News In Edinburgh
Enjoy the Pencaitland Spring Fayre on Saturday 26th May
Organisers of this year’s Pencaitland Spring Fayre are looking forward to presenting visitors with a frenzy of activities, gory science, fabulous food and big bargains on Saturday 26th May from 1pm to 4pm at Pencaitland Primary School and grounds.
Events will include bouncy castles, an obstacle course, bouncy bungee runs, a sizzling BBQ and an ice cream stall, a raffle and tombola with great prizes, a human fruit machine, a clown, toys, books and home-baking, charity stalls, a science tent, face painting, pony rides, tractors, a fire engine, a countryside ranger, an enjoy-a-ball, sporting challenges and much, much more! With such a full schedule visitors are sure to enjoy all the fun of the fayre in this beautiful East Lothian village setting. Entry for children is free. For more details call 01875 340260
Cycling Scotland presents Give Me Cycle Space!
Give Me Cycle Space is a Cycling Scotland campaign designed to encourage more children to cycle to school. It is a social marketing campaign that aims to create high levels of driver awareness around child cyclists to make the roads around schools more cycle-friendly.
How does the campaign work?
Research shows that although over 30% of children say they want to cycle to school, only around 3% actually do. The main barrier is that parents often don’t allow their children to cycle to school because they are concerned about them cycling on-road. The campaign aims to make parents feel more comfortable about children cycling on-road by creating high levels of awareness amongst drivers about children cycling to school. Drivers are being asked to be considerate of child cyclists and give them plenty of road space when overtaking. The campaign targets drivers by using roadside media such as billboards, bus shelter poster sites and lamp post banners, radio advertising at key school drop-off/pick-up times and will be supported by TV advertising in 2012. For details go to www.cyclingscotland.org
Date for the diary: PLU 2012 – 1st to 3rd June
Parents Like Us is a charitable organisation who provide a 3 day event for the under fives in Edinburgh’s Leigh Links. More than 35,000 visitors are expected to attend PLU 2012 on 1st to 3rd June, where all the activities on offer will have an educational element to them and include activities for the under 10 years. Admission to the event is free; as is 40% of the programme. See www.parentslikeus.co.uk for more information or call 0131 553 2152
Schools Offered New Platform for Enhanced Outdoor Learning
Multi-sensory, experiential and exploratory are the name of the game for the award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre's brand new outdoor education programme, Seaside School.
Using the beautiful beaches of North Berwick, pupils will be encouraged to engage with the natural environment in a multitude of ways, with topics specially tailored and designed to support the Curriculum for Excellence.
Seaside School has been developed by the Scottish Seabird Centre's Education Officer Jenny McAllister, focusing on the benefits of outdoor learning to encourage connections between the real world and the classroom.
There are workshops linked to each area of the Curriculum for Excellence: there is the opportunity to explore technologies in a number of ways including boat building and egg protection challenges; numeracy through map reading and scavenger hunts; social subjects via rock pooling and archaeological digs; plus science through activities such as tides and forces, and bird watching. Expressive arts can be experienced in a range of ways including beach art and animal drama; literacy through storytelling; and health and wellbeing via seashore safety and the John Muir Award. Seaside School is a full day outing, priced at £3.95 per child for East Lothian schools and £4.50 per child for other schools. For more information on Seaside School visit www.seabird.org/education or call 01620 890202
Calling All Scottish Educationalists - Looking for a ‘Break Time’ Abroad!
Those across Scotland’s education sector are being challenged to take up their most demanding but rewarding career move yet as international development charity VSO launches its recruitment campaign for skilled educational professionals to volunteer in some of the world’s poorest countries this year and into 2013. VSO is the world’s leading independent international development charity that works through volunteers helping to tackle global poverty by sharing their professional skills. The charity urgently needs to recruit over 200 primary school teachers, head teachers, deputy head teachers and education managers who can start vital volunteering posts this year and into 2013. For further information about educational volunteering placements, please visit www.vso.org.uk/volunteer.
The Sick Kids Friends Foundation Teddy Toddle and Summer Fair
Join the 20th anniversary celebrations at this year’s Sick Kids Friends Foundation ‘Summer Fair and Teddy Toddle’, on the 16th June at Meadowbank Stadium. Nina from Nina and the Neurons, May from Big City Park and other Cbeebie favourites will be there to start the Toddle and to meet you all! Also, Edinburgh Zoo’s official Panda mascots, Tian Tian and Yan Guang, will be paying a visit. This is a fantastic day out for all the family with stalls, food, fairground rides, bouncy castles, crafts, face painting, dancing, storytelling, entertainment and lots, lots more! Look out for Storm troopers and Spiderman scaling the stadium and lots of other surprise characters! The Teddy Toddle is £5 to enter, begins at 2pm and each toddler receives a fun goodie bag provided by Gumbado Ltd. To help celebrate the 20th Anniversary this year, The Sick Kids Friends Foundation has a suggested minimum sponsorship of £20 for each toddler entering. Entry forms for the sponsored Teddy Toddle can be downloaded from www.edinburghsickkids.org or email Linda.cameron@luht.scot.nhs.uk or ring 0131 6684949
Walk to School Week – Monday 21st to Friday 25th May
In 2011 over 1 million children in over 4000 schools ditched the school run as part of Walk to School Week and this year organisers expect this pavement pounding event to be even more successful. Walk to School Week will involve a series of fun events and activities aimed to promote the benefits of walking to school. To find out more go to www.walktoschool.org.uk
Museums Unite for 2012 Festival of Museums Cultural Showcase
This May will see the return of Festival of Museums, one of Scotland’s most innovative and exciting programmes designed to ignite imaginations and celebrate Scotland’s wealth of culture. This year’s Festival of Museums will be staged over the weekend 18th to 20th May. The Festival coincides with other Europe-wide celebrations of the many eclectic cultural experiences offered to visitors by museums and galleries including Museums at Night. Last year over 70 museums around Scotland staged daytime or evening events and the Festival organisers, Museums Scotland, are encouraging more museums to get involved in 2012. The Festival of Museums events programme is available to explore online at www.festivalofmuseums.com.
Spring into Summer and Discover the Super Seven!
Did you know that there’s a place where you can:
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See tigers, wolves, Arctic foxes, red deer and the UK’s only resident polar bears?
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Ride on a Scottish steam train through breath-taking countryside?
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Go pony trekking, river tubing, or fishing and swing through the tops of Caledonian pine trees?
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Step back in time to a 1700s Township, buy sweets from an old fashioned shop and check rations books from the 1930’s?
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Let your kids go wild in a Fun House full of excitement?
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Head for the top of one of Scotland’s highest mountains on a funicular railway?
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Ride water slides, rollercoasters, discover tree top adventures all in a forest theme park?
Aviemore and the Cairngorms have got all the above and more! Just 120 miles from Edinburgh, the heart of the Cairngorms National Park is easily reachable for a day visit. Or why not take your time and stay longer? Check in to one of the family friendly hotels, guesthouses, self-catering or camping and caravan sites to make your Cairngorm Adventure a holiday to remember? Head to www.daysoutcairngorms.co.uk/pted for your chance to win a VIP pass for your family to visit all Super Seven attractions!
First Plant-for-the-Planet Academy in Scotland
In March, Davidson’s Mains Primary School hosted the first Plant-for-the-Planet Academy in Scotland. Thirty-seven children from eight local schools learned about the climate crisis and discussed about things they can do against it. As a first deed as “Climate Justice Ambassadors” they planted more than sixty trees, with many more to follow. The children were trained by other children that have done a “Plant-for-the-Planet” Academy before and are therefore part of the global network of Ambassadors for Climate Justice. If you want to learn more about the Plant-for-the-Planet initiative or if you want to host your own academy visit www.plant-for-the-planet.org for more information.
Have a blast with The Bouncy Castle Man
DJ Ash aka The Bouncy Castle Man has been working in the entertainment business since 1976 and during this time he has performed at every type of function imaginable from children's parties to weddings to corporate events. Recently he has started to offer a bouncy disco package which includes a 12ft x 12ft bouncy castle plus a full disco setup with lights, games, competitions and singing! At DJ Ash’s parties, parents are able to sit back and relax whilst watching their children having a blast! DJ Ash aka The Bouncy Castle man also operates a bouncy castle business so if you only want to hire a castle you can. The website shows pictures of every castle with prices and sizes underneath. To find out more go to www.thebouncycastleman.co or call 07513 593073
Be bowled over at the Deer Park Bowling Centre in Livingston
The Deer Park Bowling Centre in Livingston is a 16 lane bowling centre with the capacity to hold 128 bowlers. With plenty of brightly lit lanes, shoes for hire and a range of balls to suit your bowling style there is everything you need to score the perfect strike. Fun packed children’s birthday party packages include bowling, a meal, a soft drink, an ice-cream, a balloon and party bags –all for just £9.25 per child! This offer is available daily until 6pm and is suitable for children aged 4 and over. For details call 01506 446699 or go to www.deer-park.co.uk/services
New programme of music classes at Portobello Music School
Portobello Music School is delighted to announce a new programme of music classes for babies and toddlers with accompanying adults. Young children love music, puppets, bouncing and tickling games, rhymes, singing books, simple instruments and spending time with their carer just having fun. In the baby and toddler classes they combine all of these elements to make varied, fun filled sessions, which introduce all of the basics of music making. These classes are the start of your child's musical journey and progress naturally into a programme of creative music classes at pre-school, P1 and P2 level. From this beginning, group instrumental lessons follow in P3 where children can choose to learn from a variety of instruments including guitar, piano, drums/percussion, strings and woodwind. Children can also study solo singing and join one of the choirs or many music groups which currently includes: woodwind, guitar, string and rock/pop ensembles. Children can join the music school at any age from birth to teens and everything in between. To find out more and/or to enrol visit www.portobellomusicschool.com or call 0131 669 1120
Helping Children to Succeed
Kids NLP Scotland is aimed at children and parents to enrich their well-being by diminishing stress and enable more positive parenting. Karen, owner of Kids NLP Scotland has 25 years experience working with children, parents and professional enhancing communication to help children manage their emotions and anxieties. The workshops and individual sessions help develop the resilience required to succeed in life. For details email Karen@kidsnlpscotland.co.uk or go to www.kidsnlpscotland.co.uk. Also, as an experienced educationalist Karen looks beyond the presenting difficulties to address the underlying issues which are impacting on learning. To see if Kb-Insights interventions would be beneficial to your child, email Karen@Kb-Insights.co.uk or call 07837 930714 or go to www.Kb-Insights.co.uk
Explore Learning Maths and English Tuition centres
Explore Learning is a network of learning centres that provide maths and English tuition to children aged 5-14 of all abilities. The centres are designed to improve knowledge, increase confidence and encourage enjoyment in learning. As members, children work with tutors who are great role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. All of the work is mapped to the National Curriculum, so whether your child needs a bit of a boost in their schoolwork, or would love an extra challenge, Explore can create a course that is perfect for them! Visit the website to find your nearest centre, or to request a call back from an experienced tutors: www.explorelearning.co.uk/free_trial
Learn to Learn with the Raviv Method and Fast ForWord®
Raviv Scotland offers specialist help to enable children to unlock their potential. They offer help to overcome difficulties with reading, writing, maths, concentration and co-ordination. It is so rewarding to see a child make positive progress – here, 10 year old Lewis’ dad comments on his son’s achievements: "We were delighted with Lewis' overall development as a result of following the Raviv programme. His reading and writing abilities have improved significantly. His confidence has been boosted greatly." Raviv Scotland can also work with a child who needs help overcome the root cause of learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, ADD/ADHD, Auditory Processing Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome by offering effective interventions. For your free consultation call Karen now on 07711 623 605 or go to www.learningdifficulties-raviv.co.uk
Work that fits around the family
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to join the team of Independent Phoenix Traders, Julia Grindley, a local trader, explains the plus points to this success business - “I love selling gorgeous greeting cards and stationery with Phoenix. Being a Trader is totally flexible and fits beautifully around family life. As well as extra income, it gives me something to focus on that doesn’t involve packed lunches and homework! I have made new friends amongst my team and my customers, as well as earning a useful part-time income. With low start-up costs and free ongoing support, Phoenix offers a fantastic opportunity.” To find out more call Julia on 0131 449 6331 or email Julia.cards@blueyonder.co.uk or go to www.JuliaCards.com.
Flexible childcare tailored to your requirements
Haddington Childminding Group offers flexible childcare tailored to your requirements. Children are cared for in a family based environment and are cared for by a qualified professional who has a wealth of experience and knowledge of child development, with additional knowledge in Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene and Child Protection. Children also benefit from indoor and outdoor play opportunities including visits to the library. Haddington Childminding Group use childminders that aid personal child development according to age and stage and will help prepare a child to move onto different settings such as nursery and school. All childminders provide confidential support to the parents and are able and willing to work, confidentially, alongside other health and childcare professionals. They can also care for children with additional support needs. Haddington Childminding Group runs a local mother and toddler group. For further information contact Ruth Moncrieff on 01620 826378
TimeTwisters Starts Laser-Tag Parties
TimeTwisters at Sighthill in Edinburgh has taken delivery of an exciting new Laser-Tag system specially developed for indoor play centres. TimeTwisters is using the Laser Guns as part of their new “Ultimate Laser-Tag Party” which includes an hour of soft play and an hour of Laser-Tag, which takes place after TimeTwisters closes to the general public. Jared Begbie, one of the first boys to enjoy one of the Ultimate Laser-Tag Parties said “It was awesome! It’s the best birthday party I’ve ever had, and it’s the best birthday party I’ve ever been to”. “Initial feedback from both the parents and children taking part has been excellent” said Andy Hixon, Managing Director of TimeTwisters, “we think this party package will prove very popular!” To find out more about TimeTwisters call 07737 843436 or go to www.timetwisters.co.uk
Reliable and talented care providers for families in Edinburgh
The Care Necessities run by childcare professionals Lexi Duncan and Sarah Currie is a boutique childcare agency that is passionate about families, education and fun. Offering more than simply 'sitting,' they supply experienced, reliable and talented care providers to families with children of all ages. The Care Necessities is the first agency in Scotland to offer comprehensive educational services such as qualification specific tutoring and extra-curricular services alongside expert care provision. For your added peace of mind, they ensure all multi-skilled long and short term nannies, babysitters and tutors are disclosure checked. The Care Necessities strive to provide reputable, high quality care services at an affordable cost. Comprehensive tutoring services include maths, Spanish, German, French, drama, computer and IT, art, cooking and baking, sport coaching and music - piano, viola, violin, guitar and singing lessons. For details about The Care Necessities call 07754 406883 or go to www.thecarenecessities.co.uk
Scotland’s Primary School Children get a mouthful of BBC Bitesize
For the first time in Scotland, primary school children are getting a mouthful of BBC Bitesize to assist their learning with the launch of two brand new websites. Pupils between Primary 1 and 7 will now have access to a colourful new range of fun and engaging online activities for use as a study support. At Bitesize Scottish 1st Level, school children between primary 1 and 4 can join friendly and colourful characters Max, Molly and Pablo, who get into all kinds of adventures, while learning all kinds of things along the way. At Bitesize Scottish 2nd Level, aimed at children from primary 4 to primary 7, there is a range of action packed activities based on well-loved CBBC programmes. All activities can be found at bbc.co.uk/bitesize
