Win an Adventure in the Tree-Tops with Go Ape See Page 3 Education

Issue 38 May/June 2017 FREE

Gloucestershire FOR SALE ESTABLISHED PARENTING MAGAZINE FRANCHISE FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 2

Win an adventure in the tree-tops with Go Ape See page 3 Education . Clubs and Classes . Children’s Parties . What’s On

Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in Gloucestershire Editor’s Letter Dear readers Springtime! And soon it will be Summer... Foster Care Fortnight The march of the seasons creates a Foster Care Fortnight, The Fostering Network’s annual rhythm for our busy lives, a kind of reg- campaign to raise the profile of fostering and to show how ular routine of annual events that runs foster care transforms lives is coming up from 8 to 21 May. from New Year through half term to Easter, via the bank holidays to Summer Gloucestershire Fostering will be running six events during this and then into the busy Autumn term and campaign, culminating in an open day at Nature in Art, the run-up to Christmas. Twigworth, Gloucester GL2 9PA on 21 May. For more Routine is important for all of us in managing our busy lives. But information: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering/events/events/ it is especially important for children - as we find out in two features in this issue. Establishing a regular routine for homework is a key part of helping your child to learn. While fixing and keeping Shine On Stage Celebrations a regular bedtime is vital to ensuring that kids get enough sleep. Find out more inside! Diane Clifford. Editor 01684 770566 [email protected] Next issue July/August 2017 Booking Deadline 9 June

www.familiesonline.co.uk Could you be the next editor of Photo copyright Alice Nicholson. West End Summer School 2016. Participants pictured with Soeli Parry from Wicked and Mamma Mia

Families Shine On Stage celebrates the 10th Anniversary of its ever popular annual Summer Schools in Stroud from 31 July - 4 Gloucestershire? August at The Cotswold Playhouse. Selling out each and every Would you like the flexibility of working year, the week sees young people aged 4-18 years creating full from home and never miss a school scale shows which are performed at the end of the week to performance or sports day again? friends and family. Are you interested in running your own business and would find the support Sparkles aged 4-7 years spend 5 half days singing, dancing, offered by a franchise helpful? acting and even making their own costumes, whilst the 7-18 Are you self-motivated and well year olds spend 5 full days working with industry experts and organised? VIP tutors from some of the hottest shows in the West End You now have the opportunity to buy Families such as Annie, Matilda, Wicked, Mamma Mia and many more. Gloucestershire Franchise – a business which is up It's a super friendly, inspirational experience loved by all and running, including established client base, involved according to Founder and Multi-Discipline teacher readership and drop points. Alice Nicholson. If you'd like to join or for further information go to: www.shineonstage.co.uk or email alice@ No previous experience needed, training is available and you will have the support of the fantastic team at shineonstage.co.uk or call 0845 519 6455. Families Magazine Ltd. To find out more about running your own Put Your Best Foot Forward business around your family call 01684 770566 or email [email protected] Walk to School Week is 15 - 19 May. Join thousands of children across the country celebrating the benefits walking brings. We Circulation: 19,000 copies of Families Gloucestershire are available through nurseries, pre-schools, know that walking to school makes children feel healthier and schools, libraries, soft play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the happier, while reducing congestion and pollution outside the county. If you would like free copies for your organisation or if you would like to subscribe so you don’t miss an issue please contact us. Families Gloucestershire is part of Families Magazines Ltd a school gates. Yet less than half of primary school children franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated currently walk to school. Living Streets, who organise the annual under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Gloucestershire are fully event want to reverse this decline and see every child that can, protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any walk to school. For more information or to order a challenge form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the pack see: www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/walk-to- accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’ Print: The Manson Group, Reynolds House, school-week 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans. AL3 6PZ. Tel: 01727 848 440.

2 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May-June 2017 News & Views 11 Plus Success Can you believe that the 11 plus Gloucestershire Grammar School entrance exam is just 4 months away? If you haven’t started preparing already, KSOL tutors have created a two-step plan to help you in these final months:

Step 1. Develop a regular, structured study routine. Anita Dhunna, Director of Education recommends KSOL’s online Photo credit: mcphersonstevens.com intensive revision courses: “These personalised, daily online tests are perfect Cheltenham Science Festival is on 6-11 June. A six-day extravaganza for the run up to the real exam. They with over 200 events celebrating science and the arts. Free cover the entire 11+ syllabus and interactive zones for families with lots of hands-on activities on site highlight any areas of weakness, providing and on the streets of Cheltenham will keep the kids occupied for immediate focus.” hours.Tickets from £6. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science Step 2. Practice! KSOL mock exams in New App To Offer Counselling For Kids Gloucestershire are designed to help prepare children for the academic rigour The NSPCC’s Childline service has just launched a new iPhone app to provide of the exam paper as well as the stressful counselling for kids directly through their mobile phones. The ‘For Me’ app allows kids nature associated with the experience. to access Childline’s online services, including 1-2-1 live chats with a counsellor, the ‘Ask Sam’ problem pages and entrance to their private ‘lockers’ – areas where they Call 0121 733 6558 or visit www.ksol.co.uk can write down their own personal thoughts and track their moods. It was invented to learn more about KSOL’s “2 Steps to by four teenagers who wanted to use technology to address the urgent need for Success” offer including 12 week online support among young people. The App is free to download via iTunes and is designed course + a KSOL mock exam (14 May or for discreet usage. Read more at www.childline.org.uk 16 July at Hartpury College). Super Camps Offer Families Discount

Super Camps is offering 15% discount if you quote FAMILIES17 when booking in Hang about! Go Ape is giving away a Tree Top Junior birthday to one of their activities or courses party for eight. One lucky winner will take on a fun filled hour during the school holidays. in the tree-tops with their friends on a Go Ape! adventure especially designed for kids (1m+). Super Camps run daily and weekly To be in with a chance of winning answer the following: activity camps which allow children to get Q: How tall do you need to be to enjoy Tree Top Junior? the most out of their holiday time. a. 1.4m b. 1.0m c. 0.7m Programmes are filled with fun activities that will keep your children entertained Enter via email by Friday 9th June. Put ‘Go Ape Birthday’ in the subject and have an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating line of your message, and send your answer, your name, postal address and best contact number to editor [email protected] giving children the best possible care. Prices start from £38 per day. goape.co.uk | 0845 838 1612 | Quote FAMFD7 for 10% discount

May-Junel 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 3 Education

Independent School Open Days

Cheltenham College Prep School Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 13 years Saturday 20 May, 10.00am (whole School) Contact 01242 522 697 www.cheltenhamcollege.org

Dean Close School, Chelteham Board and day co-ed ages 2 years 9 months to 18 years Saturday 6 May 9.30am-11.30am (pre-preparatory and preparatory) Contact 01242 258001 Saturday 13 May 10.00am (whole school) Contact 01242 258044 www.deanclose.org.uk

Rendcomb College Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 18 Friday 12 May Pirate AdventureI and Open Morning Get Your Kids To Do Their for children aged 2 to 11 Contact 01285 832306 www.rendcombcollege.org.uk Homework Without Tears

Grammar Schools It happens most nights in households up and down the country and all parents have their own way of doing it…We’re talking about Key Dates for 2018 admission homework and getting your children to do theirs with no tears in Thursday 1 June 2017 - Online sight. We caught up with Carey Ann Dodah from Explore Learning registration to sit the Grammar who explained that keeping homework a positive experience is School Admission test is open. crucial to your child’s learning. Friday 20 June 2017 - Registration for sitting the test closes “The most important thing for homework to be is a positive experience and this is Saturday 16 September 2017 – easier said than done! If it is positive, then it can be a great way of seeing the activities Gloucestershire Grammar School that your child is working through in class. It’s a great opportunity to have a entrance test. conversation about how your child learns, what they enjoy at school and what they Thursday 12 October 20176 – Results might need support with. It also assists in building a habit and routine that as your of the test available by this date. child gets older will ease the transition to managing larger levels of homework.”

Grammar School websites: As kids get older, they’ll be bringing more and more home and learning how to For boys: manage it – as a family – is vital. A short slot every day can make a big difference to The Crypt School Gloucester: their progress at school, so to give you a helping hand, here are five genius hacks to www.cryptschool.org help make it an enjoyable experience. Marling School Stroud: www.marling.gloucs.sch.uk Sir 1. Don’t bribe! Thomas Rich’s Gloucester: Bribing sets everyone up to fail. www.strschool.co.uk Ultimately, making homework more For girls: manageable should, in the long-term, High School for Girls Gloucester: make it more enjoyable and effective. www.hsfg.org Bribing instantly turns homework into a Ribston Hall High School Gloucester: chore which your child will try and avoid. www.ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk A good habit and routine is important so Stroud High School Stroud: that your child can manage bigger loads www.stroudhigh.gloucs.sch.uk of homework in the future. Mixed: Pate’s Grammar School Cheltenham: Plus, think how big the bribes would have www.patesgs.org to be by the time they get to do their GCSE examinations.

4 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2017 Education

3. Take a step back Parents have busy lives too and taking time to help your child with their homework is always a positive thing. But, before you start the homework session, talk to your child and ask them what they feel confident doing and what they need a little help with. Being there while they attempt something they find difficult, but not pointing out the answer straight away, may increase their confidence and build their self- esteem which should carry on into the classroom when you are not by their side.

2. Don’t be rigid Inspiration and that ‘lightbulb’ moment are so important when it comes to homework and learning in general. So, if you are in the car, at the park or just 4. Make a plan having dinner and they suddenly feel the Make a plan about what you are going to cover in the time and what your child may urge to tackle a subject, let them go with need a little extra help with. When your homework slot has finished, that would be a it there and then. good time to talk about what you should focus on next time and you could even make a plan for the next homework session then. That way, your child knows exactly If the weather is good, why not let your what to expect and there is a pattern to their learning. child do their homework outside?

5. Set a timer Education experts, Explore Learning, recommend agreeing on a set amount of time before you sit down and start so that you and your child get the most out of your time. Have a visual timer, like an egg timer, on the table so that everyone can see it. You can even break down the homework hour into smaller segments of 15 minutes if attention span becomes an issue at any point.

EducationInvestor Awards 2016

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 5 Education Does Your Child Need A Tutor? Children are expected to find their school work challenging, as this drives them forward and helps them to learn. However, if the challenge is too great and the obstacles to learning seem too high, it can leave a child feeling demoralised and disinterested, and might even result in them falling behind their classmates. The same can happen when a child finds their work is not challenging enough - the lessons can become boring and the child can slip behind through a lack of effort. If you suspect that your child is having problems with school work for any reason, you might be wondering whether extra tuition and support could help.

Understanding when your child may need a tutor Sometimes it can be easy to tell when tuition might help. If you child has a natural aptitude for a certain subject and performs above their expected level, they might enjoy being challenged by a private tutor who can concentrate on their own abilities. Similarly, if you know your child has particular educational needs, you may want to address those needs with added support from a personal tutor.

However, it can sometimes be a little harder to tell when tuition would be of benefit to your child - especially if they seem to have coped well with schoolwork up until this point. Some children can become quiet and withdrawn, others can get elusive and defensive, and problems at school can even lead to disruptive and aggressive behaviour.

Signs that your child may be having problems with their schoolwork: 1. A sustained fall in grades or performance. 2. Not talking about school and hiding report cards. 3. Anxiety and/or behavioural problems at home and at school. who is losing interest in their lessons, or who is hoping for 4. Trying to avoid going to school or doing homework. extra challenges to push them forward in their skills. 5. Showing a lack of interest in school or seeming bored. Once you have established a support network for your child This is not an exhaustive list: every child is different, and you within the school, consider if a tutor would suit you and your know your own child's patterns and behaviours better than family. Private tuition is not as expensive as you might think, and anyone. If you spot a change in your child and suspect school it is proven to help children who typically struggle in a lessons are the problem, try sitting them down and asking them classroom environment to get back on track with their lessons. to open up about their difficulties. Your child may just need tuition in one or two subjects, or it could be the whole curriculum that they are having a struggle Has your little one spent long periods of time out of school, with. Either way, you should look for an experienced and due to an illness or other reason? Returning to the classroom qualified teacher who has plenty of references - and who also can be daunting. Even just a few weeks out of lessons can leave has been through the DBS check process. a child struggling to catch up. If your child has missed school, they might benefit from extra tuition for a short while. You may want to find a tutor who will offer a free trial lesson for your child. Sometimes students and tutors click, and other Choosing the right tutor for your child times they do not. Your child may respond better to a particular If you have identified that your child has special educational teaching style, while others may simply learn better from needs or if you suspect that this may be the case, enlist the someone they are comfortable with. support of your child's school and see if anything can be done to help them during lessons. Ask at the school and discover If your child is not happy with their tutor, listen to their reasons who the Special Educational Needs Coordinator is - they can why - and involve them in the selection process at all times. The offer support, advice and even arrange for one-to-one happier your child is about the learning environment, the easier classroom support, if it would benefit your child. The school will it will be to teach them and to get a positive response from also be able to help if you have concerns about a gifted child them.

6 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2017 Education Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. Have fun reading! www.EdontheWeb.com FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS Cowboy Pug: The Dog Who Rode for Glory by Laura James (Bloomsbury £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘‘Pug and Lady GloucestershireBuckinghamshire Miranda are saddled up ready for an exciting CEM 11+ EXAM adventure. There are plenty of fun things in store for them like the county fair and GROUP TUITION candyfloss but they also have to deal with the runaway train, a • Year 5 and Year 4 - small group courses (supportedMock Exams by 1 to 1 tuition) water jump and even bandits. When Lady Miranda gets into • Groups run by professional tutor and published author, trouble will she be able to smooth things over with the police Philip McMahon officer and will Pug be able to earn his spurs?’ • Our own high quality resources for tuition and homework • SundaySaturday courses and Tuesday available Courses Evie’s Magic Bracelet: The Silver Unicorn by • Proven results Jessica Ennis-Hill (Hodder £5.99) CEM STYLE TEST PAPERS FOR BUCKS 11+ EXAM ED SAYS: ‘Evie is settling into her new home. Order our new test papers in conjunction with Letts The day she starts her new school, she Letts, the expert in revision and 11+ Tutoring Academy, have receives a gift from Grandma Iris in Jamaica – teamed up to provide pupils with resources for CEM a beautiful bracelet with a message. ‘Have a • Completely new and up to date content magical time!’ Evie is amazed when she • CEM style in their format and question types understands what the seagulls and the • Designed for practice at home animals at the city farm are saying. She Order our new test papers at collins.co.uk/letts11plus gradually realises this all started when she put PRIVATE TUTORING COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2015 - FINALIST on the bracelet from Grandma Iris.’ www.11plustutoringacademy.co.uk 01242 221271 Twitter @11plustutoring FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS Jinks & O’Hare: Funfair Repair by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre (Oxford £8.99) ED SAYS: ‘Jinks and O’Hare Book Now For are the repair team at Funfair Moon that boasts the highest helter-skelter and the September Places scariest ghost train in the universe. Emily Parents wishing to help their children prepare for loves helping them and as her school, the Gloucestershire’s 11+ examination are advised to register Learny-Go-Round, is open only every other day she has plenty early for group courses for Year 5 students beginning in of time. But when the Funfair Inspector arrives everything September 2017. seems to go wrong and chaos ensues. It seems someone is sabotaging the funfair. Will the whole fair spin out of control Courses are held in Charlton Kings, and be shut down? Or will Emily’s dream of Cheltenham. They are run by a becoming a funfair repairer come true?’ published author of very popular 11 The Jamie Drake Equation by Plus books who has many years Christopher Edge (Nosy Crow £6.99) experience of preparing hundreds of ED SAYS: ‘Imagine your father was an children for the 11 Plus. astronaut! It would be so exciting especially when he is orbiting the Earth in the Free trials are available any week. International Space Station. Jamie’s dad is an There is an option to switch course astronaut and, although at first he thinks it’s day if you are unable to attend a really cool that his father will be doing a particular day. spacewalk, he is actually just missing him being at home. When parts of the family solar system start to shake, Jamie becomes The courses have an excellent record supported by very worried. And when Jamie picks up a strange signal on his testimonials and teach over 100 children weekly. The mobile, things start to get really complicated.’ courses include periodic progress tests, the opportunity to Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award- do mock exams and also provide guidance and feedback to winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of parents. more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact Please contact Philip email: Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at [email protected]. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk. [email protected] or call 07734469495

Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2017 May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 7 Health

The Importance Of Sleep

As adults, we are more than aware of how important a young children than teenagers, who know how to fight back! good night's sleep is - we need it for balance, mood stability Laying the right foundations when they are young, and and to enhance brain function. And anyone who has encouraging them to see sleep as a part of healthy living should children will concur that getting a full night's sleep is make maintaining it, even when they have discovered the joys of essential to combat temper tantrums and tiredness. socialising, much more straightforward. Experts from the NHS think that as much as we should prioritise healthy eating and exercise, we should also be Routine, routine, routine ensuring children get nine hours of solid sleep nightly. Whilst they try to convince themselves and their parents otherwise, children thrive on routine, and our brains learn when Particularly when they are young and acquiring knowledge on to start shutting down and getting the all-important rest they everything as they begin to shape and understand the world need. Trying as best you can to instil a routine of preparing for around them, children need a requisite amount of sleep to and going to bed at the same time every night will help your boost retaining information and help embed knowledge. child, no matter what age they are. This includes brushing teeth Ultimately, our brains need rest overnight to allow us to absorb and getting pyjamas on at a certain time, which starts to information and this is even more important for young minds. surreptitiously prepare the brain for its rest period.

So how much sleep should they be getting? Limit the technology The NHS issues guidelines for optimum sleep time for different For many people the evening routine relies on technology, be it age groups have been collected by the Millpond Children's Sleep smartphones, tablets or television, to unwind with at night. Clinic. These are: Between the ages of 4 and 16, children should However, these bits of tech are actually stimuli, which make the be sleeping through the night for 11 hours, which gradually goes going to bed routine harder to implement. After dinner, try down to about 9 at 14, with 15-minute decrements over the enjoying some conversation or a board game to allow the brain time space. some all-important decompression time. Where possible, discourage them from having TV or gadgets in the bedroom at Why is sleep so important? all, as these can be used as a distraction. In fact, making sure We only need to look at some of the poor decisions or small that the bedroom is most closely associated with sleep is a mistakes we have made ourselves when we are tired, and we better way to negotiate this obstacle. can begin to understand the importance of sleep. When coupled with the vital rest time for busy, sponge-like brains, getting The importance of light adequate sleep makes a lot of sense. Whether it's through using Whether it's through blackout curtains or nightlights, achieving sleep aids or planning a meticulous routine, there are several the correct balance of light in your child's room is key to ways to ensure your children reaches the requisite sleep hours. ensuring consistency in their sleep pattern. Invest in some heavy duty curtains so that whether winter or summer, their room is So, how can you encourage them to sleep? dark, and use a little nightlight for a subtle glow that helps Essentially, fostering a good sleeping habit is much easier with orientate them if they do wake up in the night.

8 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2017 Fostering Make Room In Your Family For More Children

At Gloucestershire County Council we are always looking for caring and secure homes for local children.

There are many reasons why children come into foster care. Sometimes they just need a family to stay with short term, while their own families weather a crisis. Other children may not be able to return to their birth families and need foster carers to care for them until they are independent. Share your family’s life We are particularly looking for families who can help brothers and sisters stay together or who would be interested in Gloucestershire County Council have a spare room, we’d love to needs foster carers for children hear from you. In return you can fostering older children and teenagers. of all ages, especially siblings expect excellent support, training and teenagers. If your children and weekly allowances and fees. Birth children are always part of the process and often gain a are over two years old and you great deal from the experience of fostering, as our case study If you’d like to find out more, contact the Fostering Recruitment Team shows. or visit us at Nature in Art on Sunday 21 May from 10am to 2pm.

In order to foster, your own children would need to be over 01242 532654 www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering two years old and you would need a spare room or rooms for Gloucestershire Fostering @FosteringGlos

siblings. We welcome applications from all sections of the GCC_1765 03.17 community, to reflect the differing needs of children in care. You can be single, married, co-habiting (for at least two years) or in To see if fostering is for you, call us for an a same-sex relationship. informal chat on 01242 532654 or complete the fostering enquiry form on our website and we’ll You will be paid weekly allowances, plus other fees and travel call you: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering. expenses. You’ll also receive support from a social worker and Our friendly team also run events throughout the ongoing training to increase your skills and knowledge. year see website for details.

Philippa and Stuart (pictured left) have four children of their own, who are 19, 18, 16 and 12. They currently foster two young girls.

Philippa said, “We foster as a family, which sounds like a cliché, but I couldn’t do it without my children. They can connect with the girls in a way that I just can’t.

“There’s nothing more fun than a foster sibling chasing you round the house, being silly and bringing a level of normality to a child who is feeling anything but settled. They create ‘family’ for the child whilst they wait to go back home.

“We can never replace their family and wouldn’t want to, but whilst they might not want to engage with Stuart and me as ‘parent’ figures, they are very happy to relate to our children as ‘siblings’.

“My children grieve terribly when they leave and I often ask them if they want to foster again, but every time there is an unreserved yes so I suppose that’s the best test of how much they enjoy it!”

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 9 Clubs and Classes Scouting Brings Adventure, Fun And Education The image of kids spending lots of time outdoors, getting heaps of fresh air and exercise while learning life skills as they go seems quaintly nostalgic now. There is, however, a great British institution that still promotes and encourages those values, while incorporating the realities of twenty- first-century living, like IT skills and PR. We spoke to Gareth, a former scout and Scout Leader, about Scouting and what it can offer to today’s youngsters.

First of all Gareth, how has Scouting changed in the twenty years you’ve been involved? The fact that a major celebrity and world-class adventurer, Bear Grylls, is now the Chief Scout, speaks volumes. His many remarkable achievements are an inspiration to the boys and girls, and he has definitely made scouting cool. We now go right the way through from age 6 to 25 and offer a huge range of activities. The uniform has been updated and is really practical, modern and comfortable for both sexes.

Tell us more about the activities It’s still based on the model of working towards Proficiency badges, which has been proven to be a great system for application and reward. There is something for everyone to work towards and achieve. We’ve got the old favourites like map reading and first aid, but also mechanics, abseiling, photography and entertaining. You name it, really. There is always a topic that will appeal. Going on from there we have the personal development awards, Chief Scout and Queen Scout that are similar to the Duke of Edinburgh awards and impressive for CVs. As well as physical challenges and new skills, these top awards require commitment to a charity, and the Queen herself does the presentation. Quite an honour!

Do you still go away on camps? Oh yes. Camps and nights away are a big part of the scouting experience and they are open to the boys and girls of all ages. It’s a great chance for them to learn some independence and to fit in living and working alongside others. As they get older, the camps get more adventurous and we do overseas expeditions as well. This way we meet up with scouts from other countries, which is a brilliant chance to make new friends, have fun and see that they are a part of something bigger.

Does it cost a lot to become a scout? I’d say it’s surprisingly cheap compared to a lot of other children’s activities. We have an annual subscription charge, and that varies a bit depending on where in the country you are, but the average is somewhere between £50 and £100. That doesn’t include things like camps, as obviously there are extra costs involved in transport, food and accommodation for trips away. The only other outlay is for the uniform, but there is no

10 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2017 Clubs and Classes need to buy all brand-new kit. There is a thriving second-hand market in scouting gear, and the Scouting Association itself can help out for families that struggle with the costs.

What’s the best thing about scouting? That’s a hard question! There are so many benefits. Most of all, it’s good fun. It’s also good to get kids outdoors, get them muddy, and, at the same time, they are learning behaviours and skills that are setting them up for life. It’s win-win really. They make new friends, they have adventures, and they push themselves. I think the fact that we currently have over 450,000 member’s shows that the movement is more popular than ever and is providing a lot of opportunity for young people. Membership is growing, so that proves that the scouts are enjoying themselves and that’s not bad for an organisation that’s over a hundred years old, but still meeting the needs of today’s kids.

A hundred years old? Yes, we’ve hit our centenary year and there’s been a lot to celebrate. We formed Cub100 to commemorate 100 years of Cub scouting and have held events all over the country. We’re 10th Anniversary actually the largest mixed youth organisation in the UK today. PERFORMING Not bad for a movement that was established in 1907. I think it ARTS TUITION FOR AGES 4-18YRS shows we have really moved with the times and are providing a ✫ ✫ valuable outlet for our members. The transformation in the last ✫ 2017 fifteen years has been quite remarkable. That translates to SUMMER SCHOOLS thousands of kids all over the UK getting involved in masses of different activities every week. And that’s not including the Work with Performers from shows such as: MATILDA, ANNIE, LES MISERABLES, camps and trips. ✫MAMMA MIA and teachers from ✫ PINEAPPLE STUDIOS LONDON. So it’s not all about woggles and knots anymore? ✫ Be inspired, grow in confidence and learn new skills! We still have a woggle but, as I said before, the uniform is very st th E! A 31 July - 4 August 2017 in Stroud NC CT modern these days. It’s all part of the re-brand to keep us A ! D With competitive prices and unrivalled access !

relevant in the twenty-first century. Anyone, boy or girl, can join ! to amazing tutors, places sell out quickly! G T

N I

C Book early to avoid disappointment! as a Beaver when they are six and carry right on through Cubs, S A

! Scouts and Explorers to the Scout Network for 18-25 years E “My favourite week of the whole year” SI C old. Scouting is very inclusive and I really can’t recommend it NG! DAN Eloise - age 11yrs. enough. t: 0845 519 6455 e: [email protected] For more information about scouting and other clubs visit: www. www.shineonstage.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk/activities

New venue for Monkey Music! Little monkeys are being sought to make a song and dance as the area’s premier baby and toddler music group opens up another venue in our area. Classes are now running every Friday morning at Kingsway Community Centre in Quedgeley. They are open to babies from 3 months right up to children of 4 years and are designed to educate and entertain through song, dance and play. Ar ng s a e r i u ir They follow in the footsteps of classes already running across CHELTENHAM & GLOUCESTER Cheltenham and Gloucester, under the leadership of teacher T: 07768 457403 Sian Ferris. She says: “The response to our classes over the E: [email protected] past 15 years has been fantastic with happy bands of little 'monkeys' springing up all over Gloucestershire. Saturday classes now open! Classes also run at Up Hatherley, Bishops Cleeve, Bourton- on-the-Water, Churchdown, Charlton Kings, Leckhampton and at Highbury Church and The Playfarm in Cheltenham. Book your FREE TRIAL CLASS. Email: [email protected]. Call Sian Ferris on 07768 457403 or email [email protected].

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 11 Children’s Parties The A-Z Of Party Buzz Words

A is for Animals. Most children are intrigued by them and N is for Nature. For kids who like the great outdoors, enjoy opportunities to get close. head to an outdoor venue. Many provide engaging games and activities as well as a venue for birthday tea. B is for Baking. Parties are available for children from age 4 and kids of all ages will enjoy licking out the bowls! Most O is for One Stop Shop. Reduce party stress with a parties take place in your own home or anywhere with a party provider that offers a venue, entertainment and food. kitchen, but you don’t have to do the clearing up! Great for Remember to check this out when you are doing your small groups. research!

C is for Ceramics. An ideal choice for arty children, who P is for Ponies. Many children love ponies, so imagine how can decorate pottery animals, mugs, egg cups and more, and special a party at a riding stables would be! Children can have them fired and glazed on-site. learn to groom the horses, go on a ride in a nearby park and learn some riding techniques. D is for Dance. Book a dance party! Choose between ballet, street dance, latin and more, depending on your child’s Q is for Quality. Remember that the most expensive taste. Alternatively, opt for a dance-themed party which might parties are not necessarily the best quality! include dancing games, action songs, and dance ribbons. R is for Rugby. These parties often follow a similar format E is for Entertainer. Some specialise in magic or dance, to football parties, and include lots of running around, rugby- others provide all round entertainment tailored to a particular related activities, and fun for girls and boys from age 2 theme, some provide a “special appearance” by a television upwards. character and others still focus on party games. S is Soft Play. These venues can be hired inclusive of toys, F is for Face Painting. A great choice for the younger age inflatables and ball pits and are a very popular choice for kids group, with truly talented painters and good value for money! of all ages, as most either cater for under 5’s or have a separate area for young children. G is for Golf. Enjoyable and exciting indoor golfing parties include stimulating games that use a range of large, colourful T is for Traditional. Remember you can keep it simple. targets, child-friendly equipment and safe foam balls. Young children are more than happy with party games, a birthday tea and cake. If you want, you can hire someone H is for HAPPY BIRTHDAY! experienced to plan and execute the games!

I is for Inflatables. There is nothing that is more T is also for Themed. Many party providers these days guaranteed to get a young child smiling than the sight of a will plan your child’s party around a particular theme, either bouncy slide and castle at a birthday party! Find a suitable one from a selection they offer, or one chosen by you. venue to house these inflatables and hire them in! Popular themes include princesses, super heroes, pirates and mermaids, dinosaurs and jungles! J is for Jeeps. Jeep driving parties are still fairly unique, considering that you can hold them indoors or outdoors, on a U is for Umbrella. Essential for outdoor parties, even in tennis court or in a church hall. An inflatable track and jeeps Summer! are provided and jeep parties are fantastic entertainment for children age 4 to 8 and can cater for a maximum of 8. W is for Weather. Remember not to rely on it!

K is for Karts. Go Kart Parties are a whole lot of fun and X is for eXtraordinary! Don’t worry, your child’s suit kids from age 4 to 14. They can be held on almost any birthday party will always be eXtraordinary, just like your surface, so leisure centres, local halls, sports fields or child! playgrounds are all feasible. Parties generally build to a big, final race at end the day. Y is for Yoga. Want your kids to have a zen experience? Yoga parties often provide a combination of yoga and other L is for Leisure Centres. Many leisure centres provide forms of party entertainment great sport, soft play, trampoline or gymnastics parties. Z is for Zumba. You don’t have to be a teenager or an M is for Music. Often with similar features to the classes adult to enjoy this latin-influenced dance/exercise sensation. they derive from, music parties are generally suitable for the Try a Zumba children’s party! 0-5 age group who love the mix of music, dance and musical instruments. For more party ideas visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk

12 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2017 Children’s Party Ideas In Gloucestershire

Craft and Makeover Parties him singing, dancing, and playing Paint it Yourself Pottery, Cheltenham musical party games. Monkey’s parties www.piyp.co.uk are great fun for children and babies of all ages. Each party is individually NEW Pick-a-Pot Cirencester tailored to suit each separate occasion Kids’ Cooking www.pickapot.co.uk and always includes the birthday Paint-a-Pot Nailsworth child’s favourite Monkey Music songs. Classes and www.paint-a-pot.co.uk Your Monkey Music teacher will make Parties! sure that everyone has a really special Children love to cook! Join us The Creation Station with your pre-schooler for fun [email protected] day to remember. Monkey Parties Children love to cook! Join us with work really well for a mixed age group yourbaking pre -classesschooler and for funcrafts baking on Squiggle & Jiggle of children. classesMondays, and crafts Thursdays on Mondays or or www.kidspartieschelt.co.uk Fridays. Musical Mini's Fridays. Suitable for ages 3 - 5. Suitable for ages 3 - 5. Teddy Bear & Doll Making parties www.musicalminis.co.uk www.teddybearmakingparty.co.uk Call Fiona: 07475883019 or visit Jazzy Jamborees www.cookerydoodledoo.com Bohemian Kids Jewellery parties www.jazzyjamboree.co.uk www.bohemiankids.co.uk Jojingles 3. Hot Food or a Cold Buffet Crafty Miss www.jojingles.com www.craftymiss.co.uk 4. Party Room 5. Party Host Glitter & Gloss Entertainers 6. Free return pass for one entry for www.glitterandgloss.co.uk Abacus Magic www.abacusmagic.co.uk the birthday child (valid for 2 months) Crystal Orchard Jewellery & Craft 7. Full use of the play equipment. Workshop www.crystalorchard.co.uk Ace of Diamonds www.aceofdiamonds.co.uk 8. And plenty of fun, fun, fun!! Face Painting One room holds a minimum of 10 Sarah the Fairy & Company children, and a maximum of 20 Cheltenham Facepainting www.sarahthefairy.com children. However we can cater for www.cheltenhamfacepainting.co.uk parties for up to 80 children. Magic Masks Active Parties www.magicmasks.co.uk

Mobile Zoo Roaming Reptiles www.facebook.com/roamingreptilesuk

Cookery Cookery Doodle Doo 07475 883019 or email [email protected] We love a good children’s party at Cookery Doodle Doo. A party with us is not just about delicious food but also the fun and excitement creating it with your friends. For parents it should also mean as stress-free as possible! Book us for your child’s special day and we’ll bring our brand of fun, creative cookery to your chosen venue, keep the kids Magicland A Star Sports entertained and clear up the mess www.a-starsports.co.uk after too! Choose either the Cookie www.magicland.co.uk/ Art Party or the Cooking Party and 01285 885570 Happy Days Gym you’re sure to make it a day to Have a magical party without all the www.happydaysgym.co.uk hard work! Here at Magicland we remember! Playfarm www.playfarm.co.uk know how special your child’s birthday Music For Little Ones is, so we like to make it extra special! Go Bananas www.gobananas.org.uk Music With Mummy The cost of a party at Magicland is www.musicwithannemarie.co.uk £10.75 per child (during weekends and The Climbing Warehouse Monday-Friday throughout the school www.the-warehouse.co.uk Monkey Music holidays). During weekdays Monday- www.monkeymusic.co.uk Friday termtime the cost of a party is Head for Heights 01242 525750 £9.75 per child. This includes: www.head4heights.net Monkey loves to party! Especially with 1. Party Bags with 4 items JDR Indoor Karting other little monkey friends who join 2. Downloadable Invites www.jdrkarting.co.uk

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 13 Please check with the venue in case details have changed and also please What’s On note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line. th FESTIVALS DAYS OUT Re-Opens 5 April WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL AT CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Yanworth, Cheltenham, GL54 3LJ www.wychwoodfestival.com 01242 890256 2 - 4 June. Over 100 bands on 4 stages, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth- over 100 workshops for all ages, plus a roman-villa

FREE bag of animal bag of animal FREE kids Literature Festival, comedy, Real Ale 27 May - 4 June. Roman May holiday. food with this voucher! with food Festival, great food, camping beneath the Enjoy seasonal craft activities. Make a Prestbury Hills. mosaic, badge or paper-craft. Raid the CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL dressing up baskets and fashion yourself ‘Easter at the Farm’ as a Roman. Some craft activities at an Lamb Bottle Feeding & Treasure Hunt. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science/ Science in the Square. 6 – 11 June additional charge to cover the cost of NEW Soft Play, Pony Rides, Tractor Rides, Visit more free and amazing interactive materials. Roman coin mint will take Giant Sandpit, Play Barn, Friendly Animals, place 2-4 June. and much more! zones than ever before! Huge dinosaurs, hands-on experiments, flight simulators, 10-11 June. Roman Sue, the costumed www.NewbridgeFarmPark.com interpreter of the Roman Villa cooks up a Near Ledbury, HR8 2QG 01531 670780 robots on Mars… there’s so much to explore. Roman feast - find out more about Roman food, explore historic recipes and taste CHELTENHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL some of the dishes. 11.00am – 3.00pm. SCHOOL EVENT www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music 30 June - 16 July. Two weeks of sublime DEAN HERITAGE CENTRE ST EDWARDS PREPARATORY Soudley, Cinderford, Gloucestershire SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN, London and surprising musical adventures for all ages. The Festival makes the most of its GL14 2UB 01594 822 170 Road, Cheltenham GL52 6NR 01242 www.deanheritagecentre.com 538900 www.stedwards.co.uk Cotswolds setting with concerts across Gloucestershire, as well as the beautiful 278 - 29 May. Fire and Wood Festival. 6 May. Nearly New Sale Regency town of Cheltenham. There are Enjoy a wide range of activities, demonstrations and displays including 26 May. Free Play & Stay Coffee special concerts and fun days aimed at our traditional charcoal burn, chainsaw Morning. All parents and toddlers are introducing children to classical music, as carving, axe throwing, woodturning, cross welcome to join us for a morning of well as other family-friendly activities like cutting, pyrography and much more refreshments, socialising and fun pop-up performances, walking tours of across the weekend. activities. 9-10.30am. Cheltenham and exhibitions.

Gloucestershire Slingmeets Every Tuesday at Rowanfield Children Centre, Every Wednesday 9.30am - 11.00am at GL51 8HY 1.00pm-2.30pm (mums to be and Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane. GLOUCESTER AND CHELTENHAM SLING pre-walking babies) Contact: [email protected] MEETS For times and venues please check Every Wednesday at Gardners Lane Children BEST - Breastfeeding www.facebook.com/ Centre, GL51 9JW 10.00am -11.30am Support: Every Thursday, 10.00am – 11.30am cheltenhamandgloucesterslinglibrary Every Thursday at Hester’s Way Children at Springboard Children’s Centre, Trinity STROUD SLING MEETS Parliament Street Centre, GL51 0ES 1.15pm -2.45pm Road, Cirencester, GL7 1JU. Children’s Centre, Old Bisley Rd, Stroud Every Friday at Oakwood Children Centre, Contact: [email protected] GL52 5QH 10.00am - 11.30am. Gloucestershire Breastfeeding GLOUCESTER BRANCH Bishops Cleeve Library Children’s Centre. Supporters’ Network Support Gloucester Breakfast Club: Every Wednesday. Every Tuesday from 10.15 – 11.30 a.m. Groups 10:00am – 11:30am. Wheatstone Inn, Centre Bishops Cleeve Library, GL52 8NN. All groups are free drop-in sessions. You don’t Seven, Gloucester GL4 3HR. Open to all, From new born to crawling. need to have a breastfeeding problem. Monday. members and non-members. Contact: 10.00 – 12.00 noon: MOBS in Dursley, Parish NCT Courses [email protected] Room, St James the Great Church GL11 4JE CHELTENHAM & NORTH COTSWOLD Relax, Stretch & Breathe Classes: Every Tuesday. 10.00 – 12 noon: BAPS, Hesters Way BRANCH Monday in term time. Children’s Centre, Dill Avenue,Cheltenham First Aid Spaces are limited so please email For more info visit www.nct.org.uk.uk/ GL51 0ES Wednesday. 10.30 – 12.00 noon: Louisa at:[email protected] gloucester/courses BABES, Noah’s Ark Children’s Centre, York STROUD BRANCH Gloucester Bumps and Babies Road, Priors Park, Tewkesbury, GL20 5HU NCT Signature antenatal course Every Tuesday from 10.30am-12.00 noon at Thursday 9.30am – 11.30am: CRIBS, Church For more details see www.nct.org.uk/courses or Salvation Army Hall, Eastgate Street, Hall, St John’s Church, Churchdown GL3 2DB contact your local course organiser on 0208 752 Gloucester, GL1 1QU. 10.00am – 11.30am: BEST, Springboard 2494 or [email protected] You don’t need to be a member to come along. Children’s Centre, Trinity Road, Cirencester, NCT Early Days/Postnatal course For more Contact: [email protected] GL7 1JU 10.00am – noon: MOBS in Stroud, details see www.nct.org.uk/courses or contact Tots on the Move at Tinies Nursery at Parliament Street Children’s Centre, Bisley Old your local course organiser on 0208 752 2494 Gloucester College on Llanthony Road, GL2 Road, Stroud GL5 1NL 12.30pm – 2.00pm: or [email protected]. GLOBES, Gardners Lane Children’s Centre, 5JQ. Every Monday term time only 10.00am Cheltenham GL51 9JW. Full information: TETBURY BRANCH -11.30am no need to be a member. Parking is www.gbsn.org.uk Signature antenatal course For more details see limited. www.nct.org.uk/courses or contact TETBURY BRANCH Cheltenham Children’s Centre [email protected] uk Baby Groups Bumps and Babes: Every Wednesday 10.30am Every Monday at St. Margaret’s Hall, GL51 NCT Drop Ins – 12.00 noon at The Snooty Fox, Market Place, 3NU 10.00am-11.30am (0-18 months) CIRENCESTER BRANCH Tetbury GL8 8DD Bumps, Babes & Beyond:

14 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2017 Please mention you saw the event in Families Gloucestershire magazine What’s On

DYRHAM PARK make finger prints of the Dyrham, near Bath, SN14 8ER creatures you find. We’ll also (Sat Nav: SN14 8HY) 0117 937 be making flower petal 2501 www.nationaltrust.org. butterfly collages and having a uk/dyrham-park go with monoculars at the 31 May. 50 Things Day. Join us DiscoveryTable. at Old Lodge for a fun-filled BATSFORD ARBORETUM day of activities for all the Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh family based on the National GL56 9QB 01386 701441 Trust’s 50 things to do before www.batsarb.co.uk you’re 11 3/4. 18 June. Father’s Day. Visit 11.00am-2.00pm. Batsford and make Father’s 3 June. Butterfly Education Day even more special this Lots for curious minds and Awareness Day. Join the year. There’s free entry to the to discover at gardeners for butterfly craft arboretum for all Dads on activities, plant some butterfly their special day. Cheltenham Science Festival 6–11 June friendly seeds to take home for Cheltenham Music Festival 1–16 July your garden. Take part in a MUSEUMS AND butterfly hunt around the GALLERIES Visit cheltenhamfestivals.com to find out garden.11.00 - 3.30pm. MUSEUM IN THE PARK about our family-friendly activities PRINKNASH BIRD AND Stratford Park, Stratford Road, DEER PARK Stroud GL5 4AF 01453 763394 Prinknash Road, Matson, www.museuminthepark.org.uk Gloucester GL4 8EU 27 May - 4 June. Half Term 01452 812 727 Fossil Hunt! The hunt is on! www.thebirdpark.com Artist Adam White has hidden May. Half Term: See a baby 20 fossils around the Museum reindeer, hand feed tame deer, and beyond. watch the geese and wildfowl 31 May - 4 June Half Term Holiday Activities. Discover and feed the golden carp. ACTIVITIES AND COURSES FOR the incredible world of fossils, CHILDREN DURING THE SCHOOL PUZZLEWOOD rocks and minerals through HOLIDAYS Perrygrove Road, Coleford, hands-on activities, mini digs CAMPS AT ST EDWARD’S GL16 8QB 01594 833187 and more. www.puzzlewood.net PREP SCHOOL IN 18 June. Fathers Day. We’re BABIES AND CHELTENHAM celebrating Father’s Day with a TODDLERS MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8AM - 6PM Hog Roast and some den AGES 4 - 12 • OFSTED REGISTERED FROM LILLIPUT CONCERTS St building fun for Dads that Andrew’s Church, Montpellier SAVE 15% WITH CODE £34 come along with their kids. No Street, Cheltenham GL50 1SP FAMILIES17 PER DAY need to book but numbers A classical concert series may be limited on the day.Den especially for adults with building will be from 11.30am babies and very young to 12.30pm and 2.00-3.00pm. children to enjoy together SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND 15 May. 10:30am- 11.30am. CENTRE The Astaria String Quartet specialise in telling stories Visit Eastnor Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT through music. 01453 890 333 19 June. 10:30am- 11.30am. www.wwt.org.uk/visit/ The Nuance Saxophone Trio slimbridge join us from Birmingham 27 May – 4 June. Half Term: Conservatoire for their second Spring to Life at Slimbridge. A visit to Lilliput. www.facebook. celebration of the spring com/LilliputConcerts VINTAGE Buy season and all things new at THE WILSON fast-track Slimbridge! Cheltenham Art Gallery & tickets EASTNOR online WESTONBIRT Museum, Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT 01242 ARBORETUM Sun 28 & Mon 29 May #VintageEastnor Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8QS 01666 237431 www.thewilson.org.uk 880220 www.forestry.gov.uk/ Weekly, Thursdays (term time) A nostalgic family fun day! Impressive steam engines, westonbirt 1.30pm-2.30pm Paintasaurus. model steam engine rides, vintage carousel, chair swing and more! PLUS all the usual attractions. 30 May. Life Up High Discover Use your hands, feet, fingers some of the animals and plants and toes in this sensory art- that live high above us, and play workshop for little ones! eastnorcastle.com /EastnorCastle @EastnorCastle

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 15 Don’t forget to say you saw the event in Families Gloucestershire Families Gloucestershire magazine

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16 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2017