Issue No 30 January/February 2016
Gloucestershire
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
Rendcomb College Your Adventure Starts Here... See Page 9
Friday 8th January 3.45pm – 4.30pm ages 2 to 4 4.15pm – 5.45pm ages 4 to 6 4.30pm – 7.30pm ages 6 to 18
Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in Gloucestershire
Editor’s Letter
Free Trial Tuition Session
Dear readers With my first issue of the year we are looking at two key issues: education and health.
Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for five to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open seven days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life.
Do you have a little one who is ready to start nursery? We have a feature highlighting what to look out for in choosing the right nursery. If your older children are interested in sport, music, dance and performing arts then take look at our Clubs and Classes section. We take a look at the effectiveness of private tuition to help your child get into selective independent and grammar schools. Have you started a new diet since the New Year? Have you joined the gym? Did you make a New Year resolution to shed a few pounds or tone up? The trouble is that many of us did that last year and by Easter we had given up! You are not alone. But these difficulties can be overcome - see over the page...
As Explore members, children work with tutors who are enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme. All Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.
Another Health Warning Over Processed Meats
Diane Clifford Editor, Families Gloucestershire Tel:: 01684 770566 Email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
In this issue
Next issue: March/April, editorial and booking deadline: Friday 5th February
02 News & Views 04 New Year, New You 07 Education 12 Clubs and Classes 14 What’s On
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Circulation: 19,000 copies of Families Gloucestershire are available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. If you would like free copies for your organisation or if you would like to subscribe so you don’t miss an issue please contact us. Families Gloucestershire 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 Gloucestershire are fully protected by copyright and none 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.’ Print: CBF Group, 7 Hatherley Rd, Cheltenham GL51 6EG. Tel: 01242 237652
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Families Gloucestershire
Reach 38,000 local readers. Contact Diane on 01684 770566 if you are interested in advertising in
Families Gloucestershire Magazine
Carcinogenic: frequent consumption of processed meats is not good for you.
Media attention has once again focused on processed meats as a potential cause of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that processed meat (such as bacon, ham and sausages) does cause cancer. They say that less than a couple of slices of bacon a day can increase the risk of colon cancer by 18%. Though meat can have some health benefits, the processes used to preserve meats such as curing, smoking, adding preservatives and salting have been shown to be carcinogenic. Unprocessed red meat, says WHO, is “probably carcinogenic” but there was less clear evidence. Cooking on a barbecue, is also carcinogenic. Health advice would now seem to say that the occasional bacon or ham sandwich would not be harmful but that frequent consumption is not good for you.
100,000 Signatures Needed Brain Tumour Research needs 100,000 signatures by 3rd February for the issue of funding for brain tumour research to be considered for debate in Parliament. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Only 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease. To sign an e-petition and support this go to: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/105560
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
January - February 2016
News & Views
Big Garden Birdwatch Charity Looking For Sensitive Volunteers
A local charity is looking for committed, empathetic, non-judgemental volunteers to support women and girls after experiences of sexual violence. Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre has doubled its helpline hours to cope with demand, but needs more volunteers to support those that need it. Last year, GRASAC supported 542 callers aged 13 and older, and provided 121 faceto-face support sessions to survivors, friends and relatives.
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. This year's survey is on 30th and 31st 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. To sign up for a free Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 pack, go to www. rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.
Local Mum Takes On Music Classes A local mum who used to work at Lloyds Banking Group is now pursuing a new music-inspired adventure, which will give her greater work life flexibility. Yuhui Li from Bishops Cleeve has purchased a franchise business from nationwide preschool music and movement class provider, Jo Jingles, and has started her first classes in Gloucester. During her fun-filled 45-minute classes for one to five year olds, Yuhui combines a mix of singing and movement to rhythm and percussion instruments. Further classes will be set up in Tewkesbury and Bredon this Spring. www.jojingles.com/northglos
GRASAC says that the need for its services is as great today as when it opened in 1984. Referral numbers increase each year. GRASAC needs women who have a few hours a month to spare, are interested in accredited, specialist training and are keen to make a difference. Contact: julia@glosrasac.org.uk
St Edward’s Prep School Celebrates Award Victory A prestigious award has been won by St Edward’s Preparatory School, Cheltenham, for its Early Years provision. The School was awarded the ‘Excellence and Innovation in Provision’ in the Early Years category at the Independent Schools Association National Awards. The awards ceremony, which took place on the 13th November 2015, is billed as a formal recognition of excellence in education and is designed to applaud the commitment, professionalism and dedication of Heads and teachers across the UK. The school says that its Early Years Foundation Stage staff are “extremely proud of this wonderful achievement” which it says further supports the school's “outstanding” status from the Independent Schools Inspectorate. “The development of strong partnerships with our parents enables us to work together to ensure that our children have a lifelong passion for learning and are fully supported throughout their whole educational journey,” it says. www.stedwards.co.uk January - February 2016
HELPLINE SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We are looking for women to provide emotional support on our telephone helpline. Specialist, APT accredited training provided and travel expenses are paid. Our annual training course starts in April and places are limited. Based in Gloucester, this opportunity would suit someone looking for a rewarding volunteering opportunity to fit around their family or someone in full time work. Get in touch with us for more details. julia@glosrasac.org.uk 01452 305421 www.glosrasac.org
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
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Health
New Year, New You...
A Downward Dog A Day... What’s the first thing you do each morning? Reach for the mobile, check your to-do list, texts, emails, chivvy the kids…Stop. Simply taking a minute to do a Downward Dog can set you up for the day ready to tackle the joyous chaos of family life with a spring in your step. No special kit, candles or chanting needed. You can do it in your pyjamas! Here’s a quick guide to your Downward Dog: 1. Roll out of bed and come to rest on all fours, hands beneath shoulders, knees beneath hips 2. Spread your fingers, inhale, tuck your toes 3. Exhale, push your palms into the floor and lift the hips to the sky, easing down the heels 4. Relax the head, roll the shoulders away from the ears, breathe smoothly in and out of the nose 5. Welcome to Downward Dog. Pushing buggies, carrying young children, breastfeeding, school runs, club runs etc. can all lead to tension in the neck and shoulders, lower back pain, stiff hips and a weak core. Yoga can help to build strength, flexibility and support our bodies through the daily demands of being a parent. Not everyone can indulge in a regular yoga class but a quick Downward Dog a day is a simple way to begin to build the benefits of yoga into your daily routine. Find out more about Rosieglo Yoga. Email: rosie@rosieglo.co.uk or visit www.rosieglo.co.uk
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Families Gloucestershire
Great new resolutions: make 2016 the year you start a new regime and stick to it.
How to start a new exercise regime when you’re a busy mum By Sally J. Hall It seems as soon as Christmas Day is over, two types of advertisement start to appear on the television. The first are for holidays for the following summer, showing gorgeous people in tiny bikinis and trunks, cavorting across golden sands. The others – yes, you’ve guessed it. Weight loss. It is no surprise that the fitness industry targets us just as we throw ourselves, groaning with overeating, onto the sofa for a few hours of feel-good films. Their research shows that most people start a new exercise regime in January, with a huge boost in gym memberships around that time. It seems there is something
motivational in having a whole new year to look ahead to and many of us start of with great new resolutions – even if they fall by the wayside by March. Add to this the complication of being a busy mum – and when, for goodness sake, are you going to find the time for a new fitness regime to shift those few pounds you put on over the Winter or to get the baby weight off? Don’t despair, we have a few great ideas. Preparation is key Before you start any kind of exercise routine, check with your doctor (or midwife if you’re pregnant) that it is OK. If you have recently given birth, wait until after your six week check-up. If you had a C-section or other complications, you might want to wait a while longer. Always start with stretches to warm your
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
January - February 2016
Health muscles and do not overdo anything. If you start to hurt, it is your body’s way of telling you to stop. Start with a small, short routine and gradually increase the time you spend on your work-out. Let’s swap Chances are your nearest and dearest may also be feeling the belt pinch. So talk through your desires for a little time to yourself to get a little fitter and suggest you swap. He has the kids while you go to the gym, for a swim, for a long walk in the woods – whichever you feel you like the most. Then do the same for him another day. If you are single, could you and a friend swap exercise times? Do what you like It may sound obvious but choose an activity you actually enjoy. If you join a spinning class, can not keep up, end up red in the face and aching all over and dread going back, it is not the right exercise for you. Try out a few different classes – everything from kick boxing to zumba is available these days, in gyms and church halls – and then pick the one you like the most. If you have joined a gym, you might find it works better to do a different thing each time. Try to include something that gets your heart racing, that is stretchy and that involves weights. Kids come too Can not palm the kids off onto a relative? Want to get a few more steps done this week? Take the kids with you. Go to a local park with scooters and bikes and baby in a pushchair and walk around the outside of the park, encouraging the kids to race you. Not only will you all get an oxygen boost, they will sleep really well that night. Using baby If you are stuck at home quite a lot with a very young baby and do not yet feel ready for the communal changing rooms, try some exercises at home. There are quite a few post-natal exercise DVDs now that start you off gently and most importantly, know how to support and strengthen your body as it returns to your pre-pregnancy shape. Pop in the DVD, do a few exercises and have your baby on a play mat next to you so that you are close. You can even use your baby to strengthen your arms by gently lifting her – and she’ll love it too! Quick bursts The time when your baby naps can be great for a quick burst – one of the hottest new fitness trends right now. Do push-ups against the wall or on your knees, use small weights to tighten arms (tins of beans work just as well), do squats and a few yoga poses for flexibility and strength in your core. Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. January - February 2016
Nourish Your Body And Mind New year is typically a time when we promise to change. We invest in ourselves, join gyms, give up bad stuff and start diets. But does this approach work? Are you where you wanted to be, in terms of your health and life, when you set your resolutions last year? If your answer is no, then it may be time to try something different, suggests nutritionist and fitness expert Rebecca Daffeh of Every Body Benefits. Do you currently struggle with choosing the ‘right’ food for you even though you know what the ‘healthy’ options are. Do you have a problem with binge eating, comfort eating or constant cravings for bread, sweets, chocolate or crisps? The good news, says Rebecca, is it is not your fault. It is nothing to do with a lack of knowledge and it does not mean that every diet is doomed to fail. These problems are all triggered by thought patterns that need to be broken. By learning how to nourish your body and mind you may be able to interrupt these bad patterns, banish New Year’s resolutions, lose weight and feel healthier, she claims. In this way you can learn how to maintain a healthy weight, without feelings of guilt or the need to calorie count, manage unwanted eating habits and end your cravings. You will also find that you have more energy and feel less stressed, says Rebecca. Kindly reproduced with permission from Every Body Benefits. www.everybodybenefits.co.uk or call 07736431388.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S LARGEST SOFTPLAY Cannons Football Area Zip Slides Ball River & Ponds Slides Story Corner Toddler & Baby Area Check our website for dates of our magic shows and other magical events!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 01285 885570 WWW.MAGICLAND.CO.UK
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
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Ed’s Reading Room
Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Autumn book selection. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website www.EdontheWeb.com.
FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS
FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS
Dixie O’Day and the Haunted House by Shirley Hughes & Clara Vulliamy (Red Fox £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Dixie and Percy are off on another holiday – this time they are going camping. Putting the tent up proves quite a challenge but finally it is ready. Soon trouble arrives in more ways than one so they decide to abandon the campsite and head for the spooky dilapidated house they passed earlier. What will the brave twosome find when the door creaks open?’
Claude: Lights! Camera! Action! by Alex T Smith (Hodder £8.99) ED SAYS: ‘When Claude starts bouncing on his trampoline he never knows where he is going to land. His latest adventure involves a giant gorilla in a dressing gown, drinking a cup of tea. Claude decides to investigate, naturally with his best friend Sir Bobblysock, and discovers an amazing film set in Waggy Avenue. Not long after their arrival disaster strikes and the film director has to find two understudies. ‘
Heartsong by Kevin Crossley-Holland (Orchard Books £9.99) ED SAYS: ‘Many children are abandoned at the orphanage in Venice but Laura is different from the others as she is mute. She receives a warm welcome but it is when she meets the music master Father Antonio, the great composer Vivaldi, that her life is transformed. He encourages her to develop her musical gifts. Can the power of love and music turn darkness into light in Laura’s life?’
Confessions of an Imaginary Friend: A Memoir by Jacques Papier as told to Michelle Cueva (Simon & Schuster £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Jacques Papier wonders whether everyone hates him as he is usually ignored except by his sister Fleur who he adores. One day he overhears a conversation suggesting that Fleur has an imaginary friend she had never told him about. Jacques becomes even more angry and confused when he realises that he is not her brother – he is her imaginary friend. He thinks his heart is broken – but do imaginary people have hearts?’
Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.
Award-winning tuition Maths & English ages 5 -14
New skills Confidence Enthusiasm
Free trial session - book today! Cheltenham 01242 279 947 www.explorelearning.co.uk 6
Families Gloucestershire
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
January - February 2016
11 plus tutoring.pdf
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Education
17/12/2015
16:38
11 Plus Mock Exam 11 Plus Tutoring Academy will be running its successful programme of CEM style mock exams in 2016, near Cheltenham, from April and throughout the summer. Kathryn McMahon of 11 Plus Tutoring Academy explains: “Experience the CEM 11 Plus exam environment. The programme of mock exams will build your child's confidence to deal with the exam environment. All exams have different content to each other”. Early mock exams (April, May and July) are beneficial in understanding your child's weaker areas, with time to improve. Later mock exams (August) allow your child to perfect their exam technique and build confidence. The academy also explains exam strategies and gives detailed reports at every exam. One previous customer is quoted by the acedemy as saying: “The whole environment with 11 Plus Tutoring Academy was nurturing, supportive, calm and reassuring. My son said that everything was explained every step of the way and the strategies for coping with an exam were sensible and helpful”. Bookings are currently being taken for this popular course. Please see the website for details. (Limited places are available). www.11plustutoringacademy.co.uk
DURHAM CEM 11+ EXAM 11+ CEM GROUP TUITION AND MOCK EXAMS • • • •
Experience the exam environment / overcome fears Essential preparation for CEM exam CEM style content and format Designed to be as close to the real exam experience (timed sections /audio instructions) • Each exam written with different content • Detailed report on weaker areas provided at every mock exam
CEM STYLE TEST PAPERS FOR 2016 11+ EXAM Order our new test papers in conjunction with Letts Letts, the expert in revision and 11+ Tutoring Academy, have teamed up to provide pupils with resources for CEM • Completely new and up to date content • CEM style in their format and question types • Designed for practice at home Order our new test papers at collins.co.uk/letts11plus PRIVATE TUTORING COMPANY OF THE YEAR AND PRIVATE TUITION CENTRE OPERATOR 2015 - FINALIST
www.11plustutoringacademy.co.uk 01242 221271 Twitter @11plustutoring
Something For Everyone Take advantage of a Free Trial at your local Kumon study centre The Bishop’s Cleeve, Charlton Kings and Warden Hill Study Centres are offering a two-week Free Trial (14 days) for new students enrolling between 1-29 February. Take advantage of this opportunity and find out what your child can achieve through the Kumon Maths and English Programmes. The centres are holding a joint event on Saturday 23 January at Leisure@Cheltenham, Tommy Taylors Lane. Come along between 9am and 12 noon to find out more. Bishop’s Cleeve and Charlton Kings Study Centres 01242 527526 Warden Hill Study Centre 01684 294148
Bredon School: students enjoy outdoor learning
All pupils at Bredon School, Gloucestershire benefit from multisensory teaching methods including access to a school farm, where pupils get involved in feeding the animals, gardening and helping with the estate management – even going on to take a qualification in agriculture. Younger pupils have the opportunity to learn outdoors in the woodland classroom, and a huge variety of team and individual sports and adventure activities ensures there is something to suit everyone. The school claims impressive GCSE, A Level and vocational results, and pupils who are thoughtful and responsible.
Free Trial available from 1-29 February Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.
January - February 2016
It is holding Open Mornings on 13th January, 25th February and 22nd March. 10am -12 noon. www.bredonschool.org To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
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Education Ten Things To Consider When Choosing A Nursery 1. Are you and your child made to feel welcome and introduced to the nursery staff, helpers and perhaps to other children? Are you allowed to stay and watch at a time to suit you? 2. Check out the space itself. The room may be a bleak church hall but have the staff made it look lively and interesting? 3. Does the nursery seem too crowded? Numbers are controlled by local authority regulations, and insurance policies, but some playgroups squeeze in extra children.
Which Nursery Is Best? Many mums return to work after their maternity leave finishes and choose to leave their baby in a nursery. Even if you are a stay-at-home mum or dad, it’s likely that when your child is between the ages of two and three years old you will want her to start at a playgroup or nursery school. But how do you choose the right nursery for your baby? You can usually get a list of local nurseries and playgroups from your local council, from your health visitor, local library, GP surgery or on the internet. Speak with other mums about the nursery or playgroup you are most interested in, and go along and spend a morning at each group, together with your child. Gut instinct can be invaluable in these situations. The ideal atmosphere at a nursery group should be busy and buzzing, but never out of control. Noisy children racing around shows a clear lack of organisation. Another point to consider is whether boys and girls at the nursery are treated equally. Do boys get encouraged to do quiet, creative activities or do they run about in gangs and spend a lot of time on sit-on cars and toys? Are girls encouraged 8
Families Gloucestershire
to do physical play and large toy activities? Do boys and girls play together? Both boys and girls need physical, energetic play, construction play and quiet creative periods with adult attention. Try to visit a group while a singing or story time session is going on. Singing sessions should always be varied and fun with lots of action rhymes and percussion and have all the children enthusiastically joining in. Story time should also be something the children particularly enjoy. The story teller should be able to hold the children’s attention. Story time should not be used as an opportunity for helpers to take the children to the toilet or tidy up. If you like a particular nursery or playgroup, but feel they fall down in one or two areas, then speak with the supervisor. They may welcome your suggestions and be able to make changes to suit you and your child. If they do not, then move on and find one that is more in line with your requirements. Kindly reproduced with permission from Emma’s Diary, the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. www.emmasdiary.co.uk
4. Is there somewhere for outdoors play on fine days? Are there books in a quiet corner where children can go and sit? Is there an interactive area, such as a nature table? 5. Check out the toys, equipment and art materials on offer. Are the same toys put out in the same area every day? (this is why it’s a good idea to visit more than once on random, different days). 6. Are there varied activities on offer (painting, sandpits, water play areas, Wendy house, play dough, building bricks, puzzles, a dressing up box). Are these accessible all the time? 7. Do the children look excited and interested in the toys available? 8. Does the climbing equipment look well-maintained and is there a soft landing area? 9. What about the staff? Are they listening and talking to the children? Are they calmly in control? Do they seem to be caring with the children? Do they notice aggressive or painfully shy children and get them to join in constructively? Do they spend more time chatting with each other than with the children? 10. Talk to the staff to find out their views on discipline, dealing with anxious children and free and structured play to see if their ideas are the same as yours.
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
January - February 2016
Education Freedom To Learn In A Natural World
three and 18. “The size of our school is an advantage,” explains Jones. “We can focus on your child. We can give children the attention they need including contact time with teachers and tutors as well as small tutorial groups.” Beevers agrees, adding: “There’s a real sense of community here, a sense of loyalty and a real feeling among pupils that this is their school”. The wide range of ages enables the school to provide role models for the younger children among the older pupils and gives the more senior pupils opportunities to take responsibility and develop leadership skills, she explains.
Adventure and exploration are the keys to learning for the pupils of Rendcomb College, according to the all new top team at this leading independent school.
The school puts its 230 acres of grounds to full use, giving pupils enriching outdoor learning opportunities and many extracurricular activities. “They can be challenged,” explains Jones. “Children need to go outside and learn to be risk takers within clear boundaries and a safe environment,” added Beevers.
This exciting and broad-based approach to education helps to build the whole child, according Headmaster Rob Jones and Head of Juniors Victoria Beevers, who both joined Rendcomb College in Septemeber 2015 and are already making their mark on this successful mixed boarding and day school.
Jones points out that the brand new Performing Arts Centre, due for completion this summer (2016), will add first class facilities for theatre, dance and music into the mix for all pupils. And there is one final point: “The big thing that attracted me to come here,” says Jones, “is that Rendcomb College is such a happy school”. What more could any parent or child ask for?
Rendcomb College, situated in the grounds of a spacious and leafy Cotswold estate just five miles from Cirencester, is a relatively small school with around 420 pupils aged between
Rendcomb College is open to both boarders and day pupils aged three to 18. Open mornings: Junior School - Friday 4th March; and the Senior School - Saturday 5th March. www.rendcombcollege.org.uk
OPEN MORNINGS 4 & 5 March 2016
REGISTER TODAY rendcombcollege.org.uk 01285 832306 @rendcombcollege #rendcombadventure
Rendcomb College ‘sends a powerful message encouraging kids to grab every opportunity’ Good Schools Guide 2015
e r u t n e dv re. a r u o Y arts he st January - February 2016
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
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Education
Find Out Why Your Child Can Not Keep Up In Class
Is Private Tuitio
We all worry when our child is having trouble keeping up with his or her peer group at school. But what happens if you suspect that it’s not that your child is just a little slower at grasping a concept – but actually needs some specialist help? Special Educational Needs, or SEN, is a legal term that the Government and schools use to describe the kind of child who has some form of problem or disability that makes learning harder for them than their friends. It means that they have assessed your child and have been able to pinpoint what it is (or as nearly as they can) that makes it so very hard for your child to keep up. This could be: dyslexia, discalcula, English as a second language, concentration levels (such as ADHD), ability to socialise (including autism spectrum), speech or hearing problems, or a range of other problems or disabilities. Firstly, how do you get to this point? Parents, though sometimes reluctant to ‘label’ their child with what they may see as a disability, sometimes have a worrying time when they think their child is struggling but do not mention it at the school. They may try to teach their child at home or go to a tutor. The truth is that the SEN coordinator (SENCO) at the school really is your best friend here. They will help you to get your child the diagnosis needed to get more help. And at the end of the day, when the education system places so much emphasis on passing exams and gaining points, any help you can get is welcome. Unfortunately, it is not always that simple. Stretched schools with pupils from diverse backgrounds have a lot of pulls on their time and resources and it may be hard getting to the point where you can have your child assessed and a ‘statement of special educational needs’ applied. It is important that you approach the school with your worries and your ideas of how your child could be helped and to keep asking questions: What help is there? When can it be given? Is there anything else we can do at home to help? Sometimes some extra tuition is all that is required but if your child is tested and is given a statement, this translates to extra help in classes – and most importantly, extra time in exams, sometimes as much as 50% extra. And surely, that is to be welcomed as it can mean the difference for your child between a pass and a fail.
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Families Gloucestershire
In the current social and economic climate, competition to gain entry into what may be classed as a “good school” is becoming increasingly difficult and people are going to various lengths in order to secure their child’s future. The main approach that parents are pursuing is private tuition. However, there is much debate as to whether this is fair on those who cannot afford it and whether it actually has any benefit to the child for the purpose of their entrance exams. Children whose parents wish them to go to Grammar or Independent schools have to sit what is known as the 11 plus entrance exam. These schools are already highly sought after because of their academic status, but due to rising birth rates, places are becoming increasingly over subscribed, putting more pressure on both parents and their children. Becky Francis and Merryn Hutchings have noted in a recent report for the Sutton Trust (2015), who improve social mobility through education, that the majority of parents in Britain support their child’s school work using private tutors. And why not? Teachers are rarely able to provide the attention they need to individuals in a class of 30+ students. So if a child needs additional support outside of school, further tuition will certainly benefit. Nevertheless, examples are popping up in the media displaying those who go overboard: for example, using multiple tutors and creating timetables for children that are nothing short of overwhelming. Overloading a child with prolonged periods of study or using multiple tutors (who in turn may teach different methods of approaching their work) can be highly detrimental to a child and actually be counter productive to their progress. Private tuition should not function this way. Aron Dhunna, Managing Director of KSOL believes that if private tuition is to be effective, then it should follow these three important rules:
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
January - February 2016
Education
on An Effective Investment? 1. A child’s best interests should be at the forefront of your mind; the main aim should be to bring a family together, making it a shared experience so that the child does not feel alone or face the pressure of failure or disappointment. It is important that every child has some understanding of what their hard work, focus and dedication is helping them achieve; recognition and praise will also go a long way in keeping them motivated.
2. Study and homework quantities should be kept relatively short and systematic; children are more likely to stay focused and absorb information in short bursts than if they are sat trying to concentrate hours at a time. Remember: schools usually include group work, with regular playtimes and physical activities, to keep children engaged throughout the day.
3. Finally, the tuition should be structured and personalised to enhance a child’s abilities; it needs to target the areas that they need help in as well as provide a routine that children can enjoy and quickly get into the habit of. One way of doing this is to perform regular tests or sit mock exams. This is why KSOL use their unique TargetTeach® system to provide effective tuition that allows children and their parents to gain a realistic perspective of what is being retained. It will also enable them to practice the necessary material until they are confident with it. Doing mock exams throughout the year is also a valuable tool. Over 10 years of success and experience at KSOL has proven that systematic study and appropriate testing can make the world of difference to a child’s education. Private tuition is worth it and can be effective if it is structured correctly and provided by honest and experienced tutors. A child will benefit from the right tuition, whether it is to help secure a place at Grammar or Independent school or even to build their skills for life. KSOL offer a range of 11 plus tuition courses designed to help your child pass the 11 plus exam. www.ksol.co.uk. Kindly reproduced with permission from Key Stages Online. Copyright KSOL.
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January - February 2016
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2008
ICT Excellence Award
*Offer expires 31/01/2016 - £10 offer for first month only. All courses subject to a £15 registration fee.
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
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Clubs and Classes
NEW Kids’ Cooking Classes and Parties!
Don’t forget to say you saw the clubs/classes in Families Gloucestershire magazine
Now Is The Time To E Child To Sing, Dance
Children love to cook! Join us with your pre-schooler for fun baking classes and crafts on Mondays or Fridays. Suitable for ages 3 - 5.
Call Fiona: 07475883019 or visit
www.cookerydoodledoo.com
Find The Master Chef In You Cooking with children is a brilliant way to spend quality time together, teach valuable life skills and have fun! Cookery Doodle Doo is one of the country's leading children's cooking schools. It uses quality ingredients to cook fun and tasty recipes with children in a relaxed setting. It runs weekly term-time pre-school sessions in Cheltenham. In addition it holds a popular Sunday Morning Pudding Club for primary school children once a month, runs delightfully creative Cookie Art parties and also takes "no-cook" cookery sessions into schools and nurseries. To find out more call Fiona on 07475883019 or book online at www. cookerydoodledoo.com/cheltenham.
Kid’s Camp is 30th March -
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Families Gloucestershire
Enter in to another world: acting, singing and drama opens up a child’s imagination
Some great ideas on how to start your child’s love of dance and performing arts.
How can you find out what kind of class is best for your child, whether they are a boy or a girl? Read on to find the perfect dance space for your baby.
By Sally J. Hall
Tiny dancer When your child is very young – say, Ah, the ballet. All those gorgeous costumes, perfect turn-outs, buns and the under five – shuffling around on tip toes sublime music. How while wafting their hands or pretending to be a tiger is about as much as you can many of you have ask for. Look for a class that teaches very dreamed of being a young children together, not mixed in Prima Ballerina with older age groups when they will when wafting probably be ignored or will be disruptive. around your A class where there’s an emphasis on bedroom in a having fun and doing different dancing synthetic net tutu? games each time will keep them keen and entertained. And if you actually here this Easter went as far as 2nd April 2016 Starting to get more serious learning to dance If your child makes it past the age of five when you were or six and still wants to go to class, it younger, you might be keen to instil this may be time to start looking at a proper training class where they can take grades love of dance in or get involved with productions. The your child – even if choice for ballet is the Royal Academy of you gave up when Dance (rad.org.uk) syllabus or for you weren’t allowed modern dance there’s the Imperial to tie your ribbons Society Modern Theatre & Tap Dance up to your knee.
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
January - February 2016
Clubs and Classes
(istd.org ) course. If they are still keen but are not motivated by grades, find a class that keeps their attention and will not get boring. Street and jazz dance are great for this as they will learn new routines all the time. They can also try out holiday classes where they might spend a week doing different activities. Allround schools are also options where they sing, act and dance. Royal Ballet Associates training If your child has been taking ballet grades and is seriously thinking about a career in dance, the Royal Ballet runs classes to prepare them for this move. The Associates Programme trains children aged eight to 15 in conjunction with their usual classes (royalballetschool.org.uk). Boy’s brigade Dance is not just for girls and though your son may have to cope with teasing if he intends to dance and carry on dancing, there are plenty of roles for ballet, jazz and modern dancers in all areas – the stage, TV and touring groups. There’s even a Boys’ Ballet school in London (boysballetlondon.com) that teaches the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.
Shine On Stage runs its ever popular Stage School at Stroud High School each Saturday in term time. It offers unrivalled access to top West End professionals (Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Les Miserables, The Lion King) who regularly come to teach pupils, 100% LAMDA Drama exam pass rate, industry links meaning annual theatre trips with exclusive Q&As, alongside excellent weekly tuition. Shine On Stage says it really is the place to be. The school is friendly and nurturing and celebrates every pupil. Pupils are coached in: scriptwork, improvisation, physical theatre, mask and mime, acting for screen, musical theatre, pop singing, microphone technique and vocal recording, jazz dance, contemporary dance, theatre dance, street dance. Shine On Stage is proudly independent and was founded in 2008. With an excellent reputation in the area and competitive fees, prospective pupils are invited to join from the Spring term for a two week trial. Places for January are limited so it is advised to make contact as soon as possible to book or for further information. Call 07782502113, email: alice@shineonstage.co.uk or visit www.shineonstage.co.uk
What’s available? If you are not sure what all these styles entail, it is best to take your child along to have a look or try a taster session. One style may resonate. And if they get older and hang up their ballet shoes, why not encourage them to move on to a funkier style rather than give up dancing altogether?
Local Classes: Cameo Kids: www.cameokids.co.uk Coady Dance Studios: www.coadydancestudios.com Dance-Tec: www.dance-tec.co.uk My Stage School: www.mystageschool.co.uk Shine On Stage: www.shineonstage.co.uk Stagecoach: www.stagecoach.co.uk
Stay Local And Go Skiing Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre offers you an ultimate Snowsports experience all year round in the heart of Gloucester. It has one of the largest outdoor ski slopes in the UK and offers a variety of activities for all ages and all abilities. Every half term it runs a Snowsport school for kids ages 6+ from beginners to advanced levels. It is also famous for its tubing parties for kids and adults. For experienced skiers and snowboarders it puts on coaching sessions, slalom and freestyle nights as well as various events and competitions. Gloucester Ski has enthusiastic, highly qualified instructors so you are always in good hands! To find out more visit: http://www.gloucesterski.com or call 01452 501438. https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterSki/ January - February 2016
WEEKLY PERFORMING ARTS TUITION
FOR AGES 4-18YRS
STROUD STAGE
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LEARN FROM THE BEST! • LEARN NEW SKILLS!
Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail.
e iv tit pe es m ric Co P
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✫ 100% LAMDA exam pass rate ✫ Tutors from West End Shows such as Les Miserables, The Lion King, Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ✫ An independent Stage School run by industry experts ✫ Competitive fees ✫ All disciplines taught; Dance, Drama and Singing ✫ Theatre Trips with exclusive meet and greets ✫ Family run and friendly ✫ supportive environment
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✫ Founded in 2008, well established and respected
t: 0845 519 6455 e: alice@shineonstage.co.uk
HAVE FUN! • BE INSPIRED! • GROW IN CONFIDENCE!
Encourage Your e And Play
Stand Up With Confidence And Take Centre Stage
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www.shineonstage.co.uk
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
13
What’s On
Please check with the venue in case details have changed and also please note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.
HALF TERM ACTIVITIES
February Half Term Holiday Activity Days. Fun, child led CORINIUM MUSEUM activities include whittling and weaving, den making Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2BX and bug hunting, sticks, stones and fresh dug clay, fire 01285 655611 www.coriniummuseum.org and water, fresh air and squidgy mud, organised games 17 Feb. Mini Mosaics and activities, bushcraft challenges and quiet reflection Be inspired by the Roman art of mosaic making by times. 9.30am – 3.30pm. For 5 to 15 year olds. To creating your own mosaic tile to take home. All book call 07940 164363 email firesideforestschool@ materials and instructions provided. Suitable for age 8 gmail.com plus. Cost £7.00 per child. 10.30 – 12.00pm. MUSEUM IN THE PARK Family drop-ins. Suitable for children aged 3 plus. Cost Stratford Park, Stratford Road, Stroud GL5 4AF £1.50 per child. Must be accompanied by an adult 01453 763394 15 Feb. Centurian Masks www.museuminthepark.org.uk Make part of a Roman soldier’s uniform with this 17 – 22 Feb. Colouring in Stroud’s History centurion mask to take home. 10.00 – 11.00am. The Museum in the Park is 15 years old this year and 16 Feb. Stretchy Soldiers to mark the occasion, Tracy has made some beautiful Learn about the Roman soldier’s kit and create this new colour-in-and-carry-on designs. Enjoy the delights stretchy solider to take home. 10.00 – 11.00am. of colouring and learn about some fascinating objects 17 Feb. Myths on Sticks and their stories. FREE Come and read some Roman myths and create a 17 – 19 Feb. Family Workshop – Pop Up Paper City mythical character on a stick to take home. 10.00 – Come and help Alison Cockcroft and Emily Joy to 11.00am. imagine, design and create an amazing paper city! 18 Feb. Roman Shields Great fun for grown-ups and children. Cost £1.00 An essential part of the Roman soldier’s kit was his shield. Make your own to take home and learn about NEWARK PARK the battle formations such as the tortoise for Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 7PZ protection. 10.00 – 11.00am. 01453 842644 19 Feb. Colourful Cockerels www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park Be inspired by a special cockerel object gifted to a 13 – 21 Feb. Snowdrops at Newark Park Roman child and make your own colourful cockerel on View the beautiful snowdrops in the gardens and a stick to take home. 10.00 – 11.00am. estate. For the half-term week there will be a fun trail for the little ones. Normal admission applies. CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA Yanworth, Cheltenham, GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256. WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworthTetbury, Glos, GL8 8QS roman-villa 01666 880220 14 – 22 Feb. Roman Romance Week www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt Enjoy seasonal craft activities. Make your own mosaic, 17 – 19 Feb. Barking Mad badge or enjoy a paper craft themed around Roman Explore the remarkable colours, textures and patterns jewellery. On certain days there will be a costumed of Westonbirt’s trees. Discover the incredible stories interpreters at the Villa. Among other things, ‘Roman behind some of the different barks and have a go at Sue’ will be exploring textiles during the Roman era. bark inspired crafts. 10.30am – 3.30pm. Some craft activities at an additional charge to cover the cost of materials. 10am – 3.30pm. THE WILSON Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, Clarence Street, DYRHAM PARK Cheltenham GL50 3JT Dyrham, near Bath, SN14 8ER (Sat Nav: SN14 8HY) 01242 237431 www.thewilson.org.uk 0117 937 2501. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ 18 Feb. Slow Montion Workshop dyrham-park Bring along something small that you would like to 14 – 15 Feb. Launch of new family discovery trail animate (action figures, Lego, your own sculpture), and Come and try the new family trail through the park. a camera, and learn how to make your own short Use the trail sheet to find your way, with fun activities Stop Motion animation film. 19 along the route and a new natural play zone in the Feb. Festival Fun: Chinese New Year wood pasture. Normal admission applies. Celebrate the Year of the Sheep, with crafty Chinese activities including calligraphy, dragons and papercuts. FIRESIDE FOREST SCHOOL 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30 – 3.30pm. Leycombe Ditch Woods, Wotton-under-edge, GL12 7PT Westley Farm, Chalford GL6 8HP FREE DAYS OUT AT-BRISTOL www.firesideforestschool.org Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB 15, 16 & 18 Feb. Leycombe Ditch Woods 0845 345 1235 www.at-bristol.org.uk 17 & 19 Feb. Westley Farm Until 29 Feb. Winter in the Greenhouse 14
Families Gloucestershire
Get hands-on with growing your own! Until 6 March. Winter Stargazing. Fly to distant stars and discover amazing astronomy in glorious 3D!. Until 29 Feb. Winter Kitchen. Find out what’s cooking in our seasonal science kitchen! SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND CENTRE Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 890 333 www.wwt.org.uk/visit/slimbridg Until 27 Feb. Every Saturday. Decoy Dog Demonstrations. Watch our very own furry canine assisting with conservation work as birds are caught and ringed in the decoy nets. Book at the Admission desk. 2pm. 13 – 21 Feb. Puddle Jumping Championships February half-term will see WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre play host to the South West’s Puddle Jumping Championships. This event will be fun for all ages. Wrap up warm, grab your wellies and jump into puddles for a chance to win prizes. Puddles will be available around the grounds all day for that essential practice before the competition starts. 9.30am - 5pm. Free for members or included in admission.
THEATRE AND DRAMA THE BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE 01242 258002 www.bacontheatre. co.uk 20- 24 Jan. Jack and the Beanstalk Please call the Promenade Production’s own box office for tickets and information: Showcase 01242 224144 email:info@showcaseonline.co.uk 14 Feb. Nearly There Yet: The Party A man excitedly waits for the guests to arrive at his party. The cake is made, the presents have arrived, and the music is playing. Show at 3.00pm. Circus Workshop at 4.30pm. Tickets: £11.00 (£9.00 conc) Family £36.00. THE EVERYMAN THEATRE 7 - 10 Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ 01242 512 515 www.everymantheatre.org.uk 19 Feb. Chris and Pui See Chris & Pui from Show Me Show Me in their new stage show with the toys & characters from their hit TV programme. With songs, comedy sketches, a dash of magic and heaps of joining in, this is a family show for children aged two to a hundred and two. 15 Feb. The Sooty Show THE PARABOLA ARTS CENTRE Parabola Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3AA 01242 707338 4 – 6 Feb. Charlie and Lola. Charlie and Lola are back on stage – and this time they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog! For tickets http:// www.everymantheatre.org.uk/m-shows/charlie-and-lola/
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
January - February 2016
Please mention you saw the event in Families Gloucestershire magazine
What’s On
THE ROSES THEATRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE SLINGMEETS STROUD BRANCH Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX GLOUCESTER AND CHELTENHAM SLING MEETS NCT Signature antenatal course 01684 295074 www.rosestheatre.org For times and venues please check www.facebook.com/ Having a baby is a special time so make sure you 17 Feb. Here Be Monsters. cheltenhamandgloucesterslinglibrary benefit from the experience, support and social Prepare for a sea-faring adventure packed with songs, STROUD SLING MEETS networks that comes with an NCT Signature antenatal interactive fun and surprises Parliament Street Children's Centre, Old Bisley Rd, Stroud course. Courses held regularly in Stroud, Nailworth, 19 Feb. Robin’s Winter Adventure. Saturday 10th January. Time: 10am – 12 midday Dursley and Wotton-under-Edge. For more details see Saturday 17th January. Time: 10am – 12 midday and www.nct.org.uk/courses or contact your local course SUNDIAL THEATRE 2.00 - 4.00pm organiser on 0208 752 2494 or bookings3f@nct.org.uk Cirencester College, Fosse Way Campus, Cirencester, NCT Early Days/Postnatal course Gloucestershire GL7 1XA GBSN Support Groups Courses give you the opportunity to explore different 01285 654228 www.sundial-theatre.co.uk All groups are free drop-in sessions. Dads, grandparents approaches to important parenting issues with a 7 Feb. Rapunzel and supportive friends are welcome too. Groups are qualified group leader and other new parents in your A familiar tale with a fantastic new spin, it has all the informal and friendly. You don’t need to have a area. For more details see www.nct.org.uk/courses or charm you’d expect from the minds that have been breastfeeding problem to attend but if you need contact your local course organiser on 0208 752 2494 making the world laugh non-stop for more than two support, one of our trained peer supporters or the or bookings3f@nct.org. decades.2-30pm. Breastfeeding Counsellor present at each group will be happy to speak to you. TETBURY BRANCH MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Monday NCT Signature antenatal course 10.00 – noon: MOBS in Dursley, Parish Room, St James NCT Signature antenatal courses offer time to explore THE WILSON the Great Church, Dursley GL11 4JE your questions, hopes and anxieties in a safe and Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, Clarence Street, Tuesday supportive space. Courses are regularly held between Cheltenham GL50 3JT 10.00am – noon: BAPS, Hesters Way Children’s Centre, Tetbury and Malmesbury. For more details see www.nct. 01242 237431 www.thewilson.org.uk Dill Avenue,Cheltenham GL51 0ES org.uk/courses or contact bookings3d@nct.org.uk uk Last Sunday of every month. Arty Sundays. Families can Wednesday take part in fun and interactive art activities. FREE. 10.30 – noon: BABES, Noah’s Ark Children’s Centre, NCT Drop Ins York Road, Priors Park, Tewkesbury, GL20 5HU CIRENCESTER BRANCH BABIES AND TODDLERS Thursday Bumps, Babes & Toddlers: 9.30 – 11.30am: CRIBS, Church Hall, St John’s Church, Every Wednesday 10.00am - 11.30am at Cirencester THE GLOUCESTER GUILDHALL Churchdown GL3 2DB Baptist Church, Coxwell Street, Cirencester. A friendly 23 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1NS 10.00 – 11.30am: BEST, Springboard Children’s Centre, play group for expectant and new parents. £1.50 per 01452 503050 www.gloucester.gov.uk/ Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1JU family includes refreshment. No need to be a NCT guildhall 10.00 – noon: MOBS in Stroud, Parliament Street member. Contact: bumpsandbabes@cirenceternct.org.uk Mondays. LaLa Lounge (for parents with under 5’s) Children’s Centre, Bisley Old Road, Stroud GL5 1NL BEST - Breastfeeding Support: Escape the shopping frenzy for an hour or three in a 12.30 – 2.00pm: GLOBES, Gardners Lane Children’s Every Thursday, 10.00 – 11.30am at Springboard comfy cinema. Meet your friends, chill and chat, treat Centre, Cheltenham GL51 9JW. Full information on our Children’s Centre, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1JU. yourself to tea, coffee or a light lunch while the little groups is available at www.gbsn.org.uk BEST is a small, friendly support group. Discussions ones watch CBeebies. 10am – 1pm. Free entry. with our Breastfeeding Specialist Worker is available. CHELTENHAM CHILDREN’S Contact: breastfeeding@cirencesternct.org.uk LILLIPUT CONCERTS CENTRE BABY GROUPS St Andrew’s Church, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham Every Monday at St. Margaret’s Hall, GL51 3NU GLOUCESTER BRANCH GL50 1SP. 10.00-11.30 (0-18 months) Gloucester Breakfast Club: www.facebook.com/LilliputConcerts Every Tuesday at Rowanfield Children Centre, GL51 On the first Wednesday of every month. 10:00am – A classical concert series especially for adults and 8HY 1-2.30 (mums to be and babies to pre-walking) 11:30am. All you can eat cooked English Breakfast, babies/very young children to enjoy together. Every Wednesday at Gardners Lane Children £3.99. Open to all members and non-members. Toby performers are very child-friendly. Centre, GL51 9JW 10-11.30 (0-12 months) Carvery, Shurdington Rd, Brockworth, Gloucester GL3 18 Jan. 10:30am – 12 midday. Every Thursday at Hester’s Way Children Centre, 4PH. Contact coordinator. gloucester@nct.org.uk Violin and Harp from the Enigma Duo GL51 0ES 1.15-2.45 15 Feb. 10:30am – 12 midday. Every Friday at Oakwood Children Centre, GL52 Relax, Stretch & Breathe Classes: A morning at the Opera 5QH 10.00-11.30All groups are open to babies 0-12 Every Monday in term time. For more information visit months and their parents/carers.. www.nct.org.uk.uk/gloucester/courses THE WILSON Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, Clarence Street, NCT Courses STROUD BRANCH Cheltenham GL50 3JT CHELTENHAM & NORTH COTSWOLD BRANCH Stroud Bumps and Babes: 01242 237431 www.thewilson.org.uk First Aid Every Wednesday from 10:30am at Go Bananas, Ebley First Wednesday of every month. Tots and NCT has partnered with British Red Cross trainers to run Wharf, Ebley, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4SR Tales. Join in this fun session of storytelling and art Baby First Aid courses, covering all the basic principles activities for parents and carers with pre-school including choking, bleeding, loss of consciousness and TETBURY BRANCH children.10.30am - 11.15am & 1.15 - 2pm. Drop-in meningitis. Spaces are limited so please email Louisa on Tetbury Bumps and Babes: event. Free, but a donation of £1 per child towards events@nctcheltenham.org Every Wednesday 10.30am – 12 midday at The Snooty materials would be gratefully received. Fox, Market Place, Tetbury GL8 8DD January - February 2016
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
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Don’t forget to say you saw these advertisements in the Families Gloucestershire magazine
Your ultimate Snowsports experience year round in the heart of Gloucester
• Kids Holiday School • Group and Private Lessons • Tubing and Snowcross Bikes • Kids and Adults Parties • Recreational Practice • Day Courses • Memberships • Slalom/Coaching/ Freestyle/Big Air Bag • 10% Services Discount Bredon School is CReSTeD-accredited and holds Dyslexia Specialist Provision status, allowing children (3-18 years old) with dyslexia, dyspraxia and a range of associated learning needs achieve their potential in a thriving learning environment.
Café Bar/Food/Ski Shop/Ski Servicing on Site
Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre Matson Lane • Gloucester • GL4 6EA www.gloucesterski.com Call 01452 501 438
www.facebook.com/GloucesterSki • twitter.com/gloucesteski 16
Families Gloucestershire
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
January - February 2016