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Cambridgeshire
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE #34
WIN A FAMILY PORTRAIT & PRINT
WORTH £495!
SEE PAGE 3
INSIDE: • NURSERY LISTING 2016 • TWILIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
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Contents & Competitions
Dear Reader,
What’s in this issue?
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A FAMILY PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE IN ELY, CAMBRIDGE
Last month’s winner was Lucy from Cottenham
INCLUDES A 20” WALL PORTRAIT
WORTH OVER £495!
Enter your family to be in with a chance to win a family location portrait in Ely, Cambridge. Following your portrait the winner will be able to choose an image to be displayed on a 20” x 16” Wall Portrait in either the beautiful Print Wrap or the Striking Bevel-Edge Finish, worth £495. (Another size print may be chosen up to the same value). Dion Gallichan Photography is a family run independent studio with 15 years experience; they pride themselves on outstanding customer service with excellent quality products and are committed to providing customers with the perfect portrait of their family to treasure forever. www.diongallichanphotography.co.uk. To be in with a chance of winning simply visit www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk and answer the question.
Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families 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 distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’
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New Year – new diary! Every year my plans and goals are outlined for next year and I feel more organised simply by writing them down. Included in my goals every year are ‘Spend more quality time with the children’...no matter how much time I spend with them it never seems enough! Hopefully this issue will help you to become more organised with this month’s ‘what’s on’ pages including things to do for FREE with the children to beat the January blues. Plus, our 2016 Nursery listing updated with the latest Ofsted ratings. Don’t forget if you have an event you would like to mention or if you wish to distribute copies of the magazine please do get in touch. Happy New Year
4 News & Views 7P regnancy & Baby News The latest Pregnancy advice, baby products and news for new mums.
8W hat’s On Great days out and events to get keep little ones busy in the New Year.
11 T wilight at the Museums Discover the excitement of Cambridge Museums after dark as they celebrate their 10th anniversary.
13 T eaching Maths Well Margaret White, Director of studies at St Faiths, considers elements of excellence in Maths teaching.
14 N ursery Listing 2016 Helping you find the right place for your little ones – our 2016 guide with the latest Ofsted ratings. EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Michelle Jones michelle@squarkdesign.co.uk
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News & views
Great Maths Teaching “Will Take A Decade” Experts say that bringing math’s teaching in the UK up to world-class standards will take ten years. The Advisory Council on Mathematics Education (ACME) has released a report that says that it will take at least ten years before maths teachers are qualified as well as they should be. They recommend that maths teachers need better training and higher qualifications. This would include primary schools, where many teachers have not studied maths since they took their GCSEs and yet teach math’s to their classes. The report’s authors wants all primary teachers to have a maths A level or continue to study math’s up to the age of 18 and they want more math’s graduates to teach the subject at secondary level. If there are not enough available, then they suggest that graduates with a related subject such as economics could be encouraged to become maths teachers. The report’s author, Robert Barbour says: “We are not at the bottom,” but says that math’s teaching should “aspire to level with the best.” The report compared teaching in the UK with that in Shanghai, Singapore, Massachusetts and Germany, where some of the most successful educational systems are based. However the general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Russell Hobby, says that schools should be recruiting now and that ten years is too long to wait. “The children in the system today won’t see the benefits before they leave school. The effectiveness of recruitment needs to be addressed immediately. For the teachers there in the system today, it’s vital that they have access to proper professional development to increase their experience,” he said. The Department for Education has removed caps on funding to ensure that teacher trainees who have at least a 2:2 degree can earn £25,000 and the Department has pledged up to £67 million to increase the maths ability of 15,000 teachers currently working in schools. It willalso recruit an additional 2,500 math’s and physics specialists in this parliament. 4
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Big Garden Birdwatch Last year over half a million people took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, spotting more than 8.5 million birds across the UK, and the organisers are hoping this year’s watch will be a record-breaking event. This year’s survey takes part on 30 and 31 January. To take part, simply spend one hour
counting the birds in your garden or local park, and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time. The morning is the best time to look, when the birds are out and about feeding after a cold winter night. To sign up for a free Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 pack, go to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.
Nursery Improvements
Parents can be confident that their child will be as well looked after at nursery as they can at home thanks to a couple of new initiatives. In the Spring, the Government introduced Millie’s Mark, a scheme which means that every nursery will have first-aid trained staff in the nursery at all times. Following the death of Millie Thomson who choked and died at her nursery in 2012, her parents Joanne and Dan have successfully campaigned government to ensure that all newly qualified staff with the childcare level 2 and 3 qualification will automatically have training in emergency pediatric first aid or a full pediatric first aid certificate. Nurseries that reach a ‘gold standard’ of care will receive a certificate to display, known as Millie’s Mark. This will give parents reassurance that their child is being cared for by a range of trained professionals should something go wrong.
Should all School Staff have First Aid Training? Teachers at a school in York did not realise when they went on a first aid training course that they would use their newly learned skills just a few months later. When a 15-year-old boy, Alex, collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest in a PE class, his teacher Shona Jagger and the school’s matron, Erica Melsom, came to his aid with their skills and a defibrillator. CPR training is only taught in a quarter of schools but the British Heart Foundation says that it would like mandatory CR training in all schools.
News & views
New ownership for Razzamataz Theatre Emma Louise Campbell took over the Razzamatz theatre school Cambridge franchise earlier this year and was recently delighted to welcome Carl from the hit TV show Go!Go!Go! to their classes. The Go!Go!Go! Show is an energetic musical extravaganza featuring brand new hit songs. Following two hugely successful West End runs and a season at Alton Towers Resort, The Go!Go!Go! Show was asked by Nickelodeon UK to film a series of pop videos for Nick Jr and their songs can now be seen and heard daily on the channel. This exciting workshop provided a great experience for all Razzamataz students to work with an industry professional. Book your FREE one week trial. 01223 755113 cambridge@razzamataz.co.uk
New Year Reading Resolutions Start the New Year with good reading habits to get your children ‘reading fit.’ Helping your children learn to read is the most important activity you can do to help with their education. l Read aloud to your children (whatever their age) every night if possible. Children will see that reading is not just another piece of homework to be ticked off for school, but is enjoyable and exciting. l Make your home ‘reading friendly’. Ensure there is something to read in easily accessible places all around the house. l Establish a good reading routine. Once reading becomes part of a normal routine, reluctant readers will be less likely to protest.
Just ten minutes reading a day will make a huge difference. l Have a board game night once a week. Now that Ipads are so immersed into children’s lives, board games are quite a novelty. Some of the best for reading are the old favourites such as Monopoly and Scrabble. l Make time to read yourself - and let your children see you. Children fall into reading habits based on what goes on in their home. If they never see their parents reading, they are much less likely to pick up a book themselves. For more reading advice and access to a wide range of reading scheme books, visit www.readingchest.co.uk.
New Findings: 23% rise in 11 plus course Explore Learning The first grammar school in 50 years was recently given the green light for development. The new school will take 90 pupils a year from 2016 and could herald a new era of selective schools emerging across the Kent region and beyond. Explore Learning, which has 117 tuition centres across the UK, has a regular 11 plus course that has seen a 23% rise in attendance this year compared with 2014, showing the continual rising demand from parents. The sessions cover verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, literacy skills – whatever is appropriate for the exam. Parents receive regular feedback and children are encouraged to access specialist online practice tools for further home practise. The goal is to prepare children to achieve their potential in whichever 11 plus exam they are
sitting whether that be CEM, The Kent Test, GL, Bond, Essex Consortium etc. more than 2000 children aged 10 to 11 attend each week. Carey Ann Dodah, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning says: “Any parent, who has a child in year five that wants to send their child to their local grammar school, should now begin preparation. Since working for Explore Learning I have come to fully
understand the fervour that surrounds the 11 plus and the many potential benefits of it. I believe that children preparing for the 11 plus should enjoy the process, take pleasure in learning new skills and honing existing ones. They should develop many abilities alongside those covered in the exam so that they become a well-rounded, confident 10 year old not just a child primed to pass a test. This is definitely the ethos that underpins our classes at Explore Learning.” The 11 plus has historically been the way of selecting those students most suited to an advanced academic stream. In many countries streaming in this way has proved to be highly successful, for example in Singapore, and high profile gifted and talented programmes in the US. www.explorelearning.co.uk.
60% of highly qualified women and men want to work part time Like many great ideas, the concept for Capability Jane Recruitment was born out of personal experience and sheer determination. In her early thirties, Sara Hill found herself looking to return to work after taking a 2 year break to have her two children. She set about looking for a challenging role with flexibility so she could spend time with her young family. Eventually, after what she describes as a “roller coaster of a journey”, Sara found the perfect role through her own network: a challenging part-time consulting role with a boutique strategy consultancy. Although extremely happy with her new job, the seed of an idea had
been sown. On top of Sara’s personal experience, there was compelling research to show that 60% of highly qualified women and men wanted to work part time so they could remain in or progress in their careers. A lack of genuinely flexible senior opportunities combined with a national skills shortage drove the creation of Capability Jane as a recruitment company focusing on part time and flexible working roles. 8 years on Capability Jane Recruitment is leading the marketplace for high quality part-time careers and in turn helping to increase the number of talented women in influential roles in business. www.capabilityjane.com
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An HMC Independent Co-educational Day School for Pupils Aged 4-18
Find out what makes us extraordinary Magdalene House, the Preparatory School for Wisbech Grammar School, invites you to our Open Morning Saturday 30 January 10am-12pm To register or for more information, please contact our Admissions Team: e: Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com t: 01945 586 750 w: MagdaleneHousePrep.com
Open Morning for pupi aged 4-1ls 1 years
An HMC Independent Co-educational Day School for Pupils Aged 4-18
Find out what makes us extraordinary Wisbech Grammar School, invites you to our Open Event Saturday 27 February 2-4pm To register or for more information, please contact our Admissions Team: e: Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com t: 01945 586 750 w: WisbechGrammar.com 6
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Open Ev en for pupi t l aged 11- s 16 years
Families Pregnancy & Baby News
Nibbling’s new collection of baby safe teething jewellery for stylish mums and tots Nibbling jewellery is a new concept to the UK and has already gathered a cult following with their first collection amongst fashionable mums and trend setting tots not to mention the likes of Manolo Blahnik! Nibbling’s high quality baby-safe jewellery is made with 100% food grade silicone (similar to dummies & bottle nipples) which is safe and soft enough for babies to chew.
Nibbling jewellery is not just fashionable for mums to wear but can also be used to focus the attention of nursing babies and provide chewing relief to teething babies as it’s soft on babies’ gums and emerging teeth. Their newest collection features bracelets, necklaces, teethers and dummy clips in a vast range of designs, shapes and colours, from strings of pearls to clusters of stars. Nibbling also offer a ‘mini’ collection of necklaces for little girls age 3 and up. Nibbling silicone is free from BPA Phthalates and heavy metals and all the necklaces have a breakaway clasp for added safety. All jewellery and teethers are easily cleaned with dish soap & water and can even be popped in the dishwasher. www.nibbling.co.uk
Drinking in Pregnancy Still Controversial
New Baby Swimming Guidelines Presented at Parliament UK swimming class provider Water Babies, together with swimming aid company Splash About, the Amature Swimming Association and standards organisationBSI, have launched some new guidelines at Parliament on swimming with babies. Baby swimming classes have increased in popularity over the past few years and it is estimated that in 2015, 430,000 babies and toddlers up to three years will have been taken swimming. However, older children have missed out, with 45% of seven to 11 year olds unable to swim, despite it being part of the National Curriculum. Swimming is especially good for babies as it strengthens muscles, helps with appetite and sleeping patterns and helps with heart and lung function. The new guidelines are to ensure best practice and safety for babies. They say that all classes should have at least one member of staff who has a recognised swimming qualification and one who has a lifesaving and first aid certificate. They should have been checked against police records to ensure they are safe to work with children and should take a Safeguarding Children in Sport class.
Save with Sassy Bloom boxes
With no less than 15 awards to their name Sassy Bloom has certainly been making waves since their launch 2 years ago. They recently appeared on BBC’s Dragon’ Den, and were awarded by Sir Richard Branson, Theo Paphitis and Jaqueline Gold. If you haven’t heard of Sassy Bloom before - it’s a fun and innovative way for parents to shop, discover and save for their baby. Bloom help parents to discover the very best baby products for each age and stage of development, so that parents can spend less time searching for the right products and more time sharing happy and special moments together. Each Sassy Bloom box is handpicked and tailored to baby’s age and stage of development, gender and sometimes even include personalised items too. Prices from £25.95 a month See more at www.sassybloom.com
Decades after health professionals warned about the dangers of drinking alcohol in pregnancy, there is still controversy over whether it’s safe to drink during pregnancy, and if so, how much. There has been a new discussion in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), in which two experts say that avoiding alcohol altogether is the only advice that should be given to mums-to-be. Retired paediatrician Mary Mather and doctoral research fellow in obstetric medicine at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Trust, Kate Wiles, say that guidelines are inconsistent and that many countries in the world advise that pregnant women do not drink at all. They say in the BMJ that drinking can lead to serious health problems including foetal alcohol syndrome, mental retardation, delayed development and behaviour problems. It can also cause low birth weight, which in turn can lead to other health problems in babies. However, consultant and senior lecturer Patrick O’Brien at University College London, says that while there is no guarantee that a lower limit is safe, there is also no evidence that drinking small amounts of alcohol after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is harmful to babies.
The Baby Show February 2016 at London Excel If you are pregnant, or a new parent with a baby ensure The Baby Show is in your diary for February 2016 at London Excel. The ultimate shopping event (a one-stop shop) but also the best place to gain invaluable expert advice. If you are worried about sleep, breastfeeding, weaning or first aid there are leading experts on hand to help. Or if your concerns as a new parent is more about juggling work and family,
making a will or whether you need life insurance head to the new ‹Family Experts Village› for all the tips and tactics on ‘life after baby’ questions, including financial, legal, career and childcare. The Baby Show (www. thebabyshow.co.uk) is returning to the ExCeL London for the 14th year running from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st February 2016. JA N UA RY / F EBRUA RY 2016
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Families Fun Sledging and IceSliding WHEN? Throughout January and February
Living with dogs – FREE family dog safety workshop
WHERE? SnoZone Milton Keynes
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HOW MUCH? Prices from £3.50 To be guaranteed some snow this year visit the SnoZone Milton Keynes covered in real snow all year round, offering a whole new world of fun! Children and their parents can play around in the snow, go sledging and ice sliding. Age 2 years + and Adults www.snozoneuk. com
WHEN? 31 January 10:00-12am
WHERE? Wood Green, the Animals Charity Godmanchester
W hat’s On
WHEN? 10 January WHERE? Cresset Theatre Peterborough
places Things to do, e h ad to go, fun to b s... this Christma … for k ids of a
HOW MUCH? £16.50 a ticket Are your kids mad about Minecraft? Do they like to watch Minecraft You Tubers? Then this unofficial Minecraft Convention is the event for you! Bring your children for a funpacked day of Minecraft. Meet and greet world-famous YouTubers, take part in Q & A sessions with the YouTubers, watch and participate on-stage in YouTuber challenges! You can also play Minecraft on our network on PCs and Xboxes, take part in a costume contest and purchase Minecraft merchandise. 01733 265705 www.cresset.co.uk
Nature Tots
WHEN? 11 & 25 January 10am to 11.30am WHERE? Ferry meadows country park - Peterborough HOW MUCH? Price £2.50 per child. A monthly outdoor parent and toddler group. Each session has a nature theme and will include a craft activity, outdoor session and story/ songtime. Suitable for Preschool children Booking: Essential. Please call the Nene Park Trust on 01733 234193 or e-mail visitor.services@ neneparktrust.org.uk
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Campfire cooking for kids WHEN? 24 January 10:30am12:00noon and 1:30pm-3:00pm WHERE? Ferry Meadows Country Park HOW MUCH? £5.00 Have a go at cooking and eating some simple campfire recipes. Booking: Essential. Please call the Nene Park Trust on 01733 234193 or e-mail visitor. services@neneparktrust.org.uk
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Peppa Pig’s Surprise WHEN? 13-14 February
WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn Exchange HOW MUCH? Prices from £14.00 per child Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back with a brand new live stage show, Peppa Pig’s Surprise. www. kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
Jospeh and the Technicolor Dreamcoat WHEN? 25-30 January
WHERE? Broadway Theatre Peterborough HOW MUCH? Tickets from £19.50 Bill Kenwright’s “Amazing”, “Wonderful” and “Brilliant” production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues on its record breaking tour having sold to date an estimated 15 million tickets. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph and the coat of many colours, this magical musical, the UK’s longest running, is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. www.thebroadwaypeterborough. co.uk
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HOW MUCH? Children will enjoy their very own workshop and through interactive activities will learn to speak dog language, know when their dog needs some time alone, discover how to make feeding time fun and get hands on with some dog training. 0844 248 8181 www.woodgreen.org.uk
Hairspray
WHEN? 15-20 February
WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange
Handa’s Hen
WHEN? 7 February
WHERE? Cambridge Junction
HOW MUCH? Family ticket £27 Based on the book by Eileen Browne, this beautiful and engaging show features 55 stunning puppets all created by hand for this brand new production. Join in with Handa and Akeyo as they sing and dance in search of Mondi, meeting a host of colourful animals and birds as they go. www.junction.co.uk/
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HOW MUCH? Tickets from £32.50 The smash hit musical comedy Hairspray is touring the UK and Ireland with a brand new production, guaranteed to have you dancing the night away! It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way! 01223 357851 www.cornex.co.uk
Please quote Families when booking any of these events
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Families Fun Nature Tots
WHEN? 8 & 22 February 10:00- 11.30am WHERE? Ferry meadows country park - Peterborough HOW MUCH? £2.50 per child. A monthly outdoor parent and toddler group. Each session has a nature theme and will include a craft activity, outdoor session and story/ song time. Suitable for Preschool children. Booking is essential. Please call the Nene Park Trust on 01733 234193 or e-mail visitor. services@neneparktrust.org.uk
What The Ladybird Heard WHEN? 17 – 21 February
WHERE? Cambridge Arts Theatre
HOW MUCH? Tickets £15 Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this brand new stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure. 01223 503333 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com
Family Campfire Cooking
WHEN? 17 February 10:00am2:30pm WHERE? Wicken Fen - Ely
HOW MUCH? £45 per family (Max 5 people) Cook a delicious 3 course meal from scratch in our basic mud ovens. Suitable for 8+ 0844 249 1895 visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/Wicken-fen Fre
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Twilight at Denny
WHERE? Denny Abbey- Ely
WHEN? 15-19 February
WHERE? Audley End House and Gardens – Saffron Walden 11-4pm HOW MUCH? Family ticket £41.60 child £9.60 From skittles to quoits, croquet to chess, play like a Victorian as you step back in time this February half term. Discover games that time forgot and master the skills needed to out maneuver your opponents and astound your family. www.English-heritage.org.uk
HOW MUCH? FREE The Farmland museum and Denny Abbey look different in the dark – lots of different activities! Take a torch and wrap up warmly – hot drinks will be available from the tea room. www.dennyfarm landmuseum.org.uk e! Fre
WHEN? 17 February4:30 - 8:30pm
Go Wild: Introduction to Geocaching WHEN? 18 Feb 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm WHERE? Wicken Fen - Ely
Sounds of Steam WHEN? 17 February
WHERE? Cambridge Museum of Technology HOW MUCH? FREE event Experience the museum through sound tours, ‘Horrible Histories’ music performances and hands-on
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Twilight at the Museums
WHERE? Cambridge HOW MUCH? FREE As darkness falls, Museums and collections across Cambridge are opening their doors into the night for an exciting evening of FREE dropin and bookable family events. Taking place in twelve venues across the city set out and discover the extraordinary world of Cambridge museums and collections after dark. Whether it’s experiencing the sights and sounds of ice at The Polar Museum, journeying by torchlight through the Botanic Garden Glasshouses or creating amazing photographs in the evocative setting of the Museum of Technology, there will be plenty to explore! Get ready for the adventure by visiting For a full list of events see page 11. www.cam.ac.uk/museums/twilight
WHEN? 17 February 4:30 – 8:30pm
Victorian Games Galore
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activities. You’ll also find E-luminate light installations, fire jugglers and pedal-powered bands. Some activities are outside so wear sensible shoes. www.museumoftechnology.com
HOW MUCH? £10per family (1GPS per family) A taster session for families who are interested in geocaching. Learn how to use GPS on a short trail, with help on hand if needed! Suitable for 8+ 0844 249 1895 visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/Wicken-fen Fre
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Cambridge Book Fair WHEN? 19 -20 February
WHERE? Cambridge Guildhall
Wild Art
HOW MUCH? FREE The annual Cambridge book fair sees the guildhall transformed into a book-lovers paradise, serving up a treasure trove of books. www.cambridgebookfair.org
WHEN? 16 Feb 10:30am-12:30pm and 2-4pm WHERE? Wicken Fen - Ely
HOW MUCH? Tickets £5.25 Create some wild art using natural Wicken Fen materials. Wrap up warm as the event takes place outside and wear your wellies! 0844 249 1895 visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/Wicken-fen
Around The World in 80 Days WHEN? 18 -20 February
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WHERE? Key Theatre – Peterborough
HOW MUCH? Family Ticket £42 Child £10 From the makers of sell-out family show Hansel and Gretel (2013) New International Encounter and The Key Theatre invite you to join them on the greatest adventure ever imagined… Join Phileas Fogg and his faithful servant Passepartout in their audacious plan to navigate the globe in just 80 days. With only a bag full of money, a pocket watch and a wager to win, Fogg sets out on the most celebrated literary journey of all time. 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com
Please mention Families Cambridgeshire when booking
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visit us razzamataz.co.uk
We would like to invite you to a FREE ONE WEEK trial session, limited places! We are the ideal place for children aged 4-18 years old with an interest in performing to learn Pop Singing, Street Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama! Call us to book your FREE ONE WEEK trial session!
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Families Fun
Twilight at the Museums
Discover the excitement of Cambridge Museums after dark 4.30 - 8.30pm, Wednesday 17th February 2016
HERE IS A TASTE OF WHAT YOU WILL FIND... l THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MAA…
Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology There are some things big and some things tiny; some things tall and some things shiny. What will you find? Take a torch, and try the Twilight trail to discover amazing things in MAA. www.maa.cam.ac.uk
l STATUES THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
Museum of Classical Archaeology What happens in the Museum after dark? Do the statues start to move? Grab a torch and try the Twilight trail to bring the sculptures to life. www.classics.cam.ac.uk/museum
l PENGUINS, WHALES AND BEARS! OH MY! The Polar Museum with Museum of Zoology Can you tell the difference between Arctic and Antarctic animals? What life can you find under the ice? Visit the Polar Museum to find out more about wildlife at the poles with the amazing Museum of Zoology Outreach team. www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum
l GUIDED TORCHLIGHT TOURS
Cambridge Guides uncover the secrets of the ancient streets and hear remarkable stories of the city on family torch-lit tours. Timed tours depart from the Downing site throughout the night. www.cam.ac.uk/twilight
l DINOSAURS IN THE DARK
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences Hunt dinosaurs lurking in the shadows and find fossil treasures brought to life through sounds and light. www.sedgwickmuseum.org niversity of Cambridge Museums performances and dare devil fire jugglers at celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Cambridge Museum of Technology. Twilight at the Museums; a free evening of Sharp eyed adventurers should keep an family-friendly adventure after dark. eye out for a special Twilight Bike that will Torch wielding adventurers are invited to be projecting animated drawings onto the light up countless collections, uncover hidden buildings of four museum sites throughout the stories and enjoy an evening of exciting evening. Inspired by objects found within the events with museums across Cambridge. museums, school children from Cambridge will With free drop-in activities and themed see their work burst into life for all to witness. trails across 10 locations, there is plenty All that exploration will mean hungry for families to enjoy. tummies. ‘Steak and Honour’ will be serving Embark on an epic hunt for their ‘proper’ burgers, alongside gadgets and gizmos at Caffe Mobile with hot drinks The Whipple Museum; and cakes. More food and spot the difference drink options will be between Arctic available with cafes Twilight on the Move as it and Antarctic at the Fitzwilliam, Keep an eye out for the Twilight Bike and animated animals with The Botanic Garden, projects a roving Twilight explorer four museum Polar Museum; Farmland drawings onto local buildings and n the watch out Museum and sites. Inspired by objects found withi bridge have for dinosaurs pop-up food museums, school children from Cam r to create a lurking in the stalls at the worked with animator James Bake boration shadows of Museum of travelling Twilight spectacle. In colla the Sedgwick Technology. with Arts Development East Museum; and Make sure you Cambridgeshire. feast your eyes on pick up or download the Botanic Garden’s a copy of the Twilight illuminated glasshouse to What’s On leaflet. Not only find your way through dry deserts, will it reveal the location of the freezing alpine conditions and lush tropical museums and the Twilight Bike Trail, you will rainforests. also have the all-important Passport. Use it to Once again Twilight at the Museums will collect a stamp at every place you visit along be sharing the fun with partners. Follow the the way. light path and discover amazing stories from Go forth, brave adventurers, and The Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey, and discover the excitement of Cambridge don’t miss ‘Horrible Histories’ music Museums after dark.
U
l SCIENCE IN THE DARK
Cambridge Science Centre Get experimental with some hands-on science - in the dark. Find out more about light and astronomy through a range of shows, demonstrations and workshops. Plus get interactive with the practical displays from the Cosmic exhibition. www.cambridgesciencecentre.org
l GADGETS AND GIZMOS
Whipple Museum of the History of Science Take part in an epic hunt for gadgets and gizmos. Discover how scientific instruments can help make sense of the world around us. Complete your search to win a prize. www.hps.cam.ac.uk/whipple
l SOUNDS OF STEAM
Cambridge Museum of Technology Experience the museum through sound tours, ‘Horrible Histories’ music performances and hands-on activities. You’ll also find E-luminate light installations, fire jugglers and pedal-powered bands. Some activities are outside so wear sensible shoes. http://historyworks.tv/projects/ www.museumoftechnology.com For a full list of events and museums taking part or to download a copy of the Twilight What’s On, visit www.cam.ac.uk/museums/twilight. Facebook: Cambridge University Museums Follow them on Twitter:@CamUnivMuseums #TwilightHighlight
JA N UA RY / F EBRUA RY 2016
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Award-winning tuition Maths & English
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WEST NORFOLK TUITION Jane and her team of qualified teachers have worked in schools in West Norfolk and offer tailored after school tuition classes for children aged five and above that need help with the following:
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Foster with Cambridgeshire County Council
We need you... to make a difference!
Find space in your life for fostering and change the lives of local children and young people in care. We offer generous allowances including a start up package, 24 hour support and full training.
Does your child need extra local tuition after school?
Does your child need extra local tuition after school?
Jane and her team of qualified teachers have worked in schools in West Norfolk and offer tailored after school tuition classes for children aged five and above who may be struggling with school work, want to boost their grades, need extra help preparing for up and coming exams or want to get into a specific school. Contact Jane today to discuss your child’s needs and visit our Contact Jane today to discuss your child’s needs education centre. and visit our education centre.
JANE MURRAY, CENTRE DIRECTOR Units 5-6 Castle Yard, Wesleyan Lodge Mews,High Street, Downham Market, PE38 9HF t: 01366 384778 m: 07774 551452 westnorfolktuition@gmail.com/www.westnorfolktuition.co.uk
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Request a visit or information pack today!
Call 0800 052 0078 www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering
Families Education
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TEACHING MATHS WELL Margaret White, Director of Studies at St Faith’s, Cambridge, considers elements of excellence in Maths teaching
longside English, and the secure acquisition each piece depending and building on what has of reading and writing skills, Maths is gone before, each element must be fully secure for probably regarded as the highest academic the whole to develop effectively. priority area in schools. If children’s knowledge and understanding is We certainly value Maths because of the secure from the outset, and continues to be so integral role it plays in scientific, engineering, as each new element is introduced, it follows medical and economic endeavours. But we also that they can become confident, the second know that Maths is important in its own right for essential. Parents can play their part in this by the development of reason and rigour, acquisition enjoying puzzles or number games, even with and appreciation of accuracy skills, and the young children. For at each stage, ability both to think in the abstract experiencing success in Maths and to apply principles to solve breeds confidence, which At St Faith’s practical problems. In short, children need in order to it matters that children attempt new, harder, three key words grow up being able to do and increasingly characterise learning – Maths well. This means it is abstract,topics and and learners – in the Maths imperative that it is taught concepts.Confidence well in schools. builds belief that department: secure, At St Faith’s this is perseverance and confident and interpreted through three application will result in ambitious key words which characterise success.The patient and learning – and learners – in Maths: kindly support of the teacher secure, confident and ambitious. is crucial here, belief in their pupils Firstly it is essential that pupils’ personal greatly helping those whose confidence knowledge and understanding is secure – that may be more fragile. is, fully and reliably accurate. Secure foundations Thirdly, however, Maths teaching must be of knowledge are laid early – a sound grasp and ambitious. Some pupils will naturally excel in this recall of times tables for example –aswell as an area and develop a passion to do so. Maths must understanding of symbol, shape, measure and be taught in a way which encourages such pupils pattern. Since Maths is a logical construct, with to stretch high, tackle intellectually demanding
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concepts and problems, and push themselves on as far and as fast as possible. In an academically ambitious school, such as St Faith’s, fostering alove of learning and an appreciation of a subject for its own sake is a hugely important driver within teaching. Secure, confident and ambitious Maths pupils will be intellectually engaged, questioning and curious, in lessons which will be rigorous, pacy and varied. In such Maths lessons at St Faith’s, pupils may be found investigating the number of hops frogs take to leap across a lily pond, discovering the underlying mathematical formulae; they may be out of doors measuring the height of a tree by applying trigonometry; or they may be using their mathematical problem-solving skills within Engineering challenges, calculating the circumference of their eco racing car wheel so as to determine its speed, for example. They will experience and understand the necessity and value of grappling and struggling,whether working collaboratively or independently towards a common goal of achievement. In doing so, they will confidently observe, explore and question as well as develop powers of accuracy, judgement, imagination and critical interpretation of findings.The successes they experienced as a result will spur them on to ever-greater heights in the future, mathematically and beyond.
For more information on St Faith’s visit: www.stfaiths.co.uk JA N UA RY / F EBRUA RY 2016
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Bring Bring a Friend Bring a Friend a Friend We understand that even the most curious minds sometimes crave home comforts, so your teddy is always welcome in class.
Most children join us age 3, for Nursery. Reception places are more limited. To join in September 2017 register before 28 August 2016 (Reception) and 15 December 2016 (Nursery) Find out more Phone 01223 403940 Online www.perse.co.uk
Discover the excitement understand that even of Cambridge Museums WeWe understand that even after dark thethe most curious minds most curious minds
Most children join us age 3, Most children join us age 3, for Nursery. Reception places for Nursery. Reception places are more limited. To join in are more limited. To join in September 20152015 register September register beforebefore 28 August 20142014 (Reception) 28 August (Reception) and 31 20142014 (Nursery). andDecember 31 December (Nursery).
sometimes crave home sometimes crave Most children join home us age 3, We understand that even for Nursery. Reception places comforts, so so your teddy Find Find out more comforts, teddy are moreyour limited. To join in out more the most curious minds PhonePhone 01223 403940 September 2015 register 01223 403940 is always welcome in class. Online www.perse.co.uk is always welcome in class. Online www.perse.co.uk before 28 August 2014 (Reception) sometimes crave home and 31 December 2014 (Nursery). comforts, so your teddy Find out more Phone 01223 403940 is always welcome WEDNESDAY in class.17 FEBRUARY Online www.perse.co.uk 2016
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Twilight at the Museums 8.30pm – 4.30
Free entry to all venues and family events
@camunivmuseums
Cambridge University Museums
www.cam.ac.uk/museums/twilight
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Families Schools
Nursery Listings 2016
Helping you find the right place for your little ones - our 2016 guide to some of the nurseries in Cambridgeshire, and the latest Ofsted ratings. Kidsunlimited Cambridge Science Park A purpose built nursery ideally located for companies on the Science Park. www.kidsunlimited.co.uk 0845 365 2160 *Ofsted rating: Good
Kidsunlimited Wolfson Court Located just off Madingley Road, with excellent links to all the main transport networks, including the A14, M11 and Cambridge City Centre. www.kidsunlimited.co.uk 0845 365 2160 *Ofsted rating: Good
Kidsunlimited Ely Located on the Cambridgeshire Business Park just five minutes from Ely train station, making it an excellent location for parents working in the area or commuting elsewhere. *Ofsted rating: Good
Kidsunlimited Long Road Located on the grounds of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, making it an ideal location for parents who work at the site. *Ofsted rating: Good
Kidsunlimited Bunnybrookes -
Located within Addenbrooke’s hospital and is available for Addenbrooke’s NHS Trust employees. *Ofsted rating: Satisfactory
Kidsunlimited Fulbourn Relocating in early 2014 to a brand new, purposebuilt nursery on Capital Park. The nursery will boast huge external play areas, set on green belt land in a tranquil setting. *Ofsted rating: Good
Scallywags Girton Was the first Scallywags to open in 1994 and is very much part of the Girton community, nestled in the heart of the village. 01223 277400 www.scallywagsdaynursey.com *Ofsted rating: Good
Scallywags Westwick Nursery Is the larger of the Scallywags nurseries. It is a modern spacious, purpose build nursery located in 4 acres of grounds. 01223 232400 www.scallywagsdaynursey.com *Ofsted rating: Good
Chestnut nursery in Chesterton One of ten nurseries and part of an established group Chestnut nursery is attached to the newly opened Chesterton Primary School. www.chestnut-nursery.co.uk 01223 728390 *Ofsted rating: Good
Blackberry House Day Nursery Wisbech Believes in creating experiential learning opportunities by offering environments and resources that inspire the imagination and natural curiosity of the developing mind. 01945 428747 www.blackberryhousedaynursery.co.uk *Ofsted rating: Outstanding
Downham Montessori Nursery
Harvey Road Day Nursery, Cambridge
A co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2-11 years. Their aim is to help all children, regardless of academic ability to reach their maximum potential. www.dpsmn.norfolk.sch.uk 01366 388066 *Ofsted rating: Outstanding
Provides care and foundation stage education for children aged 3 months to 5 Years with the aim for children to learn about themselves and gain the ability to socialise and gain confidence in a caring environment. www.harveyroaddaynursery.org.uk 01223 363860 *Ofsted rating: Satisfactory
SNAP for kids Cambridge & Hauxton Committed to the development of all children aged from 3 months and offers a relaxed and happy environment for playful and creative learning. www.snap4kids.co.uk 01223 477413 *Ofsted rating: Good
ACE nursery:Cambridge Is a popular nursery school in the heart of Cambridge staffed by qualified and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioners. www.ace-nurseryschool.org.uk. *Ofsted rating: Good
Histon Early years centre Made up of Histon Nursery school and childcare and the villages children’s centre. The sure start centre offers integrated universal services for families with children up to the age of 5. *Ofsted rating: Outstanding
All Saints Interchurch Pre-School, March Provides spaces for children between 2 – 4 years and is committed to ensuring children receive the best possible care. www.allsaints.cambs.sch.uk *Ofsted rating: Good
Bluebell Day Nursery, March Aims to provide a happy homely, secure and safe environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years. www.bluebelldaynursery.co.uk *Ofsted rating: Requiring improvement
Benwick Butterflies Pre-School, Benwick offers sessional care for 2-5 year olds in a purpose built setting in a safe, stimulating and caring environment which promotes learning through play. 01354 677733 *Ofsted rating: New provider so no rating yet
Homerton Childrens Centre, Cambridge aims to make children’s’ experiences happy, exiting and full of playful discovery, providing stimulating environments to support children in developing curiosity playfulness and a desire to learn. www.hamerton.cambs.sch.uk 01223 508766 *Ofsted rating: Outstanding
Patacake, Cambridge (Sedley Court and Cockroft Hall) Caring for children aged 6 months to 5 years, Patacake aim to give every child the opportunity to mix well with others in an ever changing and stimulating environment. www.pata-cake.co.uk 01223 411636 *Ofsted rating: Good
Clarence House, Cambridge A safe and loving nursery environment for children aged 3 months to 4 years 11 months, with age specific rooms in the well laid out nursery providing children with age appropriate resources. www.clarencehousenurseries.co.uk 01223 778383 *Ofsted rating: New provider so no rating yet
Butterfly Day Nursery, Cambridge Aims to provide high quality childcare in an environment that fosters resilience and independence helping children to make positive choices. Their goal is to support children’s desire to be lifelong learners. www.butterflydaynursery.co.uk 01223353164 *Ofsted rating: Good
Ladybirds Nursery, Wisbech The longest established and most experienced nursery in Wisbech and welcomes children aged 3 months to 5 years, offering individual care and attention plus a specially tailored cirriculum. www.ladybirdsnursery.com 01945 466667 *Ofsted rating: Good
Emneth Surestart Centre, Emneth Wisbech benefits from having its own personal curriculum, built upon strong early years principles, designed to focus on building lifelong skills for children to become confident learners. www.emneth-nur.norfolk.sch.uk 01945 582401 *Ofsted rating: Good
Wisbech St Mary Pre School Aims to create a warm, safe, caring and stimulating environment and to make sure all children are valued and treated as equals with plenty of opportunities to explore ideas and interests. www.wsmpreschool.com 01945 411864 *Ofsted rating: Good
Elm C of E Pre-school The nursery takes children from the term after their third birthday until they reach school age, and also has a small number of places for two year olds. 01945 860280 www.elmcofeprimaryschool.com *Ofsted rating: Good
Clarence House Barns, Ely Caters for children from 3 months to 5 years. Following a recent refurbishment allowing separate areas for toddlers and pre-schoolers children learn in a safe, happy and relaxed environment through age related play. www.clarencehousenurseries.com 01353 667819 *Ofsted rating: Good
Little Ted’s Day Nursery, Ely. Although small, Little Ted’s has high standards, big ideas and ambition when it comes to providing top quality childcare. Children are given individual attention in a stimulating, professional and safe but fun environment. www.littletedsdaynursery. com 01353741765 *Ofsted rating: Good
To see the full nursery listing in Cambridgeshire please visit the website www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk JA N UA RY / F EBRUA RY 2016
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