8OCT
HelloAutumn Wehopeyouallhadabrilliantsummer andarereadytogetbackintotheschool routineagain...rememberitneedn’tbe theendtoyourfamilyadventures! There’splentytodothroughout CoventryandWarwickshirethisAutumn. CheckoutourWhat’sOnguideforsome greatideasanddon’tmissourtoppicks forpumpkinpickingthisyear.
Halloweenwillsoonbeuponus,but don’tbescared…we’vegotyoucoveredforallthoseessential decorationsandaccessoriesandaghoulishlygreat,Halloween bakingrecipefromTheGreatBritishBakeOffwinner,David Atherton,foryoutocutoutandkeep.It’ssuretobefrightfully yummy!
Withthisbeingtheseasonforchildrentostartorchangeschool, our‘backtoschool’featureprovidesadviceonhowtokeepyour childhealthythisschoolyearandhowmasteringapositive learninglanguagecanhelpshapethesuccessofyourchild’s learningjourney.Plus,discovertheimportanceofmusicinchild developmentandwhattolookforifyou’reattendingaschool openday.
WealsohavesomegreatparentingarticlesincludingTheQuality Timerevolution,Theprosandconsofsmartdevicesforchildren andwhywearelivinginAwholenewparentingworld!Plus,an A-Zofkid’sclassestoinspireyoutotrysomethingnewthisyear. Finally,wehavesomefabulousgiveawaysincludingaMyFirst HalloweenCookBookbyDavidAthertonandaSmobyBlack& DeckerToolBox!Applyinside.Bydoingso,you’llreceiveour e-newsletterwithourdigitalmagazinethatyoucouldsharewith friendsandfamily.
Thankyouforsupportingus.Enjoythemagazine!
Claire Editor –FamiliesWarwickshire &FamiliesBirmingham
DoMockExamsMatterin 11+Preparation? Manyfamilieswonderifmockexamstrulyimpacttheirchild’s success.WhiletuitionandrevisionfocusonmasteringEnglish, maths,verbalreasoning,andnon-verbalreasoning,the experienceofsittingtheactualexamisoftenoverlooked.
The11+isaformaltestwithstricttimelimitsandastructured environment,whichcancauseanxietyandaffectperformance— especiallyifchildrenhaven’texperienceditbefore.Mockexams offeravaluablechanceforchildrentofamiliarisethemselveswith thepace,pressure,andformatoftherealtest.
OptimiseEducation inRedditchprovidesmockexamsthatmirror thereal11+ineveryway—includingcontent,timing,andexam conditions.Thisrealisticexperiencehelpschildrenbuildconfidence, managestress,andimproveexamtechnique.Detailedfeedback highlightsstrengthsandareasneedingtargetedrevision.
Toopenthisopportunitytoasmanyfamiliesaspossible,thefirst mockexamwith OptimiseEducation —inpreparationforthe2026 entranceexam—willbecompletelyFREE.It’stheperfectwayfor childrentoexperiencetheenvironment,buildconfidence,manage stress,andpreparetoperformattheirbestonexamday.
ClaireJones editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk 07938657719 familieswarwickshiremag familieswarwickshiremag
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
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
he
theywilldevelopfinemotorskillsastheypractisewithscissors. inemotorskillsasth
Gloves £2.19
Great fortrickor 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
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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.
Fosteringfuturesandfinding ourfeet Growingup anorphan, Floalways wantedto giveback andchange thelivesof childrenin needofa loving home.
Withthe supportof herpartnerGeoff,shepromisedherselfthatshewouldcreatea placewheresuchchildrenwouldbehappytolive.Thisdreamled thecoupletofosteringandmakingadifferencelocally.
Theirfirstyearasfostercarerswasfilledwithlearningand growth.Althoughtheydidn’tknowwhattoexpectandfaced somechallenges,theyweregratefulforthesupportfromSt Christopher’s,especiallytheirsupervisingsocialworkersand manager.Theyfoundtheprocesstobeagoodexperience,feeling luckywiththeyoungpersonplacedwiththemasitfeltnatural.
Ifyouareconsideringfostering,itisatrulyrewardingexperience. It’snotalwayseasy,butwiththerightsupport,it’sworthit.To anyonethinkingaboutit—bebraveandgiveitago!Youcan alwaysstepbackifit’snotforyou.
Ifyoutoowishtochangethelivesofchildreninneedofcarewith acharitywhogoestheextramile–contactthefriendlyteamat StChristopher’son fostering@stchris.org.uk
Caringforchildrenandyoungpeoplesince1870
Beingafoster carerhasbeen sorewarding.
” ConsiderfosteringwithStChristopher’s Wearealocalfosteringcharityfocusedon creatinghappyfamilies.Ourpriorityisproviding thebestcaretoyoungpeopleandsupportingyou onyourfosteringjourney.
FostercaringwithStChristopher’soffersyou Extensivesupportandtraining Anoncallteam24/7asneeded CompetitiveFosteringallowances
Adedicatedsocialworker Connectionwithourthriving carerscommunity
Pleasecheckoutourwebsiteforthefactsandany oneofourfreeno-obligationonlineinfoevents.
Contactourfriendlyteamandenquiretoday Wesupportfosterfamiliesextensivelywithin theWestMidlands.
www.stchris.org.uk fostering@stchris.org.uk 08002346282/01215253738
Smartdevicesfor children–thepros andcons ByEmiliaOrviss
Smartdevicessuchastablets,smartwatchesandsmart speakerslikeGoogleHomeorAmazonEchoareincreasingly popularamongchildrenandofferexcitingopportunitiesfor learning,entertainmentandcommunication.However,they alsocomewithchallengesincludingprivacyrisks,potential overuseanddependency.Let’sexploretheprosandconsso youcanmakeaninformedchoice.
PROS Educationalopportunities
Oneofthemostsignificantbenefitsofsmartdevicesistheir potentialtoenhancelearning.Interactiveeducationalcontent supportsliteracy,numeracy,creativityandproblem-solving skills.Smartspeakerscananswerchildren’squestions,provide definitionsandevensharefunfactsorquizzes.Andforchildren withspecificinterests,devicescanhelpsparkcuriosityand encourageself-directedlearning.
Communicationandconnection
Smartdevicesallowchildrentostayconnectedwithfriendsand family,wherevertheyare.Deviceslikesmartwatchesoffersimple messagingandcallingfeaturesthatcanhelpchildrenmaintain friendshipsbeyondin-personcontact.Forolderchildren,virtual connectioncanhelpstrengthenfriendshipsandprovideasense ofbelonging.Videocallswithrelativesorvoicemessagesto friendsmeanchildrencancommunicateinreal-time.
Accessibility
Technologycanbeagame-changerforchildrenwithphysical
ordevelopmentalchallenges.Therearetoolsthathelpchildren learn,communicateandexploretheworldaroundthem. Featureslikevoicecommands,speech-to-textfunctionsand educationalprogramsdesignedforchildrenwithspecificneeds canprovidegreaterindependenceandmorepersonalised learningexperiences.Forexample,tabletcommunicationapps helpnon-verbalchildrenexpressthemselves,whilewithsmart speakers,theycancontroldevicesathomethroughvoice commands.
Safety
Smartwatchesdesignedforchildrenoffersimplecommunication tools,allowingthemtosendmessages,makecallsandshare theirlocationwithparents.Thesedevicesaregreatforyounger childrennotreadyforsmartphones,providingconnection withoutfullinternetaccess.SomesmartwatchesandGPS devicesalsoofferlocationtracking,givingparentspeaceof mind.Featureslikereal-timetrackinghelpseechildrensafely reachtheirdestination,whetherit’sschool,afriend’shouseor after-schoolactivities.
Independence
Smartdevicescanfosterindependencebyhelpingchildren takeresponsibilityfortheirdailytasks.Smartwatchesandsmart speakersoffertimers,remindersandalarms,teachingchildren tomanagetimeanddeveloproutines.Forexample,achildmight setaremindertobrushtheirteethorpacktheirschoolbag.
CONS
Privacyandsecurityrisks
Expertscallforabanon ‘noballgames signs Agroupofplayexpertsiscallingforanendto‘noball games’signsandthecurrentstricterprotectionsforschool playtime,arguingthatchildrenarebeingdrivenindoorsand ontodigitaldevices.
TheRaisingtheNationPlayCommission,afterayear-long enquiry,warnsthatoutdoorplayinEnglandhashalvedina generation.Thecommissionblamesincreasedstreettraffic andfearsaboutcrimeandpublicspacesthatdiscourage youngpeoplefromgathering.
Thegroupdescribesthistrendasan‘anti-playculture’and urgespolicymakerstotakeactiontoreverseit,citingconcerns aboutchildren’sphysicalandmentalhealth.Inresponse, thegovernmentsaysitisworkingwithexpertstocreatea frameworkthatwouldimproveaccesstoactivitiesoutsideof school.Thecommission’sreporthighlightstheurgentneed toreclaimpublicspacesforchildrenandensurethatplay remainsacentralpartofchildhood.
Asignificantconcernwithsmartdevicesisprivacyanddata security.SmartwatcheswithGPScancollectandsharelocation data.Smartspeakersmayrecordconversations,raising questionsabouthowthisdataisused.Parentsshouldreview privacysettingsregularlyandensuredevicesaresecureto minimiserisks.
Overuse Spendingtoomuchtimeondevices,especiallytabletsand phones,canleadtoreducedphysicalactivity,disruptedsleep anddifficultyfocusing.Prolongedusemayalsoaffectsocial interactions.Toavoidtheseissues,parentscansetlimitson screentimeandencouragemoreoff-screenactivities,suchas outdoorplayorfamilyboardgames.
Dependency Overrelianceonsmartdevicescanleadtodependency.For example,achildwhoreliesondeviceremindersmighthave difficultydevelopingtheirowntime-managementskills.A balancebetweendeviceuseandreal-worldproblem-solvingis keytopreventingthisdependency.
Inappropriatecontent Evenwithparentalcontrolsinplace,somedevicesmayexpose childrentounsuitablecontent.Smartspeakers,forinstance, canmisunderstandcommandsandprovideunexpectedresults. Similarly,childrenusingconnecteddevicesmightstumble acrosscontentnotintendedfortheiragegroup.Regular monitoringiskey.
EmiliaOrvisswritesforTheGoodPlayGuide.Formore articles,visitwww.goodplayguide.com
Awholenew parentingworld ByAnnMagalhaes
Inthetwenty-twoyearssinceIbecameamum,parenting advicehasshiftedfromtrustybookslikeWhattoExpectand GinaFord’sroutinestosleekapps,algorithmsandanendless streamofonlineadvice.NewmumstodaysiptheirmuchneededcoffeeswhilescrollingTikTokandInstagramfor informationandinspiration.
Whathaschanged?
Forstarters,oncethebabyphasepasses,manyparentsare turningtoevidence-basedparentingclasses.Theseofferpractical, science-backedwaystohelpfamiliesthrive.Researchcontinuesto showthateverydayroutines,thewordswechooseandthewaywe saythemandhowwesupportourchildrenthroughbigfeelingsall contributetonurturingtheirdevelopment.
Andonetruthremains:parentsarestilltheirchild’sfirstandmost importantteacher.
Today’sparentsbenefitfromeasy-to-digestinformationabouthow achild’sbraindevelopsandhowthatconnectstotheirbehaviour.
NeuroscientistLisaFeldmanBarrett,inherbook7½Lessons AbouttheBrain,says:‘Littlebrainswirethemselvestotheirworld. It’suptoustocreatethatworld…togrowthosebrainshealthy andwhole.’
It’sagoodreminderthatthelittlethingsmatter.Reading,singing, snuggling,justbeingtherestillmattermorethananyeducational toyevercould.
Emotionalwellness
Onebigchange(andit’sagoodone!)ishowemotionalwellnessis attheforefrontoffamilylife.Parentsarelearningaboutthe‘4S’s’makingsurechildrenfeel safe,seen,soothedandsecure. And that’snotjustgoodforthekids,it’sgreatforthewholefamily.
Dadsaremoreinvolvedthanever,especiallysincethepandemic sawusworkingfromhomeandfiguringouthowtobalancework withfamilylife.Today’sparentsworkmoreasapartnership,with bothmumsanddadsactivelyinthemix.Isitperfectyet?No.But theprogressispositive.
Theriseofbabyapps
Today’s30-year-oldmumwas12whentheiPhonecameout.She’s tech-savvy-andnowthere’sanappforeverything!Onenewmum uses Huckleberry,anappshedescribesas‘superuser-friendly’ anda‘hugehelpduringthoseoverwhelmingearlyweeks.’
Atfirst,theapphelpedhertrackthingslikeweight,sleepand feeding,datashecouldeasilysharewithherGP.Iaskedifitever madeherfeellikeshewasn’tdoingenough(becauseappscan sometimesmakeusfeelthatway!).Shelaughedandsaid:‘I alwaysfeellikeI’mnotdoingenoughasanewmumbutIwouldn’t saytheappitselfiscontributingtothat!’
So,yes,mumguiltisstillathing.Nomatterwhat,parentsstillfeel likethey’refallingshort,evenwhenthey’redoingmorethan enough.
Positivediscipline
OnebigshiftI’venoticedisindiscipline.Thankstosocialmedia andtheabundanceofadvicefloatingaround(someexcellent, somelessso),moreparentsaremovingawayfromold-school punishments,threats,bribesandshouting.Instead,they’re learningthatauthoritativeparenting,basedonwarmth,connection andfirmboundaries,isthemosteffectivewaytosupportachild’s emotionaldevelopmentandlearning.
Inthe1960s,psychologistDianaBaumrindidentifiedkeyparenting stylesand.her‘authoritative’style-firmbutwarm,withclear expectationsandpositiverelationshipscontinuestobethesweet spotforraisingwell-adjustedkids.
Somethingsneverchange
Lifetodaymaybefasterandbusierthanitwastwenty-twoyears ago,butsomethingshaven’tchanged.Childrenofallagesdon’t needthefanciesttoysorthetrendiestgear.Theyneedyou:your time,yourlove,yourcalmandsteadypresence.
Weliketoremindparentsthattheyareenough,thattheirfamilyis uniqueanddoesn’tneedtomatchanyoneelse’s.Aschildrengrow, learn,makemistakes,gaincompetenciesandbecome independent,thebestwaytohelpthemisbyembracingpositive, connectedparenting.Yes,youmaystillfeelexhausted(because parentingisreallyhardsometimes)butyou’llfindgreatercalmand joyamidstthechaos.
AsGretchenRubinwrote: ‘Thedaysarelong,buttheyearsare short.So...cuddlethatbaby,ortoddler,ortweenorteen...because itgoesbysoquickly!’
AnnMagalhaesispartofTheParentTeam (www.theparent.team),parentingeducatorsofferingclasses, workshopsandprivatesessionsteachingevidence-based parentingskillsandofferingparentspractical,effective support.
Autumnfunforallthefamily Events HeritageOpenDays Coventry&Warwickshire 12-21Sep
EachSeptemberthousandsof volunteersacrossthecountry inviteyoutoexperiencelocal history,architectureandculture. AllforFREE! Visit heritageopendays.org.uk to checkthedirectoryforeventsnear you.
LeamingtonFoodFestival PumpRoomGardens, LeamingtonSpa 6&7Sep(10:00–18:00)
FREE2-dayeventcelebratingthe bestinlocalandregionalfoodand drinkplusentertainmentfromthe bandstandanddemonstrations fromtheLiveCookeryTheatre. leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk
FireworksChampions RagleyHall,Alcester 20&21Sep
Getreadyforanightofjawdroppingdisplaysasthethree finalistslightuptheskyina thrillingcompetition,followedbya closingdisplaybylastyear’s winner. fireworkchampions.co.uk/events /ragley-hall/
WarwickAutumnFoodFestival TownCentre,Warwick 29Sep(10:00–16:00)
Indulgeinamouthwatering selectionofstreetfood,artisan bars,andlocalproduce.Kidsrides, entertainmentandmore! cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk/ev ents
WarwickMopFair TownCentre,Warwick 17/18&24/25Oct
Traditionalannualfunfairwith rootstracingbacktothe14th centurywithridesandstallsforall thefamily. warwickmopfair.co.uk
NickCope:I’velostmybobblehat WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry 19Oct
Don’tMissCBeebiesNickCope’s totallyuniqueandbeautifulsongs forchildren,performedlivewith stunninganimations. Recommendedage3+. warwickartscentre.co.uk
WickedAfternoonTea CoombeAbbey,Coventry 25&26Oct
EnjoythethemedAfternoonTea, featuringmagicaltreatsand savourybiteswhileWestEnd singersanddancersperform show-stoppingnumbersfrom Wicked,LesMisérables,The PhantomoftheOpera,andmore. coombeabbey.com /product/wicked-afternoon-tea/
DozeunderDippy HerbertArtGallery&Museum, Coventry 25Oct&29Nov
GetActive AckersAdventure
Birmingham
Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoski lessons(4+),tubingor tobogganing,discgolf,sessions forhomeschoolersandmore. BirthdayPartiesandHoliday Clubsavailable. ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureGolf
Stonebridge
18holesofoutdooradventuregolf withuniqueobstacleslike waterfallsandsandtrapsand woodlandfriendswhomayhelp (orhinder)you!Open09:00–21:00daily.Partypackages available.Funforallthefamily! stonebridgeadventuregolf.co.uk
AdventureZone
Rugby
SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged 0-12.Plus10pinbowling,darts, crazygolf,pooltablesand shuffleboardsinStrikesBar. theadventurezone.co.uk
AirHopTrampolinePark
Warwick
Theultimateplayexperiencefor allages!OpenJump,Unlimited AfterSchoolJumps,Toddler& FamilyTakeover,SENSessions andthebounciestpartiesintown. airhop.co.uk
JuniorParkrun
Stratford-upon-Avon,Leamington, Rugby,Coventry AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly 2Keventforjuniors(4-14years old)EverySundayat9:00. Childrenmustbeableto completethecoursewithoutan adult. parkrun.com
MrKarting
Warwick
WarwickWordsHistoryFestival Variousvenues,Warwick 29Sep–5Oct
SausageandCiderFestival StNicholasPark,Warwick 13Sep(14:00–23:00)
Hugeoutdoorstagewithplentyof liveentertainment.Children’s stagewithcharactermeetand greet,glitterartist,kidsdisco, circusworkshopandmore! sausageandciderfest.co.uk /warwick
Stratford-upon-AvonFood Festival TownCentre,Stratford-upon-Avon 20&21Sep
Thetowncentrewillonceagainbe transformedintoavibrant celebrationoffood,drink,andlive entertainment. shakespearesengland.co.uk/whats-on/
Wide-rangingprogrammeof eventsincludingnewTeaTime Talks,inassociationwiththe UniversityofWarwickanda SpecialHistoryExtraDay.Tickets onlineorviaBoxOffice0192633 4418andLeamingtonSpaand WarwickVisitorInformation Centres. warwickwords.co.uk
ComedyClub4Kids RoyalSpaCentre,LeamingtonSpa 4Oct
Watchthebestcomediansfrom theUKandworldcircuitdoing whattheydobest...butwithoutthe rudebit!Recommendedage6+. royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk
StratfordMopFair TownCentre,Stratford-upon-Avon 11/12&25/26Oct
Traditionalannualfunfairwith rootstracingbacktothe14th centurywithridesandstallsforall thefamily. stratford.gov.uk/markets/stratfo rd-upon-avon-mop-fair.cfm
Experienceasleepoverunlike anythingyou‘Ever-Saur’!Stay overnightinthemuseum, snoozingunderthefeetofa26footDiplodocus!Anightto rememberforalldinosaurloving 6-11yearoldsandtheirgrown-ups. dippyincoventry.co.uk
'PumpkinParty'-Community AutumnDisplay
CharlecotePark(NT),nrWarwick Until2Nov
Membersoflocalgroups,staffand volunteersatCharlecotehave beenbusyknitting,crochetingand handcraftingpumpkinsand gourdsforasustainable,seasonal displayinthemansionand VictorianKitchenatCharlecote. nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote
Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKarting parties.Perfectforcompetitive kidsaged8+(andtheirgrownups!)Open7daysaweek. mrkarting.co.uk
TheWave
Coventry
Grabyourgogglesandenjoya familydayoutatoneoftheUK’s award-winningindoorwater parksintheheartofCoventry CityCentre! thewavecoventry.com
WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadults cantryclimbingorboulderingin Coventry.JuniorPay&Play, InstructorledsessionsplusKids Parties. warwick.ac.uk/services/sport/ climbing/junior
PlanetIce
Coventry
Skateforfun,learntoskate,book apartyortakethefamilytowatch anIceHockeygameandsupport theCoventryBlazethisAutumn. Seewebsiteforfixturesand booking. planet-ice.co.uk coventryblaze.co.uk
DaysOut Theatre BelgradeTheatre
Coventry
SwanLake Wed8Oct
TheNutcracker Thu9Oct
Museums&History BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon
TheLightningThief–ThePercy JacksonMusical Tue14–Sat18Oct
Agerecommendation:8+
TheLittlestYak Thu30Oct
Agerecommendation:3–7
GrandadAnansi Fri31Oct
Agerecommendation:4–9 belgrade.co.uk
TheAlbanyTheatre
Coventry
HorribleHistoriesGeorgians andVictorians:LiveonStage! Tue23&Wed24Sep
Agerecommendation:5+
NaturalHistoryMuseum presentsDinosaursLive! Sat27Sep
Agerecommendation:3+ EarlyWeaves Mon13Oct
Agerecommendation:2–5
StickMan Tue21–Sun26Oct
Agerecommendation:3+
HareandTortoise Fri31Oct
Agerecommendation:3-8 albanytheatre.co.uk
Exploreover400Britishclassic cars,takepartinthemedtrails, experiencetouchscreenexhibits andunderstandhowacarworks. Funforallthefamily! britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryPoliceMuseum
CoventryCouncilHouse,Coventry CityCentre
OpenThu&Fri(10:00–14:00)
Learnaboutpolicingthroughthe years,uniforms,confiscated artifactsandcrimesthathave neverbeensolvedfromretired policeofficersandvolunteers. museum.westmidlands.police.uk/explore/cov entry-police-museum
CoventryTransportMuseum Coventry
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehicleson theplanetandlearnabouthow Coventrychangedtheworld throughtransport. transport-museum.com
HerbertArtGalleryand Museum
Coventry
Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengage withartandculture.PLUSvisit DippytheDiplodocusfromthe NaturalHistoryMuseum. theherbert.org
KenilworthCastleand ElizabethanGarden
Kenilworth
Getoutdoorsandexplorethe mightymedievalkeep,climbup Tudortowers,wanderthrougha uniqueElizabethanGardenand gethandsonwithhistory. english-heritage.org.uk
LuntRomanFort
NrCoventry
MidlandAirMuseum
Baginton,NrCoventry Experiencetheworldofaviation withover45aircraftondisplay, Vulcanguidedtourandsit-in Meteorcockpit.TeaRoomand FREEparking. midlandairmuseum.co.uk
ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust Stratford-upon-Avon Discoverthefascinatingstories behindtheworld’sgreatest storytelleracrosshisfamily homes. shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’sSchoolroom& Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuilding whereWilliamShakespearesatin the1570sandwrotehisfirstworks andexperienceTudorschoollife, dress,artandstories. shakespearesschoolroom.org
St.Mary’sGuildhall/ TalesofTea Coventry
Visitthishistoricalgeminthe heartoftheCity.Discoverits700 yearoldhistorythenvisitTalesof Teainthestunningvaulted Undercroft. stmarysguildhall.co.uk
WarwickCastle
AllThingsWild
Honeybourne
Interactwithfascinatinganimals, learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoya rideontheDinoTrainandexplore thewonderfulworldofDinosaurs. allthingswild.co.uk
AstleyBookFarm
Bedworth
Thelargestsecond-handbookshop intheMidlands.Browsebooksfor thewholefamilythengrabadrink andsnackintheCoffeeShop& Yurtandrelax. astleybookfarm.com
HattonAdventureWorld
NrWarwick
Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splentyto dowithindoorandoutdoor attractionsandentertainmentfor allthefamily. hattonworld.com /adventure-world
RedwingsHorseSanctuary Oxhill
Hometo80rescuedhorses,ponies anddonkeys.Café/giftshop.FREE entryandparking,donations appreciated,adoptionswelcomed. OpenFri-Mon. redwings.org.uk
TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
ExploretheuniqueRoman Fortress,takinginthesitesofthe ramparts,thegranarybuilding andtheworld’sonlyknowngyrus! Openatselectdatesandtimes duringschoolholidays. luntromanfort.org
MADMuseum
RoyalShakespeare Company
Stratford-upon-Avon
TheBFG Tue25Nov–Sat31Jan rsc.org.uk
WarwickArtsCentre
Coventry
PiratesLoveUnderpants Tue28–Wed29Oct
warwickartscentre.co.uk
Stratford-upon-Avon Interactwithanimpressive collectionofeccentricand ingeniousartworks,contraptions andmachinesattheUK’sonly MechanicalArtvenue.Booking requiredinschoolholidays. themadmuseum.co.uk
Warwick Explorethecastletowersand ramparts,groundsandgardens. Withliveshows,eventsand extraordinaryentertainmentforall thefamily.Short-breakpackages available.Don’tMiss-Festive LightTrail22Nov-4Jan26. warwick-castle.com
Withover100animals,TheGruffalo DiscoveryLand,animal experiences,naturereserves,soft playandmuchmore!Payforaday andvisitFREEfor12months. Don’tMiss–LanternsoftheWild! 14Nov–22Feb26.Anenchanting NEWwintereveningexperience featuringimmersive,epic-scale lanternscelebratingthenatural world.Ticketsonline. twycrosszoo.org
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
HalloweenHalf-Term
KenilworthCastle
24-31Oct(10:00–17:00)
Gatheryourlittlemonstersfora ghoulishlygooddayoutthishalfterm.Followthequesttosolve creepycluesandgatherroundto listentospookystories.Book onlineandsave15%. english-heritage.org.uk
OctoberHalf-Term
StratfordButterflyFarm
25Oct–2Nov
TheButterflyFarmwillbe celebratingtheamazingmigration storyoftheMonarchButterflyand whytheyareassociatedwith Día deMuertos. Dailybutterflylifecycle demonstrationswilltakeplaceat 11amintheDiscoveryZone,where therewillbeplentyofbeautiful orangeMonarch’sflying,and vibrantlycolouredcaterpillarstobe found!TheMonarchbutterflyisthe largestspeciesfoundintheBritish Islesandoneofourrarest migrants.Renownedforits remarkablelong-distancetravel, theyarrivelikeclockworkinMexico aroundearlyNovember,which coincideswith DíadeMuertos (DayoftheDead)celebrations. butterflyfarm.co.uk
CuriousCuresandMarvellous Medicines
RugbyArtGallery&Museum
25Oct–1Nov
JoinusthisOctoberhalf-termfora thrillingtimefilledwithspooky potionsandplayfulactivities! Low-cost,accessibleworkshops andartadventures,there’s somethingsuitableforallages. PlusFREEthemedscavengerhunt everyschoolholiday. ragm.co.uk/holidayfun
TheHauntedCastle
WarwickCastle 25Oct-2Nov
Thecastle’sspookiestresidents inviteyoutojointhemforhalf-term HalloweenfunatTheHaunted Castle.Enjoymysteriousmazes, eerieentertainment,andfrightful delightsforthewholefamilyas overathousandyearsofhaunted historycometolifethisOctober half-term. warwick-castle.com
HalloweenintheWoods
BrandonMarshNatureReserve, Coventry 27Oct(11:15-12:15)
Headintothespookywoodsand playgames,makemagicpotions andlearnwhichanimalsarebrave enoughtobeoutandabouton Halloween.ForPrimarySchool agedchildren,bookonline. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
RSCOctoberHalf-TermActivities Stratford-upon-Avon 27-31Oct
Discoverthetricksandtreatsof Macbeth.Joininwithworkshops, drop-inactivitiesandfamily storytellingplusplentyofblood, gutsandgore!Fullprogrammeof eventsonline. rsc.org.uk/events /october-half-term-activities
StJohn’sHauntedHouse
Warwick 29-31Oct
Getreadyforafamilyfriendly bone-chillingexperiencewith guaranteedscreamsandthrills! Discoverthetraditionalstoryof Rapunzel,goonatrailthroughthe woods,pastRapunzel’stowerand watchoutforthewickedwitch! Makeslimetotakehomeandget messymakingpotions.Dressupfor adultsandchildreniswelcomed! Bookonline. eventbrite.co.uk/o/ heritage-and-culturewarwickshire-74671062993
OutdoorFun ComptonVerney NrWarwick
Stunningparklandandlake,and woodlandadventureplayground. Award-winningartgallery, restaurantandgiftshop.Family activities.ClosedMondaysexcept BankHolidays. comptonverney.org.uk
CoombeAbbeyCountryPark Coventry
With500acresofbeautiful gardens,woodland,lakeside walks,andbirdhides,there’s plentytoexplore.Withgreat outdoorplayareas,acaféanda varietyofactivitiesfrompottery toponddipping,plusregular eventsintheparkandatthe Hotel,it’sagreatplacefora familytrip,ascenicstrollorabike ride. coombeabbey.com
CountryParks
Warwickshire
Warwickshirecountryparksoffer adiverseportfolioofgreen spaceswithfivecountryparks andthreegreenwayscovering over1,200acresforfamiliesto enjoy.Enjoyanautumnwalk,a bikerideormakeadayofitwith familyandfriends. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
DraycoteWater
Rugby
Whetheryou’relookingforwalks, cycling,birdwatching,water sports,fishingoragreat children’soutdoorplayarea, there’severythingyouneedfora greatdayoutforthewholefamily. DraycoteWaterisa240-hectare reservoirandcountryparkopen from7:30–16:30dailywithacafe andonsiteparking. stwater.co.uk/our-visitorsites/draycote-water
Pumpkins Here’sourfavouritelocalplacesto pickyourownpumpkinsand lovelyfarmshopstobuythem. Seewebsitesfordetails. Bookingmayberequired.
CobbsatTheFarm Stratford-upon-Avon cobbsfarmshops.co.uk
HilltopFarm Leamington hilltopfarmshop.com
FoundryWood
LeamingtonSpa
Anurbancommunitywoodlandin theheartofLeamingtonSpaand Warwick.Learnaboutwoodland habitats,wildlifeconservation, traditionalwoodlandcrafts,and more.Regulareventsforfamilies andwellbeingeventsforadults throughouttheyear.Seewebsite fordetailsandbooking. foundrywood.co.uk
HeartofEnglandForest
Warwickshire
Abeautifulpartoftheworld,rich inhistoryandlegends,rolling greencountryside,rivers,and busymarkettow.Covering7,000 acreswith58milesofpublicand permissivefootpaths–an adventureintheforestawaits yourfamilythisautumn!Wild TribeHolidayClubTuesdays& Thursdays.Bookonline. heartofenglandforest.org
HillCloseGardens
Warwick
RareVictorianGardenstoexplore withChildren’strailandspecial eventsandworkshops throughouttheyear.Plus,special children’sgardenwithmud kitchenwherekidscanplant, water,weedandharvestfruitand vegetables,sogopreparedtoget stuckin!Checkwebsitefor openingtimes.
hillclosegardens.com
NationalTrust
Warwickshire
Getoutdoorswiththefamilyand explorethisautumnatourlocal NationalTrustproperties: BaddesleyClinton;Coughton Court;PackwoodHouse; CharlecotePark;UponHouse andGardensandFarnborough Hall.Seeindividualwebsitesfor detailsandprices. nationaltrust.org.uk
LowerCloptonFarmShop Stratford-upon-Avon lowerclopton.co.uk
MaltKilnFarm Rugby maltkilnfarmshop.co.uk
PumpkinsRUs DallasBurstonPoloClub,Southam halloweenpumpkins.co.uk/booking
TheBarn atBerryfields Meriden thebarnatberryfields.co.uk
ThePumpkinPlace Wolston,Coventry facebook.com/thepumpkinplacewolston ThornsteadFarm ShipstononStour thornstead.co.uk/pyo
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.
BACKTOSCHOOL Keepingyourchild healthythisschool year ByEllieMalt
Thebeginningofanotherschoolyearistheperfecttime topreparefortheillnessesthatinevitablyre-appearin classroomsasthemonthsgetcolder.
Recognisingthesignsandtakingprecautionaryactionwill definitelyminimisethenumberofsickdaysoffschoolandwork.
Spottingthesigns
ScarletFever. Themostcommonsymptomsincludesore throat,fever,swollenneckglands,abumpyrashonthechest andtummywithasandpaper-likefeel,flushedcheeksand ‘strawberrytongue.’
Measles. Since2023therehavebeenmajormeaslesoutbreaks intheWestMidlands,theNorthWestandLondon.Measlescan beveryseriousandevencausefatalities.
Theinitialsymptomsarerunnynose,acough,sneezing,ahigh temperatureandred,sore,wateryeyes.Thisisfollowedbywhite spotsinthemouthafewdayslaterandthenarashontheface. It’sveryunlikelytobemeaslesifyourchildhashadbothdoses oftheMMRvaccineorthey’vehadmeaslesbefore.
ChickenPox. Ahighlycontagious,itchy,spottyrashisthemain symptomofchickenpox.Itcanbeanywhereonthebody.
Preventionisbetterthancure
Ifyourchild’svaccinationsareuptodatetheywillbeprotected againstwhoopingcough,measles,mumpsandrubella.Most
Whentokeepyourchildat home? It’sfinetosendyourchildtoschoolornurserywithaminor coughorcoldiftheyareotherwisewellanddon’thavea hightemperature.Butifyourchildhasafever,theyshould stayhomeuntiltheyfeelbetterandthefeverhasresolved. Iftheyhavediarrhoeatheyshouldstayhomeforatleast forty-eighthoursafterthelastepisode. Childrenandyoungpeoplearenolongerroutinelytestedfor COVID-19.Butifyourchildhastestedpositive,theyshouldtry tostayathomeandavoidcontactwithotherpeopleforthree daysaftertheirpositiveresult.
Ifyourchildhasthesymptomsofmeaslesandhasnothad bothdosesoftheMMRvaccine,theyshouldnotattendschool.
It’shandytokeepastockofbasicsuppliestotreatcommon childhoodillnesses,suchasParacetamol&Ibuprofen(child andadultversions),age-appropriatecoldtreatments,a thermometer,tissuesandvitamins(theNHSprovides FREE vitamindropsthroughthe HealthyStartScheme).
providelifelongimmunity.
Unvaccinatedchildrenareathigherriskofcontractingthese illnessesandhavingmoreseveresymptoms.Theycanalso spreaddiseasestoothers.Checkyourchild’sredbookor contactyourGPsurgerytoensuretheyareuptodate.
Whichsupplements? WhilevitaminsA,CandDsupportthe immunesystem,theNHSdoesnotrecommendmegadosesor supplementslikezincorechinaceaforcoldprevention.
AccordingtotheUKgovernment,allchildrenages1to4andall babies(unlessthey’rehavingmorethan500mlofinfantformula aday)shouldtakeadailyvitaminDsupplementthroughout theyear.Childrenofanyagewithdarkerskin,shouldconsider supplementingallyear.Foreveryoneelse,theadviceistotakea dailyvitaminDsupplementduringautumnandwinter.
Teachgoodhygienehabits
GoodhygieneDOESstopinfectionsfromspreading.Remind yourchildtowashhandsproperly,usetissuesforcoughsand sneezesandstayawayfromotherswhensick.Freshaircanalso reducethespreadofviruses.
Doesyourchildgetssick toooften? Itmayfeelasif,inyourfamily,illnessesjustget passedroundandround,withsomeonealwaysunwell, particularlyduringthewintermonths.But,infact,your childrenmaynotbegettingsickanymoreoftenthanthe averagechild.Asaguide:
Babiesandpreschoolersgetseventoeightcoldsayear. Duringschoolage,childrenaveragefivetosixcoldsayear. Teenagersmatchadultsatfourcoldsayear. Theaveragefordiarrhoeaistwotothreetimesayear. Redflags
Morethansevenearinfectionsperyear. Morethanoneserioussinusinfectionperyear. Twoormoremonthsonantibioticswithlittleimprovement.
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.
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 Coventry&Warwickshire ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) T:01926778050 www.arnoldlodge.com
OpenDay:Sat27Sep 10:00–13:00
BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13) T:01788810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat4Oct
TheKingsleySchool LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18) T:01926421368 www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
PrepandJuniorSchools BablakePrePrep Coventry T:02476271285 www.bablake.com
BablakeJunior Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Sat27Sep 09:30–12:00
CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery Kenilworth T:01926514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk
Nursery,Reception&Year3 OpenEve:Thu25Sep 18:00–20:00
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.
Giveaway Frommonstermuffinstoghostlypizzas, David’sstep-by-stepinstructions,beautifullyillustratedby JessRose,makeHalloweenbakingatreatforthewholefamily. Whetheryou’replanningaparty,gettingcreativeoverhalf termorjustwanttoenjoysomequalitytimetogetherinthe kitchen,thisbookisperfect.Don’tmissyourchancetowinentertodayandlettheHalloweenmagicbegin! Closingdate:17October
T&Csatwww.bit.ly/mfcbtcs
Enterat
CrescentSchool Rugby T:01788521595 www.crescentschool.co.uk
Reception&Year3OpenEve: Tue30Sep18:00–19:00
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep Coventry T:02476271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry T:02476271160 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat20Sep 09:30–12:00
StratfordPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk
OpenDay:Sat8Nov 10:00–13:00
TheCroftPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795 www.croftschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Tue7Oct 10:00–12:00
WarwickJuniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776418 www.warwickschool.org
WarwickPreparatorySchool
Warwick T:01926491545 www.warwickprep.com
OpenMorning:Sat20Sep 09:30–12:15
SeniorSchools
BablakeSenior Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
OpenDay:Sat27Sep 09:30–12:00
KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry T:02473271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat20Sep 09:30–12:00
King’sHigh Warwick T:01926494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk
PrincethorpeCollege Rugby T:01926634201 www.princethorpe.co.uk
OpenAfternoon:Sun14Sep 14:00–17:00
WarwickSeniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776400 www.warwickschool.org
OpenMorning:Sat27Sep 09:45–12:00
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