Chester Spring 2013

For Chester &District childrenand their parents

All the localinformation

parents reallyneed!

SPRING2013

FREE

Spring 2013_Chester Spring 06 12/03/2013 11:59 Page 1

KIDS DIRECT SPRING 2013

www.kidsdirect.org 2

All About Kids DirectKids Direct Ltd is owned and published by Megan Kneale,

PO Box 314, Duddon, Tarporley, CW6 0WJ Reg. Trademark no 1468409.

Printed by Delmar Press Tel 01270 624122All enquiries about content and

advertising to Megan Kneale 01829 781700

Sales Tomos Kneale.

Kids Direct is published three times a year and distributed to 12,000 families with children under 12.

Kids Direct publishes in Chester, Wirral, Wrexham, Mold & District, Cheltenham, Kent & Sussex, Warrington, Liverpool

We believe all information to be correct but do not endorse any products or services.Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustrations or photography without the

express permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.

Front Cover Designed By Brian Fitzgerald

If you have difficulty contacting anyone featured in this edition of Kids Direct call us on 01829 781700 or E-Mail us at [email protected]

NEXT EDITION DUE June 2013

Contents

Great Days Out

Fun for Kids

Drama, Dance & Music

Let’s Party

Sport for Kids

Services for Parents

Education & Childcare

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9

18

39

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Welcome to the Spring edition of Kids Direct.Easter is nearly here and we are bursting withattractions, days out, places to go and loadsof things to see and do. We will help you tomake the most of all the great things going onin Chester and the surrounding areas. Why not try our competition and winan FREE week at A Star Sports orcolour in our Easter bunny to wina lovely Kids Direct bunny.Remember there is family funto be had all year round!Check out our brand newwebsite www.kidsdirect.org Follow us on Facebook and Twitter,you be entered into our draw to wina lovely Kids Direct Teddy Bear whilstkeeping up to date with the latestinformation on great things to dowith the kids

Happy Easter

Megan & Tomos



KIDS DIRECT GREAT DAYS OUT




Then meet the friendly Easter Bunny who’llreward the kids with chocolate! Tickets mustbe pre-booked on 0151 648 7838 or

www.churchfarm.org.uk.

Book a children’s party or aschool visit; you’ll meet allthe animals and helpharvest the organic fruitand vegetables. You caneven take some producehome with you.

The farm shop stocks avariety of home-grown,locally-produced andluxury food and the cosy

Munch coffee shop is alovely place to sit with a

posh coffee, cake or lightlunch.

Church Farm is open Wed-Sun 10am-5pm,www.churchfarm.org.uk

Church Farm is a fantasticday out for all the family.

There are lots of friendlyanimals to meet, a fun playarea with go-karts, maze andswings and a farm walk withbeautiful views over the RiverDee and North Wales.

At weekends and holidays,join in with tractor rides, pat-a-pet and animal feeding,plus the new barrel train!

The Easter Egg Hunt is onfrom 29 March – 1 April.

Ride on the tractor up to theChurch Farm forest, where allthe family must work togetherto play hook-a-duck,basketball dunk and lots moregames of skill to find the eggsand solve the Easter puzzle.





The National WaterwaysMuseum has got a great event thisEaster - their ever popular EasterBoat Gathering and Sea ShantyFestival is set to be as colourful andfun as ever and is a great day out.

The Easter event takes place from 29-31st March and sees a gathering ofcanal boats and sea shanty musiciansacross the museum.

It's a colourful weekend of traditionalcanal crafts, music, boats,demonstrations, children's activitiesand more - look out for full details ontheir website.

Prices: Adult £6.50, conc £5.50, child(5-16) £4.50, under 5s and AnnualPass holders free

For information www.nwm.org.uk or0151 373 4373



KIDS DIRECT GREAT DAYS OUT

Tracs (Uk) is based in DelamereForest and offers people of all agesand ability the opportunity to enjoy theexperience of cycling in the greatoutdoors.Why not hire a mountain bike and lettheir team of experienced, qualifiedcoaches help you improve yourconfidence and ability in a beautiful,safe and traffic-free environment. Children’s Birthday Parties can becatered for, as well as guided rides, female-only rides and guided walksthrough the forest.

All coaches and guides are qualified infirst aid and are insured through TheAssociation of British Cycling Coaches.All instructors and leaders are CRBchecked. Helmets are required to be worn on allrides. Road awareness training isoffered to schools, colleges and youthgroups - either at Delamere or at yourown premises.

CYCLE SERVICING & REPAIRSAVAILABLE- BIKE SHOP NOWOPEN




Discover the delights ofPark Hall CountrysideExperience, thenational award winningfarm attraction. There’sa day packed withanimal antics, action,fun and adventurewaiting for all the family.

Get up close to yourfarmyard favourites witha regular schedule ofinteractive events. Bottlefeed lambs (in season),groom ponies, or leadthe heavy horses. Tryyour hand at milking areal cow and watch theparlour milking or simplycuddle gorgeousbunnies. There’s somuch to try.

This all weatherattraction has twomassive indoor playbarns. You will find thenew ‘Demon Drop Slide’in the Main Arena along

with two bouncy castlesand a big pedal tractorcircuit. Have even morefun in the Warren Playbarn.Outside you can try outthe adventure courses,climbing areas and playhouses. Take a woodlandwalk or meander downto the lake, there arepicnic areas both indoorsand out.

The interactive ScienceIllusion Zone, is afascinating diversionguaranteed to entertainall ages. The opticalillusions are really cool.Climb inside the giantkaleidoscope- you’ll beamazed!

We think Pig Racing willbe the absolute highlightof your day. With tworaces each day you canwatch and cheer as ParkHall’s well trained Kune

Kune pigs trot towardsthe finishing post forthat ultimate prize – atrough of tasty pig nuts!See if you can pick thewinner.

The fun goes on withbrilliant drivingexperiences for the kids.The junior driving schooland the 4x4 land-roversare amazing and thebarrel train ride to thewoodland is a must!Jump on the tractor rideto see a bit more of thefarm.

And when you are readyfor a more sedate pace,visit the VictorianSchool, the WelshGuards Museum, and theIron Age Roundhouse.These fascinatingheritage exhibits arewell interpreted, so lotsto learn too.


KIDS DIRECT FUN FOR KIDS



By day Funky Town isan amazing IndoorAdventure Play Centrefor younger children, bynight it transforms intoLaser Storm, an excitingteam game of 'hide andseek' within a darkened,pulsating and misty 3-level play arena.Whatever the age of yourchild this indoor activityarena will certainly keepthem entertained andhighly energized.

Funky Town PlayIf you are looking for aplace where your childcan run and play (andexercise without evenrealising) whilst you relaxwith other parents andenjoy a coffee in theknowledge that your child

is completely safe andhappy then Funky Townis the place for you!!

The centre incorporates ahuge play structure withthree decks of fun, aseparate play area fortoddlers and a baby gymarea. Their plush leathersofas and fully stockedcafé provides acomfortable atmospherefor the parents. What!smore they also offer freewi – fi access.

Laser StormLaser Storm is held in theevenings for childrenaged 7+. Take part in thegame using acombination of stealth,accuracy and intellect inorder to zap the opposing

team and win the game!

You can fight it outindividually or in teamsusing hi-tech interactivelaser guns. Individualresults sheets showrankings, scores, shots,who you hit and who hityou!!

Please visit theirwebsites

www.funkytownplay.co.ukwww.laserstormchester.c

o.uk or call 01244 377229

for details (Laser must be pre-

booked).





KIDS DIRECT FUN FOR KIDS

Fun Spanish For Children is abrand new club suitable for allchildren aged 4 years and upwards.

Small groupsallow personalattention, a funactivity bookand CD areprovided and

children receivecertificates oncompletion of

each programme.

All classes are with a native Spanishteacher.

Private tuition is also available(primary, high school, GCSE).

For more information call 07951471756.

www.funspanishforchildren.co.uk



Studies show that campingdoesn't just have its benefits foradults. 87% of kids who camp saycamping in the countryside makesthem feel really happy.Interestingly, 73% of adults saycamping is something every childshould experience and 59% ofcampers say it should be on thenational curriculum!

A recent study conducted by NaturalEngland found that children spend 60%less time out and about than theirparents did at the same age.... and evenless time in the outdoors.. There ismuch evidence to link this to growing

childhood obesity levels, more timespent with video games and a growingdisconnection with nature. And yetresearch has shown that a staggering91% of children say that spending timein the outdoors with their parentswould make them happy.

There are a number of studies that havelooked at the impact of outdoorexperiences and particularly campingon children and there is much evidenceto show not only that it can improve achild's behaviour but it can also makethem more attentive and interested inthe world around them.... as well asencouraging greater levels of physicalactivity.

For those campers with children, one ofthe most important messages for themwas being able to teach their kids newskills. Teaching children how toimprovise, play and 'make-do' was animportant part of developing theirchildren's perspective on life. It showedthem that they don't need all thecreature comforts of home in order tohave fun!

Campers agree that immersing kids within naturemakes them richer

!88% say it's something that every child should experience

!84% say its good for a child"s health

!66% say it's important for a child's development

!59% say it should be on the curriculum

!45% say it improves a child's behaviour


KIDS DIRECT MEET THE RICH KIDS


Kids who have camped

were significantly more likely tohave done the following:-

!Flown a kite!Climbed a tree!Made a den outside!Explored a pond with a net!Cooked on a campfire

For those kids who hadn'tcamped, the thought that there'dbe too many creepy crawlies wasmore off-putting than missingtheir TV and computer games. Athird thought they'd get too messyand dirty!

79% of kids who have nevercamped said they would liketo!

Top 5 things kids say theylove about camping

I get to explorenew places

I can get muddyand dirty and don'tget into trouble

I learn new thingsabout nature

I get to do new andfun things

I get to do new things with myfamily that I don't do at home

Kids who haven't camped were asked why they would liketo go camping and the same top three answers as above,were top of their list!! This tells us whether kids camp ornot, they love the idea of spending time with their familyexploring the outdoors and doing new and fun things.

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Thanks to the Camping and CaravanClub for supplying the

information for thisarticle

For information onjoining please call

0845 130 7632http://www.campingand

caravanningclub.co.uk




For details of classes seepage 41


KIDS DIRECT COLOUR ME

To win this beautiful Kids Direct bunnyColour the Picture above, you can use crayons, paints,

pens, glitter- let your imagination go wild!

Send your entry with your name, address andthe name of the school or nursery that you attend to:

Colouring Competition, Kids Direct Ltd., PO"Box 314, Duddon, Cheshire, CW6 0HJ

Closing date 30th April 2013

Colour in our lovely bunny

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN




As a mother of two children and a qualifiedDietitian for over 10 years, if I got given apound for every time I heard those words Icould retire.

Fruit and vegetables have long beenidentified as having beneficial properties inpreventing certain diseases i.e. obesity,high cholesterol and constipation to name afew.Fruit and vegetables contain vitamins,minerals and fibre that the body needs tohelp maintain a healthy balance. Unfortunately, vegetables can turn out tobe children’s and adults least favouritefood.

The Department of Health recommends 5portions of fruit and vegetables daily

1 portion is 2-3 tablespoons of vegetables. -1 piece of fruit i.e. apple, orange.- A small bowl of salad.- 1 handful of grapes, strawberries or otherberries.For more portion ideas seewww.nhs.uk/Livewell/5ADAY/Pages/Portionsizes.aspx

So how can we get the family to startsaying “I like them!”Here are a few simple ideas forVEGETABLES.

Variety is very important, try not to stick tocarrots and peas, think of all the vegetablesstarting with A Ackee, Artichoke,Aubergine, to T tomato. The majority of

vegetables are available all year roundnow, fresh or frozen, and not just in seasonso trial some different vegetables.

Establish vegetables/salad at each eveningmeal. Remember that we have to tastesomething at least 10 times for us to like aflavour; hence this is a good routine tofollow for our taste buds and health. Hereare some meal ideas with veggies included:• Fish fingers, oven chips with green beans

& carrots• Risotto rice with peas • Chicken curry with a tin of chick peas

added serve with rice• Sausages, mashed potato, roasted

parsnips & butternut squash and gravy• Chicken breast grilled with potato

wedges,salsa sauce, corn on the cob andbaked beans.

• Pasta & cauliflower or broccoli cheesebake

• Takeaway curry- try a side order of SaagAloo- spinach & potato or Aloo Gobi-potato & cauliflower

Grate the following for a change to yourgreen salad, around 5-6 portions in thissalad

• 1 raw carrot• Half a raw celeriac• Half a cucumber• 1 pear

Emotions- If you don’t like a vegetableyourself try not to show your child yourdislike, let them make up their own minds.

“Vegetables! I don’t likethem!”



KIDS DIRECT VEGETABLES I DON”T LIKE THEM!

Don’t cajole bribe or push your child to trydifferent vegetables, battles over food willonly make situations worse. Rememberthat mealtimes are not just for nourishmentbut in our busy lifestyles they are a chancefor the family to get together. If mealtimesare becoming frustrating (believe me myhusband and I have been there!) try to putthings into perspective and keep calm, ifyour children won’t try the vegetablestoday, tomorrow is another day! Patienceand persistence is the key.

Tomatoes are a great versatile… fruitactually, but as we use them more insavoury foods they are included. • Raw tomatoes with a salad.• Grilled tomatoes on your beef burger.• Tomato puree on your pizza base.• Tinned tomatoes with a breakfast i.e.with grilled bacon, scrambled egg and

toast.• Sun dried tomatoes mixed into a ricekedgeree or risotto.

• Italian tomato sauce made with tinned or fresh tomatoes (see Italian bolognesesauce recipe below).

• Tomato or minestrone soup.

Add vegetables to make the base of afantastic tasty Italian bolognese sauce. Andno one will ever see a vegetable! If you areworking the next day get the veg and meatprepared the night before and a slowcooker is a wise investment. Around 6-8portions of vegetables in this dish.• 1 raw carrot, 1 raw courgette, 1 red

pepper, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves.• Chop all of the above into small pieces(an electric chopper is very time saving).

• Fry the veg for 10 minutes with a splashof olive oil.• Transfer the cooked veggies into a large

pan with a lid or a slow cooker.•Fry your beef or pork mince in the samepan and for more flavour add 3 rashes ofbacon chopped up (optional).

•Transfer the browned meat to the largepan with the veggies then add 1-2 tins oftomatoes.

• Add one chicken stock cube, a pinch ofpaprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano orbasil and season with salt & pepper. If youneed more fluid add a drop of water.

• Mix together well and cook on low for atleast 2-6 hours or better still put your slowcooker on first thing and it will be readywhen you get home from work.

• Serve with pasta/rice or jacket potato.

Beans and lentils are great and versatileand they contain high amounts of fibre.Here are some ideas for beans/lentils to beadded into your cooking.• Chicken fajita mix with wraps, add a tin ofmixed beans into the mix.

• Next time you have a takeaway curry tryone of the lentil dishes called dhals i.e.Tarka dahl

• Baked beans on toast• Red kidney beans in a chili-con-carne• Bolotti beans added into stews or

casseroles• Pearl barley added into a chicken or steak

pie sauce.

Light up your family meals with a range ofrecipes that are quick, nutritious, and easyto make. We all have a list of meals that wecook in the week and have perfected sothat the family enjoys. My favourite chefsare Nigella Lawson who is great for workingparents as it cuts corners without impairingtaste. Jamie Oliver is a true lover ofvegetables and fruit and the majority of hismeals are based around these. Check outwebsites for “free recipes” or look for thefree recipe cards in your supermarket.

Eat up your vegetables in front of the kids.A lot of adults who don’t like vegetablesoften can trace back their dislike from theirchildhood. They may have been forced toeat them and thus created bad experiencesof vegetables. This is not the way to getchildren eating veg and can result in foodaversion to vegetables, if carried onthroughout adulthood can increase the riskof developing diseases. Children copy rolemodels and if you can overcome yourdislike of vegetables, then your childrencan see that they are part of a healthybalanced meal and not something to beavoided.

Stews, soups and stir-frys are a great wayof utilizing your vegetables. Fresh, frozen,tinned and dried veg all counts to yourportion requirements.• Fresh- broccoli, carrots, sugar snap peas,

baby sweetcorn, onions, peppers.• Frozen- corn on the cob, roasted peppers,roasted parsnips, mixed vegetables, peas,green beans.

• Tinned- beans, mushy peas, chick-peas.• Dried- mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes.

Get experimenting with veggies!

If you would like to discuss your diet with aregistered Dietitian then please discuss thiswith your Doctor GP.

Our thanks to Claire Chaudhry forproviding the information for this

feature. Claire is employed in the NHSas a Community Dietitian based inWrexham/Flintshire, her special

interests are Diabetes, Obesity andHealthy eating.




The Nina Gaskill School of Danceis celebrating its 25th anniversaryyear.

Established in 1987 the school hasgrown with an excellent reputationfor teaching to a high technical levelin a safe, friendly and funenvironment.

The school offers classes in RADballet, ISTD modern, jazz, tap, andcommercial dance. Starting with pre-school ages, class levels range up toand include Advanced 1 RAD Balletand ISTD Modern.

Past students have successfullyauditioned for establishments suchas the Northern Ballet School, andthe Royal Academy of Dance.

Nina is planning a reunion and wouldlove to hear from any past pupils ofthe school.

Email:[email protected].

Chris Linklater is an experiencedteacher of music and dance. Nowconcentrating on piano she teachesfrom home.

Chris teaches all ages and standardsand welcomes those who work shifts.Students are entered for practicaland theory exams with the ABRSM ifthey wish or play for pleasure.


The academy offers a variety of dance classes ona Friday & Saturday for children aged 17 monthsto 15 years. Dance styles vary from ClassicalBallet to Street Jazz.

The ‘Tiny Toes’ class (17months - 2.5 years) hasproved very popular forparent & child.

Children are encouraged tostudy as many differentdance styles as possible(contemporary, tap, modern,lyrical, jazz musical theatre).The Academy prides itself onproviding excellent dancetraining whilst maintaining afun and family-likeenvironment.

Call Sophie on 07891456184for more information.

KIDS DIRECT DRAMA, DANCE & MUSIC


Sophie Gallie is agraduate of TheHammond School, andthe Royal Academy ofDance Certificate in BalletTeaching Studies. Shehas also been awardedwith the RAD’s RegisteredTeachers Status.

Since graduating fromThe Hammond Sophiehas become a highlyregarded and sought-after dance teacher.

The Sophie Gallie DanceAcademy has beenestablished since 2011and is growing rapidly inreputation & studentnumbers, due to thisSGDA has now relocatedto Dodleston Village Hall,Chester CH4 9NT.




The aim of Rastros no Ar is to sharethe Brazilian art form of Capoeirawith communities and participantsfrom all walks of life; from regularchildren's and adult classes, to after-school clubs and performanceworkshops, from community carnivalprojects to outreach work with youngpeople in difficulty. As a socialenterprise, all their profits will beploughed back into communityprojects in the local area.Capoeira is mixture of dance, martialarts, acrobatics and music. It makesyou sweat, laugh and grimace attimes (the sweat is all the time to behonest) but above all it will make yousmile!Contra-Mestre Piolho currentlyteaches regular adult and children’sclasses in Chester: Capoeira Kids classes are held onMondays 6-7pm at The Unity Centre,17 Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN.Capoeira Kids classes cost £4 perclass and are suitable for ages 6+ (Iftwo siblings attend together thesecond is half price! So only £6 fortwo siblings!)

Stagecoach is achildrens` part-timetheatre arts school thatteaches the three maintheatre skills of singing,drama and jazz dance.

The school has manystudents that appear inprofessional theatre,television and evenfilms, However, althoughits main aim is toprovide children with asound theatre-skillsbase, it is also proud ofthe excellent by-products of self-confidence and

comradeship whichmakes

the school so popularwith parents and theirchildren.

Stagecoach opened inChester in 1993 and isrun by Karen Partingtonand her excellent teaching staff.

Its main classes are forchildren between theage of 6 and 16, buttheir is a special set ofclasses for 4-6 yr olds.

The school operatesfrom Bishops High

School on a Wednesday,Thursday, Friday orSaturday and

the class sizes, whichare age-based, are forfifteen students.

Stagecoach haveprovided children for lotsof professional theatreand television parts.

For further details pleasecall 01244 316187

www.stagecoach,co,uk/chester







Theatretrain iscelebrating it's 20thbirthday by taking overthe O2 in London with ashow featuring 3000children from all over theUK. Pupils from localschools in Chester, Moldand Wrexham will all betaking part in thisspectacular event. Newpupils joining now willalso be eligible to takepart.It's no wonder thatthey've earned theirreputation as "TheCompany That Loves ToPerform" as in the lastyear pupils from theschools in Wrexham,Chester and Mold havetaken part inTheatretrain shows atThe Forum StudioTheatre in Chester, ThePalace Theatre inManchester, The Stiwt in

Wrexham and even TheRoyal Albert Hall inLondon. Their weeklyclasses of singing,dancing and acting notonly teach performanceskills, but also valuabledevelopmental skillsabout teamwork,discipline and confidencebuilding. Registrations are nowbeing taken for childrenwanting to joinTheatretrain SaturdayMorning Schools inWrexham, Chester andMold as well as theFriday Evening School atChester's Forum StudioTheatre (the oldGateway Theatre). Theatretrain wasestablished in 1992 andhas 100 schools acrossthe UK and Ireland. Itconcentrates on twoprocesses - learning

skills in the performingarts and performingthose skills to anaudience. Every yeareach child inTheatretrain's schoolshas the opportunity toperform in at least oneproduction either locally,in one of the largerregional theatres or inthe West End.This year's themedSummerschools are alsobooking. The week-longworkshops give childrenclasses in singing,dancing and actingwhilst working towardsan end of weekpresentation for familyand friends. The group'swebsite atwww.chestersummerschool.co.uk also featuresphotos and videos fromleast year's events.

South Cheshire Ballet & TheatreSchool recognise the importance ofperformance experience and so notonly produce their own school showbut also encourage pupils toauditions for local productions andpantomimes.

Pupils can also take part incompetitions throughout the year atvarious locations around the country.

South Cheshire Ballet & TheatreSchool was opened in 1996 with justa few students and now has two veryestablished branches based inChester and Crewe.







Delta Academy of Dance and PerformingArts offer weekly dance classes for childrenaged 2 1/2 years and upwards. Classes are held in Borras Park, Tanyfron,Garden Village and Ruabon. Dance classesinclude Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Song, Street andMime.

These exciting classes start from just £4 alesson and lead to medal tests, trophies,qualifications and shows. All syllabi followLAMDA (Drama), National College of Musicand LAMDA (Singing) and ISTD and ADA(Dance).

Delta Academy also offer a Performing ArtsPackage which includes three hours oftuition; one hour of Drama, one hour ofSinging and one hour of Dance.

These fun-filled, dynamic classes are heldon Friday evenings or Saturday afternoonsand are taught by highly qualified,experienced tutors. Whether your flair is for singing, dancing oracting, with your talent comes confidence,independence and a passion for life…..Delta will inspire you!




The Quavers Music Course forchildren has been designed to enableall children to enjoy learning to makemusic to a standard pleasing tothemselves and others while havingtremendous fun!

Children will learn to read, write,understand and make music througha programme which captures thechildren’s imaginations as theyexplore the delightful world andlanguage of music.

Some of the many additional benefitsof the Quavers course include,increased language and readingskills, confidence and self-esteem.

Having fun at Quavers Music




Razzamataz Chester runs weeklyclasses in the city centre for buddingperformers aged 4-18 years.

Their classes are fun, fast and funkywhether you just want to have fun orwant to make a career inperformance! Razzamataz offerfantastic performance opportunitiesfor all ages and hold annual shows,awards ceremonies, performances inthe community and have links withindustry auditions.

All the teaching staff are CRBchecked and have relevantqualifications and experience.

Small class sizes with strict ratiosmeans that each student gets a greatlearning experience whilst parentscan rest assured that their childrenare safe.

Classes are competitively pricedstarting from £6.00 per hour. FREEtaster sessions are available, booknow!

Pointe Works is a privately rundance school, providing a happy, safeand supportive environment in whichstudents can explore their individualcreativity whilst acquiring dance skillsand techniques.

It welcomes students of all abilities,ages, nationalities, races, genders,and religious backgrounds,promoting equality and inclusion inits teaching. In assisting students tomaximize their dance potential,Pointe Works is committed tocontinuing professional developmentto ensure the knowledge andteaching practice remains at aconsistently high standard.

Pointe Works offers classes in Balletand Modern Jazz. The Royal Academyof Dance syllabus is taught in BalletClasses where children can start fromthe age of 2 and the IDTA's ModernJazz syllabus is taught from the ageof 5. Classes take place weeklyduring term time at The JessieHughes Village Hall in Eaton &Tarporley Community Centre.



Just launched our brand new website

Chester a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Kids Direct is

here to make life easier, and more fun, by featuring products,

services and businesses that cater to your kids and family.

To compliment our magazine we now have a great new website

Kids Direct is different every issue, and so is our website. Check

back often and see all we have for you!

Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook, for updates,

special offers, latest news and the chance to

enter in our draw to win a lovely KIds Direct

Teddy

http://www.facebook.com/kidsdirect

kidsdirectchest

KIDS DIRECT BRAND NEW WEBSITE


Many children would love a petand most parents will have thisconversation at some point whenyour children are desperate forsomething furry or scaly to shareyour home.

Acquiring a new pet can beinteresting, fun and rewarding.Manychildrenwant a pet,but morechildren arenot able toprovide forthat pet,everydayfor itswhole life.So, youshould onlyconsiderhaving apet if the adults in the family arehappy to include it and they areable and willing to assume overall

responsibility for the animal.

The main points to consider are:

!Financial: Are you prepared for the financial costs, not justof buying the animal in the first place but also for keeping the animal each week of its life?Also include the costs of any equipment, such as tanks, heaters, beds, toys etc. Stickinsects are relatively cheap tobuy ponies are not!

! Time: Do you know how much time will be needed to care for the animal? What will you needto do on a daily, weekly and monthly basis? Snails are notdemanding but rabbits are!

! Space: Do you have sufficient space to keep this animal? Fishwill stay put in their tank, hensneed plenty of space toexplore.

! Will this pet fit in to yourlifestyle? What will happen

Mum, Can we have a pet?



when you go on holiday? Or outfor the day? A hamster may notmiss you during the day, a dog may be able to come with you on your days out

! Knowledge: Find out as muchas you can before acquiringyour new pet. What do youneed to know? Beardeddragons are reasonablystraight-forward as pets,snakes require a more in-depth knowledge.

! Lifespan: How long does thisanimal live for? Can you commit to caring for this animalfor that length of time? Gerbilsmight only live a few years, a parrot may live for 70 years.

Before getting a new pet, askyourself “What can we give thisanimal?” If you feel as a familyyou can provide for its needs,then go ahead and look into itfurther.

Although children are good atmaking promises when they wantsomething, they are not alwaysgood at following them through.Make sure that at least one adultin the family is happy to assumeoverall responsibility for checkingthat all is well with the pet on aregular basis, helping or takingover if needed. As a general rulemost children need help cleaningout a fish tank as tanks areheavy, young children may lovetheir dog but are not old enoughto walk him alone and cleaningout a cat litter tray is best doneby someone who can be relied onnot to drop bits and wash theirhands afterwards!

Family pets are great, providedplenty of thought has gone intochoosing the right pet and beingable to look after it properly. Youwouldn’t let just anyone comeinto your family, do plenty of

research to ensure that everyone,including the pet is happy.

Further information can befound Pdsa, Your Right Pet

www.pdsa.org.uk/managed/yrg-stage1.html

NOAH What pet is right foryou?

www.pethealthinfo.org.uk

Our thanks to Erica Peacheyfor compiling this article.

Erica is a consultant in AnimalBehaviour and has run a

business based on the Wirralfor over 20 years. Her family

currently consists of threechildren, four horses, three

dogs, two cats, two hens andfour Giant African Land Snails

and one long sufferinghusband!

www.ericapeachey.co.uk

KIDS DIRECT MUM, CAN WE HAVE A PET?



16th MarchThe Body Experience

Manchester Museums11am-4pm. Come andexplore the human bodywith scientists from LifeSciences and Human andMedical Sciences at TheUniversity of Manchester.Collect your ‘passport’ andtravel around the humanbody from top to toe.

19th March

Baby ExplorersManchester Museum

Sensory play andinteractive story sessionsfor babies who aren’twalking yet.Book on 0161 275 2648 (aweek before), free, babiesand their carers. Limitedspaces – booking essentialwww.museum.manchester.ac.uk/whatson/

29 Mar To 31 Mar National WaterwaysMuseum Easter BoatGathering and SeaShanty Festival

Ellesmere Port BoatMuseum - Traditionalgathering of canal boatsand sea shanty musiciansreturns for another year.It’s a colourful weekend oftraditional canal crafts,music, boats,demonstrations and more

31st MarchEaton Hall GardensCharity Open Day

Gates Open 10.30 -5pm 88acres of gardens, Easteregg trail, family historyroom, Katie the Steam Trainand much more... Entrancevia Eccleston/Aldford/Belgravegates.

30 Mar 2013 To 1 Apr2013A Beatrix Potter Easter

This bank holiday weekendTatton Park plays host to anenchanting Beatrix Potterevent with activities takingplace across the Park.

30th MarchWillow Weaving: 3DInsect Workshop

Tatton Park - Join SarahGallagher Hayes, willow

Fri 27th March - 14thAprilEaster Family FunTrail

Beeston Castle &Woodland Park -w w w . e n g l i s h -heritage.org.uk/beeston

29 March – 1 AprilEaster Egg Hunt

Church farm, Thurstaston,Wirral - Ride on the tractorup to the Church Farmforest, where all the familymust work together to playhook-a-duck, basketballdunk and lots more gamesof skill to find the eggs andsolve the Easter puzzle.Then meet the friendlyEaster Bunny who’llreward the kids withchocolate! Tickets must bepre-booked on 0151 6487838 orwww.churchfarm.org.uk.

22nd March until 1stAprilEaster Egg Hunt

Bellis Brothers Farm Shop& Garden Centre – HoltVillage, near Wrexham. Tel: 01829 270302www.bellisbrothers.co.ukOnly £1.00 per entry. Allproceeds to NightingaleHouse Hospice. Collectyour entry form in storeand follow the clues tofind the Easter chicks.There will be a small prizefor every entry.

Sat 30thBritish GTChampionship and F3Cup

Oulton Park - Kids under12 go free -www.oultonpark.co.uk

WHATS ON FOR KIDSIN MARCH?

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details do

change. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions

It is advisable to phone the venue concerned to check dates and times

before setting out



sculptor and artist andreceive expert tuition tocreate your own beautifulwillow sculptures. Suitablefor adults and children.Book via Sarah on 07889507348 or [email protected]

APRIL

until 1st AprilEaster WeekendEggstravaganza

Quarry Bank MillHunt the clues to earn youregg with the specialCadburys trail over Easterweekend plus games andactivities on the MillMeadow. £1 per trail.www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Tuesday 2 April Make a Mosaic

Grosvenor Museum,Newstead Gallery 2-4pm ,Free drop in. Make yourmosaic symmetrical orsparkly, multicoloured ormonochrome. Create yourown design to take homewith you. Suitable for children aged4-12. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.

Thursday 4 April Print!

Grosvenor Museum,Newstead Gallery 2-4pmFree drop in. Come and seethe different types ofprinting on display in ourOpen Art Exhibition, thenturn your own line drawinginto a print. Please wearold clothes as the printingink can stain. You may needto wait for a place as spaceis limited.

Suitable for children aged4-12. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.

Wednesday 10 April Discover the Romans

Grosvenor MuseumGalleries 11am – 4pm Freedrop in. Our Romangalleries have had a make-over, thanks to fundingfrom Arts Council England.There are more objects ondisplay, with new storiesfrom Roman Chester and

w/c 2nd AprilChocolate Heaven

Smartcare, WavertonVillage Hall A mixedweek of fun includingchocolate olympics. Fulland half days available.Booking essential Tel01829 741608

2-5 & 8-12Explore the Planets

Jodrell bank DiscoveryCentre - Unveiling a newexhibit, science shows,planet path backpacks.www.jodrellbank.net/kids-direct

3rd/4th/5thEaster Soccer Course

Soccer Funweeks -Cheshire Country SportsClub - Boys & girls aged5-13 years. Bookingessential Tel 01928 740008www.soccerfunweeks.com

8th/9th/10th/11thEaster Soccer Course

Soccer Funweeks -Cheshire Country SportsClub - Boys & girls aged5-13 years. Bookingessential Tel 01928 740008www.soccerfunweeks.com

w/c 8th AprilTime Flys

Smartcare, WavertonVillage Hall Come andtravel with us through ayear in a week Full andhalf days available.Booking essential Tel 01829 741608

WHATS ON FOR KIDSIN APRIL?




beyond, plus excitinginteractive features. We’vealso made a film aboutsome of the charactersportrayed on our nationallyimportant Roman tombstones. Come along,see the transformation, andlearn something new! Suitable for children aged4-12. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.

Thursday 11 April Mythical Creature Masks

Grosvenor Museum,Newstead Gallery 2-4pmFree drop in. Use themythical creatures found onour Roman tombstones asinspiration to create yourown mask to take home. Suitable for children aged4-12. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.

Sat 27th & Sunday 28thA Wartime Mill

Stretton Watermill, Farndon- Discover how StrettonWatermill played animportant role in the wareffort and helped keep

people fed during the yearsof rationing. Try some1940's games, work astirrup pump and "Dig forVictory" as the working millis brought to life withwartime memorabilia.

MAY

Sat 11th MayNational Mills Weekend -Family Day

Stretton Watermill,Farndon, 1-5 pm. NationalMills Weekend offers youthe chance to find out aboutstone dressing, milling and

engineering.

Sat 25th MayRoman Day

Chester Race CourseRoman Day will bringhistory alive witha celebration of the City ofChester's Roman past therewill be a host of freechildren's activities on theOpen Coursers as well asentertainment in thepaddocks.

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 Discover Chester’s Medieval Towers

Water Tower and KingCharles Tower, City Walls11am-4pm Free drop in.Discover the Water Tower,which once stood in themedieval port of Chesterbut now sits on dry land,along with the medievalPhoenix Tower, which wasre-named after KingCharles I after he stoodhere to watch skirmishesfrom the battle at RowtonMoor in 1645. Monday 27May Suitable for children aged

Sun 20th & 21stMedieval St George'sWeekend


Sat 5thMilkshake live

Come out to play! 1pmPavilion Theatre, RhylBox Office 01745 330000or Book onlinewww.rhylpavilion.co.uk

Sat 18thSummer Fair

Popular Firs School,Summer Fair a communityevent open to all on Sat18th May at 2pm.Greatselection of stalls andentertainments with thechildren doing singing anddancing demonstrations.Neston Lane, Chester01244 322443

Sat 4th - Mon 6thMCE British SuperbikeChampionship

Oulton Park - Kids under12 go free -www.oultonpark.co.uk

WHATS ON FOR KIDSIN MAY?

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details do

change. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions

It is advisable to phone the venue concerned to check dates and times

before setting out



4-12. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.

Mon 27thMake a Medieval PilgrimBadge

Grosvenor Museum,Newstead Gallery 2-4pmFree drop in. Create yourown pilgrim badge as asouvenir of your visit to themedieval Chesterexhibition. Suitable for children aged4-12. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.

Tues 28thMake a Medieval Pouch

Grosvenor Museum,Newstead Gallery 2-4pm,Free drop in. Create yourown medieval pouch orpurse to keep your moneysafe and secureSuitable for children aged4-12. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.

Wednesday 29th Discover MedievalChester

Grosvenor Museum,Newstead Gallery 11am-4pm Free drop in. Meetsome colourful charactersand learn more about life inmedieval Chester. Suitable for children aged4-12. Children must be

accompanied by an adult.

Thursday 30thTry some MedievalWriting

Grosvenor Museum,Newstead Gallery 2-4pmFree drop in. Use a quill andink and try your hand at acalligraphy letter. Suitable for children aged4-12. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.

JULY

Mon 27th - Fri 31st MayKnight's School


Saturday 6thNightingale House DogShow & Family Funday with Bellis’ BakeOff Competition

10am – 4pmThe dog show will havepedigree and noveltyclasses, open to all. Tomake the day that bitspecial there will be funfor all with stalls, gamesand entertainment,baking and jamcompetitions. Entry tothe fun day is free, entryto the dog show is £1.00per class. Baking entriesneed to be in by 10.30amand The dog show willstart at 11.00am. Allproceeds to NightingaleHouse Hospice.

Bellis Brothers FarmShop & Garden Centre –Holt Village, nearWrexham. Tel: 01829 270302www.bellisbrothers.co.uk

WHATS ON FOR KIDSIN MAY/JULY?

Tues 9th - Sun 14thInternational MusicalEisteddfod, Llangollen

Thousands of people fromaround the world will againdescend on the little townof Llangollen this July as itcelebrates the 67th annualInternational MusicalEisteddfod.Over the years the eventwhich began as a festivalof peace in the aftermathof the Second World Warhas grown into one ofEurope’s premier musicand dance events.Most importantly thecompetitors havecontinued to come from allover the world – this yearthey will be here fromAlaska, the Philippines,Russia, South Africa, HongKong, Australia, Canada,China, India, New Zealandand Ghana as well as fromall over Europe and theUK.This year’s event runsfrom Tuesday, July 9, whenthe colourful traditionalprocession through thetown through six days ofcompetitions and concertsto Sunday’s spectacularfireworks extravaganza.For more details on thisyear’s event go to thewebsite atw w w . i n t e r n a t i o n a l -eisteddfod.co.uk and onFacebook atwww.facebook.com/llangollen




Whatever the reason for your visit toCheshire Pony Parties you’ll begreeted with a warm welcome andreceive personal attention.

Not only does Amanda createunforgettable pony parties forchildren aged 2-13, her tiny, gentleponies also provide wonderful hourlong pony experiences and entertainchildren during the school holidays.“A friend told me you’re wonderful

with children”“It was the most stress-free partyI’ve done”“Can I come back every day?” just some of the comments we’vereceived.

Children are treated as individualsand either encouraged or challengedappropriately, including children withspecial requirements, with theemphasis on fun, confidence buildingand informal learning.For a truly enchanting experiencevisit www.CheshirePonyParties.co.ukor ring 01829 219106



KIDS DIRECT LET’S PARTY

Little Tinkers ever enchantingparties will leave your little ones withthe most beautiful memorieswhether you choose Afternoon teaswith a Disney princess or a magicalpalace or space party with 3Drockets, castles and even pirateships. Their winter wonderlandparties with a choice of Ice Castles,igloos and Hansel & Gretal cottagefor the children to decorate and playin leading them through to magicallands and beyond with themedgames.Parties cover most age ranges andthey specialise in tots to teens. Theycan transform any venue for your bigbirthday bash and have excitingdecor themes and entertainmentpackages to choose from if you needinspiring, from circus circus withtrapeze and fire eaters to Hollywoodwith lots of glamour and fun,Hawaiian with surfboard simulators,chocolate and candy to Glow partiesand so many more to choose fromfor your 13th Birthday or your sweet16 they can do pretty and pink to hiphop and urban.

Little Gastronomes make greathomemade party food that littlepeople really love.

They take all the stress out of yourchild’s party by providing a wonderfulselection of healthy and nutritiousparty food and treats and deliveringthem directly to your party venue,FREE of charge! All you have to do islay the table and pour the drinks! All food is priced to suit your budget,visit their website to see the wideselection of menus on offer.

NEW from Little Gastronomes isadult party food. Made to the samehigh quality Janet will cater for adultparties with the adult palette verymuch in mind.

Corporate events can also be cateredfor.

Why not give Little Gastronomes acall and enjoy a hassle- free specialoccasion, just for grown-ups!


Mr Bimbamboozle is one of theNorth West's best loved and mostexperienced children's entertainers.His happy knack of winning theconfidence of even the youngestchildren, his ability to make thenlaugh and his gentle but firm controlmakes him popular with kiddies andparents alike, and he is particularlyin demand as a birthday partyhighlight and in schools, playgroupsand nurseries.

Whether in the home or communityhall Chris brings fun and laughterwith magic and Punch & Judy. Suchfamily shows are designed to involvethe children and feature the birthdayboy or girl who is made to feel veryspecial. The show normally lastsabout one hour and involves a greatdeal of participation with the childrenand a great deal of laughter.

Presentations are always tailored tothe age range and can feature avariety of puppets. Chris does notnormally include Punch and Judy forpre-school nurseries, under-foursenjoy a gentler approach. Details onwww.bimbamboozle.com

During school holiday periods MrBimbamboozle can be seen at hisown theatre, The Harlequin PuppetTheatre of Rhos-on-Sea in NorthWales. See www.puppetshow.info ortelephone 01492 548166.



Great new party idea from ChocolatePizza - Each child decorates 8"chocolate pizza with sweets & edibledecorative toppings, hosted by Gilesthe chef complete with jacket andHarlequin patterned multi-colouredclothing

Ideal for your school fairs - LividAvians garden game. Coconut shyvariation. Throw Angry Birds, knockBad Piggies off plinths, win prizes.Uses soft plush toys, also availableChocolate fountains with fresh fruit &marshmallows.


Scrumptious specialises inproducing healthy, homemade partyfood that both you and your child willlove. So, bin the cocktail sausagesand forget the soggy sandwiches -let Scrumptious provide you with anoriginal, imaginative spread ofdelicious food that you’ll want yourchild to eat.

Scrumptious also provides gorgeousparty bags. The bags contain a personalisedgingerbread man, or lady, for eachparty guest, a marshmallow twizzleror a trendy cake pop - all beautifullywrapped - along with a tasteful gift.

There is even a nibbles menu for theadults who accompany their childrento the party – ensuring that thechildren get to eat the food that youhave ordered for them without theirparents picking at it over theirshoulder!


KIDS DIRECT LET’S PARTY

Charlie’s Kids Cuts is a uniquesalon specialising in children’s hair,from their first cut, to their promnight. All stylists are mainstreamtrained and child friendly! So don’tworry if your little one is goingthrough the terrible twos or thetrying teens, our stylists can cutanyone’s hair, even Mum & Dads!With funky styling chairs (BarbieJeep, yellow Hummer & F22 CombatJet) for the little ones and stylingstations for older children (all fittedwith flat screens for DVD’s or Xboxgames) we make getting yourhaircut really fun!

Upstairs, are Charlie’s exclusivepamper & party/disco rooms, a greatplace for children’s parties. We havea variety of packages to choosefrom, suitable for boys & girls aged4-14.

For more information please call01244 348500, or visitwww.charlieskidscuts.co.uk or followus on Facebook.




Would you like a fun-packedmemorable party?

The Creepy Crawly Show isenjoyable for all ages and great forHome Parties, Childrens Birthdays,Christenings, Holy Communions andother family celebrations .

Everyone can join in from Toddlers toTeens and the adults are entertainedtoo. From party games and music toGet Me Out of Here style challengesand don’t forget the animals, withSnakes, Tarantula, Scorpion, Lizards,Giant African Snails, HissingCockroaches, Turtles and manymore.

It offers great photo opportunitiesand is all presented by our comicalExplorer style entertainer who’llensure your occasion is a fun andmemorable one. Availablethroughout Cheshire, Merseyside andWirral.

With unbeatable prices and expertiseDee’s Partyz takes the stress out oforganising a party. Attending yourchoice of venue, they will make yourguests feel special and encouraged ina friendly, safe and caringenvironment. With Party Games &Dressing up, NEW Teddy & Rag DollMaking, Pamper Parties, Football,Mini Olympics or Craft, there issomething for everyone. Be the talkof the playground with a "Teddy orRag Doll Making Party", where eachchild can make a new best friend,and dress them up in amazingoutfits! Take a look at their newonline store where you can buyluxury Teddies and outfits. Partiesinclude FREE invitations, birthdaypresent, group & individual phototaken & presented in a birthday cardand a lovely prize for each guest totake home. Book now and Quote "Kids Direct”and receive FREE party bags orTeddy outfit for a Teddy MakingParty”.


KIDS DIRECT SPORTS FOR KIDS


Are you a parent of achild aged between 2and 7? Do you want yourchild to have fun in astructured environment?

Do you want them tolearn how to get on withothers, gain confidencewhilst receiving praiseand encouragement?

Do you want them toenjoy exercise whilstimproving their balance,co-ordination andbehavioural control?

Then Rugbytots is foryou!

Rugbytots Wirral wasstarted in February 2012by owners Colin Buntingand Will Gardner.Currently they run 18classes across 5 venuesand after many

requests, they are finallylaunching classes inChester from Saturday13th April 2013.

Rugbytots also workswith many primaryschools and Childrenscentres, deliveringRugbytots Fun, givingGIRLS and BOYSexperience in all aspectsof Rugby, such asrunning with the ball,finding space, kicking,catching, TRY scoringand much more.

"Rugbytots are quiteunique among thecoaching companies thatwe have worked with.Their coaching andequipment offerssomething very uniqueand of an excellentquality. Mostimportantly; the children

enjoyed every session" -Head Teacher, MountPrimary School

Thank you so much, myson Finley absolutelyloves coming and he hasreally started coming outof his shell!!! He can'twait for the new term tostart xxx Bebington OvalMum

The feedback fromparents, teachers andEducation specialistsalike has been reallyrewarding for Colin andWill. Check out theirshort film to get a feelfor yourself –www.letsgomagazine.co.uk/rugbytots




Ace Tennis Academy provides highquality tennis tuition to children of allages and standards. The academy isbased at Hoole LTC, which wasawarded "Club of the Year" in 2012for its tennis programme by CheshireLTA.

The Academy develops youngplayers' skills through a mix of fungames-based tuition and hasrecently adopted the LTA Mini PlayerAwards to help monitor progress.

There are three levels of programme(Development, Challenger andPerformance) to provide for thediffering aspirations and standards ofplayers from beginner to advancedlevel.

There are also coaching centres atKelsall Tennis Club, Christleton HighSchool, Farndon Sports & SocialClub, Manley Tennis Club andTarporley High School.




A-Star Sports offerinclusive, developmentalmulti-sports coaching forchildren aged 2-10 years(3+ in holiday clubs).Building on a fun ABC-based foundation(agility, balance and co-ordination), your childwill be introduced to anddevelop the skills formore then ten coresports.

Learning in a positive,energy packedenvironment encourageschildren to enjoy sport.It is the ambition forevery A-Star Sports childto enjoy sport for life.This is why their multi-sports journey alsoincludes additionalactivities inspired bysport in the news foryour child to discoversports over and above

the core ten.

Weekly Classes

Check their website for afull list of classes, butthey are currentlyadding new locations totheir well establishedlist. They have Holt andHeswall starting duringNovember and hopefullyalso further venues inPenyffordd and theWirral soon.

Holiday club news – nowaccepting childcarevouchers!At their new holiday clublocation they are nowregistered with OFSTEDand able to acceptChildcare vouchers. Theaward winning and well-known local team willdeliver an action-packedholiday clubs at one of

Cheshire’s premiersporting facilities –Cheshire County SportsClub. Working inpartnership with theSports Club team meansthat they can offer moreplaces during everyschool holiday, amazingindoor and outdoorfacilities and their bestprices ever.

For more details onholiday clubs, regularweekly classes, partiesand events visit theirwebsite and localfacebook page, orcontact them directly on07932 182148 /s h a r o n . b a s s e t t @ a -starsports.co.uk.

www.a-starsports.co.ukwww.facebook.com/ASt

arSports.Chester@AStarSports_UK




Wrexham Climbing Centre (@Plas Power Adventure) is thebiggest and only dedicated climbingcentre in NE Wales.

They also offer outdoor rock climbingand Abseiling, Indoor Bouldering,High Ropes course, KMX karts,Archery, Orienteering and a superbonsite cafe. A family friendlyenvironment for a great day out thatcaters for hundreds of children everyyear, specialising in awesomeweekend birthday parties!

Many of their customers havebecome firm friends and have beenwith them for years, so they must bedoing something right!

Later this year, Plas Power Adventurewill be celebrating their 20thAnniversary so why not pay this longstanding, successful business a visitfor a daring and exciting familyadventure you’ll never forget?

Kinder Swim is an exciting newswim school operating in theCheshire and Newcastle-Under-Lymeareas for babies, pre-school andafter-school children. They haverecently secured use of a new pool atDelamere Forest.

Kinder Swim was set up by Kath andSharon after they had been teachingbabies and children to swim for thelast 5 years but felt they wanted tooffer a more personal service withintheir own swim school. ‘We arepassionate about teaching children ofall ages and abilities to becomewater confident and take those firststeps towards independentswimming.

Their lessons are fun and stimulatingand incorporate vital survival skillswhilst still focusing on fun andenjoyment.’ Kath and Sharon alsoencourage parents, many of whomare non-swimmers, to take theplunge and have fun in the waterwith their children. ‘Swimming is agreat way to keep fit as well as havefun with your little ones.!




Visit Us/Contact Us: (Family Discount Package Available)

www.soccerfunweeks.com Email [email protected]

Easter Soccer Courses 2013Week 1 - Cheshire County Sports Club, Chester

April 3rd/4th/5th (3 days)

Week 2 - Cheshire County Sports Club, ChesterApril 8th/9th/10th/11th (4 days)

Boys & Girls Ages 5-13 yearsOption 1 - (9.15-3pm) Option 2 - 9.15-1.15pm

Qualified Coaching/Netted Pitches/Radar Gun/FreeKick Walls/Player Profiles

Special Feature Danny Murphy Guest Appearance

Soccer Funweeks will once again berunning courses in Chester this Easterat Cheshire County Sports Club –Upton, Chester.

The main feature this Easter will bethe guest appearance from DannyMurphy (PreviouslyLiverpool/Fulham/Spurs & PresentlyBlackburn Captain), and of theirfootball inflatable – exclusive to theircourses along with their football headtennis net, football cricket and themedtournaments and player profiles.

Soccer Funweeks offers footballcoaching of F.A standard, a coursecontent tailored to suit all abilitieswhile achieving maximum enjoymentfor all players male and female. Thepersonal approach and attention todetail provides a course content with afootball dynamic conducted in a secure

environment. Established for overtwenty years in the area.

Online bookings and access toinformation and applications via

their web page :www.soccerfunweeks.com /

[email protected] or bycontacting their booking line

(01928) 740008



KIDS DIRECT Irlen® Syndrome

This issue, I would like toconcentrate on Irlen® Syndrome(Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome).Helen Irlen’s® research hasgained more respect over the lasttwo decades and it is nowestimated that approximately 15%of the population suffer from thesyndrome; some may haveDyslexia also, but not all do. It isestimated that just 10% haveDyslexia.

She also noticed that some clientswith Specific Learning Difficulties(SpLD) may have beenmislabelled. Diagnosticians andscreeners are now in 24 countriesfitting over 100,000 children withIrlen® spectral filters and millionsuse appropriate screened-forcoloured Irlen® overlays.

I fell across The Irlen® Method in2005 when researching earlyreading failure and I wanted tohelp pupils who lacked motivation,never read for pleasure or hadpoor concentration. Not manyeducationalists seemed aware ofIrlen® Syndrome and so mypassion with Irlen® and Dyslexiawas born.

During the second year of myMasters course, I was shockinglydiagnosed, at the age of 40, withIrlens®. My tutor was amazed tosee that I have got this faracademically without beingdiagnosed.

With hindsight, I can seesimilarities with myself and myboys, as we have to reread manytimes for information to ‘sink’ in,we have to print it off and readagain and we suffer from fatiguewhen reading. It can be inherited

and so my Autistic son and myeldest son who has SpLD, will nowbe tested too.

People who have Irlen® Syndromehave a visual-perception issue; thedifficulty being caused by the waythe brain interprets theinformation that is being sentthrough the eyes.

Sufferers can perceive things in anunstable, distorted fashion; wherethe print becomes less clear asthey continue reading. Signs,labels, maps and charts can bedifficult to see as can looking atcomputers and the television.

It concentrates on sensoryoverloads, depth perception, lightsensitivity (to fluorescent, brightlights with/without colour andpattern distortions), sensoryintegration and discomfort whenreading.

Sufferers may also complain of:* The glare on white backgroundsor of bright lights* Dizziness, fatigue, headaches,migraines, blinks or squints a lot,sore eyes or stomach aches.* Difficulties with handwriting,reading (may be choppy andhesitant), spelling, maths, readingmusical notes, comprehending,writing, copying and note-taking.* Difficulties using whiteboards,overheads and computers.* Under-performing in Sports.


KIDS DIRECT Irlen® Syndrome


* Eye tracking issues and stressinduced by the volume of print onthe page.* Are accident-prone and/ordrops or knocks things over.* Have behavioural problems,easily distracted, fidgety and can’tstay focused.* Their academic performance ispoorer in test conditions.

Anyone presenting with several ofthese characteristics should bescreened for Irlen® Syndromeafter a general eye sight test. TheScreening test is non-invasive andvery cost effective. I will screen atthe coloured overlay stage, but willrefer you on after this if need be,as Irlen® filters can only beprovided by accredited Irlen®diagnosticians. Sometimes theIrlen® coloured overlays/filtersare enough to reduce the

symptoms alone.

I have been referring children for awhile and it is always rewarding tosee these same children suddenlymaking progress at school, beingless anxious, focusing for longer,having their self-esteem raisedand seeing the smile on their facewhen their test scores go up! I amnow able to screen these childrenmyself and the whole process ismore consistent with no waitingtimes.

Irlen® Syndrome exists on acontinuum of slight to severe andtreatment maybe part of themissing link in bringing relief froma number of the aforementionedsymptoms.

For further information pleasecontacthttp://www.irlen.org.uk

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Potato Planning DemonstrationDaySaturday 23rd March 11am – 4pm, Free event

Potato growing demonstration fromPhil from Westland and Vicky fromBellis’. Everything you need to knowto know and everything you need toget started! Regular demonstrationsthroughout the day.

Easter Egg Hunt22nd March until 1st April

Only £1.00 per entry. All proceeds toNightingale House Hospice. Collectyour entry form in store and follow theclues to find the Easter chicks. Therewill be a small prize for every entry.

Gardeners Q and AThursday 25th April 7.00pm

Tickets for this event are £8.00 toinclude a glass of wine. Tickets are

available from Nightingale HouseHospice or at Bellis’.

This will be a thoroughly enjoyableevening raising much needed funds forthe Hospice. This year’s guest include:Paul Cook the Curator from NessGardens, Christine Foulkes-Jones theowner of Hall Farm Nursery, MedwynWilliams the vegetable expert andAnne Harrison who specialises inhanging baskets. Refreshments willalso be able to purchase from therestaurant.

The Potting Bench25th, 26th, 27th and 28th April 11am – 4pm

In-store container and hanging basketdemonstrations. We can pot up yourcontainers or baskets or you can justwatch and learn and buy the finishedproduct.

Bellis Bros Events 2013



KIDS DIRECT EDUCATION & CHILDCARE KIDS DIRECT SERVICES FOR PARENTS

Meadowsweet

Gardening Services

! Garden Clearance

! Lawn &"Hedge Cutting

! One-Off tidy ups

! Garden Design

! Over 25 years experience

! Lady &"Gentleman gardner!s available

! Free Estimates

For further detailsPlease call Hugh

TEL: 07709 259241

Top Tips for your Garden this Spring1. Cut back overgrown deciduous hedges2. Prune roses as appropriate.3. Kill moss and scarify lawns, re-seed where necessary.4. Split and re-plant herbaceous plants.5. Tidy up ponds.6. Dig out compost heaps and use to mulch roses and other shrubs.7. Treat any paved area with an algae killer.8. Check and renew wire work for climbers, tree ties and tree stakes.9. Give house plants a Spring clean, wash leaves, re-pot and

remove any dead leaves.10. Lightly prune any trees and shrubs that have been damaged by

frost.

Thanks to Meadowsweet Gardening Servicesfor compiling these tips






KIDS DIRECT SERVICES FOR PARENTS




Chris offers atraditional serviceensuring the smoothrunning of your eventso you can relax andenjoy the day

…you are definitely oneof the best Toastmasters Ihave had the pleasure towork with… John Conte

Handmade Children’s Oak Bed £100 ono



KIDS DIRECT EDUCATION & CHILDCARE




Abbey Gate PrepSchool was founded in1910 and continues toeducate children to thehighest possiblestandard. Abbey Gatecreates an environmentwhere children arestimulated, challengedand motivated to learn,encouraging them toachieve beyondexpectations. They buildconfidence and promoteeffort and pride in whatthey do, by celebratingand rewarding everyachievement and givingall children a taste ofsuccess.

As a school founded onChristian principles, theystrive to create an ethosof trust, respect andcare for each other andby keeping numberssmall they are able to

know and value eachand every individual.They are proud of their100 year old history, butthey are a forward-looking school,embracing new

educational ideas andtechnology, taking careof their environment andtaking their place withinthe wider community.

Being located near tomany outstandingIndependent andgrammar secondaryschools is an additional

benefit to the school.They are dedicated toensuring their childrensucceed with their 11+examinations, withoutundue pressure. Lastyear, without exception,every Year 6 childachieved success andleft the school as wellmotivated, confidentindividuals with the skillsto support them on theroad to highachievement.

Parents have anessential role to play andare very welcome inschool. The school viewsa child's education as apartnership betweenthem, and their open-door policy makesparents and the widerfamily very welcome.







The Hammond in Chester is theleading provider for performing artseducation in the North West.

Recognised and funded as a centre ofexcellence by the Department forEducation (DfE) under the Music andDance Scheme (MDS), and alsoreceiving support through theEducation Funding Agency (EFA’s)Dance and Drama Award (DaDA)Scheme.

The Hammond caters for pupils fromthe ages of 4-11 in its new PreparatorySchool, moving on to students fromthe age of 11 to 20 years plus,providing Post -16 Vocational Trainingleading to the National Diplomas inProfessional Dance and MusicalTheatre. The Sixth Form DramaCourse combines a BTEC Level 3 inPerforming Arts (Acting) with thestudy of two ‘A’ Levels.

The new Preparatory School is locatedwithin the School’s grounds at HooleBank and offers a separate and secureKey Stage 1-2 education to pupils,

who can also take advantage of theextensive Dance, Music and Dramafacilities contained within TheHammond Performing Arts Centre, inaddition to The Hammond’s Scienceand IT facilities.

The lower school (11-16) offers fulltime educational courses in Dance,Drama and Music, alongside GCSElevel academic provision in a broadrange ofsubjects.

In recent years, significant investmenthas enabled The Hammond to expandand develop into the uniqueestablishment it is today.

The Hammond Theatre seating over400 in the Performing Arts Centre,Music Faculty with recording studio,individual practice rooms and anAppleMac computer suite plus sevenmodern state of the art dance studiosall offer outstanding facilities, allowingexcellent performance opportunitiesfor their talented students








The Firs School hasbeen providingoutstanding primaryeducation for boys andgirls aged 3 - 11 since1945. Parents speak ofthe wonderful caringatmosphere and otherstalk of The Firs giving agreat foundation for life.Its last inspection reportsaid that "enthusiasticfocused teaching leadsto excellent learning andhigh levels ofachievement". If theseare some of the thingsyou want for your childcome and visit The Firsand see for yourself.

As one of Cheshire'sleading Independentprimary schools The Firssupports andencourages theindividual gifts andaptitudes of each child,

using all the skills andfocus of a specialistprimary school. As astand alone primaryschool undistracted bythe pressures andrequirements of asecondary departmentThe Firs is able to workclosely with parents toensure that the child'snext step in theireducational journey isabsolutely suited to theirneeds. The Firs enjoysexcellent relations with awide range ofindependent andmaintained secondaryschools which supportthis process.

There are still a fewplaces in Reception forentry in September2013. Kindergartenentry is throughout theyear. Please call to

arrange a taster sessionfor either age group.

Look out for the popularFirs Summer Fair acommunity event opento all on Sat 18th May at2pm. We’ll have a greatselection of stalls andentertainments with thechildren doing singingand dancingdemonstrations. Find outmore details online atwww.firsschool.netProspective parents arealways welcome to visitthe school.

More information isavailable onw w w. f i r s s c h o o l . n e tPlease contact the officeto arrange a visit on01244 322443 or [email protected]




Abbey Gate College isa well-established,coeducational school forpupils aged 4 to 18 onthe outskirts of Chester.Aldford School is hometo the popular andsuccessful Junior andInfant Department.At Aldford School, pupilsdevelop a love oflearning in a friendly andcaring environment.Through beautifullymaintained, extensivegrounds and a widerange of expertise on thestaff, pupils have theopportunity to develop inall areas of thecurriculum, inclusive of athriving music, dramaand sporting timetable.Pupils also makeextensive use of theexcellent facilities at thesenior school.They now offer Taster

Sessions for 3-4 yearolds throughout the yearand during thesesessions children areable to experience theschools environment andtake part in a range ofactivities. Staff workdirectly with the childrenas well as observingtheir skills ofindependence andcommunication. Offersto join their smallReception class aremade to successfulchildren afterattendance at a session. They value each andevery child and thepotential in every pupil isnurtured andencouraged. Educationis far greater thansimply achieving superexamination results; atAbbey Gate College thejourney itself is of equal

importance, providing astimulating experience,widening opportunitiesand providing aneducation for life. Theyare confident that theirchildren becomeconfident, caringmembers of society andin the last inspectionreport it was noted thatthe pupils achieve theirpersonal and academicpotential.Abbey Gate College is asuccessful and happyschool where, ‘ Thestudents’ personalqualities are outstandingand fully supportedwithin the college by thepositive family typeambience. Relationshipsbetween staff andstudents themselves areoutstanding andconducive to excellentbehaviour’ (ISI 2010).




Is your child struggling with Maths orEnglish? Do they need to help tobuild their confidence, or would youlike them to achieve more? Smart Stations enables your childthe opportunity to build their skillsand confidence in Maths and English.The computer-based resourceprovides individualised support inmaths, reading, writing and spellingfor pupils aged 5 to 14. It is provento make a real difference toachievement and it enables everypupil to reach their full potential.How Can Smart Stations Help YourChild? Each child undergoes a fullassessment upon registration andthen works on a personalisedprogramme of work based on theirability and level of knowledge. Oneparent recently wrote “What a lovelyenvironment you provide. My sonhas really benefited and most of allfound it enjoyable. I would definitelyrecommend Smart Stations to otherparents”.




Explore Learning inChester provides mathsand English tuition to 5-14 year olds of allabilities.

The centre is locatedinside Sainsbury’s inGreat Boughton, and ispart of ExploreLearning’s nationwidenetwork of tuitioncentres.

The Explore ethos is thatconfidence, enthusiasmand independence are asimportant as academicprogress to a child’sdevelopment.

The centre in Chesteroperates on amembership basis, andchildren attend twice aweek for hour-longtuition sessions usingprogrammes that are

individually tailored totheir own needs. Whenthey return to pick uptheir children, parentsare given detailedfeedback on their child’sprogress from ExploreTutors.

As the winner ofS u p p l e m e n t a r yEducation Provider ofthe Year in the EducationInvestor Awards 2011and 2012, ExploreLearning is seeing a bigincrease in demand fromparents seeking tuitionfor their children.

The manager of theChester Centre, LouiseJones explains “Ourgreat location meansthat where parents candrop their children in ata time that suits them –after school or at

weekends. We find thatparents love it not onlybecause they see animprovement in theirchildren’s maths andEnglish but also becauseit encourages them tohave fun whilstlearning.”

Explore Learning inChester is offering freetrial sessions for familiesinterested in finding outmore.

To book a free hour-longsession with an Exploretutor, call 01244 343433 or book online atwww.explorelearning.co.uk/chester.



Many hundreds of thousands of parentsthroughout the UK are volunteer membersof Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) attheir child’s school; giving their time andenergy to fundraising and working inpartnership with the school. PTAs are avaluable resource providing much neededfunds to improve the school experience forthousands of children and young people inthe primary and secondary sector. Thisamazing achievement makes a realdifference to schools and their pupils byproviding extra resources and in somecases making activities such as school tripspossible. And all of this happens because ofa dedicated group of volunteers who makeup a PTA.

Now’s the time to get involved! A successful PTA brings together parents,teachers and school staff who areinterested in supporting the school. Itprovides an opportunity for everyone towork together and with a common purpose.

Activity will vary from school to school;almost all PTAs are involved in fundraisingand most will organise social events forparents and children. Many provide helpersfor outings and special events and a largenumber run clubs for sport, music ordrama. Some PTAs will work with theschool, organising meetings to informparents about education issues; particularlywhen changes are taking place.

A successful PTA will bring together parentsand teachers who are interested insupporting the school. It provides anopportunity for everyone to work togetherand with a common purpose.

If you’re a parent (or teacher!) and youwant to get involved then speak to amember of the committee to see what’sinvolved. You may feel that you simplywant to lend a helping hand by volunteeringat a PTA event or you may have time to jointhe committee and get involved inorganising and planning events anddeciding how the funds raised are spent.Speak to the Chair and let them know whatskills you can bring, even if this is simplypromoting PTA events to other parents.Your contribution, no matter how small, willbe warmly welcomed!

The facts about PTAsOn average, a PTA will raise £7,000 perannum, with 20% raising over £10,000.PTAs therefore contribute a massive £100million to enhance the educationexperience of our children.

Almost all PTAs do some form of fundraisingbut are increasingly undertaking otheractivities. Over a third regularly report thatthey support parents to get involved intheir children’s education and that the PTAworks with the local community. And inEngland and Wales, 70% are registeredcharities.

Join a PTA and make adifference



KIDS DIRECT JOIN A PTA

Top tips to recruit new parents Before you start looking for support it isimportant that your PTA is clear about itsaims and what role it plays in the life of theschool. Understanding why peoplevolunteer is crucial. Most PTA volunteersgive their time because they want to getinvolved in their children’s educationexperience and make a tangible differencewhilst their child is at the school. This canbe achieved in a number of ways such as:

>fundraising for items that the school could not otherwise afford

>providing before and after school>activities supporting the school’s aims and>objectives providing funding for the

extras >helping to provide a richer education

They also do it because it’s fun, enjoyableand very rewarding. Supporting the PTAcan also provide volunteers with new andvaluable skills or a mechanism to brush upon old ones!

If you want to get people involved clearcommunication is key:

>Have a PTA notice board in school>Create a PTA website or a have adedicated PTA page on the school website.Make sure content is updated regularly. >Make sure PTA events and news arealways included in the PTA / schoolnewsletter >Set up an email group >When you are fundraising for a specificproject or item make sure you publicise thetarget, so that people understand how theirefforts will help> When the PTA is deciding how to spendmoney raised, publicise the meeting andinvite people to share their views >Draw up a short wish list in conjunctionwith school’s leadership team and askparents to rate these in terms of priorities– this helps ensure the items parents askthe PTA to spend money on are realistic,required and achievable>When money has been spent, orvolunteers have done something toimprove the school, celebrate theachievements publicly and explain how thepupils have benefited >Talk to people - they are much more likelyto help if asked personally rather thanrespond to a blanker letter/email. Use it asan opportunity to do some market research– if they don’t want to help, or to attend anevent, ask what events they would preferthe PTA to hold>Ask the Headteacher to promote the PTA,when talking to parents. An endorsementfrom the head will go a long way.

In a world where everyone’s time isprecious it can be difficult to recruit newvolunteers, so think about your game planand don’t leave things to the last minute. Ifyou know that committed PTA volunteerswill be leaving when their child moves on,then put a succession plan in place as earlyas you can. Create a timebank, so thatparents can give whatever time they havefrom a few hours a term to a regularcommitment. As the saying goes....everylittle helps.

For more support and guidance visitpta.org.uk or call 0845 850 5460

Our thanks to Jane Galbraith, PTA-UKMembership Development Manager

for compiling this article

PTA-UK is a national charity andmembership organisation with over13,7500 member PTAs in England, Walesand Northern Ireland. Membership fees arebased on the size of the school and startfrom £25 a year for schools starting a PTA.Membership provides a range of benefitsand resources including £10 millionsubscription linked public liabilityinsurance.

Find out more by visiting www.pta.org.ukor contact the PTA-UK Advice Line on 0845850 5460 / [email protected]

Generic term for all forms of home-schoolassociations including PTAs, Friends of andPAs




Superb location on school grounds surrounded by fields and trees

Flexible full days between 7.45am & 6pm

Children from 2 years oldHoliday Clubs

French, Makaton & Forest SchoolsCome and visit us

Contact Lyn Jackson01829 741011

E-mail: [email protected]

Tarvin Pre-School & Day Nurseryaims to provide a happy, warm,stimulating and secure environmentso that your child will enjoy theirtime with them.

Children have a right to anenvironment that facilitates theirdevelopment, offering opportunitiesfor learning and fun

The nursery has a strong equalopportunities and inclusion policy,offering freedom from discriminationand appropriate facilities wherepossible for children with disabilities.

Working in partnership with theirparents, they aim to provide the bestin early years education.

Tarvin Pre-School & Day Nursery issituated in the grounds of TarvinPrimary School enabling them tobenefit from a close link with theschool.






Documents

Chester Spring 2013