Birmingham and Solihull

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011 ISSUE #1

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Birmingham and Solihull

FREE

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE 5

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Birmingham and Solihull

Will your child live to

be 100?

Will your child live to

be 100?

Will your child live to

be 100?

School open days

School open days

School open days

Clubs and classes

Clubs and classes

Clubs and classes

Tel: 07766 714926

www.bumpaliciousmaternity

.co.uk

Passionate about gorgeous clothes

for your perfect maternity wardrobe

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

2 Issue 4

We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor its consequence.

Next Issue: Advertisers: book your space now for ourNovember/December Christmas issue.Call 0758 352 6056or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.ukbefore Monday, October 3rd.

A new school year – a new set of goals and challenges. Welcome back. We hope you had a

wonderful summer break.

In this bumper issue of Families Birmingham and Solihull we focus on clubs and classes for children and family fitness. Will your child live to be 100 or are they addicted to junk food and a couch potato lifestyle? See our feature on page 10 and check out the new Family Membership at Solihull leisure centres (page 3).

September is also a time to start thinking ahead. If your child starts primary school next year – or will be making the transition to secondary school – you need to do your research now and find out about school open days, so we give you some pointers on our education pages.

And, of course, we bring you news of fun family activities – the CBSO Notelets events and family concerts for children; Think Tank Science Museum’s tenth birthday celebrations, and Drayton Manor’s Big Bang fireworks. All this and more on our news pages and What’s On sections.

Families Birmingham & SolihullP.O. Box 6204, Stourbridge, DY8 9DN.

, EditorWendy Flynn

Contents

Front page picture by photo artist Abby Wilkes. Abby won the West Midlands Master Photographer Award for her work with children three years in a row.She specialises in photographing children and families creating art from life’s special moments. Contact Abby for more information:07966 867306. www.abbywilkes.com

Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Printed by: Warwick Printers, Caswell Road, Leamington Spa Copyright Families Birmingham and Solihull, July 201117

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4

6

7

9

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In this Issue...

3 News

6 Starting School

7 Clubs & Classes

9 Will your child live to be 100?

11 Mother’s Guilt

14 Choosing A School

15 Open Days

17 What’s On

Play zoneFunky Monkeys at Fort Dunlop is offering FREE PLAY all day on Thursdays during term time. Drop along with your toddlers during the school day – or visit after school until 6pm. With free parking too (see voucher on page 11), it is an offer not to be missed!

Ten pence ticketsThink Tank are celebrating their tenth birthday on September 28 by offering visitors entry for just 10p! The 10p tickets are only available on the day and can only be purchased at the box office.Birthday celebrations continue through to the end of the year – with October half term activities including Meet the Scientist sessions where visitors can talk to people involved in the cutting edge of research.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Newswww.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Issue 5 3

Looking after family fitnessCheck out the fab new Family Membership package at Parkwood Leisure centres in Solihull. It fits well with hectic family lifestyles and makes it easier for both parents and children to find the time to exercise.

Wayne Desmond, General Manager of Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and North Solihull Sports Centres, says: “We know that parents with children are always busy so it can be hard for them to make time for exercise. Going to the gym, an exercise class, or even for a swim, can be a real struggle. Our Family Membership is designed to break down those barriers and give everyone in the family a chance to get fit and

healthy. They can be in the same place at the same time but they can all choose their own favourite activity.”

Family Membership includes unlimited access to swimming pools, sway dance classes and tracks for children, and access to junior social tennis and junior pump classes at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre. Adults also have unlimited access to gym and fitness classes, and can access the health suite. For more information call Tudor Grange on 0121 705 6371 or North Solihull Sports Centre on 0121 770 3822 or log on to: www.leisurecentre.com

Autism workshopHas your child been diagnosed with Asperger’s or autism? Or do you teach a child with an austistic spectrum disorder? If so a workshop being held in Birmingham next month could help you develop techniques to unlock your child’s potential.It can be difficult to know how best to deal with an autistic child’s

challenging behaviour – or help them when they get deeply anxious in crowds or are

unable to socialise with classmates. NETwork Interventions teach

parents and educators verbal behaviour strategies which

can be key to developing an autistic child’s language

and social skills.The one day workshop

will be held at the Ibis Hotel,

Birmingham city centre, on Oct 21. For further information

contact: 03333 440 201.

Free heritage eventsThe Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and Soho House will be holding free guided tours during Heritage Weekend (Sept 8-11), and there will be free entry to National Trust properties. Or visit Aston Hall on September 11 for a family fun day and celebrate its shared heritage with the Taj Mahal. Check our What’s On guide for details.

Social, behavioural and language success for

those with autism

verbal behaviour consultants

As Child and Educational Psychologists we offer support in a wide range of areasincluding:

We provide initial consultations, training and extensive work within the home.

Contact a member of the team on07739 322 796, 07739 387 425

Email: turningpointpsychology@gmail.com

• Developmental concerns- eating, sleeping, toileting• Learning assessments and profiles• Social interaction• Challenging behaviour• Parent advice and support

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Three in a row!Solihull photographer Abby Wilkes, who provides our stunning cover pictures, hasonce again scooped a top accolade in the prestigious West Midlands MasterPhotographer of the Year Awards.For the third year in a row she has been chosen as Best Photographer of the Year forunder 5’s, and her latest award-winning image of a tiny tot in her pink tutu features onour front cover this month.Abby specialises in lifestyle photography and works on location rather than in astudio setting. Her relaxed and easy-going style means children and teenagers forgetthe camera is there. The result is that her beautiful, natural images capture all theirmoods – from carefree abandon running on a beach, to quizzically exploring, pensiveand soulful.Congratulations Abby – we love your work!If you would like Abby to photograph your children call her on 07966 867306.

4 Issue 5

Ghostly goings onThis Halloween why not trick or treat in safety along Black County Museum’s eerie, gas-lit, cobble-stoned streets and collect sweets as you go. Or how about a family-friendly spooky canal boat trip in Dudley’s underground caverns with UV light entertainment and Halloween puppetry. You could also go on a family ghost walk in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter; or help to build a spooky castle at Sarehole Mill. For more Halloween fun see our What’s On section.

A Big BangDrayton Manor Theme park is ending the season with a big bang. They are planning two of the biggest displays of fireworks and lasers in the Midlands on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October.

News www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Free

Trial*

Begin your Kumon journeyKumon’s maths and English study programmes provide your child with the foundations to improve their skills, inspiring a passion for lifelong learning and building the self-confidence to succeed both in and outside the classroom.

Contact your local Instructor today

Bournville 0121 441 3767

Great Barr 0121 378 2130

Handsworth Wood 0121 240 1596 Harborne 0121 427 3007

Monkspath 0121 420 2005 Solihull, Tudor Grange 0121 745 9505

*Enrol your

child between

1 September &

31 October 2011 for

a two-week Free

Trial and begin your

Kumon journey.

kumon.co.uk

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. *Terms & conditions apply.

SurviveAlmost every family’s life has been touched by cancer at some point – whether it is a close relative, a much-loved parent, sibling or child who has suffered from it. Every day in the UK six children are diagnosed with cancer.Worcestershire writer Monica Price and Birmingham Film producer Martin Nigel Davey have created a new stage show – SURVIVE – in aid of four different cancer charities.The show will be staged at the New Alexandra Theatre, on September 30.It charts the story of seven seemingly different characters – businessman, actress, teacher, cleaner, lawyer, teenager and pilot – who share a similar journey. The play is an uplifting, deeply moving and positive story of survival. See it if you can – and support Macmillan Cancer, The Eve Appeal, Teenage Cancer Trust and The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. To book call: 0844 871 3011

Issue 5 5

Trumpets and TrombonesIntroduce your child to the wonders of live music with The City of BirminghamSymphony Orchestra (CBSO). The CBSO runs Notelets events –50 minuteinteractive mini-concerts for 3-5 year olds – as well as a programme of lively familyconcerts with child-friendly themes.The Notelets events, which have been going since 2006, were created by CBSOviolinist Catherine Aldridge and have proved hugely popular and successful.The events are held at the CBSO Centre at Berkley Street in a small setting where thetiny tots can move around freely, meet the musicians and see the instruments up close.Catherine says: “The concert is led by a 10- piece mini orchestra – which is smallenough to be welcoming but big enough to pack a punch. All the music is speciallyarranged for Notelets, anything from Bach to the Beatles, and our aim is to create anunbridled enthusiasm for live music.”Parents are astonished at young children’s responses to the concert – they get caught up in the excitement and the energy of the music and it completely captivates them.The 2-hour family concerts at the Symphony Hall all have fun themes which willspark children’s imaginations and are another great introduction to orchestral musicfor children of all ages.Check out the Fanfare Notelets event on Saturday, September 17, at the CBSO centre (with Tubas, Trumpets, Tombones and shiny brass instruments) and the Noel Notelets in early December. It’s Magic! family concert will be held at the Symphony Hall on Sunday, November 20. Book by calling 0121 780 3333 or online at www.cbso.co.uk

Gymtastic for pre-schoolersGymboree is celebrating being voted the Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity for 2011.Solihull Gymboree owners Sally Humble and Lesley Francis are thrilled with the award. More than 32,000 votes were cast by parents online in the “What’s On 4 Junior 2011” Awards which celebrates the best activities and classes for kids.Gymboree offers fun, interactive classes for children from newborn through to schoolage, with baby sensory exploration for infants, and play and learn gym classes for tinytots and toddlers. It is right in line with new government guidance that suggests eventiny babies should be encouraged to be physically active.You can find Gymboree at the Hi Bris Studio at the rear of Aldi on Stratford Road,Shirley, or call 07853 998 566 to book a free trial lesson.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukEducation www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Starters…So your child has started school? Congratulations - you’ve reached another milestone. But what can you expect in these first few weeks of settling in?Oxford University Press found that 3 out of 4 mothers questioned were ‘anxious’ about their children starting school, and nearly 9 in 10 mums said their greatest concern was children settling in and making friends.Some children will sail through the process smoothly but for others

the transition from home to school can be a little choppy.Tears in the playground? Relax, this is perfectly natural and it does NOT mean that your child is fated to hate school and not make friends. It’s just all a little daunting at the moment. Don’t panic, either, if a child who has happily skipped into school for the first few weeks suddenly becomes clingy at the school gate and says they don’t want to go. That can be part of the pattern too as they make the adjustment to school, and it doesn’t mean they are being bullied in the playground.If you are concerned, do have a quick chat with the reception class teacher, who will be adept at working through those early days blues, and most likely you will be reassured that within minutes of arriving in the classroom your child is happy and engaged.Expect your child to be tired at the end of the day and don’t be surprised when you ask what they were doing at school, the reply is either “I can’t remember” or “nothing”. That’s usual too.Most schools are really good at making sure the little ones are looked after in the school playground – and that newcomers have a buddy - until they find their feet and make their own friends.But just as you breathe a sigh of relief that your child has made a friend, you will probably find that the role of ‘best friend’ changes on a daily basis until you become thoroughly confused with the who’s who of school life. It will settle in time.Meanwhile, if you are doing school drop-off and pick-up, make an effort to get to know the other mums. You don’t have to become a fully fledged member of the playground Mafia or the Chair of the PTA, but many of those mums will be your allies over the next seven years.Avoid those with the ‘competitive’ streak and find those mums with a broader perspective on life who will surely become firm friends. You will survive - and so will your child. Enjoy!

And leavers…Is your child due to start primary or secondary school next September? See page 14.

A new school

Norfolk HouseNurseryNorfolk House School

Norfolk House Nursery

4 Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3PS Tel. 0121 454 7021 www.norfolkhouseschool.co.ukNorfolk House School is an independent preparatory school for children aged between 3 & 11 years.

3 Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3PSTel. 0121 452 1485 www.nhnursery.co.uk

Norfolk House Nursery is a day nursery for childrenaged between 3 months & 4 years

Kingswood SchoolAn independent preparatory school for 2½ - 11 year olds

Where individuals matterVisit us to experience our

unique atmosphere

High academicstandards

A friendly, caringenvironment

Small classsizes

St James’ Place, Shirley, SolihullKingswoodschool.co.uk | 0121 744 7883

A new schoolA new school

6 Issue 5

Clubs and Classeswww.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Issue 5 7

Which club or classdo I choose?Work hard, play

hard. That’s not just the motto for

whiz kids and city slickers – everyone needs some downtime, and most of all children.There are a huge range of clubs and classes on offer that give your child a chance to shine and have fun outside the classroom.

Getting involved leads to new friends, reveals hidden talents and allows children to develop new skills. But a word to the wise – activities are not all about getting ahead in life, and it is counterproductive to sign your child up for every class going with a view to their future CV.

Mum and teacher Liz Baker has sound advice for those Alpha Mums when she says: “There is no point in enrolling a child in every class – children do get exhausted too and they need time to themselves.”

Clearly, not every child who takes up piano is going to be a musical prodigy, just as not every child who takes up football will be the next Beckham, but, if they enjoy it, they are benefiting and developing.

Activities should be fun rather than pressure and children should be allowed to choose their own hobbies. Most classes offer free trial lessons before you commit to a full term’s fees – and if not, you should be able to negotiate to pay weekly for the first few sessions to allow children to try before you buy.

It is true that some children are prone to dropping out – (predictably just as you have bought all the gear and paid the full term’s fees) but if they have enjoyed the earlier classes, encourage them to stick it out for at least a couple of terms. You might find they fall back in love with it again.

Get activeFrom football to fencing, horse-riding to gymnastics, martial arts to street dancing, trampolining to golf, swimming to rock climbing…being physically active has all round health benefits. Exercise gives all children a better lung capacity and stronger bones which can last a lifetime. Research has shown, too, that children who are physically active and fit tend to perform better in the classroom.

MATHS

ENGLISH LANGUAGES

SCIENCES VERBAL REASONING

NON-VERBAL REASONING

11+ GCSE’sTUITION

...we have dedication to education

TEL 0121 454 2858 | MOB 07543 668261 | www.academicexcellence.org.uk

For more information please call 0121 454 2858 or email

info@academicexcellence.org.uk

Fun classes that help childrento communicate with confidence

For children from 12 months to five years.

Classes in Solihull, Knowle & Surrounding AreaContact Antoinette on 07817 079875

www.talkingtots.info

Social confidenceListening and attentionSharing and turn-takingVocabulary buildingPre-literacy skills

Dance andDrama in Sutton Cold�eldFantastic Creative Classes Every Saturday0121 427 3770 or 077389 52062www.bigarenadrama.com

Curtain Up!

ADVERTISE

YOUR CLUB ORCLASS HERE!

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukClubs and Classes

Clubs & Classes Directory To advertise here call 0758 352 6056

TUITIONGENIE PRIVATE TUTORS CENTRES

Run By Teachers For Children• Experienced Teacher for your child • Qualified CRB Checked Teachers • English & Maths • Entrance Exams & GCSEs • Primary & Secondary

Edgbaston & Harborne 0121 456 4406 Hollywood 01564 822 882

www.private-tutors-centres.co.uk

Youth Theatre Group, Age 6+ St Thomas’ Church,

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA Telephone: 0121 722 3761

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE

Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ +Branches in Yardley and Shirley

Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.co.uk

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE

DANCE & DRAMA

DANCE & DRAMA

RIALTO DANCE ACADEMY Salsa, Belly-dance, Cheerleading Waltz, Jive, Street, Break-dance

1 Shirley Rd, Acocks Green B27 7XU Call 07725 000 732 or find us online

PYJAMA DRAMADrama for creative little people, 6 months -7 years

Sing, dance, pretend, play. Call Kate on 0800 542 0363

or e-mail: kate@pyjamadrama.com

BABY SIGNING

Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield From 0 to 2 years

Telephone: 07851 627 651 www.tinytalk.co.uk

TINYTALK BABY SIGNING

THEATRETRAIN SOLIHULL Dancing, Acting & Singing

Classes for 6-18 years Call Sara on 01675 443540 www.theatretrain.co.ukTHE COMPANY THAT LOVES TO PERFORM

DIZZY DANCERSVarious ages and SEN welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

01527 870889 www.dizzydancers.co.uk

MUSICThe Rock Project (Solihull)

7-16 yr olds (2 Hour Sessions) GUITAR, BASS or DRUM lessons.

Tel: 0845 226 3318 www.therockproject.com

1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre locationRock School grades 1-8. Ages 4 upwards.

Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk

Acting – Screen and Stage

Voice/SingingTheatrical & Media Make Up

Costume

AnimationStage Management

Filming

Set DesignDance/Movement

www.unique-individuals.co.ukinfo@unique-individuals.co.uk3-18years Every Saturday10am -1pm @ Custard Factory, Digbeth, B‛ham B9 4AATEL: 07970 616918

Song and dramaDrama and performance arts classes are not just for starry-eyed children with sights set on being the next X Factor winner. Children love make-believe - and

drama classes can’t be beaten for boosting the confidence of shy or reserved children. Feeling comfortable speaking in public is a fantastic skill and

twenty years down the line, your child will thank you when it comes to addressing a meeting room or

chairing a conference.LanguagesContinental Europe puts the UK to shame when it comes to the ability to speak different languages.

Experts agree that the earlier a child starts learning other languages, the better. Children are extremely receptive

to new ideas and information, especially when they’re having fun. Preschool language classes build

confidence and familiarity on an instinctive level, typically through songs, dances and

simple games. School-age children should be more aware of grammar and syntax, and supplementing school lessons with

a language club will pay dividends - boosting their confidence, vocabulary

and appreciation of different cultures.

MusicIt is not just enjoyable - music has

amazing educational and developmental benefits. Babies actively enjoy music and

as soon as they can shake a rattle they can join in too. Songs teach rhythm and help develop speech. Hand actions boost spatial awareness.

Playing an instrument is great for dexterity and co-ordination. At six or seven children can start recorder,

keyboard, or violin. From eight, guitar is an option, while brass and wind instruments are probably

best for older children.

8 Issue 5

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Clubs and Classes

B A L L E T S C H O O L S

For classes in Moseley,Hall Green & Bournville contact:

Children and adults of all ages and abilitiesplus parent & baby classes available

Ask about lessons for nursery school groupsCall: 01273 245652

email: bookings@karenpickering.co.ukwww.karenpickeringswim.co.uk

THE LEARN TO SWIM SCHOOL FOUNDED BYWORLD CHAMPION KAREN PICKERING MBELESSONS AT THE HOLIDAY INN, GREAT BARR

1. Curriculum boostingAfter-school activities and clubs are a great way to complement and extend what children have precious little time for at school, especially art, music and languages.

2. SocialisingClaire, mother of four under 10 year-olds, believes it is important for children to make new friends outside school: “It really helps them stand on their own and develop their confidence. There isn’t that pecking order thing that you have in the playground. It’s a chance to break out of whatever mould you’ve been cast in.”

3. After-school careWhen both parents work, after-school

activities on school premises can be incredibly valuable. Most schools offer a mix of teacher—run and externally—organised clubs after school, and even at weekends.

4. A sense of achievementAmanda says: “Kitty, 8, has just reached purple belt and she has been made karate captain. She’s very proud, it’s tremendously good for her.”

5. For all the family When Patrick started tennis lessons, his parents were inspired to get active too. Mum Maria has joined a tennis club for adult group coaching, and daddy Mike cycles to and from Patrick’s lessons with him.

Five benefits of extra curricular activities

School support Parents choose out-of-school academic subjects for their children for a host of reasons - perhaps your little one excels in maths and you want to give them more challenging and stimulating tuition - or maybe you simply want to supplement what is being taught at school by introducing the skills needed for independent study and fluency in the subject. Whatever your reason, group or individual tuition can make a huge difference to your child’s progress and greatly enhance their school studies.

Arts and Crafts Children love to get messy, and the chance to create their own piece of art is something special. Even the smallest child loves the sensation of clay between fingers, or the thrill of splodging finger paints on paper. Expressing themselves through the arts - whether through painting, drawing, story-writing or making ‘junk models’ - gives children the freedom to unleash their creativity and push boundaries. And, if you are not artistically inclined yourself, these classes are a life saver.

New classes for September in the Sutton Coldfield area

I ssue 5 9

www.littlekickers.co.uk

Call

rhiggs@littlekickers.co.uk

0121 744 9730

Nothing is more rewarding than watching a child learning new skills, keeping fit and loving every minute of it!That’s why more and more parents are bringing their children along to our training sessions.

APPROVED FOOTBALL TRAINING FOR KIDS FROM 2 YEARS TO 7TH BIRTHDAY

N substitute

Experts predict that half the children starting school this year could live to be103. But others fear that child obesity is a ticking

timebomb and warn that children’s junk food diets and couch potato lifestyles could well mean they are destined to be the first generation to die earlier than their parents. Whatever the truth of the situation, it is clear there is a problem – and one that strikes very close to home. In Birmingham the rate of child obesity is increasing year on year.

Almost 1 in 4 reception class children are overweight and by year 6 when they leave primary school more than 1 in 3 pupils are overweight, with a staggering 20 per cent classed as obese. That means their body mass index is already at a level that puts them at higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and cancers.

So even if this generation of schoolchildren manage to evade the grim reaper to live longer than their parents, the chances are they will struggle with ill health and have a poor quality of life.

Taking actionParents can do much to change that if we steer our children away from junk food towards healthy diets and exercise patterns. It might not be easy – and many of us might have to change our own lifestyles too – but we owe it to our children to take action. And the earlier we start the better.

10 Issue 5

Health www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Will your child live to be 100 years old?Will your child live to be 100 years old?

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Pre School Activities MINI

MONKEYSParent & toddler group

10am–12noon & 1pm–3pmRole play, dressing up,

free squash and biscuitsfor every

child.

FREEENTRY THURSDAYS!*

WEDNESDAYMUSIC WITH TRACEY!

Music and movement – a lively session that is bound

to get your little ones up and dancing 10.45am – 11.30am

FRIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS-lots of messy fun 10am – 12noon

Tuesday &Thursday

*Termtime only

New government guidelines recommend that babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers should be physically active for at least 3 hours a day. Babies should be taken swimming and play on ‘baby gym’ mats, while toddlers should walk for at least 15 minutes on routine journeys to and from nursery or the shops.

A Children of the 90’s study based at the University of Bristol has found that babies weaned on home cooked fruit and veg (rather than the ready prepared bottles and jars) are more likely to eat fruit and vegetables as children. There will no doubt be a collective groan from all busy parents, but if we want our children to eat their five a day as adults, it might be time to ditch our over-reliance on ready-made.

Meanwhile, this month researchers at the University of Birmingham begin an obesity prevention trial with 2,000 children in more than 50 of the city’s primary schools.

It is the largest intervention project ever undertaken in the UK and it is testing whether schools and family environments can be changed to provide healthier diets and more opportunities for physical activity, and in so doing prevent children from becoming overweight or obese.

Trial leader Dr Peymane Adab says: “Children who are overweight are more likely to remain overweight as adults and, even from the age of 7, a child who is overweight, compared to one who is a healthy weight, has a higher risk of heart disease and dying prematurely.

“If we are able to reverse the rising obesity trend, it would have significant impact on the life expectancy, health and quality of life of our children.” The trial has a number of elements, with pupils from 25 schools receiving support that targets families and schools, while the control group does not.

Families will be signposted to the facilities and resources that are available to them locally as the theory is that while the resources are there, many parents don’t know about them. Healthy eating and cookery workshops will also be offered to parents, as the perception among many is that healthy food is expensive and that the skills to cook healthy food cheaply are lacking. There are also many confusing and apparently contradictory messages on what is healthy.

Aston Villa football club will be involved in helping deliver the messages around healthy eating and physical exercise. And schools will be encouraged to introduce more physical activities at break times and during school.

“All of these things are available. What we are trying to do in our project is to systematise them, “says Dr Adab.

The trial will run for five years, although the intervention will take place for one year only. The impact will be assessed at the end of the year and followed up to see if any benefits are sustained in the long-term, or indeed become evident over the longer timescale.

I ssue 5 11

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Health

Edgbaston Watersports

Call 0845 310 0280 for further informationwww.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk Follow us on facebook

Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking Junior Academy every Sunday from

10am-12.30pm (paddlesports)and 1.30-4pm (sailing/windsurfing)

Pay and Play every Tuesdayfrom 5.30-8.30pm @ £15 a sessionOpen Days – July 31 and Aug 31.

Have a go at any water sport.Booking essential.

Awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) quality badge for adventure sports.

Call 0845 310 0280 for further informationwww.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk Follow us on facebookCall 0845 310 0280 for further informationwww.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk Follow us on facebook

Will your child live to be 100 years old?Will your child live to be 100 years old?

Parenting www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Nothing prepares you for first time motherhood does it? There is a life BC (before child/children), and an utterly

different kind of existence afterwards; one where you are never top priority anymore, where your life revolves around others’ scheduled needs: nap times, school times, meal times, milk times, bath times, bed times. Yes, you are now in service to the next generation. For the rest of your life, you will probably find something about your children to worry about, no matter what age they are. The word ‘mother’, it has been said, is not just a noun. It is a verb.

Fake it till you make it There is this crazy assumption that when motherhood hits, we will somehow, intuitively know what to do; it will all just flow naturally. The reality, I think, goes more like this: we hit the ground running, muddle through and do the best we can. And it is, as they say, just one thing after another. Once we have the routine and sleeping through the night thing nailed, then we have the joys of encouraging them to eat healthily, along with the Herculean challenges of boundary setting. After the umpteenth request to ‘please, do NOT leave your rollerskates at the bottom of the stairs,’ or ‘no, it is not OK to chew on your baby brother’s ear,’ is it any wonder we start sounding like our own frustrated parents when we yell: ‘If I have told you once, I have told you a thousand times... Why don’t you LISTEN??’ Or the classic one that makes me shudder when I imagine my neighbours overhearing it: ‘JUST PUT YOUR B***DY SHOES ON!’ Ooops. Swearing at child. Guilty as charged Your Honour. But can I claim mitigating circumstances? My son practices selective deafness, I was stressed out and we were horribly, horribly late.

Sigh. There goes another few quid in the ‘therapy for when he is older’ box.

Angels in training Mothers aren’t supposed to shout or be cross or tear their hair out or cry and scream with frustration, are we? Especially not in

supermarkets. We’re supposed to be sweet and kind and giving and patient and perfect with angelic supplies of unconditional love. We’re not supposed to park them in front of CBeebies for the morning and go back to bed for a Saturday morning lie-in. No. We must provide educational activities, bake cakes, rustle up fancy dress costumes out of remnants in the recycling box, present a clean and tidy house, organise schooling, lay proper meals on the table and, often, hold down a job and even a marriage too.

But we can’t and we don’t. And we feel guilty about it.

The best advice I ever heard about mothering went something like this: ‘Look, you have to accept that you are going to get it wrong. You are going to make mistakes. Everyone does. It is the only way you learn. So the best thing you can do is just resolve to love your children as much as you possibly can.’ My rules are that I always

apologise for my appalling behaviour and then tell my son I love him. Our biggest mothering mistake really, is believing we shouldn’t be making any.

I have a little sign in my kitchen that reads: ‘Mothers are angels in training’.

Feeling guilty is how we punish ourselves for not reaching impossibly high standards. I don’t know any mother who thinks she ticks all the ‘perfect mother’ boxes. And you know what? Maybe we are right. Maybe, we weren’t even designed to meet every single one of our children’s needs.

Tribal Heart There is an African saying that goes: ‘It takes a whole village to raise a baby.’ We would do well to remember that one-to-one parenting is a pretty recent evolution in our species. Back in the day there would be aunties, sisters, cousins, neighbours and grandmothers all on hand for mass childcare duties. If a child has a problem that their parents can’t sort out, he or she needs to have other adults to turn to. If nothing else, there is a much better chance the child will actually listen to sage advice. Let’s face it: children just don’t like having to listen to their parents. (I mean, did you? I certainly didn’t. Dammit, of course my son doesn’t want to listen to me!).

Hang up your halo ‘Motherhood,’ Oprah once said, ‘is the hardest job in the world. Women everywhere must declare it so.’ In my opinion, it is also the most undervalued, the most rewarding and the most important job in the world too. Hey, we’re building the foundations – the veritable bedrock – of society here. Let’s hang up our halos and, through example, teach our children that we are all on a lifelong learning curve, that we are all lovable despite our imperfections. That, in itself, is a great education.

Abi Foss is a hypnotherapist who writes about all things holistic and spiritual.See: www.abifoss.co.uk

Mothers’ guilt – ‘Hang up your halo’Mothers’ guilt – ‘Hang up your halo’

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12 Issue 5

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Issue 5 13

Mothers’ guilt – ‘Hang up your halo’

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Mothers’ guilt – ‘Hang up your halo’Parenting

ByAbi Foss

Issue 5 13

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukSummer Fun www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Is your child starting school next year or on the last lap before making the transition to secondary school?

September is a key month for school open days for both the state and independent sector. So what should you look for in choosing a school?The question should not be – which is the best school – but which is the best school for my child?A solicitor friend who attended a highly selective academic school spent her early teenage years believing she was a slow learner. It was only when she left this sought after school to go to a local sixth form college that she recognised her own ability, regained her confidence and began to flourish.

Open Days www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

KEY DATES:Birmingham• September – school open days• September 30 -Forms to enter pupils for optional selection tests for Grammar schools must be returned by now.• October 1 - Forms selecting secondary school preferences should be submitted now

Choosing a school

14 Issue 5

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Schools which are highly academic provide a wonderful education but, what works brilliantly for one child, does not necessarily work for another. A bright child who hates sport might feel like a fish out of water in a school where making the school first eleven is seen as the top accolade.You know your own child – their ability, their interests and their personality - and that should be your starting point when looking at primary and secondary schools. Not which is the ‘best’ school, but which school is the best fit with my child. Which school will ensure your child grows into a confident, mature and rounded individual who reaches their potential inside and outside the classroom?

• October 31 - Final date for acceptance of late preferences or changes of preference due to moving home etc.• November 12 - Selective tests for Grammar School

Solihull• October 17 - Submit secondary school preference forms• October 31 - Final date for late school preference forms• January 1 - Final date for changes of school preference/house move

Issue 5 15

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukwww.familiesbirmingham.co.ukOpen Days

Independent Schools

16 Issue 5

Autumn Term Open DaysHighclare Seniors & Sixth FormSaturday 24th September 9.30am - 12.30pm

Wednesday 5th October8.45am to 11.45am1.30pm to 3.00pm

Highclare St Paul’sInfants & JuniorsSaturday 1st October 10.00am - 12.30pm

Highclare WoodfieldNursery, Infants & JuniorsSaturday 8th October 10.00am - 12.30pm

Call 0121 373 7400 or visit www.highclareschool.co.ukHighclare Schools are located in Sutton Coldfield and Erdington

Now Enrolling Boys and Girls Together for September 2012 in Juniors, Years 7 & 8 and Sixth Form.

Of the current Cabinet – more than half went to independent schools and a further 20 per cent went to grammar schools. Those

statistics speak volumes about the value of a good education in helping to get on in life, even for those who don’t aspire to running the country.There are a great many excellent state and comprehensive schools - but there is also a great deal of competition for places at those schools, so much so that estate agents reckon a house in the catchment area of a favoured school can demand a 20 per cent premium.Here some local independent schools invite you to visit and explain why their schools can provide a very attractive option.

Edgbaston High School for Girls Edgbaston High School for Girls is a purposeful and vibrant community providing 21st Century education based on traditional values. From our youngest to our most senior pupils our aim is to encourage, develop and support so that each girl leaves EHS having achieved the best possible academic results and developed the skills and confidence to use her talents widely.

Pupils enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum with opportunities to excel in all areas of development, both in and out of school. Year on year our academic results are exceptional and an extensive variety of sporting and creative interests are encouraged, through which our girls gain self-confidence and personal satisfaction. For further information please visit our website www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk or telephone 0121 454 5831.

Saint Martin’sSaint Martin’s is a school where girls succeed to the very best of their ability. We aim to give every child the personal support and self-confidence needed to achieve, at whatever stage they join the school.

Girls are welcomed from 2 ¾ years (Nursery vouchers are accepted) and in our caring environment they develop as individuals. Their education is overseen by a class teacher they know and respect. Senior School offers small classes, excellent teaching and personalised support. A broad curriculum leads to excellent GCSE results, and academic excellence is enhanced by a broad spectrum of enrichment activities. We offer non-means tested Academic, Music and Sports scholarships at Year 7. We are located in historic Malvern Hall and grounds, close to Solihull town centre, with easy access from the M42.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukwww.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Summer FunOpen Dayswww.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Saint Martin’sSchoolSolihull

Open MorningWhere girls succeed

Nursery to Sixth FormSaturday 24 September 20119.30 am - 12 noon

Nursery vouchers acceptedMeans-tested assisted places available from Year 3Non means-tested Academic, Music and Sports Scholarships offered at Year 7 and Sixth FormIndependent Girls’ Day SchoolSaint Martin’s, Malvern Hall, Brueton Avenue, Solihull B91 3EN Tel. 0121 705 1265 mail@saintmartins-school.comwww.saintmartins-school.comRegistered Charity No. 528967

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Issue 5 17

Independent SchoolsKingswood SchoolKingswood School, situated in a quiet, secluded setting in Shirley, is an Independent Preparatory School catering for children aged between 2 ½ and 11 years. Class sizes are small, enabling teachers and support staff to see all children as individuals. There is a rich “family” atmosphere in which children of all ages know all other children in the school. Older children play with younger children at playtime in just the same way as they would at home and everyone looks out for everyone else.

The small, family-type atmosphere encourages all children to become properly self-confident and enables every child to achieve his or her true potential. This is borne out by the School’s enviable reputation for it’s Year 6 leavers gaining places in local grammar Schools and independent Schools. The Headmaster (Mr Luckham) will be very happy to show you around and talk about your child’s specific needs and how the school can cater for those.

Priory SchoolPriory School is a thriving, Catholic, independent school, which welcomes all faiths, situated in 14 acres of landscaped grounds in Edgbaston close to the city centre. Educating boys and girls from 6 months to 16 years in partnership with parents, we provide a caring community with high standards of teaching and learning, enabling all pupils to achieve success. We aim to give every child the opportunity to discover and develop their talents.

Excellent standards of teaching and learning, delivered within small classes and developed to meet the needs of each child, ensure that pupils achieve optimum academic success. Please contact Frankie Jaffey for more information relating to admissions.

Norfolk House SchoolNorfolk House School is an independent preparatory school in Edgbaston, Birmingham, with 140 children aged 3 to 11. The school prides itself on a consistently impressive academic record with most pupils performing very well in examinations for entry to grammar and independent schools. It came 50th in last year’s Sunday Times Parent Power League Table – the highest ranked Birmingham School.

The school’s recent addition – Norfolk House Nursery – provides full-time and sessional daycare for 52 children between the ages of 3 months and 4 years.

To visit the nursery, call 0121 452 1485 or to visit the school call 0121 454 7021.

Highclare SchoolHighclare School in Sutton Coldfield and Erdington has a long tradition of providing children’s education from 18 months to 18 years. The school welcomes girls and boys up to the age of 11 and from September 2011 both girls and boys can move seamlessly to Senior education (11 – 16) and then to a co-educational Sixth Form, 16-18 years.

Highclare School is now delighted to be admitting boys as well as girls into the Senior School. This change has been well received by students and parents and resulted in a full year group of both boys and girls starting into Year 7 in 2011. This phased entry of boys from age 11 means that the school will become fully co-educational by 2015.

Highclare holds regular open days and applications from boys and girls for Year 7 in September 2012 are currently being taken. Some bursaries offering financial assistance may be available. Please speak directly to the admissions office for further information or look at the website: www.highclareschool.co.uk where you will also see a copy of our recent Inspection Report.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukWhat’s On www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

THEATREAND SHOWSTop HatTom Chambers and Summer Strallen star in the legendary Hollywood hit of the 1930’s,Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome,Hurst Street, B5 4TBDate: To Sept 10Time: Evenings 7.30pm; Wed matinee2pm; Sat matinee 2.30pmTickets: £20-£42.50To book: 0844 338 5000

Super TrouperStep back in time to when Abba ruled the airwaves and say thank you for the musicVenue: Alexandra Theatre,Station Street, B5 4DSDate: Sept 8Time: 7.30pmTo book: 0844 871 3011

The Importance of Being Earnest/ TravestiesA pairing of two plays starring the same cast. Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of BeingEarnest, and Tom Stoppard’s cleverly constructed comedy Travesties which conjures up scenarios reminiscent of Wilde’s masterpiece.Venue: The Old Rep Theatre,Station Street, B5 4DYDate: Sept 9-Oct 22. Alternating dates. Check website for full details.Tickets: £10.00-£28.50Box office 0121 245 4455

EvitaAndrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical telling the story of the life of Eva PeronVenue: Birmingham Hippodrome,Hurst Street, B5 4TBDate: Sept 12-24Time: Evenings 7.30pm; Wed matinee 2pm; Sat matinee 2.30p,Tickets: £15-£39.50To book: 0844 338 5000

Ben 10 Monster Truck ManiaLive action monster truck show with colossal monster trucks, awesome motorcycles and stunts that will blow your mind!Venue: NIA, King Edward Road, B1 2AADate: September 17 and 18Time: Sat 6pm; Sunday 1pm and 6pmTickets: £20-£35Tel: 0844 338 8000

Jungle BookBirmingham Stage Company present Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of Mowgli’sadventures in the jungleVenue: New Alexandra Theatre,Station Street, B5 4DSDate: Sept 20-24Times: variousTickets: £15.50-£19.75To book: 0844 871 3011Beauty and the BeastBirmingham Royal Ballet’s acclaimed

CinderellaVenue: Birmingham Hippodrome,Hurst Street, B5 4TBDate: Sept 28-Oct 2Time: Eve 7.30pm; Matinees – Thu 2pm; Sat 2.30pm; Sun 1pmTickets: £15-£46To book: 0844 338 5000

Bob the Man on the MoonBob looks after the moon and knows all there is to know about it …except for theAliensVenue: Library Theatre, Paradise Place, B3 3HQDate: Oct 1Time: 11.30am and 2pmAges: 3-8Tickets: Adults £7.50; children £4.50; Babe in Arms £1.50To book: 0121 236 4455

Legally Blonde – the MusicalDitzy blonde makes it to Harvard to study law and upstages the boyfriend whoditched her. Fun, feel good musical.Venue: Alexandra Theatre,Station Street, B5 4DSDate: Oct 4-15Time: Evening 7.30pm; matinees (Wed; Sat) 2.30pmTickets: £26.25- £43.25To book: 0844 871 3011

Magical Extravaganza on IceA fusion of illusion and dancing on iceVenue: Solihull Arts Complex,Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RGDate: Oct 10Time: 7.30pmTickets: £12To book: 0121 704 6962

NumberjacksAward winning TV series live on stageVenue: Birmingham Town Hall,Victoria Square, B3 3DQDate: October 15Time: 11am and 2pmTickets: Adults £12; children £10To book: call 0121 780 3333

Snow PlayWhat would you do if one year Mr Winter decided he didn’t want to go back tothe North Pole but wanted to stay in your house instead?Venue: MAC Art, Cannon Hill ParkDate: Oct 25 and 26Time: 11am and 2.30pmTickets: £8.00 (£6.00)To Book: 0121 446 3232

The Snow QueenBallet Theatre UK’s retelling of the classic fairy taleVenue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer RoadDate: 26 OctTime: 2.30pm; 7.30pmTickets: £17.50 (£16 concessions) £12To book: 0121 704 6962

The Snow DogFamily musical. A girl’s toy comes to life and together they enter a magical world.Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Rd.Date: 28 OctTime: 2.30pmAge: 6 plusTickets: £7To book: 0121 704 6962

Wolf TalesComic puppetry show debunking the myths about fairy tales characters like RedRiding Hood and the 3 little pigs as you catch up with them backstage.Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QHDate: October 30Time: 14.30Age: 5 plusTickets: £8.00 adults; £6 children.To book: 0121 446 3232

OUT AND ABOUTToddler TrundleOutdoor activities encouraging an interest in wildlife, games and craftsVenue: Parkridge Centre,Brueton Park, Warwick Rd, Solihull B91 3HWDate: Every Wednesday and Friday during term-timeTime: 10.30am-12pmTickets: £2.50 per child. Booking essential. Call 0121 704 0768

Green-themed family funFamily fun with a green-theme; 4 Sep Leaf prints; 11 Sep Clay modelling of bugs andbeasties; 18 Sep Painting outside: 25 Sep Make your own bug hotel; 2 Oct Windchimes: 9 Oct Create your own scarecrow on a stick: 16 Oct Halloween crafts (50pcharge); 23 Oct Scavenger hunt, plus, create your own scary monster using twigs; 30Oct Story time. Come in your best fancy dress with the chance to win a prize!(£1 charge)Venue: Botanical Gardens,Westbourne Road, Edgbaston B15 3TRDate: Every SundayTime 1-4pmTickets: Entrance to gardensAdults £7.50: Childen £4.75: Under 5’s free; Family: £22.00

National Trust HeritageOpen DayFREE ENTRY to National Trust properties Birmingham Back to Backs, PackwoodHouse, Baddesley Clinton, Moseley Old Hall, Wightwick Manor, Hanbury HallDate: September 10Times: varyFor full details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Birmingam Museums–Heritage WeekendFREE ENTRY and costumed guided tours at Museum of Jewellery Quarter and SohoHouse. First come first serverd. Tour limit 15 people at Museum. Soho House –timed tickets. To book 0121 554 9122.Venue: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Vyse Street, B18 6HADate: September 8-10 at Jewellery Quarter; September 9-11 only at Soho HouseTime: 10.30am-4pm Jewellery Quarter; Soho House free entry 12-4pm with tours 12-2pm.

Family Craft ActivityJoin artist Connie Harpur to create a piece of artwork inspired by the MuseumcollectionVenue: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Vyse Street, B18 6HADate: September 10Time: 1-3pmTickets: £2.50 per personBooking essential. Call 0121 554 3598.

The Sooty ShowCome and see Sooty Show as seen on TV with 3 shows daily and meet and greetopportunitiesVenue: Cadbury World,Linden Road, Bournville, B30 2LUDate: Sept 10 and 11Time: 10am-4pmTo book: 0844 880 7667

World’s Apart – Parallel LivesA family day at Aston Hall celebrating its shared history with the Taj Mahal. Meetpeople from the past and try out new crafts and activities.Venue: Aston Hall,Trinity Road, Aston, B6 6JDDate: September 11FREE ENTRY

Stick DressingEver heard of stick dressing? Come along and see what it is all about.Venues: Handsworth Park, Holly Road.Meet at Sons of Rest Building. Also LickeyHills Country Park, Warren Lane, Rednal.Date: September 11Time: 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm (Handsworth Park) 11am-1pm (Lickey Hills)FREE. Booking essential. Tel: 0121 447 7106 or book online.

Dorridge DayFamily fun with entertainment, stalls and activities. Round Table event for localcharities.Venue: Dorridge ParkDate: September 11

Orienteering CoachingCity of Birmingham Orienteering Club are holding taster sessions open to everyoneVenue: Clifton Road Outdoor Education Centre, Sutton Coldfield, B73 6EBDate: Wed evenings from Sept 14Time: 6pm-7.30pmwww.coboc.org.uk

Scarecrow Making DayBring along any old clothes, stuff with hay and create your own scarecrow for festival

18 Issue 5

CBSO Notelets: Fanfare!A fun-filled interactive mini concert for 3–5 year olds and their families.Venue: CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, B1 2LF.Date: Saturday 17 SeptemberTime: 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pmTickets: £7.50 / £25 group of 4Tel. 0121 780 3333www.cbso.co.uk

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Issue 5 19

Venue: Woodgate Valley Country Park, Clapgate Lane B32 3PSDate: September 17Time: 11am-1pmFREE Booking essential. Tel: 0121 421 7575 or book online.

Kite Flying DayBring along your kite to fly; make a Kite to fly; be amazed by the experts. Family funday also includes puppet show, children’s rides and stallsVenue: Lavender Hall Park,Lavender Hall Road, Balsall CommonDate: September 17Time: 11am-3pm

Craft DayCraft stalls, activities for children, with expert demonstrations and a chance to have-agoVenue: Winterbourne House & Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2RTDate: September 17Time: 11am-5pmTickets: £4.00; Concessions £3.00; Family of 5 £12.50www.winterbourne.org.uk

Thrillseeker Taster DayHave a taste of adventure at a Thrill Seeker taster day at Ackers Outdoor PursuitsCentre. Have a go at skiing, archery, canoeing, and climbing, zipwire, and junglechallenge. Free tobogganing for under 7s.Venue: Ackers Adventure,Golden Hillock Road, B11 2PYDate: September 24Tickets: £15.00 adults for 2 hour slot, and £12 for 7-16.Limited places.Booking essential: call 0121 772 5111Fun in the ParkActivities, stalls and displays.Charity event for local charities.Venue: Tudor Grange ParkDate: September 25

Think Tank’s Thank YouThink Tank celebrates its tenth anniversary with a celebratory offer where you canvisit the Science Museum for just 10p.Venue: Think Tank,Millennium Point, Curzon Street, B4 7XGDate: September 28Time: 10am-5pm. Last entry 4pmTickets: 10p per person. Only available on tickets purchased at Box Office on the day.Subject to availability.

Falconry DayEagles, falcons and hawks take to the air over the castle ruins.Venue: Weoley Castle, Alwold Road, B29

Date: October 2Time: 1-4pmFREE ENTRY

Hands on the PastSee what Baddesley Clinton was like in Tudor Times with popular living historygroup.Venue: Baddesley Clinton,Rising Lane, Warwickshire, B93 0DQDate: October 8 and 9Time: 11am-4pmTickets: normal admission

Spooky SpectacularHave some ghoulish good fun at West Midlands Safari Park. Dress up and take part in spooky activities including a visit to Twilight cavern with its free flying bats.Venue: West Midlands Safari Park,Bewdley, DY12 1LFDate: Oct 15-30Time: 10am-8pm. Reserve closes at 5pmTickets: £13.99 Adult: £11.99 Child: under 3 free

In the Light GardenA fascinating interactive light and video art installation for toddlers.Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QHDate: October 16 and 17Time: Every half hourbetween 10.00 and 4.00To book: tel 0121 446 3232

Spooky Halloween TrailsAn outdoor family trail with take home activitiesVenue: Packwood House,Lapworth, B94 6AT Baddesley ClintonDate: Oct 22-30 (Excl Oct 24)Time 11am-3.30pmTickets: Child £2 per trail

Supersonic Kids GigBig sounds for little people. Introduce your child to their first gig – jam, play anddance to experimental music aimed at children.Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QHDate: Oct 23Time: 2.30pmTickets: £10 for one adult and one child; £5.50 extra child. To book: 0121 446 3232Halloween at the MuseumTraditional Halloween activites in the Museum’s eerie gas-lit village.Venue: Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQDate: Oct 28 and 29Time: 6.30-10pmTickets: MUST BE PRE-BOOKED. To book: 0121 520 8054Walking FestivalA series of walks with the National Trust.Venues: Packwood House, Welly Walks (Oct 22-30) 11.00am-4.30pm Exploreparkland with adventure map. Also Oct 25 10am-1pm. Six mile ramblers walk.Baddesley Clinton – 13 mile walk through Warwickshire Countryside, Oct 23. 10am-4pm. Cost £5. Wildlife Walk with garden team on Oct 26 and 28 at 11.30am-12.30pm Toddle Time Oct 27 11.am-12.30pm. Family toddle around the estate. A 2 mile walk with music for the little ones.

Pumpkin DaysPumpkin lantern carving; children’s activities and pumpkin treats in tea room.Venue: Moseley Old Hall,

Fordhouses, Staff, WV10 7HYDate: Oct 24-30(excluding Thurs 27 and Fri 28)Time: 12-4pmTickets: £2.50 per pumpkin

Halloween SpooktacularVisit Cadbury World dressed as your favourite spooky characterVenue: Cadbury World,Linden Road, Bournville, B30 2LUDate: Oct 22-30Time: 9am-5pmTo book: 0844 880 7667

Winter Dens, Batty about Bats, Halloween HorrorsA range of half term activites:Winter Dens, Oct 24 age 4 plus;Batty about Bats craft activity,Oct 25, age 2-4;Hibernating Hedgehogs craft and games, Oct 26, age 2-4;Halloween Horrors spooky stories and craft, Oct 27, age 4 plus;Spooky Spiders; Oct 28, age 2-4Venue: Parkridge Centre,Brueton Park, Warwick Rd, Solihull, B91 3HWTime: 10.30am-12pmTickets: £4 per child. To book call 0121 704 0768

Think Tank – Animal HandlingSteve from Tropical Inc will be at Think Tank with his feathery, hairy, slithery, scarryand funny friends for some up-close and personal animal fun. Also Meet the Scientistsessions where visitors can talk with scientists at the cutting edge of research.Venue: Think Tank,Millennium Point, Curzon Street, B4 7XGDate: Oct 24-28Tickets: Family ticket £39.00

Build a Spooky CastleHelp build a spooky castle for Halloween. Family drop in activity.Venue: Sarehole Mill, Colebank Road, B13Date: October 25-27Time: 1-3pmTickets: £1 per childTel: 0121 777 6612

Family fun days at Soho HouseHalloween-themed family activites including Halloween Lanterns, Creepy Critter Crafts, Monster Mask MakingVenue: Soho House, Handsworth, B18 5LBDate: Oct 25-28Time: 12.30-3.30pmTickets: £1 per child. Drop in activity.

Catch the steam trainSee ‘Hogwartian style’ steam engines in steam and giving rides at Vintage Train’sopen day. While there is no platform 9 ¾ - children will still have a magical day out.Venue: Tyseley Locomotives,670 Warwick Road, B11 2HLDate: October 23 For more details, please visit www.vintagetrains.co.ukor call 0121-708-4960

Watersports Thrillseeker DayTry your hand at windsurfing, sailing, cannoing, kayaking, paddleboats in 2-hourtaster sessions for adults and children .Venue: Edgbaston Watersports,Ickneild Port Road, EbgbastonDate: October 27Time: 10am-12pm and 1.30-3pmTickets: £15 adult; £5 child under 16; £35 familyTo book: call 0845 310 0280

Half Term craft activitiesBirds of a Feather -Brooch making with artist Adrienne Craddock (Oct 25);Funky Brooches or pendant making with designer Anna Lorenz (Oct 26);Make chains and ear-rings with designer Louise Chesshire (Oct 27);Future Tribal Bangles workshop, (Oct 28)Venue: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Vyse StreetDate: Oct 25-28Time: 1-3pmAge: 5 plus; (8 plus for Funky Brooches)Booking essential. £2.50 per person.Tel: 0121 554 3598Time Travellers –Ghosts and GhoulsGive your little terrors a spooktacular experience at Kenilworth Castle. Child-friendly creepy-crafts, spooky activities and ghost hunting galore!Venue: Kenilworth Castle,Castle Green, Kenilworth, CV8 1NEDate: Oct 29 and 30Tickets: £8.00 adults; £4.80 child;Family £20.50and £1 extra for Time Travellers

Jewellery Quarter Ghost WalkA family-friendly ghost walk with historian Chris Upton.Venue: Museum of Jewellery Quarter,Vyse Street, B18 6HADate: Oct 28Time: 2pmTickets: £5.00 per personBooking essential. Call 0121 554 3598Children’s Halloween ToursFamily-friendly spooky boat trip into the underground caverns along Dudley Canalswith UV light entertainment and Halloween puppetry characters.Venue: Dudley Canals, car park, Birmingham New Road, Dudley DY1 4SBDates: Oct 29-31Tickets: £6.90 per personTo Book: 01384 236275Birmingham Back to Backs – Candlelit TourExperience a rare snapshot of an Autumn evening in the intimate surroundings ofthese houses. Atmospheric tours by candlelight.Venue: Birmingham Back to BacksDates: Oct 29 and 30Time: 4.30pm-7pmTickets: Adult £12; Child £6; Family £30. Booking essential: 0121 666 7671

Roarythe Racing CarRoary the racing car zooms onto the stage for the first time in this live showVenue: Alexandra Theatre,Station Street, B5 4DSDate: Oct 24Time 1pm

Tickets: £19.25To Book: 0844 871 3011

FAMILY CONCERT: IT’S MAGIC! Sunday 20 November, 3pmSymphony Hall, BirminghamMichael Seal - conductorMichael Collie - presenter

A family-friendly concert full of musicinspired by witchcraft and wizardry.

NOTELETS: FANFARE! Saturday 17 September,11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pmCBSO Centre, BirminghamTubas, trumpets and trombones -get up close to the shiny brassinstruments and their wonderfulsounds in this mini-concert for 3–5year olds and their families.

0121 780 3333www.cbso.co.uk

Tickets:

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukWhat’s On

Orienteering ChallengeYoung, old, fit or unfit, orienteering is a sport everyone can enjoy. Children love the adventure of finding checkpoints (it’s like a treasure hunt) and it’s a great way for adults to get out in the fresh air and get some exercise. Have a family orienteering coaching session at Clifton Road Outdoor Education Centre in Sutton Coldfield on Wednesday evenings between 6 and 7.30pm from September 14. If you like it, take the family on an orienteering event at Queslett on Sept. 25 or Lickey Hills on Nov. 12. Call Dave Ellis on 07714 094427 for more information.

In The Light GardenFind time to take your toddler on a modern art adventure at MAC. Award winning artist Rachel Davies has created an interactive light and video installation for children aged 18 months to 4 years. Children begin their adventure in the near dark armed with torches. Their journey takes them along animated pebbles to cinematic tents, a smouldering projected campfire, magical cave and beanbag hillside. Over the 20 minutes

a canopy of sky shifts from dawn to dusk, ending with a mesmerising

full moon through which dancers can be seen.To book, call 0121 446 3232

Photo by Johan Perrson

TheatreWhatever the age of your child, there is a theatre show that is just right for them this Autumn. With Roary the Racing Car and Jungle Book on at the Alexandra Theatre, Ben 10 Monster Truck Mania on at the NIA, and Numberjacks on at the Town Hall, there is plenty for the younger age groups.

Older children will love Legally Blonde the musical, or you could take them to their first ballet - Beauty and the Beast at the Hippodrome. Introduce teenagers to Oscar Wilde’s witty comedy - The Importance of Being Earnest at the Old Rep.