The Impact of VAT changes on the Continuity of Education Allowance

In the Budget speech The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that the government will remove the VAT exemption for private schools from 1 January 2025.  

For families claiming the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) this is likely to increase private school fees.  

To minimise the impact of this change, the Secretary of State has directed that the CEA rate cap will be uprated, to ensure it continues to pay up to 90% of school fees for eligible claimants.

Christmas events for this weekend

We are nearly at the opening day for all the Christmas markets in Germany or Weihnachtsmarkt. If the wait is proving too long for you. Have no fear there are plenty of Winterzauber or winter magic events to join this weekend. 

Here is the map for all this weeks locations and the link if you are on a MODNet device.

Drive times:

• Gut Kump             56 mins 
• Osnabruck            65 mins 
• Kassel                   83 mins 
• Essen                      97 mins
• Wuppertal             104 mins 
• Ulm                       306 mins 

What's On:
14th -17th Nov Gut Kump offers a traditional craft market in the garden grounds of the house 14.00€ pp.





13th Nov -21st Dec Osnabruck Winterzauber - A min market with food, drink and live entertainment. A weather proof roof has been errected to help keep visitors dry. Christmas singing, karaoke , childrens events and more have been arranged. You can reserve a table on the website for 10€.


14th - 16th Nov - Winterzauber Kassel - Sample an atmospheric Christmas craft market. performer help to keep the Christmas atmosphere 10€ pp.




15th Nov - 23rd Dec - Essen International Christmas MarketExperience magical and glamorous Christmas moments at one of the most beautiful markets in this country.





15th Nov - 19th Dec - Wuppertal Winterzauber
You can book a table in the Specially built Alpine Hut restaurant. then enjoy the ice rink and curling lanes. Check out prices and times on the website.






31st Oct - 5th Jan - Ulm The Party Village near Stuttgart is once again in business. In the style of a Christmas hut village, you will find rustic alpine huts, a ski bar and igloo bubbles on a total area of ​​2,500 square meters - located in the magical atmosphere of a winter forest. Each alpine hut has its own offer and therefore its own individual atmosphere.

What's On

Here is your handy calendar for what's on in our area and all of Germany.

We keep this page updated so make sure to bookmark the URL and check the details each week.

31st Jul - Dec 2024 - Wildcat feeding sessions - NABU Wildcat centre Harz mountains


The wildcat enclosure in Bad Harzburg offers visitors a unique insight into the life of the shy animals. During feeding times, all wildcats are likely to be seen.

Every Wednesday at 4pm - Games Zone at Paderborn City Library - Young people can take part in gaming events.

14th - 16th Nov Winterzauber Kassel - Two weekends this year to enjoy the Winterzauber. 

15th Nov Essen International Christmas Market

Stroll through the park and the Orangierie to enjoy this early Christmas treat which guarantees to bring all the Christmas feels, tickets Euro 12pp. Kassel is a 1hr 10mins drive from Sennelager.

22nd Nov - 23rd Dec - Weihnachctsmarkt Paderborn

30th Nov Winterberg ISBF Europa Cup Skeleton 2024 - Watch some of the fastest and bravest athletes in the world speed down the Veltins Eis Arena track.

8th Dec Wheinachtszauber Schloss Neuhaus

11th Dec - 8th Jan - Paderborn Christmas Circus the ever popular circus is back in 2024 with more shows added this year to cope with the demand. Two performances daily. Book tickets online early to avoid disappointment

26th - 31st Dec - Urbantix - Essen - The massive celebration Of BMX, street dance and performance comes to Essen. tickets for each day are on sale now.