Topfamilyholidaysfor2026
ByClaireHall
Planningtheperfectfamilyholidayisnomeanfeat.Findinga destinationthatoffersnewexperiencesandqualitytimewhile satisfyingyourbudgetislikeafast-pacedgameofTetris. Needinspiration?Herearesomeideasforyour2026getaway.
AdventureinOman
Thislesser-exploredcorner oftheArabianPeninsulais aparadiseforadventurous families,especiallythosewith teens.Unmissableexperiences includespendinganightata Bedouindesertcamp,hiking Oman’sanswertotheGrand Canyon,snorkellingwith GreenTurtlesandswimmingin turquoisewadipools.
Thebesttimetovisitis betweenNovemberand March,makingthistheperfect ChristmasorFebruaryhalftermgetaway.Afteryou’vehad yourfillofthrills,escapeto Shangri-LaBarrAlJissah. It’s abeautifulresortwithaprivate beachandfamilyroomsjust outside Muscat.
IslandhopinThailand
Thailand’sAndamanCoast isabeachlover’sdreamand theperfectdestinationforan island-hoppingadventure.
Baseyourselvesin Krabi for daytripsbylongtailboatsto popularsnorkellingspotsor backpackbetweenbeaches.
Enjoyhoppingbetweenisland paradisesonspeedboats whichconnecttheislandsall alongthecoast.
Visit AoNang fornightlife, KohLanta formangrove kayakingorthetinyislandof KohLipe forcastawayvibes andcoralreefsrightoffthe beach.
BookacitybreakinAmsterdam
Amsterdammaynotbethefirstplacetocometomindwhen you’replanningacitybreakwiththekids.Buthearusout. JustashorthopfromtheUK,withintwohoursyoucanbe strollingthefamouscanalsthankstothedirecttrainfrom SchipholAirport.
Gettingaroundiseasybybike,tramoronfoot.Thetop familyattractionisNEMOScienceMuseumwhichispacked withinteractivedisplays.Forwindmillsandtulips,visit duringtheearlyMayBankHolidaywhenKeukenhoftulip gardensareinfullbloom.
Goall-inclusiveonacruise
Cruisesconsistentlydeliverfamily-friendlyaccommodation, WestEndstandardentertainmentandtop-notchfood.These floatingresortsevencomewithkids’clubsfortotstoteens, epicwaterparksandplayareas.
Themostfamily-friendlycruiselinesincludeDisney,Royal Caribbean,P&O,NorwegianCruiseLine,PrincessandMSC.
VisittheNorwegianFjords,theMediterraneaninsummeror tryaflycruisetotheCaribbeanforwintersun.
UKshortbreakinthe SouthHams
ForaUKholidaythatfeelslike you’veflownabroad,headto Devon’sSouthHams.
It’shometo BlackpoolSands, oneoftheUK’smostbeautiful BlueFlagbeaches,with stunningcrystal-clearwaters andviews.
Explorethequintessentially Englishtownsof Totnes, Dartmouth and Salcombe, all boastingexcellenticecream shopstotreatthekids.
Forfunfamilyattractions, ridethehistoricSouth DevonRailway,cuddlemicro pigsatPennywellFarmor haveawhirlontheridesat WoodlandsFamilyTheme Park.
Discovertheroadless travelledinSlovakia
Despiteitslocation,slap banginthemiddleofEurope, Slovakiaremainsunderexplored.
Ifyourfamilyenjoyscastles, chocolateboxvillagesand caves,thismountainous countryisworthacloserlook.
BetweenUNESCOcultural andnaturalattractions,spend afewdaysatthe Tatralandia HolidayResort whichhasa themeparkcompletewith thirtywaterslidesandtubes.
Expecttohearmoreabout Slovakiain2026asthecity of Trencín becomesthe EuropeanCapitalofCulture.
HelloAutumn
Wehopeyouallhadabrilliantsummer andarereadytogetbackintotheschool routineagain...rememberitneedn’tbe theendtoyourfamilyadventures! There’splentytodothroughouttheWest MidlandsthisAutumn.Checkoutour
What’sOnguideforsomegreatideasanddon’tmisstheOctober Half-Termactivities.
Halloweenwillsoonbeuponus,butdon’tbescared…we’vegot youcoveredforallthoseessentialdecorationsandaccessories andaghoulishlygreat,HalloweenbakingrecipefromTheGreat BritishBakeOffwinner,DavidAtherton,foryoutocutoutand keep.It’ssuretobefrightfullyyummy!
Withthisbeingtheseasonforchildrentostartorchangeschool, our‘backtoschool’featureprovidesadviceonhowmasteringa positivelearninglanguagecanhelpshapethesuccessofyour child’slearningjourney.Plus,discovertheimportanceofmusicin childdevelopmentandwhattolookforifyou’reattendinga schoolopenday.
Plus,topfamilyholidaysfor2026,anA-Zofkid’sclassestoinspire youtotrysomethingnewandaveryinterestingarticleonThe QualityTimerevolution.
Finally,wehavesomefabulousgiveawaysincludingaMyFirst HalloweenCookBookbyDavidAtherton,aSmobyDisneyStitch CashRegisterandaSmobyBlack&DeckerToolBox!Apply inside.Bydoingso,you’llalsoreceiveoure-newsletterwithour digitalmagazinethatyoucouldsharewithfriendsandfamily. Thankyouforsupportingus.Enjoythemagazine!
Claire Editor –FamiliesBirmingham &FamiliesWarwickshire
Asrecommendedon Daynurseries.co.uk,pleasevisit toseewhatourparentssay
T:01214541170
Atallour nurseriesthewarmand welcomingenvironment ensuresthat your child’sindividualneeds areprioritised,and theirinterests nurtured.
E:highfield.nursery@childbase.com
HighfieldDayNursery,3-4HighfieldRoad, Edgbaston,Birmingham,B153ED
T:01217529750 E:crescent@childbase.com CrescentDayNursery,21-22CalthorpeRoad, Edgbaston,Birmingham,B151RP
EssentialHalloweendecorations andaccessories
ByJodieHerron
WithHalloweenaroundthecorner,it’stheperfecttimetogetintothespookyspirit! Whetheryou’retransformingyourhomeintoahauntedhouseorjustaddingafeweerie touches,now’sthetimetostockuponallyourfavouriteHalloweenmust-haves.
Fromcreepycobwebstocautiontapeandspookyspiderprops,you’llfindeverythingyou needtosetthescene,withoutbreakingthebank.Withgreatpricesonspookyessentials, it’seasytocreateafrightfullyfunatmospherefortrick-or-treaters,partiesorjustforthe thrillofit!
WhiteCobwebs
£1.99
theywilldevelopfinemotorskillsastheypractisewithscissors. inemotorskillsasth
they will devevelop ine motor skills a
FrightTape
£1.59
HalloweenCautionFrightTape decorationsareasimplebuthighly effectivewaytosetascaryscene.Perfect fordoors,wallsoroutdoorsetups,this eye-catchingtapeinstantlyaddsasense ofeeriedanger.Itdeliversmaximumscare factorwithminimaleffort,guaranteedto spookanyonewhoseesit.Amust-have foranyhauntedsetup.
Witch/WizardHat
£1.49
Gloves
£2.19
fortGreatrickor treating
Skeletonglovesareafunand low-costwaytocompleteanyspookylook. Whetherpeekingoutfromanall-blackrobeor pairedwithasimpleoutfit,theyaddaneerie touch.Perfectforkeepinglittlehandswarm duringanightoftrick-or-treating,they’rea practicalandplayfulaccessoryforHalloween fun.
SpookupyourspacewithWhite CobwebsandSpiders.The stretchycobwebscanbepulled anddrapedoverdoors,windows andfurnituretocreateaclassic hauntedhouselook.Youcan addplasticspiderstoadda creepy,realistictouch.Cobwebs areamust-haveforanyeerie Halloweensetup-perfectfor parties,porchesandmore.
Skull
£8.49
Aclassicblack witchorwizard hatisaHalloween favouriteandan essentialaddition toanycostumecollection. Timelessandversatile,it’s perfectforcastingspellsyear afteryear.Whetheryou’re dressingupforspookyfun orusingitasadecoration aroundthehome,this hataddstheperfect magicaltouchto yourHalloween celebrations.
Broom
£4.29
FluffySpider
£7.49
Addacreepy-crawlytouchtoyourHalloween partywithalargefluffyspiderprop–this particularoneisanimpressive65cm!This decorationisperfectforcreatingaspooky atmosphereandissuretoimpress(and spook)yourkidsandtheirfriends.Durable andreusable,it’safantasticadditiontoyour Halloweensetupwhichcanbeusedyear afteryear-idealforhauntedhouses,parties orplayfulscaresathome.
Cauldron
£1.69
Everyoneneedsa bucketforTrickor
AddamagicaltouchtoHalloweenwithawitchesandwizardsbroomstickprop.Perfect forcompletingaspookytrick-or-treatingcostumeorasafundecorationforyourhome. Lightweightandeasytocarryordisplay,it’samust-haveforanyonelookingtocastalittle charmovertheirHalloweencelebrations.Aclassicaccessorywithendlessspookystyle.
Addthe perfect scarefactor toyour Halloween setupwitha plasticskull prop.Withits realisticdesign andmoveablejaw, it’sgreatforspooky displaysindoorsorout.Place itonatableamongcreepy snacksorsetitonyourlawnto createaneeriegraveyardscene -eitherway,it’ssuretogive everyoneafright. Forallthesedecorations,accessoriesandmanymore,visitwww.partyrama.co.uk
Great fortrick ortreating
Treatingandablack cauldronmakesthe perfectaccessory.Bangontheme,thisplasticcauldron blendsseamlesslywithspooky costumesandadds extracharmtoany littlewitchor wizard’slook. Amust-have fortrick-ortreaters,it’s lightweight, durableand idealforholding sweetsand Halloweenloot.
y y adds y g essl ssl with spook po ss it o an n
yhe practitise wiitth scicissssors.
Cupcakesareusuallyroundbutwithaclevertrickwecan makethemskullshaped.Ifyouwanttobeveryfancy,youcan getsometubesofcolouredicinganddecorateyourcakes withcolourfulpatterns.
Toptip: it’simportanttousereallyripebananasforthisrecipebecausethey’re softandsweet.Thebestonesarebrownoralmostblack.
Ingredients
Cupcakes: 2ripebananas(peeled)
100mlvegetableoil ¼tspgratednutmeg
50gcastersugar
50gsoftbrownsugar
120gself-raisingflour ½ tspbakingpowder
Step1
Preheatovento180°C(fanassisted).
Step5
Filleachcupcakecasethreequartersfull.Gentlypusha bakingbean(orscrunched-up balloffoil)eithersideofthe case.Bakefor15minutes,until golden.
Step9
Breakuptheflakedalmonds andaddlittlepiecestoeach skullfortheteeth.
Makes12cupcakes
Decoration: 150gicingsugar ½ tspvanillaextract 24raisins
2tbspflakedalmonds
Step2
Filla12-holecupcaketraywith 12cupcakecases.
Step6
Fortheicing,mixtogetherthe icingsugarandvanilla,thenadd atablespoonfulofwaterata timeuntilyouhaveanicingthat ispourable.
Cutoutandkeep
Step3
Addthebananas,oil,nutmeg andsugarstoajugandwhizz withastickblenderuntil smooth.
Step7
Dollopaspoonfuloftheicing ontothecakeandspreadtothe edges.
Step4
Pourthemixtureintoamixing bowl.Addtheflourandbaking powderandmixuntilsmooth (donotbeat).
Step8
Gentlysqueezeeachraisin betweenyourfingerandthumb untilsoft,thenplaceonthe cakesfortheeyes.
WiththankstoDavidAtherton,winnerof The GreatBritishBakeOff 2019forthisrecipe,which isfeaturedinhisnewbook MyFirstHalloween Cookbook, partofthe MyFirstCookBook series, availableonlineandfromallgoodbookshopsnow. ©WalkerBooks2025.Text©2025Nomadbaker Limited.Illustrations©2025JessRose.Allrights reserved.
The Quality Timerevolution: buildinga moreconnectedfamily
ByRachelJones
Howmanyofussufferfromchronicover-scheduling? Demandingjobs,childcare,schoolruns,socialand extracurricularcommitmentsleavelittlespaceforfamilylife. Onaverage,wedevotelessthanhalfanhour’squalitytime toourchildeachday.Ifthey’realsospendingalotoftime unsupervisedonscreens,it’snowonderthatparentguiltisvery real.
Timespentonsocialmediatendstocompoundthatguilt.While givingusabigdoseoftheaddictivehormonedopamine,itcan alsotriggerfeelingsofinadequacyoremptiness.Bycontrast, oxytocin(the‘lovehormone’)isreleasedduringsimplesocial interaction. Itpeaksduringchildbirthbutplaysacrucialrole throughoutlifeinfamilybondingandparent-childrelationships. I’magreatbelieverinencouraginglotsof‘offline’activities.It doesn’tmatterwhat-paddleboarding,cakedecorating,wood whittling,drawing.Don’tjustwatchfromthesidelines,joininsharedplayisexcellentforadultstoo!
Ifyouhavetwoormorechildrenandcanmanage‘us’timewith eachindividually,it’spowerful.Regular,focusedattentionbuilds children’sself-esteemandreducesnegativeattention-seeking behaviour.Involveyourchildineverydayroutineslikecookingor gardeningorcreatespecialritualslikeaweeklygamesnightor sharingaTVseries.
Whenitcomestotimespentwithourchildren, quality invariablytrumpsquantity. Accordingtobestsellingauthorand pastor, GaryChapman, qualitytimeisoneofahuman’sfivelove languages.Simplymakingtimeforeachothermeansmorethan wordsorgiftsevercould.
Thedinnertablecanbeapowerfulplaceforopenconnection, activelisteningandsharingopinions. Usemealtimesto
Qualitytweentime
Theteenyearsstealthelimelightbutyourchildwillneed extrasupportbetweenages8and12.It’satimeofhuge emotionalandsocialdevelopmentastheirbodieschangeand hormonesundergoabigsurge.Pressurespileinandselfesteemcanbeshaken.
Whenyouasaparentfeelpushedaway,itcanfeelhardto encouragequalitytimewithoutinvadingyourchild’sspace. Don’ttaketheirangerorfrustrationtoheart –itisn’taimed atyou.Listen,REALLYlisten,calmlyandwithempathy.Show you’reontheirteamandmakethemfeel‘seen.’
Givethemmorespacebutalso expressyourlovethroughtiny acts. Alittlemessageontheirmirror,anoteintheirlunchbox orleavingaflowerintheirroomcanbereallyasimplewayof connectingwhenlifeisbusy.
Simpleage-appropriateactivitiestoenjoytogethercouldbea homespanight,bikerideorcafétrip.Anddon’tfeelyouneedto filleverysilenceeither–sometimesjustbeingtogether,quietly content,ismorethanenough.
celebrateachievements andaskopen-endedquestions.The followingsimplegratitudepracticecanbeveryeffective;each personhastonametheirrose,thornandbudfromthedayor week:
Rose: whatwasahighlightandwhatareyougratefulfor?
Thorn: whatdidn’tgosowell?
Bud: whatareyoulookingforwardto?
Byprioritisingqualitytimewithourchildren,webuildstronger bondsandfosteremotionalwellbeing.Simplemomentsaround thetableorsharingactivitieshaveaprofoundimpactonour relationships.Puttingdowndevicesandbeingpresentwithour childrenwillreaptherewardsofamoreconnectedfamily.
RachelistheproprietorofRe:treat(www.retreat.me.uk)which runsfamilywellnessretreatsandparentandt(w)weenspadays inWestBerkshire,providingparentsandchildrenwithaunique opportunitytoconnectandenjoynewexperiencestogether.
Sidewayslistening
Somechildrenfeeluncomfortableandclamupwhenyou trytotalkwhilestaringintotheireyes.Whenthewords aren’tcomingface-to-face,youcouldtrysidewayslistening –startingaconversationwhenyou’residebyside,suchas inthecaroronawalk.Italsoworkswellwhenyou’reboth absorbedinanactivitytogetherlikeartsandcrafts,choresor cooking.It’sperfectatbedtimeafterlightsout.
Thisapproachcanfeelmorenaturalandlessintimidating, makingiteasierforyourchildtoinitiateconversationsorshare difficulttopics.Thelackofintenseeyecontactcancreateamore relaxedspaceforthemtotalkaboutanythingthatmightbe worryingthem.Youmaybesurprisedhowmuchchildrenshare whentheyfeellesspressured.
Thesecretisactivelylisteningandlettingyourchildleadthe conversationwhileyoucommentmorethanquestion.
Setupthisroutineinearlychildhoodandyou’llbelayingthe foundationforahealthyandopenrelationshipintotheteen yearsandbeyond.
Fostering futuresand findingourfeet
Forsome,fosteringisachapter inlife.Forothers,itbecamethe storyitself.
Itallbeganwithasleepover-a friend’ssonwhowasstrugglingat home.Thatshortstayturnedinto weeks,andsomethingintheir heartsshifted.DawnsawanadvertforStChristopher’s,called Roger,andtheyneverlookedback.Since2009,they’vecared fordozensofchildren.
Therehavebeencountlessspecialmoments:teachingchildren toridebikes,shavinglessons,andthewide-eyedsurpriseof Christmasmorning.
Butfosteringalsocamewithitschallenges.Noteverychild transformsquickly—someneedyears.
Supportmadeitpossible.Theyleanedoneachotherand foundstrengthinStChristopher’s,theirtrainingandfellow carers.
Now,after16years,theyarelookingtothefuture.Asthey preparetoretire,theydosoknowingtheirlegacyliveson,not justinmemories,butinliveschanged.
Becausesometimes,thesmallestmomentsplantthebiggest seeds.
Ifyoutoowishtochangethelivesofchildreninneedofcare withacharitywhogoestheextramile–contactthefriendly teamatStChristopher’son fostering@stchris.org.uk
Getreadyfora spooktaculartime inthekitchen withthisfun andfrightfully fantasticbook!
Familiesisgivingfiveluckyreaders thechancetowinacopyof MyFirst HalloweenCookBook byDavid Atherton,winnerof TheGreatBritish BakeOff andbelovedchildren’s cookbookauthor.
Packedwithplayful,easy-to-follow recipesperfectforlittlehands,this colourfulbookisfullofspookysnacks, creepycakesandghoulishlygoodideas togetkidsexcitedaboutbeinginthe kitchen.
Frommonstermuffinstoghostlypizzas, David’sstep-by-stepinstructions,beautifullyillustratedby JessRose,makeHalloweenbakingatreatforthewholefamily. Whetheryou’replanningaparty,gettingcreativeoverhalf termorjustwanttoenjoysomequalitytimetogetherinthe kitchen,thisbookisperfect.Don’tmissyourchancetowinentertodayandlettheHalloweenmagicbegin! Closingdate:17October
T&Csatwww.bit.ly/mfcbtcs
Enterat
Caringforchildrenandyoungpeoplesince1870
Beingafoster carerhasbeen sorewarding.
ConsiderfosteringwithStChristopher’s Wearealocalfosteringcharityfocusedon creatinghappyfamilies.Ourpriorityisproviding thebestcaretoyoungpeopleandsupportingyou onyourfosteringjourney.
Pleasecheckoutourwebsiteforthefactsandany oneofourfreeno-obligationonlineinfoevents. FostercaringwithStChristopher’soffersyou Extensivesupportandtraining Anoncallteam24/7asneeded CompetitiveFosteringallowances
Adedicatedsocialworker Connectionwithourthriving carerscommunity
Contactourfriendlyteamandenquiretoday Wesupportfosterfamiliesextensivelywithin theWestMidlands.
www.stchris.org.uk fostering@stchris.org.uk 08002346282/01215253738
AutumnFunforallthefamily AguidetoWhat’sOnintheWestMidlands
Events
HaveAGoBrass SymphonyHall
7 Sep(10:00)
Haveagoatplayingandhearthe bestyoungbrassmusiciansfrom acrosstheUKshowcasetheir talentsinthisFREE,fun,familyfriendlysessioninB:Eatscafé. bmusic.co.uk/events/have-a-gobrass-2025
MonsterJam UtilitaArena,Birmingham 12–14Sep
Expect12,000-poundMonsterJam trucksstandingontwowheelsand flyingthroughtheairin competitionsofspeedandskillaction-packedwitheverythingfrom big-airjumpsandskywheeliesto cyclonedonuts,unbelievable 2-wheelskills,andbackflips! monsterjam.co.uk
AutumnCelebration
MartineauGardens,Birmingham 20Sep(11:00-15:00)
Celebratetheendofsummerand findoutmoreaboutwhatgoeson atthegardenwithanopportunity toexploreandofcourselovely homemadecakestobuy!FREE entry.Allwelcome. martineau-gardens.org.uk/event /autumn-event-2/
PumpkinPicking ForgeMillFarm,SandwellValley CountryPark 30Sep-29Oct
Grabawheelbarrow,headintothe pumpkinpatchandpickyourown pumpkin.Climbtothetopofthe baletower,trysomepumpkinpizza andsoup,havefuninthephoto booths.Pricesonwebsite. sandwellvalley.com/events/pump kin-picking-at-forge-mill-farm/ LichfieldMaizeMaze Lichfield Exploretheamazingmaizemazes inawholenewlightthisOctober. WithtwoNEWspookymaze games,spookysunflowerwalkwith funnyphotoopportunities,the incrediblePumpkinHouseand pumpkinpicking. lichfieldmaizemaze.co.uk
HorseoftheYearShow2025 NEC,Birmingham 8 –12Oct
Thebiggestweekoftheyearfor equestrianentertainmentisback! HorseoftheYearShowhas somethingforeverymemberofthe familytoenjoy,fromshowsto shopping,andofcourse…the horses!Bookonline. hoys.co.uk
NewlandsBishopFarmPumpkin Patch Solihull 18-31Oct
Picktheperfectpumpkinandtake partinautumn-themedactivities suitableforallages.Pumpkin carving,scavengerhunt,meetthe family-friendlyfarmanimalsand enjoyseasonalrefreshments. newlandsbishopfarm.co.uk /events-at-the-farm/
WiFiWars
MidlandsArtsCentre 26Oct(10:30,13:00&14:45)
Livecomedygameshowwhereyou allplayalong!Loginwithyour smartphoneortabletandcompete inarangeofgames,puzzlesand quizzestowintheshow,andprizes! Agerecommendation:6+ macbirmingham.co.uk /whats-on/category/family
BirminghamMuseum&Art Gallery Birmingham Until2Nov
GIANTS
Afun,family-friendlyimmersive exhibitionwithlife-sized3Dmodels ofprehistoricgiantanimals,nearly completefossilskeletons,hands-on activitiesanddigitalprojections. Childrenupto15FREEwithpaying adult.
birminghammuseums .org.uk/exhibitions/giants
OutdoorFun
MartineauGardens
Birmingham
2.5acresoforganicallymanaged landscapetoexploreincludinga naturetrail,formalgardenand children’s‘shipwreck’playarea. martineau-gardens.org.uk
NationalTrust
BirminghamandWestMidlands ExploretheoutdoorsthisAutumn atourlocalNationalTrust properties:BirminghamBackto Backs,Roundhouse,Wightwick ManorandGardens,ClentHills& MoseleyOldHall.Eachproperty hasitsownuniquefamily activitiessowhynotvisitthemall. Seeindividualwebsitesfordetails andprices.Lookoutfor Halloweenfunthishalf-term! nationaltrust.org.uk
SuttonParkNatureReserve
SuttonColdfield
Visitoneofthelargesturban parksinEurope.With playgrounds,restaurants,sailing, bikeridingandkiteflying,there’s somethingforthewholefamily! birmingham.gov.uk/suttonpark
WinterbourneHouseand Garden Birmingham Edwardianhistorichouseand botanicalgardenwithplentyof activitiesavailableallyearround forchildren.Children’sgarden, familytrail,TeaRoom,giftshop andsecond-handbookshop. winterbourne.org.uk
GetActive
AckersAdventure Birmingham
Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoski lessons(4+),tubingor tobogganing,discgolf,sessions forhomeschoolersandmore. BirthdayPartiesandHoliday Schemesavailable. ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureGolf
FourAshesGolfCentre,Solihull 18holesoffunpackedadventure golfwithcascadingwaterfalls, rockyroutesandapossiblehole inone-it’sfunforallthefamily! fourashesgolfcentre.co.uk/adve nture-golf-course-midlands GoApe CannockChase (Staffordshire),WyreForest (Kidderminster),CoombeAbbey (Coventry) Forthrill-seekingadultsandfunseekingchildrenexperiencethe bestofhighropeantics,forest segways,netadventures,ziptrek adventure,axethrowingand mini-LandRovers.Activitiesvary bylocation.Bookonline. goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun VariousLocations AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly 2Keventforjuniors(4-14years old)EverySundayat9:00. Childrenmustbeableto completethecoursewithoutan adult. parkrun.com
NPFBassetsPoleAdventure Park SuttonColdfield Kidsandfunfamilyactivities, idealforkeepingactive, adventurouskidsentertained throughouthalf-term.Paintball, LaserTag,Archery,Bushcraft, QuadTrekking,JungleEscape, Gelballandmuchmore.All designedforchildren,age restrictionsapply. npfbassettspole.com
PlanetIce Solihull
Skateforfun,learntoskate,book apartyortakethefamilytowatch anIceHockeygameandsupport theSolihullBaronsthisAutumn. Seewebsiteforfixturesand booking. planet-ice.co.uk solihull-barons.net
RushUKTrampolinePark Stirchley,Birmingham
Theultimateplayexperiencefor allages!OpenJump,Family Takeover,ToddlerTakeover,SEN andSunsetSessions.Plus,the bounciestpartiesintown! rushuk.com
StatfoldCountryPark Tamworth
Everythingyouneedforafun familydayout!Steamtrain, Toby’sBarnsoftplay,worldrenownedlocomotivemuseum, shop,café,vintagecarouselride, colouringstation,outdoorgames andplaypark.Don’tmiss-The MagicalSantaExpress! 28Nov-23Dec. statfold.com
Theatre
SymphonyHall
Birmingham
HaveaGoBrass Sun7Sep
CBSO2025/26:FamilyConcert: MusicfromtheMovies Sun19Oct
StarWars:ANewHopein Concert(U) Fri24Oct
StarWars:TheEmpireStrikes BackinConcert Sat25Oct
StarWars:ReturnoftheJediin Concert Sun26Oct
KidzBopLive:CertifiedBOPTour Tue28Oct bmusic.co.uk
TheAlexandraTheatre
Birmingham Riverdance30:TheNew Generation Thu4–Tue9Sep
Cirque:TheGreatestShowReimagined Thu6Nov atgtickets.com
TheCoreTheatre Solihull WestEndTenors Fri5Sep
TheWitchWhoCouldn’tSleep Sun21Sep
TheUltimatePopShow Sat27Sep
RoundtheHorne:60th AnniversaryTour Thu9Oct
thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
TheRepTheatre
Birmingham
LittleRedRidingHood Sat4Oct
AgeRecommendation:3-8 birmingham-rep.co.uk
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm Tamworth Hands-onfamily-friendlyfarm. Entryincludesanimalfeed,tractortrailerride,pony-sit-onandlotsof animalinteraction.Outdoorplay areasavailable.Greatforchildren parties! ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
BirminghamWildlife ConservationPark
Edgbaston
Hometoauniquecollectionof animalsfromacrosstheworld. Thereareredpandas,lemurs, reptiles,meerkats,otters,birds, wallabiesandacollectionof monkeys. birmingham.gov.uk /conservationpark
BurntwoodAlpaca&Animal Farm
Burntwood
Fun-filleddayoutonthefarmfor allthefamily!Hands-onanimal experiences,seasonaleventsand children’sbirthdaypartypackages. Bookonline. burntwoodalpacas.co.uk
CadburyWorld
Birmingham
Enjoyadaychoc-fulloffunand discoverthestoryofhowCadbury Chocolateismade.Interactive factorytourwithdemos,exciting rides,meetCadburycharacters. Withplentyofchocolateytreats! cadburyworld.co.uk
DraytonManor
Tamworth
Thrillsandadventureforallthe familytoenjoy.Ticketsinclude ThomasLand,a15-acrezoo,a Vikingsareaandnauticallythemed AdventureCove.Spooktacular HalloweenthisOctober! draytonmanor.co.uk
HattonAdventureWorld
NrWarwick
Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splenty todowithindoorandoutdoor attractionsandentertainmentfor allthefamily.Halloween SpooktacularthisOctober! hattonworld.com /adventure-world
LegolandDiscoveryCentre
Birmingham
Getcreativeandhavefunwith yourfavouriteLEGOcharactersin Miniland,the4Dcinema,the KingdomQuestRide,LegoCity Softplayandsomuchmore.50% offwithcertainlocalpostcodes. legolanddiscoverycentre.com
MonkeyForest
Trentham
Seenatureupclosewith140 fascinatingBarbarymacaquesto watchanddiscover.Plusanew playareaforchildrentoexplore andreplicatevariousprimate behaviour.Funandeducational. monkey-forest.com
NationalSeaLifeCentre
Birmingham
VisittheAquariumwiththeUKs only360-degreeoceantunneland over60displaysoffreshwaterand marinelife.QuieterSENDsessions firstSunofeverymonth.50%off withcertainlocalpostcodes. Ascarium:Tricks&Treats! 11Oct-2Nov. visitsealife.com/birmingham
TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
Withover100animals,The GruffaloDiscoveryLand,animal experiences,naturereserves,soft playandmuchmore!Payforaday andvisitFREEfor12months.Don’t Miss–LanternsoftheWild!14 Nov–22Feb26.Anenchanting NEWwintereveningexperience featuringimmersive,epic-scale lanternscelebratingthenatural world.Ticketsonline. twycrosszoo.org
WestMidlandsSafariPark
Bewdley
Four-miledrive-throughsafariwith over100differentspecies throughoutthepark.Plustheme parkanddinosaurexhibit.Stay overnightinaLuxurySafariLodge. FREEreturnvisitwithin6months. SpookySpectacular! 11Oct-2Nov. wmsp.co.uk
WHAT’SON
OctoberHalfTerm
HalloweenSpooktacular HattonAdventureWorld,Warwick 11/12,18/19,25-31Oct
Getreadyforadayofspinetinglingfunandghoulishdelights! Gatheryourlittlemonstersand headtoHattonAdventureWorldfor anunforgettableHalloween experiencewithpumpkinpicking, zombielasercombat,illusionshow, trickortreatvillage…plusallthe usualHattonfun.Bookonline. adventure.hattonworld.com /whats-on
Ascarium:Tricks&Treats NationalSeaLifeCentre, Birmingham 11Oct–2Nov
Spookyfamilyfunincludedwith SEALIFEadmission.Followthe trailtofindthemissingpotion ingredientsforthewitchesand warlocks,meetthemintheirlair andtheywillcastaspelltoreveal yourtreat!Orifyou’refeelingbrave, bookaVIPSharksAfterDark experienceforgroupsofupto6. visitsealife.com/birmingham /explore/events/ascarium/ SpookySpectacular WestMidlandsSafariPark, Bewdley 18Oct–2Nov
Getreadyforthebiggestmonster partyyet!WMSPisunleashing monstermayhemthisHalloween withamonstermysterytrail,crazy craftclub,photocompetition, Frankie’sMonsterMashshow, spookywalkaboutsandmuch more.It’ssuretobemonstrously goodfunforthewholefamily! wmsp.co.uk/events/spookyspectacular
WickedAfternoonTea CoombeAbbey,Coventry 25&26Oct
EnjoythethemedAfternoonTea, featuringmagicaltreatsand savourybiteswhileWestEnd singersanddancersperformshowstoppingnumbersfromWicked, LesMisérables,ThePhantomofthe Opera,andmore. coombeabbey.com/product/wick ed-afternoon-tea/
HalloweenNights
BlackCountryLivingMuseum, Dudley 25,26,30&31Oct(18:30)
Enjoyanunforgettablefamilyfriendlyeveningofeerie entertainmentastheMuseum transformsintoaspine-tinglingly immersiveworldofghostlytales, chillingsurprises,andold-timey folklore.Forallthefamily,from aged3+. bclm.com/halloween-nights
Mmm-Bop!TheFamilySilent Disco:HalloweenSpecial SymphonyHall 26Oct(11:00&13:00)
Funinteractivesilentdiscoforkids aged3-8andtheirgrown-up. Expectparty-games,dress-up, bubbles,andwall-to-walldancing atthisextra-specialspooky-ooky Halloweenedition-fancydress encouraged. bmusic.co.uk/events/mmm-bopthe-family-silent-disco-hallowee n-special
HalloweenintheWoods Parkridge,Solihull
27Oct(11:15–12:15)
Headintothespookywoodsand playgames,makemagicpotions andlearnwhichanimalsarebrave enoughtobeoutandabouton Halloween.ForPrimarySchool agedchildren,bookonline. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
TheCaseoftheMissing HalloweenTreats!
SellyManorMuseum,Birmingham 27–31Oct(10:00–17:00)
Helpuncoverthemysteryofthe Halloweentreatswhichhave mysteriouslyvanishedatSelly Manor!Withpuzzlestocrack, creepycornerstodiscover,and plentyofHalloweenfun,it’sthe perfectwaytocelebrateHalloween together. sellymanormuseum.org.uk
LittleRaversHalloweenSpecial Popworld,Solihull 29Oct(14:00-17:00)
Aspook-tacularHalloweenparty forlittleonesandtheirgrown-ups. FREEpumpkinpainting.Baby friendlyandfunforthewhole family.Costumeswelcome! popworldparty.co.uk/solihull
SamuelJohnsonBirthplace Museum
Lichfield
30Oct(11:00–13:00)
SuperSpookyFamilyCraft Activity
Hands-onHalloweenthemed familycraftactivity.£2perchild, accompanyingadultsFREE. Bookingrecommendedbutnot essential.FREEentrytothe museumwithmorefunactivities includingquillpenwriting, colouringandcostumestotryon. samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk /event
BirminghamMuseum &ArtGallery
Birmingham VisittheiconicRoundRoom, IndustrialGallery,BridgeGallery, Tearoomandmuseumshop,plus anewfamilygallery,WildCity andPixelStudio.OpenWed-Sun (10:00–17:00)FREEentry. birminghammuseums.org.uk/bi rmingham-museum-and-artgallery
BlackCountryLivingMuseum
Dudley Gobackintimeandexplore26 acresofcarefullyreconstructed shops,housesandindustrial areasthatrepresenttheBlack Country’sfascinatingstory. bclm.com
DudleyMuseumattheArchives
Dudley Filledwithfantasticfossilsand guaranteedfun,enjoyawhole hostofdisplaysincluding geology,dinosaurs,historicfinds fromDudleyCastle,localheroes, glassandartworkeveryThu,Fri andSat.FREEentry. dudley.gov.uk
DudleyZoo&Castle
Dudley Hometoalargecollectionof endangeredspeciesandthesite ofan11thcenturycastle-an importantgeologicalsite. dudleyzoo.org.uk
LapworthMuseumofGeology UniversityofBirmingham Goandseethefinestandmost extensivecollectionsoffossils, mineralsandrocksinthe Midlands.Excitingfamily activities,educationaltalks,tours andarts&craftsactivities. birmingham.ac.uk/culturalattractions/lapworth-museumof-geology
MidlandAirMuseum
Baginton,NrCoventry Experiencetheworldofaviation withover45aircraftondisplay, Vulcanguidedtourandsit-in Meteorcockpit.TeaRoomand FREEparking. midlandairmuseum.co.uk
RoyalAirForceMuseum
Cosford FREEFullfamilydayout, whatevertheweather!Explore theskiesanduncoverthe immensehistoryoftheRAF.Sitin aSpitfire,interactiveVR experiences,simulatorsand4D Theatre,plusaviation-themed playground. rafmuseum.org.uk /midlands
SandwellMuseums
Sandwell,variouslocations
Explorearangeofdifferent museumsincludingOakHouse Museum(ahalf-timbered farmhouse),BromwichHall(a medievalmoatedmanorhouse), andmore.MostlyFREEtovisit. Seasonalactivities. sandwell.gov.uk /museums
SellyManorMuseum
Birmingham
Stepbackintimetodiscoverhow theTudorscooked,dressedand lived.Exploretheparlour,dining hall,kitchenandbedchamber. Dressupinreplicacostumesand suitofarmour.FREEchildren’s trail. sellymanormuseum.org.uk
ThinkTank Birmingham
Fourfloorsoffuntoexplore, burstingwithmorethan200 hands-onhigh-techdisplays alongsidehistoricalcollections andnaturalsciencespecimens. Funandeducational!Autism friendlysessions. birminghammuseums.org.uk/th inktank
WarwickshireCountyCricket ClubMuseum
Edgbaston,Birmingham Themuseumchroniclesthe historyoftheclubanditsplayers andisFREEtovisitonmatch daysfrom09:00–18:00.No matchticketrequired. edgbaston.com
WestMidlandsPoliceMuseum
Birmingham
Learnabouttwocenturiesof policinghistory.Experiencean authenticVictorianlock-up,hear aboutpioneeringindividuals, interactivedisplays,dressupin policeuniformsandtakeyour ownmugshot! museum.west-midlands.police.uk
AtoZofkids’classes
ByAndrewCampbell
Outofschoolactivitiesofferyourchildtheopportunitytotry theirhandatsomethingnew,developanexistinginterest,have fun,getexerciseandsocialiseandmakefriendsoutsideof school.Here’sourA-Ztohelpyougetstarted!
Artandcraft. Frompaintingtopottery,artandcraftisgreatfor exploringyourchild’screativetalentsandforsimplyjustgetting messyoutsideofthehome.
Babies. Music,movementand/orsensoryclassesareparticularly suitableastheyaredesignedtohelpyouryoungbaby’ssocialand physicalskillsdevelop.Theyarealsoagreatopportunitytomeet otherlocalparents.
Coding. Aswellaspreparingthemforthefuture,classesincoding androboticsteachchildrenlogicalthinking,mathsskillsand complexproblemsolving.
Dance. Notonlygreatforphysicalhealthsuchasflexibility,coordinationandstrength,danceisalsobeneficialformentalhealth, asithelpswithsocialisation,aswellasbeingcreativeand expressive.
Exercise. Fromtoddlersup,childrencangetinvolvedinregular simplelow-costexerciseclasseslikelocalmini-athleticsand sportsoptionsorjuniorparkrunclubs.
Football. Aswellasbeingthemostpopularsportintheworld, footballisoneofthemostwell-rounded,developingahostof physical,socialandcognitiveskills.
Gymnastics. Ademandingsportrequiringperseveranceand discipline,gymnasticsdevelopsstrength,speed,co-ordination, flexibilityandbalance.Masteringcomplexphysicalfeatshelps childrenfaceandovercomefears.
Horseriding. Offeringbothadventureandresponsibility,this surprisinglyvigorousactivityinthegreatoutdoorsteaches childrenaboutempathyandcaringforanotherlivingcreature.
Interests. Beledbyyourchild’sinterestswhenchoosingan activity.Iftheyenjoydoingsomethingathome,theyaremore likelytocommittoaregularclass.
Judo. MartialartslikeJudoareespeciallysuitableforthelively individualist,developingconfidence,discipline,focusandfitness. Theyofferaconstructiveoutletforexcessphysicalenergy.
Kitchenfun. Ifyouhaveanaspiringchef,cookingclassesare greatfunandwillteachbasiclifeskillsandhealthyeating.Online optionsarenowavailabletoo.
Languages. Bystartingearly,yourchildwilllearnfasterandmore easily;beingbilingualimprovesproblemsolving,concentration andboostsbrainpower.
Music. Aswellasthesimpleenjoyment,musicclassesareagreat waytoexploretalentanddevelopabilitieslikepatienceand discipline.
New. Whatevertheirage,tryinganewactivityencouragesachild tobeadventurousandlearnnewskills.Agebringschange,so keeplookingforthenextchallenge.
Offersandtrials. Testyourchild’sinterestinanactivitywithtaster daysintheholidaysorsomemayofferfreetrialsatthestartof term.
Performingarts. Childrenwhosing,danceand/oractlearn communicationskills,gainconfidence,improveacademic performanceandmostimportantly,canusetheseclassesasaway oflettingoffsteamandhavingfun.
Quiet. ForSENchildrenwhothriveinaquieterandmore supportiveenvironment,therearenowawiderangeofclubswho offerthis.
Rugby. Agreatwayforchildrentoexercisewhilelearningrespect andhowtoworkandfunctionaspartofateam.
Swimming. Everpopular,swimmingoffersahostofbenefits includingcardiovascularexercise,improvingstrength,flexibility, stamina,balanceandposture–aswellasbeingreallyenjoyable.
Tennis. Helpschildrendevelopco-ordination,agilityandfocus whileengaginginahealthy,activesport,makingfriendsand learningteamworkinfriendlymatches.
Ukulele. Thesmallsizeoftheukulelemakesitanidealinstrument forchildrentolearn,asitallowsthemtoeasilyholdandstrum.
Volleyball. Afantasticnon-contactteamsportthatiseasytotake upduetolightweightballsandbasicrules.It’srisinginpopularity, especiallyamonggirls.
Watersports. Thereismoretoswimminginwater,there’s canoeing,sailing,paddleboarding,divingandwaterpolobeing justsome.
Xtreme. Forthechildwhothrivesonadrenalineandrisk,consider rockclimbing,treetopwalking,abseiling,orienteering,circus,gokarting,trampoliningorevenParkour.
Yoga. Idealforanxiousoreasilydistractedchildren.Learnto managestressanddevelopconcentrationthroughbreathing, awareness,meditationandhealthymovement.
ZooClub. Mostzoosofferclubsandprogramsthatgivechildren hands-onexperiencewithanimalcareandzookeeping.
7am-7pm
Masteringpositive learninglanguage
ByZuzuJordan
Howmanytimeshaveyoufoundyourselfinastandoff becauseyourchildsaysthey‘can’t’doachallengingpieceof homework?Thatword-‘can’t’-createsanimmediatemental block.Itshutsdownpartofthebrainthatcouldotherwisebe openandreadytolearn.Onewordcanbepowerfulenoughto shapethesuccessofalearningjourney.
Whatifwecouldhelpchildrenusemoreopen,hopeful language?Whatifthewordstheyusedgavethemthe confidencetotryagaininsteadofgivingup?Let’slookat positivelearninglanguage.Thewaychildrentalktothemselves -andhowwespeaktothem-cancompletelyshifttheir mindsetandlearningoutcomes.Languageisnotjustabout communication;itshapesbeliefs,emotionsandbehaviours. Herearesomepracticalstrategiestohelpdevelopthiskindof languageeveryday:
Acknowledgeemotionsfirst
Tobegin,acknowledgehowyourchildfeels.Asimple:‘Icansee thisisfrustratingforyou’or‘It’sokaytofeelstucksometimes’ canbuildsafetyandtrust.
Bantheword‘can’t.’
Replaceitwith:‘Ican’tdothisyet’or‘I’mhavingdifficulty withthis.’Thesephrasesshiftfocusfromfinalitytopossibility, remindingchildrenthatabilitygrowswithtimeandeffort.
Startwithwhattheyknow
Confidencegrowswhenlearnersbeginfromafamiliarplace. Encouragethephrase:‘Usewhatyouknowtofigureoutwhat youdon’t.’Forexample,usingknownmultiplicationfactstosolve moredifficultones.
Breakthetaskintosteps
Askquestionslike:‘Whatcanyoualreadydo?’or‘Howcanwe makethiseasierbybreakingitdown?’Thishelpschildrenrealise thatprogressoftenstartswithsmall,manageableactions.
Remindthemofpast‘wins’
Say:‘Rememberwhenthiswastrickyandnowit’seasy?’ Reflectingonpastsuccesseshelpschildrenseethatchallenges aretemporaryandprogressispossible.
Celebratemistakes
Mistakesaremis-takes-opportunitiestotryagain.Reframe
Givingfeedback
Asparents,wenaturallywanttoknowourchildisdoingwell atschool.Homeworkoftenprovidestheclearestwindow intotheirlearning.Whenwesupportthem,we’realsogiving feedback,sometimeswithoutrealisingit. Thelanguageweusematters.Focusontheireffort, improvementsandwhatthey’vedonewell.Bespecificand encouraging.Ifneeded,gentlysuggesthowtheycanimprove, usingkindandconstructivelanguage.Thoughtfullyworded feedbackboostsconfidence,buildsmotivationandhelps childrenfeelsupportedintheirlearning.
thembyasking:‘WhatcanIlearnfromthis?’Thisteachesthat everymistakebringsanewchancetogrow.
Practisepositiveaffirmations
Affirmationssuchas‘Idon’tgiveupeasily’or‘Icanworkthis out’helpyourchildrewirenegativethinking.Repeatingthem regularlysupportsresilienceandself-belief.
Praiseeffortoveroutcome
Say:‘Inoticedhowhardyoutried’and‘You’reimprovingevery time,’evenifthetaskwasn’tfinished.Thisreinforcesamindset thatvalueslearningoverperfection.
Usethe‘ThreeBs’Rule
Teachyourchildtocheck: Brain –thinkindependently. Book –lookforcluesorpreviousnotes. Buddy –askapeer.Onlythen, asktheBoss(teacheroradult).Thisencouragesindependence andself-reliance.
Retrainhowtheyaskforhelp Encouragemoreconstructivewaystoaskquestions:‘Canyou explainthatadifferentway?’or‘Canwegooverthatpartagain?’ Thiskeepsyourchildengagedandcurious.
Thelearningjourney
Positivelearninglanguagedevelopsunderstanding,resilience andconfidence.Likeclimbingamountain,thelearningjourney includessetbacks,discoveriesandgrowth.Butwiththeright words,thepathbecomesclearerandtheclimbachievable.
Bymodellingandencouragingthislanguage,wehelpchildren buildthemindsettheyneednotonlytosucceedinschoolbutto thriveinlife.
ZuzuisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohastaughtprimary foreighteenyearsandisDirectorofArnettInternational.For FREEresourcesandtips,findheronInstagram@edumate_uk
Safelearningenvironment
Parentsplayavitalroleinmakinglearningfeelsafeand supportive.
Startbycreatingacalm,distraction-freespacewhereyour childcanfocus.Useencouraginglanguageandpraiseeffort, notjustoutcome.Letthemknowmistakesarepartoflearning andit’sokaytoaskforhelp.Listenwithoutjudgementand showpatience,evenwhenthey’restruggling.Whenchildren feelemotionallysecureandsupportedathome,they’remore likelytostaymotivated,confidentandopentolearning.
Theimportance ofmusicinchild development
ByLisaWanderandCatherineNoble
‘Musicisamorepotentinstrumentthananyotherforeducation becauserhythmandharmonyfindtheirwayintotheinward placesofthesoul.’
Thisquote,oftenattributedtoPlato,highlightstheprofound impactofmusiconachild’semotionalandintellectual development,emphasisingitsabilitytoengagethesoulina waythatothersubjectsmaynot.Acorecreativesubject,it fosterscreativity,engagement,cognitiveandemotionalskills, socialskillsandself-esteem.Excellentmusiceducationopens opportunitiesthatstaywithchildrenandshapetheirlives.
Playingakeyroleinbraindevelopmentandimpactingvarious areasofcognitivefunction,musicengagesbothsidesofthe brain,therebyimprovinglearningandmemory,aswellas supportinglanguageacquisitionandliteracydevelopment.
Songswithrhymesandrepetitionhelpdevelopvocabularyand phonemicawareness.Listeningtomusicandmelodiesexposes childrentoawiderrangeofwordsandphrasesandtrains memoryskillsandrecall. Didyouknowthatmusicistheonly thingthatstimulatesyourentirebrain? Whenchildrencan’t hearyoubecausetheyareconcentratingonsomethingelse,try singingtothem!
Musiccanhaveahugeimpactonachild’ssocialandemotional development.Itallowschildrentocreativelyexpressemotions whichmaybedifficulttoarticulatethroughwordsalone.As HansChristianAndersson wrote: ‘Wherewordsfail,music speaks.’ Thisemotionaloutletworksondevelopingempathy
Positiveeffectsofmusic onthebrain
Musicofferschildrenauniquelensthroughwhichtoexplore cultures,traditionsandevenhistory,helpingbroadentheir perspectiveandunderstandingoftheworldaroundthem. Musicalrhythmsintroducebasicmathematicalconcepts,for examplesequencingandanalysingpatterns.Researchshows astrongcorrelationbetweenmusicaltrainingandimproved mathematicalabilities.
Activitieslikeclapping,dancingandplayingmusical instrumentsrequiretheintegrationofhand,eyeandauditory co-ordinationwhichimprovesfineandgrossmotorskills. Musicalimprovisation,compositionandinterpretationall fosterinnovativethinkingandproblem-solvingskills,crucial foroverallintellectualgrowth.
Performingmusicnurturesself-confidenceandprovidesa senseofachievement,particularlywhenchildrenhavethe opportunitytoperforminfrontofanaudience.
andemotionalintelligence.Inaddition,exposuretomusichas beenproventoreducestressandanxietyinchildren.Itcreates acalming,positiveandengagingenvironmentthat enhances overallmentalwell-being andreadinesstolearn.
Touchingheartsandminds,musicisacornerstoneofthebroad andbalancededucationthateverychildshouldreceive;it celebratesandchallenges,itconnectsandmovesus.
Inthesamewaythatweteachchildrenliteracyandnumeracy topreparethemforadultlife,wemustgivethemthemusical toolstheyneedforalifetimeofmusic-makingandenjoyment. Forsome,musicwillbethefoundationofacareerinoneofthe country’smostimportantandglobally-recognisedindustries. Forothers,itwillprovide experiencesandskillswhichdevelop theircreativity.
Formany,musicwillsimplybeasourceofjoy,comfortand companionshipthroughouttheirlives.
LisaandCatherineareco-foundersofEmparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk),supportingchildren,parentsand familieswiththeinsights,skillsandtoolsneededtonurture thedevelopmentandwell-beingofthenextgeneration.
Encouragingaloveof musicathome
It’seasyandfuntomakemusicadailypartofhomelife. Playmusicregularly, perhapsasacuefortransitions suchasbedtimeormealtimes.Setthemusicalmoodfor differentactivities,showinganinterestinyourchild’smusical preferences.
Explorevariousgenres: Aswellasnurseryrhymes,mixupthe genresandmoods.Makeupsongstogether. Movetothemusic: Encourageyourchildtodance,clapor stomptotherhythm.
Makeyourowninstruments: Usehouseholditemstocreate instruments,forexampleshakersandhomemadeguitars. Ifyourchildshowsaninterest,considerexploringreal instruments.
Attendconcertsorperformances: Livemusiccanbea powerfulwaytoinspireanddeepenachild’sappreciationof music.
BACKTOSCHOOL
Assessingaschool environment
ByJemmaZoeSmith
Choosingaschoolisaverypersonaldecisionandit’snot justaboutleaguetables,examresultsorfacilities.Thereal questionis:inwhatkindofenvironmentwillyourchild flourish?
Firstly,takeacloselookatwhat’savailablelocally.Somestate schoolshaveexcellentenrichmentprogrammesandyoumay besurprisedbytherangeofsupportonoffer.Grammar schoolsareselectivebutnotalwaysfarfromhome.And independentschoolsvaryenormously-fromtraditional boardingtocreativedayschools-soit’sworthconsidering several.
Whentouringaschool,lookbeyondtheofficialtourroute.Are studentsengagedorglazedoverinclassrooms?Doteachers seemstretchedorsupported?Checkthetoilets(asurprising windowintohowaschoolmanagescareanddiscipline).
Finally,askyourself:doesthisschoolfeellikeitwouldsuitmy child?
Understanding aschoolfrom onevisit
Ifyoucan,it’sworthwhile speakingtootherparents whosechildrenattendthe school.
Inaddition,asyoutourschools,thereareusually opportunitiestospeaktothechildrenthatattendandask aboutday-to-dayschoollife.Raisethequestionsyouask teacherswiththesechildrentoo.Childrenaregenerallyvery honest!Forthisreason,it’sgoodtovisitschoolsduringa normalschooldayoratanOpenDaywhereyouknowthe school’sstudentswillbepresent.
Howisstresshandledduringexams?Doestheschool understandtheculturethatyourchildrenhavebeenbrought upwith?Arechildrenexpectedtodohomeworklateintothe evening?Whatisschoollunchlikeandcanstudentssitwith friendsoraretheyrushedthrough?Theseareallaspectsof schoollifethatyoumayfeelitimportanttounderstand. Don’tbeafraidtoaskpracticalquestionstoolike:canmy childmisslessonsforcompetitionsorextra-curricularsinging lessonsforinstance?Arethereclubsatlunchtimeforthose whodon’tlikesport?Ifyou’reconsideringboarding,askwhat happensatweekends.Domostboardersgohome?
Ultimatelyyouarelookingforaschoolenvironmentinwhich yourchildwillbehappyandgrow,regardlessofthetypeof school.Remember,youasaparentknowyourchildbestand understandtheirpersonality,rhythmandlevelofresilience.
Callforfreecodeclubsin schoolsandlibraries
TheRaspberryPiFoundation,theUK’sleadingdigitalskills charity,iscallingforafreecodeclubineveryUKschooland library,aimingtoequipyoungpeoplewithessentialdigital skillsforafutureshapedbyAI.AnOpiniumsurveyfound sixtypercentofparentsseecodingasimportant,while overseventysaytheirchildisn’ttaughtcodingregularlyat school.
Alreadysupportingtwothousandfreecodeclubs,the Foundationhelpskidslearntocodeandbuildconfidence, teamworkandresilience.Itoffersfreetrainingandresources whichmakeiteasyforanyone,regardlessofexperience,to startaclub.
Teachershaveseencodeclubsopendoorsforallstudents tobecreativeandcollaborative,breakingdownstereotypes aboutwhocancode.TheFoundation’spositionisclear:every childshouldlearntocodetoshapeaninclusivedigitalworld. CodeClubhasreachedtwomillionchildrenworldwide,witha goaloftenmillionby2035. Moreinfo:www.codeclub.org
Jamie‘smissionto transformdyslexia
JamieOliver,longknownforhisschooldinnerreforms, isnowonamissiontooverhauldyslexiasupportinUK schools.Drawingonhisownexperiencewithdyslexia, OliverispartneringwithMPs,educatorsandgroupssuchas theBritishDyslexiaAssociationtopushforurgentchanges. Hiscampaigncentresonthreekeyreforms:mandatory dyslexiascreeningforallprimaryschoolchildren,better teachertrainingtorecogniseandsupportdyslexicstudents andwideruseofassistivetechnologylikereadingpensand audiobooks.
JemmaZoeSmithworkswithfamiliesasaneducation consultanttohelpthemtoschooloptions. Forfurtheradvice,visitwww.educationhotel.co.uk
Oliverarguesthesestepswouldensureearlyintervention, boostpupilconfidenceandallowteachingtoplaytoeach child’sstrengths.Whilehisproposalshavebeenpraisedby advocacygroups,challengesremain-particularlyfunding, teacherworkloadandslowpolicychange.Still,Oliver’s campaigncouldbenefitallpupilsbymakingclassroomsmore inclusiveandadaptableandbyimprovingliteracysupportfor everyone,notjustthosewithadiagnosis.
Moreinformationatwww.bdadyslexia.org.uk
IndependentSchools
EdgbastonHighSchool forGirlsPre-Prep&Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214545831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat20Sep 09:30–12:00
HallfieldSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496
www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat27Sep 09:15–12:00
HighclareSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
NorfolkHouseSchool Birmingham T:01214547021
www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 www.prioryschool.net
OpenMorning:Sat27Sep
St.George’sSchoolPrep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 www.sgse.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat27Sep 10:00–12:00
TheBlueCoatSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214106800 www.thebluecoatschool.com
WestHouseSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404097 www.westhouseprep.com
EversfieldPrepSchool
Solihull T:01217050354 www.eversfield.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat4Oct 09:30–12:00
RuckleighSchool Solihull T:01217952773 www.ruckleigh.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat4Oct 10:00–12:30
SolihullSchool Solihull T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat27Sep 09:30–12:00
TheShrubberySchool
SuttonColdfield T:01213511582 www.shrubberyschool.com
SeniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchoolfor GirlsSenior Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat20Sep 09:30–12:00
HallfieldSchoolSeniors Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat27Sep 09:15–12:00
HighclareSchoolSeniors Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
KingEdward’sSchool Birmingham T:01214721672 www.kes.org.uk
OpenEvent:Thu11Sep 17:00–20:00
KingEdwardVIHighSchool forGirls Birmingham T:01214721834
www.kehs.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat20Sep 09:15–12:30
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103
www.prioryschool.net
OpenMorning:Sat27Sep
St.George’sSchoolSenior Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398
www.sgse.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat27Sep 10:00–12:00
SolihullSchool Solihull T:01217050958
www.solsch.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat20Sep 09:30–12:00
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