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Who really educates my child

GCSE League Table

Issuefamiliesonline.co.uk 44 September/October 2017 familiesonline.co.ukFamilies Cambridgeshire 1 Race Ahead with reading!

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2 Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk Contents & Competitions Dear Reader,

FREEHeader As we make that familiar first walk back to TAKE ME HOME school, the conkers ripen on the trees (one of the What’s first hints of autumn) and thoughts of long summer in this days turn to cosy nights in and comforting food IN THIS ISSUE Who really educates and I am ready for that familiar daily routine of my child issue? GCSE League Table school runs, homework and clubs. Make the most of those end-of-summer days with our selection of

Issuefamilieson 44l inSeptember/Octobere.co.uk 2017

familiesonline.co.ukFamilies Cambr things to do in the regular ‘What’s On’ pages 8 & idgeshire 1 9. If you are choosing a secondary school for your 4 News and Views ‘not so little one’ then we have league tables and open day dates to help you on pages 13 & 14. 7 Pregnancy & Baby News

My quote of the day: ‘An investment in 8 What’s On this Autumn knowledge pays the best interest’ and Halloween Benjamin Franklin @familiesCambMag facebook.com/FamiliesUKCambridgeshire 11 Great Minds and DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or How to Grow Them £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email [email protected] for a subscription form. 12 Good School Guide top ten state schools

A FAMILY TICKET TO 13 Secondary school WIN JACK AND THE BEANSTALK ! spotlight Kings Lynn Corn Exchange is offering readers of 14 School open day listings Families the chance to win a family ticket to see Jack and the Beanstalk this December. 15 Times tables made easy Join intrepid Jack on the adventure of 17 Who really educates my a lifetime as he scampers boldly up child the beanstalk to do battle with Giant Blunderbore. Can Simple Simon work out 18 Explore Learning parent which end of the cow needs milking? Interviews Will Clarabelle remember her dance mooo-ves!?! 19 The Family Approach to To enter, simply like us on our updated Moving Home? Facebook page @FamsCamMag between 14 September and 14 November. 22 Extra Curricular Clubs and Classes

is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned Families Cambridgeshire EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, [email protected] Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’ [email protected] of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, available through 17,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know. selected shops and restaurants.

familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 3 News & views THE GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY KEEPING FAMILIES CONNECTED

The Gator Watch from Techsixtyfour, an by a mum, can make and receive calls to Gator Review innovative, wearable mobile for children and from “safe” numbers chosen by parents The youngest, age With children as young as seven using using the partner app, which runs on iOS and 9, is too young for a smartphones, managing screen time and Android. In addition, all tracking information phone but old enough controlling what children are seeing online is streamed directly to the parent’s phone, to play on his own in is surely one of the biggest challenges for and can be made available on more than one the village. We want parents today. Thanks to the launch of a handset. him to have the freedom brand new smart watch for children, with This innovation allows children 5 – 10+ to venture out with his friends but want the innovative safeguarding capabilities, parents years to stay connected with their parents, security of knowing where he is and for him can remain in control, ensuring peace of mind. and has a Safezone alarm and an SOS button, to be able to contact us in an emergency. The Gator watch is a wearable mobile which can instantly connect the wearer to the The Gator watch bridges the ‘device’ gap phone and tracker for children who are too people most important to them. between his age group and teenage years, young for a smartphone but old enough to Best of all this nifty bit of kit, available when we feel ready for him to have a phone. want their independence. in blue, pink and black, looks great, has a The Gator watch is excellent quality and For a generation of parents accustomed battery life of 4 days on standby, is super easy to set up. When our son was out, we to technology and mobiles that allow lightweight and is robust and splash proof. could clearly see where he was playing connections to live world events and The Gator watch has been developed to using the Gator app on my phone, handy if thermostats within their homes, it is only allow connection to the strongest of three I needed to find him quickly or if he ran into natural to want to harness this power to keep mobile networks, minimising the chances of trouble. Better still, he loves the watch! connected to their children. Smartphones, coverage drop and is suitable for worldwide I love that we can let our son have the the traditional tool for this purpose, even with use. freedom to venture out and feel safe in the parental controls activated, come with their Stockists: John Lewis, Bentalls Kingston, knowledge that we know where he is. own risks. www.techsixtyfour.com Families rates the Gator Watch ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The Gator watch, thoughtfully developed RRP: £99 (monthly from £9) Summer in the Alps Stop your Child from being radicalized online If you are thinking about booking next year’s Protecting kids from radicalization is increasingly significant to parents. summer holiday, don’t rule out summer in With a rise in media showing detail about terrorism and violence, parents Alps. The Alps may be an obvious destination need to be aware of what their kids are doing or viewing online. for the ski season, but how about a summer The parental control app ProtectYourKid, created by Netcos GmbH visit? Summer offers enough green (mountains) & Bulbera, can give parents piece of mind that their children are and blue (sky) to set you up for the whole experiencing safe internet browsing. The app also has GPS so that year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your family’s parents can track their child’s location. lungs. Key features include protection against inappropriate content, managing mobile applications, creating time rules, limiting calls and applications during the night, providing With reasonably priced flights from London information about a child’s location. The parental control panel side of the app provides airports to Geneva then a short drive to a complete overview of a child’s device usage through the parent’s smartphone, tablet or Morzine, a warm welcome awaits with Paul computer. £9.99 for lifetime usage available on GooglePlay. and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two Register for Wear A Hat Day 2018 and start planning your event! chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for Wear A Hat Day is the Taking part can be as simple dinners that you usually only dream of. Family UK’s premier brain tumour as putting on a hat and donating friendly early evening meals for the children research fundraising event on the day, but most families like and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite which takes place on to create entertaining fundraising as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the Thursday 29 March 2018. events. Many schools for example grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – March is also UK Brain Tumour have inventive hat competitions, Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this Awareness Month. Schools parades and fashion shows and raise was home! and families across the hundreds if not thousands of pounds. country get involved to help On average, organisations raise raise funds for research into £250, with small ones £50 and some brain tumours. raising more than £2,000! Whatever Brain tumours kill more children and adults target you set yourselves aim to smash it!! under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet More information, event ideas and fundraising just 1% of the national spend on cancer research tips can be found online:www.wearahatday.org. has been allocated to this devastating disease. Register now on www.wearahatday.org Families are being left devastated by this and start planning your hattastic fundraising dreadful disease. This is unacceptable! event. Brain Tumour Research is the only national Your fundraising pack will be sent out in early More about Chilly Powder chalets at www. charity in the UK that is purely dedicated to 2018 and will include leaflets, posters, balloons, chillypowder.com and for summer in Morzine raising funds for continuous and sustainable wristbands and badges to help promote your visit http://summer.morzine-avoriaz.com scientific research into brain tumours. event and smash your fundraising target!

4 Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk News & views 5 brain boosting back to school lunchbox essentials for your child

A recent study has found that high levels of lutein (a carotenoid and antioxidant found in leafy vegetables and egg yolks) helped children in school perform tasks better, according to Naiman Khan at The University of Illinois. We’ve asked Cassandra Barns, Nutritionist, for the top 5 brain boosting foods your child should be eating. Leafy Greens Cassandra explains, “Leafy greens are known as a source of lutein, and spinach stands out as one of the best. It's also SUPERDRUG IS FIRST HIGH STREET rich in iron to support cognitive function and magnesium to support energy and strong RETAILER TO OFFER A CHICKENPOX bones”. If your little ones are fussy eaters, try Nature’s Plus Kid Greenz chewable tablets VACCINATION SERVICE (£10.12) a dose of green goodness with a Chickenpox is a common illness among children caused by a highly contagious virus (Varicella tropical flavour. Zoster). The chickenpox vaccination is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in Egg-cellent eggs “Eggs - especially the the UK, and is currently only available on the NHS for those who are at high risk of spreading yolks - are a fantastic food for kids' brains. the virus to particularly vulnerable people. Egg yolks are a source of lutein, as well as B Although not harmful to most who catch it, chickenpox can be unpleasant as it also carries vitamins and choline, vital for brain health”, symptoms such as an itchy red rash of spots and blisters and a fever. Chickenpox can become explains Cassandra. Think omelettes, French dangerous if caught by patients with an impaired immune system, newborn babies and toast as well as boiled eggs with soldiers! pregnant women. Once an individual has had chickenpox, they should be immune to it for Sweetcorn Cassandra tells us, “Not only life, however some will go on to develop shingles later in life. If you haven’t suffered from is yellow sweetcorn high in lutein, it's also a chickenpox as a child, you can contract it as an adult when it is more severe with increased risk good source of vitamin B5, which is known of pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis. to be essential for mental performance. It's Superdrug is the first UK high street retailer to offer a chickenpox vaccination service in 58 also a good source of fibre for kids' digestive health.” Mixing in sweetcorn to your existing of its Health Clinic stores across the country. The vaccination is £65 per dose; two doses are recipes, like pasta, usually does the trick. recommended for heightened immune protection, though the NHS states that 9 out of 10 Yoghurt Healthy gut, healthy brain. children vaccinated with a single dose will develop immunity against chickenpox. Scientists call the gut the ‘second brain’ because it is filled with neurotransmitters we usually associate with being in the brain. To Let’s Hatch: Conference for Mums support your little one’s digestion, give them Are you a working mum on maternity yoghurt, a popular probiotic food. Steer clear of sugary, flavoured options and opt for a leave, coming to the end of an extended full fat yoghurt made from cows, goats or break from work to raise your family, or sheep milk. If your kids are picky, introduce unhappy in your job and feeling a bit a probiotic as a supplement such as Quest stuck? Vitamins’ KidzBiotix, (from £6.60). We all know that it takes a village to Blueberries “Blueberries may boost raise a family and find the right work/life learning and memory due to the high levels balance; Hatch is where you can meet of polyphenols, in particular anthyocyanins. your tribe and connect with other mums These powerful compounds are thought like you. Funded by the Big Lottery, they to protect against oxidative stress and announce their first conference for local inflammation in the brain”, explains mums in Cambridgeshire. Cassandra. Switch cake and other sweet Inspirational talks, skills treats for home-made blueberry ice lollies. workshops, training and Join and meet Sarah Copeland, Hatch aims to coaching from some of like-minded increase employment opportunities working mums, in a Families the UK’s most inspiring for mums; support women in confidence-boosting LOVES! working women is coming environment their personal and professional to St Neots! development; promote equality in Please join and meet employment; increase access to flexible like-minded working mums, in and family-friendly career opportunities, a confidence-boosting environment on and re-shape the concept of work/life Thursday 12th October at 11.45 (for 12.00) balance for women across the UK. to 16.00 at Love’s Farm House, 17 Kester Book your FREE place: www.eventbrite. Way, PE19 6SL. co.uk/e/lets-hatch-conference-for-mums- Launched in 2015 by St Neots’ mum, tickets-33488710635 familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 5 Cambridge Park & Ride – getting you right into the heart of Cambridge

Buses depart every 10 minutes Mon-Sat during the day and every 20 minutes after 6.30pm Every 15 minutes (9am - 6pm) Sundays and public holidays Open seven days a week Up to three children travel free with every fare paying passenger Concessionary pass holders travel for free with their passes after 9.30am Monday to Friday, and all day at the weekend and on bank holidays The bus fare is £3 return and parking cost £1 for up to 18 hours and can be paid in advance via VIVOPARK – visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/parkandride to find out more. The Park & Ride Group Ticket is £8.50 and can only be purchased from the driver – it allows a group of up to 5 people to travel together. Park & Ride Weekly tickets cost just £13 and are valid for 7 days

Further information: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/parkandride

Nursery

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50 weeks a year nursery comprising of: To discuss your requirements 38 weeks of nursery provision 50 weeks a year nursery comprising of: 12 weeks of holiday club, open to all, call 01223 778290 or email 38 weeks of nursery provision including non CIS pupils [email protected] 12 weeks of holiday club, open to all, including non CIS pupils

6 Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk 10020-ISP-CIS Cambridge International School Advert for Nursery Launch-half page V2.indd 3 22/06/2017 08:45 Baby news PREPARING YOUR K9 FOR A NEW BABY: Recommended Dos And Don’ts

If you are expecting and want a happy and healthy environment for your new baby, your family AND your K9, here are our top tips to help you out. Do start to vary the times of walks and outings, as well as the dog- walker, before the baby arrives. That way while your K9 still gets their daily walk, they don’t get into a routine of expecting it at a certain time of day. Because if you’ve been up with baby all night, your K9’s 6am usual walk will not appeal. Do clearly define any ‘off-limit’ zones in the house prior to the baby’s arrival. If the nursery is to be a no-go zone, get your dog used to that months before your due date. That way your dog will not associate being excluded with the presence of the baby. Do get your dog used to the sounds of a new baby. A great resource for this is the book Tell Your Dog You’re Pregnant. Do let them sniff baby’s things. Before you go to hospital introduce your dog to powder and lotion by wearing it yourself. From the hospital, send home a wrap that has your baby’s scent on it. Get your dog to sit calmly and allow him to sniff the item in order to get used to Grooming & health checks the new smell, while associating calm behaviour with the scent. As you clean the house before baby arrives, book your K9 into the dog Do greet your dog alone; remember your dog will be very excited to groomers to ensure your beloved dog is sparkly clean. Healthy and see you. Dad can bring in the baby calmly afterwards. properly brushed coats shed less! Dog groomers have waiting lists, so Don’t bombard your dog with baby gadgets. In the lead up to birth, book ahead. A visit to the vet is also recommended; you want to ensure allow your dog to see new baby gear up close. Wheel the pram around, your dog is healthy, up to date on vaccinations, wormed and de-flea’d. fill up the baby bath, turn the baby swing on…whatever you plan to No matter how much we know our dog’s temperament – never leave use, get your dog used to it gradually beforehand. a dog alone with a baby or small child. Don’t introduce new rules when you bring the baby home, work on Lisa Gordon,The K9 Spa, Professional Dog Grooming Services, new boundaries during pregnancy. If your dog will no longer be allowed Wisbech www.thek9spa.com 07899 951814 on the furniture, teach them that prior to the baby’s arrival. Bug About with Hape Families Savsé launches With the friendly Hape Bug About, your child can FAVOURITE Europe’s first ever cold- hop on and scoot around both indoors and out! Your little one can hold onto the bug’s antennae pressed baby food for extra safety, and can even store favourite toys Families have tried the recently launched My in the bug’s belly, so they never travel far without a First Savsé baby food range. Fantastically fresh much-loved friend. Put your child in the safe hands of Hape and allow tasting with a delicate consistency, the healthy, them to play while gaining valuable skills. 100% organic and completely natural baby Hape toys are created from high quality wood. The company is food is as good as homemade. committed to sustainability and is eco- For babies aged 4 months +, My First friendly. All products are tested to the Savsé is the perfect solution for parents highest safety and quality standards and last looking to successfully wean their children on generations. to fruit and vegetables with the convenience of homemade quality at Suitable for 12 months+. home and on the go. The contents can be eaten as stand-alone feeds Argos £44.99. or mixed with plain yoghurt. The Lentils and sweet potato pouch Our team of mums give a 5 star rating! gave a tasty lift to a family meal of pasta with chicken and tomato sauce! The range includes: Apple; Blueberry, prune, plum, apple and Cheeky Rascals Carry Potty banana; Carrot, pumpkin, apple and beetroot; Cucumber, kiwi, kale, Families LOVES the new colourful, fun My Carry spinach, apple, banana; Pear, pea, apple and banana; Coconut, Potty designs by Cheeky Rascals with a pretty in pink cacao, apple and banana, and Lentils, sweet potato, carrot and apple. cat, penguin, and playful dinosaur, available from Savsé, the popular smoothie brand, uses Mothercare. non-thermal High Pressure Processing My Carry Potty is hygienic, odour-free and (HPP) to lock vital ingredients into each completely leak-proof, thanks to its ingenious pouch, deactivating bacteria without rubber, watertight seal and unique click-shut compromising taste or quality. With My lid. Designed as an all-in-one potty, wipes First Savsé, Europe’s first cold-pressed and toilet paper can be stored in the base, baby food, parents need no longer negating the need for disposable bags while compromise when purchasing baby on the move. Made from easy to clean plastic, Families food. My Carry Potty is attractive and with imaginative LOVES! Look in the chiller for My First Savsé new animals designs joining the team, little ones at Harrods, Ocado, Morrisons and are sure to find potty training fun! elsewhere. RRP: £26.99 www.cheekyrascals.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 7 Families Fun Captain Underpants & other cinema shows WHEN? September & October What’s On WHERE? Key Theatre, Peterborough Things to do, places to New! On selected weekends, go and fun to be had watch cheap cinema releases; for kids of all ages in films such as Despicable Me 3 (September 23), Captain Underpants (October 7) and Cambridgeshire Cars 3 (October 22 & 29). HOW MUCH? £3 www.vivacity-peterborough. Heritage Open Days com 01733 207 239 WHEN? 7 - 10 September Free! PYO Pumpkins WHERE? Cambridgeshire Rapunzel The Musical WHEN? September & October Discover local, hidden gems. WHEN? 14 – 17 September WHERE? Lidgate Farm, Isleham Churches, museums, railways, WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn Exchange Check facebook for information, gardens: an array of heritage Based on the Brothers Grimm classic fairy tale and featuring brand then go along to pick your own venues open their doors to the new toe-tapping songs this musical is ideal for the whole family. pumpkin. Farm sells delicious public. Booking recommended. HOW MUCH? £15.25 - £19.50 cakes and has a small indoor play HOW MUCH? FREE www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk 01553 764864 area. 07860 727089 www.heritageopendays.org.uk Apple Festival Prickwillow Whittlesey Festival Free! WHEN? 23 - 24 September Ploughing Festival WHEN? 10 September: WHERE? Audley End House and WHEN? 7 & 8 October: 10.00 - 16.00 Gardens, Saffron Walden 10.00 – 18.00 WHERE? Market Square 11.00 – 17.00 WHERE? Prickwillow Museum Exciting activities throughout Become a bobbing champion; Festival with vintage/classic the town. Live music, theatre meet the Victorian gardener. tractor ploughing, heavy horse and dance performances on the Falconry, craft and more! and working displays. Crafts and Market Square, St Mary's Church HOW MUCH? Child £10.50 entertainment for all the family. and the Church Yard Green. And Clip’n Climb www.English-heritage.org.uk HOW MUCH? Adults £7.50; more! WHEN? September & October under 16s FREE HOW MUCH? FREE WHERE? Clifton Road Industrial Soham Pumpkin Fair www.prickwillowmuseum.com www.fenland.gov.uk/ Estate, Cambridge WHEN? 30 September whittleseyfestival Climbing centre meets theme WHERE? The Magic Wands park: experience 20 challenges The Cambridge Recreation Ground WHEN? 7 October: 11.00 – 15.00 that twist, turn, light and excite. Free! Food Garden & Competitions, WHERE? Cambridge Botanic East Anglia’s first such venue Produce Festival displays and Garden is suitable from 4 years. Pre- activities linked to '20 years of Make and decorate a magic wand WHEN? 16 & 17 September: booking essential. Harry Potter' theme, including a and use it to cast a spell on your 10.00 – 17.00 HOW MUCH? Adult £17.50; special fancy dress competition very own magic potion. Drop-in. Child £12.50 WHERE? Parker's Piece, for under 11s. HOW MUCH? Usual Adult www.clipnclimbcambridge. Cambridge HOW MUCH? Adults £2; admission; Children FREE co.uk Enjoy fresh and baked produce under 12s FREE www.botanic.cam.ac.uk tent. Cookery demonstrations www.sohampumpkinfair.co.uk PYO Apples from Ian Cumming Bake Off WHEN? Finalist and Saira Hamilton September Masterchef Finalist. Dogs Don’t Do Ballet & October HOW MUCH? FREE WHEN? 15 October: WHERE? www.oakleighfairs.co.uk 11.00 & 13.00 Mill Field Key Theatre, Orchard, The Magic Flute WHERE? Haddenham Peterborough WHEN? 20 September Mid-September Biff is not like ordinary dogs. WHERE? Key Theatre, to late October you can go along He likes moonlight. And music. Peterborough every Saturday and Sunday And walking on his tiptoes. Live from the Royal Opera to this rustic old orchard for 2 – 7 years. House, Mozart’s glorious opera is delicious apples straight from HOW MUCH? Full price £11; brought enchantingly to life. the tree. Family £9 (call box office) 01353 740473 www.vivacity-peterborough. www.vivacity-peterborough.com/whatson [email protected] com 01733 207 239 01733 207 239 Please quote Families when booking any of these events

8 Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk Families Fun Teddy Bear’s Picnic WHEN? 25 October: 11.00 & 13.00 WHERE? Key Theatre, Peterborough With singalongs, join-in dances and funny stories; this enchanting interactive musical adventure will

Free! leave pre-schoolers singing with The University of glee. Don’t forget to take along Cambridge Festival of your teddy bear! Ideas HOW MUCH? £9.50 Autumn Festival www.vivacity-peterborough.com/ WHEN? 16 - 29 October WHERE? Events across lecture WHEN? 21 – 29 October whatson halls, theatres, museums and WHERE? Ferry Meadows, Nene Park Gruesome galleries around Cambridge. HOW MUCH? Family fun with trail & prize (50p) available all week A host of inspiring sessions for from Visitor Centre. At Discovery centre take part in seasonal crafts Goings On people of all ages. (£2) on Wild Wednesday 10 – 14; and get worm charming on Friday at WHEN? 23 - 29 HOW MUCH? FREE 10.30 & 13.30 for your own wormery (£3)! October: www.cam.ac.uk/festivalofideas www.neneparktrust.org.uk 11.00 -16.00 WHERE? Audley End, Drop-in Family Activities Things that go bump in Saffron Walden WHEN? 16 - 20 October: the night Ghastly gallows, horrific hangmen 10.00 – 14.00 WHEN? 21 October: 13.00 – and terrifying torture; travel back WHERE? Paxton Pits 15.00 in time and discover the painful Environmental Centre, WHERE? The Countryside punishments of nightmares! St Neots Centre, Ramsey Heights HOW MUCH? Child £10.50 Indoor/outdoor family fun Discover the animals of the night www.english-heritage.org.uk The Wizard’s Express inspired by the local wildlife. drop-in. With a spooky trail and WHEN? 27 & 28 October: 18.30 crafts both indoors and outdoors. HOW MUCH? Child £3.50 WHERE? Nene Valley Railway, HOW MUCH? Child £3 www.wildlifetrusts.org Stibbington www.wildlifetrusts.org Join Harry Spotter and his friends Grandparents’ Weekend Half Term Activities on The Wizard’s Express. Very WHEN? 30 September - popular. Pre-booked tickets only. WHEN? 21 - 29 October 1 October: 10.00 – 17.00 HOW MUCH? £16.50 WHERE? South Angle Farm Park, WHERE? Church Farm, Soham www.nvr.org.uk Stow Bardolph Take a walk through the haunted Grandparents can visit half price Alice’s Adventures in wood, follow a trick or treat trail Wonderland (£3.65). Usual activities and craft. and hold something reptilian if HOW MUCH? Child £6.90 you dare! Spooktacular Fun WHEN? 29 October: 14.00 WHERE? Key Theatre, www.churchfarmstowbardolph. HOW MUCH? Adult £2; Child £6; WHEN? 26 – 28 October Peterborough co.uk under 2’s FREE WHERE? Skaters, Walpole Delayed timed screening www.southanglefarmpark.co.uk Highway, Wisbech from the Royal Opera House. Half Term Autumn Trail Whiz along for a weekend of The Royal Ballet bringing WHEN? 21 - 29 October: 11.00 spooktacular fun. Fancy dress together world-class dance – 16.00 party with prizes for the best with enchanting family WHERE? Peckover House, dress. entertainment. Wisbech www.wisbechskaters.co.uk Adult £16; Find clues around the garden, 01945 882048 HOW MUCH? and then go along to the Reed Concession £13.50 Barn to collect your Falconry Talk and www.vivacity-peterborough. Autumn biscuit. Display com/whatson HOW MUCH? £1.00, plus normal WHEN? 24 October: 10.30 & admission. 13.00 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Tales of Birbal WHERE? Discovery Den, peckover-house 01945 583463 WHEN? 22 October: 11.30 & Ferry Meadows Country Park 14.30 Ye Olde Redtail Falconry Display Free! Ely Apple Festival WHERE? Cambridge Junction brings the ancient art of Falconry WHEN? 21 October: Step into the enchanting world to the modern age, with a of Moghul King Akbar and his 10.00 – 16.00 comprehensive and thrilling witty advisor, the legendary WHERE? Palace Green display guaranteed to thrill Birbal. Humour, puppetry and A celebration of the British audiences of all ages. Booking music. 6+ years. apple with lots of apple fun and online essential. HOW MUCH? Adult £10; entertainment. HOW MUCH? £5 Please mention Child £6 HOW MUCH? FREE www.neneparktrust.org.uk Families Cambridgeshire www.junction.co.uk/events/ www.visitely.org.uk 01733 234193 when booking family

familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 9 Open Morning Saturday 7th October 2017, tours are available to book at either 9:15 or 10:45 Register for the Open Morning at: www.stfaiths.co.uk. If you wish to book a personal tour during the working week please contact Anna Cornell, our Registrar on 01223 229421 to arrange this.

St Faith’s is an independent school for girls and boys ages 4-13 years. Bright Beginnings – Exciting Futures

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10 Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk Great Minds and How to Grow them HIGH PERFORMANCE FOR ALL By Wendy Berliner

With the children back to school, or just starting school, you could be forgiven for thinking you are handing them over to the professionals and your job is just to make sure they get enough good food, rest and enjoyment so that they flourish in class. Perhaps you think your teaching job is limited to hearing the little ones read while you make sure the bigger ones do their homework. But it’s more than that. What parents do at home educationally can make the difference between whether their children succeed at school or not. The latest research from education and neuroscience proves how malleable the brain is, how learning potential can grow, how IQ isn’t fixed – it can go up if you invest in it, and it can probably go down if you don’t. The truth is that with the right support at home, the vast majority of children could deliver performance at school more commonly associated with the gifted and talented. There’s room for a lot more at the top of the class. How to create a high performing child In our new book Great Minds and How to Grow Them, Professor Deborah Eyre, a lifetime 1. Cultivate confidence and knowing they need to put more effort into specialist in advanced learning, and myself, an resilience improving certain things. if a child thinks they can, they Key words: ‘What do you need education journalist who has taken a special If a child thinks they keep trying. It’s the ones to be able to do this? How interest in why some children from similar can, they keep trying. It’s can you check you’re on backgrounds do badly at school whilst others that think they can’t who the ones that think they can’t fall behind – the ones who track? How can you tell don’t, have looked at the research in detail who fall behind – the whether you are doing it and come up with guidance any parent can use say ‘I’m rubbish at this’. ones who say ‘I’m rubbish at home, fitting it seamlessly and easily into Don’t sort everything out right? at this’ normal daily life. for them – and that includes 4. Encourage open What follows are five top ideas you can use tying their shoelaces as much as it mindedness at home. They come from Deborah’s High does doing their homework. And model Performance Learning system which is being the behaviour – don’t give up too easily on Being open to new ideas is the hallmark of introduced in schools in the UK and abroad things in your life. an advanced learner. Start with being open and is detailed for parents in Great Minds and Key words: How could you do this? Have minded yourself so you model what it’s like How to Grow Them. you done anything similar before? What did to be receptive of ideas that differ from your you do then? ‘I know you can. I know it’s hard own. to do now but I know you can learn how to do Keywords: ‘That’s different to us, isn’t that this in time if you work at it.’ interesting?’ ‘I never thought of it like that, but that is such a good approach.’ 2. Develop critical or logical thinking: 5. Practice The ability to deduct, hypothesise, reason and It’s the only way to get good at something. seek evidence is probably the characteristic Make sure it is regular, deliberate and planned, most associated with academic success. working towards achievable incremental goals Keywords: ‘Why do you think. . .(bread and you practise what you can’t do until you goes mouldy, babies cry, leaves fall when can do it well. autumn comes, people disagree about climate Key words: ‘You are really good at that now, change?)’ ‘I wonder if that happened because what’s the next step up from (playing Twinkle, of this?’ ‘How could I find out the truth about Twinkle Little Star on your recorder, writing a that?’ story of 100 words/ swimming a width of the pool?)’ 3. Encourage them to monitor Great Minds and How to Grow Them by their progress Wendy Berliner and Deborah Eyre. For a 20% Very important to the high performer is discount and free delivery of the book use knowing how they are doing, knowing they webcode: GMGT230 on www.routledge.com are on track with their homework for example, Reader offer open till 31 December 2017. familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 11 GCSE League Table

There are about as many ways of ranking schools comes to secondary as there are schools. Even if you only consider their education. The county GCSE results, there are still many ways of ranking has far fewer schools - schools. because of the size of the population - Cambridgeshire's 2016's results were good - slightly above the national than average. The numbers after the name of each school tell you: many and most families i) the percentage of school's candidates getting A*-C in a subject send their teenager ii) the school's performance in a new measure called "Progress 8" to the nearest school. which tracks each child's progress from aged 7 to 16. However, if you have iii) the school's percentage of children gaining the EBacc ie A*-C in a choice because at least 5 core subjects of English, maths, science, a humanity you are, perhaps, equidistant from two or three or if you can consider and a language. independent education - (remember that a third of independently- GCSE Progress EBacc educated pupils in the UK now have some kind of fee assistance) then A*-C 8 A*-C it's important to carry some principles with you when you visit. 1 The King’s (The Cathedral) School 91% 0.55 59% Many of us will be trailing round Open Days in the coming term and GCSE and A level results are an important factor to bear in mind. But 2 Parkside Community College 89% 0.61 60% they are far from the only thing - and, as you can see from the table 3 Sawston Village College 82% 0.28 43% above, there are umpteen ways of appraising even something as numbers-based as raw results. The most important things to bear in 4 Arthur Mellows Village College 8% 0.14 33% mind are: 5 Impington Village College 81% 0.65 41% • your own child 66 Melbourn Village College 79% 0.45 12% • your own family Could you imagine your child being happy at the school? Do the 7 St Bede’s Inter-Church School 79% 0.43 30% children look like people who could be her friends? Are the parents 8 Bottisham Village College 79% 0.21 45% people you'd like to get to know? Do the teachers and pupils seems to have good relationships? Is the place well-maintained or are there 9 Comberton Village College 78% 0.54 36% too few litter bins and smelly loos (take a look!) What will the journey 10 Swavesey Village College 78% 0.45 55% be like? Is there a school bus or good public transport? Is there before You can see from the table that, whereas King's, Peterborough or after school care/activities if you need them? Ask questions and achieved the highest number of A*-C passes, Impington did better remember your child is the most precious thing in your when measured by Progress 8 and Parkside's candidates did best at the life - the school needs to earn your trust! EBacc. Susan Hamlyn Most Cambridgeshire families have no or little choice when it Director, The Good Schools Guide www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk

Energy Courage Integrity King’s Ely Open Events Independent School Girls and Boys, 1-18 years in September and October Day and Boarding Book your place today!

01353 660707 [email protected] www.kingsely.org

12 FamiliesKSE0124 Cambridgeshire Press Ad 130x180mm.indd 1 08/08/2017familiesonline.co.uk 20:17 Families Education

St Faith’s Cambridge plenty of play-time ensure children have a chance to express themselves away from the Bright Beginnings, Exciting Futures classroom. At St Faith’s each child is taught, developed Our green and spacious site, located in and nurtured, to equip them well for life, the heart of Cambridge provides some of whatever path they choose to take. Our the best facilities of any prep school. Every teachers are passionate about sharing their classroom is equipped with modern teaching knowledge, exploring new ideas, challenging technology. The shelves in our library brim the status quo and instilling a life-long passion with over 11,000 volumes with relevance for learning. Teaching styles are tailored to to our youngest and most mature readers. meet each individual child’s needs. Lessons Engineering suites provide access to tools are accessible, engaging and challenging for and equipment beyond many inventor’s all pupils. Top-down excellence in all lessons wildest dreams. Fully-equipped science ensures we continually stretch our pupils to laboratories and computer suites are used by achieve more than they thought possible. Our all year groups. Our current £2M investment academic curriculum is ground-breaking in its to expand our STEAM facilities will include innovative content and has been commended flexible large indoor spaces for inter- by institutions including the Royal Society and disciplinary projects, a roof-top greenhouse the Spanish Embassy. and a night sky viewing platform. Exemplary, innovative and forward-facing St Faith’s, Trumpington Road, academic subjects are interspersed each Cambridge CB2 8AG day with sporting endeavours, musical T: 01223 352073 experiences, artistic creations and dramatic [email protected] performances. Assemblies, tutor time and

King’s Ely encourages pupils of all ages, from toddlers in King’s Ely We know that if we could bottle the spirit of Acremont and Nursery to the King’s Ely, we would be onto a real winner, young men and women in our but we would like you to come to experience Sixth Form, to take risks in their it for yourself. learning. We empower them to Nestled in the heart of the beautiful challenge themselves and push cathedral city of Ely in Cambridgeshire, beyond the boundaries of their King’s Ely is an inspiringly innovative and own expectations to achieve visionary independent school, built on a more than they ever believed history stretching back over 1,000 years. possible. We serve the academic and pastoral needs Open Events for King’s Ely Acremont and of around 1,000 boys and girls aged 1 to 18, Nursery, King’s Ely Junior, King’s Ely Senior with boarders from 7 years old. Our students and King’s Ely Sixth Form are being held in achieve excellent GCSE and A Level results, September and October. with 98% gaining places in their first choice To book your place, or to find out more, university. But King’s Ely is about much more please call Admissions on (01353) 660707 than league tables. We are about children or visit www.kingsely.org. and young people; we are about the future. The adventure of a King’s Ely education

Wisbech Grammar School Discover who you are and who you could Key dates for September 2018 entry: become at Wisbech Grammar School Saturday 30 September 10:00am-12:30pm At WGS, academic excellence is at the heart Whole School Open Morning for entry into of our educational approach with a high level Reception through to Year 11 of pastoral care and well-being. However, Tuesday 17 October 6:00pm-8:00pm we believe that educational development 6th Form Open Evening Friday 24 November is not simply confined to the classroom or Closing date for Scholarship applications laboratory, but can be found in the art rooms, Monday 22 - Friday 26 January 2018 drama and dance studios, sports fields and Scholarship Assessment week: Assessments music rooms. and interviews held for Year 7, 9 and 12 As an HMC independent co-educational day Academic and All-Rounder Scholarships school, we go beyond the narrow boundaries If you have missed any of the above events of exam specifications, giving an all-round then please contact the Admissions Team education that inspires. Our timetable reflects who will be delighted to arrange a personal this and includes period 5 which is devoted visit and assessment for your child at your to pupils exploring their interests and finding convenience. their passion. Phone 01945 586750 Our Scholarship and Bursary programmes Email [email protected] enable children who excel, either academically or across a breadth of areas including Drama, Art, Music, or Sport to experience all that our School has to offer to fulfil their full potential.

familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 13 Cambridgeshire Independent School Open Days

ST FAITHS SCHOOL DAME BRADBURY’S ST MARYS SCHOOL WISBECH GRAMMAR SANCTON WOOD SCHOOL Bateman Street, SCHOOL Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, OD: Sat 14th October 2 St Paul’s Road, North Brink, Wisbech, CB2 8AG Cambridge, CB2 1LY Cambridge 01223 352073 01223 224167 Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JX 6TH FORM COLLEGE 01945 583631 CB1 2EZ www.stfaiths.co.uk www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk Tues 17th October Tel 01223 471703 OD: OD: Junior School www.wisbechgrammar.com OD: Saturday 7 October www.sanctonwood.co.uk 23 September 9.30am-12.30pm OD: 30 Sept 10:00-12:30 Whole School THE PERSE UPPER SCHOOL Senior School OD: Saturday 14th October THE LEYS SCHOOL 17 Oct 18:00-20:00 Hills Road, Cambridge, 17 October 9.30am-12.30 pm Saturday 3rd Feb 2018 Cambridge 6th Form Open Evening Saturday 12th May 2018 CB2 7AD CB2 8QF Week commencing 5 Feb 2018 KINGS ELY SCHOOL 01223 508904 01223 403800 Prep School Taster Session Kings Ely www.theleys.net www.perse.co.uk Week Cambridgeshire OD: Thursday 28th September ST FRANCIS COLLEGE Sixth Form CB7 4EW 6th Form Presentation Evening KIMBOLTON SCHOOL Broadway, OD: Thursday 2 November www.kingsely.org Saturday 7th October Kimbolton, Huntingdon, Letchworth Garden City, 6.30 – 9pm OD: Friday 22 September Cambridgeshire, PE28 0EA 11+ and 13+ Hertfordshire King’s Ely Nursery (Ages 1-4) www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk/ SG6 3PJ THE PETERBOROUGH King’s Ely Acremont (Ages 4-7) prepom THE STEPHEN PERSE Reception – Year 2 www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk SCHOOL 01480 860505 FOUNDATION King’s Ely Junior (Ages 7-11) OD: Prep School OD: Saturday 7th October Thorpe Rd, Peterborough, Union Road, Cambridge, Years 3-6 Saturday 7 October 10am-12.30pm CB2 1HF Cambs, PE3 6AP OD: Saturday 23 September 10am-12 noon Friday 13th October 01223 454722 01733 343357 King’s Ely Junior (Ages 11-13) Prep School 9am - 12.30pm www.stephenperse.com www.thepeterboroughschool. Years 7 and 8 early May 2018 OD: Sat 23rd September (view the school on a typical co.uk King’s Ely Senior (Ages 13-16) MADINGLEY PRE-PREP day; pre-registration needed) Years 9-11 Sat 14th October OD: Saturday 30th September Senior School OD: CITY PRE-PREP OD: Saturday 7 October Sixth Form: Saturday 30 September OD: Sat 30th September King’s Ely Sixth Form (Ages 16+) starts at 10.30am CAMBRIDGE Junior School Tuesday 17th October Years 12 and 13 Fifth Form into Sixth Form INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Sat 30th September Saturday 12th May 2018 Information Evening on Monday www. ST EDMUNDS COLLEGE 13 November at 7pm cambridgeinternationalschool. DAME BRADBURY’S SCHOOL Mount Pleasant, Cambridge, co.uk Please mention Ashdon Rd, Saffron Waldon, CB3 0BN ST JOHNS COLLEGE SCHOOL 01920 824247 St John’s College School, 73 CB10 2AL HERITAGE SCHOOL Families www.stedmundscollege.org Grange Road, Cambridge www.damebradburys.com Cambridgehire OD: Saturday 23rd September CB3 9AB www.heritageschool.org.uk Magazine 01799 522348 9.30am until 2pm https://www.sjcs.co.uk OD: Saturday 14th October OD: Saturday 14th October College and Prep 01223 353652 10am-12 noon

All details are correct at time of printing. Please check each school prior to visiting.

14 Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk Times Tables HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS THEIR TIMES TABLES… EASILY

Hands up who got their iPhone learning about the other times out the last time they had to add tables. The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 pattern anything up? You’re not the only has an easy rhythm to help one. Relying on a calculator is easy children remember it. and convenient but getting to grips with maths and, in particular, Apply it to real life times tables, is vital for children if If times tables is something your they are to succeed at school. children can apply to daily life, Helping your little ones at home they will show much more of an and doing some extra work to interest. Instead of testing what ensure they feel confident in they know, be playful about it their learning can almost be as when you’re at the supermarket important as what they do in the and they’re helping you with classroom. It can, however, be the shopping (it can happen tricky to navigate the teaching sometimes!). If you’re buying journey when you’re not actually loose fruit and veg, ask them if a teacher. they know what the price would The thing that can really turn be if you bought three instead of children off learning their times two. tables is the practise it will take. Mixing up the way they spend Find out what works their time practising is important best for your child for sparking their interest and Like anything with children, once holding their attention. Here are you discover what works best the other number just goes down; yourself something like Maths for some top tips to help you. for them – stick to it. If your child 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81 Mums and Dads could help if you learns best using visual aids then What should they know? and 90. are feeling outside of our comfort go down that route. If, on the zone when you’re topping up the How and what children learn in teaching at home. Discovering primary school sets them up for new ways of learning can make it success in secondary school. If fun for both of you. the foundations are in place for Break down learning into them to be able to work out an bite-size chunks and make it as Build their confidence equation like 3x6=18 without There is more to maths than using a calculator, then they will playful as possible arithmetic and it’s important that find it easier when it comes to your little ones don’t lose interest tackling harder arithmetic. The in maths as a subject because it education curriculum changes, feels too difficult or seems too but at the moment, children are other hand, listening and chanting Don’t bring your own time consuming. Break down required to know 12x12 by the helps them learn, then explore the feelings into it learning into bite-size chunks and age of nine. different types of apps available Teaching methods have changed a make it as playful as possible. on the iPad or computer and try lot since us parents were learning Encourage your children and How can you help them downloading some of them. It our times tables. Your children are praise them for trying when they know it? may be a good idea to keep these probably learning in a completely do. Show them how far they Buy posters of times tables or activities supervised so that if your different way now so chances are have come since last week or make your own; you can then stick child does make a mistake and that you may have to brush up last month and this should spur them up throughout the house. comes up with a wrong answer, on your arithmetic too. Ordering them on to keep improving. On the wall opposite the loo, or you are on hand to explain where under a magnet on the fridge, so they may have gone wrong and that they are taking it in without encourage them to try again. even realising it. You can even tape it to the ceiling above their Pick out the patterns Keep Tabs bed so that they have something Come on, admit it; everyone has a to talk about with you when favourite times table. It’s probably on their you’re snuggling down, instead of your favourite because you find it A one snap a bed-time story. the easiest to remember or you solution clothes like the pattern. Picking up on they’re reusable too! Start with the twos things like this will make it easier “A truly wonderful product—Snappy Tags Recommended by Adding two to a previous number for your little ones to learn. The 9 takes the hassle and pain out of labelling.” is something most children will times table has one of the easiest www.verymummy.com find achievable in primary school patterns to remember because, and this sets up a pattern for whilst the tens go up each time, www.snappytags.co.uk Tel: (01430) 819002 familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 15 16 Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk Families Education WHO REALLY EDUCATES MY CHILD? By Caroline Skinner

your parent, a sibling, a friend or little time early in the morning, last thing at nanny. night, at weekends - and sometimes not even But watch him - he will be looking this amount of time. It's just the way life is. at everything, wanting to touch, to Do not overestimate the value of cramming taste, to observe. He will be busy this time with a class or an activity, especially learning that trees wave leaves over not when your child is young ie pre-school. his head, that cats have soft fur, that He will learn more from being with you - food can be cold or warm, that voices whether chatting at the bus stop or when can be loud or soft, that faces can chopping vegetables, putting away clean be smiley or stern, that clothes can clothes, brushing the dog - than from anything prickle or soothe, that baths are wet else. and that some things are very funny This is not because you are actively teaching and make him laugh till he cries. him but because, in sharing this time with him, Suddenly you realise that he is you are showing him that he is valued, that understanding actual words. You say, talking with him - hearing his questions, his "We're going out now" and he comes opinions, his observations - matters. This will back trailing his outdoor clothes. You make him value himself, will make him eager say "Granny's coming" and you find to learn more to share with you, to test on him looking out through the window. you, to challenge himself. You can now ask him, "do you want It makes no difference if you are rich or poor. more banana?" and if he shakes his Whether you live in a flat, a house, a palace, a head it's a fair bet that he doesn't! B & B. What matters is that you give that little All this time, whether consciously bit of time that you have to your child. or not, you have been his teacher. If you are walking with him to school, talk to From you he has learned all the basic him not to your mobile. If you are travelling concepts of life that he will use for with her on the bus, talk to her rather than the whole of the rest of his. plug in your ear-phones. If you are out for a meal, don't hand him his ipad, talk to him. But your role has There are always only just begun things to talk about. and it is now as The people around important as it you. The weather. The simple answer is, you do. was the day he School, family, friends, arrived. neighbours, news, From the moment your child arrives in this All good parents want plans. Stories you have world, you are his main contact with everything to help their child learn, shared. Programmes or around him. Initially, you ensure that he is achieve his potential, do games he's enjoying. fed and clean, safe and warm. He - we'll call well at school. But, all too Ask him his thoughts on him "he" for the purposes of this discussion often, they think this entails this or that. Share yours - learns from that. Your child learns from your signing up him for umpteen with him. Ask him his voice that you are near, to be relied on, and classes, engaging tutors and opinions. will provide these essentials. A little later, frantically bundling him in These things will give he recognises your face, your touch and, and out of his buggy - or the him confidence… A increasingly, the variations in the tone of your car - getting him to all these confident child challenges voice. From you he learns about hot and cold, activities. Everyone else does himself, has high wet and dry, quiet and noise, light and dark. it so you must - or you're not expectations of himself, If you think, for a moment, being a good parent. isn't afraid to ask. about the importance of these He learns. things you will start to see how It's expensive, exhausting and - if crucial they are and that it is you think about it - not always the And you will have taught him only through you that your child best thing. Or not for each child, how. all the time. grasps an understanding of them. Call us if you want to discuss this or need What most children like best is time with Your child learns fast. He learns about being advice: [email protected] their parents or primary carers. They like to hungry and thirsty, inside and outside, moving or 0203 286 6824 or +44 203 286 6824 from chat, to share activities, to watch what you're and stillness, home and everywhere else. He overseas to speak to our administrator. doing, to experiment, to make things with you, will learn other faces, other voices but yours to discuss things. will remain the trusted one - you feed him and Your child – nothing matters more he will be hungry for food - real food but also They learn more from this kind of See more at: https://www. brain food. thing than from any classes. goodschoolsguide.co.uk/advice-service/ It may not be exclusively you, of course. He If you are a parent with a job then time for articles/who-really-educates-my- may learn quickly that there are two or more this kind of thing is limited. There may be a such trusted voices and faces - your partner, child#sthash.ZquBPonH.dpuf familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 17 Explore Learning “Explore Learning have had a big hand in helping us.”

Parent: called workshops. the school reports with them What do you think Nadia Haider They’re free so you and they’ll focus his learning makes Explore Learning Child: Syed Ali, 11 can attend as many programme accordingly. They a unique tutoring Ali has been attending as you like, no extra cover the subjects that are in the service? charge. Ali went to Explore Learning national curriculum, it’s almost like They’re open all year round, I’m Peterborough for those and got so he’s getting additional practice a teacher myself and they have nearly six years. The much practice doing at Explore, in terms of what he’s what we call summer learning thing he likes most exam questions in covering at school. loss. They finish school at the about the centre exam conditions. end of July and as they don’t do are the eleven-plus Explore Learning have Parent: workshops. had a big hand in helping us. Emma Bryant, Teacher anything until September, they Child: James Bryant, 11 kind of go backwards a bit. James Why did you decide to What advice would you James has been attending kept going all the way through join Explore? give to other parents Explore Learning for summer and had We joined to build his confidence thinking about bringing actually improved his their children to Explore? three and a half years in core subjects like maths and now, and enjoys levels. English. For us it’s worked really I would say the earlier they start playing in Surf Club the better as they get to build well because we told them what when he finishes his How do Explore a relationship with the tutors, was happening in school and sessions. tutors support they’ve helped focus his study on my other advice would be to your child in their that. It’s helped Ali consolidate definitely take up the workshops Who would you sessions? his knowledge, that’s one of the because they’re just fantastic, recommend We all sit and have reasons why we joined Explore, to they’ve supported us in a big way Explore to? give him that extra boost. and I’m really grateful. parent meetings every Anybody really, anybody few weeks. In those What impact has Explore How has Explore that’s worried about their child’s meetings we discuss where our maths and English who isn’t had? supported what your child is and look at where they getting enough help at school. In terms of his recent SATs child is working on at need further help and guidance. They don’t always get that results he’s excelled the school’s school? It’s usually one tutor to three or specialist one to one that they expectations. Explore offer extra They’re always asking how school four children, so the ratio is far need, which they get at Explore. sessions that run in the Easter, is going, whether we’ve had better than school. summer and half term breaks any feedback. I’ll often share Interviews by William Green

18 Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk Moving Home THE FAMILY APPROACH TO MOVING HOME by Will Green the home seller has control over this. We work telling all his friends.” together with our clients to help them move Sometimes things aren’t as easy, especially for less.” when moving further afield. Bishop’s Move Matt added: “In particular, we hope that is the largest family owned removal company anyone considering using an online agent in the UK and they offer advice to parents will see the value in our services. worried about how their children We provide a full agency will feel leaving their friends package but with a To ensure the kids are behind. “To ensure the price more in line happy during the moving kids are happy during with the online process, get them to make the moving process, agents. With our a scrapbook of their old get them to make a Moving home can be a daunting home, pictures of friends experience for anyone, but professional service, scrapbook of their your dedicated agent and favourite memories old home, pictures of especially so for parents. With lots will know you and your friends and favourite to think about, telling the children can feel property in order to make memories.” They also like the hardest part. Fortunately, there’s it the best possible experience suggest moving during the lots you can do to prepare that will help you from instruction to completion. We’re school holidays: “summer is the keep the little ones happy and make sure the available when most other agents are not: most popular time to move with children as move towards the next chapter of your life is seven days a week, from 9 am to 10 pm.” their schooling is not disrupted and they are a stress-free adventure. Now that you have your agency sorted you less stressed and tired.” Finding an estate agent who can take the can focus on helping your child adjust to the hassle out of looking for a new home can help change. keep your mind focused on the important Adam Fernandes, a father of two, is things. One such agency is Local Estate Agent, currently preparing his five and one-year old with more than 30 years’ agency experience for the move into their new house. He offers in the Cambridgeshire and London property his advice to parents who are considering market they tailor their service specifically to relocating, as he feels one of the most every family that wants to sell their home. important things to keep in mind is to include Husband and wife, Matt Davis and Luci Kurc your child in the discussions that you have run a Local Estate Agent office in Cambridge about your new home. “We kept driving our based on the High Street in Cherry Hinton. eldest child to the new building, talked about They encourage parents to call them directly it a lot and walked them around the house to discuss their requirements so they are able explaining to them ‘this is your room, this is to advise them accordingly. Luci explains: “We going to be our living room’ things like that offer flexible, no sale- which made it all into a no fee contracts and positive thing.” Adam don’t expect vendors focused on making to sign up for long, the whole thing a exclusive tie-in periods. fun experience, even We’re confident that asking their eldest son our customers will questions about what be pleased with the he would like the colour service we provide so of their new house to we see no reason to tie be. “He was so excited them in: it’s important that he even started

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familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 21

LEADA Drama Classes WHERE? Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech What’s On WHEN? Wednesdays; for ages 5 -16+ years Clubs and classes Creative, improvised acting to free children’s imagination, develop Drama, Music, Sport, self-expression, confidence and to have lots of FUN. ACT NOW! and Education... Call 07523 712633 or go to www.leada.biz something for Ely Aqua Swim South Cambridgeshire Rock Stars Climbing everyone School Equestrian Centre WHERE? Clip’n Climb, Cambridge WHERE? Little Thetford, Ely WHERE? Barrington WHEN? Monday, Tuesday, From the complete beginner From £20/half hour group lesson Wednesday and Thursdays:16.30 to advanced swimmer. Small A British Horse Society Approved £60 per half-term class sizes for 3-16 years held Riding Centre with private and Based on the early evening. Aqua baby classes group lessons for 5 years +. programme also available. 01763 263213 run in New www.elyaquaswimschool.co.uk www.scec.co.uk Zealand with 07557 335113 a Cambridge spin. Classes Ely Tennis Club from WHERE? Outdoor Sports September, term time STAGECOACH Association, Downham Rd Membership from £7/month only. Perfect Drama, Dance and Juniors and families can join attention- Singing Summer the club for independent play. focussing exercise for 4-11 year workshops ages Also offer coaching classes for olds. Unique, fun afterschool 4-16 years those who wish to master further Skaters indoor exertion with structured sessions WHERE? Coleridge Campus, technique. entertainment for all ages and varied activities. Cambridge www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/ WHERE? Mill Road, Wisbech www.clipnclimbcambridge. Still the best network of ElyTennisClub Tuesday-Sunday: various times wordpress.com/about/rocks- performing arts schools in the From Friday Groovy Tots session stars-climbing-club world. Nurturing and developing Wisbech Town Junior (no skates) to afterschool, home young people’s potential through Hockey Club education and family skating dance, drama and singing. This WHERE? The Pavillion, Harecroft sessions, there is entertainment summer, children can attend Road for everyone; on skates and off! workshops for 5 days of fun; WHEN? Saturdays 9.00 - 10.00 From £3 working with a professional team ‘Badgers’ junior club on Saturdays www.wisbechskaters.co.uk to rehearse and perform for for children aged 6-13 to learn the 01945 882048 family and friends. skills required to play in a fun and www.stagecoach.co.uk/ safe environment. Fenland Flyers cambridge www.pitchero.com/clubs/ Trampoline Club 01223 359974 wisbechtownhockeyclub WHERE? Thomas Clarkson Eden Dance Academy, Wisbech WHERE? Chesterton Sports WHEN? Tuesdays, Thursdays Centre, Cambridge & Fridays 16.30 - 20.15 Eden dance prides itself on Classes for all ages and abilities. offering small classes and Children can work toward badges personal attention. Encouraging and the more advanced can enter students of all ages and skill competitions. levels to express themselves www.fenlandflyers.co.uk through music and movement, La Jolie Ronde French improving confidence. Ballet Classes classes weekday evenings and Saturdays for 3 - 18 year olds. WHERE? Brown’s Field Youth & Community Centre, Cambridge Call for prices. 01223 778655 WHEN? Fun classes for children www.edendance.co.uk aged 5 -12 years on Monday Perform: Drama, Dance & Singing and Wednesday evenings. Kids Cherry Hinton Lions FC WHERE? Hills Road Sports Centre & Newnham Croft Primary School develop an enthusiasm for French WHERE? Cambridge WHEN? Wednesdays: 16.00 - 17.00; 17.00 - 18.00 & Saturdays: through this unique award- Meets the FA’s Charter Standard. 9.30 - 11.00; 11.15 - 12.45 winning programme. Sample Coaches are qualified to FA Level For 4-7 year olds, plus Saturday class for 7-12s, to boost confidence lesson FREE. Enquire about prices 1 minimum and are DBS cleared and concentration. Perform uses a unique mix of drama, dance and and other classes in region. and Emergency First Aid-trained. singing; developed to bring out EVERY child’s potential. www.lajolieronde.co.uk/parents Under 7s to under 17s. FREE trial session 020 7255 9120 www.perform.org.uk 01223 210900 www.cherryhintonlions.co.uk

22 Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk Extra Curricular Whats on? Huntingdon Gymnastics Club WHERE? Mayfield Road Daytime classes parents & toddlers and preschool children. Run recreational classes every evening for kids (5-15 yrs) who enjoy the variety of apparatus and Rugbytots learning new skills. WHERE? Ely and Cambridge www.huntingdon-gymnastics.org From £7.50 session 01480 52343 Energetic coaches support kids aged 2 – 7 in a fun, structured way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as Kids Yoga part of a team. The number one rugby play programme in the world! WHERE? Yoga Studio ElyTower Farm, WHEN? Sessions held afternoons and Saturdays. Little Downham www.rugbytots.co.uk Explore flowing sequences, balancing poses, 0345 313 0446 partner poses and team building yoga games. Breathing exercises, chanting, creative imagery, Razzamataz and relaxation skills also introduced. WHERE? CRC Sports Centre, www.yogastudioely.co.uk 01353 698090 Cambridge From £100 for 12 weeks Paxton Lakes Sailing Club Ideal for kids aged 4-18 with WHERE? Little Paxton, St Neots an interest in performing arts, Adult £125:00 Child £85:00 where welfare of students is core. Official RYA training centre with Different styles of drama, dance a large selection of club owned and singing including Pop and funky Street Dance with a focus on boats & equipment available. building confidence, self-esteem and fitness as well as having fun! See Participants learn to sail a dinghy website for September times and dates. and learn to reach, tack, run and gybe. They cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk [email protected] learn essentials such as rigging and rope work and how to launch and Emma Louise 07895347239 recover a dinghy. www.paxtonlakes.org.uk

Children’s Yoga & Mindfulness Kindred Drama Summer School for ages WHERE? Satyam Yoga Wellbeing Centre, 2-18 years Cambridge WHERE? KYT offers young people, aged 18 months – 18 WHEN? Wednesdays and Saturdays, years, the opportunity to develop their performance skills and £8 session build their confidence. Their Sessions with physical vastly experienced team of stretches and postures, use Performing Arts professionals of the breath to support are all fully DBS / CRB Adrenaline Martial Arts emotional regulation, and checked and classes take WHERE? Cambridge, Chatteris, mindfulness for children place at the Key’s very own Wisbech, Waterbeach and 4 - 12 years. purpose built Studio Theatre Peterborough facilities. www. Karate is not just another after satyamyogacentre. www.kindreddrama.com school activity; it’s about a child’s co.uk 01733 207239 personal development through physical discipline, which further improves focus, mental alertness, OXFORD & self discipline and self confidence. CAMBRIDGE www.adrenalinemartialarts. SINGING SCHOOL co.uk WHERE? St Catherine’s College, Little Chefs Club Cambridge 8 – 11 yrs A unique opportunity for children WHERE? Flavours School of aged 7–13 to learn about Cookery, Huntingdon Classical music with professional WHEN? Saturday 9.30 singers and voice coaches. £120 / 6 sessions www.oxbridgesingingschool. Different cuisines, healthy co.uk eating, food safety and knife skills; all delivered in a fun, safe Please mention environment. Families Cambridgeshire when booking www.flavoursschoolofcookery. co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 23 BE Childcare GOOD vouchers now AT accepted BEING YOURSELF

WE ARE NOW ENROLLING! Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage.

Classes after school and at weekends. Find out more today: CAMBRIDGE AND CAMBOURNE 01223 359974 [email protected] stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge

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Creative Courage For Life ®