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IN THIS ISSUE Christmas Where to meet Santa Claus Festive days out Win tickets to the Panto! Education Secret lives of 4 & 5 year olds Bullying

Only the best for your child

hildren of any ability are C welcome to come and try 20 minute classes in dance, drama and singing while parents observe, followed by a chance to sign up for Jan term.

Our first term will be spent working Age 4-6: 2pm - 2.30pm towards a large scale show at the Age 6-18: 3pm - 4.30pm Bacon Theatre in March!

Charlton Kings Junior School Email [email protected] East End Road, GL53 8QE now to book for the open day.

Issue 41 November/December 2017 familiesonline.co.uk Editor’s Letter Dear readers The Countdown to Christtmas has begun and to help save you time when planning your annual festive days out take a look at our What’s On pages. You can even plan your visit to Father Christmas on pages 12 & 13.

Panto season is upon us so don’t miss your chance of winning tickets to Sleeping Beauty at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, See page 4.

With 45% discount off tickets, it has got to be worth a visit to the Baby and Toddler Show at the NEC, Birmingham. A one- stop shop for all your parenting needs. See page 4 for details.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas time.

Diane Clifford. Editor 01684 770566 [email protected]

Front Cover courtesy of Lorraine Morgan. www.lorrainemorganphotography.co.uk For the second year running Blenheim Palace’s 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscape and Advertise with us and reach over Formal Gardens will be transformed into an 38,000 parents. Next issue January/ illuminated wonderland. The magical trail will wind February. Deadline 8 December through the landscape from 24 November – 1 January 2018. www.blenheimpalace.com Families Gloucestershire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines Award Winning Tuition: Explore Learning 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 are offering all readers a free trial of their 5TD. The contents of Families Gloucestershire are fully protected by copyright and none of the workshops at their centre in Cheltenham. editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hereford & Worcester. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise To book a free trial call 030 3003 4006 company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of and quote Families Gloucestershire advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. magazine. www.explorelearning.co.uk

The Hope Tree Cards Join Festive Favourites At Brain Tumour Research Pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research has taken an innovative approach to their range of Christmas cards this year, signing up supporter and artist, Caroline Copland, to design a new card for 2017. Caroline, who sadly lost her mother Janet to a brain tumour three years ago, was inspired by the Christmas Hope Trees which decorate the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence across the UK each year.

The Hope Tree cards will join other festive favourites in the charity’s range. All cards are priced at £4 per pack of ten, with at least 60% of the proceeds going towards supporting vital brain tumour research. Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/christmas-cards

2 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk News & Views Girls Outperform Boys In SATS Provisional results of the primary school Key Stage 2 SATs tests show girls performing better than boys in all areas. In both reading and maths, 75% of girls reached the expected standard, compared with 68% of boys in reading and 74% in maths.

In writing, there was a 12 percentage point gap, with 82% of girls reaching the expect standard, compared with 70% of boys. Girls outperformed boys in grammar, punctuation and spelling too, at 81% to 73%. Good news for boys in New Thursday Venue At maths though, where 24% of boys reached the higher standard (110 or Junior above) in maths, compared to 21% of girls. School For My Stage School For more information visit www.gov.uk/ My Stage School has just entered its third year and now welcomes 150 students each government/statistics/national-curriculum- Friday and Saturday. Due to over subscription a new Thursday school will launch in assessments-key-stage-2-2017-provisional January 2018 opening up a further 70 spaces for new students who would rather keep their weekends free.

Personality And Principal Ellie Marsden ran one of the largest franchise theatre schools in London for 10 years and now brings her expertise and experience to Gloucestershire where she Eating Linked strives for only the best for her students. Ellie and her passionate team provide Most toddlers go through bouts of endless and regular performance opportunities so that students gain confidence picky eating, but infants with more rapidly and start to achieve more than they ever thought they could. inhibited personalities are more likely to turn up their nose at new foods, Whether your child is shy and quiet or whether they are working towards a career in according to researchers. the performing arts My Stage School will strike the right balance with their training and aspirations. Not only are we always working towards a performance or show, In a study, researchers observed how movie or exam but we provide LAMDA one on one tuition, west end Troupe infants responded to new foods and performances, Disney Troupe performances, Performance Arts Award exams, holiday new toys throughout their first 18 workshops at Easter and in the Summer. months. The study found that infants who were wary of new toys also The new Thursday School opens in January 2018 for ages 4-18. tended to be less accepting of new Children and parents are welcome to a free open day in November foods, suggesting early food attitudes at Charlton Kings Junior School, East End Road, Cheltenham on stem from personality. Sunday 26 November. Age 4-6 at 2pm - 2.30pm and Age 6-16 at 3pm - 4.30pm. Children try shortened classes in dance, drama, singing “From the time they’re very young, while parents observe followed by a chance to sign up for January. some infants are more ‘approaching’ and react positively to new things, Email [email protected] or call 01242 222 175 for details. whereas other infants are more ‘withdrawing’ and react negatively to the same stimul,” said Kameron Moding from the University of Rates Of SID At Record Low Colarado, Denver and author of the Rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have shown another decrease in paper. “Keep trying! Research from and Wales according to newly released figures from the Office for National other labs has consistently shown that Statistics (ONS). The 2015 figures show a decrease of 25% since 2013 and continue infants and children can learn to the trend of record low SIDS rates in England and Wales for the second year running. accept new foods if their caregivers The ONS attribute the decrease to a reduction in maternal smoking and increased continue to offer them” Moding said. awareness of safer sleep advice. Leading SIDS charity, The Lullaby Trust, cautions that it www.sciencedaily.com is important not to become complacent and following safer sleep advice remains as vital as ever. For more information on safe sleeping advice visit www.lullabytrust.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 3 Offer And Competition Ed’s Reading Room Hi book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Winter book selection for you to enjoy. Have fun reading! www.EdontheWeb.com FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell (Bloomsbury £14.99) Brand New Baby To Toddler ED SAYS: “It’s Christmas Eve and Theo is helping to decorate the Christmas tree. Event Opens Its Doors At NEC Theo’s parents are still at work and his The organisers of the fantastic Baby Show are bringing a babysitter has fallen asleep. He feels so brand new event to the NEC this winter. Baby To Toddler, the alone. When he sees a strange looking star shopping event for modern parents, is a two day shopping soaring across the sky he decides to make a wish. How he event in association with Baby Planet and will give visitors wishes not to be alone! Suddenly the decorations come to life access to exclusive offers and Black Friday deals from some and tell Theo that anything he would like to happen could happen. And so begins a magical adventure.” of the biggest baby and toddler brands you know and trust. Taking place at: Birmingham NEC on the weekend Polly and the Puffin: The Happy of 2 – 3 December. Exhibitors will also include not-on- Christmas by Jenny Colgan (Little, Brown the high street boutique brands. It is the one-stop-shop for Books £7.99) ED SAYS: “Polly can’t wait for everything parents need. Attendees will also be given the Christmas but it is taking an awfully long time to chance to purchase a Project Baby Goody Bag worth up to arrive. She and her puffin friend Neil have made £30 for just £1! 50p of which will be donated to Great their Christmas lists and practised the Nativity Ormond Street Hospital. play but, when Polly’s mother says she will take Polly to see Santa, Polly is disappointed that Neil can’t On the door tickets are £12 but Families Magazine readers go with them. Then Polly gives Santa the wrong list. Will they be can have a 45% discount* to £6.50 using the code FAMILIESG able to sort things out in time for Christmas Day? And will a via www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk. little puffling hatch in time for the celebrations?” *Saving is based on the standard on-the-door ticket price of £12. Advance Box Office closes midnight 1 Dec 2017. £1 FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS Escape from the Tower by Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag WIN PANTO TICKETS! Montefiore (Simon & Schuster £10.99) ED SAYS: “Shylo Tawny-Tail is rather small but is big on a sense of adventure and is proud to be called one of the Royal Rabbits of London. They help to fight evil across the world but their immediate problem is near to home in London’s skyscraping Shard. There the terrible Ratzis are plotting to cause mayhem when the President of the United States of America is visiting. When Shylo is kidnapped it seems that all might be doomed. Will he be able to escape in time?” Father Christmas And Me by Matt Haig (Canongate £12.99) ED SAYS: “It sounds fun to be living in Elfhelm with your adoptive parents Father Christmas and Mary Panto season is just around the corner (Oh Yes It Christmas but, as Amelia has found out, as a is!…) and we have an opportunity for you to win a human it is not always easy. Of course family ticket (2 adults, 2 Children) to see the magical sleighcraft lessons and general happiness tale of Sleeping Beauty at The Roses Theatre in lessons can be more interesting than usual Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX on Tuesday 5 December at school subjects but it is extremely cold and 5.45pm.www.rosestheatre.org singing Christmas songs every day does become rather tedious. When a jealous animal army launch an To be in with a chance of winning answer the attack to stop Christmas, can Amelia with her family and the following: elves sort things out before it is too late?.” Q: Who woke Sleeping Beauty? a. Maleficent b. Prince Philip c. Aurora Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award- Enter via email by Friday 24 November. Put ‘Panto’ in winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of the subject line of your message, and send your several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact answer, your name, postal address and mobile Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at [email protected]. number to [email protected] See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk.

4 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk Education You’ve Met The Teacher. Now What? So you’ve been to a meeting with your child’s teacher and you’ve got an overview of how your child is progressing. But what do you do next?

Discuss with your child the feedback from their teacher, they may already be aware of what they need to work on but if they don’t, talk about it. Set a goal together of something they would like to achieve based on their feedback and aim to complete this by the end of next term. Make a plan together about how they are going to get there.

For example: You’re told they give up every time they have to reporting on progress. Contact the school if you still have learn something new, especially times tables. The goal you come questions, or look on their website as you should find a wealth up with together is to have a can-do attitude. Steps to getting of information on there. there could be taking a new set of tables and learning them in small batches. Praise them for the ones they have got right Ask others for help, don’t worry if you don’t understand alongside highlighting when they are being positive towards something or want to know what others are doing. Lots of their learning so they know what kind of attitude is expected. people will be in the same position. Alternatively, there are some great advice websites like www.theschoolrun.co.uk and If you’ve set any goals with the teacher, then plan a time to www.oxfordowl.co.uk or if you have a tutor, talk to them. review these. Depending on how the teacher likes to work this could be an email, call or face to face catch up 6-8 weeks after At Explore Learning our tutors always help parents when they the initial meeting. Review how things are going and make need advice and will take into account your child’s recent changes if needed. reports when tailoring their learning. Never be afraid to ask. Book your FREE trial at your local centre in Cheltenham today. You may come away from a meeting and realise you’ve Call 030 3003 4006 forgotten something or you don’t understand how the school is or online www.explorelearning.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 5 Education

Secret Lives Of 4 & 5 Year Olds

Most parents and carers wish they could be a fly- How can kids deal with friendship issues, if they on-the-wall when their child starts school. Well, have fallen out with someone? “It’s very tempting as a Channel 4’s Secret Lives of 4 & 5 year Olds which parent to want to fix this problem, but children fall in and out returns this November, allows them to do just of friendships hundreds of times a day and can usually sort that. Filmed in a specially rigged Essex school, the issues out themselves. If the problem is more complicated and new series aims to give viewers a child’s you think there is unkind behaviour or bullying, then an adult perspective of their transition to a school setting. might need to step in. But on the whole, conflict, when you are learning to be social is perfectly normal. Ask your child, “Is there Families Magazine talks to Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, a psychologist any thing you can do to sort the situation out?” Try and help from the show, about what she learnt whilst filming the series. them understand the other child’s perspective. As parents, we often overcomplicate issues. We can learn a lot from children, , Can you tell us more about the series? “It offers this particularly the way they are so open and forgiving.” wonderful window, through which we can watch the children playing and interacting. We give them lots of things to do, to see How can we deal with the issue of gender with how they manage and play. It’s an amazing way of showing young children? I feel that gender isn’t particularly a driving viewers what their children are actually doing at school.” force for children this age. They do make assumptions about children but they are happy for them to be corrected and they How did the children cope with the transition to play on a much more straightforward basis. Gender becomes a school? “Parents main worry is generally ‘will my child be much bigger issue for children towards the end of primary alright?’ and some children are very anxious. A great example is school. It’s important to encourage them to keep an open mind that wonderful picture of Prince George looking a bit worried and understand that children of all ages and genders need the on his first day of school. What I can now confidently say is that same opportunities because that is what is important for their children are absolutely fine, once they are gone. They are doing development. Brains are not gendered, brains allow our children lots of interesting things and coping brilliantly.” to learn.

Not all children cope with the transition so well, What can you do if a child is exhibiting OCD type what advice would you give to them? “Take a calm, behaviour? “Anxiety needs a non-emotional response and a pragmatic approach. Essentially children tend to be worried calm authority can be incredibly helpful. It’s tempting to offer about what they think might happen. In reality, they are going to support to someone who is suffering by saying, “isn’t this be fine, but they don’t know that yet. Be confident and reassure terrible,” but this reinforces the idea that there is something to your child that everything will be okay. Children are inherently be scared of. Parents shouldn’t try to neutralise the anxiety or social beings. They are curious and want to interact, with reinforce it; it is best to carry on, with business as usual. people, so even timid children will find something that sparks their imagination. Remember, the school setting is designed to “If you are concerned or the behaviour is continuing over a engage them. It’s getting them to go which is the tough bit.” long period of time and in more than one setting, get some advice from your school, GP or Health Visitor.” What advice can you give parents whose children haven’t started school yet? “Children need to develop What was the most interesting insight you gained communications skills, get used to talking and relating to others from watching the children? “I learnt that children of this and playing cooperatively. All of these social abilities will be vital age are hilarious and multi-layered. They are not that different later in life. Encourage lots of play with other children and get from adults. They have amazingly rich social lives. They test them to question how things work because natural curiosity is hypotheses, ask questions, fail and then carry on. They are the main driver for learning.” resilient and incredibly complicated, just like we are.”

6 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk Education

Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 7 XXXXXXXXXX Christmas Granola

Mix and bake this delicious granola with the children for a quick and healthy breakfast on Christmas morning or as great gifts for teachers.

Ingredients 300g oat flakes 2 little handfuls pumpkin seeds *WITH THIS VOUCHER ONLY. VALID UNTIL 150g unsweetened desiccated coconut 31 DECEMBER 2017. PHOTOCOPIES NOT ACCEPTED 2 little handfuls sunflower seeds AND THIS VOUCHER MAY ONLY BE USED ONCE. FAMGLOS 150ml vegetable oil 2 little handfuls dried cranberries and/or raisins 1 tsp cinnamon 1tsp vanilla extract 8 tbsp carob syrup (sometimes called Carob molasses) or Could you be the date syrup

next editor of Method • Pre-heat the oven to 130 degrees celsius. Families • Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl except for the cranberries and raisins. Add a dash of water to help mix. Gloucestershire? • Spread the mixture out on a baking tray. Would you like the flexibility of working from home • Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. and never miss a school performance or sports day • Leave to cool before stirring through the cranberries and/ again? or raisins. Are you interested in running your own business and would find the support This granola tastes great on it’s own or as a snack layered offered by a franchise helpful? with yoghurt, honey and fruit. It also makes a wonderful gift Are you self-motivated and well spooned into glass canisters or cellophane bags tied with a organised? pretty ribbon. You now have the opportunity to buy Families Gloucestershire Franchise – a To join Fiona at her Cookery Doodle Doo business which is up and running, children’s classes please visit: including established client base, cookerydoodledoo.com or phone 07475883019 readership and drop points. No previous experience needed, training is available and you will have the support of the fantastic team at Families Magazine Ltd.

To find out more about running your own business around your family call 01684 770566 or email [email protected]

8 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk Anti-Bullying Week Bullying Is Still An Issue When you send your child off to school you do so in the hope that they will be safe from harm. Sadly, for some children this is not the case and bullying is still an issue in many schools today.

By Jane Rogers

So what are the signs to look out for? There may be some obvious signs: If your child has been physically hurt or had their possessions stolen or broken, this should ring an alarm bell.

Your child may tell you they are being bullied: Children who are being bullied can be divided roughly into two categories: those who tell an adult about it and those who don’t. If your child tells you that another child has been unkind to them, it’s important to make the time to listen. To help stamp out bullying talk to Encourage your child to try to tackle their A change in behaviour: Children who your school about getting involved own problems, but always be there for are being bullied may become withdrawn in Anti-Bullying Week running from them when they get to the point of asking and anxious, or they may display angry and 13 to 17 November. Run by the for your help. aggressive behaviour. Any unusual behaviour Anti-Bullying Alliance, the week needs to be investigated. aims to support schools with a Build self- esteem. Prevention is range of free activities to prevent always better than cure. Children who are Sleep disturbance: If your child begins bullying and create a safe confident and have good self-esteem are to have trouble sleeping, ask yourself if environment for pupils. less likely to be bullied. That’s not to say it there could be something bothering them. www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk won’t happen, but people with resilience will always fare better. Anxiety about going to school: Again, if this is a change in behaviour, it’s time to explore what the reasons might be. What if my child is the bully? If this is the case then spend some time trying to work out why this could be How to help your child. Listen to your child and stay calm. happening. People become bullies for a number of reasons. However upset or angry you may feel, try to put those feelings • Low self- esteem to one side while your child is talking to you about what is Those who don’t think much of themselves on the inside may happening to them. This is an opportunity for you to begin to feel the need to make themselves look ‘big’ on the outside. teach your child how to approach and hopefully solve difficult • Following the crowd problems. Staying calm and rational is a very useful skill. Bullies can sometimes appear to be very popular and being part of the ‘in’ crowd can be very important to young people. Encourage your child to learn how to shrug off • For safety teasing. A bully will always home in on someone who seems If the jungle that is the school playground feels unsafe, then it weaker, and who gives them the reaction they want. Verbal may make sense to your child to align themselves to the person bullying can be very hurtful to your child, but it’s useful to who looks the strongest. explain to them that a bully will bully all the more if they see a • Learned behaviour reaction. Although your child may be hurting inside, encourage Children who witness bullying behaviour around them may copy them not to show it. Give them a chance to role play some that behaviour and turn into a bully themselves. scenarios at home, so that they can practice ways to react. And finally: If you have real concerns always talk to your child’s Ask your child what they want you to do. When my school about it. All schools should have a bullying policy. son was bullied at primary school, he wanted me to go to the school and sort it out. I remember him saying “I don’t think the Jane Rogers is a parenting expert and founder of The Cambridge adults know how bad it is.” He had tried to sort it out himself, Parent Coach. Her two parent workbooks are available on Amazon. but it hadn’t worked, so now he was taking a different approach. You can follow ‘The Cambridge Parent Coach’ on Facebook. familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 9 Childcare Can You Really Get 30 Hours of Free Childcare Per Week?

Great year for Monkey Music! There have never been so many ‘little monkeys’ making a song and dance all over Gloucestershire!

Monkey Music – the award-winning pre-school music group – celebrated its 15th birthday this year, with a packed out programme of classes all over the area. 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. The weekly classes are grouped according to age, taking youngsters on a real musical journey.

It was local mum-of-three Sian Ferris who brought Monkey Music to Cheltenham and back in 2002, as the very first franchise outside of London. “I went to Monkey Music in London and loved how wonderful and inspirational the classes were. It was so creative and so much fun, for my children and for me too. By Ben Black “I have now been running Monkey Music in Cheltenham and Gloucester for more than 15 years and I love it each and The recent increase from 15 to 30 hours of free early every day. 2017 has been really special as our 15th birthday education and childcare per week brings with it no shortage of year, with new classes and new venues too.” complications for parents looking to take advantage of the scheme – and confusion is rife. One of the latest new venues is in Quedgeley, where classes now run every Friday morning at the Kingsway Community In theory, the new 30 hours of free childcare scheme should be Centre. Classes also run in: , Bishops Cleeve, hugely helpful for parents of 3 and 4 year olds in England who Bourton-on-the-Water, Churchdown, Charlton Kings, will be eligible. However, there are sure to be some difficulties and at Highbury Church and The Playfarm in in the transition and the reality may be somewhat different Cheltenham. There’s plenty of time to come and join in the from what was envisaged. fun before the year’s out,” Sian added. “Christmas is always a lot of fun at Monkey Music – with plenty of snowball rolling Applications must be made by parents through the and jingle bells!” Government’s childcare service on the gov.uk website the term For your FREE TRIAL CLASS before they plan to start using free childcare. There are strict call Sian on 07768 457403 or email termly deadlines for application, so it's important for parents to [email protected] keep a close eye on the Government’s cut off dates - or they will miss out on funding for the following term.

If parents are eligible, they’ll receive a code that will allow them to arrange their childcare place with any childcare provider on Ofsted’s Early Years Register. This code will allow for childcare with the provider for three months, before the code expires. Parents will be notified before the expiry date, giving them the opportunity to log back in and either confirm or update their circumstances.

10 familiesonline.co.uk Childcare Can You Really Get 30 Hours of Free Childcare Per Week? To be eligible, children must be 3 or 4 years old, each parent (or sole parent) must be working, based in England and earning more than £120 per week (for those aged 25 or over) and no more than £100,000 year.

Participating childcare settings include nurseries and nursery classes, playgroups and pre-schools, childminders and Sure Start Children’s Centres. The key word is ‘participating’ as not all childcare settings will be participating in the scheme.

Parents who are not eligible will be able to continue receiving 15 hours of funded childcare. Those who become ineligible after commencing to use 30 hours funded childcare will receive a ‘grace period’ of 30 hours funded care, before returning to the 15 hour entitlement.

One of the key issues is the negative impact of the 30 hours Advocate A Time On funded childcare on the business models of childcare providers. This is because the hourly rate received by the provider from Stage For Your Child the Government may not cover the running costs of setting, The Mander Hall Academy of Performing Arts aims to leading to a funding shortfall. As a result, some providers have develop skills in drama, song and dance leading to musical chosen to opt out of the scheme all together, whilst others will theatre and drame examinations, festivals and a final show at be charging parents for additional things such as nappies and the end of each summer term. food, or charging more for babies and children under 2 years old, meaning that the so-called ‘free’ childcare may not actually Every Saturday during term-time they host a three-hour be free at all. session of singing, dancing and acting at Balcarras Drama Studio in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham. The consequence of childcare providers opting out of the scheme is that parents need to act as quickly as possible to All the staff are DBS checked and have at least 10 years secure the places that are on offer. Some providers may choose experience in teaching. Masterclass workshops are held at to offer only some of the funded hours, so parents may also Easter and in the Summer holidays. need to consider splitting their childcare between more than one setting. For a FREE taster session and more information go to www. manderhallacademy.co.uk or contact Kate on 07825 630 751 Another factor to consider is the time period over which the funded childcare hours are distributed. The existing 15 hours are usually taken weekly over 38 weeks and many participating parents in the new 30 hours scheme will be expecting to use them in the same way. However, childcare providers are perfectly entitled to offer fewer hours over a longer period. Whilst this may be helpful for parents looking to spread the hours out to cover more weeks, it will mean that you actually get fewer than 30 hours of funded childcare each week.

It is important that parents are fully aware of all their options. Check eligibility and in particular, discern whether your preferred childcare setting will offer some – or all – of the free hours and how they will implement the scheme.

Ben Black is CEO at My Family Care. You can find out more information on the new childcare options on the My Family Care website at www.myfamilycare.co.uk, as well as on the new Childcare Choices website set up by the HRMC at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. This also gives information about the new Tax Free Childcare Scheme. familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 11 Christmas

It is that time of year again when our thoughts return to the North Pole and who has been good this year. Here is where you can track down Santa and Where To Find tell him what is on your Christmas list this year...

Wyevale Garden Centres Santa’s Grotto is a delight for children of Father Christmas all ages and grown-ups too the Bloobious Bright’. Follow them on an through the long tunnel, and visit Santa 18 November - 24 December* exciting journey set beneath the sea. and his elves in his grotto. Alternatively Wyevale Garden Centre Cheltenham, 1 - 23 December travel from Toddington station by a Evesham Road, GL50 4SJ Clearwell Caves, The Rocks, Coleford, 1950's diesel rail car with Father Tel: 0844 288 5177 GL16 8JR Christmas and his young elves on board www.clearwellcaves.com the train, spending lots of time sitting Wyevale Garden Centre Gloucester, Bath 27 December - 1 January with each family. Road, GL10 3DP Displays only. Santa Steam Special Tel: 0844 288 5178 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 20-24 December www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk/events Santa Cruises at Gloucester £16 adult and £16 child (includes *Dates may vary per centre. Waterways Museum complimentary mince pies, biscuits, fruit, Meet Santa in a different location! An hot and cold drinks and present for child) Santa’s Farmyard Grotto at ideal treat for all the family on a very Santa Rail Car Special Cattle Country special one-hour cruise. Enjoy freshly 9-10, 16-17 and 20-21 December Children will be taken on a tractor and brewed tea and coffee with hot mince pie £14 adult and £14 child (includes trailer ride around the farm before being for the adults, biscuits and cold drink for complimentary mince pies, biscuits, fruit, dropped off at Santa’s Farmyard Grotto the children whilst waiting for the magical hot and cold drinks and present for child) in the Animal Experience Barn. Each child moment for Santa to arrive. Children www.gwsr.com will receive a present from Santa. receive a present from Santa. 25-26 November, 2-3, 9-10 and 9-11 and 16-23 December Newark Park Christmas 16-23 December. Gloucester Waterways Museum, Celebrations weekend Cattle Country Adventure Park, Berkeley Llanthony Warehouse, Gloucester Docks The House will be decorated with foliage Heath Farm, Berkeley GL13 9EW Tel: 01452 318200 and trees from the Newark estate plus www.cattlecountry.co.uk www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/gloucester- festive music and a seasonal trail for waterways-museum children. Young visitors have the chance Clearwell Caves to meet Father Christmas and receive an Children see Father Christmas in his GWSR Santa Specials early Christmas gift spectacular underground cavern, choose Choose to start your Christmas 2-3 December a present, then walk through the adventure from Cheltenham Race Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, wonderful Christmas displays, which this Course by steam train all the way to GL12 7PZ year tells the curious tale of ‘Cora and Winchcombe (or the North Pole!) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park

*WITH THIS VOUCHER ONLY. VALID UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER 2017. PHOTOCOPIES NOT ACCEPTED AND THIS 12 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk VOUCHER MAY ONLY BE USED ONCE. FAMGLOS Christmas

Winter Wonderland at Prinknash 2017 UNDERGROUND STALLS Bird and Deer Park

An Exciting Clearwell Caves DECORATIONS Visit the Bird and Deer Park for the COLEFORD Christmas Fantasy Follow brown B422 tourist signs exceptional Winter Wonderland and from Coleford 8 town centre B make it into a Christmas to remember! Underground 4231

The Park has it’s own resident reindeer, SAT NAV Christmas GL16 8JR Rudolf, Prancer and Comet who reside CLEARW ELL

B4228 all year round, who knows, this may be B4231 the only place in the county to see real Fantasy reindeer this Christmas?. See Father Christmas, then follow this Weekends from 25 November Adventure magical tale as you walk through the and daily from 15 December Caves and the story unfolds. Advance ticket bookings only. This year the Elves and friends at Admission Prinknash Road, Matson, Gloucester GL4 Clearwell Caves, in the Forest of Dean, £12.00 per person

8EU 01452 812 727 have been busy creating exciting displays CHRISTMAS FATHER Children 2 -14 years will receive a present from Santa. www.thebirdpark.com for this popular underground Christmas Under 2 years Free STOCKING FILLERS Grotto. (Baby gift from Santa optional £5.00) Christmas in Puzzlewood ~ Online Booking Only ~ Decorate and write your letter to Santa, Children see Father Christmas in his Opening Times then dress up as Little Red Riding Hood spectacular underground cavern, choose 1st December - 23rd December: 10.00am - 5.00pm Daily or the Woodcutter and go off into our a present, then walk through the 24th December: 10.00am - 4.00pm magical woods to find him. Look out for wonderful Christmas displays, which this also late night every Friday the cheeky elves along the way. year tells the curious tale of ‘Cora and last entry 7.00pm (27th December - 1st January 9-10, 16-17 and 21-24 December. the Bloobious Bright’. Displays Only 10.00am - 4.00pm) Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, Clearwell Caves - Ancient Iron Mines GL16 8QB 01594 833187 A young girl goes on an incredible Near Coleford, Royal Forest of Dean Gloucestershire. GL16 8JR www.puzzlewood.net Christmas adventure. As she swims along, Tel: 01594 832535 she discovers unusual footprints, what www.clearwellcaves.com Slimbridge Wetlands Centre strange creature do they belong to? CHRISTMAS TEAS Remember that the underground temperature is a Follow Cora on her extraordinary constant 10°C. Wear flat soled footwear with a good grip. Father Christmas Join the elves for breakfast or afternoon Christmas adventure... tea, visit Santa in his magical grotto, ice In a fun Christmas story children meet Book online: www.clearwellcaves.com CAFÉ GIFTS gingerbread men, toast marshmallows, Cora and the Bloobious Bright and follow relax with Christmas storytelling - and them on an exciting journey, to discover2017 UNDERGROUND STALLS don't forget to send a letter to the if they will finally enjoy a Happy

Clearwell Caves DECORATIONS COLEFORD

North Pole at the special post office! Christmas Day. Christmas Fantasy Follow brown B422 tourist signs from Coleford 8 town centre B 16-22 December 4231 WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Half way through the Caves, in the largest SAT NAV Bowditch, Slimbridge, GL2 7BT cavern will be underground Christmas GL16 8JR CLEARW ELL

B4228 www.wwt.org.uk/visit/slimbridge stalls selling gifts, decorations and B4231 stocking fillers, as well as an underground Cotswold Farm Park café, for a welcome hot chocolate, before See Father Christmas, then follow this It’s the most magical time of the year and continuing the story.. magical tale as you walk through the the Farm Park really likes to get into the Caves and the story unfolds. spirit of the season! Enrol yourself in Elf There are late night openings on Fridays Admission Academy, visit Father Christmas in his (last entry 7pm) to allow working parents £12.00 per person

FATHER CHRISTMAS FATHER Children 2 -14 years grotto and say hello to the animals of the to visit. It’s a great Christmas will receive a present from Santa. nativity story. underground adventure, for all ages. Under 2 years Free STOCKING FILLERS (Baby gift from Santa optional £5.00) 25 November - 22 December ~ Online Booking Only ~ Cotswold Farm Park, Bemborough Farm, Christmas Fantasy runs from the Opening Times Kineton, Cheltenham GL54 5UG beginning of December through to early 1st December - 23rd December: 10.00am - 5.00pm Daily www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/ January inside the caves and is a must for 24th December: 10.00am - 4.00pm children and adults alike! also late night every Friday last entry 7.00pm Batsford Arboretum (27th December - 1st January Santa and his Elf are returning to their Clearwell Caves is one of the most Displays Only 10.00am - 4.00pm) Clearwell Caves - Ancient Iron Mines magical grotto at Batsford Arboretum complex and ancient mine systems in Near Coleford, Royal Forest of Dean this Christmas! Britain. Gloucestershire. GL16 8JR Tel: 01594 832535 9 - 10 December www.clearwellcaves.com Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre Booking is essential and available CHRISTMAS TEAS Remember that the underground temperature is a Follow Cora on her extraordinary constant 10°C. Wear flat soled footwear with a good grip. Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, on the Caves’ Christmas website adventure... at: Gloucestershire GL56 9AD www.clearwellcaves.comBook online: www.clearwellcaves.com CAFÉ GIFTS www.batsarb.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 13 What’s On Please check with the venue in case details have changed. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

BOURTON ON THE WATER Southgate Street, Westgate Street and Lighting of the beautiful Christmas Tree in College Street. The Christmas Lights get the river Windrush at 6.30pm. Date TBC switched on as the parade passes each set of lights on it’s way to the Cathedral. CHELTENHAM Sunday 19 November. 4.30pm. Brand new lights, free family events and traditional festivities will add some STROUD sparkle to the Christmas street party. Stoud’s Christmas Goodwill Evening Saturday 25 November. takes place throughout the town centre. Lots of seasonal activities. CHELTENHAM – THE BREWERY Friday 1 December. 4.00pm - 9pm. The Brewery’s Christmas lights switch-on. Saturday 25 November. 5.30pm. TETBURY Torchlight procession from St Marys’ CIRENCESTER Church to the Market House. Santa with Cirencester Advent Festival sees a local elves will help with the switch-on. celebrity turn on the lights accompanied Thursday 7 December. 5:25pm. by fireworks. Saturday 2 December. 7pm TEWKESBURY Usual craft market stalls, entertainment COLEFORD GLOUCESTER and Father Christmas will turn on the New lights and various events. Gloucester’s stunning annual Lantern lights. Free on street entertainment. Saturday 2 December. 5.30pm. Procession. The parade travels along Sunday 19 November. 11am

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

Baby Groups see www.nct.org.uk/courses or contact Every Monday at St. Margaret’s Hall, GL51 [email protected] uk NCT Nearly New Sales 3NU 10.00am-11.30am (0-18 months) GLOUCESTER 25 November Every Tuesday at Children Centre, NCT Drop Ins TETBURY GL51 8HY 1.00pm-2.30pm (mums to be and CIRENCESTER BRANCH 19 November pre-walking babies) Bumps, Babes & Beyond: CHELTENHAM AND NORTH Every Wednesday at Gardners Lane Children Every Wednesday 9.30am - 11.00am at COTSWOLD Centre, GL51 9JW 10.00am -11.30am Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane. 25 November

14 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk Please check with the venue in case details have changed. MORE Please mention you saw the event in Families Gloucestershire magazine What’s On ONLINE Dick and his cat as he travels from Gloucester to London to make his familiesonline.co.uk fortune and runs into the usual cast of Everyman favourites (including the return NEW of TWEEDY) along the way. £5.00-£24.00. Kids’ Cooking THEATRE AND PANTOMIME THE ROSES THEATRE Classes and Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX THE BACON THEATRE Children loveParties! to cook! Join us , Shelburne Road, 01684 295074 with your pre-schooler for fun Cheltenham, GL51 6HE 01242 258002 www.rosestheatre.org Children love to cook! Join us with baking classes and crafts on www.bacontheatre.co.uk 2 - 31 December. Sleeping your pre-schooler for fun baking classesMondays, and crafts Thursdays on Mondays or or 13 December. Little Blue Beauty. The Roses’ traditional family Fridays. This pantomime, written and directed by Ben Fridays. Suitable for ages 3 - 5. Monster: Lost and Found. Suitable for ages 3 - 5. funny, charming tale of friendship is the Crocker, is sure to be another truly Call Fiona: 07475883019 or visit perfect treat for a younger audience. spectacular experience this Christmas in www.cookerydoodledoo.com Brought to life with puppetry, songs and Tewkesbury. £12.00 - £27.50. music, this new show is suitable for ages 3+ and their grown-up. £10.00 (£8.00). MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Family £32.00. CORINIUM MUSEUM THE CHELTENHAM Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire PLAYHOUSE GL7 2BX 01285 655611 47-53 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG www.coriniummuseum.org 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 20 December: Stories with Santa. Hear what life is like through tales from 16 - 29 December. Pinocchio & the North Pole. Santa will share his The Christmas Wish. This stories which feature elves, penguins, enchanting new version of Carlo Collodi’s polar bears and Mrs Claus. traditional fairy tale features an original score of songs, timeless characters - MUSEUM IN THE PARK GROWN-UP LIVE CLASSICAL MUSIC IN whom you know and love - and a Stratford Park, Stratford Road, Stroud A RELAXED, BABY-FRIENDLY SETTING humorous and touching story that will GL5 4AF 01453 763394 WHERE TO FIND US melt your heart. £9.00 - £16.00. www.museuminthepark.org.uk. £2 per WE MEET MONTHLY ON MONDAYS AT 10.30AM, ST ANDREWS CHURCH, MONTPELLIER ST, CHELTENHAM GL50 1SP adult, £3 per child (includes a gift from LILLIPUTCONCERTS @LILLIPUTCONCERT CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Santa). Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Enjoy a warm welcome with top quality classical music and refreshments at Gloucestershire GL50 1QA BABIES AND TODDLERS Lilliput Concerts this winter. In 0844 576 2210 November we welcome the Carousel www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk LILLIPUT CONCERTS Clarinet Duo on 20 November, and on 18 St Andrew’s Church, Montpellier Street, 18 December. Father Christmas December our ever-popular Christmas Cheltenham GL50 1SP Comes Up Trumps. As he tries to concert features the festive sounds of deliver the presents, his tummy rumbles, www.facebook.com/LilliputConcerts/ Cotswold Brass. Lilliput Concerts gurgles and groans, but Father Christmas 20 November 20. Carousel provides a very accessible introduction knows he must keep it in – he doesn’t Clarinet Duo to classical concert-going for all ages. want to wake anyone up! £13.00. 18 December. Christmas with We can also arrange e-vouchers which Cotswold Brass. A classical concert make perfect presents for the new mum 22 December. The Snowman. Give series especially for adults with babies who has everything else! the whole family a magical Christmas and very young children to enjoy Buy Tickets Here: treat as The Snowman is shown on the together www.lilliputconcerts.org.uk/cheltenham big screen while the Mozart Symphony Orchestra provides a live SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND soundtrack.£15.00 - £30.00 CENTRE Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire THE EVERYMAN THEATRE GL2 7BT 01453 890 333 7 - 10 Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 www.wwt.org.uk/visit/slimbridge 1HQ 01242 512 515 Slimbridge Cygnets. Toddlers meet www.everymantheatre.org.uk on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month during term time. 24 November - 4 January. Dick Duration approx. 30 minutes. £2.00 per Whittington And His Cat. Join child. Must be booked in advance.

familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 15 Don’t forget to say you saw the event in Families Gloucestershire Magazine. Families Gloucestershire Please check with the venue in case details have changed. Shop Local And Visit A Christmas Market Bourton on the Water - Victorian late night shopping evening. decorated stalls selling artisan food, handmade goods, unique Famous Christmas tree in the river Windrush, carol singing, gifts, and bespoke fashion items that you will not find on the children’s rides alongside an array of stalls and street food. high street. Thursday 16 - Sunday 26 November. Date TBC. Late night shopping until 9pm Christmas Markets at Taurus Crafts Broadway - Late Night Christmas Shopping Taurus Crafts, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney GL1 6BU A host of festivities including carol singers and festive food. A Market showcasing arts, crafts, gifts, decorations, toys, food and great opportunity to support independent shops.Friday 24 drink, featuring local makers and producers. You will even find November and Friday 1 December. 5:30pm – 8:30pm local fresh cut Christmas trees! Weekends of 2 - 3, 9 - 10 and 16 - 17 December. 10.00am – 5.30pm Charlton Kings Christmas Lights Switch On And Christmas Gift Fair. Outside Charlton Kings library and the Kings Hall. Friday The Roses’ Christmas Market 8 December. 3.00pm – 6.00pm. Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. A unique Christmas shopping experience with a variety of stalls. Cheltenham Christmas Market Saturday 18 November. 9.30am -4.30pm. Free entry. Traditional wooden chalets line Cheltenham’s Promenade. Thursday 23 November to Saturday 16 December. Forest Showcase Christmas Food Festival 10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday,11am – 5pm Sundays Beechenhurst Lodge, Speech House Road, Nr Coleford, Forest of Dean B4226, GL16 7EJ. A new festival full of varied festive Christmas Fair at treats, handmade gifts and local produce. Sunday 26 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7LD 01242 265694 November. 10am - 4pm. Adults £3, children £2. Over 70 stalls offering an amazing array of treasures. Sunday 26 November. 10am – 4pm. Tickets: £5. Complimentary glass Christmas Carols & Market at Gloucester Cathedral of 'Fizz' with advance tickets. Visit the spectacular Cathedral Cloisters to browse the seasonal stalls and listen to bite-sized bursts of festive praise Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market sung on the hour by Choirs of the Cathedral Saturday 9 A magical Christmas market boasting over 250 uniquely December. 10.00am.- 4.30pm.

BLACK FRIDAY From the organisers of The Baby Show DEALS!

2 -3 Dec NEC Birmingham

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Saving is based on the standard on-the-door ticket price of £12. Advance Box Offi ce closes midnight 01/12/2017. £1 transaction fee applies.

16 Families332BTT03FNAL101302017V. Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk1102017 171