1. family and parenting
2. children

The essential local magazine for parents...
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North Devon & Exeter
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Issue 11
January/February 2014
News
Plan your 2014 holiday
How to choose a Nursery
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
❤ plus your local What’s On Guide & much more inside
photo - M & Co
What’s On
January/February 2014
Contents
News
2-3
Health
4-5
Holidays
6
Bumps & Babes
7
Education Clubs & Classes
8-9
10
Flexible Working
11
Books
12
What’s On
13-16
Note from the editor
News
6
9
Get them writing
11
Happy New Year!
Christmas might have passed but give the gift of reading this New
Year to your sons! Broadcaster Simon Mayo, author of the Itch series,
is supporting a new drive to get boys reading and writing, as National
Literacy Trust research shows boys’ are half as likely to enjoy writing and
reading as girls. The trust calls for a renewed focus both at school and at
home on ways to get boys into writing. ‘It’s so important for boys to find
a topic that interests them before they pick up a pen and start writing,’
says Simon Mayo, whose protagonist
is a 14-year-old boy obsessed
with science. ‘I wasn’t particularly
interested in writing at school but I
was hampered by being fantastically
slow. When I started writing the first
Itch book it was as a short story for
my son, but then I was completely
captivated by the plot and
characters, and the story took over.
If you can grab a child’s imagination
in the same way, getting them to
write about a hobby or something
they really enjoy doing then the
whole story writing world is open to
them.’ www.literacytrust.org.uk
National Storytelling
Week
This February brings seven days of reading,
sharing and listening with the 14th Annual National
Storytelling Week. From 1st -8th February, schools,
drama clubs and performance groups across
the country will hold events to celebrate the joy
of storytelling. Over the past decade National
Storytelling Week has gone from strength to
strength, with all areas of the community taking
part in creating and enjoying storytelling – in
fact, Storytelling Week is estimated to reach an
audience of 17,000 this year! Storytelling enriches
lives everywhere, in nurseries and schools as well
as community centres and theatres, and during
Storytelling Week there will be a whole host of storytelling events near you,
so why not join in?
www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week
For many of us January is the time we start to think
about our summer holiday. We have advice on
making the most of your time together without all
the distractions of home.
We also have a great article on choosing a nursery
for you little one as well as advice on flexible
working and the benefits of swimming with baby.
Our regular features on news, health, parenting and our What’s On
guide should keep you busy up until our March/April issue comes
out!
All the best,
Editor and local mum
•
Next issue: March/April 2014
Childcare/Early Years
•
If you are interested in advertising and would like to know more about
pricing, distribution and upcoming articles please call
01271 863995 or email editor@familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
© Families North Devon & Exeter. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any
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North Devon & Exeter is part of the Families ® group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.
2
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
News
If you have any news which our readers would like to hear
about, send it to editor@familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
GCSE shake up
Nursery inspections get tough
Will we see a revival of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in Michael Gove’s
new GCSEs? In the latest in a number of moves to make GCSEs more
demanding, the Education Secretary has announced the introduction of a
new curriculum. Under these more challenging examinations, students will
be expected to memorise maths formulae and concentrate more on spelling,
punctuation and grammar, plus studying more pre-20th century authors.
Ofsted are to toughen up their inspections of nurseries, day-care facilities
and pre-schools, as figures show that over 150,000 children are enrolled in
substandard settings. In future, all nurseries will be expected to achieve an
outstanding or good rating, while those with lower ratings will potentially face
closure.
The new curriculum, beginning in September 2015 with the first exams being
taken in English and Maths in summer 2017, has the aim of improving pupils’
achievement, compared with their contemporaries in other countries. While
the maths syllabus will include ratios, vectors and conditional probability
amongst other topics, the new curriculum for English literature demands
students study at least one Shakespeare play, one 19th century novel, a
selection of poetry, and British fiction or drama from 1914 onwards. In
English language, the emphasis will primarily be on ‘unseen’ texts.
‘The new mathematics GCSE will be more demanding and we anticipate
that schools will want to increase the time spent teaching mathematics,’
the Education Secretary said. ‘On average, secondary schools in England
spend only 116 hours
per year teaching
mathematics, which
international studies show
is far less time than that
spent on this vital subject
by our competitors. The
new GCSEs in English
and mathematics set
higher expectations.
They demand more from
all students and provide
further challenge for
those aiming to achieve
top grades.’
Nurseries will now be in line with
schools, in that there will no longer
be a ‘satisfactory’ category. Instead,
nurseries considered to be underperforming must improve dramatically
within two years, while those rated as
inadequate will be re-inspected in a
matter of weeks, with the prospect of
being de-registered and ultimately
closed.
‘I wouldn’t have wanted my child to go to an inadequate nursery and I don’t
believe that any other parent would either,’ said Sir Michael Wilshaw, chief
executive of Ofsted. ‘So we’re going to be less tolerant. When we go back to
re-inspect an inadequate setting and it hasn’t improved, it’s likely that we may
take steps to cancel the registration.’
This is all part of Ofsted’s overhaul of the early years inspection system,
amid fears that too many young children are languishing in inadequate and
substandard care. But is this move as positive as it sounds? Davina Ludlow,
director of daynurseries.co.uk, said, ‘While we believe that every child
deserves the very best education, we are concerned about the impact this
‘downgrade’ could have on nurseries and hard-working staff members. The
change being brought in by Ofsted risks adversely impacting staff motivation,
resulting in more harm than good.’
The exams will also end the use of A* to G letter grades in favour of a
numbered scale from nine to one, with nine being the highest grade. Plus,
course modules and assessments will be dropped, with grades determined
by only one exam for most subjects. The new curriculum for the rest of the
GCSE subjects will be announced this spring.
Wear A Hat Day
Please join other families and schools (as well as companies, groups, shops
and associations across the country) in supporting #WearAHatDay on Friday
March 28th 2014 - it’s going to be bigger, hattier and more fun than ever!
#WearAHatDay is the UK’s premier brain tumour awareness event, taking
place every March during national Brain Tumour Awareness Month.
Thousands of families and children in homes and schools across the land
take part every year – wearing hats of all shapes, sizes and colours, getting
involved in an amazing array of fun and inventive events, making and
collecting donations from everyone around, all helping to raise awareness
and funds for vital research.
Brain tumours are scary – this disease is the biggest cancer killer of both
children and adults under 40 yet the science is woefully underfunded,
receiving less than 1% of national
cancer research spend.
Stand out from the crowd and wear
a hat for Brain Tumour Research on
March 28th.
Register today for your
#WearAHatDay event:
Hat-phone: 01296 733011
Hat-mail wearahatday@
braintumourresearch.org
Hat-web www.wearahatday.org
PS Don’t forget to share your photos
with us on Facebook & Twitter and
let’s celebrate #WearAHatDay
together!
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
3
Health
Banishing the wet monster:
How to help your child overcome wetting the bed
By Elisabeth Dolton
Wetting the bed has been the hardest childhood ailment for my children to grow out of.
Banishing that wet monster did not come easy and we are not alone. Although all children
eventually gain bladder control at night, they do so at different ages, and many children over
the age of five still frequently wet the bed. In fact, around 1 in 7 children aged five, and 1 in
20 children aged ten, are frequent bedwetters.
they are on the toilet have them go, then stop for
Why children wet the bed is hotly debated. The a few seconds, then go again, so that they are
majority of bedwetting is inherited. For three
strengthening the muscles.
out of four kids, either a parent or close relative
also wet the bed in childhood. Other causes
Lifting and night pants
are overactive bladder syndrome (involuntary
passing of urine), or not enough hormone that
Waking your child to go to the toilet, and
regulates urine production.
wearing night pants can increase confidence
and help for sleepovers. However some believe
Researchers have found that deep sleepers are these should be avoided because they interfere
more likely to wet the bed, as the brain doesn’t
with the child’s individual motivation to wake up
get the signal that the bladder is full. Children
and use the toilet.
sometimes don’t go to the toilet due to fears
such as being scared of the dark. Starting to
Medical treatment
wet the bed especially after being dry can be
due to emotional problems such as stress and
In persistent cases, desmopressin, a
anxiety. Although rare, constipation, diabetes,
manufactured form of the hormone that
or an infection can cause bedwetting.
decreases urine production, can be prescribed.
The effects are short term and the problem likely
Experts agree there is no one single cause of
to reoccur when treatment is stopped.
bed-wetting, and there are a number of methods
that can help.
Complementary and alternative
therapies
Drinking and eating
“Avoid or limit foods that that are spicy, or high
in sugar or fat, including fizzy drinks,” says
Alyson Carter, a Registered Nutritional Therapy
Council Practitioner. “These foods can irritate
or inflame the bladder, loosening the muscles,
making it harder for a child to keep control.”
Fresh foods, and calming foods such as
oats, are recommended. Alyson also advises
restricting fluids from around 1 ½ hours before
bedtime.
Support
Parents may be embarrassed to broach the
subject, but your GP can take blood and urine
tests to rule out any illness or infection, or refer
you to a clinic. “We went to see our child’s
teacher,” said Sarah, with 7 year old Isabella
“and discussed how children asked and went
to the toilet. We asked her to help ensure our
daughter went to the toilet regularly.”
Exercises
There are specific exercises that can strengthen
or expand a child’s bladder. “Our doctor
suggested that when my son needed to toilet,
I make him wait at least 10–20 minutes longer.
This helped his bladder expand,” said Lisa,
mum to three boys. Another exercise is when
Several complementary and alternative
therapies have been tried including
acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hypnosis.
While some parents have reported great
improvements it is not a fix all.
Behaviour therapy
For younger children motivating them with a
sticker chart and rewards is effective. Selfawakening therapy helps older kids recognise
when their bladder is full. A simple selfawakening routine may be just before they go
to the toilet during the daytime, they lie down in
their bedroom, pretend to sleep and think about
their full bladder and needing to go.
Re-training
Bedwetting alarms specifically help train your
child to wake when they have a full bladder.
The alarm’s sensor detects dampness and
eventually, the child’s brain learns to pay
attention to bladder signals and wakes up
naturally before wetting the bed. “They have
been so easy to use, the girls had no problem
with them and the message really got through,”
said Kim, mum of two daughters. “The results
were amazing. Not every child will react so
quickly, but I would highly recommend giving it
a try,” Sam.
There is no doubt bedwetting feels
embarrassing to talk about and it can be
stressful, but every year 15 percent of children
who wet the bed, become dry, with no
intervention. They will all outgrow it eventually,
but if you and your child are motivated to get
dry, choose your method and stay positive. It
worked for us.
Thanks to Alyson Carter, Registered Nutritional
Therapy Council Practitioner, www.nut4life.com
You can contact her on 07816 981858.
4
Top Tips
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Make the bed in several layers, alternating
a fitted sheet with a waterproof pad. This
allows you to quickly and easily remove the
wet items and avoids the need to re-make
the bed.
Leave dry pyjamas and towels out. So
that a child can find them easily.
Make sure there are no hidden fears or
problems about getting up at night. For
example, fear of the dark or spiders,
getting up from a top bunk, etc. Try leaving
the bathroom light on and keep a clear
path to the bathroom.
Protection. Use waterproof covers for the
mattress and duvet, and use absorbent
quilted sheets. A moisturiser cream is
useful to rub on the skin that is likely to
become wet, to prevent chaffing and
soreness.
Set a reward for your child of getting up at
night to use the toilet. Instead of focusing
on making it through the night dry, help
your child understand that it is just as
important to wake up in the night to use the
toilet
Bedwetting can damage the child’s selfimage and confidence. Prevent this by
being supportive and reassure them that
bedwetting is common and that they will
overcome it
Try to be sensitive to any family or school
disruption that might be stressful to your
child. Do not tease or allow siblings to
tease a child who has wet the bed.
Encourage your child’s co-operation to
be dry at night. Give simple explanations
about what is happening and the bladder
works. Go to the toilet before going to bed.
Encourage your child to help change
any wet sheets. This will increase their
awareness and may give them extra
motivation for them to get out of bed
and go to the toilet to avoid the chore of
changing the sheets.
Further information and help
ERIC - Education and Resources for Improving
Childhood Continence
www.eric.org.uk
www.uofmhealth.org/health-library
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bedwetting
www.webmd.com/features/bedwetting
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
Health
How to deal with head lice
Many parents are horrified when they hear that their child has or
may have head lice. However, there is no need for alarm. They are
common in children, but may occur at any age and they do not
indicate dirty hair or poor hygiene. They pass from the hair of one
person to another by walking from one head to another. They do not
jump or fly and they cannot live for long away from hair.
What do they look like?
Head lice are tiny brown insects about the size of a sesame seed. They
cling to hairs, close to the scalp. They lay eggs which hatch in 7-10 days.
Nits are the empty white egg shells which are attached to the hair. They
look like dandruff but cannot be brushed out easily.
What symptoms do they cause?
Probably none. An allergy to the lice may cause itching.
They do not wash off with normal shampoos.
Looking for head lice
They are difficult to see and are best detected by combing with a special
detection comb that can be bought at the pharmacy. One is available on
prescription also.
Doctor Sue
Wet hair method:
Wash hair in the normal way and use plenty of
conditioner. Get rid of tangles with an ordinary
comb. Then use the special fine-toothed comb.
Comb from the roots to the tip of the hair. Make sure all parts of the hair
are combed.
Check the comb for lice after each stroke and if present, remove from
comb with a tissue and wash comb before next stroke.
Wash out the conditioner and repeat combing procedure
Dry Hair method
This is quicker but cannot be used as a treatment.
Comb dry hair to remove tangles and then proceed as for wet hair but
comb each section of hair 3-4 times.
What if I find lice?
Visit your pharmacy (or GP if you cannot afford the treatment). There are
various lotions and sprays which you will be advised about.
All the family and close contacts should check for lice and, if needed,
should undergo treatment at the same time.
Most treatments need 2 applications.
You can use the wet combing method if you wish and this needs to be
done on at least 4 occasions, 4 days apart. This will need to be done
on all the family that have lice, but the same comb can be used for
everyone. You should continue until you have had 3 clear combings.
Be aware that nits may still be visible when the lice have been cleared.
Scalp irritation can continue for 2-3 weeks after successful treatment.
There is no need for child to stay off school, but parents of close friends
should be advised to check their children.
Only use treatments if lice have been detected.
http://cks.nice.org.uk/head-lice#!management will give you more
information on treatment.
www.chc.org gives more information about wet combing and sell a kit.
No more BPA
By Susan Tomlinson
Banned in plastic baby’s bottles across the EU, Canada and the US, yet
the UK government is convinced the chemical Bisphenol A, or BPA is
entirely safe. Is it?
From tins, and plastic bottles, to boxes, dental fillings and even shopping
receipts, the chemical is present in a huge range of objects.
It’s main job is to make plastic shatterproof, so, in the world of packaging
and manufacturing, it’s crucial. The trouble is, since the 1930’s, it’s
been associated with all sorts of health problems. It’s what’s known
as a suspected endocrine
disruptor, meaning it mimics
the body’s hormone system,
and has been linked with
diabetes, obesity, cancer and
even behavioural problems in
children.
But the jury’s not out yet.
Other research shows that the
small amounts of the chemical
that leach into our food and
drink are of an acceptable
level and at present that’s
where the UK’s Food
Standards Agency sits. But the
EFSA is presently reassessing
all the data and is due to report
back in 2014. In the meantime, if
you’ve got you’re doubts, here’s
how to avoid it:
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More and more BPA-free
products are coming onto
market. In fact, many food
companies are beating
government policy by
using alternatives. If a
product isn’t labeled BPA
free, you can avoid the
chemical by looking at the
plastic recycling code on
the side of the container.
Anything marked with the
recycle code 7 or 3, may
contain BPA.
Cut back on using cans, as most of them are lined with a BPA resin.
Avoid heating plastic containers in the microwave or the dishwasher,
as they may break down over time and allow the BPA to seep into
food or drink.
Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel wherever possible.
Join the Breast Cancer UK, in their “No More BPA” campaign. http://
www.nomorebpa.org.uk
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
5
Holidays
Embrace your 2014 family holiday
By Rich Legg
With so much pressure to have
relaxing ‘me time’ on holiday, we
look at ways to have what some
people would call an alternative
holiday - a family holiday spending
time with your children.
Living in one of the most beautiful
areas in the country, we really are
spoilt for choice of where to go on
holiday. No need for a long car
journey with the same old ‘are we
nearly there yet?’ when you can
book a holiday just the other side of
the county and be in another world
within an hour.
The key when booking your holiday
is to do your homework. Have a
good look through the whole of the
website of the holiday provider,
have a look on review websites
such as www.tripadvisor.com or
www.ukcampsite.co.uk, go with
the majority and don’t be put off
by a random review. Have a look
at the hotel, cottage, or campsite
on Google maps and Google
Street view to find out what is in the
immediate vicinity and how far it is
from shops or the beach or what
ever is important to your families
needs.
The best way to get a real feeling for
the hotel, cottage or campsite is to
phone them up, ask them as many
questions as you like - if they’re not
happy to spend time with you on
the phone or they can’t answer your
questions then look somewhere else.
They should be experts of where to
go and what to do in there area.
Before you hit the road, decide how
many days you’re going to spend
doing what. Is your holiday going to
be full of days out at theme parks,
or is it going to be relaxing (or not)
on the beach. Have a good look
on the internet with the children at
what days out there are and maybe
choose a couple that the whole
family will like. It’s also a good idea
to find a day out which you can do
if it’s raining. If you’re planning lots
of days out, try to have a day in the
middle of the week relaxing at the
campsite or hotel to re-charge your
batteries.
Take a board game!
It might seem old fashioned, and the
children will probably moan at the
mention of it, but it’s a great way to
spend some quality time as a family
with a pack of biscuits. A pack of
cards or a set of dominos is a great
idea if you’re short of space, and
can be used to fill in half an hour
spare time while mum is relaxing in
the shower.
Leave the TV at home
Lots of families take their TV with
them when camping. But can the
children manage without The Deadly
60 or The X Factor for the week?
It will give you much more time to
spend together as a family if the
children aren’t stuck in front of the
TV most of the time. Have a game of
cricket of rounders.
Watching the pennies?
If you’re trying not to spend a fortune
on holiday then make a budget and
stick to it. You should be able to
work out very closely what your food
will be, then set an amount you’re
going to spend each day a stick
to it! If you have a day out which
costs virtually nothing then you’ll
have much more to spend the next
day. You could give the children a
set amount they can spend on ice
creams and toys and teach them
how to make their pocket money last
the whole holiday. Once you’ve booked your holiday,
some companies will let you pay a
bit off each month either by card or
by direct debit. If not, it’s best to set
up another bank account and ask
your bank to set up a standing order
to go from your current account
into your new holiday account each
month. That way you’ll be saving for
your holiday without even noticing it. If you can transfer £100 each month
now, come the summer holidays
you’ll have an extra £700 to spend. Remember, you don’t have to dig
deep to have a great holiday!
Take the bikes
It’s a great way to have a cheap day
out, even if you have to hire bikes.
There are so many cycle paths in
Devon and so many quiet country
roads to use (if your children are a
little older), riding through forests
and open countryside with views
that stretch for miles. Why not take
a packed lunch and have a picnic?
You could even have a bit of fun and
hire a tandem which you can all take
turns on!
6
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
Geocashing
Geocashing is the modern day
equivalent of a treasure hunt, and
the kids will love it! All you need is a
smart phone or GPS. There are over
25,000 Geocashes ‘hidden’ in Devon
mostly surrounded by amazing
scenery, and they’re all waiting
to be discovered. Once you’ve
downloaded the Geocashing app
to your phone, you start following
clues to find its location – just like a
treasure hunt.
Here is a brief rundown of what to
do:
• Download a geocache app to
your phone.
• Enter a postal code or place
and click “Search” or “Search
for nearby geocaches”.
• Choose a geocache from the
list and click on its name.
• Use the clues and your
geocache app to help you
navigate to the hidden
geocache (you’ll often drive to a
starting point first).
• If you take something from the
geocache, leave something of
equal or greater value.
• Sign the logbook and return
the geocache to its original
location.
Remember above all: enjoy
yourselves and spend some time
together as a family!
Bumps & Babes
Active babies are Healthy babies!
By Claire Thomas
We are all familiar with the benefits of swimming and the importance
of being confident in the water for older children but what are the
benefits of starting a swimming class with your baby? Claire Thomas
explains all.
We all know that regular exercise is good for us and for our children.
Most weeks it seems that there is a reference in the media to rising rates
of obesity, in both adults and children, and the impact this can have
on general health. Childhood obesity causes great concern as obese
children are more likely to become obese adults, which in turn puts them
at risk of many health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and
certain types of cancer to name but a few. Shocking statistics published
by the NHS in 2012 showed that 1 in 3 children in year 6 of primary
school are overweight.
As parents we all want our children to be as healthy as possible. We can
do our best to promote this by encouraging a healthy balanced diet and
physical exercise. Being active should be encouraged from birth. There
are endless ways to encourage activity in children who are crawling or
walking, but how should we encourage babies to be active?
Before your child is crawling you can encourage activity by getting them
to reach & grasp and pull & push toys. It is really important to give babies
a chance to move their heads, bodies and limbs during supervised time
playing on the floor, both on their backs and tummies. This allows them to
explore and develop what their bodies can do naturally. This may seem
an obvious thing to point out, but time allowing babies just to ‘be’ on the
floor is something that has gradually diminished over the last few years
with the increasing number of baby contraptions available. What with car
seats, prams, buggies, bouncers, baby swings, baby seats etc and our
increasingly busy lives, it is quite feasible that a baby can just go from
Pitc
h
fromes
£9
“
one device to another without getting time to discover what their natural
movements are.
The other way to get babies active is to take them swimming. This
can be done from a really young age, even before they have had their
immunisations. Swimming is unique in that it can be started from birth
and it allows independent movement of joints and muscles in all four
quadrants of the body in a supportive, gravity free environment. Indeed,
it gives babies the opportunity to use muscles they would never use on
land!
Swimming has numerous additional benefits for babies and young
children. It helps improve their heart and lung function, as regular
exercise does for us all. It plays an important role in aiding the
development of the nervous system, in particular the vestibular systemthis is the part of the brain that controls balance. A lot of the exercises
in baby swimming classes, such as rocking, swinging and bouncing
stimulate this part of the developing brain. The physical activity provided
by swimming develops muscular strength & symmetry and improves joint
mobility.
As well as all these physical benefits, taking your baby swimming
provides lots of psychological benefits for them too. It is a great
opportunity for bonding between parent and baby and babies flourish
in the focussed attention they get in the pool. Most of us with more than
one child will know that it is virtually impossible to give the second or
third child the same attention you gave your first born as you are running
around after the eldest! Time spent in the pool, just you and your baby,
can give babies with siblings some really important one-to-one time. The
independence of movement that babies have in the water also gives a
feeling of self-confidence and autonomy- it is something they can do
without being dependent on an adult. Finally, swimming encourages
better eating and sleeping patterns, which I’m sure that all sleepdeprived parents will agree, is worth it in itself! Swimming is suitable for
most babies, but if you have any concerns about your baby’s health or
suitability for swimming then speak to your GP or Paediatrician.
We left
feeling a
part of
the family
”
If you make one resolution this New Year, why not help your baby be an
active baby and lay the foundations for a healthy active life!
Claire Thomas is Owner of Turtle Tots Exeter & East Devon and a GP
Hidden
Valley
Quality family holidays
Hidden Valley Park, West Down,
Nr. Ilfracombe, North Devon
EX34 8NU
info@hiddenvalleypark.com
• Luxury 5 star facilities
• Woodland walks & dog exercise areas
• 4 miles from Woolacombe Beach
• Wi-Fi across the park
50
50
3
• Children’s play areas
• Coffee shop
01271 813 837
www.hiddenvalleypark.com
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
7
Education
What’s the right age to start school?
campaigners say that in other parts of the world,
early childhood is recognised as a valuable
phase of development in its own right – whereas
in Britain, it’s seen solely as preparation for
school.
Misconceptions
By Joanna Moorhead
A fierce battle has broken out between the
Department of Education and a group of
campaigners who say British children are
being disadvantaged by going to school aged
four. Joanna Moorhead investigates.
What is it that children start much too early at
four, that stems their creativity and reduces their
chance of good exam results further down the
line?
According to a growing group of educationalists,
thinkers, teachers and parents, the blight on the
lives of young children is...school. Or at least, it’s
too much school too soon – and that, according
to the backers of a new campaign, is exactly
what’s happening to thousands of British fouryear-olds each year.
The argument put forward by the Save Childhood
Movement, which is running the ‘Too Much, Too
Soon’ campaign in favour of waiting until children
are six before they go to school, is that young
children need the chance to play, and should
not be shoehorned into ‘learning’ too early. The
There’s a misconception in Britain, say the
campaigners, that starting early with school
means settling down to learn more quickly, and
achieving more in the long term. But, they say,
that’s not borne out by what happens in other
countries. “Children who enter school at six
or seven – after several years of high quality
nursery education – consistently achieve better
educational results as well as higher levels
of wellbeing,” said 127 senior educational
figures in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in
September. “The success of the Scandinavian
system suggests that many problems in English
education – such as the widening gap in
achievement between rich and poor, problems
with boys’ literacy, and the ‘summerborns’
issue – could be addressed by fundamentally
re-thinking our early years policies.”
Specifically, the Too Much Too Soon campaign
is calling for
*the early years to be re-established as a unique
development stage in its own right
*protection for the rights of young children to
develop naturally
*an end to baseline testing
*a new emphasis on the
importance of play
They point out, too, that prescriptions of Ritalin
for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or
ADHD, have quadrupled in the last ten years,
and many believe the drug is being used to
‘normalise’ behaviour that may partly have come
from having too many expectations heaped
on them at too young an age. Mental health
disorders among children and young people
are also on the rise – again, the question the
campaigners ask is whether that could be linked
with early pressure at school.
The Department for Education has hit back at the
Too Much Too Soon campaign, saying it amounts
to a call for dumbing down. Those behind it were
a “powerful and badly misguided lobby who are
responsible for the devaluation of exams and
the culture of low expectations in state schools,”
according to a DoE spokesman. “We need a
system that aims to prepare pupils to solve hard
problems in calculus or be a poet or engineer – a
system freed from the grip of those who bleat
bogus pop-psychology about ‘self image’, which
is an excuse for not teaching poor children how
to add up.”
Link with mental
health
For the Too Much Too
Soon lobby, the emphasis
on formal education from
a young age is part of a
mindset that sees testing
and academic pressure
as good for young people
– whereas they believe
it’s harmful rather than
Make the most of your Parent Teacher
Meeting
When you head off to your parent teacher meeting it is easy to feel as if
you are part of a production line. There is a conveyor belt of parents all
waiting to be seen, talked to, and dispatched efficiently within the allotted
10 minute time-slot. It can all feel impersonal and rather perfunctory.
Some parents dread any meeting with a child’s teacher, particularly if their
own experience of school was negative. However, confident they are in a
work environment, on entering a school building they revert to feeling like
a child who has broken school rules and is about to face the music.
For some teachers facing parents can feel just as much of an ordeal – and
they are almost certainly drained at the end of an evening.
Yes, there are horror stories. I know of one Headteacher so obsessed
with timekeeping that all teachers had an egg timer on their desks, and
8
helpful. They point out, for example, that the
now-implemented Year One Phonics Screening
Check in English primary schools is unnecessary
and say there’s little correlation between the
results of the phonics check and a child’s
reading achievements at the end of Year 2.
he patrolled the hall, keeping a beady eye on any parent who seemed to
be going over time. At the same school the tables in the hall were set so
close together you could overhear what teacher’s were saying to other
parents. Not really a conducive atmosphere for a private discussion about
your child, but great for timekeeping!
However, the vast majority of schools see you as a partner in helping
your child to learn and most teachers really do care about your child’s
progress. So how can you make the most of a brief meeting and come
away feeling as if it has all been worthwhile?
Remember that this meeting is a two way exchange of information. Start
off by involving your child and asking them about their schoolwork – what
they are finding easy, and what they are struggling with. Ask them if there
is anything they would like you to raise with the teacher? It’s possible
their answers will help focus your mind before a meeting.
When there are issues at home – a family bereavement, divorce or any
problems that could be affecting your child emotionally, it is important
to let the teacher know. It can help them to understand your child’s
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
Nurseries
How to choose your child’s nursery
By Joanna Moorhead
It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve
made for your child in his or her life so far. So which
nursery is the right one – and how do you know?
Joanna Moorhead shares some tips
There are all sorts of different nurseries out there. Big
ones, small ones; ones run by the local council, and ones
run by independent companies. There are nurseries
attached to primary schools, and there are stand-alone
nurseries. When you start out looking for one, the
plethora of what’s out there can make it all seem very
daunting.
But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even
the only thing you need to know about how to make your
choice. Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your
instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost
certainly make the ‘correct’ choice. Because the truth, of
course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one;
there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best,
because it will mesh in with your own and your partner’s
ideas about how to raise a child, and what matters most
in his or her life. All of which is why what you feel inside
you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on.
Your nursery
checklist
Looking around
To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or
perhaps in the area where you work, if you’re thinking your child can be cared for at
nursery while you work nearby). Comb through the nurseries in your area online; look
at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising. Think about what factors
matter most to you in a nursery (see our checklist) and then make appointments to
look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies.
When you look round, don’t be too anxious about all the questions you need to ask
or whether you’re going to miss something vital. Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’
and take in the holistic sense of the place. Does it feel friendly, and welcoming,
and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are
you convinced by what they’re telling you? Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense
of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most
important person in your life, your child, here in the care of the people you’ve met? If
the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have
any doubts whatsoever about this most crucial thing, whether you’re confident about
leaving your baby there, cross it off your list at once.
For more stories on choosing a nursery see www.familiesonline.co.uk
behaviour or a sudden change in attitude to work.
If you feel there is a problem with your child’s lack of progress think about
how you are going to frame this so it doesn’t come across in a way which
puts a teacher on the defensive. Acknowledge there is an issue and ask
for advice on how you can help your child at home. Most teachers will
respond positively and will suggest ways of reinforcing classroom work at
home. They might send home additional practice sheets, or suggest good
websites for some follow up work.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What are the most imp
ortant things you’re
looking for in a nurse
ry? Here are some thi
ngs
you need to think abo
ut:
•
•
•
Food: how important is
it to you that food
is organic? Do you like
the idea of nursery
children eating alongs
ide staff – ie, the family
model –which some nur
series practice?
Outdoor play space: this
varies hugely
from nursery to nurser
y. Think about how
important outdoor pla
y is to your child, and
decide how much imp
ortance you’re going to
attach to whether the
nursery has a garden
,
how big it is, and how
many activities take
place in it
Wifi: do you have worrie
s about wifi and its
potential impact on you
ng children? If so,
make sure you ask abo
ut whether there’s
a wifi network at the nur
sery, and how
extensive it is. See ww
w.familiesonline.
co.uk/radiation
What are their targets in reading, writing and maths?
Can they concentrate and focus on their work?
Are they good at organising themselves?
Do they participate well in class?
How do they relate to others?
Does the teacher have any particular concerns?
Is there anything I can do at home to help?
On the other hand if all is plain sailing and your child is doing well, you
can ask the teacher about their new targets in maths or English, so that
you know where they are aiming to be and can help them get there.
There is no problem with taking notes as you go along, and if there is
anything you need to follow up, check with the teacher about how you
should do that. If you need to, you can ask for an extended meeting
outside the usual cycle of parent teacher meetings.
Depending on your child, you will almost certainly have particular
questions you want to ask, but some sample questions can help your
thought process:
When you go home your child will inevitably be curious about what their
teacher has said. Give them all the positive feedback you have had from
the teacher – they will love to hear it.
•
•
•
Whatever level they are working at, be open and enthusiastic about the
goals set for them and talk about how you can help your child achieve
them.
Is my child working to the best of his/her ability?
What are they good at and most enjoy?
Are there any areas they find difficult?
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
9
Clubs & Classes
ART & CRAFT
SWIMMING
Torridgeside Swimming
Club
Torrington
07791 964544
www.torridgesideswimming.
co.uk
Ilfracombe Swimming Club
Ilfracombe
01271 855546
www.
ilfracombeswimmingclub.
org.uk
Splash Swim School North
Devon
Berrynarbour, Kentisbury,
Bideford
01271 325181
www.splashswimschoolnd.
co.uk
Aquarius Swimschool
West Buckland
01271 329750
www.aquariusswimschool.
co.uk
Academy of Swimming and
Training
Barnstaple, Ilfracombe,
South Molton
01598 760562
www.astswimschool.co.uk
Barnstaple Swimming Club
Barnstaple
01271 343861
www.
barnstapleswimmingclub.
co.uk
Bebe Swimming
Barnstaple, Exeter
0870 034 5627
www.bebeswimming.co.uk
Splash Swim School
Exeter
01392 833075
www.splashswim.co.uk
Turtle Tots
Exeter and East Devon
07947 319955
www.turtletots.com
Water Babies
Exeter
01392 367860
Woolsery Tennis Club
Bideford
01409 241620
www.northdevontennis.com
S.A. Tennis
Exeter
07835 041719
www.satennis.co.uk
Exeter Tennis Centre
01392 723699
www.exeter.ac.uk/sport/
exetertenniscentre
Seize the Moment
Northam
07773 679559
www.seize-the-moment.net
The Creation Station
Crediton, Exeter, Exmouth
0845 873 4742
DRAMA
www.thecreationstation.co.uk Plough Youth Theatre
Torrington
FOOTBALL
01805 624624
Little Kickers
www.theploughartscentre.
Exeter
org.uk
01392 668281
Drama Play
www.littlekickers.co.uk
Exeter
Chivenor Soccer
01392 679197
Chivenor
www.dramaplay.co.uk
01271 817337
Stagecoach
leebarrow554@btinternet.
Exeter
com
0800 389 3712
Ben’s Pre-School Football www.stagecoach.co.uk/
Ilfracombe, Bideford,
exeter
Barnstaple
Stagecoach
07792 388891
Barnstaple
bens-footballcoaching@
0800 783 1390
hotmail.co.uk
www.stagecoach.co.uk/
Arsenal Soccer Schools
barnstaple
Braunton, Barnstaple, Exeter Razzamatazz Theatre
07810 867354
Schools
www.playthearsenalway.com Exeter
Exeter City Football Club
01884 243325
Exeter
www.razzamataz.co.uk
01392 255611
Pyjama Drama
www.exetercityfitctrust.org.uk Exeter
0844 504 2550
SURF LIFESAVING
www.pyjamadrama.com
North Devon Lifesaving
Just 4 Funk Productions
Club
Exeter
Ilfracombe
07716 002309
01271 864123
www.just4funkproductions.
ann.nurse@hotmail.com
com
Croyde Surf Lifesaving
Playback Youth Theatre
Club
Exeter
Croyde
01363 773337
01271 890101
www.playbackyouththeatre.
www.
org
croydesurflifesavingclub.
Stage by Stage
co.uk
Exeter
01392 211244
TENNIS
www.stagebystage.co.uk
Ilfracombe Tennis Club
Ilfracombe
SPORTS COACHING
07879 882877
Enjoy-a-Ball
Tarka Tennis Centre
Bideford, Woolsery,
Barnstaple
Torrington, Westward Ho!
01271 377701
07791 382443
www.tarkatennis.net
www.enjoy-a-ball.com
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Rugbytots
Exeter, East Devon
0845 313 3248
Streetz Dance Crew
Barnstaple, Torrington,
Bideford
07854 975823
YOGA
www.streetzdancecrew.com
Tatty Bumpkin
Project Dance
Exeter
Barnstaple, Appledore
0845 680 5208
01271 346384
www.exeter.tattybumpkin.
www.projectdance.co.uk
com
K Mitchell Dance
Crediton
SENSORY
01392 276 526
Baby Sensory
www.kmitchelldance.co.uk
Barnstaple, Exeter
Sarah Anne Westcott
07775 734285
Dance
www.babysensory.com
Bideford, Torrington,
Barnstaple
TRAMPOLINING
01237 471954
Bideford Bouncers
www.
www.bidefordbouncers.com sarahannewestcottdanceand
performingartsstudios.co.uk
MUSIC
© Samuel Borges -
www.waterbabies.co.uk
Exeter City Swimming Club
Exeter
01392 432254
www.exeterswimming.info
DANCE
Neat Feet Dance Academy
Barnstaple
01271 850704
www.
dancingschoolbarnstaple.
co.uk
Dancing Feet Academy of
Dance
Braunton
01271 816213
www.dancingfeetacademy.
co.uk
Baby Ballet
Exeter
01392 279286
www.babyballet.co.uk
Vibes Dance Company
Exeter
01395 239117
www.vibesdancecompany.
co.uk
Exeter Academy of Dance
01392 824453
www.
exeteracademyofdance.
co.uk
Joanna Mardon School of
Dance
Exeter
01404 823980
www.joannamardon
schoolofdance.co.uk
June Bealey School of
Dance
Exeter
01392 274493
www.
junebealeyschoolofdancing.
co.uk
Charles Academy of Dance
Crediton
07920 180707
www.
charlesacademyofdance.
co.uk
Destination Dance
North Devon
07792330354
www.destination-dance.
co.uk
Music Makers
Bideford
01237 474078
stmaryshouse@bidefordstmarys.co.uk
Noisy Nippers
Braunton
07776 261541
www.noisynippers.co.uk
Jiggy Wrigglers
Barnstaple, Bideford,
Chivenor
07870 628681
www.jiggywrigglers.com
Bumbles Musical Workshop
Barnstaple, Bideford
01271 325181
www.bumblesmusicgroup.
co.uk
Monkey Music
Exeter
0845 017 8766
www.monkeymusic.co.uk
Kathy’s House
Exeter
01392 679674
www.kathyshouse.co.uk
Sing and Sign
Exeter
01404 548829
www.singandsign.co.uk
When
you book,
don’t forge
t to
say you saw
it
in Families
01271 326783
info@westernkaratewadoryukai.co.uk
North Devon Tae Kwon-Do
Barnstaple, Northam,
Bideford
07855 504315
www.northdevontkd.co.uk
Cheng Ba Gua Zhang
Bideford
07922 018809
www.chengbaguazhang.com
St James Judo Centre
Exeter
01363 774693
www.devonjudocentres.
co.uk
Exeter Keibudo Karate
Exeter
07884 017878
www.keibudokarate.com
Exeter Martial Arts
Exeter
01392 663000
www.exetermartialarts.co.uk
Concept Martial Arts
Exeter
07814 494317
www.conceptmartialarts.
co.uk
Banyu Hatten Aikido
Exeter
www.bhay.org
Black Tiger Kung Fu
Crediton
07973 263049
www.blacktigerkungfu.com
GYMNASTICS
North Devon Gymnastics
Club
Bideford, Barnstaple, Torrington
07765 248461
www.northdevongymnastics.
org.uk
WriggleRhythms
Falcons Gymnastics
Exeter
Academy
07738 237928
Barnstaple
www.wrigglerhythms.co.uk
01271 859191
Musikgarten
www.falconsgymnastics.
Exeter
co.uk
01363 83583
Exeter Gymnastics Club
www.musikgarten.co.uk
Music with Mummy & Jolly Exeter
01392 250381
Babies
www.exetergymclub.co.uk
Exeter
01392 433255
www.musicwithmummy.co.uk LANGUAGES
Bonjour Tonton!
Exeter
MARTIAL ARTS
Western Karate Wado-Ryu 07929 419798
www.thelanguagetortoise.
Kai
Whiddon Valley, Barnstaple com
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
Parenting
Aiming to work flexibly?
Think carefully before you ask your employer.
By Mandy Garner, editor of Workingmums.co.uk
Next year the right to request flexible working will extend to all
employees, but currently it applies to parents and carers. Although
Labour is reported to be looking into plans to make the right
to request a right to have flexible working for parents of young
children, currently employers can turn down a request on any
of eight grounds so it pays to think carefully before you lodge a
request. Below are some tips which might get you the flexibility you
need.
1. Check out what your company’s policy is on flexible working. All
companies are obliged to consider flexible working, but they are not
obliged to agree to every request. However, some companies are more
innovative in their policy on flexible working and may already have
trialled different forms of flexible working from the usual ones of working
different shift patterns or cutting your hours. For instance, they might
offer term-time only working or working from home or annualised hours.
2. Be clear about the hours you want to work and how you want to work
them, for instance, could you do some of your work at home in order
to cut down on travelling time? Look at your childcare options too and
ensure they fit with your working hours. Can you afford to work part time?
Or does working full-time and paying full-time childcare work out to be
uneconomical? Can your partner also go part time so you can split the
childcare or picking up times?
3. Once you know the hours you want to work and how, make a business
plan which emphasises the advantages for both you and the company
of working this way. For example, you could say there are aspects of
your job – research, reading, data input – that could be done better at
home with no other distractions around. Think through the logistics from
both your and your employer’s perspective and prepare a compromise
solution. Give yourself plenty of time for negotiations. It is best, for
instance, to at least open conversations on flexible working before you
go on maternity leave rather than a week before you return, even if your
situation or ideas about working patterns might alter after the birth.
may come in handy or you could propose that you work the new pattern
for a trial period, subject to review. Your employer should reply in writing
within 14 days of the meeting.
7. If you suspect your manager has not followed procedures properly
or has not given due attention to your case, make an appeal to his or
her line manager within 14 days of receipt of their decision. Reasonable
grounds for dismissing requests for flexible working include that it would
have a detrimental effect on other staff or on the company’s ability to
meet customer need, but these need to be fleshed out.
8. If this appeal is not successful, you could lodge a claim with an
employment tribunal on the grounds of sex discrimination, particularly if
the decision forces you to leave your job.
Mandy Garner is editor of Workingmums.co.uk, Jobsite and community
for workingmums. Visit the site to search for flexible jobs, or to find
advice on flexible working or starting your own business.
4. Talk to other people in your company and elsewhere who have
negotiated flexible working and ask them about their experiences and
tips.
5. Put your request in writing to your line manager and sign and date the
letter.
6. Your employer then has 28 days to arrange a meeting with you to
discuss your request. Be calm and business-like in your negotiations.
Don’t lose your calm if they turn you down flat (this is actually proof that
they are not abiding by the legislation as they should at least consider
your case properly and give you reasonable grounds for turning you
down).
Similarly if they do not reply to your request, this goes against the
legislation. Try to pre-empt any concerns they have and suggest ways
that you would address them. This is where a compromise suggestion
Looking for a new
challenge?
The franchise for Families North
Devon & Exeter magazine is for sale!
Create your dream work life balance
If you are a mum—or a dad—looking for
a fun, creative and worthwhile business
opportunity within your local community
then a Families franchise could be for you.
For more information please call
01271 863995 or email
editor@northdevonexeter.co.uk
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
11
Book Reviews
Ed’s Reading Room
Hi kids, parents, grandparents,
teachers – and book lovers
everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my
New Year book selection for you to
enjoy. The books are all available
online and from good bookstores.
Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free
online book and story club for primary
children in homes and schools.
FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS
My Hamster is a Spy by Dave Lowe
(Templar £5.99)
ED SAYS: ‘When Ben Jinks’ house is
burgled his super-brainy hamster decides
they need to do some surveillance – or
at least snooping, like in their favourite
television programme Spy Gang. Ben
soon finds that spying isn’t as cool as
he first thought. But they think that Ben’s
scary teacher meeting the school bully’s
brothers may be a good lead and the
unusual pair hatch a plan to catch the
criminals.
FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS
Layla Queen of Hearts by Glenda Millard
(Phoenix Yard Books £5.99)
ED SAYS: ‘Griffin Silk’s best friend Layla is
like a gift to the Silk family after Griffin’s little
sister Tishkin went out of their lives – and
Layla delights in the time she spends with
them all. For Seniors’ Day at school, Griffin
says Layla can share his grandmother Nell
but, much as she adores Nell, Layla longs
for someone special of her own to invite.
This is when Miss Amelie comes into their
lives and brings something unique to the
children.
‘This is a wonderful tale about the power
of friendship and a small but life changing
miracle. The warm-hearted story is
accompanied by lovely thought-provoking illustrations.’
Stay Where You Are and Then Leave
by John Boyne
(Doubleday £10.99)
‘Will Ben be able to explain that his
hamster is a genius and is able to talk?
This is a very funny story for boys and girls to enjoy reading on their
own or reading together.’
ED SAYS: ‘The hard times and
struggles of the First World War are
seen through the eyes of young Alfie
Summerfield whose father has gone
to fight for his country. As time passes
and with no more letters home, Alfie
thinks his father must be on a secret
mission. He by chance gets a lead as
to where he might be and, troubled
and bewildered, he is determined to
find out what has happened to his
father.
Claude on the Slopes by Alex T Smith
(Hodder £7.99)
ED SAYS: ‘Claude, the most charming
dog you could ever meet, and his best
friend Sir Bobblysock are amazed to see
a blanket of snow covering the street.
They soon realise that they are going
to have an exciting day with a snowball
fight, sledging, building a snowman,
skiing – oh… and causing an avalanche.
‘Curl up in the warmth and be amused
by this super snowy story and laugh
out loud at Claude’s latest hilarious
adventure. This book with its fantastic
illustrations is a delight from start to
finish.’
Catch that Bat! by Adam Frost
(Bloomsbury £4.99)
ED SAYS: ‘Tom and Sophie love living
on a houseboat with their parents
who both work with animals. In their
latest adventure they learn a lot about
nocturnal creatures that prowl and
swoop while most humans are sleeping.
They particularly become involved with
a young bat who is in danger. Will Tom
and Sophie’s moonlight vigil help to
reunite the young bat with its family?
‘This is a fantastic story that gives
detailed information about working with
animals. It is full of zoological facts and
is great fun for boys and girls alike.’
12
‘This moving story is brilliantly written
and will be appreciated not only by older children but also by adults.
It is sure to linger in your heart and mind particularly as WW1 is
commemorated this year.’
The Thunder Omen by Caroline
Lawrence
(Orion £4.99)
ED SAYS: ‘It is the midwinter festival
of Saturnalia. Threptus, the young
apprentice of the soothsayer Floridius,
is enjoying the feasting and fun.
However, along with the celebrations,
pantomimes and general mayhem,
disaster is threatened by the thunder
omen. Will Threptus be able to help
Floridius overcome his latest dilemma?
With Floridius and the sacred chickens,
Threptus’ life in Ostia is always chaotic.
‘This is an exciting mystery full of
historical facts about ancient Rome that
will delight young readers.’
Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of
more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of
several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
Out & About
THEATRE &
SHOWS
LANDMARK THEATRE
Ilfracombe
www.northdevontheatres.org.uk
family fun! Approx running time:
2hours (inc. interval) Minimum age
recommendation: 5
All seats £12.00 (Concessions)
£10.00, NDT members/supporters
£9.00, Young Person £7.00
QUEEN’S THEATRE
Barnstaple
www.northdevontheatres.org.uk
Devon Youth Jazz
Orchestra
Dinosaur Zoo
Wednesday 5th February, 17:00
& Thursday 6 February, 10:30 &
1:30pm
Direct from the West End, Dinosaur
Zoo brings these awesome
prehistoric creatures to the stage
as you’ve never seen them before!
From cute baby dinos to teethgnashing giants, observe and
interact with these extraordinary
life-like dinosaurs in this
imaginative and hilarious live show.
But watch out - not all of these
ravenous reptiles are as tame as
they seem! A tyrannosauric treat
for all ages 3+.
www.dinosaurzoolive.com
Approx running time: 50 minutes
(no interval) followed by a meet &
greet with the dinosaurs.
All seats £12.00, Schools £9.50,
Rows A-C £13.50
Laurel & Hardy
Sunday 16th February, 14:30
Presented by Phoenix Theatre Arts
Laurel & Hardy invented the
modern comedy double-act and
are still as influential today as
ever they were. Affectionately
regarded by millions, they made
over 100 films together and the
iconic moments they created still
live long in the memory. Set in the
‘afterlife’ Tom McGrath’s play takes
an intimate and hilarious journey
through the rise and demise of this
incredible partnership.
Through laughter and tears, the
fat guy and the skinny guy relive
the most important moments in
their careers and introduce the key
players who helped to shape and
influence their lives. Performed
by Lee Pace and Dan James, a
comic double act with a wealth
of pantomime experience behind
them, Laurel & Hardy seamlessly
mixes live action with video
footage to tell the heart-warming
story of a legendary partnership.
A not to be missed half-term
treat featuring a feast of slapstick
Saturday 25th January, 19:00
Following appearances at the
Montreux Jazz Festival and the
Albert Hall, don’t miss the first
public performance in North
Devon by the talented young
players of the county’s award
-winning Jazz orchestra. Under
the inspirational direction of Brian
Moore, DYJO and DYJO2 have an
amazingly sophisticated repertoire
ranging from trad standards to
experimental modern pieces, combining youthful energy with a
professionally tight sound.
The two ensembles bring together
some of the most talented young
musicians from across the
county, building on their training
as classical musicians to bring
out their ability to improvise and
SWING! Some outstanding
soloists have emerged from their
ranks and Devon has received a
special award for its outstanding
commitment to jazz education.
The programme will include classic
jazz tunes such as Body and
Soul and Mood Indigo; big band
numbers from the likes of Count
Basie, Stan Kenton and Buddie
Rich and arrangements of recent
hits such as Copacabana and
Michael Buble’s Feelin’ Good.
For more information visit the
website www.dyjo.org
Approx running time: 2 hours 5
minuted (inc. interval)
Minimum age recommendation: 7
All seats £10.00 NDT members/
supporters £8.00 Under 25s
£5.00 Northern Devon Music
Festival of Rememberance
Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th
February, 18:00
Join learning communities,
schools and settings from across
Northern Devon as they pay their
musical tribute to remembering
The Great War in its centenary
year. Young people will come
together to commemorate the
lives of those who lived, fought
and died in the First World War.
There will be large-scale ensemble
performances, singing, music and
dance, original compositions and
a whole host more, all showcasing
the musical talents of young
What’s On
We have taken every care in preparing the listings in this
magazine but sometimes events are cancelled or times
change, so please double check details before setting out.
people from across the locality.
Approx running time: 1 hour
30 minutes. Minimum age
recommendation: 8
All seats £6.00
North Devon Gang Show
Wednesday 19th - Saturday 22nd
February 19:15
From the moment the curtains
go back, the Gang will have you
rockin’ along to this year’s show.
With songs from popular music
to the musicals, this fast-moving
variety show contains song,
dance, music and laughter for
all the family. Come along, take
in and soak up the Gang Show
atmosphere.
Approx running time: 2hours
20mins (inc. interval)
Minimum age recommendation: 5
Stalls/Dress Circle £9.50 Upper
Circle £8.50
EXETER NORTHCOTT
www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
Earworms
Sunday 19th January & Sunday
16th February 2pm
Live music for all the family
Hosted by Mervyn Bedford
(Musikgarten) Enjoy, discover and
experience music in a familyfriendly atmosphere, featuring
a wide range of musicians and
music. www.earwormsexeter.
blogspot.co.uk
Tickets: £4.50, £3 children over 2
years Age: families with children
aged 0-11. Running Time: 1hr
£2 booking fee.
Pinocchio
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th
January 2pm
Moss Side. 1976. The year of the
Great Heatwave and Pinocchio’s
on the run. In a ramshackle shop
his father Elijah, the toymaker,
waits. Will Pinocchio ever return to
make him proud?
Award-winning director and
choreographer Benji Reid joins
writer Mary Cooper to produce this
fast, funny and magical show for
all the family.
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
Featuring body-popping and
puppetry, music and animation
this is a retelling of Carlo Collodi’s
children’s classic like no other.
www.breakingcycles.co.uk
Tickets: £12. Family Ticket: £27 for
3 + up to 3 more tickets £9 each
Age: 7yrs+ Running Time: 2hrs
All transactions are subject to a £2
booking fee.
Splosh!
Sunday 16th February 10:30am
Part of the family fun day.
Pull up a bath mat and join Little
Lost Duck, Syd the Sponge and
the rest of the Bathtub Gang
for the bubbliest birthday party
anyone has ever thrown, ever! It’s
Mr Bath’s birthday and you are
invited to his Splishy, Splashy,
Sploshy party. But first, his friends
are treating him to a very special
bath of his own to make him look
spick and span and as shiny as
a rainbow fish! This enchanting
production for very young children
uses dance, music and puppetry
to help children and families
explore communicative play at
bath time.
www.sixthsensetyp.co.uk/sploshnational-tour
Tickets: £5, Family Ticket: £12 for 3
+ up to 3 more tickets £4 each
Age: children aged 2-5 years and
their families. Running Time: 30
mins, plus 10 mins playtime
All transactions are subject to a £2
booking fee.
WESTPOINT ARENA
Exeter
www.westpointarena.com
Robin Cousins Ice
Wednesday 19th - Sunday 23rd
February
Brand new sensational skating
show ICE comes to Westpoint
Arena on 19 February for five days
only during half term!
Olympic champion and head
judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice,
Robin Cousins has hand-picked
the greatest ice skaters from
around the globe to bring his
incredible new production to life.
Dynamic and atmospheric, Robin
Cousins’ ICE will draw you into its
unique world, where internationally
renowned skaters glide, soar, flip
and fly in a truly theatrical setting
ICE features a powerful soundtrack
of original music and reworked
modern classics designed to
delight and enthral.
http://www.hightail.com
To book tickets please phone
08444 99 99 55. Tickets can also
be purchased in person by visiting
the Westpoint office, Clyst St Mary,
Exeter, EX5 1DJ Monday to Friday
between 9am and 12noon.
13
What’s On
Out & About
MUSEUMS
from the museum reception in
person or by phone using a credit
or debit card on 01392 265858. £20
per child
Tickets are also available in person
or by phone using a credit or debit
card on 01392 265858
SPACEX
Exeter, www.spacex.org.uk
Art Club
Exeter, www.exeter.gov.uk/ramm
Little Explorer Classes
Thursday 9,16,23,30 January 6,13
February, 10.30am - 11.30am
Collections inspired art and craft
sessions for under fives with
Creation Station. A chance for
under fives to take a journey of
discovery and make collections
inspired creations. Parents,
grandparents and carers can enjoy
quality time with their little ones in a
friendly, social environment.
Contact Erin Blake in advance:
Tel 0844 824 4534, Mob
07925653942 or email erinblake@
thecreationstation.co.uk.
Entry £5 (siblings £2.50)
Contact Erin Blake in advance:
Tel 0844 824 4534, Mob
07925653942 or email erinblake@
thecreationstation.co.uk
Messy Metamorphosis
Saturday 25th January
Have fun investigating a range of
materials and see how they change
through mixing, melting, squashing
and warming. You’ll make a
fantastic photographic record of
your messy experiments to share
online.
House of Cartons
Saturday 1st February
Build a large tower structure and
decorate it with exciting, contrasting
surfaces.
Children’s Workshops:
Animated Tudors - Trade
Off
Wednesday 19 February to Friday
21 February, 9.30 - 4.00
Creative and stimulating activities
for unaccompanied children aged
8 years and over. Three workshops
exploring Tudor life with animation.
Join in for one day or come to all
three. Explore a variety of animation
techniques and special effects to
tell a story of Elizabethan life and
trade in Exeter.
Book your tickets here online or
© Spacex
RAMM
Saturdays, 11am–1pm,
Ages 6–11, children under 8 must
be accompanied by an adult, £5
or three for £12, includes materials
and refreshments
Exhibition Express
Saturday 8th February
Assemble an exhibition in just two
hours. Turn objects and materials
into impromptu sculptures for
display.
Animation Make & Take
Monday 17 & Tuesday 18
February, 10am-12pm
Ages 6-10, children under 8 must
be accompanied by an adult.
Monday 17 & Tuesday 18
February, 2-4pm
Ages 11-15, £8 for both days,
booking essential
This February half term we are
working with shop and craft studio
Arrietty to offer a two day workshop.
A combination of craft and
animation, you’ll get the chance
to make a handcrafted item in the
Arrietty studio which you’ll use in
an animated film, then take home
to keep.
Family Exploration Day
© Spacex
If you have any events which
you would like included in our
What’s On listings
please email them to us at-
Thursday 20 February, 11am-1pm
& 3-5pm
Ages 5-11, children under 8 must
be accompanied by an adult, free,
booking essential
Join us on a journey of discovery
investigating materials, feel the
weight of stone and the lightness
of silk. Work with your children to
make a collaborative artwork.
Outer Space — Chance
Conversions
Friday 21 February, 11am-4pm
Ages 12-15, £10, booking essential,
DEVON WILDLIFE
TRUST
HALSDON
North Devon,
www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Hideaway at Halsdon
Sunday 16th February, 11am- 3pm
A chance to explore the hidden
wonders at Halsdon! Come
along and find out what makes
its home in the woodlands, along
the riverbanks and out in the
open at this special place. Walks,
talks, family activities plus a few
surprises! Meet at Ashwell car park,
EX19 8RF or grid ref: SS 554 131.
Contact Phone Number: 01409
221823 Contact Email: info@
northerndevonnia.org
DUNSFORD
Moretonhampstead,
www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Dunsford family activity
day
Thursday 20th February, 11am3pm
Half-term woodland wildlife fun with
winter tree ID games, nature quiz
trail and woodland craft activities.
No need to book, just turn up on the
day. Contact Phone Number: 01392
279244 Contact Email: contactus@
devonwildlifetrust.org
editor@familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
© flickr/Chris Moriss
14
equipment included (bring lunch)
A chance to learn or improve
your animation skills. Animate
the deconstruction of a variety
of interesting three dimensional
objects using stop-motion, followed
by their reassembly in new and
unexpected forms.
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
What’s On
© flickr/yrrek
RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR
Torrington, www.rhs.org.uk
Myths and Legends:
Winter Sculpture
Exhibition
Until 23rd February, 10am – 5pm
Rosemoor’s popular Winter
Sculpture Exhibition is on now, this
year with a Myths and Legends
theme. See more than 120 pieces
of sculpture created by 20 of the
UK’s top sculptors, including Simon
Brant, Ama Menec, George Hider
and Ian Marlow.
Lily by Ian MarlowThe sculptures
are arranged throughout the
beautiful Devon garden, and each
piece has been carefully placed to
enlighten, amuse and inspire.
As you explore, don’t miss some of
the garden’s seasonal highlights,
including perfumes from viburnums
and daphnes; beautiful berries; and
surprising colours and textures,
especially from our fine trees.
You can also join a free guided walk
each Wednesday morning (weather
permitting). Walks depart from the
Visitor Centre at 11.30am.
Normal garden admission applies
(RHS members free)
Most sculptures are for sale
Diary note: Calling Tolkien lovers
Dragon by Simon BrantThe ‘Myths
and Legends’ theme is a forerunner
to a major exhibition coming to
Rosemoor in 2014 – Journeys Into
Middle-earth - featuring original art
and paintings from Ted Nasmith, a
leading illustrator for J.R.R.Tolkien.
Enter a magical world with this
family-friendly exhibition of artwork
inspired by Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
The exhibition will include letters
and memorabilia kindly loaned by
the Tolkien family, family trails, and
garden sculptures including the
outside of a Middle-Earth home and
garden.
More information coming soon!
THE BIG SHEEP
Bideford, www.thebigsheep.co.uk
FUNtastic half term Fun
and Frolics at the BIG
Sheep
Saturday 15th – Sunday 23rd
February
During February Half term holidays
the park opens daily from Monday
17th until Friday 21st February
2014.
You don’t have to watch BBC 2’s
Lambing Live to catch sight of a
lamb being born because The BIG
Sheep’s maternity wing during
February half term (Saturday 15th
to Sunday 23rd February) will be
full of resident ewes waiting to
give birth and you may be lucky
enough to witness one of our white
woolly creatures enter the world.
With sixteen million lambs born
in the UK each year this makes
the lambing season the busiest
event in the farming calendar, an
event which can also be a fraught,
and sometimes risky, business
bringing with it a rollercoaster ride
of sleepless nights, complicated
births, orphans and adoptions for
© flickr/Mark A C Photos
ATTRACTIONS
Out & About
the BIG Sheep’s resident midwife,
Kellie Thompson. Last year
many visitors were amazed as
they watched the ewe’s give birth
right before them with Kellie on
duty assisting ewe’s experiencing
difficult births or those giving birth
to twins and triplets. Visitors can
enjoy taking pictures of the mummy
sheep feeding their new born lambs
and nurse Kellie says, “Some adults
and children have never seen a
ewe give birth and it is fantastic
to witness their the sheer look of
wonderment on their faces when a
new lamb is born.”
Younger children can enjoy
Ewetopia, our massive indoor
heated play area, on the selection
of great slides and imaginative soft
play climbing areas, tumble towers,
mazes and obstacles which is
heated during the winter. Parents
can either play with the children or
unwind with a coffee and watch the
children from a safe distance. The
play area is supervised with CCTV
and alarms on the doors, allowing
parents to relax in the knowledge
that their children are safe and
secure. The BIG Sheep Shows, will
as usual, put a smile on everyone’s
face and ALL our visitors will have a
half term day out full of fun, frolics,
love and laughter with all thoughts
of school banished.
Summer 2013 prices will apply
during February Half Term.
NATIONAL TRUST
MORTEHOE
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
working safely. This is a great way
for active families to let off a bit of
steam during the half term!
BUCKLAND ABBEY
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Wassail!
Saturday 18 January 7:00pm
Price: No Additional charges
Come wake up our apples trees
and wish them a bountiful new year
with Lodestone Morris side, food
and plenty of cider on hand.
Half term fun!
Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd
February, 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Free event (normal admission
charges apply)
Crafts, activities and costume!
Come and have fun with us during
February half term.
KNIGHTSHAYES COURT
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Family Fun whatever the
weather
Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd
February 2014, 11:00am to
5:00pm
Price: Child £2
Fancy a gander at golf? A dabble in
croquet? Join us over the February
half term as we aim to get up and
going in the great outdoors. Find
out about the unusual sports linking
to Knightshayes in out trail and take
the chance to give a couple of them
a go. Round everything off with a
locally sourced lunch in our café, as
we do what we can to help you eat
well, move more and live longer.
Family Bash & Burn day
© flickr/choffee
Tuesday 18th February, 11:00am
Bring your kids and join the
Woolacombe rangers at Mortehoe
to clear the bushes which threaten
the grassland flowers. We will then
build a bonfire and use it to toast
marshmallows. We will provide you
with child friendly equipment and
show you how to have fun whilst
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
© flickr/C.K.H.
15
What’s On
Out & About
KILLERTON
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Saturday 18th & 25th January
& 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd February,
9am - 10am
A free 5K family event every
Saturday for runners of all ages
and abilities. It’s not a race but
a timed run organised by local
volunteers.
Register at parkrun.org/Killerton
More Information: Killerton, 01392
881345, killerton@nationaltrust.
org.uk
The Nature of Fashion,
2014 Costume exhibition
© flickr/garryknight
Snowdrops and Cyclamen
Saturday 1st February to
Monday 10th February, 10am 5pm
Come and see the gardens
beginning to wake for spring
with stunning displays of bright
pink cyclamen and drifts of white
snowdrops in the garden and
chapel grounds.
Please ring to see when they’re in
flower as it depends on weather.
More Information: Killerton, 01392
881345, killerton@nationaltrust.
org.uk
Free event (normal admission
charges apply)
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Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales), Company limited by guarantee number 08570737 (England and Wales)
www.familiesnorthdevonexeter.co.uk
Saturday 15th to Monday 24th
February, 11am - 3pm
Discover how beautiful clothes
are created from raw materials
to catwalk fashion at Killerton’s
annual costume exhibition.
See up close how stunning pieces
have been embellished with
stitches, dyes and prints in this
year’s inspiring historic costume
exhibition with a contemporary
twist; with designs from Exeter
College textile students inspired by
the Killerton collection.
More Information: Killerton, 01392
881345, killerton@nationaltrust.
org.uk Booking Not Needed,
Normal Admission Charges Apply,
Suitable for Groups
Free event (normal admission
charges apply)
CASTLE DROGO
© flickr/micurs
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Wild Tribe
Sunday 16th February
Price: Adult £2, Child £4
Join the Wild Tribe at Fingle Bridge
Meadows. Bushcraft activities for
families with children of all ages
from 5-12. Booking Essential
2014
Sunday 19th January, 2:30 pm 3:30 pm
Dust off Christmas at greet 2014.
Help us wake up the trees in our
orchard for our next cider crop in
the Autumn. Bring something along
with you to make a loud noise,
featuring live music.
More Information: Killerton, 01392
881345, killerton@nationaltrust.
org.uk Booking Not Needed,
Normal Admission Charges Apply,
Suitable for Groups. Suitable
clothing for the outdoors in our
orchard. Assistance Dogs only are
welcome. Gates open: 11am Last
admission time: 3pm
Killerton farmers’ and
local produce market
Saturday 15th February, 10:30
am - 2:30 pm
Browse and enjoy the many food
stalls in the visitor car park, selling
fresh and tempting local produce.
More Information: Killerton, 01392
881345, killerton@nationaltrust.org.
uk Booking Not Needed, Dogs on
leads welcome
Killerton parkrun
Wassail
We have taken every care in preparing the listings in this
magazine but sometimes events are cancelled or times
change, so please double check details before setting out.
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