Families Leeds Jan-Feb 2013

Leeds’ Favourite Parenting Magazine // JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 // ISSUE 26

A fun interactive session for pre-school children and their parents. Children will be invited to engage in a range of

activities, including story telling, arts and crafts and even feeding the guinea pigs! At the end of the session parents will be offered

an informal tour of the school whilst children enjoy a snack. Come and see what makes Ashville different.

Wednesday 16th January, Wednesday 13th February & Wednesday 20th March

9.30am - 11.00am

Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP01423 566358 [email protected] www.ashville.co.uk

Ashville Pre-Prep School is a purpose built school for children aged 4-7

Happy childreneager to learn

To arrange a visit please call 0113 275 2670

Richmond House School

Where children are happy to learn

170 Otley Road, Leeds LS16 [email protected] www.rhschool.org

Independent preparatory school providing a high standard of education for boys and girls aged 3-11 years old. Open Day

Wednesday13th February

2pm - 7pm

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Moorlands SchoolA unique school offering Opportunity,Quality and Achievement

0113 278 5286or visit our website www.moorlands-school.co.ukFoxhill Drive, Weetwood Lane, Leeds, LS16 5PF

For further information, please telephone:

OPEN MORNINGSFriday 5th & Saturday 6th October, 9am – 12 noon

Founded in 1898, Moorlands School is dedicated toproviding a first class education for girls & boys aged 2 to 13 in a warm, friendly environment.

The school is conveniently located in Weetwood, North Leeds, within its own beautiful grounds and offersample off road parking as well as:

• Dedicated computer, art & music facilities

• Science laboratories• Indoor heated swimming pool• Sports hall and climbing wall• Sports fields• Specialist subject teaching• 7.30am - 6pm wrap around care

Access to weekly swimming, IT, dance and music lessons for all our nursery children

OPEN MORNINGTuesday 5th March 2013, 9am – 12 noon

&HAPPY NEW YEAR! So the decorations are backin the attic, the Michael Bublé CD is put away for another year and there’s only mini Bountys left in

the Celebrations box. Christmas is over and all we’ve got tolook forward to is the month of moaning that is January.

I’m not a fan of resolutions. I never keep them so find myself disappointed which only fuels the misery of this dark and dismaltime of year. As a result, I stopped making them some time ago.What I do instead is set myself a few tasks and this year morethan ever, spend a moment or two to count the challenges andthe blessings the year ahead will bring.

I have a house move to plan. My youngest daughter is changingschools in September and I’m about to hit a BIG birthday. I can’t saywhich one as my two girls still think I’m 21. I’m not and this year myreal age will be displayed in large silver balloons and on big long banners for all to see. I don’t feel like I’m growing old. To be honest,I don’t even feel like a grown up yet.

I won’t be giving up my secret stash of Percy Pigs or heading tothe gym every morning. I won’t be denying myself the end of weekSauvignon Blanc or my regular trip to Costa. Life is far too short tospend even a month in denial. Instead I will be planning, celebratingand spending a bit more time being grateful for what I’ve gotinstead of trying to change it.

I’m grateful for my family. I’m grateful for my friends and I’m grateful for the kindness of near strangers. Over the past few monthsI’ve been overwhelmed by the number of emails and letters sent byyou all offering your thoughts. So often we travel through our busylives thinking no one really cares about the trials and tribulationsof the person who stands next to you at the school gates or ina supermarket queue. The messages I’ve had since the last issueshow that’s just not the case. I thank you all for that.

So forget denial this New Year. Don’t give up the wine andthe chocolate. Get it out and share it. Now that’s a resolutionworth keeping. Best wishes for 2013.

Sarah Butters

Welcome Back…

What’s inside…

7 Mums Mean Business visits BAA RAM EWE

11 COMPETITIONS

12 Families Leeds’ FIRST AID CHALLENGE

16 How to make the PERFECT PARTY BAG

18 Families Leeds’ PARTY TIPS

22 DYSLEXIA – How to spot the signs

25 Preparing your child for a SIBLING

27 WHAT’S ON WINTER

CIRCULATION: 18,000 copies printed

NEXT DEADLINE: Thursday 14th February. If you wantto advertise contact [email protected]

CONTACT US: PO BOX 403, BARDSEY, LEEDS LS17 1EP01937 579 065 • 07764 943 [email protected]

DESIGNED BY: www.jgl-design.co.uk

COVER PHOTO: Thanks to Anna Louise Crossleyfor our fantastic New Year cover image. You can seemore of her work at www.annalouisecrossley.co.ukor contact her on 07970 512 552.

PRINTED BY: Warners, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH

Families Leeds® is distributed free of charge to schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes,selected retail outlets and sports centres. Distribution is across ALL LS postcodes. Families Leeds® ispart of a larger group of magazines headed by Families SW London®. All franchised magazines in thegroup are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care when preparing thismagazine, but publishers and distributors – which include schools – cannot be held responsible for theclaims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor any consequences.

7 11 27

anna louise crossley photography07970 512 552 www.annalouisecrossley.co.uk

Families NEWS…

Happy BirthdaySTIR KRAZY KIDS! It’s always greatto celebrate thebirthday of asuccessful localbusiness. StirKrazy Kids is ayear old thisFebruary andhas spent thepast 12 monthscooking up astorm acrossLeeds and beyond.

“It’s so busy,” says Cooking Cathie,founder of Stir Krazy Kids. “I’m runningmore and more children’s cookeryparties and I’ve got some great themedworkshops for the holidays in 2013.”

To celebrate, Cathie is running somebirthday party workshop duringFebruary half term in North Leeds.If you’re interested in joining inthe fun, call 07725 083 959www.stirkrazykids.co.uk

FLEX DANCE celebrateCHINESE NEW YEARYou may think New Year is over but it’snot! Chinese New Year celebrations areabout to begin and Flex Dance are offeringschools the chance to join in.

Sam and Steph are running ChineseDance Days in schools through February.Children will take part in a 45 minuteworkshop where they’ll learn ribbon dancing and the famous dragon dance.

To book a workshopat your school, contact Flex Danceon 07921 222 710www.flexdanceinc.com

Get Your Skateson this JANUARY Wrap up and head to Millennium Squarein Leeds this January to have a go on thecity’s real ice rink. It’s the 13th year of theIce Cube in Leeds and 2013 promises tobe the best yet. There’s a nursery rink forunder 8s and Ice Marshalls on hand to helpwith tuition and safety. Next to the mainrink there’s a snow slide for some seriouslycool fun and for tired mums, there’s theDolomites Café.

The rink opens Friday 25th Januarythrough until Sunday 24th February.To enter our competition to win a familyticket, turn to page 11. www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube

For details call 01757 229880 or visit babyswimmers.co.uk

Teach your baby the enjoyment of water!Sing and play through our structured awards programme andsee your baby progress to a confident little swimmer. Babies from 6 weeks old to 6 years old.

Swims at... Batley l Ossett l Leeds l Bradford l York l Harrogate l Pocklington

Local MP hands out ACTING HONOURSStagecoach students in Leeds welcomed Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew to theirschool. He was there to hand out LAMDA certificates won by students whoattend Stagecoach at Ralph Thoresby School.

“When students reach grade 4 and above, the exams are equivalent to a GCSEpass A – C. I was delighted Stuart Andrew was able to come along as it helped underline how useful these qualifications are,” says StagecoachPrincipal Ken Davison.www.stagecoach.co.uk

Nominated for NATIONAL AWARDCongratulations to Wetherby toy shop Treasures who could benamed Britain’s Best Toy Shop in 2013. The shop has been nominated as Independent Toy Retailer of the Year. “We are delighted just to be nominated,” says Treasures owner Zhara Armstrong. “Our customers know what a super toy shop we are.It’s great to get national recognition for it!”

The winner will be announced at the London Toy Fair onthe 22nd January. Good Luck to Zhara and her team!

0844 264 1102(Local call rate)

info@splishsploshswimmingschool.comwww.splishsploshswimmingschool.com

SWIMMING LESSONSSmall class sizes • Teacher in pool • All ages & abilities

Classes at The Grammar School at LeedsMercure Parkway, Bramhope

Moorlands School & Temple Moor High School

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 5

New Leeds Children’s Mayor A Bardsey schoolboy is preparing to addressLeeds City Council this month as the city’s new Children’s Mayor. 10 year old Oliver Larking wonthe competition with his manifesto championingOpen Aire Active Zones, aimed at getting familiesoutside and active. He’ll present that manifestoto the full council this January. We wish him well.

Fulneck pupils welcome top trophyPupils at Fulneck School had the opportunity to play host to the Super League Trophy. Following Leeds’ dramatic victory in the Super League Grand Final,

coaches from Leeds Rugby Foundation visited Fulneck Junior School toshow off the trophy and talk to the children.

“Many of our pupils are keen Rugby League fans so this was a superb opportunity to get within touching distance of this magnificentcup,” said Fulneck Headteacher David Goulbourne.www.fulneckschool.co.uk • 0113 257 0235

Speaking success for Richmond House pair Two Year 6 pupils from Richmond HouseSchool are celebrating after taking 1stand 3rd place in a Yorkshire wide InterSchools Public Speaking Competition.Clara Schlosshan won the L J Warrington Trophy with her argument that too muchTV and too many computer games are badfor our health. She beat off competitionfrom 40 other Year 6 pupils to take thetitle. Third place went to 11 year old HollySugarman, also from Richmond House.Congratulations girls!www.rhschool.org • 0113 275 2670

Wednesday 16th January, Wednesday 13th February& Wednesday 20th March at ASHVILLE COLLEGE • HARROGATE

www.ashville.co.uk • 01423 566 358Stay and Play sessions from 9.30 – 11am in the Pre-Prep.

A chance for children to experience the school environmentand for parents to take a tour.

Monday 4th February & Friday 15th Marchat FULNECK SCHOOL • PUDSEY

www.fulneckschool.co.uk • 0113 257 0235Open morning in Nursery and Junior School.

Tuesday 26th Februaryat MOORFIELD SCHOOL • BEN RHYDDING • ILKLEY

www.moorfieldschool.co.uk • 01943 607 285Foundation Stage Open Day

Visit Nursery and Reception between 9.30am and 3pmand see a normal school day in action.

Tuesday 5th March at MOORLANDS SCHOOL • WEETWOOD • LEEDSwww.moorlands-school.co.uk • 0113 278 5286

Open morning from 9am – 12 noon.

School Open Days 2013

School NEWS…

Families Leeds columnist Claire Bottomleycelebrates the visiting grandparents astennis class looms.When it comes to baby and toddler activities, we’ve all been thereand – in some cases literally – got the miniature T-shirt.

I, like you, have sung. I’ve signed. I have massaged my crying infant.I have submerged the disgruntled little chap in a swimming pool andgot stuck in at messy play.

When we signed up to our latest class – tennis – I must confess Iwas hoping to take on a less pivotal role. In truth, I was secretly planning the classic pose of the imperfect mum – ‘watching’ fromthe sidelines whilst also casting a careful eye over my smart phone.

Oh what a rookie error. The goal-posts have changed slightly,but my presence on the field is still required. Rather than marshallinghim into and through activities, I am now needed to be more of a motivational coach and sports psychologist.

Don’t get me wrong, as an older child he is far more focused andindependent, following the teacher’s instructions with the various impressive warm-up exercises. But when it comes to practising at thenet, parental input is required. His attention can wander and if hedoesn’t master something straight away there’s always that risk ofa McEnroe moment.

So, particularly as I was heavily pregnant, I was grateful when mymum and dad decided to accompany us to a class. Dear old Grandmaand Grandpa, visiting from the sticks. It would be nice for them,I thought, and hopefully they’d pick up a few foam balls.

What a revelation, then, when I realised I had in fact broughtalong Judy Murray and side kick.

While she spoils him rotten in real life, the boy soon realised thatthere’s no slouching under coach Grandma when you’re on court.

The local tennis club’s Andre and Steffi in their day, Mum and Dadmay be a little less sprightly now, but casting off their fleece jacketsand darting around the church hall, flicking up balls between theirfeet and racquet, there was something quite impressive about them.

And they knew how to get results. When the young protégédid get fed up, the veterans performed a quick-fire rally, which inno time had him wrestling a racquet from them, keen to get backin the game.

So, there was nothing left for me to do but trust the match to Judy,while I looked on, proud as punch. Now that’s what I call a result.

Our Dad columnist Jim Cardwell looksforward to the New Year and some newears for Grandpa.

“Our Grandpa is 73 years old” is one of the more entertaining factsmy kids share with anyone who shows an interest in how old theyare. It is both factually correct and endearing, especially when followed by the ages of the remaining family members, in strict descending numerical order of course. At 42 years old, I’m in theupper middle of the pack, with my own bonus fact “Dad’s the sameage as our old pre-school”. It’s comments like these that are high-lights of watching Little Miss Fidget and Boy Wonder grow up. Butthe aforementioned senior family member has been missing out.

Even though I have no medical training, I realise that my parentswon’t be around forever. For this reason, combined with the factthat my parents live a long way away, in a previous New Year’s resolution I committed to meet up with these distant grandparentsat least two or three times a year. We’ve managed to keep this commitment over the past couple of years. However, I’m pleasedthat as we start this New Year the kids may be about to discover awhole new enriched relationship with their Grandpa.

Grandpa, although now retired, has had a varied life with his principal previous occupations comprising teaching, thatching (yes,as in straw on roofs) and being a jazz musician. One of these occupa-tions has left him with damage to his hearing. (No, not teaching, kidswere quieter in his era.) After a period of many years struggling on heis finally getting his ears sorted out. Following a delicate shot-blastingprocedure, he is now waiting in an NHS queue for his standard-issuehearing aid. For me, this can’t come soon enough.

In the six to seven years that my kids have co-existed on thisplanet with their Grandpa, I’m not sure that they’ve yet had a chatthat wasn’t punctuated with difficulty due to the perfect storm ofthe kids’ rapid-fire delivery and my Dad’s defective ears. That’s agreat shame. It is not that all the newly-detected sounds from LittleMiss Fidget and Boy Wonder are going to be fascinating. However,Grandpa may actually now have some meaningful discussion withthem. And I’m looking forward to seeing them get more from eachother’s company, with the kind of humorous exchanges they alreadyshare with other members of the family.

We’re relying on our national treasure of the NHS to sort outthe family treasure in Grandpa. New Year plus new lugs equalshappy family.

The Diary of aIMPERFECT MUM…➚

THE WORLD

DAD…

6 FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February

mumsmeanBUSINESS{ }

Frankly I don’t care. Michael Bublé issinging to me from the iPod in the cornerand I’m surrounded by soft, fluffy balls ofinspiration. Walking into this former cowshed in the heart of Headingley is likepulling on a very warm, very cosy jumper –a homemade one of course.

Verity gave up a successful career inradio three years ago to open Baa RamEwe. It was a way of carrying on a passionshe inherited from her family while building her own business.

“My Mum’s family have always beenknitters,” says Verity. “I remember beingtaught by my Grandma and making a complete hash of it. It was part of my childhood. In 2005 Mum passed awayfrom cancer and two things happened.I inherited A LOT of wool and I developed adesire to see her legacy and my Grandma’slegacy continue. They were both gone but Iwanted to see their spirit live on.”

Baa Ram Ewe is that spirit. Everyone iswelcome here, regardless of how manyscarves you’ve failed to finish. This is ashop for both the veteran yarn lover andthe novice knitter. Verity and her businesspartner Jo not only sell every variety ofwool one can imagine, they also run theirown workshops to help you kick start yourknitting habit, or brush up your old skills.

“When I used to go into wool shops, Iwas put off by the stern matriarchal figure

staring down on me,” says Verity. “Here,it doesn’t matter what skills you have.When we opened, I had a quarter of theskills I do now. I’ve learnt along with mycustomers which I think makes us more inclusive. Our message now is, we want toteach you. Just come in and be inspired.”

Verity’s enthusiasm is infectious but sheadmits the past few years haven’t beeneasy. She’s had to learn how to combinerunning her own business during a seem-ingly never-ending recession with being amum. She describes herself as an optimistand says she loves juggling the challengesshe faces at work, with motherhood evenwhen her two worlds meet head on.

“Yesterday we had a high powered business meeting at my house while Vinniewatched ‘In the Night Garden’!,” shelaughs. “I’m lucky that I have an amazingbusiness partner, we have amazing staffand I can spend time with Vinnie at home.I’m still working on marketing or on theonline store, but I can be flexible. Thatwouldn’t have been an option in myold career.”

Homemade is big business. The shophas attracted thousands of fans here inYorkshire but their latest venture has themattracting attention from much furthera-field. Verity and Jo have created theirown Baa Ram Ewe yarn, made from woolfrom rare breed Yorkshire sheep. They’ve

also teamed up with one of the country’stop wool designers to create a beautifulbook of patterns called ‘Born andBred’. These are home grown patternsusing home grown wool inspired byYorkshire’s past.

“These are gorgeous, modern, wearabledesigns for kids, adults and there’s somehomeware too,” explains Verity. “This reflects OUR personality and shows peoplethat it’s a modern hobby. You can createbeautiful things from beautiful yarns. Wehope it will inspire people to get knitting!”

And that’s Verity’s mission – to pass onthe passion she learnt from her motherand grandmother. Her shop has alreadygot the grown ups knitting, but now she’sgot her eyes on the next generation. BaaRam Ewe has run a series of workshops forchildren, and now Verity wants to go intoschools to teach the skills she learnt as achild. It’s all about passing something on –be that a passion or a homemade jumper.

“There’s something wonderful aboutmaking a garment for you, for your baby,for your child. It’s made with love. It lasts.It can be passed down. It’s special. That’swhat Baa Ram Ewe is all about.”

Visit Baa Ram Ewe on Otley Road,Headingley. www.baaramewe.co.uk0113 278 1788

IIVerity Britton is late. She’s had to drop her two year oldIIIIson Vinnie at nursery and battle through the rush hour trafficIIIIto make it to her wool shop Baa Ram Ewe for opening time.II

Fun classes for children aged2–11 and their parent/carerWith puppets, songs, craft,stories and snacksLeeds, Roundhay, Horsforth,Harrogate & YorkWe’re expanding: teachers required

littlefidgets.co.uk Tel 0113 3470350

French & Spanish for Children

Our magical dance classes teach the basicsof ballet in a fun, informal environment and were voted a

favourite pre-school activity in Leeds by Netmums.

Classes for children from 9 months to 5 years taughtby professionally trained teachers in Horsforth, Pudsey,

Beeston, Morley, Tingley and close to the city centre.

3 WEEK

Trial

£15

Contact 07702 965 932 • [email protected]

NEW YEARDISCOUNTThinking of trying out Tennis Tots?If you sign up in January new memberswill get 20% off their lessons. There’sa new session at Cookridge Hall on a Tuesday afternoonfrom January to add to the sessions in Alwoodley, Horsforth, Headingley and Roundhay. Take a look at the full time tableat www.tennis-tots.co.uk • 07753 800 723

NEW STEPSPrepare to put on the Ritz in these fun packed dance classes thisJanuary. Diddi Dance is taking on the Charleston in 2013 andyou’re invited to come along.

“Come and try a FREE trial class,” invites Cath Hale. “We hopeto see some real personality in these dances and we’ll have all theusual Diddi Dance fun as well.”

Classes are available across Leeds and Harrogate.www.diddidance.com • 07917 757 566

NEW CDFelicidades to our friends at Little Fidgetson their new Spanish CD. ‘On the Movewith Spanish for Fidgets’ is packed with20 actions songs and rhymes to help children learn the language.

“We want to help children learn new words and phrasesin a memorable way,” says Lucy Amos. “It’s great to listento in the car!”www.littlefidgets.co.uk

NEW TEACHERWe welcome a new teacher to theJo Jingles Leeds family in Boston Spa.Charlotte will re-launch the classesthere on 9th January 2013.

“We’ve also got Big Jo coming toYorkshire in March,” says Paula Ridley from Jo Jingles.“We’ll be at Eureka running a weekend of sessions. Watch ourwebsite for more details!”www.jojingles.com.leeds • 01977 650 455

NEW WORKSHOPScrumptious Saturday workshops are runningfrom the end of January. The sessions are for4 – 11 year olds and give children the chance tomake lots of different types of food. It kicks offwith Winter Warmers on 26th January with plansfor a Beautiful Baking workshop. Easter Treatsand Greek Classics will follow. To book, email Katherine at [email protected] www.kiddycook.co.uk • 07737 966 786

NEW CLASS LEADERWe welcome Vicky Bannister to the helm ofMusicBugs Leeds. She takes over from Families’ friendNicola Lawlor who ran the business for 3 years.Vicky, who has been teaching MusicBugs classes

under Nicola says she’s excited by the new challenge.“It’s my perfect job – singing, dancing and acting daft! I hope I can make Nicola

proud and continue in her successful footsteps.”Good Luck to Vicky and we wish all the very best to Nicola. www.musicbugs.co.uk

Music is Fun with Jo Jingles!

For details on classes in: Wakefield (Sandal, Stanley & Newmillerdam),Ossett, Pontefract, Normanton, Ackworth,Garforth, Wetherby, Boston Spa & Harrogate

Call Paula on 01977 650455 [email protected] www.jojingles.com/leeds

Music Singing Movement Classes

NO JOINING FEEfor babies & pre-school children 3 months to 5 years

NEWTEACHERThe team welcomes a new coach to the classes in Wetherby.Local LTA coach Louise Bottomley joins to teach the popular pre-school sessions from January.

“We’re delighted to have Louise onboard,” says Caroline Buncall from Tennis Tykes. “She has a strong background and awealth of experience.”

Book your FREE taster lesson by calling Caroline 07843 342 662www.tennistykes.co.uk

Class NEWS…


DANCE BUGSWHEN: Friday 1.30pm WHERE: Fir Tree Lane, Alwoodley

||There’s a fairy under the floorboards at the Scout Hut on Fir Tree||||Lane and everyone can hear her snoring. Laura Jakes has got her||||Friday afternoon class pulling stars from the sky to crumble into||||stardust to keep the fairy asleep. Welcome to the world of Dance||||Bugs where the children are, for 45 minutes, taken on a music||||and movement journey to a host of other worlds.||

Classes in North LeedsTo try a class or for more information please contact Sara on

0844 504 0964 or email [email protected]

Dance Bugs is a popular pre-school class for boys and girls. It’s not about tutusand tiaras. This is about using these children’s imagination to give them an introduction to movement, co-ordination and creativity.

“We want to develop the pre-school skills of marching, skipping, jumping,hopping and balance,” explains Laura. “Dance Bugs uses lots of story telling adventures to teach those skills, building up confidence as we go.”

As well as making stardust and listening to a snoring fairy, today’s Dance Bugswill discover a sleeping giant and head into space. It’s an exhausting session thatgets the children up and active even when the weather outside is frightful.

“It’s great for them to come here and explode!” says Laura. “Kids aren’t fitenough these days and in the winter months, it is hard to spend time outside.This class allows them to let off steam, builds up their confidence and theirco-ordination as well as being really great fun.”

Dancing is no longer just for the girls. With the popularity of street danceand the focus on great male dancers on shows like Britain’s Got Talent, dancinghas become cool for little boys too. Laura says having boys in the session haschanged the way she approaches the Dance Bug adventures.

“The boys bring a different element to the class. Dancing isn’t about beingpink and fluffy. It’s about movement and co-ordination. With the boys in theclass, the girls realise they don’t always have to be princesses. They can be pirates too!”

During the session, parents are asked not to watch so the mini movers concentrate on Laura and the adventures the group are having. They will getthe chance to see their children dance at the end of this term when they puton a story themed show.

“I’m thinking of using the book ‘Percy the Park Keeper’ as inspiration,” reflects Laura. “It’s great to use a story thechildren are familiar with because they will help develop the movements and that makes the show really special.”

Before the class comes to an end there’s the small matter of thesad fairy caught in a giant web to sort out. As the children hunt forthe stardust they created earlier, a few of them check the fairy underthe floorboards is still sleeping. And despite the noise above, she is.

www.danceworks-leeds.co.uk • 0113 295 0126

FREETRIA

LLESS

ON

A fun and educationaltennis play and skillsprogramme for childrenfrom 2 years

Classes in Ilkley,Harrogate, North Leeds& Wetherby

For information call Caroline Buncallon 07843 342 662 • www.tennistykes.co.uk

• Stimulating multi-sensory baby classes

• Exciting toddler classes• Educational pre-school

sessions.

Call for your FREE

trial session

Call Elizabeth on 0113 232 8131

mgnitaatlumitS•essalcybab

essalcybabgniticxE• ddot

lanoitaatcudE• p.snoisses

Call for your FREE

trial session

2323110nohtebazilEllaC

13182

“It’s an African word for hello. I want people to feel welcome from the minute they walk in,”she explains. And looking at the faces coming through the door, they do. Nattylyndescribes Jambo as a cultural arts, music and movement class with storytelling with a bitof massage thrown in. If you only want to do one session a week, this would cover mostof the sensory bases! Nattylyn uses the Alexander Technique as her guide and has clearly listened to the needs of local parents when planning the sessions.

“This class is for children from birth to 4 years old. I’ve done that so parents with more thanone child feel welcome, as well as the many childminders who work in the area. This is a class

that will stretch and stimulate children whatever their age.”The session begins with an informal meet and greet half hour.

It’s a chance for the group to gather, chat and eat the lunch Nattylynencourages parents to bring along. After that she turns up the culturalmusic and starts the movement part of the session.

“I’m a qualified Nursery Nurse so I like the idea of a semi structuredsession,” explains Nattylyn. “There’s opportunities for free play withthe toys we have laid out and then we introduce more structured activities to keep the children interested. It works!”

After movement comes a story, again with a cultural feel. Beforethe session moves to relaxation and reflection there’s the chance towork on some gross motor skills using the colourful parachute.

This isn’t a traditional class. It lasts for an hour and a half and sothe activities are interspaced with time to explore the toys, fabrics andfun that’s all around the room. There’s a real community feel to thesession and Nattylyn is keen for parents to have time to get to knowone another. That gives the children chance to interact before havingone to one time at the end of the session. That part of the sessiondraws on the Alexander Technique, which focuses on a child’s naturalposture and movement.

“It’s a basic massage, but it sends them away realigned, relaxed andwith a stronger bond between parent and child. I want parents to getin tune with their little ones. It’s time out with your child. That’s timeyou don’t get in daily life so it’s great they have it here.”

For more information contact Nattylyn on 07548 705 563.

Tennis Tots is the UK’s leading tennis play and

coaching programme for boys and girls aged 2-6

years of age

To book a free trial callTel : 07753 800723

[email protected]

www.tennis-tots.co.uk/northleeds

As seen on TV

JAMBOWHEN: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 – 2pm WHERE: St Matthew’s Church Hall, Chapel Allerton

||“Jambo!” Nattylyn Jeffers greets the parents, carers||||and children arriving at her Wednesday afternoon drop||||in session in Chapel Allerton.||


Get your skates on and head to Millennium Square thiswinter for a cool day out.

The Ice Cube opens in Leeds on Friday 25th January until Sunday 24th February and you and your family are invited along for a skate.Join in the fun on the main rink or head to the nursery area if you’re under 8 years old. Wherever you are, there are Ice Marshalls on handto help with cool tips to keep you safe on the ice. We’ve got 4 family tickets to give away. To be in with achance of winning one, simply send your name and address to [email protected] with the wordsICE CUBE in the subject line. A family ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children. Good Luckand if you want to take a look at opening times and skating sessions go to www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube

WIN…a month’s membershipat Cookridge Hall for a familyIf getting fit is one of your resolutionsthis New Year, this is the competitionfor you.We’ve teamed up with Cookridge Hall Health and Fitness tooffer one lucky family membership of this super club for a wholemonth. You’ll be able join a Family Zumba class or sign yourlittle ones up to a Cheerleading, Street Dance or Boxercise session.For Mums there’s Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Aqua Zumba, ThaiBoxing and Indoor Cycling. And everyone can enjoy theCookridge Hall pool.

To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous fitness prize,email your name and address to [email protected] the words COOKRIDGE HALL in the subject line. For moreabout classes at the club, go to www.cookridgehall.co.uk.

WIN…a Spanish for Fidgets CDLittle Fidgets is wishing you‘Feliz año Nuevo’ or a Happy NewYear with this super prize.To celebrate the release of their new Spanish CD called ‘On theMove with Spanish for Fidgets’ we’ve got 5 to give away. The CD ispacked with over 20 action songs and rhymes to help children learnnew Spanish words and phrases in a fun and memorable way.

“With over 400 million speakers worldwide, Spanish is a really useful language to learn,” says Lucy Amosfrom Little Fidgets.

To be in with a chance of winning,send your name and address to [email protected] withthe words SPANISH CD in thesubject line. Buena suerte!www.littlefidgets.co.uk

WIN… WIN…WIN…IENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 1ST FEBRUARY • WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAILI

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||MY CHILD IS HAVING A NOSEBLEED||Do you remember being asked to tip your head back when youhad a nosebleed at school? Forget that. To stop a nose bleed sitthe child down with their head leaning FORWARD and pinch thearea immediately below the bridge of the nose. You’ll need to dothis for 10 minutes as it takes that long for the blood to clot. Release slowly and if it’s still bleeding re-pinch and set the clockfor another 10 minutes. If it’s still bleeding after 20 minutes, you’llneed to seek medical attention. Don’t be too concerned with evenfrequent nosebleeds. They’re quite normal in children.

||MY CHILD HAS A HIGH TEMPERATURE||If your child’s temperature is above 39°C, you need to make attempts to reduce it. Keep them hydrated and try to controltheir fever with Calpol. Don’t overcool your child by giving thema cold bath or a cold sponge down. This can cause the blood vessels on the surface of the skin to constrict and keep the heatin. If you can’t get or keep your child’s temperature below 39°Cthen you’ll need to seek medical attention.

||MY CHILD IS CHOKING||Try to make the child cough. If they’re making no noise it meansthe airway is completely blocked. In this situation, there’s no timeto call an ambulance. YOU need to unblock it. Look in the child’smouth. If you can easily get hold of whatever is blocking yourchild’s airway, remove it. If you can’t, don’t try as you may pushit in further.

For children under a year old, hold the child upside down overyour knee and give a firm back blow between the shoulder blades.You can repeat this up to five times. Make sure you moderate thestrength of the blow depending on the age of the child. If thisdoesn’t work, try chest thrusts.

If your child is older than a year and the back blows don’t work,you can progress to abdominal thrusts. These techniques are bestlearnt on a first aid course and must ALWAYS be followed by atrip to A & E to check for any internal bleeding.

||MY CHILD HAS BEEN BURNT||Did you know that the skin is made up of 3 layers? To reach allthe layers, burns need to be cooled for 10 minutes or lower layerswill carry on cooking. Most parents don’t cool for long enoughbecause children tend to resist prolonged exposure to the coldwater tap, but there are ways around it. Fill a bowl with COOL notfreezing water. Put the burn in that bowl and set the timer for 10minutes. Don’t guess. Never use creams and lotions as these oftencontain oil which simply cooks the skin. Never pop blisters. If inany doubt, seek medical attention.

||DOES MY CHILD HAVE MENINGITIS/||

||MENINGOCOCCAL SEPTICAEMIA?||This is every parents’ nightmare. There are a number of possiblesymptoms including a high core temperature (39/40°C) contrastedwith cold hands and feet. Other symptoms include vomiting,headaches, irritability, a dislike of bright lights and possibly a rash.For a full list of symptoms and instructions on how to carry outthe rash glass test, take a look at www.meningitistrust.org.ukDownload the trust’s app to your phone so you have those symptoms to hand at the touch of a button.

||MY CHILD IS DEHYDRATED||Your child may become dehydrated if the weather is hot,they’re doing lots of exercise or if they are unwell. For babies,look out for a completely dry nappy and in older children, keepan eye on how often they visit the toilet. If your child is sufferingfrom dehydration give them clear fluids with salt and sugar in.Flat lemonade works a treat especially when teamed with saltycrisps for older children. Sickness bugs can often lead todehydration. If you’re struggling to get your child to keep fluidsdown, try offering them on a teaspoon or encourage small sips.If nothing is staying down, seek advice from your GP.

FAMILIES LEEDS’F+RST AID CHALLENGE…IIWould you know what to do if your child was choking? How would you deal with aIIIIbee sting? A recent survey by the British Red Cross revealed that 96% of parents wantIIIIbasic first aid knowledge but only a third of parents feel confident when treating theirIIIIchildren. We’ve called on first aid expert Helen Underwood to give us all some vital advice.II

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||MY CHILD IS HAVING A CONVULSION||A febrile convulsion is a seizure or fit as a result of a high temperature.They happen when a young child’s body is unable to cope with a sudden rise in its temperature. Firstly don’t panic. These sort ofseizures are common and your priority is to make your child safe. Protect their head from any hard objects and make sure there’s nothing in their mouth. Loosen off any clothing to try to reduce theirtemperature. If it’s your child’s first seizure, call 999. There’s a medicalreason for it and you need to know what that is.

||MY CHILD HAS BEEN STUNG BY A BEE||Removing a bee sting is tricky. Many people reach for the tweezersbut DON’T. Taking out a bee sting with tweezers will simply squeezethe venom from the poison sack into the child’s body. Instead reach foryour credit card but don’t panic. This swipe won’t cost you a penny!Use the card to push the sting out the way it came in and then coverwith a cold flannel. It’s rare to have an allergic reaction, but if yourchild does react badly call 999.

||MY CHILD IS UNCONSCIOUS||You’ve tried to rouse your child and you can’t. First, you need to shoutfor help and then open their airway to check for breathing. Do this byplacing one hand on their forehead and a couple of fingers on theirjaw bone. Then gently tilt the head so the chin is off their chest.Check there is nothing in their mouth and then pull the jawbone tolift the jaw. This lifts the tongue off the back of the throat. Listen forbreathing for 10 seconds by putting your ear close to their mouth andlooking for a rise/fall of their chest/tummy. If they’re not breathing youneed to start CPR immediately. The best way to learn CPR is on acourse run by a first aid professional. If your child is breathing, placethem on their side in the recovery position. This keeps their tongueoff the back of their throat and means they can be sick safely if theyneed to be.

||ALLERGIC REACTION||Chances are you won’t know your child is allergic to something untilthey have a reaction to it. Common allergies include nuts, seafood,kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, latex and penicillin. Look out for swellingof the lips and tongue, closing of the throat, wheezy breathing anda loss of colour. If you think your child is having a severe allergic reaction, call 999. It’s rare for children to have a life-threatening reaction in the first instance. Thankfully there’s usually a mild reactionto warn parents first. For the signs to watch for and advice onallergies take a look at www.anaphylaxis.org.uk.

||DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?||Would you like to know how to carry out effective CPR orabdominal thrusts on a child? How about hands on trainingin how to treat a burn? Sign up to a first aid course for parentswith Underwood Training. Helen Underwood can run a privatecourse in YOUR home.

For more information call 0845 650 56 60www.underwood-training.co.uk

REMEMBER: Children’s A & E is based at Leeds GeneralInfirmary just off Calverley Street. There is no longer anychildren’s A & E at St James’ Hospital.


looking for expert legal advice?we can help.There comes a time when everyone needs advice from an expert.It might be when you are buying or selling a property or perhapsyou need a will to plan for the future and protect your assets.

Whatever your situation, whether you need help following the breakdown of arelationship, have an employment-related legal matter, are in dispute with somone,or seeking compensation for an injury of some kind, we are here to help.

“Very professional,capable andeffective service.I would definitelyuse again andrecommend toothers.”

Speak to our legal experts on 0113 232 1030or visit www.emsleys.co.uk

Family Law - Wills & Probate - Conveyancing - Dispute Resolution - Employment Law - Personal Injury - Commercial Property

Make Your New Year’s Resolution

TO MAKE A WILL…IIHave you made a Will? Two out of every three parents with children under fiveIIIIhaven’t. A Will can help provide for your children after you’ve gone and ensureIIIIthey are cared for in line with your wishes. We’ve asked expert Liz Stephen fromIIIIEmsleys Solicitors to explain why getting your wishes in writing is so important.II

WRITING A WILL has a number of implications and perhaps the most important one is that it grantsyou the ability to stipulate how your assets should

be distributed and allows you to ensure that your dependentsare provided for. If you die without a Will the state will decidewho gets what and how much, causing more distress to yourloved ones.

When a Will has not been made, families may ask thecourt to intervene. This can be very stressful and costlyfor all involved and in turn can damage relationships between your children and/or family. Making a Willcan prevent this from happening and removes any uncertainty for those left behind.

For parents with children under legal age (18),making a Will and appointing a legal guardian isvitally important. If a Will has not been made orif a guardian has not been appointed at the timeof your death, then the court will select one. Although the court takes into account thechild’s best interests there is no guaranteewho they will appoint. Choosing theright guardian for your childrencan be very difficult and youare the best person for thatjob. Appointing a guardianis the best way of ensuringthat your children are lookedafter by the person youchoose. It is important to

check with your proposed guardian before making yourWill so that you can be certain that they are willing to actas a guardian.

In today’s modern family the presence of children from a previous marriage or relationship is a common occurrence. At themoment stepchildren are not automatically able to inherit, unless

they have been legally adopted by you. If you would likethem to inherit it is essential that you document it

in your Will. Making a Will does not have to be time

consuming; it can be in place within 7 daysand does not have to be perfect the first time.Once you have a Will it is important that youregularly review it. Life events such as divorceand marriage can lead to parts of the Will becoming invalid. A good solicitor will be able

to make the amendments and help you toavoid any penalties that may occur.

After you have made a Will, you know thatyou have done your best to ensure that whenyou die your children are well looked after by

the people that you trust. Most of allyou will have peace of mind.

Liz Stephen is a Partnerin Wills and Probateat Emsleys Solicitors.www.emsleys.co.uk

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Join The TreasuresBirthday Club

We all want to save money when buying birthday gifts,and Wetherby toy shop Treasures can help in 2013. They’ve launched a Birthday Clubwhich, if you register, will save you 12.5% off your in store purchases.“It’s easy to join,” explains Zhara Armstrong from Treasures. “Go to our revamped website and enter your child’s name and birthday.We’ll make sure every child gets a birthday card and you’ll get a discount voucher.”

You can also manage any Wish List you make in Treasures through the improved website. It means a list of your child’s wished for birthday gifts can be accessed online by party guests, family and you! What a great idea! www.treasurestoys.co.uk

Great Gifts from Say It PersonallyLooking for gift buying inspiration? Check out Yorkshiregift company Say It Personally.Their Happy School Days sets are a great idea for younger ones: a cute child-sized backpackfilled with co-ordinating goodies in both Woodland Animals and Space Rider designs. Older kidslove the Wheelie Bin Desk Sets, containing stationery disguised as all manner of things from asmart-phone eraser to a toothpaste pen! www.sayitpersonally.co.uk • 01482 638 355

Attention!Army Partiesat Stockeld Park

Join the military, just for an afternoon,with an Army party organised by the fantasticMake a Wish Entertainment.They’ve teamed up with Stockeld Park to use the fields and woodlandfor den building, military manoeuvres and even an end of party waterbomb battle.

“It’s the perfect venue for these parties,” says Suzanne Kaye Vaughanfrom Make a Wish. “We are completely in character as Drill Sergeants.There’s no bad behaviour at an Army party!”www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk

Party News

Top Tips

❂ Think quality not quantity. Stuffing bags with plastic is a wasteof money. Invest in one good qualitygift, a bar of chocolate or a bagof sweets and a piece of cake.That’s the perfect party bag!

❂ Buy packs of toys, crayons andstickers you can split. These canbe divided up between party bags,bringing the cost down.

❂ Party bags are a great way to tellyour guests that the celebrationshave come to an end. Have theparty child ready at the door withthe bags to give out as your guestsleave. It’s a chance for them to saythank you for coming and bringseverything to a conclusion swiftly.

Star PartyBag Fillerfor 2013CHARACTER BLIND BAGS £2.00Available from Armadillo Toys and Treasures.It’s a perfect pint size present for everyguest. Choose from Hello Kitty, Moshi Monsters, Tinkerbell, Lego Minifigures andPlaymobil bags. Each contains a figure.Whether you have girls or boys comingalong to your celebrations, they’ll be delighted to find one in their party bag.If you buy your bags at Treasures you’ll geta FREE bag for every 5 you purchase.

Families Leeds GUIDE TO

The Perfect Party Bags||Love them or hate them, no celebration is complete without a party bag.|It’s a||||brave parent who decides to opt out and send children home with nothing more||||than a high five. Avoid those home time tears with these tips from our local Party||||Bag experts – Zhara Armstrong from Treasures and Lisa Clay from Armadillo Toys.||

Stockists…ARMADILLO TOYS: 112 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton LS7 4NY • 0113 266 750020 Town St, Horsforth LS18 4RJ • 0113 258 8777 • www.armadillotoys.co.uk

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£1 & Under

Animal Spinners 49pAvailable at Treasures

Bubbles 35p Available at Armadillo Toys

Top Model Pencil & Rubber 95p Available at Treasures

Duck 99pAvailable at Armadillo Toys

Up to £2

Trash Packs £2.00Available at Armadillo Toys

Scratch Art Kits £1.99Available at Treasures

Top Model Lipstick Rubber £1.35Available at Treasures

Teaching Watches £1.25Available at Armadillo Toys

Over £2

Toy Story/Rapunzel Figures£3.99 – NEW IN

Available at Treasures

Alex Craft Set £2.99Available at Treasures

Top Model Set £3.50Available at Treasures


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CHILDREN’S MAGAZINESYour newsagent will weep with joy at your order. You can make sure they are genderappropriate and usually with some tacky toy gift glued to the front. I’ve seen childrengenuinely chuffed to bits at receiving their magazine at the end of the do.

CAKE PACK MIXESLots of supermarkets stock themed mixes so there’s something for every budding baker.

GROW A SUNFLOWERGive a pot with a seed in, or a cutting. The children carry these home with studied concentration. If you don’t feel like doing this yourself, your local garden centre willbe delighted to help.

TRY A LUCKY DIPWrap the gifts purchased from your wonderful local toy shop and hide them in ahuge box of shredded paper. Let them find their own present to take home. If you wantto provide different gifts for boys and girls, make sure you colour code the bags.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SEASONAL OFFERSIf you’re having a party in the Spring, hand out Easter eggs instead of party bags.If you’re celebrating in November, think about treating your guests to an Advent Calendar. That’s a gift they’ll be enjoying long after the party has finished!

To get more advice from Henrietta Rabbit, take a look atwww.henriettarabbit.co.uk

4 I’ve just organised a really successfuljoint party with another girl in my

daughter’s class. Obviously you needto get on with the other parent but it enables you to have a really great bashand do something you might nototherwise have been able to afford.We had a dance party, hired the dancerto do the party and we just providedthe food. Really stress free.Belinda Maunsell,Mum from SelbyEditor Families Vale of York

5You can’t beat Pass the Parcel butkeep any musical snippets short and

sweet. If not you lose children’s interest –especially if you’ve got a large group.With children under five you can also playvariations on Musical Statues where noone is out. It keeps their interest and theycan all join in. Don’t worry about thefood. Children don't eat much at a partyas they are over excited. Simple is best.Rachel SwannMum from North Leeds

6We hosted a party where themum had purchased some cheap

plain white t-shirts and fabric pens.The children arrived and decorated theirown t-shirt before putting them on tolearn the Street Dance routine. All thechildren loved designing their own StreetDance Crew Tee! Everyone got involvedand when it came to the performancethey couldn’t wait to bust some moves!Steph, FlexDance Inc

7The best party I’ve done for my daughters was a beach party in our

back garden, We put up a marquee andfilled it with sand and inflatables, set updeck chairs and beach umbrellas and putbig pictures of the seaside on the walls.The rest is a blur!Rachel Law, Mum from Scarcroft

8Get the children to make their ownparty tea. I give each child a wrap and

cover the table with tempting fillings tomake silly food faces. I’ve never seen allthe healthy food disappear at a party soquickly. My top tip is grated carrot makesgood hair! It’s why Kiddy Cook partiesare so popular!Katherine ReynoldsMum from HorsforthKiddy Cook Leeds

9Don’t make the party too long.It’s much better to have a shorter

party that everyone leaves with a smileon their face than stretching things outand having your guests leave in tears.An hour and a half is perfect. Elizabeth HawkheadMum from ScholesRhythm Time Leeds

10 Enjoy it. So often your child’sparty passes in a blur of sandwich

making and balloon inflating. Take timeto head into the party room and watchyour child with their friends. That’s thememory that will make you do it allagain next year!Sarah ButtersMum from BardseyEditor Families Leeds

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Planning Tips||Looking to plan the perfect children’s party? Look no||||further. We’ve gathered some top tips from Families||||Leeds’ friends to give you some inspiration. From money||||saving tips to top party themes, we’ve got some great||||ideas to help you plan your next birthday bash.||

1My best party tip would be to buy foodboxes and put your guests’ lunch in

them. It may cost more than a paper platebut you save on the food and it’s so mucheasier when trying to serve up to hungryparty-goers!Nicola Lawlor, Mum from Guiseley

2 It’s a great idea to hire a hall. Partiesat home usually take a turn for the

worse when your guests decide to explorethe upstairs. When they do, there’s verylittle you can do to coax them down. Takethe mess somewhere else and you’ll findyou’ll get more help at tidy up time.Henrietta Rabbit, Party Entertainer

3 Instead of buying loads of cakes andbuns bring out a tray of ice lollies or ice

creams. They are pre-wrapped so what youdon’t use goes back in the freezer. It also reduces the washing up! Cath Hale, Mum from WetherbyDiddi Dance, Yorkshire


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HOME MADE PARTY – STAR TIPFrom Rachel Frazer, YogaBugs Yorkshire I’ve been doing my own parties for my daughter Meryl for the lastfew years. My ingredients for a successful home-made party include: ❂ A spacious venue with kitchen. Avoid your home if you like it! ❂ Invite about 12 party guests of similar age. ❂ Set up a simple craft activity to start the party so late comers

don’t miss the games. ❂ Plan AT LEAST 10 party games. Make sure some are running

around ones and others are seated activities like Pass TheParcel, Pass The Squeeze (a YogaBugs favourite) and SmartieStraw Sucking.

❂ Limit the party to an hour and a half – that’s long enough!❂ Make your own piñata. It ends the party perfectly with sweet

goodies and little presents falling from the sky! ❂ Get yourself a copy of ‘Organised Fun for Kids’ by Josie Curran.

Competitions||ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 8TH FEBRUARY –||||ALL WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL.||

WIN…a Flex Dance PartyPick your favourite pop song and let the Flex Dance girls createa party around it! We’ve teamed up with Sam and Steph tooffer you a party you’ll never forget. You chose your favouritetune and let the girls create a routine and teach it to yourguests. You’ll end the party with an invite only performance ofyour top pop tune. Whether you’re a Little Mix fan or a OneDirection devotee, they can put on a party to remember. To be

in with a chance of winning this prize send your child’s name, address and date of birth [email protected] with the words FLEX DANCE in the subject line. For moreon Flex Dance parties and their musical theatre classes look at www.flexdanceinc.com.

WIN…a Schleich Nursery & Animals The perfect birthday gift for a future vet! This fabulous Schleich Animal Nursery is a great home forall your Schleich figures. Together with Armadillo Toys in Chapel Allerton and Horsforth we’re givingaway this super prize worth £100. All you have to do is send your child’s name, age and address to [email protected] with the words ARMADILLO in the subject line. For the full range of Schleich products look at www.armadillotoys.co.uk.

Families ASKS…

Who comes along to Stagecoach?We get a really wide range of youngsters. We have parentswho consider their children to be really talented at singing anddancing. We get parents who want to see their children grow inconfidence. We also get parents who have been referred by teachers, parents of shy children. We welcome them all.

What age can you start?We run Early Stages for children from 4 – 6 years old. This isan hour and half session with one teacher covering the three disciplines of singing, dancing and drama. It’s informal, fun andthere are lots of games. These children don’t even know they’redoing drama, but they are.

From there children move to the Main School. This is 3 hourslong with an hour dedicated to each of the three disciplines.We have about 15 children in a group and it’s my job as Principalto oversee the whole school. It is a disciplined environment andwhile we aim for fun, these are lessons. We want the childrento leave with skills.

What are you up to this term?Spring is our skills term so we are looking work on acapellasinging with the Main School children and we’re going to holda Strictly Come Dancing fortnight!

What else do you think childrenget from coming to Stagecoach?Friendships, and usually with people outside of their normal environment. If they’re having a hard week at school, Stagecoachcan be a real escape.

Isn’t it quite expensive?Not compared to musical tuition. It works out at about £8 an hour.When you consider we don’t charge for tickets to shows, we don’tcharge for costumes, we don’t charge parents for their child’sexam entrance fees, I think we are a good proposition. I think thefact that we’ve held our numbers throughout this recession showsthat our parents can see they’re getting good value.

I didn’t know you could take examsat Stagecoach. Tell me more…In my view, the best way for a child to have a successful career in

the performing arts is to train through exams.The main benefit of an exam is parents cansee an external individual coming into our sessions and assessing our work. It reassuresthem of the quality of the teaching we provide. I know how good it is but whenan independent marker awards our childrenmerits and distinctions, so do the parents.

Why do you think Stagecoachcontinues to be popular?It’s been around for 25 years so it clearlyworks. We put in talented teachers and wemake sure the children make progress. It’s oldfashioned. It’s straight-forward. But it works!

Ken runs Stagecoach session in Horsforthon Saturday and in Morley on Sunday.Stagecoach classes also run in Wetherby(Saturday) and Alwoodley (Saturday).Places are limited for 2013 but get intouch to find out more.www.stagecoach.co.uk

Maths and English Study Programmes

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We kick off our new feature shining thespotlight on Ken Davison, Principal ofStagecoach in Morley and Horsforth.


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STEVE McKINLEY is busy preparing for this week’s Science Club. Lastterm he had the Year 2 children measuring the strength of magnets,mixing liquids to see if they separated and getting to grips with a

microscope. Science is one of Steve’s passions and he’s delighted to havethe opportunity to pass that on to the children here at Rose Court.

Despite having been at the school for 18 months, Mr McKinley continues to be something of a novelty. Children he’s never taught stophim in the corridor and those who pass his classroom en route to assembly or lunch can’t resist offering him a wave. “All the childrenknow me purely because I’m THE male teacher,” he explains.

Recent figures revealed that although the number of men training tobe primary school teachers is up, a quarter of our schools are still withouta single male teacher. In fact 18% of all primary aged boys are in a schoolwith an all female staff. That’s not good news for pupils who benefitfrom a balanced staff room, according to a leading Leeds Head Teacherwho has number of male teachers on staff.

“For a child moving through a school, having different types of teachers to stimulate differing parts of the child’s development is thekey,” explains Robert Lilley, The Grammar School at Leeds’ Junior SchoolHead. “It’s easy to see how male teachers can be role models for boys.Having an enthusiastic man at the front of the class makes learningcool for boys.”

And enthusiasm is something Steve McKinley has in buckets. Whetherhe’s planning after school soccer skills, or joining in with the constructionwork at Golden Time, it’s clear he loves his job. His approach is differentto his female colleagues, but that contrast of styles can only be goodnews for the pupils in his care.

“I do like to wrap up and head outside into the field and get dirty.That’s where children learn best. Or if we study a traditional tale, I’d gravitate towards George and the Dragon as opposed to a Fairy Tale.In our free play sessions there’s lots of Lego and Castles. The girls love it justas much as the boys and it opens their eyes to a different way to play.”

There’s been much research into the benefits of a balanced staff room.There’s evidence to show that boys work harder for male teachers andthat both sexes would find it easier to approach a man if they were beingbullied. But many men considering a career in the classroom dismissteaching in Foundation and Key Stage 1 as nothing more than childcare.It’s an attitude that Mr McKinley rejects.

“I don’t at all see it as childcare. A child develops SO much betweenthe age of 5 and 6 and we are here to guide them. The best moment for

me is when you get to the end of the year and flick through the children’sbooks. You see how far they’ve come and see the massive amountthey’ve achieved.”

This is a primary environment that’s clearly benefiting from a maleteacher. However Rose Court Head Anne Pickering says she wasn’t looking to recruit a man. She was simply looking for the best teacher tojoin her staff.

“Mr McKinley’s teaching is excellent. He cares about the children inhis class and consistently does his best to meet their needs. He’s also anexcellent role model to all of our little boys here at Rose Court. He hasmore than justified my faith in him.”

It’s clear that a good teacher is a good teacher, regardless of their gender. However there’s still a long way to go before the nation’s staffrooms are truly balanced. Mr McKinley hopes his presence here at RoseCourt will persuade other good male teachers to join him in the future.

“Teaching children of this age is hugely rewarding. You see so muchprogress and you become so central to their lives. They really look up toyou and you become a role model for them. That’s a real privilege.”

Rose Court is Pre Prep to The Grammar School at Leeds.The school is based on Buckingham Road, Headingley and welcomes girls and boys from 3 – 7 years old. www.gsal.org.uk

Do we need more Male Teachers in our

Primary Schools?IIWhile the number of men training as teachers has increased moreIIIIthan 50% in the past four years, there are still primary schoolsIIIIwithout a single male teacher. We visit The Grammar School atIIIILeeds’ Pre Prep, Rose Court, and talk to the school’s first maleIIIIteacher about what made him choose a career in the classroom.II

MMY INTEREST IN DYSLEXIA and my passion to help thosewho struggle with it started around seven years ago.At that time my son was struggling with literacy and

was reluctant to learn. At the same time I was on a workplacecourse, learning about dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Because of what I learnt, I suspected he might be dyslexic, so Ihad him assessed privately by an educational psychologist.She confirmed that he was indeed mildly dyslexic. In responsethe school did not offer much support and advice, as they felt hewas performing adequately. But I knew he was not reaching hispotential and he was not happy in that learning environment.Had I not known the signs to look out for, his dyslexia mightnot have been picked up and he would have been labelled an average child, who was reluctant to learn at school, along withcountless others.

My personal experience and interest in dyslexia led me to establish The Chilterns IDL (Dyslexia) Centre in January 2007.Since then I have completed over 2,000 hours of one-to-one assessments and tuition with children and adults, who strugglewith words. Out of my work with these children, I came to realisethere was little on the market to engage and inspire dyslexic children specifically with the world of words and imagination.I decided it was up to me to do something about it, so I developed the Dancing Kites Creative Learning brand with arange of interactive, illustrated books for the age range 4 to 15.

IISo what exactly is dyslexia?IIDyslexia is often misunderstood, hard to diagnose and those affected by it often do not receive adequate support. So whatis it and how does it affect children?

The word dyslexia comes from the Greek, literally meaning“difficulty with words”. The condition can affect spelling andreading and many people believe that is all it is. But it can also affect individuals in other areas, such as:n confusing dates and times.n confusing left and right. n difficulties getting ideas down on paper. n sequencing numbers and information. n following verbal instructions.

Also working memory is usually poor. This shows itself whennew information needs to be processed effectively and quickly.

While dyslexia can be viewed as a learning difficulty, it can alsobe seen as a gift. Some talents shared by dyslexics include theability to think in pictures, being creative and intuitive, beinggood with their hands. They are often highly aware of their environment and have vivid imaginations. Children with dyslexiaoften have above average intelligence, yet they struggle withwords and processing new information.

I have regular conversations with parents about their child,who is struggling at school, yet the school says he or she is doingfine. The child is often frustrated and has poor self-esteem. He orshe might be seeking attention or not concentrating as a way ofcoping. By the time the parent phones me, their child is oftenfalling further and further behind, in literacy especially, and theydo not know where to turn to for help and advice.

Having an assessment is a positive step towards gettingthe support your child needs. Rather than seeing this as a label,view it as a step towards unlocking your child’s potential.

IIWho is affected?IIDyslexia is generally thought to affect between 8% and 15%of the population, 4% severely. So, in a class of 30 children,3 are likely to have dyslexic tendencies, maybe mild or possiblysevere. So everyone is likely to know at least one child or adultwho is dyslexic. Children with dyslexic tendencies are likely tobe resistant to traditional teaching methods and benefit from aone-to-one, multi-sensory, creative learning environment.

Dyslexia often runs in families, with a close relative strugglingwith it too. Most are born with it and do not grow out of it,though learn to cope with it. It is not directly linked to intelligence. Children and adults with other learning difficultiesor sensory disabilities may have dyslexic difficulties also.

IIIt’s estimated that as many as 1 in 10 people are affected by dyslexia with many struggling throughII

IItheir formative years undiagnosed. Author and campaigner Corinna Shepherd explains what dyslexia isII

IIand when parents should seek help.II

DYSLEXIA...Common Myths & How to Recognise it


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IIHow to recognise dyslexiaIIThere is much you can pick up about your child as a parentor carer, just by sitting down with your child and a good book, appropriate to their developmental stage and interest level.Areas of difficulty to look out for include:n Does your child struggle with reading or spelling?n Does he or she avoid picking up a book?n Does the child guess at a word, looking at the whole word or

just the initial letter?n Does he/she forget how to read or spell a word as soon as

he/she has turned the page?n Can he/she find it hard to sound out individual letters in

simple 3 letter words e.g. cat, bat?n Does the child find it hard to rhyme simple words?n Does he/she skip little words, such as and, the?n Does he/she miss out words when reading?

The presence of any, most or all of them does not necessarilymean your child is dyslexic, but I would recommend further investigation if you have any concerns.

IICan you grow out of dyslexia?IIAs children grow up, they learn to compensate for their difficulties, the more successful ones using their strengths to overcome their condition. Support during the formative years isvital to help overcome difficulties and unlock their potential in literacy and in other areas.

IIWhat should I do now?IIIf you think that your child might be dyslexic, speak to an educational specialist, such as your child’s teacher. I can also becontacted for a confidential chat on 07721 368 978 or visit mywebsite www.dancingkites.co.uk

For local support contact Dyslexia Action in their newoffice on Woodhouse Lane in Leeds. They can offer a wide rangeof help to both children and adults. Call 0113 242 9626 •www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk


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Our dance and movement classes are a great introduction to physical exercise for kids aged 6 months to 4 years

Contact Katie to find out where your local classes are...T: 0113 287 6252 M: 07834 266350 www.kids2dance.co.uk

Starting at a nursery or child-minder canbe a traumatic time for any parent or child.It’s often the first time they have ever beenapart for long periods. However, with theright preparation and support it can bea positive experience. We talk to John Warren from Kids Unlimited Nurseries toget his advice.

So what makes a goodsettling in process at anursery or child-minder? Is it one that lasts thirty seconds and yourchild is ripped from you like a plaster froma wound? Is it one that lasts ten weeks?The answer is that there is no definitive answer. What is important is that you andyour child are offered a bespoke settlingin process that suits your needs.

So how can this be achieved?

1. GOOD PREPARATIONProvide the childcare setting with as muchinformation as possible on what makesyour child settled and happy.• Key times.• Likes and dislikes.• Comforter. • Food or dietary needs.

2. GOOD COMMUNICATION“Parents are the most important peoplein their children’s lives; it is from parents that children learn the most,particularly in the early months andyears. The closer links are betweenparents and nursery the more effective that learning becomes.”

This quote sums up how important therole of the parental communication is atthe settle and all points throughout thechild’s education. If the people who arecaring for your child know as much aboutthem as you do, the transition to childcarelife will be a smooth one and will set agood foundation for life.• Ask questions. There is no such thing

as a silly question.• If something is not working well during

the settle session speak to your carer.It is essential for the child carer to getthe settle session right for you and yourchild. This will avoid unnecessarychanges and support consistency.

• Communication between you and yourchild carer is important. Knowing thatthey are honest will be reassuring andhelp to relieve any anxiety that youmay have.

• There may be some tears (fromboth of you!) but this is not unusual.The person who is caring for yourchild will inform you of how your childhas been when you return.

“For parents, particularly mothers,the Key Person Approach ensuresthat parents have the opportunity tobuild a relationship with ‘someone’rather than ‘all of them’ working inthe nursery.”

So what will agood child carer offer you?They will offer you:• Time• Reassurance• Support• Communication

What will your Settlesession look like?As a rule of thumb a settle will be carriedout over three visits, but this is not set instone. Each setting will tailor the settling inperiod to suit you and your child.

• VISIT 1The parent stays with the child andmeets the key worker and staff in theroom. This is the time to get to knoweach other.

• VISIT 2The child visits their home base roomfor 1 hour on their own.

• VISIT 3The child visits their home base roomfor 2 hours on their own, perhaps including a mealtime.

Staff and your key person will then review the settling in with you to decidethe next steps for your child. For the majority of families and children, it is fullsteam ahead after these three visits.Good Luck!

Kids Unlimited’s Leeds nurseryis on Kirkstall Road • 0845 365 2908

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They’ve been centre stage for as longas they can remember, and had toshare mummy and daddy with no-one.So when a child gets a baby brother orsister, what’s the best way to deal withthe new arrival? Claire Bottomleyasked Sally Kennedy, Health Visitorwith Leeds Community Healthcare,for some advice.“We’re all human!” – it’s an obvious statement but as experienced health visitor Sally points out, it’s important to remember, especially when we’re talking about young childrendealing with a big life change.

“Don’t expect too much, don’t expect them to grow upovernight,” she warns. “If they feel they’ve gone frombeing the apple of someone’s eye to the person who fetchesnappies they might find it difficult. They’ll need lots of loveand cuddles, let them know how special they are.”

She added,“You are likely to get aggressive or babyishtype behaviour. A younger child might want to be picked upand carried, and an older child might wet the bed, they maytalk in a baby voice. It’s all perfectly normal but if it persists talk toyour health visitor about it.”

So what can you do to minimise the issue?“Involve the child in the preparation for the arrival of the baby and

make sure they are included in things,” says Sally. “Make sure there is one-to-one time with the child without the baby,

with mum or dad. There needs to be lots and lots of understanding andcuddles and try to focus on times when they have been good.”

She also advises including the child in feeding, whether it is breastor bottle. “It can be a good time to snuggle on the sofa and read abook together.”

She adds,“Encourage visitors to the home to give a lot of attentionto the sibling – people can march in and want to see the baby, but itwould be more helpful if they gave time to the older child.”

Some people buy a present for the child from the baby, and Sally saysthat can be a good idea, as can getting the child a doll to look after andplay with.

“Finally, try to keep to routines as much as possible,” says Sally.“Carry on going to playgroup, reading the bedtime story, so that the routine of the older child stays as stable as possible.”

Useful reference points: n Health Visitor.n The book Birth to Five,

which is available freefrom Health Visitorsor local clinics.

n The local Children’sCentre.

n NHS Choices website:www.NHS.uk

Preparing your child for

A NEW BABY

“You have to choose the older children becausetheir need is more emotional.”Caroline Miller from Moortown is mum to Evie, four, and one-year-oldHarry. She recalls how she and husband Andy helped prepare Evie andguide her through becoming a big sister.

“She was excited, definitely, but also not that interested!” Caroline remembers Evie’s feelings when she was pregnant. “Life goes on forthem, they still have their needs and because they are still so young theyare very egocentric.”

Caroline and Andy decided to find out the sex of the baby, to help Evie prepare, and involved her in choosing the name. “She helped me choosesome of his first clothes and bought a toy to take to the hospital for him,so she felt very involved,” remembers Caroline.

“We tried to include her as much as possible. I got a couple of booksfrom the library, one called There’s a House Inside My Mummy, though Idon’t know how much she took in.”

Caroline remembers Evie coming to hospital and being very excited.“I made sure Harry was in the cot, not in my arms,” she said. “We wenthome the next day and she was at nursery and Harry was there when shegot home. We gave her a present from Harry and she opened that.”

As Sally advises, Caroline made sure she spent time alone with Evie.“I took her to the supermarket shopping, just the two of us, not longafter Harry was born, and to a cafe, I made sure I could put her tobed sometimes.”

Caroline says there were times when Evie would make her choose,for example demanding to be belted into the car seat first. “She mademe choose over things that seemed really silly and it’s hard, sometimes Ihave got cross. But invariably you have to choose the older child becausetheir need is more emotional. If the younger child has a clean nappy,has been fed and you know they’re alright then they have to cry, but itis very difficult.”

IT is impossible to think about our daughterBoo without smiling. Living with a childwho has Autism Spectrum Disorder

feels special, and life is never dull. But occasionally, a little bit of dull would be verywelcome. There are definitely difficult times,and to gloss over these would be doing adisservice to other parents out there withchildren on the Autism Spectrum, who aredealing with untold stress on a daily basis,and just knuckling down and getting on withit. The Autism Spectrum covers a very widerange of behaviours and difficulties, andpeople with the condition can be affected byany number of these to a greater or lesserdegree. By comparison, Boo’s autism couldbe considered relatively mild, yet can stillwreak havoc on everyday life, for her andfor us.

I think the hardest things we’ve had tocope with in our family are lack of sleep andBoo’s prolonged incontinence. Insomnia iscommon in people with autism, due to abnormally low levels of melatonin; the hormone which tells the body when it is timeto sleep. Boo has had difficulty sleeping sinceshe was a toddler, when she would find mischief to get up to. Toys and blankies werethrown out, clothing and bedding tossedacross the room, wallpaper peeled off, nappies (and often their contents) removed,shaken about and examined intricately.As adorable as Boo was as a toddler, the horror of cleaning up after these episodesmakes me glad those days are over. Thank-fully we soon got wise to Boo’s night-timeshenanigans and employed gaffer tape onher nappies, covered by vest, onesie, and allzipped up inside a sleepsack. These measuresonly worked some of the time. Toilet trainingtook over three years, and at times it felt likewe’d never get there. Nowadays, Boo usuallyuses the bathroom independently andfalls asleep with the help of a melatonin capsule at bedtime, but is an early riser.She sometimes wakes up for the day as earlyas 3.30am.

Tired parents are never a good thing.It is a struggle to be patient and jolly whenyou’ve only had half a good night’s sleep.Add to the mix a child who doesn’t particularly want to get ready for school,another who wants to but can’t quite do iton her own and then Boo who will only puton each item of clothing after she has fullyexplained, in infinitesimal detail, the latestgoings on in the world of Moshi Monsters.Everything takes ten times longer than itshould. Autistic people very often have alove of routine and like things to be familiar, predictable and unchanging. This can resultin rigidity of thought about certain routines,which can vary from slight to obsessive-compulsive. Boo has a few of her own routines which she is very particular about,such as the order in which she will put onher clothes, especially in the winter whenhat, scarf, gloves, coat, then earmuffs haveto be put on in that exact order beforeshe will leave the house. Good coffee hasbecome an essential. As has the occasionalschool run in PJs under my coat.

Another daily challenge is Boo’s lack ofconsideration for other people or property.

When diagnosing ASD, one of the traitsthat doctors look for is a lack of social imagination; which includes an inability inthe individual to predict, understand or empathise with how another person mightfeel. Boo lives in the moment, with little regard for the consequences of her actions.Today, feeling frustrated with a game,Boo threw her DS against a chest of drawers.Recently, my MP3 player suffered a similarfate. Hardly a day goes by when somethingisn’t damaged, defaced or destroyed, justbecause she had the urge to do it, in thatmoment. If it doesn’t upset Boo, then shefinds it a challenge to understand why itwould upset anyone else.

Sometimes there is the worry that some-thing more valuable than property will bedamaged. We had to give up walking toschool back when Boo was still in Nursery,because she would regularly give me the slipand run into the road. Often, she will breakfree of my grip in the supermarket and before I know it she’s gone. Wrist reins wereno good – she would either wriggle out ofthem or scream so much that people wouldstare and wonder whether to call Social Services. We kitted her out in a high-visibilityvest, a remote-control beeper on her shoeand wrist-bands with our phone numberson, just in case.

Living with Boo has taught us not to takeanything for granted. Her autism affectsthe whole family on some level, so everydaylife is rarely straightforward. I know thatthere are plenty of other families living withautism who are having a much harder timethan we are, so when life feels stressful I tryto remember to be thankful. It could be somuch worse. And thinking about Boo andher sisters – that smile creeps across my faceagain – it’s easy to be thankful.

THE BOO DIARIES ||Adel Mum Bev Moore returns to Families Leeds this New Year to share||

||some more of her experiences living with an autistic child. In this issue, she looks||

||at the challenges her family face every day.||


What’s On WINTER GUIDE…IIWrap up and get ready to head out into the Yorkshire winter. There’s lots going onII

IIboth inside and out over February half term so stop moaning about the cold and startII

IIplanning some fabulous days out. Remember to say you saw it in Families Leeds.II

Get your Skates on at...

IIICE CUBEII

IIMILLENNIUM SQUAREII

IIFrom Friday 25th January –II

IISunday 24th FebruaryII

IIwww.leeds.gov.uk/icecubeII

The coolest day out in Leeds! This is the 13th year of the

Ice Cube and every year it gets better. This year there’s

500m2 of real ice to enjoy but most importantly for

families, there’s a dedicated nursery rink for under 8s

equipped with skating penguins to help with balance.

This keeps tiny Torvill’s out of harms way. There’s always

plenty of supervision and skating help from the friendly Ice

Marshalls and dedicated low capacity sessions on the main

rink for beginners.

As well as the ice, there’s also a fantastic Snow Slide

outside Civic Hall and a great café run by the superb Casa

Mia to get you warm after your freezing fun! The rink is

open Monday – Friday from 12 noon until 8.30pm.

That extends to 9.45pm on Thursday and Friday nights.

Weekend and half term holiday skating starts at 9.30am.

This attraction is popular and we recommend you book

your sessions online to avoid long queues. Individual

lessons are also available by calling 0113 224 3801.

IISIMPLY SKATEII

IISTOCKELD PARKII

IIFrom Saturday 16th –II

IISunday 24th FebruaryII

IIwww.stockeldpark.co.ukII

Santa may have left the building but there’s still fun to

be had at Stockeld Park this February Half Term. The elves

have decided to open up the Ice Rink so you can, well,

Simply Skate.

“We’re responding to the feedback we had over the

festive season and running an early morning ‘Young

Skaters’ session,” explains Holly Dannhauser from Stockeld

Park. “It means our younger visitors can skate with their

parents before it gets busy.”

The Young Skater

sessions run from 9.30 –

10.15am daily. That’s

followed by weekday

lessons. From midday the

ice is open for a general

skate. Don’t miss the Disco

on Ice on Friday 22nd

February from 7 – 9pm.

Online booking is available

and the Woodland Café

will be open for light bites

and hot drinks.

WINTICKETS ON

PAGE 11



Saturday 12th JanuaryHealthy Bones

THACKRAY MUSEUMwww.thackraymuseum.org

Craft activities themed around healthy bones.Drop in session.

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th January

McEureka! Burns Night WeekendEUREKA!

www.eureka.org.ukOch Aye. Come to the National Children’s Museumin Halifax to celebrate the birthday of Robbie Burns.

Celebrate Scottish culture in music, dance andstorytelling. There’s even a game of Hunt

the Haggis!

Saturday 2nd February

Heart Month THACKRAY MUSEUM

www.thackraymuseum.orgCraft activities themed around the heart.

Drop in session.

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd February

Chinese New YearEUREKA!

www.eureka.org.ukWelcome the Year of the Snake with celebrationsat the National Children’s Museum. Lots of craft,

music and dance activities.

HALF TERM

Friday 15th – Sunday 24th February

NeverlandEUREKA!

www.eureka.org.ukJoin Peter Pan and his friends with an adventure

through Neverland. See the story come to life at theNational Children’s Museum.

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th February

Scarecrow Building WorkshopRHS HARLOW CARR

www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarrBuild a scarecrow at these bookable workshops

and enter the competition to have yours displayedat RHS Harlow Carr. Families can create life size scarecrows and entries will be displayed for a

week with visitors able to vote for their favourite.Pre booking essential. £7 per scarecrow.

Saturday 16th – Tuesday 19th February

The Newest Things in StoreLEEDS MUSEUM DISCOVERY CENTRE

www.leeds.gov.ukIt’s not just old things that find their way into

our museums. Come along and take a look at someof the youngest, most contemporary additions

to the collections at Leeds Museums.

Also Sat19th Jan

Thackray Museum

Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February

Horrid Henry’s House of HorrorNATIONAL MEDIA MUSEUM

www.nationalmediamuseum.org.ukHead to Bradford this half term to be part of a Horrid

Henry extravaganza. Design your own horrible monster.Step into Horrid Henry’s spooky house. Take a look atthe website for a full diary of Horrid Henry activities.

Smelly FunTEMPLE NEWSAMwww.leeds.gov.uk

Explore the smells as well as the sights of TempleNewsam House by creating a smelly bag and taking astinky stroll trail around the house. Bag making beginson Tuesday 19th Feb with morning sessions 11am –

12.30pm and afternoon sessions 1.30 – 3.30pm.

Outdoors & NatureFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.nationaltrust.org.ukGo wild about birds this half term and head out ona Bird Brains Trail. There’s feathery fun at SwanleyGrange with lots of craft activities. 11am – 3pm.

Love BirdsLOTHERTON HALLwww.leeds.gov.uk

Drop in craft activities including a bird trail,puzzles, meet the keeper, story telling, nest box andbird feeder making. Great playground for winter fun

and a great café to warm up afterwards!

Half Term FunHAREWOOD HOUSEwww.harewood.org

Craft activities and an interactive trail.Great place to head to when you’re in need of

some fresh air and family fun.

Scarecrow FestivalRHS HARLOW CARR

www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarrIf you’re a crow, you’re probably best staying away

from RHS Harlow Carr this half term. As part ofthe Scarecrow Festival, there’ll be a family fun trail,

lots of craft activities (11am – 3pm daily) and a scare -crow building competition. If you win, your masterpiece

will be displayed in these prestigious gardens.


. . ..


Monday 18th – Friday 22nd February

RSPB Bird Craft ActivitiesRHS HARLOW CARR

www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarrLearn how to encourage birds into your gardenwith this visit from the RSPB. Make a sticky bird

treat and enjoy craft activities and quizzes.Drop in sessions from 10am – 3pm.

Tuesday 19th February

Make a Bird BoxTHWAITE MILLS

www.leeds.gov.ukFamily workshop from 1 – 3pm.

Lucky the Rabbit’s CraftsABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukCrafts and activities inspired by the theme of goodluck. Now that’s something we all need in 2013!

From 10am – 12 noon & 2 – 4pm.

Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th February

Crafty CrittersLEEDS CITY MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukExplore the super new exhibition – Natural Beauty –

and then get creative with animal and wildlifethemed craft activities. 11am – 3pm.

Wednesday 20th FebruaryWicked Wednesday Witches & Wizards

ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUMwww.leeds.gov.uk

Fun magic crafts and activities inspired by theFate & Fickle Fortune Exhibition. 10am & 2pm start.

Geocaching Taster DayFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.nationaltrust.org.ukJoin in with a digital treasure hunt. Find out how

to hide and seek the geocaches and borrow a GPSunit to have a go. Great fun! 11am – 3pm.

Wednesday 20th – Friday 22nd February

Bird Box MakingFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.nationaltrust.org.ukCome and make a wooden bird box for your garden

in this hands on workshop. Booking essential.01765 643 197. £5 per box.

Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd February

WhoDunnit Murder MysteryABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukDiscover the darker side of Victorian Leeds with theseterrible tours beginning at 10am, 11am, 2pm & 3pm.

Join the museum detectives to solve the murder.

RHS Harlow Carr


MOORFIELD SCHOOLFOR BOYS AND GIRLS

Where each individual is celebrated and nurtured

11 Ben Rhydding Road Ilkley LS29 8RL 01943 607285

www.moorfieldschool.co.uk

Outstanding education & care for children ages 3 - 11

Dynamic, exciting & fun learningWarm, friendly & secure environment

Open MorningsMonday 4th February & Friday 15th March

9.30 - 12noon

Fulneck Nursery & Junior School

Fulneck SchoolLEADING INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING

SCHOOLFOR GIRLS & BOYS AGES 3 - 18

Fulneck School, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 [email protected]

0113 257 0235

www.fulneckschool.co.uk

tanding educa Outsen ages 3 - 11childrciting & fun learningxDynamic, e


or e ffotion & cartanding educaen ages 3 - 11citing & fun learning


citing & fun learningxDynamic, earm, friendly & securW

Fulneck School

Fulneck School, Pudse

LEADING INDEPENDENT DOR GIRLS & BOSCHOOLF

enquiries@fulneckschool.

113 250

fulneckschool..www

citing & fun learningonmentvire enarm, friendly & secur

Fulneck School

S

ARDING Y & BOAAYLEADING INDEPENDENT DGES 3 - 18S AYOR GIRLS & BO

eeds LS28 8D, LyFulneck School, Pudse.ukocenquiries@fulneckschool.

5237 0113 25

.ukocfulneckschool.

Friday 22nd February

Barry the Dragon’s Year of the Snake CraftsABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukWelcome the Year of the Snake with craft

sessions inspired by the natural history collection.10am & 2pm start.

Sunday 24th February

Bird RingingRHS HARLOW CARR

www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarrJoin the Bird Trust for Ornithology to help outwith a special bird survey. They’ll be catching,netting, ringing and recording the birds that

live at RHS Harlow Carr.10am – 3pm.

THEATRE

Until Saturday 19th JanuaryWind in the Willows

WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSEwww.wyp.org.uk

Until Saturday 19th JanuarySleeping Beauty


Tuesday 19th FebruaryThe Selfish CrocodileTHE CARRIAGEWORKS

www.carriageworkstheatre.org.uk

Wednesday 20th – Thursday 21st FebruarySpots Birthday PartyHARROGATE THEATRE

www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

Thursday 21st – Saturday 23rd FebruaryStuck


Stockeld Park

A rich and proud history since 1591Exemplary single-sex learning for pupils from 4-18 yearsOpportunity to study subjects taught jointly at Sixth FormFees are fully inclusive of school lunches, text books and principal public examination feesFee assistance available from 7 years of ageLocated together and accessible from across South and West Yorkshire

Newly refurbished with state-of-the-art facilities. Full and part-time places available now for boys and girls age 3-4 years.

Mulberry House Nursery

Inspire

Achieve

Engage

Enjoy

www.wgsf.org.uk

An outstanding education for boys and girls from 3-18 years, combining the proven benefits of single-sex education with a vast array of co-curricular activities.

Fee assistance is available from 7 years of age where net parental income is £40,000 or less per annum. At 11+ and 16+, prestigious bursaries are available for entry into our Senior Schools worth up to 100% of fees.

Senior Schools Entrance Examinations – (11+) Tuesday 15th January 2013

Junior Schools Open Morning 9.30am – 12 Noon Wednesday 23rd January 2013

Junior Schools Entrance Tests and Assessments – (4+ to 10+) Week commencing Monday 4th February 2013

Families Leeds Jan-Feb 2013

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