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IN THIS ISSUE Education Being Happy At Nursery Learning To Read Alone New Year, New You Fitness Ideas For Parents Tips For Good Mental Health

Issue 49 January/February 2018 familiesonline.co.uk Editor’s Letter Dear readers Big Garden Birdwatch

New year – new you!

Parenthood keeps you busy but does it always keep you fit? Temptation to eat naughty treats is all around when you have kids while finding reasons to put off doing exercise is all too easy when you are tired. Check out our fitness ideas to inspire busy parents.

It is just as important to look after our mental well being as well as our physical health. Maintaining good mental health is important for the whole family. In this issue we share the five-a- day tips for good mental health. You and your family can take part in this year's We also discuss how to keep your children active and how to garden bird survey being organised by the Royal encourage them to enjoy reading alone. And you will find news Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). All you on open days for the leading independent schools in our area. need to do is to count the different birds you spot in your garden over three days and record what Diane Clifford. you see. The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch takes Editor, Families Hereford & Worcester place between 27-29 January. 01684 770566 ww2.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch [email protected] Lack Of Sleep Is Damaging More than a third of primary school children are failing to get Advertise with us and reach over 44,000 sufficient sleep, according to new research. The study has linked Next issue March/April (Easter). poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping Booking deadline is Friday 9 February. up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism.

The research, carried out by the University of Leeds has shown Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised that despite the NHS recommendation of 10 hours, 36 per cent magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, of primary age children get eight hours of sleep or less per Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright night. Even more worryingly, 15 per cent get less than seven and none of the 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, hours. Other factors contributing to poor sleep were poor but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible parental sleep patterns and lack of routine. More information for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. on the study can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk Register for Wear A Hat Day And Start Planning Your Event Wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event. It takes place on Thursday 29 March. UK Brain Tumour Awareness Month is also in March. Schools and families across the country get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumors.

Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Families are being left devastated by this dreadful disease.

Taking part can be as simple as putting on a hat and donating on the day, but most families like to create entertaining fundraising events. Many schools for example have inventive hat competitions, parades and fashion shows and raise hundreds if not thousands of pounds. Register now on www.wearahatday.org and start planning your hattastic fundraising event.

2 Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine To advertise call: 01684 770566 familiesonline.co.uk News & Views Don’t Forget Applications for local authority Primary Schools must be submitted by 15 January if your child is due to start school in September 2018. Fun and interactive educational classes for www..gov.uk/schooladmissions babies, toddlers and preschools in Bromsgrove, Redditch and beyond. www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200144/schools_and_education New! SEN - Adults & Children! Music & Sensory Classes 58 Willow Close | Bromsgrove | B61 8RF More Flexible Working Opportunities 07518 287 598 [email protected] According to a survey by workingmums. additional costs or challenges this might co.uk, almost three quarters of working involve and discuss them honestly. mums identify flexible work as being crucial to getting more women into Give examples of the ways in which your senior roles. work can be successfully carried out under any new proposed working The survey shows that mums feel flexible pattern, and show that it will not harm working is vital for them to manage work the business. Point out any business and family life and that 60% of those who advantages. work flexibly would like even more flexibility. So what can individuals do to Research some case studies, ideally in help persuade their employers to agree your sector that shows how the to them working flexibly? suggested work pattern can be mutually beneficial. Here are some tips: Think through what the job requires and If managers are dubious, suggest a trial whether the tasks you have to perform period. And have a compromise solution Call 01684 770566 can be done at a different location ie as a back-up. to put your business in from home, or at times outside of the front of 44,000 parents standard working day. Take account of any For more info www.workingmums.co.uk Maths Tops Popularity Poll for Children New research has shown that when it comes to children’s favourite subject it’s a numbers game as maths comes out on top. A survey carried by the extra tuition provider, Explore Learning has found that maths was the most enjoyed subject of four to 14 year olds (26%) followed by PE (20%) and art (16%). This was despite the fact that maths is also the subject that children admit to finding the most challenging, followed by English and geography.

More highlights of the survey include: • The next generation may signal the end of the gender divide as seven in ten (69%) of children think boys and girls are equally good at maths

• Nearly two thirds (61%) think a job in maths would be exciting!

• 90% think being good at maths will help you get a better paid job in the future Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee 08570737. To inspire your aspiring mathematician there are great on how to make maths fun and engage young maths mind ideas at www.murderousmaths.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 3 Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my New Year book selection. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website. Download the specially written reading activities for these books and buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com. Have fun reading!

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS Safari Pug: The Dog Who Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape by Dermot O’Leary Walked on the Wild Side by (Hodder £6.99) (Bloomsbury £5.99) Laura James ED SAYS: “Toto the ninja cat and her ED SAYS: “Pug is rather frightened when brother Silver live in a town house in Lady Miranda wakes him with a very loud London but they were born in an olive scream and tells him there is a lion in the grove in southern Italy where Toto learned bedroom. Lady Miranda’s housekeeper to rely on her senses from a ninja cat hurries into the room and searches master. During the day they appear to be everywhere. She assures them there is no ordinary cats but at night they love having adventures, lion – just a lot of crumbs under the bed! starting with a tour of London by animal Tube. However things The next day the friends set off for the safari park in order to become more serious when a king cobra escapes from London meet a real lion and overcome their fears. But what if lions, or Zoo. Toto has to draw on all of her skills to investigate and find any other wild animals for that matter, liked pugs for lunch?” the deadly snake before it’s too late.” Marge and the Great Train Rescue The Hippo at the End of the Hall by Isla Fisher (Piccadilly Press £5.99) by Helen Cooper ED SAYS: “Have you met Marge who is arguably the best babysitter in the whole (David Fickling Books £10.99) universe? Jemima’s little brother Jakey has ED SAYS: “Come now or come never! a wobbly tooth that won’t quite come These are the words on the invitation out but the children, with Marge’s help, delivered by bee-mail to Ben’s home. find a rather unusual way of dealing There was no name on the envelope but with it. When the threesome set off on Ben knew it was for him. It was strangely a journey by train, they are hopeful enticing to be invited to the Gee Museum that Jakey will be able to drive the but his Mum seemed very wary about it. It train but, when this looks doubtful, can leads Ben into a curious world of unusual characters – some Marge make his wish come true? And when they villainous and scary but some warm-hearted and lovable. Ben finally make it to the zoo, Marge entertains not only Jemima often wonders if he will ever find out the truth about his and Jakey but also crowds of other children.” father’s mysterious disappearance.”

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at [email protected]. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk.

Flyford’s Winter Wonderland ! Children of Flyford Flavell First School adults alike enjoyed an outdoor serving and Flyford Pippins Pre-School truly of hot chocolate or mulled wine and a celebrated the end of last term with their barbecue with mince pies or cookies, all Christmas Fayre, centring upon their accompanied by the delicate tunes of the Winter Wonderland. Only in its second deservedly well-reputed school choir. year of existence, the Winter Wonderland has already become a firm favourite, and Mrs Bortherton, Headteacher of Flyford also of the wider community, to whom an Flavell First School, said of the occasion, “I open invitation to join in was issued. am truly proud of our PTA and everyone else who had a hand in all of the planning, The Winter Wonderland saw a complete preparation and running of the fayre. Its transformation of part of the school’s success is a testament to their efforts massive, natural forest school area. Trees and to the feeling of “family” that we’re were festooned with fairy lights, so lucky to enjoy here. The Winter illuminating the freshly-made pathways Wonderland is no small undertaking. It which were lined with presents. Elves transformed the event into an incredibly galloped about the trees, shepherding extravagant and special occasion which excited children in to see Santa in his we hope the children will remember grotto. Wish lists delivered, children and forever.” www.flyfordflavellfirstschool.com

4 Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine To advertise call: 01684 770566 familiesonline.co.uk Education

RGS Worcester

The RGS Journey offers an outstanding education for boys and girls aged from 2-18 years. Whether a child begins their journey at RGS The Grange, RGS Springfield or RGS Worcester they will receive the very best preparation for life.

RGS The Grange is a Prep School full of opportunities. Set in 50 acres with its own Astroturf and forest school, the School combines superb facilities with a caring and supportive education designed to build confidence for each child.

RGS Springfield is the small school with a big heart. Tucked away in beautiful Britannia Square, the School provides a city centre campus with a country school feel and a nurturing, supportive environment.

RGS Worcester Senior School begins in Year Seven and pupils join from the Prep Schools and over 40 primary schools, taking advantage of excellent transport links. With extremely strong GCSE and A Level results, the School provides academic stretch and support so that each pupil achieves their potential. The Award-winning Careers provision ensures they are well prepared for the world beyond school.

With a strong reputation for pastoral care, the Schools support pupils throughout all stages of their personal development, making sure that they settle in quickly and enjoy the exceptional opportunities available, both in and outside the classroom.

Co-curricular provision at all three schools is breath taking with over 20 different sports and 80 different clubs and activities. The Performing Arts are strong and work recently commenced on a £2.8 million building project to create a new Performing Arts Centre. Scholarships and Bursaries are available.

As one of the six oldest schools in the world, RGS Worcester combines the very best of independent school tradition with a forward-thinking modern education, designed to equip pupils for their future. An education at RGS Worcester is inspiring, unique and exceptional.

Please do come and see us at our Open Mornings or at a time convenient to you. We guarantee you a warm welcome and our pupils would be delighted to show you their School.

“RGS Worcester does what it does with a vision and panache that not many can match.” The Good Schools Guide

familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 5 Education Ensuring Your Child Is Happy At Nursery The process of introducing a child to a new caring environment can throw up a number of challenges. However, some can be prevented if your child’s nursery gets to know upfront what both you and your child need and want from childcare.

By Kristen Harding

Before a child arrives at a new nursery, staff should take time to fully understand your child’s home routine. In this way, potential issues can also be nipped in the bud early.

Settling In This is a key part of the adjustment process. A change in environment can upset a child and parents are generally stressed and worried when their child is unsettled. For this reason, it’s vital that your chosen nursery takes time to help your child gently settle in. Communication is very important at this stage. You need to develop a trusting relationship with the staff and settle into the new arrangement just as much as your child does. In fact, it’s often parents that have most difficulty leaving a child behind in a new setting! However, communicating Potty Training regularly can help ease your nervousness and worry. In turn, any This is another key milestone in your child’s development and insecurity your child is feeling will also lessen. reaching it may throw up stumbling blocks! Again, it is important to remember that each child is different and so will begin to Separation Anxiety learn at a different point and progress at a different speed to Regardless of the time taken beforehand, separation anxiety is a other children. A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of natural and sometimes unavoidable part of leaving a child at a peer pressure between parents or children! nursery. Generally, separation anxiety lessens over time but you can help by ensuring that nursery staff understand as much as Don’t start potty training as your child is starting nursery. When possible about your child’s individual needs, how they behave you do decide to begin, ensure it’s not at a time of change or a when they are sad, anxious or upset and what helps calm them. stressful period at home. Share training methods with your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of approach. Often the anxiety of a child lessens when his nursery assigns a key worker to him. By identifying one particular carer who is Sleep going to form a strong bond and connection with your child, he It is important that home and nursery work together over nap will have the stability of knowing there is an individual there times, as the needs of individual children differ. When a child that he can rely on. starts at a nursery, the nursery should follow the child’s home routine before adapting it slowly to suit the nursery pattern. It’s Eating then helpful if you try to prevent your child taking extra naps, Meal times at nursery are important and can have a real impact as his routine is likely to be disrupted. If your child struggles to on the confidence and comfort of a young child. What your sleep at the nursery, a toy or blanket from home can provide child is used to at home may differ greatly from what occurs in comfort and help them drift off. the nursery setting. Whilst challenges are bound to arise during your child’s time at When you visit your child’s nursery, try to do so at meal time nursery, most particularly at the beginning, these can generally occasionally. In a good setting, you will see nursery staff leading be dealt with as long as there is good communication between by example, engaging children with different food choices, you and your child’s setting. helping them to learn about what they are eating and introducing new foods gradually. Meal times at nursery, as at Kristen Harding is a childcare expert at Tinies Childcare UK. For home, should be unpressurised and enjoyable. more information, visit www.tinies.com

6 Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine To advertise call: 01684 770566 familiesonline.co.uk Education Two Junior Schools In King’s Worcester Foundation The Kindergarten at King’s Hawford (Independent At King’s St Alban’s (Independent co-education for ages co-education for ages 2-11) is located in its own 4-11’s we embrace each child’s individuality through creative building in the heart of the school. It provides a rural, home- and stimulating lessons and varied extra-curricular activities. from-home environment in the Worcestershire countryside We pride ourselves on ensuring that every child develops a for children to begin their early years education. joy of learning which allows them to approach their education with enthusiasm and their futures with confidence. Award-winning outdoor learning is at the heart of everything we do; our nursery environment brings elements of the Headteacher, Richard Chapman, believes that the early school outdoors inside. The homely theme continues throughout years are so important. “At King’s St Alban’s we believe the nursery with a large-scale playhouse where children can passionately in offering an outstanding, all-round education to learn transferable skills, allowing them to discover for all of our children in small classes. Our enthusiastic and themselves the different ways tasks can be completed. dedicated team of staff recognise that learning happens most easily when children are enjoying themselves. We work hard Forest School at King’s Hawford is a specialised and to ensure that the foundations laid in the Pre-Preparatory inspirational child-centred learning approach that sits within, Department and developed in the Junior School are based and complements, the wider context of outdoor education on happiness and an eagerness to learn, inspiring pupils on on offer. King’s Hawford has shown itself to have a strong their first steps towards leading confident, fulfilled and commitment to its pupils’ all-round education by achieving a unselfish lives as adults”. prestigious, national Learning Outside the Classroom Gold Mark. Awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the The school is set in an idyllic location on the banks of the Classroom, it indicates that the school is a leader in ensuring River Severn, adjacent to the King's Senior School and that all pupils have access to frequent, continuous and Worcester Cathedral. Bright, welcoming Pre-Preparatory progressive learning outside the classroom. classrooms complement the Junior School campus which, though steeped in history, combines up-to-date facilities with Come and experience our Forest School for yourself by visiting teachers who know and understand their pupils. King’s Hawford on a normal working day. To register your interest, please call 01905 451292 or email [email protected] For more information call 01905 363592

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A junior school of The King’s School, Worcester For children considering a move to Years 3-6 at King’s St Alban’s

Come to our LEGO Workshop! on S aturday 20th January 2018 from 10am – 2pm L ing Ou unch will be pr rn ts ovided a id e e L MARK (GOLD) th e m Classroo

See our Kindergarten in action!

Please call to arrange a time that suits you For more information please call Louise Robins on 01905 363592 01905 451292 or to book a place visit www.ksw.org.uk/booking Other opportunities to visit: www.ksw.org.uk/nursery Open Week – Monday 22nd to Friday 27th January 2018

familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 7 Education Teach Your Child To Love Reading Alone We all have that exquisite oft-repeated childhood siblings around, especially newborns, have a box of books the memory, don't we? Nose in a book, legs dangling, first child can escape to. Tell them it is theirs and nobody else's. miles from those meddling adults - metaphorically They can choose to share or enjoy by themselves. at any rate. So why is it so impossible for our own children to achieve literary independence; that 4.When they are tiddlers, keep tablets and phones solely for feeling of wanting neither the chapter nor the games - preferably educational ones. Small children need the afternoon to end? magic of a physical book to encourage their love of reading. As they grow older, e-readers have their place, such as on long By Justine Crow journeys but don't forget, not only do children spend a lot of leisure time online, their schools increasingly use technology. For them, screens are the norm, not a refuge.

5.The switch from picture books to chapters is an exciting rite of passage. Now that they can actually read words, celebrate by going to the library or bookshop and allowing them to choose stories to try. It's okay for them to discover they don't like something they've picked out - they will find their preference in time. Don't put them off 'big' books - most modern kids manage to get through the Harry Potters without a problem. The arcane language of many children's classics is tough to make sense of, even for a seasoned adult reader, but let them have a go.

6.Get them to make a bookmark and feel proud of how many pages they clock up without interruption.

Instead, when your child proclaims that they 7. Tintin is the perfect type of leave-alone-reading. Just because are bored and you suggest they read a book, graphic novels are illustrated doesn't mean they lack in quality; their sceptical facial expression says it all. But it just listen to the giggles when they get an Asterix book to is hardly surprising that there's a difference in themselves. Many favourite authors are available in accessible our experience - we grew up without mobile comic book form, especially the classics. Short story anthologies phones, tablets, Xboxes, YouTube, or the lure of are less daunting and juicy fact books can be hard to put down. Minecraft. It was even customary then to have the telly rationed. 8. Lead by example - if your child sees you gaining pleasure from the simple act of finding a corner and a book to retreat Now, it would be a miracle if they could with, even for a mere five minutes, they will follow. Inevitably concentrate long enough to watch a whole CBBC into the same corner as you! programme undisturbed. Here are my top ten tips for ensuring the book is as much of a 9. Don't push them to read at bedtime when eyes and minds may distraction as its digital competition. be tired. Offer to finish a chapter aloud for them instead. It will keep them wanting more. And if they turn the light back on after you've closed the door to continue, is it really such a crime? 1. Start them young. Board books, cloth books, lift the tab. Show them how it works and then let them do it themselves. Don't 10. Don't use force. Reverse psychology is a wonderful device. be precious. Let them bite and chew and tear. As an adult, there is nothing quite like the sheer heavenliness of 2. Encourage growing babes to turn the pages themselves. Not being left in private with something thrilling and absorbing. Get only will they get an idea of how a book functions, it will also it right and your child will long for that sensation all their lives. help develop the essential fine motor skills for learning. Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by 3. When choosing books for toddlers, consider their complexity. Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she owns her very own bookshop with Hardbacks are desirable but they are heavy for little hands. With her partner, The Bookseller Crow on Hill. www.booksellercrow.co.uk

8 Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine To advertise call: 01684 770566 familiesonline.co.uk Education MSJ Is A Special Place. Here’s Why … “At we do things differently, and our starting point is creating a bespoke educational experience for all of our girls, from the youngest to the oldest. The Good Schools Guide says that MSJ is “full of girls who are going to change the world”, and it couldn’t be more right.

Enrichment opportunities abound, as diverse as Football Club, STEM Club, Young Enterprise, Art Club, Model United Nations, Drama, Swimming and Riding. Powerful role models are provided by older girls and alumnae: they create an environment of female leadership, aspiration and achievement. Our Prep Department and Seniors sit together on the same site, so all girls have access to the very best facilities: science labs, language labs, drama centre, swimming pool and a purpose-built Sports Centre.

The school is big enough to provide every opportunity, yet small enough that every girl is known. It is caring, friendly and inclusive. It is roughly 50/50 day girl to boarding, with full, weekly or flexi boarding options. For Day Girls, MSJ buses serve five counties; there is free after school care in Prep until 6pm, and senior school activities run until the same time. Our girls love it here. Why don’t you come and see us and find out why?” Says Mrs Olivera Raraty, Headmistress.

A Sense Of Freedom Flows From Hall is a happy and vibrant co-educational boarding and day school for children aged 2-13 years. We prepare pupils for all major public schools, providing the academic, sporting and social grounding which is the foundation for sustained success. There is a 100% success rate at Common Entrance, and the pupils have an excellent scholarship record.

High-class academic education is delivered by dedicated, Where learning supportive staff. A wealth of opportunities allows pupils to goes hand in hand explore the full range of their talents, however, the most important thing that we give the children at Abberley is their with discovery

childhood. Co-education Boarding & Day Prep School for Worcester, WR6 6DD 2-13 year olds, based in 90 acres of Worcestershire T: 01299 896275 countryside. Two hours from London, Admission can take place at any point in the term. We do abberleyhall.co.uk an hour from the Cotswolds and Birmingham Airport. not have an entrance examination. Prospective pupils are invited to spend a ‘Taster Day’ with us to experience life at Abberley Hall.

We warmly invite you to visit us to get a feel for life at Abberley Hall. We hold three Open Mornings a year, our next Open Morning Saturday 24 February.

To book your place at the open day please email [email protected] or visit www.abberleyhall.co.uk for more information. Open Morning Saturday 24 February familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 9 Health Photo credit: micro-scooters.co.uk Photo credit: New Year, New You: Fitness Ideas to Inspire Busy Parents

If you are sitting around in an adult unicorn onesie, swapping high intensity workouts and cardio for weightlifting eating crumpets, and musing about the extra and are enjoying the benefits of strong, lean muscles. Your local pounds you can’t seem to shed, now is the time to gym or a personal trainer should be able to give you a routine, take some action. The New Year is a good time to or you could check our your local CrossFit class. start a health regime or exercise routine. If you have 60 Minutes If you have a Spare Ten Minutes If you love to dance but your clubbing days are well and truly Why not scoot to school with the kids? Having an adult scooter over, why not give Clubbercise a go? You can work out in the is a great way of keeping up with the kids, plus you’ll get home dark with disco lights, glowsticks and your favourite club quicker. Jumping on your scooter not only saves time, scooting classics. To find your nearest teacher go to www.clubbercise.com. can also increase feelings of mental alertness and create better You could also try a swimming HIIT workout. Swimming is a reaction times. Adult scooting is also a great way to build up great full body workout and leisure centres are offering low- fitness; it’s low impact and works major muscle groups. Further impact, high-intensity water-based classes, a great change from info at www.micro-scooters.co.uk just swimming lengths.

If you have 20 Minutes Last but not Least Try a HIIT workout. The bestselling Body Coach Joe Wicks If traditional classes and workouts leave you cold, you could try espouses the benefits of short 15 to 20-minute high intensity something simple or fun instead. Go walking. It’s good for the workouts and low carb eating. High Intensity Interval Training soul and so is being in nature. If you want to switch it up, try for the uninitiated is a timed set of exercises, which work the Nordic walking with poles; you burn more calories, and it is whole body. The idea is that you push the body hard doing the very sociable. Go to www.nordicwalking.co.uk. You could also look exercise for a short amount of time, followed by a short period on www.meetup.com for local groups that meet for walks. of rest or transition. There are plenty of free apps and online tutorials available. Go to www.bodycoach.com Relive your childhood and give hula-hooping a go, it’s great for thinning your waist and can be done in the comfort of your If you have 30 Minutes own home. You could get the whole familiy involved, Channel your inner Rocky and try a high energy boxing routine, the Boxx Method, in the comfort of your home. It’s an online Do a trampolining class. When you book the kids a session, platform, so you can do a workout that fits in with family life. don’t sit on the sidelines watching, make sure you join in too. The signature workout is BoxxHIIT, which is a full body fat Many trampoline parks also offer adult exercise classes. Jumping burning, muscle toning workout which combines intense is fun, good for your circulation and burns more calories than shadow boxing with high intensity interval training. All you need most standard fitness classes. is a 1kg pair of dumbbells. www.theboxxmethod.com Get skipping! It’s a great full body workout and a great form of If you have 40 Minutes exercise for endurance training and conditioning. It’s low impact, Try strength training. Hashtags like #fitisthenewthin are flooding and you burn more calories than running. It’s also a budget social media platforms like Instagram. Many fitness fans are option; you can pick up a decent rope for less than £20!

10 Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine To advertise call: 01684 770566 familiesonline.co.uk Health Your Five A Day For “I Don’t Know How To Good Mental Health Deal With Mental Health” – Think of three Hands up who feels like this? We are all at different places with our Gratitude Mental health is scary, right? We mental health; some of us can bounce things each day that you are hear stories of someone with back from a crisis, some cope under grateful for. A good gratitude mental health issues shooting pressure, some take changes in their practice helps balance the people, maybe stabbing their stride, some are very positive. The mind as often we hold on to partners, or harming their babies. majority of us though, I suspect, struggle the negatives. a little every day but do not feel the need By Jessy Paston for support because this is how it’s always been. – What was the best These are extremes but these are also Highs the examples we are given of what For healthier mental health, let’s start thing that happened to you mental health is. So when we are faced doing a little bit every day; just like we do each day? This is good to do at with anything concerning mental health, with our physical health (brushing our the end of the day so you for many of us, there is a stigma attached, teeth, combing our hair, showering etc). I finish remembering what was from society and from ourselves. want us to start looking after our mental good. health. We’re not as bad as the stories we hear, so we don’t seek support or help. I have The way I see it, if we found a lump; we’d Connections – Who did to say, awareness is growing and part of be straight at the doctors. We wouldn’t you connect with each day? my work is to raise this awareness. First wait until it was stage 4 cancer, would step is to be aware that we ALL have we? So why do we do this with our How did they make you feel? mental health, just as we have physical mental health? We wait until we are at This helps to realise who gives health. And just like physical health, we crisis point before we seek help. This you energy and who you need can have good and bad mental health. does not have to happen and we can to set stronger boundaries with start by simply getting into good daily to feel safe and happier. We know a lot about physical health; practices. what to eat, how to look after ourselves and we do things every day to keep our As part of raising awareness and – Instead physical health good. Look around you improving your mental health, I have put Achievements though, not everyone is at their peak together Five A Day goals (see coloumn), of a ‘to do’ list, think of this as physical health are they? There are just for mental health: All these things a ‘ta da!’ list. All too often we differences, because we are all different. can be done on your own or as a family beat ourselves up about what There are different levels because we all and would it be great to be able to teach we haven’t done, so instead, have different abilities. The same can be your kids about good mental health from think of all the things you have said for mental health. a young age. done and feel a sense of satisfied achievement (and amazement!) at how much you can manage in a day.

Play – Life as a grownup can be far too serious so make sure you try and do something fun and relaxing to recharge each day either by yourself or with your family.

Jessy Paston is a Qualified new parent counsellor, BACP member and mental health support worker.

familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 11 Clubs and Classes Keep Your Little Ones Active During The Winter With the short days and low temperatures dropping, the idea of sending your child out on to the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track is not an attractive one.

But active after school activities offer children great developmental benefits including:

Improved Academic Performance Research has found that children from disadvantaged background who participate in after-school clubs get better results at age 11 than their peers.

Enhanced Socialisation Skills Making friends with children from outside their school allows children to broaden their social experience, whilst extra- curricular activities at school give children the chance to enjoy a different type of social experience with their school friends and As parents, we are responsible for setting up other children in their class. opportunities for our children to keep active during winter months. So here are our ideas for Better Health and Fitness keeping your restless young one on the go – and According to the National Association of Sport and Physical the good news is you don’t have to force them (or Education, kids aged 5-12 should exercise for at least 60 you!) outside: minutes of each day, and this figure shouldn’t be ignored just because it’s cold outside. Trampoline Clubs and Parks These are popping up all over the country and classes are fun Stress Relief and social. The UK now has over 190 trampoline parks and Exercise helps to relieve stress built up by homework, exams most offer kids a safe environment to cut loose as well lessons and peer pressures. and classes for children from as young as toddlers upwards.

February Half Term Workshops 2 Day Fun Musical Theatre & Craft Workshops Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February Open Day Sunday 21 January 1.00-5.00pm. @The All Sorts Studio Medway Youth and Community Centre, Worcester. Opening by Warren Bullock, star of Channel 5's Baby Ballroom Workshops will include Musical Theatre, Street, Cheerleading, and lots more. Open to all from 3 Yrs

www.allsortsofpa.co.uk email: [email protected]

12 Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine To advertise call: 01684 770566 familiesonline.co.uk Clubs and Classes Indoor Rock Climbing This activity is also growing in popularity across the country with a centre likely to be very close to you. Even the NHS Get Some Fresh Air recommends it as an activity that provides unique physical and mental benefits whilst at the same time catering for all ages, fitness levels and abilities.

Girl Guides and Scouting Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. Why? Because they offer an antidote to the modern world with adventure being at the heart of everything they do. From as young as 6, children can get involved in learning outdoor skills and undertaking leadership qualifications, as well as enjoying camps and residential experiences. However, waiting lists can be long so act quickly! To register interest visit www.girlguiding.org.uk or www.scouts.org.uk

Ice Rinks/Snow Slopes If you do opt for indoor class and club options for your child Snow slopes and ice rinks are great places to get kids active during winter, try to get them some regular fresh air at during the winter and offer kids the opportunity to try weekends whatever the weather. tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding, or get a pair of skates on. There are indoor and outdoor rinks and centres, depending on Consider heading to the countryside or a beach (even at the how you feel about braving the cold or damp weather. darkest time of year), where you can breathe different air and be closer to nature. You don’t have to organise a full Indoor Sports itinerary and it doesn’t have to cost much either. Simple You can access indoor classes for most outdoors sports such as games like running races on a beach or climbing a tree can football, cricket and tennis at leisure centres or school be exhilarating for children after a week cooped up at recreation halls. Likewise for toddlers and pre-schoolers, multi- school, and being outside is both refreshing and invigorating sport and ball skills classes are often run inside during winter. for everyone and will improve everyone’s mood!

How Many is Too Much? The National Trust offers loads of activities at their sites Whilst clubs and classes are important for children, be careful across the UK including treasure hunts, nature trails, and how many activities you sign your child up for. Some require even horse rides. The Woodland Trust has great expanses of significant time commitment. For example, joining a swimming woodland which are ripe for families to explore and provide club can involve two or more weekly training sessions, as well a great natural habitat for nature walks. Some are very as competitions. Are you and your child up for that? What else ancient and provide a great historical backdrop of legend and will suffer or be sacrificed? If your child’s opportunity to have myth. It’s also worth checking out The Wild Network which unstructured time for play will go by the wayside, then this is brings groups across the UK to share the simple goal of probably not a good thing. Children these days have much more getting children back in touch with nature. structured lives than previous generations. Research indicates www.nationaltrust.org.uk that unstructured play with minimal adult supervision helps www.woodlandtrust.org.uk children to learn important social skills, use their imagination, www.thewildnetwork.com concentrate and be more self-directed.

Established 1992 Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Classes in the performing arts Primary School, Droitwich Spa Drama, Dance & Singing 5.00 – 6.00pm Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Saturdays, Droitwich Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30pm Term Time Friday: Parkside Middle School, For Children aged 4 to 18 Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40pm Saturday: St Peters RC First School, Bromsgrove Special offer 9.15–10.15 am Principal; Lizzie McCabe 5 FREE 07787 346633 lessons www.kombatkids.com 01543 473408 / 07730 899722 [email protected] [email protected] 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

Independent School If You Do One Thing This Half-Term... Open Days Book the kids in to Wild Explorers Holiday Club at All Things Wild Nature Centre, near Evesham from the 19 to 23 February 10am - 3.00pm. Allow the kids to let their Abberley Hall School, hair down and go wild in a fantastic environment. Board and day co-ed ages 2 – 13 years Saturday 24 February, 10.30am A fun, action packed holiday club includes lunch, drinks and snacks. There is lots to see Contact 01299 896275 and do, from animal and reptile encounters to messy play and nature walks. What www.abberleyhall.co.uk better way for your child to spend half term, than getting some fresh air and fun!

Bredon School, Tewkesbury Booking and pre-payment required. Book for any combination of days or all five, the Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years choice is yours! Call 01386 833083 to book. www.allthingswild.co.uk Tuesday 6 February,10am-12noon Contact 01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org Safe Hands Dodderhill, Droitwich Spa Action-packed, Ofsted registered Day all girls ages 4 - 16 years childcare throughout the school Thursday 11 January, 10am-3.00pm holidays for children aged 4-14. Aspire Contact 01905 778290 Active Camps provide sports and www.dodderhill.co.uk activity childcare during every school holiday throughout the year. Hereford Cathedral School, Day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years Our number one aim is to ensure your Tuesday 6 March, 8.35am-10.45am child has fun. However, safety is (Senior) Contact 01432 363511 paramount and as an Ofsted registered www.herefordcs.com provider, we go that extra mile giving you peace of mind. King’s St Albans, Worcester Day co-ed ages 4 – 11 years We provide early booking offers. We Saturday 20 January also offer discounts and a loyalty (Lego Worshop - lunch provided) scheme to our valued customers. You Contact 01905 354906 are also able to pay via childcare King’s Senior, Worcester vouchers. www.aspire-sports.co.uk Day co-ed ages 11 - 18 years Saturday 21 January 10am-12noon Contact 01905 721742 Spin A Tale During National Storytelling Week www.ksw.org.uk The first week of February marks National Malvern St James, Storytelling Week, a chance to reflect on Board and day all girls ages 4 - 18 years one of the oldest art forms in the world. Saturday 3 February We are all immersed in stories — from Contact 01684 892288 conversations retelling events in our lives, www.malvernstjames.co.uk to watching our favourite television shows.

RGS, Worcester Speech and language therapists believe that Day co-ed ages 2 – 18 years storytelling is vital for children’s academic Saturday 27 January (The Grange - success as it promotes narrative skills and ages 2-11) 9.30am-12.30pm strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader Saturday 3 February (Springfield - and writer a child needs to be a good speaker and listener first. But above all, ages 2-11) 9.00am-12.00pm storytelling is fun. Saturday 20 January (Senior) 9.00am-12.00pm Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and Contact 01905 613391 adapting narratives can open doors to exciting new worlds — both real and imaginary. www.rgsw.org.uk National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, The Downs, Malvern schools, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes. Board and day co-ed ages 2 – 13 years Monday 7 May, 9.30am-4.30pm The Society for Storytelling has lots of information as “the home of UK oral Contact 01684 544 100 storytelling” and offers free packs for schools to download. To find a local event or to www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk look through its extensive archive visit www.sfs.org.uk

14 Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine To advertise call: 01684 770566 familiesonline.co.uk Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine What’s On

Theatres The Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Museums... Redditch, B98 8AE 01527 65203, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1AX www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, 01527 577330 www.artrix.co.uk Welsh Wrestling The top rope flying, body Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR The Wizard of Oz The Oddsocks troupe slamming superstars of wrestling will dazzle you 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk invite you to meet Dorothy as you’ve never seen and amaze you in this one night wrestling Engineering Science! Book into one of the her before. 14 January 7pm. extravaganza! Some of the top wrestlers in the Engineering Science! Workshops. Unleash your country will be on hand. 19 January 6.30 pm. engineers and scientists, they can take part in the The Jungle Book Filled with catchy music, activities and invent, build and experiment with audience interaction, and the chance to meet the science and engineering activities. You can visit characters after the show, you are invited to join the historic houses and also take part in the free Mowgli and his friends Baloo the bear and children’s trail around the museum grounds. Pre- Bagheera the panther on a madcap adventure in booking is essential, the workshops will be timed the jungle. 21 February 1.30pm and 4.30pm.. sessions in the New Guesten Hall. Monstersaurus! Energetic show full of thrills, 20- 25 February Admission to the museum spills, magic and mayhem from the creators of The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, applies, Engineering Science! workshops are an Aliens Love Underpants. Plenty of audience WR1 3ED 01905 611427, additional charge of £3.50 per child. participation. 22 February 11am and 2pm www.worcesterlive.co.uk The Princess and the Dragon STAC National Trust 0844 800 1895 Evesham Arts Centre Victoria Avenue, presents children’s theatre. Will Princess Petunia www.nationaltrust.org.uk Evesham, Worcs, WR114QH 01386 48883 agree to marry the Black Knight and can a Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk dragon be made to find dancing preferable to 01905 371006 Aladdin Phoenix Theatre Group take you on a eating princesses? It’s cold outside - Winter Tree Trail On magical, mysterious journey in search of wealth 6 January 10-.30am and 11.45am. your travels around the parkland at Croome see and fortune 24-28 January 7.30pm (Also a Mrs Blossom’s Magic Cakes STAC presents how many trees you can identify from the 2.30pm matinee on Saturday and Sunday) children’s theatre. How do magic hoppity cakes pictures on the trail sheet 10 - 25 February get on to the menu at Mrs Blossom’s café, when 10.00am-3.00pm Event ticket £1.00 per trail Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, she herself doesn’t really want to make her Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, customers hop about like rabbits? 3 February Berrington Hall, near Leominster, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 10-30am and 11.45am. Herefordshire, HR6 0DW 01568 615721 Milkshake! Live ‘The Magic Story Book’ Falling in love with the Georgians trail This all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 Fall in love with the Georgians as we share will take audiences on a journey through the 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk stories and traditions of eighteenth century love world’s favourite fairy tales. A Real Alien Adventure Amelia Buttersnap, and romance. 17-25 February 10.00am-4.00pm. 25 February 12noon and 3.30pm. investigator of all things unseen and mysterious, inventor of gadgets marvellous and improbable, The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester WR1 The Monday Night Group The Civic wants to prove that aliens really do exist. 2HU 01905 361821 www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ Theatre Hall, Stourport-on-Severn 07593 175776 20 January. 11.00am (free pre-activity from museums/info/1/the_commandery www.mondaynightgroup.org 10.30am) Living History at The Commandery Aladdin Join in the fun filled family adventure The Snow Baby Inspired by the powerfully Experience 2000 years of history come to life and do your bit for charity at the same time. The evocative tale of The Pixies’ Scarf by Alison with a weekend of living history encampments, Monday Night Group is a registered charity and Uttely, Soap Soup Theatre present a brand new military displays, vintage vehicles and more. donates its profits to local community groups. theatrical treat for children and their families, set 17-18 February 10:00am - 5:00pm 26 January - 3 February in the wet, craggy lands of Dartmoor. 17 February 11.00am Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Nearly New Sales... Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, The Market Theatre, Market Street, www.norburytheatre.co.uk Ledbury, HR8 2AQ www.themarkettheatre.com Buy nearly new baby and children’s clothes, used Babes in the Wood The classic English Jack And The Beanstalk LADS’ traditional toys and baby equipment at bargain prices. Pantomime involving Robin Hood, Sheriff of family pantomime. Expect the usual corny jokes Nottingham, Maid Marion and the two young (Oh Yes They Are!), with great music and loads of Hereford Leisure Centre, Homer Road, babes... not forgetting the donkey! fun for all the family. 18 - 27 January Hereford HR4 9JD 12 - 27 January various times. [email protected] Mum2Mum Market Hereford Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 3 February 101.00am-12.00noon 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG MORE 01386 555488, www.number8.org RGS The Grange, Grange Lane, Claines, Nick Sharratt’s Big Draw Along Join this ONLINE Worcester WR3 7RR much-loved children’s writer and illustrator in a [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk family-friendly, fun filled draw-along for all ages. Mum2Mum Market Worcester 19 February 2.00 pm 21 January 11.00am - 1.00pm

familiesonline.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 15 Please mention you saw this event in Families Families Hereford & Worcester Hereford & Worcester magazine AWESOME LEGOLAND® WIN PRIZES! When you enrol or re-enrol on swimming lessons PLUS... KIDS GO FREE! For more details or to find your nearest leisure centre, visit: www.everyoneactive.com/LEGOLAND®

For prize breakdowns and full terms & conditions, visit: www.everyoneactive.com/LEGOLAND® or visit your nearest Everyone Active centre. Kids Go Free offer entitles one child (aged 3 – 15 years at The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and 3 – 17 years at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester) to free entry when accompanied by a full paying adult.

10265_Bromsgrove Families Hereford HP Legoland.indd 1 06/12/2017Ofsted 10:48 Action-packed registered childcare this February Half Term 19th - 23rd February Open from 8am - 6pm Hagley Hagley High School

Bromsgrove (19th - 21st Feb) South Bromsgrove High School Worcester Alvechurch Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School

Fantastic early bird offer

All Things Wild Nature Centre £15 per day We accept Lots of activities Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, childcare and sports to Offer ends 5pm Friday 2nd February 2018 vouchers choose from Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ 8am-4pm. Xtra time available if required. Terms and conditions apply

Open daily from 10am. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day! For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979

16 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 familiesonline.co.uk