5NF art & baby area, drinks and snacks Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Open day, 9.45-11.45 am – no booking required included. Everyone welcome. No Derwentcote Steel Furnace, car park always there will be tonnes of wood, A chance to meet other mums and relax, booking required. 0191 4132776 / off A694. tools, nails and expert artists on chat and watch your baby exlore. For RytonCommunityInfantSchool@ Derwentcote Steel Furnace. 10.30-3.30pm hand to help! For more information: tel babies under one this is the place to come! Gateshead.gov.uk Booking recommended as places 0191 4338420 or email: www.newcastletoddlers.com or Forest Adventurers Pre-School limited. This Grade 1 listed building is [email protected] contact Ade Bilton 07742 522832 Sessions – Term Time Only one of the few remaining examples Ryton Junior School, Ryton of how iron was turned into steel 30th Sept Tuesday 10:45 – 12:00 / £8.50 per session drop hundreds of years ago. Tour runs from Beamish Classic Car Day, Beamish Bravo Drama Group, in. Parents and pre-school children 1pm – 3pm. You can browse the The Living Museum of the North. The Ark, Crawcrook, NE40 3UG activities/outdoor fun, snacks and information boards at your leisure or Normal admission applies and free 10 – 10.45 am - Term Time Only – drinks, Block booking discount and join the tour around the furnace and entry for Unlimited Pass holders. Booking is essential. Bravo is a fun, sibling discounts available. Booking down to the cottages. A magnificent collection of cars imaginative environment which uses Essential for discounts. dating from 1920’s onwards. See Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Open Day, drama, dance and more to help your [email protected] website for details if you are Heritage Centre, Winlaton Mill, NE21 6RU children’s confidence flourish. Price / 07711461409 interested in bring your vehicle Crowley’s Ironworks Uncovered. 5-7pm includes 30 minutes of free soft play. along. Fantastic day out for Brunton Babies Group, St Aidan’s Bookable event. Short presentation www.bravoperformance.co.uk enthusiasts and novices alike. Church Community Room, Gosforth, and walk to see recently uncovered or call 07419 141 234 www.beamish.org.uk/events/ NE3 5NF low dam and spillway. These are the classic-car-day/ Brunton Toddlers Group, 9.45-11.45 am – no booking required. only visible remains of what was St Aidans Community Centre, A chance to meet other mums and relax, once the largest ironworks in Europe. Gosforth, NE3 5NJ chat and watch your baby exlore. For www.landofoakandiron.org.uk OCTOBER 10 – 11.45am – no booking required babies under one this is the place to come! Pre School and early years activities from www.newcastletoddlers.com or 16th Sept 6th & 7th Oct arts and crafts, music time & contact Ade Bilton 07742 522832 Little Nippers Baby and Toddler Fun Palace, parachute games to trikes and dress up. Nearly New Sale, Cumberland Arms, & Newcastle & www.newcastletoddlers.com or Saturday St Aidans Community Centre, Brunton Gateshead Library, Prince Consort Road. contact Ade Bilton 07742 522832 Fuse Community Cinema, Park, Gosforth, NE3 5NJ Fun Palaces is an annual,free, Wednesday Prudhoe, NE42 5LJ 2 – 3.30pm £2.00 entry & kids go FREE. nationwide celebration of culture at 4pm and 7pm showings every second Why pay high street prices when you the heart of community, using arts, Messy Play, The Ark, Saturday. Check website or social media can get unbelievable savings on new science, craft, tech, digital, heritage Crawcrook, NE40 3UG for listings/prices and to book online and nearly new, clothes, toys and large and sports activities as a catalyst for 10 – 11am Booking is required, £5 for 1st or you can purchase 30 mins before items such as buggies/prams/cots. community engagement. child and £4 extra siblings. Different each start time from the Cinema Shop. Refreshments available. Free parking, www.funpalaces.co.uk weekly themes for kids aged 0-5 Under 12’s must be accompanied by an Free goody bags. Contact Ade Bilton adult. or years, Tea/Coffee and juice included www.fusecinema.co.uk 07742 522832 for personal stalls 7th Oct and an hour of soft play after. Book tel. 01661 839380 and business opportunities. National Grandparents Day (UK) online or tel. 0191 413 1339 Childrens Film Club at Tyneside Cinema, The purpose of grandparents day is Newcastle NE1 6QG 22nd Sept to honour grandparents, to give Thrsday Saturday mornings - £5.00 / person Tiny Lives Nearly New Sale, grandparents an opportunity to Bringing in Baby Screenings Under 12 film club, must be Trinity Church, Gosforth NE3 4AG show love for their children’s children Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle, NE1 6 GQ accompanied by an adult. See online 10am – 1pm. Events to raise money for and to help children become aware Screenings for parents with children for details and special offers in the the Tiny Lives Trust (the charity that of the strength, information and under 2 years. Lights are up a little Tyneside Bar Cafe. supports the award winning special guidance older people can offer. and sound is down for the enjoyment www.tynesidecinema.co.uk or call and comfort of your little ones. Baby 0191 227 5500

14 Families NewcastleGateshead familiesonline.co.uk What’s on & Where

10th Oct 23rd Oct- 3rd Nov 27th October 31st Oct Ghostly and Grisly Quayside Tales – Half Term Graveyard Ghoul Trail, Halloween Party, Krazy Kingdom, Walk on the Dark Side – City Tour City Tour St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Gateshead. Annfield Plain, Co Durham. 7pm – booking essential. £5.00/£3.00 7pm - booking non-essential – just 10am – 4pm FREE Drop In (closed 5-7pm, £3.5/child (adults FREE), Disco, Over 60’s (under 16 FREE but still to turn up £5.00/£3.00 Over 60’s Sunday/Monday). Come along in party games, fancy dress competition book). Meet at Grey’s Monument and (under 16 FREE but still to book). the school holidays and take part in for children and adults and a pumpkin finish at Broad Chare. This walk looks Meet and finish at Newcastle our fun graveyard trail. Search the competition. Ticket entry only. at the traditions and stories linked to Guildhall. A circular quayside walk building and graveyard to find the www.krazykingdom.com All Hallows Eve and the city. (This walk with ghost stories, witches, bodies hidden ghouls and win a small tel. 01207 528899 includes some steep slopes or steps) fished out of the river and murders prize. Further details: www.newcastlegateshead.com/ on both sides of the Tyne. (This walk [email protected] or 27th Oct -4th Nov city-guides includes some steep slopes) tel 0191 4334699 Spooky Half Term as Belsay Hall, www.newcastlegateshead.com/ Castle and Gardens. 5th November city-guides 22-23rd/26-27th/31st 11am – 4pm / normal entry price on Blue Flames Fireworks Display, Halloween Evenings at Beamish the day. ‘Fangtastic’ family fun at Whitley Park, Whitley Road, Benton 12-14th/19-21st/26- Museum Belsay Hall for October half term. NE12 9SF. 31st Oct 6.30pm – 9.30pm / Booking required Meet our spooky characters and get 5 -8pm Ticketed Event. Family event – from September – 0191 3704000. creative with some creepy crafts. with open bar and food vendors. Rides Terror in the Trees, Beamish Hall, Beamish will be overrun by spooky Frightening fancy dress is encouraged! and bouncy castles gates open at Beamish. ghosts and terrifying monsters to www.english-heritage.org.uk 5pm and display starts at 7pm. Tickets 30 minutes session/ £21.00 Booking give you a Halloween fright night can be purchased in person or online required. “Enter on a truly terrifying you’ll never forget. With the Town, 27th Oct- 4th Nov at www.eventbrite.co.uk journey through the woods - Pit Village, Colliery Yard, Pockerley gripping tightly to your loved ones Old Hall and Waggonway swamped (weekends only) 4th & 5TH November for dear life as the terror attacks Haunted Hall Ghost Tours (Families) with petrifing creatures, only the Bonfire Night, Beamish Hall, from every conceivable angle. We 6-7pm booking essential brave will dare to knock on the doors 03703 331183 Beamish, Stanley, DH9 0YB. dare you down to the woods one Stay up late for a candle-lit ghost to trick or treat...There is a selection 5pm – 10 pm. £5.00 / person & £5.00 day.” Terror in the trees is for ages tour and hear some spooky (but of activities available for younger / car parking. A fire the size of a house 14 years and over. This event is not family-friendly) stories, explore the and older children. Fancy dress is and a firework light & musical show to recommended for those who are hall after dark but be on your guard recommended for all. Visitors truly capture and warm the hearts pregnant, suffer from claustrophobia, for things that go bump in the night..... advised to bring a torch and wear and minds of our guests. So big, have walking difficulties, suffer from torch recommended. Torchlight sturdy footwear. Note: Beamish we’re now doing 2 amazing nights heart problems or for those who Ghost Tour (children over 14years). Unlimited Passes are not valid filled with live entertainment, dancers, have a photosensitive form of 7.30-8.30pm booking essential www.beamish.org.uk/events fire breathers, bands, carnival rides, epilepsy. Fancy dress is not allowed. . For the first time dare to 03703331183 candy stalls, street food, and a plethora We advise outdoor clothing explore Belsay Hall after hours...guided 25th October & 31st Oct of beverages for one and all. Tickets (Wellington’s – Hiking Boots – Water by torchlight you’ll hear tales from the Half Term Creepy Crafts, available: Proofs). 01207 233733 / eerie hall’s haunted past. www.beamish-hall.co.uk/events St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Gateshead. www.beamish-hall.co.uk 10.30-1pm £2.00/child, Drop In 28th Oct 20-21st Oct Join us for some frightening fun and creepy crafts this half term. Make a Halloween Party, Fuzzy Ed’s Fun House Jarrow Hall Autumn Craft Fayre, spooky surprise to take home with @ Harvester, North Shields, NE29 9DN. Jarrow. you and help us to decorate our scary 5.30-7pm Ticketed event £8/child 10am – 4pm FREE. Come along and These listings are for guidance scene! Refreshments available. 0191 2576821. Games, soft play, enjoy browsing bustling stalls disco and buffet. Fancy dress only – please check before you go Further details: To include your upcoming event brimming with unique creations, competition with prize. Please call [email protected] in our listings, email one of a kind gifts, artisan foods in or telephone to purchase tickets. or tel. 0191 433 4699 [email protected] and locally produced art. Normal www.fuzzyeds.co.uk entry prices apply to explore and or upload your event listing to our enjoy the rest of the unique site. website - www.familiesonline.co.uk www.jarrowhall.org.uk

From the company that brought you THE GRUFFALO live on stage ‘Delightful, funny and imaginative’ INDEPENDENT

Inspired by the book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Wed 3 – Fri 5 Oct BOOK NOW 0191 230 5151 northernstage.co.uk Ages HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH + Tickets: £12.50/£9.50 Children SCOTSMAN WHATSONSTAGE BROADWAY BABY 4 The Snail and the Whale © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2003 – Macmillan Children’s Books. Books. Scheffler 2003 – Macmillan Children’s Axel Donaldson and Whale © Julia The Snail and the Books Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children’s Axel Donaldson and The Gruffalo © Julia

familiesonline.co.uk Families NewcastleGateshead 15 This is NEWCASTLE at Walker Activity Dome

OPENOPEN EVERYEVERY WEEKENDWEEKEND ANDAND SCHOOLSCHOOL HOLIDAYS!HOLIDAYS!

THE BIGGEST SET OF INFLATABLE GAMES & CHALLENGES - ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

IT’S PARTY £8, £5 under 5’s TIME AT No Entry fee for parents

FULLY INCLUSIVE NEWCASTLE PACKAGE With the biggest set £150 of inflatable games & up to 10 guests challenges, Inflatable Planet For details & is ready to give you available hours: the best party ever! InflatablePlanet.co.uk For further details and to book: InflatablePlanet.co.uk

No entry fee for parents. Book online to save money and make sure you get a space for the time you want. In store price £9/£6. Every person that enters the Game Area must wear Inflatable Planet socks. Cost: £2 These can be kept and used again. InflatablePlanet.co.uk