ABC Kent winter 2014

The local information magazine for parents in Kent

• From babies to big kids •

Winter issue

November 2014 - March 2015 www.abcmag.co.uk

Packed full of essential information • places to go • things to do • ideas for you •

WiN WiN WiN competitions WiN WiN WiN prizes galore WiN WiN WiN

TM

Don’t have your party at home this winter, book a fun kids party with us.

NO MESS!! NO STRESS!! The kids will LOVE it.

Alternatively have the playcentre to yourself, book a Private hire event 6:30-8:30 pm.

Open 7 days a week 9:30-6pm. Closed Christmas day, Boxing day & New years day.

UNITS 2/3 BAYHAM ROAD. BELLS YEW GREEN. FRANT. TUNBRIDGE WELLS. TN3 9BJ.

01892 752042 WWW.MINORMANIA.CO.UK terms and conditions apply

The local information magazine for Kent parents with young children - from babies to big kids!

THE ABC KENT TEAM Editor Wiebeke Vuursteen Advertising Sales Katie Williams Katie Malkinson Editorial Assistant Claire Madden Social Media Manager Karen Bryant Website BarkWeb Ltd ABC Magazine Kent is operated under franchise and independently owned by Family Publications Ltd PO Box 2780 Brighton BN1 5QR Tel/fax: 01732 885679 kent@abcmag.co.uk Separate editions of ABC Magazine are produced in: Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire.

For further details please see www.abcmag.co.uk or email: sussex@abcmag.co.uk surrey@abcmag.co.uk kent@abcmag.co.uk hampshire@abcmag.co.uk

I love this time of year: the crisp mornings with the low sun seeping through the trees, fireworks lighting up the night sky, preparing for the Christmas festivities. It's time to curl up on the sofa with a nice hot drink and the brand new glossy issue of ABC Magazine Kent to catch up on the latest news and tips, as well as finding out what is going on in Kent this winter.

As it gets colder outside, it's time to wrap up warm and get out in the fresh air! Take a look at our Diary of Events starting on page 40 to find out all the fun events Kent has to offer this winter.

Make sure you book tickets for a Christmas panto or show, there are lots on offer at the local theatres. Have a look at our special Christmas section, starting on page 33.

Our education section is full of interesting articles ranging from the new National Curriculum to why parents choose the independent school system for their children. There are numerous activities advertised for your children to keep fit during the winter. Get them outside; in rain, snow or wind - kids love the excitement. Just wrap them up warm. We also have tips for your home and garden, don't neglect them in the winter.

Also we will be making new resolutions for 2015 - make sure they are reasonable and achievable!

To be health conscious, drink enough water and have fresh air on a daily basis is a good start! And be happy - a smile on your face a day will give you energy.

Remember, ABC is designed for parents by parents, so we are always delighted to hear from you.

You can also 'friend' us on Facebook or 'tweet' us on Twitter. Don't forget we are also online; have a look at www.abcmag.co.uk.

Last but not least, I would love to meet potential sales people for ABC Magazine Kent. Currently we have a strong team but are expanding rapidly and need more enthusiastic mums out there to join our team. See page 12 for more information.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2015!

Your child could be the next Cover Star!

See page 20 for details.

★

★

Meet our gorgeous cover star Toby (7) from Hildenborough.

Photograph by Thomas Richards Photography 07877 734 645

www.thomasrichardsphotography.com

★

See advert on page 19

★

The opinions expressed within ABC Magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Cover Star

★

No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express permission of the editor.

Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information within the magazine is correct at time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

★ ★ ★

Wiebeke Vuursteen Editor

★

kent@abcmag.co.uk www.abcmag.co.uk

Welcome to the winter issue of ABC Magazine Kent!

★

01732 885679

ABC is a combination of many people's efforts and contributions so a huge thank you to you all.

Special thanks to my son, who has helped with input for this issue, and to my daughter for her amazing patience and understanding!

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

1

Inside this issue...

Free and festive!

• An after-dark walk in your nearest town to see the Christmas lights • A carol service • Print out Christmas activities and colouring pages from the internet (try With ever rising petrol and www.activityvillage.co.uk/christmas) costs, the launch •motoring Follow Santa as he delivers of the new carpooling.co.uk presents at www.noradsanta.org •iPhone Watch aapp Christmas lm with couldfamily not fihave hot chocolate marshmallows been more and timely.

Motorists • Most department stores will have and passengers can use the lovely window displays this time of simple toshopping use app year.

Do aand little easy window with to fi nd someone suitable your family!

Carpooling

Education

Whether you have a baby, toddler or a ‘big school’ child, there’s something to interest you and add to your child’s learning potential.

47 Educational benefit of apps 50 Teaching fundamental skills 52 A good pencil grip 53 Why independent education?

57 Silencing the mother tongue 59 Hiring a safe private tutor 61 Fit for life

Secure flat screens

large flat panel TVs in the world with more than one per household.

With four Get ready for child deaths in Christmas the UK in the last twelve months as a result of falling TVs and The last recommended posting dates over 9,000 accidents last from the Post Office are: yearDecember it is advisable to safely 18th for 2nd class secure fl at panel TVs. 20th December for 1st class The Peerless AV – Stabilis screen For overseas take a look at safety kit deliveries costs £24.99 www.royalmail.com/greetings from John Lewis, Argos and Kiddicare.com

2

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

With ideas for helping families to get the most out of life, there are interesting articles for everyone.

45 Helping your toddler to learn

to carpool with reducing 63 Embracing mobile technology motoring or traveling 64 Changes to National Curriculum costs festive by up to facts 75%. The Fun 65 Empowering our young women app allows access to the 650,000 carpools available • In 2013 the average spend on in the www.carpooling.co.uk a Christmas present was £28.70 network to and includes the new (according a survey

by Travelodge) andfamilies online •booking 76% of UK willpayment serve a roast turkey on Christmas Day system providing added •transparency On average, British women do not and reliability attempt their first Christmas lunch in arranging carpools. until the age of thirty-four (Source: Food Network) • Henry VIII was the first English king to enjoy turkey There are now estimated to • Six million rolls of Sellotape are sold betheover 30to million flat panel in run-up the big day in you theget UK, with •TVs In case asked it inroughly a Christmas quiz; the names of half sitting on a piece Santa’s of reindeer are Dasher, Dancer, furniture.

The UK nowPrancer, has Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and the highest penetration of Blitzen

Lifestyle

6

Becoming a single parent

13 What makes a relationship work?

19 Photo fun 23 Fond memories of toys 38 Festive safety 39 Safe surfing 67 Is a Will enough?

71 Putting your family in safe hands 72 Free range option to childcare 73 Babysitting solutions

Health & well-being

Your health, and the health of your children, is of vital importance. Take good care of the family with the advice and help of our experts.

Activities

For children of all ages, structured activities form an important part of their learning and social development.

5

Benefits of performing arts

8

I got music, I got rhythm

10 Keeping sport fun 11 Swimming is essential 12 Indoor and outdoor fitness

17 Hypnobirthing 18 Aboard the type 1 rollercoaster 28 Make it a healthy year 37 Eat, drink and be healthy

Homes & gardens

How to get the very best from your house and garden, with helpful advice and ideas for all over your family home.

75 Christmas pet survival guide 76 Save money 77 Enjoy your garden in winter too

Back to work

Returning to work after having a baby or when the children start school can be a tricky time - get inspiration here.

68 Social media for your business 69 Steps to working again

Out & about

See our digital version online at www.abcmag.co.uk Like us on Facebook and tweet with us!

For ideas about things to do and discover and places to go across Kent, look no further...

30 Skiing as a family 40 Diary of events 42 Days out for free

Numbers that count

If you need to know a number in a hurry - hospitals, helplines, libraries, pools, museums and other useful contact numbers - we've got it covered!

1

Contact us

4

Leisure directory of what is where

4

Helplines and useful numbers

40 Tourist and leisure information 79 Page by page directory

Are you outgoing? Like talking to people? Do you have a landline?

Do you want to work flexible hours? Say about fifteen a week?

We are looking for more sales people to join ABC Magazine Kent.

Call us to have a chat on 01732 885679

✷ ✷ ✷ ✷ ✷ ✷ ✷✷ ✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ ✷ ✷ ✷ ✷ fab prizes with Win fab prizes Win with Curl up this winter with this Something for everyone! Once again, ABC has brought you a whole heap of competitions, with masses of fabulous prizes for you to win...

16

Active Vitamin Treatment

20

ABC Coverstar

22

Paint and Pencil Book

26

Laura Ashley throw

collection from Walker Books43

Disney Eiffel Tower

54

Stabilo stationery kit

66

Walker books

72

Let's play a game

Good luck!

Discover the best new picture books with Walker Books’ Picture Book Party, perfect for sharing the love of reading and storytelling with your little ones. From zebras and chimpanzees, to ice cream and dancing, this fantastic selection of picture books has something for everyone.

ABC competition rules: The act of entering any competition will be taken as acceptance of these rules. The closing date for all competitions running in this Visit www.picturebookparty.co.uk for will thebelatest Walker issue is Friday 13th February 2015 unless stated otherwise on the competition. Only email entries accepted for allpicture ABC competitions. Please visit books, activities and more. www.abcmag.co.uk/competition to enter. Only one entry per person per competition is permitted. Unless otherwise stated the winner(s) will be randomly selected.

Incomplete entries will not be accepted. No cash alternative to any prize is offered. All winners will be notified by email and their prize will be sent to them.

We’ve teamed up with Walker Books to offer 3 lucky ABC The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Unless stated otherwise on the competition, each entry should be clearly marked with readers the chance to each win a fabulous Picture Book the competition name, together with your name, postalParty address, emailbag, address and telephone goody which includesnumber. a copy of Vanilla Ice

All ABC competitions are

Cream by Bob Graham, Daisy Saves the Day by Shirley to be entered online: Hughes, The Zebra Who Ran Too Fast

by Jenni Desmond, If you enter any competition in ABC Magazine, your details may be passed on to the competition supplier. please go to Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance by Birgitta If you do not wish your details to be used further please state this clearly on each entry.

Sif and Willy the Wimp by Anthony Browne, plus stickers, www.abcmag.co.uk/competitions posters and activity sheets. For your chance of winning simply tell us what animal Willy the Wimp is?

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

3

%

LEISURE DIRECTORY

THEATRES

Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Beckenham Theatre Centre Churchill Theatre, Bromley Central Theatre, Chatham Kings Theatre, Chatham Orchard Theatre. Dartford Guild Theatre, Gravesend Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone Little Theatre, Medway Oast Theatre, Tonbridge Stag, Sevenoaks Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

MUSEUMS

Ashford Borough Museum Woodchurch Village Life Museum Cranbrook Museum Dartford Borough Museum Eden Valley Museum Kemsing Heritage Centre Museum of Kent Life Otford Heritage Centre Art Gallery Maidstone The Charles Dickens Centre Guildhall Museum The Historic Dockyard Shoreham Aircraft Museum Art Gallery Tunbridge Wells

%

HELPLINES

01892 530613 07905 744991 0844 8717620 01634 338338 01634 403737 01322 220000 07981 792101 01622 758611 01634 400322 01732 350261 01732 450175 01892 678678

01233 631511 01233 860240 01580 712516 01322 224739 01732 868102 01732 761772 01622 763936 01959 522384 01622 602838 01634 844176 01634 332900 01634 823800 01959 524416 01892 554171

0845 7010203 0500 618 140

Brainwave

01278 429089

Child Benefit Enquiries Child Death Helpline Childline Compassionate Friends

0845 3021444 0800 282986 0800 1111 0845 1232304

Cot Death Helpline Cry-sis

0800 282 986 0845 122 8669

Dentaline (Emergency) Department for Education Disabled Parents Network Domestic Violence Helpline Eczema Society Families need Fathers FamilyLine Fatherhood Institute Gingerbread Helpline Kent Children's Information Kidscape

01634 890300 0870 0002288 0870 2410450 0808 2000247 0800 089 1122 0300 0300 363 0808 800 5678 0845 6341328 0808 8020925 0800 0323230 020 77303300

La Leche League

0845 1202918

Marriage Care Helpline MENCAP Meningitis Helpline Meningitis Trust Migraine Trust Mind

0845 6606000 0808 8081111 0808 8010 388 0800 028 1828 020 7462 6601 0845 766 0163

National Childbirth Trust NCT - Breastfeeding Line NHS Direct Helpline

0300 330 0700 0300 330 0771 0845 46 47

National charity for parents with sick and premature babies

Therapy programme for children with developmental delay

Support for families with sleepless, crying babies

Advice and information about child safety, including bullying.

Specialising in providing breastfeeding information

Advice on better mental health

4

Angel Centre, Tonbridge Beckenham Spa Bromley Leisure Centre Cascades Leisure Centre Chatham Leisure Centre Crook Lodge Leisure Centre Cygnet Leisure Centre Darrick Wood Pool Darwin Sports Centre David Lloyd, Kings Hill Edenbridge Leisure Centre Erith Leisure Centre Esporta, Tunbridge Wells Fairfield Leisure Centre Hilden Park Health Club Lamorbey Swimming Centre Langley Park Sports Centre Larkfield Leisure Centre Maidstone Leisure Centre Medway Park Nizels Priory Sports Centre Putlands Sports & Leisure Risebridge Health Club Rochester Swimming Pool Sevenoaks Leisure Centre Splashes Leisure Centre Strand Leisure Pool & Park Stirling Centre

01732 359966 020 8650 0233 020 8313 9911 01474 337471 01634 682862 020 8304 9090 01474 337484 01689 857021 01959 540606 01732 222350 01732 865665 01322 350271 01892 774000 01322 224400 01732 833607 020 8302 0556 020 8663 1906 01622 719345 0845 1552277 01634 336655 01732 833833 01689 897793 01892 838290 01580 211775 01634 251588 01732 470700 01634 333977 01634 852907 01634 818422

Strood Sports Centre 01634 723888 White Oak Leisure Centre 01322 662188 Wildernesse Sports Centre 01732 451437 Tenterden Leisure Centre 01580 765987 Tonbridge Swimming Pool 01732 367449 Tunbridge Wells Sport Centre 01892 540744 Walnuts Leisure Centre 01689 870533 Weald Sports Centre 01580 710720 West Wickham Leisure Ct 020 8777 5686

CINEMAS

Bluewater Showcase Cineworld Empire Odeon Stag Cinema Vue Cinema

ABC Magazine - Kent

National Meningitis Trust 0808 80 10 388 NSPCC 0800 800500 Ofsted 0300 123 1231 Post-natal Depression Helpline 020 7386 0868 Parentline - Early Years 0808 8002222 Pre-school Learning Alliance 01732 363070 Relateline 0300 100 1234 Samaritans 08457 909090 Winston's Wish Helpline 0845 2030405 Helping bereaved children & young people to rebuild their lives

HOSPITALS

Beckenham Hospital Orpington Hospital Princess Royal Hospital Darent Valley Hospital Edenbridge Hospital Gravesend Hospital Maidstone Hospital Tunbridge Wells Hospital Medway Maritime Hospital Sevenoaks Hospital St Bartholomews Hospital Tonbridge Cottage Hospital William Harvey Hospital

TRAVEL

Arriva Kent Bus Company Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport Kent International Airport National Express National Rail Enquiries National Traveline SeaFrance Dover Calais

01689 863000 01689 863000 01689 863000 01322 428100 01732 862137 01474 360500 01622 729000 01892 823535 01634 830000 01732 470200 01634 810900 01732 353653 01233 633331

0844 800 4411 0844 892 0322 0844 335 1801 01843 825063 08717 818178 0845 7484950 0871 2002233 0870 5240241

0871 2201000 0871 2002000 0871 4714714 0871 2244007 01732 450175 08712 240 240

MAIN LIBRARIES Bromley central library Chatham library Kent libraries London Borough of Bexley

NUMBERS THAT COUNT

Asthma UK Adviceline BLISS

For bereaved parents and their families

SPORT & LEISURE

%

020 8460 9955 01634 337799 0300 333 6022 020 8303 7777

%

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUX Ashford Bromley Sevenoaks Tonbridge Tunbridge Wells

01233 626185 020 8315 1940 01732 454443 01732 350099 01892 533 880

RIGHTS & BENEFITS Disability Benefits Inland Revenue Jobcentre Plus Tax Credits Working Tax Credits

08457 123 456 0845 300 0627 0845 6060234 0345 300 3900 0845 3003900

EDUCATION

Admission to primary and secondary school www.kent.gov.uk Kent Independent Education Advice www.kentadvice.co.uk Kent Adult Education 0845 606 5606

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Crimestoppers EDF Energy Environment (emergencies) Floodline Kent police Southern water emergencies Transco (gas emergency)

0800 555111 0800 7838866 0800 807060 0845 9881188 101 0800 820999 0800 111999

Benefits of performing arts for children

by Kayleigh Little Hakimi Kayleigh Little Academy of Performing Arts

W

hat are the benefits of performing art schools for children? What do kids achieve by performing on stage? What can drama, music and dance do for your child?

A successful performing arts teacher will tell you that any good music, drama or dance programme is not about turning little girls into divas.

Performing arts is an important part of a child’s education and the skills learned and experience gained in taking drama classes, having singing lessons or joining a dance school will affect and improve a child’s abilities in many areas of their life. Children who attend weekly classes at a performing arts school or a dance/drama club are:

Developing confidence Strategies to help you get up in front of an audience to perform or present an idea are valuable at any age, personally and professionally.

Developing creativity Imaginative play stimulates and challenges the brain and allows children to be innovative and open minded.

Promoting self-discipline and self-motivation All performing arts subjects are physical and individual, and taking examinations or

progressing through a syllabus is extremely rewarding. If a child is taking a dance examination, you would be asked by your teacher to practise at home. Achievements are gained by practice.

Exposed to art and culture The impact of a sophisticated cultural and artistic education adds enjoyment, depth and meaning to both personal lives and professional work as adults.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have the opportunity.

Overcoming anxieties The triumph of walking onto a stage, performing a rehearsed piece successfully, and receiving applause is one of the most rewarding achievements. It gives children a sense of control and power and will encourage them to aim higher, overcoming obstacles and achieving greater goals in the future.

skill to have as a child and adult, and is fun to develop through performing arts.

Other areas and skills that are developed through performing arts include improving language and musical skills, problem solving plus social interaction and cooperation.

Most dance schools, clubs and performing arts schools will follow a syllabus or curriculum. It is important for children to follow a syllabus which is designed for their age and abilities, and progressing through grades is a huge achievement. Even if

they don’t take examinations, moving up to the next session or grade builds confidence and motivation. There are many examination boards including the well-known ISTD, IDTA and RAD and new associations such as Melody Bear, FDA and CDA. If your child attends an after school dance “club”, the teacher may follow their own syllabus or curriculum, but would always ensure that children progress within the class.

There simply isn’t a more fun way to gain important life skills and develop and grow as an artist!

Learning memorising skills All performing arts subjects include memorising movements, words or meanings. Working on your ability to absorb and retain information is a very important ABC Magazine - Kent

5

Becoming a How are my children single parent

by Ericka Waller

I

used to say, “I don’t know how single parents manage”. Now I know, because I am one. My life as a mum is different now.

It’s (even more) full on, on my own. There is no one to warm the milk while I run the bath, or help look for the tiny Dalmatian ThingThree can’t sleep without. No one to sort the dishwasher, laundry or run the hoover round.

I’m a whirlwind, writing to do lists on loo rolls, making packed lunches at midnight, losing track of days.

And then it’s his turn to have back in the game’, and even the girls, and I go from having if I was, I’ve got three young children hanging from each kids, Rheumatoid Arthritis, a limb, all wanting me at once, stomach like a pair of testicles to not being a mum at and another man’s name all. There is no tattooed on my left in-between, no buttock. I’m I hold packed lunches what’s known to make. On as ‘damaged them in my the days goods’ on the arms and inhale they do not meat market. sleep here, them deeply, I can’t work Luckily for imprinting them me, out which is my babies inside... worse, the shape are like waterthey leave in their soaked sponges of unmade beds or the love that can never pristine readiness of covers be wrung out. They cover straightened for their return. me with kisses and iridescent lip-gloss (which does nothing The days I do not have them for my complexion). They are are black holes that I fall into. always up for a snoggy-pops...

I go out, and I smile, sleep, when they are here. and laugh, but all the while an invisible thread stretches taut I hold them in my arms and and painful, pulling me and my inhale them deeply, imprinting thoughts back to my babies. I them inside before each know this will not always be the handover. They go to a distant case. Dust will settle, cogs will land that I don’t know about, turn, the sun will rise and set, and they come back in different and I will rise and resettle with clothes and hairbands. They it. My experience as a mother seem bigger each time they has changed forever though, return. and a part of me will always feel I failed. I used to think I knew They never come back smelling what my future would hold, the same. I have to scrub them now I have no idea. I’m telling until they smell like mine again, myself that this is exciting. sloshing soap in my eyes to hide tears of grief for the seconds of Don’t get me wrong. I’m their lives that I missed. nowhere near ready to ‘get 6

ABC Magazine - Kent

affected by my disability?

I

by Abi Budd freelance writer, trainer and mother of two www.buddingcommunications.com

am a thirty nine year old mum of two and have Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed in 2008 when my son was three months old. It affected me invisibly until a year after my daughter was born, then took a nose dive!

I have a six year old son and three year old daughter and I now walk with two sticks and need to use a scooter to get around as my balance is poor and I get so tired with the effort of walking.

I wrestled with what to tell the children about my disability. As a mum I want to protect my children from bad news but as my disability became more obvious and harder to hide I realised I needed to come clean and explain. I sat my son down with an MS Society leaflet and was amazed at how engaged and interested he was. He took the leaflet into school for show and tell to share with his class and I was so impressed with his attitude.

When my husband goes to work my son has to help me out with cooking and cleaning up which I sometimes feel guilty about. I cook sitting down and as my balance is bad it’s impossible for me to carry food to the table so my son does it for me. He helps fetch and carry things when its bath time and can even lift my scooter out of the car when we go out! My daughter also enjoys helping Mummy with little things like finding my shoes or fetching my walking sticks. She loves having a ride on my scooter too!

Although I worry about all the things I can no longer do with the children (swimming, running, play fights) I am also proud of all the things they’re learning about people. They are not scared of disability and realise everyone is different. They have compassion and insight into difference and disability and are more tolerant as a result.

MS has forced me to reduce the amount of work I do and I’m grateful for how 'time rich' I am as a result. I’m there to help my son with his reading and spelling homework and have time to hear about their day and be interested in their little lives. Children are so resilient and adapt to anything as long as they feel loved and supported, they have grown up with my disability and I hope the experience will help them grow into more rounded adults.

...the magazine for real people!

Inspired, dedicated and fun training for children aged five to eighteen in acting, singing and dancing Taught by professionals with years of performing experience, The JPA Academy is a theatre school with a difference. We encourage each of our students to build confidence, develop creativity and find their own individual voice. With regular workshops by top industry directors, casting experts and performers, and an affiliation with a successful talent agency, we ensure the best possible training for our students.

Movement is an integral part of performing, for actors and singers as well as dancers. At The JPA Academy we want everyone to be able to move with coordination and grace.

Dance sessions will focus on everything from street dance and musical theatre to rhythm studies and contemporary dance. The dance session encourages students to have fun while developing their movement skills, getting fit and active in the process. The work in these classes will culminate in the end of year show, with students performing solo and in small groups as well as largescale production numbers.

At The JPA Academy we are firm believers in the importance of correct singing technique, especially for young and developing voices. All students will be taught correct technique, breathing and voice control. Students will learn many different styles of singing, from musical theatre through to pop and classical.

Group singing will focus on harmonising and working closely as a team to create a finished performance that is slick, fun and entertaining. Any child who wishes to sing solo will be encouraged. Students will also have the chance to sing duets, trios and quartets as we gear towards our summer show. Every student will be encouraged to find their own style.

At The JPA Academy we focus on three main areas of drama: improvisation, script work and performance. There will also be opportunities for students to explore physical theatre, puppetry and mime. Through improvisation, students will be taught how to lose inhibitions and support each other’s work. There is a strong emphasis on trust in these classes and students will be encouraged to work closely as a team. Script work will cover everything from Shakespeare to Glee. We will also work on pieces to improve sight reading and public speaking. Students will be encouraged to tell the story with confidence and convey emotions in a realistic and truthful way.

Parents will be invited to watch the students perform at the end of every term, in addition to our biannual productions. Every student will be given a chance to perform.

We believe that young performers should be able to express themselves in a safe, enthusiastic and inspiring environment.

The skills they develop at The JPA Academy will enhance every aspect of their lives, from confidence and teamwork to lasting friendship.

DO YOU BELONG IN THE SPOTLIGHT? DISCOVER YOUR STAR QUALITY NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN

TRY OUT AT A FREE TASTER SESSION FOR CHILDREN AGED 5-17

PROFESSIONAL TUTORS DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END

LL E W E G ID R B N U T D KS AN A O N E V E S IN S E S S A CL

S

QAC T I NG QS I NG I NG QDA NC I NG Q In partnership with Happy Feet Modeling and Talent Agency

To book your taster session call 07870 460687 or email info@thejpaacademy.co.uk ABC Magazine - Kent

7

music I got rhythm I got

We provide quality part-time training in the performing arts for children.

Our aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes, stretching young imaginations and building confidence.

For a prospectus and further details please contact your nearest school: Beckenham: 020 8541 0833 beckenham@stagecoach.co.uk Bromley: 020 8941 6073 bromley@stagecoach.co.uk Dartford: 01732 750783 dartford@stagecoach.co.uk Folkestone: 01424 772255 folkestone@stagecoach.co.uk Orpington: 01732 750783 orpington@stagecoach.co.uk Sidcup: 01732 354007 sidcup@stagecoach.co.uk Tonbridge: 01444 456208 tonbridge@stagecoach.co.uk Tunbridge Wells: 01273 835199 tunbridgewells@stagecoach.co.uk

M

usic is a natural part of life for toddlers. They might sing to their stuffed animals, tap their feet to the rhythm of nursery rhymes, and enjoy the sound of their parents singing to them - even if mum and dad can't quite carry a tune.

This early introduction to music does more than entertain. It can kickstart learning, serve as an important cue in a child's routine, and offer lifelong benefits. Music contributes to what experts call 'a rich sensory environment'. This simply means exposing kids to a wide variety of tastes, smells, textures, colours, and sounds experiences that can forge more pathways between the cells in their brains. These neural connections will help kids in almost every area of school, including reading and maths. Just listening to music can make these connections, but the biggest impact comes if kids actively participate in musical activities.

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Baby Signing the FUN way!

This unique programme combines the benefits of both music and baby signing to stimulate your baby’s speech and language development.

Stage 1 for babies aged between 6 - 14 months Stage 2 for children aged 14 months - 2 years To find out about local classes please see www.singandsign.com

For classes in Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells, contact Katherine Bignall on 01342 836743 or katherinebignall@btinternet.com

INTRODUCTORY

FREE CLASS 0845 094 3786

Top quality friendly music classes with traditional songs & lullabies, musical games & percussion from around the world.

Real music delivered by real musicians.

From newborn to starting school, sing & learn with Musical Bumps!

Member of

8

ABC Magazine - Kent

Tonbridge ● Hildenborough Tunbridge Wells ● Langton Green Sevenoaks ● Riverhead Maidstone ● West Malling ● Larkfield Westerham ● Edenbridge Sittingbourne ● Sheppey ● Faversham Call 01732 321217

Of course there's another reason to introduce music into your toddler's world: it's enjoyable for both of you. That will come as no surprise to parents who sing songs with their child, sway and twirl together to favourite CDs, or listen to lullabies as they rock their child to sleep.

Between the ages of one and three, kids respond best to music when they actively experience it. Passive listening (like in the car) is fine, but look for opportunities to get your child rocking, marching, rolling, tapping, clapping and moving to the beat. Share songs that go along with simple hand motions or dance moves, like "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "The Wheels on the Bus", or the "Hokey Cokey".

For younger kids, a parent's lap is a great place to put music and movement together. Have your child face you and be sure to smile as you bounce your knees to the songs.

If you don't know a lot of kids' songs and rhymes, you can borrow books, CDs, and DVDs from the local library. But also feel free to make it up as you go along. Create your own silly songs and hand motions. Try to use your child's name in the song or rhyme. Or just turn on some music and dance together. Show your toddler how to move with the music by twirling quickly to a fast song and swooping slowly to a song with a longer, slower beat.

Going to an organised sing or music class with your child is great fun. Mums and toddlers sit around in a circle usually and the children get instruments to play along with. They learn tempo, rhythm and beat. There is usually a lot of movement and dancing involved too. Even the shy children, who will not leave their mum's laps in the beginning, get involved after a few weeks and have a fun time. Often props like scarves, balloons or stuffed animals to dance with are introduced. Children will benefit from their fun music and singing classes later too when they go to primary school, as they will be able to express themselves better through the confidence gained.

Drama should be available to all D

by Lucy Quick Perform

avid Wood explains it as follows: “It triggers the imagination, it’s an experience unlike television, it’s a communal experience, it’s fun, it can be educational with a small ‘e’ and it can be with a capital ‘E’, of course. But I think it’s just the fact that theatre can, throughout our lives, just give us that bit extra, that bit of magic; for grown ups as well as children”.

Recently I read an article where David Wood, who recently adapted Judith Kerr’s ‘The Tiger Who Came To Tea' for the stage, talked about the importance of drama for children. He said that children who take part in workshops are ‘very unlikely to be going out with knives’ because they would learn teamwork and tolerance.

I have to say how refreshing it was to read this article as it’s clear that drama certainly isn’t considered important in the current regime at the DoE. In fact, did you know that children’s arts receive only 1%

of funding from the government even though 15% of the population are under thirteen?

At Perform we see first-hand how much drama, performing and simply just getting up in front of a group of people benefits the children. In a nutshell, drama workshops are amazing for children’s social skills. That’s why I started Perform fifteen years ago.

However, right from the start, I believed that it shouldn’t just be the kids who can afford to go to after school clubs or have parents that take them to the theatre that get the

opportunity. So, for the past five years, we’ve been running a very exciting Bursary Fund which enables about three hundred children a year to come to Perform for free. I’m very proud of the amazing feedback about how the workshops have transformed children’s lives. We also have a long-term project called Drama4all in which we send practitioners to up to twenty primary schools a day with free drama taster sessions for Foundation and Key Stage 1 age children. This reaches almost 250,000 children a year, many of whom may never have experienced a drama workshop

before. Sometimes teachers say that they cannot believe how some children engaged with the drama session in a way they’d never engaged in class. We run these projects because we believe that drama should be for everyone and taken as seriously as part of the curriculum. I’m not talking about teaching children to act. I’m talking about teaching them to talk beautifully, work as a group and lead that group and be confident to put their hand up in class.

Ask any parent who has sent their child to a drama class and they will tell you how much their child benefited from going.

ABC Magazine - Kent

9

Keeping

T

sport fun

he traditional winter sports of rugby and football are great at keeping children fit and healthy. Both sports are now open to girls as well as boys. Most football clubs now have girls only or mixed teams, and rugby for girls is increasingly popular. More than 13,000 women and girls play rugby regularly in England and we are ranked number two in the world.

There are many football and rugby classes for children of all ages, regardless of ability.

When children are young the most important thing is that they enjoy what they are doing. Classes should be fun and encourage children to keep fit, whilst learning the basics of the sport. Both sports will increase a child’s motor skills, coordination and of course their general fitness and strength.

They will run, jump, throw and learn how to kick and catch a ball. In addition to the physical benefits of regularly attending classes, children will

also develop discipline and a sense of team spirit. A good coach will encourage good sporting behaviour on the pitch, and children will understand that a team isn’t just made up of one or two stars, but that everyone is important and has their place. All of these skills are important in sport, school and beyond. If children are involved in sport it also increases their circle of friends, and they have opportunities to mix with other children outside of school.

There are many sports classes in the area and most will allow

Phone 07863 330200 Email:jnoble@micro-sport.co.uk Full details & other venues: www.micro-sport.co.uk

you to attend a trial session so you can see if it suits your child. Classes are normally taught according to age, and will generally concentrate on ball skills rather than playing competitive games. As children get older, there are lots of opportunities to play football and rugby competitively, both at school and at clubs.

If football and rugby aren’t for your child, there are many other sports to choose from. Today, most sports have clubs and classes for young children. There are gymnastics, netball, ice skating, horse riding and martial arts, to name just a few. When children are young the focus will be on games that develop the skills of the sport and keeping fit and healthy. As they progress in age and ability, some children may decide to play competitively, but if not, most classes have both competitive and non-competitive streams.

Some children just do not enjoy organised sport but they can still keep fit in other ways such as going for a family cycle ride or swim, active games in the

garden or even simply walks in the country. It is recommended by the British Heart Foundation that children and young people should “aim to participate in sixty minutes of physical activity every day such as walking, dancing, swimming, cycling, active play or other sports.”

This doesn’t have to be in one go; it could include walking to school, playing football in the playground, PE at school and gymnastics at an after-school club, for example.

The most important thing is to find a sport or activity that your child enjoys because they will then be happy to participate, and it won’t be a struggle to get them to go each week. Talk to your child about what activities they enjoy and let them try a few out first.

Very young children tend to do lots of different things to start with, and then gradually narrow it down to one or two sports that they develop further.

Keep sport and exercise fun for young children, and it will then develop into a natural habit for them - keeping them fit and healthy for years to come.

Ruggerbugs is fun and exciting!

It is based around non-contact rugby for girls and boys aged eighteen months to six years.

Ruggerbugs is designed to promote a fun and positive attitude to sport and fitness from an early age. It is an innovative and unique family business working closely with parents to ensure that their little ones receive the best playing experience. Have you caught the bug yet? Give Ruggerbugs a try – it will make you smile!

For further information or to reserve a space call 01279 400442 or email office@ruggerbugs.co.uk or for more information visit www.ruggerbugs.co.uk 10

ABC Magazine - Kent

S

Swimming is essential I ntroduce your child to the safe, enjoyable activity of swimming in a pool, lake or at the beach. Knowing how to swim and being confident and comfortable in the water may help to prevent accidental drowning. Enrolling your child in swim lessons is one way to get your child started in swimming as a competitive sport. Certified swimming instructors are trained in both teaching techniques and safety, so you can relax and observe the lesson while your child is supervised by the instructor.

What age to start?

The second-highest cause of death in children ages one through four is drowning.

This alarming statistic prompts many parents to start their children in swimming lessons as early as possible.

Where to find lessons?

Swimming lessons are available at numerous places in Kent.

Have a look at the places in ABC Magazine Kent and choose a swim school for your child based on convenience and choose an instructor based on credentials.

What’s in a lesson?

During swimming lessons your child will learn many skills, depending on their age and existing skill level. The youngest children are taught through play, how to put their heads in the water and move in the water without aids. As children age and gain confidence in the water, they are given more instruction on the proper way to perform swimming strokes. If you are enrolling your toddler or preschooler in swimming lessons, ensure that the instructor goes in the water with them.

Private or group lessons?

Group lessons are usually cheaper than private lessons.

But while the price may be

higher, private lessons are recommended for children who do not do well with groups of people.

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info@angelasswimschool.co.uk ABC Magazine - Kent

11

Sadly, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among young people in the UK. Angela’s SwimSchool is passionate about seeing people learn to swim and equipping them with a life saving, life changing skill.

52% of parents do not think their children could swim to safety if they found themselves in danger in open water.

Angela’s SwimSchool is working to make swimming lessons accessible to everyone to help reduce this scary statistic.

Whether it’s babies blowing their first bubbles in the water, children taking their first stroke or adults conquering their fear of water, we are dedicated to seeing people learn to swim. We don’t just teach people to get across the pool, we teach them to swim effortlessly with grace and style. Our unique teaching methods have been tried and tested over many years. Whether clients want to take swimming seriously as a sport or simply want to learn to swim for leisure, safety and recreation, there’s a place for everyone in Angela’s Swim School programme.

We have a range of quiet venues available across six areas in Kent - Bromley, Dartford, Gravesend, Sevenoaks, Maidstone and Medway. We offer both private and small group lessons.

The SwimSchool is proud to offer the Royal Life Saving Society’s Rookie Lifeguard Program. Rookie is a fun and exciting lifesaving awards programme, teaching children water safety, self-rescue, personal survival and lifesaving sport skills. It’s a fantastic programme for swimmers from eight years of age.

Please contact us for more information about any of our programmes or locations. info@angelasswimschool.co.uk

ABC Magazine is the longest established, best-read free parenting magazine in the South, offering practical parenting advice to everyone with children - from babies to big kids!

ABC Magazine Kent is looking for a new member of the team. Are you a local mum living in Kent who enjoys reading ABC Magazine and is currently looking for fun, flexible part-time work?

We’re looking for a self-employed, self-starter, with at least fifteen child-free hours a week available to introduce ABC to local businesses offering them the chance to advertise in future issues.

If you think you would enjoy this sales opportunity and you are well presented and confident, enjoy meeting people, have good literacy and organisational skills - then please give us a call!

You’ll need a landline phone, your own car and bags of enthusiasm!

To find out more please call us on: 01732 885679 or email: kent@abcmag.co.uk 12

ABC Magazine - Kent

Children’s indoor and outdoor fitness

strategies

N

o matter the season, it’s important to ensure children get up and moving so they stay on track with their physical fitness! Here are some tips with many that offer the opportunity for some good oldfashioned family time.

Exercising need not be reserved for the outdoors as there is plenty children can do inside of the house to get fit!

• Walk or run up and down a staircase multiple times (skip a step for added intensity).

• Skip - yes, indoors too!

Just ensure that the child has enough clearance from that cherished vase!

• Dance! Let the children ‘boogie’ away those calories.

• Crunches! Sure, let the children watch television but challenge them to do as many sit-ups as they can while the adverts are on. Do this for at least one full television programme, which usually includes at least three or four commercial breaks.

• Yoga is great for developing body coordination and balance.

• Stretching helps with flexibility, which is another sign of a healthy body.

Prefer the great outdoors?

Not a problem! Outdoor fitness ideas abound, including: • Take a walk, jog, or hike.

Raining? Walk round the shopping centre several times!

• Ride a bike, skateboard or scooter.

• Roller skate or in-line skate.

• Arrange a game of football, basketball, cricket, rounders or tennis to get your heart pumping and muscles working.

• Swim! Forget doggie paddles; instead do laps up and down the pool or, for the ambitious types, try butterfly stroke!

• Skipping is an old standby that offers an array of health benefits.

• Take casual activity to the next level and add excitement.

Seek out community events, such as a sponsored walk, run or cycle ride that accepts children. However, competition should not be the focus. Instead the focus should be on doing one’s best. These events are often in support of a good cause, so children can also learn the value of fundraising and giving to those that are in need. Let children pick a cause that is important to them and make sure the activity matches their physical abilities. Families can even spend a couple of weekends prior to the event ‘in training’, getting conditioned and practising team-building skills.

• Take some lessons. Find an after-school club or community centre that offers lessons or activities that are oriented to physical fitness. This may include tennis, dance, kick boxing, golf, swimming and self-defence. These lessons will help your child become more well-rounded in many areas of fitness and may help them find one that they enjoy and where they might want to take advanced lessons.

Children’s health advocate, health industry veteran and fitness champion, Merilee Kern, is the creator of ‘Kids Making Healthy Choices’ APP for children, parents/caregivers and educators (available on iTunes), which is based on her children’s book, ‘Making Healthy Choices A Story to Inspire Fit, Weight-Wise Kids.’

For more information visit www.KidsMakingHealthyChoices.com

What makes a

by Candy Kitsz-Atsma Zanshin Holistic Health

relationship work?

H

ow do we achieve success in our relationships with one another?

There is no denying the fact that the state of relationships between human beings in our society as a whole is poor. So many people seem disgruntled with one another, their jobs, their relationship, their life!

Relationships are hard work; worth. To be happy you need to they take compromise, be your own person. commitment, communication skills, nurturing and balance Ask for it from both sides. They are Don’t be afraid to ask for what often a struggle and almost you need. never flawless, but they can be beautiful and passionate at the Respect same time. However they have Even though we might not to be worth it; there is always agree with absolutely no point one another, we should always in being around To be someone who respect each makes you other. Allow happy you feel small or the other need to be bleeds you dry person to be emotionally completely your own and mentally. him or herself; A relationship do not try to person. change another should make you feel comfortable, at person. ease, relaxed, nurtured and loved, since when you have Be truthful to put too much work into a Be honest with yourself about relationship, it usually means who you are, and truthful you’re not getting enough of a towards the other person. reward out of it.

Express yourself, don’t hold back. Never lie! Trust is vital.

To make a relationship work there are a few things to Compromise consider: Don’t ever sweat the small stuff!

Life is too short to focus on Love yourself little things. If you want your If you don’t love yourself, how way all of the time, stay alone. can you expect the other person Life is about finding a healthy to love you? True love only exists balance in any relationship. by loving yourself first.

Laugh often Be your own person If it is worth crying over, it is Know your own values, live probably worth laughing at, as by them. Never change who laughter is the best medicine. you are to become something Laughter reduces overall levels you can never be. Never let the of stress, lowers blood pressure accomplishments of someone and improvese mood. Laughter else substitute your own selfreleases endorphins and it

provides a sense of pleasure and reward.

Let go of unnecessary expectations The perfect person doesn’t exist.

Everyone has flaws. Expectations give frustrations!

Open your heart and listen Our heart will guide us instantly to make choices which allow

us to fulfil our deepest needs.

Never be self-centred, give love freely.

Be grateful Acknowledge things to be grateful for in your life as happiness is born from gratitude. See the good in others. People who are grateful are happier, healthier and more fulfilled.

Zanshin Holistic Health

Reiki, reflexology, hot stone massage in Sevenoaks

Treatments are tailored to meet the needs of the individual and client care is always of utmost importance

info@zanshinholistichealth.com 07710761927

www.zanshinholistichealth.com ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

13

Martial Fit

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We will not demean and bully results out of you.

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NO …. not a boot camp.

Aloe Vera isexercise the answer

Martial Fit, Karate and Tai Chi offer Is it Martial Arts or is it an exercise Class?

Martial Fit, Karatecomplementary and Tai chi classes offer outstanding solutions to outstanding complementary solutions to your your physical and emotional wellbeing. physical and emotional wellbeing.

body conditioning exercise class, in a friendly

movement core stability at the highest levels theseand classes or to book your

Circuit training and movement to music is a tried place please contact and tested formula for aerobic exercise classes and We show you how to, burn fat, exercise the heart now it has been formatted with traditional Okinawa build core and stimulating Yolanda on stability, 07879 631091 martial artsstrength philosophies to createwhilst an exciting new and toning your entire body. yolandaharper4@gmail.com genre for fitness

Martial fitness supports members in tackling their Working in partnership with the fitness obstacles to achieve their goals in aNHS, fun, Adult education and Active retirement non threatening environment.

centres across Kent.

Yolanda Harper

Our goal is to assist people in reclaiming their health, balance and sense of wellbeing by providing Yolanda Harper Is a Black belt instructor for classes and teaching of the highest Shizendo Martial art Association with 17 Years A Cardio Vascular Workout experience• and a mother of four young children. standard.

Martial Fit

She understands the demands of having children • Weight Loss physical benefits of promotes the immense Weand aim to provide secure, long lasting training the martial way. Martial Fit classes are physical, emotional and spiritual • Coreacross Stability, Balance being pioneered KentToning in 2014and and health. unlike boot camps and boxercise classes is the only one Our classes arebeing andbased run byspeed, qualifi edand martial currently on traditional tai arts chi •designed Co taught ordination, agility instructors who understand anatomy, movement and core and Karate principles. stability at the highest levels. We show you how to burn fat, • Fun and Sociable exercise the heart, build core strength and stability, whilst stimulating and toning your entire body. Martial fitness supports • Martial musicto achieve their members in tackling their fiArts tness to obstacles goals in a fun, non threatening environment.

Martial Fit classes - Tuesdays 9.30-10.30 Tai Chi Classes - Tuesdays 10.30-11.30 Classes take place in St Lawrence Village Hall, Stone Street, near Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0LL £7 pay as you go with concessions for half a term's payment in advance.

For further information on Shizendo martial arts, visit www.shizendo.co.uk. For adult education Martial Fit and Tai Chi Classes please visit www.kentadulteducation.co.uk 14

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

It’s both……Martial Fithumility is a fun,and energetic You’ve reached for aloe when you’ve Our Philosophy’s are that of respect.circuit training classtime taught a registered martial artist in Youtoo will be encouraged with fun easy to You’ve follow spent much inbythe sun. a keep fit format, tailored to give you a whole sequences to music at beginners, intermediate orof body seen it listed as an ingredient in many advance level. using martial movement to music. workout, your personal care products. It’s always You will be given a cardio vascular, fat burning, been there.

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Martial Artists aspire toOrdinary. a higher attainment of excellence.

We are not believers ofon thethe “quick fix”, environment workingin founding There’s a reason aloe verawhilst gel is trusted products you see but with a high intensity training module you can principles of Karate andthousands Tai Chi art every day, and that reason dates back of forms years. The reach your targets and melt body fat fast. earliest civilisations revered this extraordinary botanical for Circuit trainingItsand movement to music is a tried its astonishing properties. legendary uses have been passed Shizendo Martial arts Association believe everyone down through enhanced by for scientifi c innovation andtime, tested formula aerobic exerciseand classes and should be able to benefit from the physical fitness, centuries of experience.

Let aloe surprise with you as it: it has formatted traditional Okinawa core now stability andbeen emotional fulfillment learnt • Nourishes yourarts digestive system to create an exciting new martial philosophies through our practices. While Martial fit offers a • Infusesgenre you with for energy fitness higher intensity work out, Our Tai Chi classes offer • Protects skin from free radical damage the traditional yang Style teachings of their form.

• Promotes skin’s natural regeneration This Class is designed for everyone • Is theWorking only vegetarian of vitamin B12with the NHS, insource partnership • And so much more Adult education and Active retirement

centres across Kent.

Forever Living Products offers you, your children and even your animals a complete line of nurturing products based on 100% pure aloe vera gel. Harvested by hand from our own plantations and immediately stabilised for purity, our aloe nourishes your body inside and out with products ranging from age-defying facial treatments to delicious, antioxidant-rich • Improved poster and structure drinks, not forgetting weight loss and relief from ailments such as eczema,Yolanda Crohn's disease, acneaand so much more. Not for only Harper Black belt instructor • flexibility and Is suppleness that but Forever LivingMartial Products a different kind of 17 company Shizendo artisAssociation with Years that provides everyone with better quality of life through experience and aaToning mother of four young children.

• Core Stability, and Balance innovative She wellness products and an unmatched fi nancial understands the demands of having children opportunity.

So if you are looking for an extra incomebenefits - look noof and theagility immense physical • Copromotes ordination, further! We are looking for self-motivated individuals / couples training the martial way. Martial Fit classes are with a desire to exceed their current salary.

• can pioneered lead to better circulation being across Kent in 2014 and unlike

Tai Chi Yolanda Harper

boot camps boxercise classes is the only one For more information onand Forever Living, please contact Jade • Improves bone density currently being taught based on traditional tai chi Simmonds on 07740 038 972. and Karate principles.

Have fun, donate and fundraise for Children in Need on 14th November!

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Edith Lovejoy Pierce www.bbc.co.uk/childreninneed

r

ABC Magazine - Kent

15

Jo Brehme Hairdressing Specialises in children's hair and wedding hair mon 10-5 tues 9-6 wed 9-6 thurs 9-6 01732 fri 781191 9-6 sat 8-5

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Jo Brehme is a Hair Salon located in Borough Green High Street and has been here for almost ten years.

Jo offers many different services such as cutting and colouring for both men and women and also children's hair cuts. Jo uses all L’Oreal hair products in the salon constantly updating the stock as the fashion trends change. She uses a permanent colour with no ammonia, designed for optimised hair quality and scalp comfort. In the salon you can also enjoy the anti frizz smoothing treatment. Jo also specialises in wedding hair for brides, bridesmaids, mother of bride, etc.

The opening times of the salon are Monday 9-3, Tuesday 9.30-3, Wednesday closed, Thursday 10-5, Friday 9.30-late and Saturday 8-5. Call us on 01732 781191to book your appointment.

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Atkinson Brignall is celebrating the first birthday of its New Paediatric Dental runProfessor

by Professor Graham Paediatric Dental clinic,Clinic run by Graham Roberts, Children’s Specialist and Dr Makbule Roberts, Children’s Specialist and Dr Makbule Sipahi Ogretme, Sipahi Ogretme, Paediatric Paediatric Dentist, Dentist. is now open.

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ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

Tel01732 01732459222 459222ororvisit visitour ourwebsite websiteatat Tel www.atkinsonbrignall.co.uk www.atkinsonbrignall.co.uk 1stFloor, Floor,Lady LadyBoswell BoswellHouse, House, 42-44 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1AS 1st 42-44 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1AS

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N t n b o f p q r a b o f r c e r f t d b i b

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Hypnobirthing

Y

by Anne Bayati, BSc Hons, Dip HB the Hypnobirthing Midwife

ou hear the word ‘Hypnobirthing’ and you think of hypnosis, and an image pops into your mind of a mysterious moustached man waving a gold pocket watch in front of you, trying to take you under his spell in order to have complete control over you.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Hypnobirthing does not involve being hypnotised by someone and then sleeping or being completely detached from the birth which many people think. Hypnosis is quite simply a state of deep relaxation or absorption, such as being absorbed in a good book or film, so you are aware of everything around you but feel completely in control and relaxed. Hypnobirthing teaches couples self-hypnosis which enables them to become deeply relaxed at a level which is right for them. They are then able to remain calm and in control during childbirth, allowing their bodies to take over and do what it was designed to do…to give birth easily and effectively.

It is also important to mention that the techniques taught can be drawn upon for every eventuality should complications arise. It is, quite simply, mind over matter.

So here is the theory bit. When you are anxious, tense or fearful such as during childbirth, your body releases adrenaline which suppresses the hormones endorphins and oxytocin which are crucial for birth. Endorphins are the body’s own natural pain killer which replaces the stress hormones that contribute to pain. Oxytocin, the Greek word for quick birth, has a major role to play in the birthing

process such as the surges (contractions) and expelling the placenta amongst other things.

The blood supply needed by the uterus to work efficiently is diverted away to the muscles as the body believes it is in danger and needs to escape.

This is called the Fight or Flight response which is what happens within our bodies at times of anxiety and fear. Without the hormones and blood supply the

the hypnobirthing midwife

If you would like to book a place on a Hypnobirthing course or would like any more information about Hypnobirthing itself, the courses I run or any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Courses run by registered midwife.

Anne Bayati, BSc Hons, Dip HB 07725 121419 info@thehypnobirthingmidwife.co.uk www.thehypnobirthingmidwife.co.uk

uterus cannot work effectively and therefore starts to cramp and become tense and inevitably cause pain.

Whilst working on a labour ward, I saw many women anxious and fearful of birth and could see what a detrimental effect this anxiety and tension was having on the birth process. Alternatively, having seen Hypnobirthing within practice, I was amazed at how gentle, calm and relaxed the whole experience was for the woman, her partner and also the baby. The simple concept made such sense to me; having an understanding of the mind and body connection during birth, being relaxed, feeling in control and entrusting confidence in the body’s birthing ability resulted in a more positive experience of birth. Giving women and their partners the tools to facilitate this is empowering and it gives them the opportunity to have a calm, gentle and easier birth.

- the magazine for real people... it’s got everything in it!

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Snoob is a must have product for new or expectant mums that will see them through pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond. It doubles as a snuggly blanket for your baby and a sunshade for the buggy, but most importantly is a stylish fashion accessory for any mum. It provides versatility and discretion when breastfeeding in public, which can help boost confidence and allow some mums to breastfeed for longer. Snoob is exclusively made in the UK from 100% soft, lightweight cotton jersey.

The Stylish Breastfeeding Scarf Provides versatile discretion without sacrificing style.

Can be used when tandem feeding.

100% cotton jersey Made in the UK www.snoob.co.uk www.facebook.com/snoobscarf www.twitter.com/snoobscarf snoobsales@gmail.com

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

17

by Caroline Binfield

Aboard the type 1 rollercoaster

T

he advice in hospital was "take one day at a time. Things will change from day to day, try not to panic.”

My son Jasper was diagnosed as having type 1 diabetes eleven months ago in September 2013, aged four. But that now seems a lifetime of injections ago. 1369 to be precise, four a day in his skinny bruised legs with an even higher number of glucose tests in his little calloused fingers. Time is now measured in injections. It’s no longer ‘lunchtime’, it’s ‘injection time’.

Time to stick yet another needle in his poor pin-cushion legs.

“Touch from a loving parent is the simplest and most effective way to encourage your baby’s development”.

All courses are run by Susan who is a highly qualified and experienced trainer. Susan has worked as a registered nurse within the NHS for over twenty years and within the Health Visiting Service for the last twelve years. This has given her a profound sense and knowledge of the importance of supporting parents and their babies.

Classes and group sessions are run in a relaxing environment, allowing you time to interact and stimulate your baby.

Susan would be delighted to welcome you to Blooming Babies.

Mums dread giving birth at Christmas

C

hristmas Day, 29th February and 31st August have been voted as the three worst days to be born, according to a new poll by junior fashion label My1stYears.com.

The stress of organising Christmas and a birthday at the same time was just too much for many mums and 29th February got the thumbs down from mums as their little one would only ever truly celebrate one birthday in four. The last day in August was seen as another bad date with parents concerned their child would be the youngest in their school year, putting them at a disadvantage.

18

ABC Magazine - Kent

Injection time comes with many conditions - the particular lighting, the ‘blob’ of insulin he needs on the needle, the silence he needs around him so a “shush” will follow if his two year old sister giggles. But I try to understand where he’s coming from - he has lost control over a whole part of his life just at the age where he is trying to assert his independence and these conditions are his way of regaining some of that control.

He understands that without these injections he will end up in hospital again but sometimes will simply state "I never wanted these injections". Those words kill me.

Type 1 diabetes is an auto immune condition and 29,000 sufferers are children. Recently there has been a worrying 5% increase in the number of under fives developing type 1. The blood glucose level in diabetic children is like a rollercoaster, particularly those newly diagnosed as they can be in the ‘honeymoon’ period for the first eighteen to twenty four months.

Here the pancreas is temporarily kick-started by new injections but its insulin production is erratic.

Sometimes we’ve seriously misjudged it. Once, whilst on holiday, we had tried to rebalance his high levels at tea by giving him an extra unit of insulin but suddenly he sunk to his lowest glucose reading of 1.5 and looked very ill. Finally, his levels rose and we were just relieved we had our little boy back. Some honeymoon.

“But how did you know?” I get asked frequently. It was a poster my husband noticed in hospital of the signs indicating type 1 - ‘thirsty, toilet, thin and tiredness’.‘Tiredness’ was the key indicator that alerted us.

His exhaustion in his first week of school was on a different level from the other children.

On the Sunday he woke up shivering and needing the toilet constantly. A hospital urine test confirmed it was type 1. I knew by now that this diagnosis would change all our lives.

Jasper was put on a drip for twenty four hours then the insulin injections were introduced. I cried watching him cry with that first needle.

It goes against all parental instincts. But by Monday he was back at school with the new injection regime up and running. In December 2013, Jasper took another leap of independence. He suddenly decided that he would do all his injections himself. The consultant hoped this would happen at age seven so we are very proud of him.

I finally feel we can deal with this if we can indeed take one day at a time.

Photo T

fun

here will be many photos taken over the festive period; at the school nativity play, photos of the children with Father Christmas, ice skating perhaps, in front of the tree, and on the special day itself. But how many of them will you actually get developed? Don’t keep them on a memory card or on your computer; print them out and enjoy them.

Photos are a wonderful way of remembering a special moment.

You will all love to look back on them in the months and years to come. In the depths of winter, putting photos into an album or making them into a collage is a lovely way of spending a few hours with your children as your reminiscence about special times. Scrapbook making is still very popular. Children can use the photos as a centre point for a page and then write a few words about them, and decorate the rest of the page. Friends and family love to receive photos.

A photo of your child having fun with some friends is a lovely gift for them and a photo album lovingly put together by you will be a treasured gift for grandparents.

Professionally taken photos are very popular at this time of year, so if you are hoping to use the photos as Christmas gifts, you should book very soon. There are some fantastic photographers in the county.

Do have a look through this magazine for ideas, and you will find ones that specialise in photographing children.

They will be experts at making children feel relaxed and happy, and will be able to capture the personality of your child in their photos. Many photographers will now come to your home if you feel your children will be happier in their own environment, or you could have photos taken at one of your favourite places. Obviously, this is dependent on the weather; so you would need to have an alternative plan if it is a gloomy, wet day.

When you book the shoot, choose a time that suits the routine of your family, particularly if you have young children. Children will be happier if they aren’t hungry or tired, and are comfortable in the clothes they are wearing.

It is a good idea to talk to the photographer about the kind of ‘look’ you would like. It may be formal or more casual, or you may want it themed. Try on the clothes that you are all planning to wear in advance for a ‘dress rehearsal’ to ensure that nothing clashes or looks out of place. Remember, these are photos that you are probably going to keep forever, so bear this in mind when you are choosing what to wear. Most photographers have a gallery on their websites of photos that they have taken so you could look at those to see the kind of thing that works and that you like. Photographers can also come along to record a family event. This could be a birthday party, a family gathering over the festive period or even putting up the Christmas tree.

This has the added bonus that you won’t need to worry about taking photos yourself.

Photos are the perfect way to record your children growing up and your family developing, growing and changing. Children will love to look at them in the future and will be able to appreciate how they have grown and altered. Whether you are taking the photos, or a photographer is, remember to get them developed so that you can enjoy looking at them and showing them to others.

Samantha Taylor Photography

sammytaylor0709@gmail.com 07979 147477 www.samanthataylor-photography.com ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

19

Take care of you! Do you see

L

ooking after ourselves can be low on the agenda for most of us at this time of year.

Choosing presents, watching school plays, cooking and cleaning for the festive period means that a few hours of pampering is very low down on the list of priorities.

It is also the time of year for socialising! So even more reason to make sure you look and feel your best. If you are feeling very tense and pressurised with all that there is to do, it is worthwhile blocking some time out for a yoga class or perhaps a body massage. Although this will take up some time, the benefits will mean that afterwards you feel rejuvenated and ready for anything.

However busy you are, try to continue with any exercise that you do, as it will make you feel so much better.

and drink can mean that your skin doesn’t look as good as it normally does. So try to book a facial at a beauty salon if you can, or have an evening pampering yourself at home.

Drink plenty of water, as this really does improve your skin, particularly if you are drinking more alcohol than normal.

If you know you are going out for a special occasion, try to book a hair appointment or get your nails done. Many mums are just as busy and are equally in need of some time for themselves. Everyone needs a little time to be without the children. Finally, go and enjoy yourself. You deserve it!

Most of us enjoy over-indulging a little over Christmas and New Year and the excess food

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Your child could be the next ABC Kent cover star!

★

★

The local information magazine for parents in Kent

• From babies to big kids •

All photographers advertising in ABC Magazine have the opportunity to submit photographs as possible front covers.

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November 2014 - March 2015 www.abcmag.co.uk

★

Packed full of essential information • places to go • things to do • ideas for you •

WiN WiN WiN competitions WiN WiN WiN prizes galore WiN WiN WiN The local information magazine for parents in Kent

THE LOCAL INFORMATION MAGAZINE FOR PARENTS IN KENT

• FROM BABIES TO BIG KIDS •

• FROM BABIES TO BIG KIDS •

THE LOCAL INFORMATION MAGAZINE FOR PARENTS IN KENT

• FROM BABIES TO BIG KIDS •

SUMMER • ISSUE 14

Summer issue

WINTER • ISSUE 12

JULY - OCTOBER 2010

www.abcmag.co.uk

www.abcmag.co.uk

www.abcmag.co.uk

July - November 2013

NOVEMBER 2009 - MARCH 2010

PACKED FULL OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Packed full of essential information

WiN WiN WiN COMPETITIONS WiN WiN WiN PRIZES GALORE WiN WiN WiN

WiN WiN WiN competitions WiN WiN WiN prizes galore WiN WiN WiN

• PLACES TO GO • THINGS TO DO • IDEAS FOR YOU •

★

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Winter issue

• places to go • things to do • ideas for you •

PACKED FULL OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

• PLACES TO GO • THINGS TO DO • IDEAS FOR YOU • WiN WiN WiN COMPETITIONS WiN WiN WiN PRIZES GALORE WiN WiN WiN

Simply contact any of our advertising photographers and mention the ABC cover star competition.

20

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

yourself in your children?

I

by Ericka Waller

never wanted to have daughters. I brooded over mini versions of my husband. Brown eyes like pools of chocolate. I never considered the idea of mini versions of me.

I did not want to see myself reflected in someone else’s face. The thought of passing on my flaws and failings and fears horrified me. I wanted to harvest perfection, and I was so far from it. As they grew, I felt cross when people likened parts of my daughters to themselves. I would think, “Why do they have to be like you? Why can’t they be themselves?” I don’t feel that way anymore.

I’m proud to see my temper in my middle daughter. She doesn’t take any nonsense. If someone hurts her she will make sure they know it. Good.

Thing-Three screams until I go and find her tiny plastic Dalmatian before she will sleep, and I smile to myself in the dark as I search under covers. A dog with a bone, just like her mother. I never give up, may she never give up either.

Thing-One and I spend hours drawing The Faraway Tree. I see my imagination seep out on her white paper. I feel so grateful for my unconventionality. She will always have a world in her head that she can travel to whenever this one lets her down.

I never thought I would be a single mum raising three small daughters. I used to be scared of my own shadow. Now I lock the doors at night, no longer afraid of the dark. I’m shedding off my failings and flaws and emerging, butterfly beautiful.

I am a mother, a role model, a woman, a fighter. I am going to fill my children’s hearts with love and their heads with the belief that they are good enough. They can do anything. They are in control of themselves and their lives. Their happiness is inside them, a gift to themselves, never to be given away.

When I was first on my own, I would wait until my daughters were finally asleep, and then I’d crawl up the garden and scream into the grass, pulling at tufts, mud scraping beneath my nails. I wanted to bury myself in the worms and decay. Now I dance upon the same grass with my daughters following behind me. My little size three feet stamp back down the ground I once dug up to hide beneath. I don’t need to hide. I don’t need to cry. I have three daughters who think I made the moon. This is not a responsibility to run away from. It’s an honour to embrace.

Designer jeweller Ruth Brushett has had her own workshop located in Orpington on the outskirts of South-East London since 2001.

A visit to her shop and showroom is always a delight; the selection of jewellery displayed gives the customer a taste of the selection that is available in the UK, but also draws on tastes and influences of other European countries.

The shop tends to focus on the more ‘unusual’ in terms of jewellery and gift ideas and offers a platform for the development of ‘your own’ ideas through working with Ruth to your specifications.

She is not competing with mainstream high street jewellers, but offers a totally personal experience. Some of the jewellery purchased is imported from such countries as Italy, Germany and Switzerland, as this provides a contrast in styles. Also available are ranges of jewellery from other local artists. If you see a great design but you would prefer yellow gold, Ruth will

of jewellery or re-designing make it in gold and vice versa. something old into Ruth explains, “For me something new. pure luxury is eating Designs are free a piece of velvety She makes of charge (with chocolate no obligation) and letting it beautiful and there are melt in your original designs catalogues of mouth! So sketches to jewellery that for Christenings view. is luxurious and children's should give you jewellery...

Before Ruth the very same started her shop, feeling! she worked for a designer in the City for Ruth prides herself six years, designing for many on being able to deduce of the royal family. She also exactly what is suited to taught jewellery making for a the individual. Most of her number of years in Tonbridge work is commission based, whether producing a new item and Maidstone. As a working

mum, Ruth is in the shop four days a week and is two days at home designing jewellery.

On Sundays she is usually out on her bike with her two boys and husband. She makes beautiful original designs for Christenings and children’s jewellery as well as gorgeous styles for women.

So you find independent professional advice and excellent design quality and craftmanship - practically on your doorstep! Why not give her a try?

Give Ruth a call on 07734 489 588.

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t n a d n e p e d n i d n i f l l i w u oy o S ABC MAGAZINE - KENT 21 t n e l l e c x e d n a e c i v d a l a n o i s s ef o r p d n a y t i l a uq n g i s e d r u oy n o y l l a c i t c a r p - p i h s n a m t f a r c

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and tips and the contain everything you throughout, books offer hints will need to discover the joytips of art paints or pencils. and andwith contain everything you Each booktoisdiscover packed full projects and paints creativeorinspiration. will need theof joy of art with pencils.

Each book is packed full of projects and creative inspiration.

Published by Frances Lincoln, each book is priced at £9.99 and is all good Published byavailable Frances from Lincoln, each bookshops. book is priced at £9.99 and is available from all good bookshops.

We’ve teamed up with Frances Lincoln to offer 5 lucky ABC readers to each win a set of these two We’ve teamedthe upchance with Frances Lincoln to offer 5 lucky books.

For your chance of winning, simply tell us what ABC readers the chance to each win a set of these two I am a lively these books are a starting for?simply tell us what books.

For your chance ofpoint winning, colourful clown theseNormal books are a starting point for?

ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

It is Kazzamataz entertainer who Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3. keeps kids and grown ups amused for a full two hours.

My parties are jam packed full of fun, costumes, dance routines, magic show, funny wigs, props, party games, comedy characters, pretend snow ball throwing, balloon sword fights, face painting and much much more.

My parties start before the kids arrive, as I set up some toys, a bubble machine and lots of beach balls for them to play with until everyone gets there. When we are ready I break the ice with about half an hour of energetic and silly dance routines. I have props for this such as crazy cowboy hats, mad curly wigs, cheerleading pom poms, Hawaii flower leis, minion masks, a dance from Frozen, snowball fight and more... not forgetting to make a big fuss of the birthday girl or boy.

Then when they need a sit down, it's time for the magic show and a bit of laughter with my puppet dog ‘Toto’ who helps with the magic tricks but is very naughty... the kids love Toto.

Kazzamataz

I also bring my silly ostrich called Nancy, who needs taming a bit as she keeps darting off in all directions.

She doesn’t mind the kids chasing her.

The best children's party entertainer

kazzamataz@ yahoo.co.uk 07859 015 231

Did I mention a guest appearance from One Direction and Jedward courtesy of the dads sitting around watching and maybe even a wrestling an alligator competition... aggh! Two full hours of FUN! I promise each and every child will thoroughly enjoy themselves, they always do!

...don’t forget to say where you saw it!

your aroom orthe givepark) that or person a hug). (like trip to promises of things you’ll do (like tidy your room or give that person a hug).

Project taken from The Pencil Book by Miri Flower, by by Frances Project taken from The published Pencil Book Miri Lincoln Flower, published by Frances Lincoln

Make snow paint It is fun tosnow play outside in Make paint

the also fun It is snow, fun toand playit’s outside in to recreate on pictures the snow,the andsnow it’s also fun to using magical puffyon paint!

To recreate the snow pictures make magical this snowy picture using puffy paint!you To will need paper, shaving make thisblue snowy picture you foam, a bowl, and will need bluesome paper,glue shaving paints.a bowl, some glue and foam, • Use paints and a paintbrush to paints. wintery onto your •paint Use apaints andscene a paintbrush to blue paper.

You might paint paint a wintery scene like ontotoyour a moose, wintery little blue paper.a You mighttree likeor toapaint (oraall three!).tree or a little ahouse moose, wintery • In a (or bowl, together equal house allmix three!). shaving and equal glue. Stir the mixture well to create •parts In a of bowl, mix foam together some of fluffy snowfoam paint. parts shaving and glue. Stir the mixture well to create • Dip a paintbrush into your snow some fluffy snow paint. use it tointo blobyour snowsnow •paint, Dip then a paintbrush onto your add paint, then painting. use it toYou blobcan snow it to the onYou topcan of aadd tree onto yourground, painting. theground, roof ofon a house. itortoonthe top of Your a tree snow will of dry keepingYour its 3D or on paint the roof a house. shapes, making picture its look snow paint will your dry keeping 3D really wintery shapes, makingand yoursnowy. picture look really wintery and snowy.

Project taken from The Paint Book

by Miri published Project taken fromFlower, The Paint Book Frances Lincoln

by MiribyFlower, published

by Frances Lincoln

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Win fab prizes with The Paint Book and The Pencil Book - loads of things you can make or do with paint and a pencil Following on from the hugely successful Stick Book, The Paint Book and The Pencil Book are bursting with inventive and imaginative ideas and things to do for children. These books provide a starting point for an active imagination, bringing together drawing, painting, adventures, craft, games and play.

With plenty of bright photographs throughout, the books offer hints and tips and contain everything you will need to discover the joy of art with paints or pencils.

Each book is packed full of projects and creative inspiration.

Published by Frances Lincoln, each book is priced at £9.99 and is available from all good bookshops.

We’ve teamed up with Frances Lincoln to offer 5 lucky ABC readers the chance to each win a set of these two books. For your chance of winning, simply tell us what these books are a starting point for?

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

22

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

Make p

If you are lo friends or f stack of ‘pro best on spe highly textu

• Use scisso edges careful • Draw pictu the rectangle (like a trip to your room o

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It is fun to the snow, recreate t using mag make this will need foam, a bo paints.

• Use paint paint a win

by Toytime

Fond memories of T

toys

hrift is back in fashion, and buying second-hand has become more popular than ever.

Your money stretches much when you were growing up? Was further and on average, it bricks, an action figure, a second-hand products teddy bear, or a doll? are generally The chances are you 50% cheaper loved that toy Buying allowing you and have fond to save money memories. second-hand for other saves money, is important Toys are a brilliant way to expenditures. extremely Whilst it important stock up the cannot be for a child’s toy box... assumed for development. every second-hand Research has shop, the atmosphere shown children is friendly, fun, and intriguing, learn through play and what else stock changes frequently and are toys for but to play with? can be from any era. Interaction Toys help them learn and is much more pleasing as develop many skills that will shoppers experience a different support their education in kind of shopping environment. school and in life.

Second-hand toys are worth considering, as they can be Creative learning expensive to buy new and go Arts and crafts, toys and games out of fashion very quickly. help children explore their Children outgrow or get creativity, and there is so much bored with toys, puzzles, games to be had If you are looking for a great homemadefun present for in drawing, and bikes.

Buying second-hand painting and construction. friends or family, you could surprise them with a whole saves money, is a brilliant way In all these activities stack of ‘promises’ on homemade coupons.These work children to stock up the toy box such and a as handmade develop finer best on special types of paper or motor skills and great way to earn money back hand-eye coordination, not to highly textured paper. on unwanted toys. Can you mention the development of an remember your paper favourite active imagination!

• Use scissors to cut your intotoy rectangles, or tear the edges carefully to make the coupons look even more special.

• Draw pictures of the things you want to give to people onto the rectangles.

These couldisbesituated treats (like ice or events Toytime in cream) Hildenborough, (like a trip tooccupying the park) or promises of things (like tidy a large barnyou’ll on do a working farm. your room or give that person a hug).

A visit to Toytime is a unique experience and you will be amazed Project taken from The Pencil Book by Miri Flower, by the huge stock of popular brands and much more. We have published by Frances Lincoln an outdoor display area for your children to try our climbing frames, trampolines and swing sets. Toytime is also well known for good quality second-hand toys and bikes, so bring yours along and receive cash for items accepted.

It is fun to play outside in the snow,To andfiit’s fun to please visit the website nd also out more, recreate the snow on pictures www.toy-time.co.uk or call 01732 833695 or using magical To visit puffy us atpaint!

Meopham Bank Farm, Leigh Road, make thisHildenborough, snowy picture you Tonbridge, Kent. TN11 9AQ will need blue paper, shaving foam, a bowl, some glue and paints.

• Use paints and a paintbrush to paint a wintery scene onto your

Make promises

Practical skills Whilst playing with toys such as a kitchen, car garage, workbench and tools, children learn how to use different tools and utensils to build up basic home-making and work skills.

They copy the methods they have observed others use and begin to develop roles and practical skills for themselves.

Physical learning Anything that gets children active, from using a baby walker, scooting along on ‘sit on’ toys, riding a bike, skipping or playing bat and ball will help with physical learning and development.

Balance and musclestrength will be honed and coordination and flexibility improved - all essential ingredients for a strong healthy body.

Reading, writing and maths Lots of toys and games focus on words (reading and writing) and numbers (counting and calculation). Although children

may not be aware of it, they’ll be learning vital literacy and numeracy skills outside the classroom, where it always seems much more fun.

Musical learning Who doesn’t like to bang a drum or listen to the tinkling noise as they tap their spoon against a glass? Musical toys are a fantastic way to develop coordination and motor skills plus a good introduction to music and rhythm.

There are no set rules about which toys will be best for your child’s development - all children are different! You’ll need to make a judgement call on what will keep your child entertained and stimulated. The number of toys available is limitless, and you can be sure to give your children a head start by using creative and exciting play, which simultaneously promotes learning, stimulates development and sets that individual imagination on its way.

Make snow paint

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

23

Fitting the right shoe

It seems there are many ways to buy shoes for your children these days. Choices include the internet, a supermarket, a clothing shop or the traditional shoe shop that fits your child’s foot.

Why bother getting them fitted properly? The answer is simple.

You care about your children’s health - their teeth, their eyes, so why not their feet? A good shoe shop should offer a choice of width fitted brands; shoes that will fit your child perfectly. The shoe should have the right amount of growing room but not be too big. The materials and quality of the shoe should be of the highest quality, for example, leather rather than synthetic, flexible sole units to aid your child’s development, and supportive but comfortable.

Do you trust your own judgment? Why compromise? Why buy a £15 pair that falls apart in a couple of weeks when a £35 pair can potentially last a whole year?

The truth is Clarks and Start Rite, who dominate the children’s shoe market, really do have the experience in making the best shoes for your child. There are some other great quality shoes out there from European companies such as Ricosta and Geox, but would I put one of my children in a self fitted plastic shoe from a supermarket? No I would not.

Contact Hoads Children’s Shoe Shop on 01732 453816 or text Jonty on 0776 965 2279.

Kozi Kidz has cold-weather wear for your baby, toddler and young child.

For the little ones are lovely colourful Snowflake snow suits, made from a soft and breathable polyester taslan fabric with a water-resistant PU coating, offering the perfect balance of comfort and weather protection for babies and toddlers. Soft polyester padding helps keep little ones cosy when the mercury drops and fold-over hand and feet covers provide parental peace of mind that your child’s extremities won’t get cold. The Snowflake baby snow suit is available 0-3 years, in a variety of colours.

The new Stockholm Jacket allows your youngster to take on cold and wet conditions in style this season.

Combining high-performance, synthetic down insulation with an on-trend duvet-style design, the Stockholm Jacket offers the ultimate combination of fashion and function.

The water-resistant Stockholm Jacket is 100% breathable and features extra reinforcement at the shoulders and elbows, perfect for active kids! The Stockholm Jacket is available in sizes 80-140cm in different colours.

Both the Snowflake baby snow suit and the Stockholm jacket retail at £69 and are available from www.kozikidz.com 24

ABC Magazine - Kent

Hoads Children’s Shoe Shop 53 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1AU, 01732 453816

Brands available include:

Established 1898

We h ave a great range of boots for boys and girls from a U K 4 (EU 20) to a UK 8 (EU 42).

Clarks – Maxi Fleur

Clarks – Maxi Hehe

Start rite – Gallop

Available in sizes 4 – 7 ½ £38

Available in sizes 4 – 7 ½ in navy £38

Available in sizes 12-­‐7 £68

We are offering all readers the opportunity of booking an a ppointment in

store with a senior member of staff and they will receive their bill.

Everyone who books an appointment will be put into a draw for a 50.00 Hoads voucher to use in store in 2015!

Appointments must be booked before terms and conditions apply.

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

25

- the hand sewn Swedish moccasin One day, Anna was reminded of the moccasins she used to wear as a girl growing up in Sweden. A hybrid of a sock and slipper in one, they had a soft leather sole that prevented her from slipping and falling down.

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Win fab prizes with A lovely Laura Ashley cotton mix throw

2Much2Do caters for those of us who have hundreds of things on our mind. It will help us to remember important events, save time, money and get great gift ideas for our friends and family.

2Much2Do gives discounts on gifts and experience days, so you not only never forget an important event again, but get great solutions at a price you want to pay.

It’s as easy as ABC to save time and money. As an extra bonus 2Much2Do is free of charge to ABC readers!

Visit www.2much2do.co.uk, click on 'Join Us' and enter promotional code 'ABC' for your free registration.

Laura Ashley tartan cranberry check cotton mix throw retails at £50 and is available from www.2much2do.co.uk We’ve teamed up with 2Much2Do to offer 2 lucky ABC readers the chance to each win a Laura Ashley tartan cranberry check cotton mix throw. For your chance of winning, simply tell us the free registration promotional code for ABC readers.

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

26

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

Upon researching the market, Anna found her moccasins, but they were dated, boring and uncool. So she began to create her own trendy, fun and colourful designs that featured her children’s favourite things, from penguins and dinosaurs to princess crowns and soldiers' shields. Anna worked carefully with the manufacturers to improve the traditional moccasin and bring it into the 21st century. They sourced washable leather for the soles, ensured everything was ethically produced, used the highest quality luxury materials, created a special invisible elastic that ensured the product would hold its shape and not fall down or irritate the children’s ankles, all while ensuring that the hand sewn tradition would continue. The result was the birth of Moccis - the first and only luxury hand sewn Swedish moccasin to bring fashion, fun and function to home footwear. It wasn’t long before celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Sienna Miller started snapping up Moccis for themselves and their kids. Each collection is only available for a limited time, so make sure you buy your Moccis today before they are gone.

Weekends R Us Events We hold a wide range of events in many different venues across Kent.

Pamper

Psychic

Baby

Wedding

Fashion

If you have a venue and would like to hold an event but don’t want the hassle of organising it then get in touch, we would be happy to help. Or if you’re looking to attend an event or just want a night/day out then take a look at our website to see what we can offer.

www.weekendsrus.co.uk 01732 321696

Craft

Ghost hunts

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27

Make it a Come and join us - great Italian ambiance

A s

healthy year

CAPUCCINO PANINI PASTA MORTADELLA PARMIGIANO VINO BACI TIRAMISU

Wide range of Italian delicacies Best Italian coffee Freshly made dishes daily Eat in or take away Outside seating area Celebrity guests Wine tasting events

Open Monday to Saturday 7am - 7pm and Sunday 9am - 5pm

37 Dulwich Village 020 8693 2614 www.facebook.com/StefanoItalianDeli

Carl Williams Fine Dining Chef Carl and his team of waitresses will come to your home and provide a sumptuous 6 course tasting menu. The menu will be tailor made for you and you can rest in the knowledge that your friends, family or clients will be impressed!

You can relax and enjoy being spoilt whilst eating exceptionally high quality food by a Connaught trained chef with 20 years of experience. Minimum 8 people.

Call us for that special occasion when only the best will do!

01732 455297 carlw19@icloud.com www.finediningchef.co.uk 28

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

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ere are some ideas to help kick start your New Year - but feel free to start before if you wish!

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• Eat more fruit and vegetable portions every day This is a simple yet highly effective New Year’s resolution that could really boost your day-to-day health. Try to eat the recommended portions of fruit and vegetables each day to keep your body energised with nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

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• Join a gym or health club Gyms are now far more ‘female friendly’ and membership normally includes classes as well. Take advantage of the New Year offers that will be around, but make sure you keep going, and don’t just end up paying the monthly fee and not attending!

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• Walk or cycle on the school run Even if you can’t walk or cycle the whole way, park further away and walk the rest of the way. When you don’t have your child with you on the way back, you could power walk or jog. If you are doing this twice a day, there and back, it should make a difference.

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• Cut down on your daily salt intake High salt consumption can lead to a variety of health problems, including raised blood pressure and heart disease. Salt is added to nearly all processed foods so try to cut it out of everything else.

• Try a new sports activity If you want to boost your fitness levels but feel the gym isn’t right for you, a new sports could provide a fun, yet fit alternative. There is plenty on offer from dancing to karate to netball!

• Curb your drinking habits As all those festive hangovers may have hinted, heavy alcohol consumption can entail serious health consequences, with longterm health implications. Try to keep alcohol for the weekend or special occasions.

• Spend more time with your family Whether playing a board game, joining in the fun at the park or cooking with the children, being with your family will make you appreciate the simple pleasures in life.

At Chart Farm we are a family-run business producing and selling premium quality meat from our farm in Kent.

We are passionate about providing our customers with top quality seasonal produce that’s either reared on our farm or sourced locally from farmers that share our values. We truly believe in traditional farming, looking after animals in a natural, ethical way, which reflects in the flavour and quality of the meat.

Chart Farm was bought by the Petersen family in the 1970s and was used to grow arable crops; then in 1981 Seb’s father bought a small herd of just 25 deer and it was transformed into a deer park. Now we have over 1,000 deer, mostly fallow and sika. They are free to roam in a 400 acre semi-wild environment of pasture and woodland.

We don’t interfere with the animals when they are breeding or fawning so the process is completely natural. In the winter we feed the animals on hay produced from the same or neighbouring land. We cull in the field and process on the farm, thus avoiding stressful journeys for the animals and in turn, our meat is tender and full of flavour.

The farm business has really grown over the years. We sold to game-dealers initially for many years and then progressed to restaurants like the Michelin starred Chapter One in Locksbottom. They were very impressed with the quality of our product and our ethical approach.

Quickly the trade business began to flourish and restaurants were telling us their customers were keen to find out where the meat was from, so in 2008 we opened our Farm Shop selling direct to the consumer. Instantly we received great feedback and soon our customers were asking if we could source other quality meats for them to buy in the shop.

The business has grown from there with turnover increasing year on year.

This year customer demand has lead us to relaunch the farm shop as Chart Farm Butchery, and customers will be able to enjoy the convenience of online shopping and a click and collect service from our new website. Go to www.chartfarm.com for more information.

Chart Farm Venison and Butchery provides home reared venison and other locally sourced seasonal meats from our family run farm near Sevenoaks in Kent.

Please visit www.chartfarm.com for more information or visit our butchery on the farm.

Our opening times are: Tuesday to Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-3pm

Now ordering on-line available Free Farmyard Parking Chart Farm, Seal Chart Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES 5 minutes from Sevenoaks town / just off A25 For enquiries and orders please call 01732 761672 or email enquiries@chartfarm.com

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Skiing as a family

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by Moira Clarke Esprit Holidays

irst things to think about when considering taking the children skiing are your children gung-ho enough to give it a go? Is your baby or toddler sociable enough to join a nursery for the week? Are you, as parents, able to let them get on with it?

Then consider the practicalities • Choose an operator with plenty of experience and trust them they have done it before.

• Check flight times - are they a civilised hour for children?

• Check distance/time from arrival airport resort - long transfers can be nauseous!

• Choose an operator that offers a choice of destinations, not just limiting families to one or two particular resorts where they 'do' childcare. Just because you are skiing with children doesn’t mean you have to limit your horizons.

care and attention needs to be paid to what exactly you are booking for your infant. If it is a local resort nursery, do the carers speak English? Will they follow your child’s routine? What will they do during the day? And will it be for five or six days?

Childcare questions to ask: • Does the resort or the Tour Operator provide childcare?

• Are the child carers qualified?

• What is the ratio of children to carers?

• Is the nursery in the chalet, a dedicated playroom or do you have to traipse your child round the resort?

• Are the activity clubs just video clubs or do the children get out and about?

• Any evening activities for children? You want to enjoy your dinner without worrying about the children.

• Any babysitting provided? A night out without the children is a definite must on holiday!

• What are the age ranges for the nursery or childcare?

• What are the catering arrangements for the children?

Ski school for children Many holiday packages offer children’s ski classes but it is important to know whether or not the classes are just run by the local ski school or if the operator has any special arrangements. Some operators just book children into the local classes, which may then have anything up to sixteen children in them and be taught in the local language!

It is also worth checking whether the parents have to take and collect their children from ski school as this can severely restrict a parent’s time on the slope.

Nursery care for babies and toddlers Not many Tour Operators offer their very own dedicated nursery, so

Babysitting Some operators charge extra for babysitting, others don’t do it at

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If it is your Tour Operator’s in-house nursery, check the qualifications of the childcare team and the location and facilities of the crèche. You don’t want just the living room floor of your chalet with a few toys - you want a dedicated playroom with proper facilities for infants and toddlers.

Non-skiing activity clubs Young children don’t have the stamina to ski all day so some sort of non-skiing club is necessary. Ensure it includes plenty of outdoor fun and isn’t just a video or computer club.

all. If nightlife is important, try and check beforehand how much extra you may have to pay out in the resort to avoid hefty bills not budgeted for.

operators do not have child friendly prices! Carefully check for free child places and up to what age they are applicable, and also the number of child places allowed per family.

Catering Check the eating arrangements. Children tend to be happier eating simpler meals all together and can’t last all evening waiting for an adult dinner at 8pm, regardless of Mum and Dad wanting to eat as a family!

Many operators only allow two children at a child’s price and thereafter charge adult prices. Always work out the whole package price before deciding which is better value - an operator with the most expensive adult price may turn out to offer the best whole family cost.

Location of properties Where the chalet or hotel is situated will have a big impact on the enjoyment of the children. Ski in/out is ideal for parents but for children who will be in ski lessons it may be advisable to look for properties where the ski school meeting point is close by for their convenience rather than yours.

Often sharing the parents' room gives the greatest discount for children but if you want separate rooms for the children you will not get much of a discount from some operators. Brochures/ websites that do not give any child prices are questionable - do they make them up as they go along?

Prices Skiing with children can be expensive. Some child friendly

Booking certain dates with some companies may give good offers - free children’s places, for example - but do remember to work out the whole package before getting excited about a great deal!

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31

Keep safe

W

this winter

henever the country is in the grip of freezing temperatures, we sadly hear about people losing their lives after falling through the ice and there are always many more near misses.

A secluded, friendly family club near Sevenoaks surrounded by woodland and beautiful gardens with panoramic views

Analysis by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) found that the victim had been attempting to rescue another person or a dog in more than half of the incidents in recent years. When a dog was involved, it was common for the pet to scramble out to safety when the owner did not. Other incidents involved children who had been playing on the ice. We all want to go out with our children and enjoy the wintry weather. Along with wrapping up well to keep warm and dry, it is important to be aware of the hazards of frozen water and the extremes of winter weather conditions. Although frozen water can look tempting, there is simply no way of knowing whether the ice will hold your weight and it is often too late by the time you find out that it won’t. There is some excellent advice on the RoSPA website regarding winter safety including sledging.

01732 458261 info@stjulians.co.uk www.stjulians.co.uk

Take a look at www.rospa.com/wintersafety

St Julians Club

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B

t

Making it personal!

C

hristmas is a wonderful opportunity to buy personalised presents, particularly for children. Children love anything with their name on and there is a huge variety of items to choose from at all price levels.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, money and mutiny is brought to life in a thrilling new adaptation by Bryony Lavery

Playing from 3 December 020 7452 3000 nationaltheatre.org.uk No booking fee

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Stationery with a child’s name on is always useful - it doesn’t get lost quite so often! Children love to start the school term with a new set of pencils or pencil case, particularly if it has their name on. You can also get bags, T shirts, towels, teddies and blankets personalised, so whatever the age of the child you should be able to find something suitable.

Books and CDs can also now feature your child and their friends and family in the story or songs, which is a lovely idea. Don’t forget you can make personalised gifts as well. Ceramics studios have many gift ideas that you can personalise with painting, and this is something that you can do with your children. In fact, an afternoon spent at a ceramics studio making gifts with your family is a lovely thing to do in the depths of winter. If you are choosing personalised presents for Christmas, do order them in plenty of time as they take longer than standard gifts, and check that they will be delivered in time.

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F f T e s s

T T y a t y j t M h C

A s b c r a 2 s

Birthday

theatre treat

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trip to the theatre to see a Christmas show is a lovely birthday treat for a child whose special day is over the festive period.

Most theatres do special group rates so you may be able to take advantage of discounted ticket prices, or just take one or two special friends and perhaps have a birthday tea afterwards. If you let the theatre know in advance, the birthday child may even get a mention on stage!

Coming to Royal Tunbridge Wells this Christmas

For those who are looking for festive fun, the seasonal pantomime and the Tunbridge Wells outdoor ice rink will entice you to rediscover your inner child or simply sit back and watch as your children skate, laugh and enjoy!

This year’s magical pantomime, ‘Peter Pan’ at the Assembly Hall Theatre (Friday 12 December to Sunday 4 January 2015) brings you spectacular flying and computer generated imagery, plus amazing acrobatics. From an all star dancing and singing cast, this is a Christmas show with a vast amount of sparkle! Pinch yourself as you watch Peter Pan fly high above the stage and join Wendy, Michael and John as they take off to Neverland with the boy who never grows up. Ex Holby City heart throb Mark Moraghan heads the cast as the evil Captain Hook and joining him in Neverland will be Gemma Hunt, presenter of popular CBeebies show Swashbuckle, as Tinkerbell.

Also there’s the beautiful Royal Tunbridge Wells outdoor ice skating rink. For the fourth year running Calverley Grounds will be transformed by the large flood lit ice rink, traditional wooden chalets and amazingly lit trees. The 600 square metre ice skating rink has capacity for 200 skaters at a time and promises to offer a festive experience for all. Open seven days a week from Friday 21 November until Sunday 4 January 2015, the ice rink welcomes skaters of all ages and ability.

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Look out for each other on the

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e all use roads to get around and most of us use them in a variety of different ways: walking, catching the bus or driving, and maybe cycling, running or skating too. Of course, however we use roads, we are all just people trying to get about, but some road users are especially vulnerable and need protecting by those in charge of vehicles.

Yet sometimes it can feel like roads are angry places where different road users are in different tribes and competing for space and priority. A simple lack of consideration and care can have awful consequences. It can mean people feel less able to get out and about and less likely to choose to walk or cycle: children not being allowed to walk to school, commuters not feeling able to cycle, families being more inclined to always use the car. It can also lead to tragedy: people suffering horrific injuries or being killed because of someone going too fast, too close or not looking out.

Wouldn’t it be better if, instead of being stressful and risky, streets were places 36

ABC Magazine - Kent

where everyone looked out for and protected each other, particularly the most vulnerable?

In this year’s Road Safety Week (17th-23rd November), everyone is asked to look out for each other on roads, because being selfish can easily lead to tragedy. Drivers are urged to protect people on foot and bike by slowing down to 20mph in communities, looking twice and taking it slowly at junctions and bends, and giving people plenty of room. Everyone is encouraged to put safety first and be considerate to one another; people on foot and bike should never take chances, and make sure they can always be seen.

Taken from www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk

Eat, drink and

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be healthy

t Christmas we are always surrounded by lots of lovely food and drink. On average people gain about 5lbs (2kgs) over the festive period. When looking on the internet the average number of calories consumed on Christmas Day ranges from 6,000-8,000!

According to The British Dietetic Association the Christmas meal is not the main culprit, but overindulging on second helpings, snacks and alcohol are likely to be the cause of the bulging of waist lines. Turkey is a low fat meat and add plenty of seasonal vegetables, which will contribute to your 5-a-day fruit and vegetable intake and help stop the urge to snack in between meals.

It is usually all the little extras that pile on the calories and

with all the tasty snacks around at Christmas, it is easy to over-do it. A single mince pie contains about 250 calories!

So if possible make sure you have healthy options to hand, and cut down on the amount of snacking between meals, which will mean that you will enjoy mealtimes much more, without that feeling of feeling completely full for days on end. It also makes sense to try not to over-eat for the whole of December through to New Year. Christmas parties and family gatherings mean that

we eat and drink far too much for a few weeks, so try to eat healthily when you can, and enjoy the special meals at other times without guilt.

During the Christmas period, over-eating is normally combined with far less exercise than normal, which also makes us feel less energetic and inclined to sit in front of a television screen for too long. You and the children will appreciate some fresh air and a walk or bike ride before a meal to build up an appetite,

or get everyone involved in an energetic game. This will also mean that the children will probably be less fractious later on in the evening if they are staying up later than normal.

The festive period is a lovely time to catch up with friends and family over a drink and a meal, but if you try to ensure that you don’t go too mad at other times, it will mean that come January you won’t feel that you have to spend the whole of the month in the gym and eating salad!

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Festive safety

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hristmas is always a busy time with presents to buy, meals to plan and family and friends to entertain.

As well as planning for an enjoyable and fun Christmas, everyone wants to ensure that Christmas is safe as well as fun. The Child Accident Prevention Trust have the following advice: Toys • Always head to good retailers that you have heard of and have a good reputation. Markets or new, temporary shops often sell illegally imported toys that often don’t meet strict toy safety requirements. These toys may seem like a bargain but they are not built to safe standards and could be dangerous for little ones.

• Make sure you look at the age range on the toy packaging, as babies and toddlers can choke on small parts or swallow harmful parts of the toy. Toys that are not meant for young children are clearly marked.

• On the big day itself, make sure stairs are free from clutter.

Children will be rushing around to find visitors, open presents and play with their new toys, so remove things that could cause a bad fall down stairs • Look out for small things that young children can choke on. Put small decorations high out of reach, tidy away small plastic toys from crackers and put small batteries (particularly the round, silver ones) out of reach of little fingers.

Visitors • Make sure visitors to the house, such as grandparents, don’t leave medicines in places where children can find them, for example in handbags or counted out on bedside cabinets. Medicines are the most common cause of accidental poisoning in children, with everyday painkillers a frequent culprit.

• If you are staying with relatives or friends over Christmas, remember that the top bunk of bunk beds can be dangerous for children under six. Bear in mind that safety items you might have at home, such as stair gates and cupboard locks, might not be available where you are staying.

Food and drink • The kitchen can be a hectic place on Christmas Day. So keep young children out of the kitchen while you are preparing Christmas dinner and all the trimmings to avoid burns and scalds.

One in ten children’s accidents happen in the kitchen.

• Clear away any bottles of alcohol and the last dregs of drinks left in glasses as even small amounts of alcohol can poison young children.

Christmas decorations • Keep candles away from Christmas trees and decorations and don’t hang decorations from lights and heaters, as they can catch alight and burn easily.

• Remember to turn off fairy lights and blow out candles before heading to bed. Check that your smoke alarms are working, so there is time to get out if a fire does start.

Taken from www.capt.org.uk

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Safe surfing

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any children will be receiving new tablets, mobile phones and computers this Christmas. From the first time they access the internet they are vulnerable to inappropriate content, so it is worthwhile installing the appropriate safety software before Christmas Day. On the day itself you will be far too busy, so it could be a couple of weeks before you get round to it and in the meantime there is a world of unsuitable content that is very easily accessible to them.

A recent survey by BullGuard, one step ahead. a global leader in internet and The survey showed that many mobile security, indicates that parents admit to checking their many parents find it child’s internet history difficult to safeguard but only 14% Most youngsters regularly check parents against the who they are ‘darker’ side of friends with are taking a the internet, on social proactive stance networking with one in seven finding sites, and in attempting to unsuitable 33% said they control online content on either rarely activity... their child’s or never bother smartphone or to check what tablet. A lot of young websites their children children are seeing images on visit. We are all busy people, the internet that we certainly and it’s not easy to keep abreast wouldn’t like them to see in of everything your child does a book or film. The average online. The internet offers a British child now gets their wealth of genuinely useful, own personal mobile phone at interesting and educational the age of eight, so a potential content that can be of great wealth of information is being benefit to our children, so it’s placed in the hands of a young important that they have access and inquisitive mind. to this in a safe and secure environment.

The number one concern in the survey was the possibility Modern parental controls are of children talking to complete advanced enough to allow strangers online, with the parents to choose what sites chance of them being bullied, are safe to visit, to view reports becoming distracted from on a child’s activity or receive schoolwork and becoming too alerts if inappropriate content absorbed by online activities. is detected. It is easy to forget Most parents are taking a that mobile phones and other proactive stance in attempting devices with internet access to control online activity, with need to be treated in the same 54% speaking regularly to their way that computers are; make children about the potential sure you know and understand dangers of the internet, but what your children are doing 70% take the pragmatic view on them and set up the that a child’s natural curiosity appropriate controls to keep may make it difficult to stay them safe.

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T

DIARY OF EVENTS

his list of events has been carefully selected to offer both children and families fun things to do - hopefully with something to appeal to everyone.

We appreciate that on a family day out if the children are happy the chances for the entire family to enjoy the day are enhanced. Although every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at time of going to press, ABC Magazine cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions.

Tourist & Leisure Info

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e suggest that you check details before setting off for the day. Tourist Information Centre phone numbers covering the local area are listed below or take a look at www.visitsoutheastengland.com Bexley Clacket Lane Edenbridge Gravesend Lewisham Maidstone Rochester Sevenoaks Swanley Tenterden Tonbridge Tunbridge Wells

01322 558676 01959 565063 01732 865368 01474 337600 0208 2978317 01622 602169 01634 843666 01732 450305 01322 614660 01233 330316 01732 770929 01892 515675

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any councils are involved in the running of the area covered by ABC Magazine. All are fonts of local information so do contact them for assistance. Listed is the telephone number of each council - queries regarding facilities should be raised with the Leisure Services Departments.

Kent County Council Tonbridge & Malling Sevenoaks District Tunbridge Wells Maidstone Medway Bromley Ashford Dartford Gravesham

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08458 247247 01732 844522 01732 227000 01892 526121 01622 602000 01634 306000 020 84643333 01233 637311 01322 343434 01474 564422

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22 22 22 22-30 26-30

November 1 1 1 1-2 1-2 5 8 8 8 8 8 8-9 9 9 12 14 14 14-16 15 15 17-23 21 21-30 21-30

Family Fireworks Night Herne Bay, Hillborough www.canterbury.co.uk Baby Loves Halloween Disco Old Dover Road www.canterbury.co.uk Bonfire and Fireworks Event Quex Park, Birchington www.quexpark.co.uk Witches and Warlocks Hever Castle www.hevercastle.co.uk Spooky Half term Fun Kent Life www.kentlife.org.uk Fireworks Extravaganza Old Dover Road, Canterbury www.canterbury.co.uk Fireworks Night Sevenoaks High Street www.sevenoaksfireworks.co.uk Fireworks House Party Leeds Castle www.leeds-castle.com Bridge Village Fireworks Bridge, Canterbury www.canterbury.co.uk Bonfire & Firework Spectular Kent Life www.kentlife.org.uk Tyler Hill Bonfire Tyler Hill, Canterbury www.canterbury.co.uk Leeds Castle Fireworks Go Wild Leeds Castle www.leeds-castle.com Wedding Fair New School at West Heath www.westheathweddings.com Remembrance Sunday War Memorial, Folkestone www.folkestone.towntalk.co.uk Oxford Street Christmas lights Oxford Street www.visitlondon.com Children in Need Nationwide www.bbc.co.uk/childreninneed Chatham Christmas light switch on Chatham High Street www.medway.gov.uk The Spanish Riding School of Vienna Wembley Arena, London www.spanishridingschoollive.com Spooky Sprint The Hop Farm www.thehopfarm.co.uk Rochester Christmas light switch on Rochester High Street www.medway.gov.uk Road Safety Week Nationwide www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk Gillingham Christmas light switch on Gillingham High Street www.medway.gov.uk Ice Skating in the Park Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com Winter Wonderland Hyde Park www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

28 28 28-30 28-30 29 29 29 29 29-30 29-30 29-30 29-30 29-30

Baby & Children’s Fair Otford Memorial Hall www.buyitbaby.co.uk Strood Christmas light switch on Strood High Street www.medway.gov.uk Children's Nearly New Sale Cornwalls Academy, Maidstone www.nearlynewsalekent.co.uk Meet Santa Polhill www.polhill.co.uk The Snowman Peacock Theatre, London www.sadlerswells.com Sevenoaks Christmas lights switch on Sevenoaks High Street www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk Rainham Christmas light switch on Rainham High Street www.medway.gov.uk Sleeping Beauty Churchill Theatre, Bromley www.atgtickets.com/bromley Christmas Market Chartwell www.nationaltrust.org.uk Christmas Fair Herne, Herne Bay www.canterbury.co.uk Father Christmas The Hop Farm www.thehopfarm.co.uk Christmas Craft Fair Capel-le-Ferne Village Hall, Folkestone www.folkestone.towntalk.co.uk Baby Expo Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading www.babyexpobabyshow.co.uk Believe in the Magic Lapland UK www.laplanduk.co.uk Artisan Christmas Gift Fair St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury www.canterbury.co.uk Magic of Christmas Past Hever Castle www.hevercastle.co.uk Christmas Fair High Street, Canterbury www.canterbury.co.uk Christmas on the Home Front Kent Life www.kentlife.org.uk

December 1-23 1-24 1-24 1-24 1-31

Elf trails and letter to Santa Emmetts Garden www.nationaltrust.org.uk Believe in the Magic Lapland UK www.laplanduk.co.uk Magic of Christmas Past Hever Castle www.hevercastle.co.uk Meet Santa Polhill www.polhill.co.uk Ice Skating in the Park Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com

15 17 18-19 20-21 20-24 23 24 24 1-31 1-31 1-31 3-31 3 5 5-6 6-7 6-31 6 6 6-7 6-7 6-7 6-23 6-23 9-10 12-31 12-31 13 13 13 13-14

Sleeping Beauty Churchill Theatre, Bromley www.atgtickets.com/bromley The Snowman Peacock Theatre, London www.sadlerswells.com Winter Wonderland Hyde Park www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Treasure Island National Theatre www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Annual Members Christmas Shopping Hever Castle www.hevercastle.co.uk Christmas Party in the Fairfax Hall Leeds Castle www.leeds-castle.com St Eanswythe’s Christmas Fair St Eanswythe’s Primary School, Folkestone www.folkestone.towntalk.co.uk Father Christmas Chartwell www.nationaltrust.org.uk Cinderella Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks www.sevenoakspanto.com Holly Hullabaloo Wildwood Trust www.wildwoodtrust.org Christmas Trees Wildwood Trust www.wildwoodtrust.org Father Christmas Visits Leeds Castle www.leeds-castle.com Meet Santa Kent Life www.kentlife.org.uk Meet Santa Wildwood Trust www.wildwoodtrust.org The Christmas Fair Leeds Castle www.leeds-castle.com The Gingerbread Christmas Leeds Castle www.leeds-castle.com Dick Whittington New School at West Heath www.westheathschool.com Peter Pan Assembly Theatre, Tunbridge Wells www.assemblytheatre.co.uk Peter Pan Orchard Theatre, Dartford www.orchardtheatre.co.uk Love from Kent Christmas Fair Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks www.lovefromkent.co.uk Festive Fun Night Wildwood Trust www.wildwoodtrust.org Frozen Sing-a-long Quarterhouse, Tontine Street, Folkestone www.folkestone.towntalk.co.uk Meet Santa Wildwood Trust www.wildwoodtrust.org

24-31 26-31 27-30

Remember When at Christmas Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone www.folkestone.towntalk.co.uk Christmas Concert Folkestone United Reformed Church www.folkestone.towntalk.co.uk Twilight Magic of Christmas Past Hever Castle www.hevercastle.co.uk Christmas stories Knole, Sevenoaks www.nationaltrust.org.uk Meet Santa Wildwood Trust www.wildwoodtrust.org Twilight Magic and Father Christmas Hever Castle www.hevercastle.co.uk Santa Special Train Hythe Station, Hythe www.folkestone.towntalk.co.uk The Nutcracker Quarterhouse, Tontine Street, Folkestone www.folkestone.towntalk.co.uk Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic The O2, London www.ticketmaster.co.uk The Winter Trail Leeds Castle www.leeds-castle.com Winter Walks Hever Castle www.hevercastle.co.uk

February 1-19 14 17

Treasure Island National Theatre www.nationaltheatre.org.uk St Valentine's Day Nationwide www.timeout.com Pancake Day Nationwide www.timeout.com

January

1-3 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4

1-14 1-31 1

Peter Pan Orchard Theatre, Dartford www.orchardtheatre.co.uk Sleeping Beauty Churchill Theatre, Bromley www.atgtickets.com/bromley Cinderella Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks www.sevenoakspanto.com Ice Skating in the Park Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com The Snowman Peacock Theatre, London www.sadlerswells.com Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic The O2, London www.ticketmaster.co.uk The Winter Trail Leeds Castle www.leeds-castle.com Winter Wonderland Hyde Park www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Peter Pan Assembly Theatre, Tunbridge Wells www.assemblytheatre.co.uk Treasure Island National Theatre www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Winter Walks Hever Castle www.hevercastle.co.uk

Saturday 29th November Rivermead Leisure Complex in Reading

www.abcmag.co.uk www.facebook.com/ ABCMagazines @abcmagazineUK

LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW SPRING ISSUE OF OUT & ABOUT FROM 1ST MARCH

Disclaimer: The information contained in this listing is given in good faith on the basis of information available to ABC Magazine. ABC Magazine cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information and accepts no responsibility for any error, omission or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained herewith, is hereby excluded.

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Where can we go? What can we do?

• DAYS OUT FOR FREE • DAYS OUT FOR FREE • DAYS OUT FOR FREE • All these places offer free admission and may also have other facilities available for a charge (such as tea rooms, boat hire, golf etc)

Ashford - Victoria Park, Jemmett Road, South Ashford Victorian-style park with meadows, woodland garden, playground, assault course, climbing wall and more.

Aylesford - The Friars Ancient Carmelite friary dating back to the 13th century - superbly restored buildings with a wealth of historical features. T. 01622 717272 Biddenden Vineyards and Cider Works Stroll through the vineyards and see the presses and bottling line, enjoy a picnic in lovely surroundings. T. 01580 291726 Bromley - Crystal Palace Park Lovely big park in which to marvel at life-sized models of dinosaurs and have fun in the play area. T. 0208 778 9496 Bromley Museum Learn about Bromley's history from the Woolly Mammoth to the present day - and other fascinating galleries. T. 01689 873826

Challock - King's Wood Ancient woodland. Acres of bluebells in spring, home to deer and vast range of fauna and flora. Picnic and play area. www.forestry.gov.uk Cranbrook - Union Mill 19th Century working mill is the second tallest surviving smock mill in the country and you can climb to the top! T. 01580 712256 Dartford Borough Museum Small but fascinating museum that tells the story of Dartford. Houses the famous 'Darenth Bowl'. T. 01322 224739 Edenbridge - Eden Valley Museum Takes you through the history of Eden Valley's people, local architecture and environment, hands-on exhibits. T. 01732 868102 Eynsford - Eynsford Castle One of the oldest stone castles built by the Normans, original work starting in 1088.

Gillingham - Riverside Country Park Vast area of grassland, ponds, tidal salt marsh and mud flats. Picnic sites, play area and ranger service.- T. 01634 378987 Gillingham - Capstone Farm Country Park Ancient woodland with lakes, meadows and hedgerows. Picnic sites, play area and ranger service. T. 01634 812196 Greenwich Park - Oldest enclosed Royal Park, lovely views over Thames. Royal Observatory situated in grounds. Children's playground. T. 0208 858 2608 Greenwich - National Maritime Museum & Queen's House Shows entire history of man's association with the sea. T. 0208 312 6565 Greenwich - The Royal Observatory Stand on the Prime Meridian line and see the time ball drop! Visit new Time galleries and Space galleries T. 0208 312 6565 Larkfield - Leybourne Lakes Country Park Series of lakes and grasslands, lovely views and level walks for walking and cycling. T. 01634 243397 Maidstone Carriage Museum A fine collection of horse-drawn carriages all housed in the 14th century stables of the Archbishop's Palace. T. 01622 602838 Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery Vast collection of arts, history and archaeology including Egyptian gallery with its own mummy! T. 01622 602838 Maidstone - Tyland Barn Demonstration nature park has large pond, meadow, chalk bank, scrub habitats and displays on 'green' issues. T. 01622 662012 Rochester Cathedral Founded 604 AD, the cathedral was subjected to invasions, fires, war damage and plundering. Lovely gardens. T. 01634 843366 Rochester - Cliffe Pools Nature trails, amazing variety of birdlife, interesting fauna and flora and popular diary of events. T. 01635 222480 Rochester - Shorne Wood Country Park Explore way marked trails, sensory garden, arboretum and play area. T. 01474 832800 Royal Tunbridge Wells - Dunorlan Park Award-winning park has a Chalybeate spring, boat hire, guided walks and plenty of space to play.

Royal Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery Large selection of dolls, games, toys and collections of natural and local historical interest. T. 01892 554171 Sevenoaks Bough Beech Visitor Centre Converted 19th Century oast house with interesting displays on hop growing and reservoir building.

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve Woodland and wetland hosts large variety of plants, fungi and animals, even 30,000 year old mammoth teeth! T. 01732 456407 Sittingbourne Heritage Museum Aims to preserve and present the history of the area through pictures, artefacts and displays. T. 01795 423215 Swanley Park Have fun in the paddling pool or sand pit, on the bouncy castle or battery bikes, or ride on the miniature steam train! T. 01322 666363 Wrotham - Coldrum Long Barrow, Pinesfield Lane, Trottiscliffe Said to be over 3,000 years old, one of the best-preserved megalithic tombs in Kent.

Woolwich - The Thames Path Starting at Thames Barrier, this 184 mile national trail follows England's best-known river. Suits all ages. www.visitthames.co.uk

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Brickwall Hotel & restaurant

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Win fab prizes with

The Brickwall Hotel, The Green, Sedlescombe, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0QA

Take the jigsaw concept to a completely new level!

Ravensburger has a puzzle to suit everyone and its fantastic 3D Puzzle® collection takes the jigsaw concept to a completely new level!

Using technology with interlocking puzzle pieces, puzzlers can build their very own famous landmark.

The uniquely curved, hinged and flat plastic pieces fit together perfectly and no glue is required. The sturdy plastic puzzle pieces are numbered on the back to help you complete the structure. Once built, the buildings measure between 29cm and 49cm tall and the collection has 12 different iconic designs to choose from.

Priced from £20, you can choose from Big Ben, The Empire State Building, The Eiffel Tower and many more - all available from good retailers.

For more information and to see the full range of puzzles visit www.ravensburger.co.uk We’ve teamed up with Ravensburger to offer 5 lucky ABC readers the chance to each win a Disney Eiffel Tower 3D puzzle. For your chance of winning, simply tell us how many iconic designs are included in the puzzle range?

WINTER BREAKS 2 nights - £150.00 3 nights - £220.00 4 nights - £285.00 Inclusive of Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and VAT. Prices are per person sharing a double/twin room and are valid until 28th February 2015 (excluding Bank Holidays).

OPERA AND JAZZ EVENINGS Enjoy a delicious three course dinner accompanied by fabulous live music. For further details contact jazz@brickwallhotel.com or cameo-opera@brickwallhotel.com CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 2014 Bookings are now being taken for Christmas and New Year breaks and for pre-Christmas lunch and dinner parties.

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

For more information call 01424 870253, email info@brickwallhotel.com or visit www.brickwallhotel.com

Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa - 'a slice of paradise' in Sussex!

I

really can't think of a better way of spending time with friends than an overnight stay at Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa. Three of us had arranged to meet for a sneaky night away from the everyday circus we call 'being mum', knowing that for the next twenty four hours, it was just us, with no interruptions.

As I turned into the long driveway towards the hotel it took me past tennis courts, beautiful buildings and manicured lawns that stretched into the distance. The hotel itself looked like a myriad of medieval buildings and, to my disbelief, I soon learnt that the hotel grounds actually meet Climping beach!

As we chatted away we were like excited children unpacking our cases in our very grand room with stunning views and its own open fire. We enjoyed a light lunch of sandwiches and tea and then donned our fluffy towelling robes and proceeded to the spa, a short walk across the hotel lawn. After a brief consultation, we were introduced to our therapists, and the hour and a half that followed can only be described as heaven! I had booked a Mediterranean Float, an all over face and body treatment, which left me feeling both recharged and refreshed and ready to take on the world. After the treatments, we met in the chill-out room which was a beautifully lit, calming room with reclining loungers and fluffy blankets. At our leisure, we had time to

take advantage of the steam and sauna rooms and wonderful pool facilities, including the outdoor pool and jacuzzi.

Feeling refreshed, we headed back to our room to get changed for dinner and made our way down to one of the many lounge areas for pre-dinner drinks. The evening meal was just as we expected - fine dining at its very best and service that was second to none. After dinner, we had a little walkabout in the hotel as there were so many fascinating little nooks and crannies to be discovered, including a tunnel which led to the other buildings on site. We took to our beds with relaxed bodies, full tummies and light heads chatting away until the wee hours. It felt like we'd been away for days and normal life seemed so far away - like a distant, chaotic memory.

Morning came all too soon and after a delicious full English breakfast it was time to say goodbye - we parted with hugs and vowed that this would be the first of many visits to Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa...

Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, Climping, West Sussex BN17 5RW (01903) 723511 www.hshotels.co.uk ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

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Grandparents are cool

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he coolest grandparents let you stay up late, laugh at rude rhymes, tell you secrets, and are on social media according to a new study. Researchers polled children aged five to fifteen years to establish the traits and attributes that grandparents possess to be deemed ‘cool’.

On-trend grannies and granddads also own a tablet, always have homemade cakes available and push money in to your hands whilst saying “shhhh”. Letting you choose what you want for dinner, having picnics indoors and playing on games consoles were also on the cool list. Also favourable was knowing lots of card games, listening to your music, letting you bake without moaning about the mess, and taking you on days out to the zoo, amusements parks or to the cinema.

The poll by McCarthy & Stone, the UK’s retirement developer, also revealed the coolest grandparents are most likely to be called Ted and Maggie. They let their grandchildren play in rain, always have sweets on hand and have an array of rude jokes up their sleeves. It’s also lovely to know that 65% of children described their grandparents as cool, 75% said they hoped to be like their grandparents when they grow old and 70% also said they thought their grandparents were much younger than their years.

We are proud of our health focused nursery linked to the Tunbridge Wells Salt Cave Why is this nursery special?

At most nurseries there can be issues with children having continuous runny noses, coughs and colds, especially during the winter months. When children pick up illnesses from others, they often have to stay at home, meaning parents need to take time off work while still having to pay the nursery fees. Children with more sensitive immune systems can take as long as two to three weeks to recover from a cold, flu or chest infection. In the Green Cave Day Nursery, children spend one hour in the ‘Salt Cave’ per session.

Due to the hypoallergenic environment, the risk of children passing germs on to one another is reduced to almost zero, and this strengthens their immune systems. As one parent testified “As soon as our children show signs of being under the weather we bring them (to the Salt Cave) and since we started coming full blown infections and viruses have been notably reduced.”

What is the Salt Cave?

With the sound of waves playing in the background, the snowlike mound of salt underfoot, and the salt-covered white walls, the Salt Cave could easily be mistaken for a winter wonderland or Santa’s Grotto. Dry salt-enriched air is dispersed into the room via a medical device, and is easily inhaled. It can help to alleviate and eradicate many conditions including asthma, chest infection, hay fever, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds and eczema. The treatment is natural and 100% drug free.

Perfect for commuters The Green Cave Day Nursery is located right next to the Tunbridge Wells train station and is open Monday - Friday from 7.30am - 6.30pm, so it is in an ideal location for commuters and local families. We have a new nursery room, which includes a sensory room where the children can explore using all their senses while utilising the soft play equipment, tunnels and tents.

Soft lighting and music make it very relaxing. The sensory room is also used for sleep and rest during the day. Children have their own mats and bedding.

The nursery currently supports a number of children who are learning English as an additional language. The setting provides funded early education sessions for three and four year olds. In addition we also have limited two year old funding. The Ofsted registered Green Cave Day Nursery aims to provide a safe, caring, stimulating, friendly and homely learning environment, with the added health benefits of the Salt Cave, for up to thirty children aged thirteen months to five years. The approach is health-conscious and environmentally friendly, and children are provided with organic home cooked meals and snacks. The resources are wooden or made from other natural materials.

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Helping your toddler to learn

T

hose few years between being a baby and going to school are very important for your little one. They are learning so much every day and it is amazing to watch. Young children are discovering the world around them and learning how they fit into it. Whether they are at home full-time or in nursery, there are so many opportunities for them to learn.

This time is vital in terms giving your child many learning of speech and language opportunities, without them development. You will see how even realising it. Children will their ‘baby talk’ is now have fun while they are turning into real learning. They could words and they be playing at The most are going from shops, listening important single words to to a story, putting words ‘writing’ in the thing at this together. sand, sorting age is to make shapes - these learning If your child are all the first blocks of maths is at nursery, fun. and reading. much of the day The nursery will be and the layout of the working in accordance nursery will be geared at

with the Early Years Foundation Stage which sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years old.

be incorporated into everyday situations and play. This not only makes it fun for your child, but will also help to satisfy a toddler’s natural curiosity.

There are also many ways you can help your child to learn at home. Of course, you don’t want to be sitting down with your three year old and teaching them how to write their letters perfectly or teaching them the basics of addition and subtraction, but there are many ways that learning can

Children learn language all day, every day, through their normal daily routines and their interactions with others. They also learn and use language within their play, which means that it is a good idea to take a look at the toys you have out for your child to play with. (continued over the page)

Staff from Junior's Day Nursery in Hartley Road, Cranbrook (formerly Monkey Puzzle) were proud to collect their prestigious Kent Quality Mark award at a recent dinner hosted by the Mayor of Maidstone.

This award was the result of months of hard work led by Rebecca Taylor, deputy manager, and supported by the fund raising activities of Julie Colville, head of the toddler room, collecting over £3000. The money was put to amazing use on one hot weekend in July when staff (and some willing partners) were joined by parents to totally transform the garden areas. The garden areas have been cleverly refurbished and incorporate a water area, shelter, a huge tyre bank (made up of over a hundred tyres), artificial lawn, two tons of play sand and a parent also built a 'sand kitchen', which has been an amazing hit.

Junior’s Day Nursery is the new trading name of Junior Childcare. Denise and Graham Fuller have successfully owned their nursery at Hartley Dyke in Cranbrook for over five years.

The setting has always focussed on quality. “We are all delighted for the children and for the staff who have all worked tremendously hard.The amazing relationships they have with the mums and dads has made this Quality Mark possible. Everyone was incredible – but if I had to pick anyone out it would be Rebecca for leading it and all the research she has done, and Julie who could raise money in her sleep!” said Denise.

New name, same commitment.

“Your nursery of choice” 3 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS formally Monkey Puzzle franchise

Awarded a Kent Kite Mark for Continuous improvement.

New Forest school accredited staff

Junior’s Day Nursery, Bramley House, Hartley Dyke Business Centre, Hartley Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3QG. T: 01580 713033 E: cranbrook@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk www.juniorsdaynursery.co.uk

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a book. If your house is noisy with other children in the We increasingly hear of preschoolers playing on tablets and, evening, this is a perfect place to spend some precious time with of course, modern technology your child. certainly does have its place for educational purposes and When you are reading with your sometimes for keeping your child, remember that the words child occupied. However, more aren’t the main attraction for basic toys allow for openpre-schoolers. Pick out books ended play opportunities and with vibrant colours and many more language beautiful pictures, opportunities. It is and talk about an old example, ...read words the illustrations but children get aloud that with your child. so much fun you see on road Ask your child from a big box; signs, in supermarkets to point to it can be made and in your things in the into so many daily routine. pictures and different things repeat the words that uses their after you, and make imagination and a game out of it. This creativity. prepares your child for the early reading stage, when she If your child attends a nursery, will use pictures for clues about they should be able to give you each page. a plan of what they hope to cover over the next few weeks.

Pre-schoolers are just beginning You only need to know the to learn the basics: that print general theme and you can tie runs left to right and top to this in with what you are doing bottom, for example, and that at home. For instance, if your nursery has a ‘seaside’ theme for books have a cover and a back.

Point to words as you read them the week, you could go to the seaside and collect some seaweed and talk about a book as you read it. Even before your child and shells. You can count the shells, write your child’s name in can read, you can start building comprehension skills. Ask your shells, and make a collage with child questions as you read such the seaweed. Your nursery may as, “What do you think this book have a colour of the week, and you can collect items from home is about?” and “What’s he doing in this picture?” of that colour, or find a book that mentions that colour. This Finally, don’t forget words are all helps to reinforce what your everywhere so read words aloud child is learning at nursery. that you see on road signs, in supermarkets and in your daily Reading is something that you can certainly do with your child, routine. This shows your child that reading is an important from a very young age. Reading part of everyday life, and they time should be special for you will also begin to recognise very and your child. Bedtime stories common letters and words. are traditional, but think about other times of the day you and your child can share books, such The most important thing at this age is to make learning fun. as over breakfast, during bath At nursery and in reception time, or after pre-school. Your local library is a wonderful place class, learning will almost to go. It’s free, always warm and exclusively be through play, so dry, and full of books! As well as keep this going at home and your child will grow up with a looking at and choosing books, many libraries have comfortable thirst to learn and understand the world around them. BAC seats where you can cuddle up with your little one and read (continued from previous page)

Kia Mena Montessori Pre-school For children 2-5 years old

• Morning, afternoon or full day sessions • Wide range of activities available • All teaching on a one-to-one basis • Based in a beautiful setting in Beckenham • Funding available for 2, 3 & 4 year olds To make an appointment to visit us or for a prospectus, please call 020 8658 9009 or email kiamena@talktalk.business.net www.kiamenamontessori.co.uk

10th from Week 11am Open o 9.30 t mber Nove

Book during your show round and save up to £260

Postive Steps take pride in providing a caring and secure environment where your children can enjoy the friendship of others and have a happy and rewarding time reaching their full potential through praise and encouragement whilst promoting the importance of learning.

Our home from home environment accommodates the individual needs of children aged between six weeks and five years and offers bright airy rooms and boasts large bespoke outdoor play areas, designed to capture the children’s wild imaginations and offer new and plentiful learning opportunities. We have just celebrated our tenth annual Sports Day. The sun was shining and we are pleased to report that both our children and parents enjoyed a fun filled afternoon in the sunshine.

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...it’s what everyone reads!

Evaluating the

educational benefit of apps

T

by Claire Ridley Gazoob

he number of families owning a tablet or digital device of some shape or form has increased dramatically over the past few years. And as we find ourselves more comfortable with the technology, it’s only natural that our children too are embracing with enthusiasm the digital devices with which they are now surrounded. But of course, most parents are keen to ensure that their digital devices are not crammed full of games with little purpose or too much addictive play. And in fact most of us would prefer our children to be engaging with something educational - particularly in the early years.

Technology now gives us the perfect platform to help our children’s learning journey.

And the right app can present a new learning opportunity in an exciting and engaging way. But take a look on any of the app stores and you will see a host of apps labelled as 'educational'. How does one navigate the 'Wild West' of educational apps and find apps that are truly educational?

It goes without saying really, that to find the best educational apps, you’ll need to do your own homework! But here are some hints, tips and ideas that might help you in your search.

Where to start?

A good starting place is to think carefully about the skill you’re looking to develop.

Do you want your child to improve their reading, help them recognise numbers or

develop problem solving skills?

Then think about how your child likes to learn. Will the familiarity of a known character engage your child? Or would they benefit in picking up their school studies at home with a familiar learning scheme?

Ask for advice Like most things, the best advice will come from recommendations. Speak to teachers for their advice, or indeed speak with friends at the school gates and see which apps their children are learning the most from. Equally there are many review sites out there for apps and you can take some advice from expert reviewers.

Take the app for a spin yourself!

There’s no better way to understand if an app is going to deliver the right level (continued over the page)

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(continued from previous page)

A hidden gem in a rural area

We are a small pre-school that aims to help young children prepare for their first years of primary school. We are not ‘day-care’ and are proud of our focus on individual child development, as well as our dedicated afternoon sessions for children about to go on to ‘big school’.

Our fantastic team of staff operate on a higher than usual staff to child ratio, meaning we can offer an enhanced level of care and attention to all of the children at St Lawrence Pre-School.

We are open term time for five days a week; Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.15am till 3pm, Wednesday and Friday from 9.15am till 12.15pm. We cater for a maximum of sixteen children at any one time, aged from 2 years up to statutory school age.

“We really loved St Lawrence Pre-school – it has prepared our daughter so well for primary school. I hope that it continues to be such a lovely nurturing environment.” * “I can whole heartedly recommend St Lawrence Pre-School - my son loved it there! Never a day went by when he didn’t want to go and I am very impressed with the commitment and professionalism of all the staff. They really do care and are ready with cuddles if needed! It’s a lovely homely setting and my son was exposed to a whole host of great experiences there. I am really relieved to have found it!” * * parents' testimonials

of educational benefit to your child than by trying it yourself. You will soon get an understanding of whether the app is too easy or too difficult.

All the best apps are rigorously tested to ensure they deliver the right level of engagement for your child. Many apps - like our 'Read with Biff, Chip and Kipper' app - are placed into levels so you can easily monitor progression and comprehension before progressing to more challenging content.

No-no’s for education apps There are some features you should try to avoid. Apps that could get your child hooked or those that have in-app purchases without a child-proof mechanism are generally not great choices!

Parents often fear that using tablets and smartphones, in particular, can be an isolating experience given the nature of the small screen. The best piece of advice we can offer is get involved! Just as you sit with your child to read a book, do the same with your tablet or smartphone. Make it a shared experience and talk about what is happening on-screen. This way you will know exactly what your child is looking at, you will know exactly how well they are doing in the particular app, and you will be able to accompany them on their learning journey. BAC Claire Ridley is a mum of two pre-schoolers and resident app enthusiast at Gazoob.

Gazoob is a developer and publisher of educational apps including 'Read with Biff, Chip & Kipper' in partnership with Oxford University Press, and Letterland Storybook apps.

St Lawrence Pre-school A small pre-school for children aged between 2 and 5 years, set in a rural location in Stone Street.

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9.15 - 15.00 Wednesday and Friday 9.15 - 12.15

Please call us on 01732 763354 or visit www.stlawrencepreschool.org.uk for further information.

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ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

...it’s got everything in it!

Aiming high - giving girls a

by Angela Drew leading edge Headmistress, Bromley High School At Bromley High School we teach girls to be properly ambitious: to aspire not simply to excel, but to innovate and to lead.

The education we offer is one of all round opportunity but perhaps the greatest inheritance from Bromley High’s long history has been the tradition of challenging girls to take on significant leadership roles. Fundamental to this philosophy, at the pinnacle of the school is our Head Girls’ Team, sixth-formers who provide role models of creative, fun and dynamic female leadership which sometimes run counter to the representations of women which girls encounter in modern media.

This year our youngest pupils can look up to Prefects who row or run at national level, who are applying for sports scholarships at Princeton, Politics at Oxford, Languages at Cambridge, who dance at a professional level, who sing and play to an exceptional standard. These impressive young women are at the heart of our school chairing the School Council, captaining sports teams, leading assemblies and organising our charitable, entrepreneurial and environmental initiatives. Enterprising, enthusiastic and outward looking, we believe that it is not just exceptional examination results which give Bromley High girls the leading edge.

We hold Open Events in March and May as well as regular Taster Sessions throughout the year. Please register for these events via our website: www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net or contact our admissions office on admissions@bro.gdst.net or telephone 020 8781 7000 to arrange a visit.

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Teaching fundamental

by Arthur Ponsonby Bright Young Things

academic skills

I

n September each year, thousands of children in Kent take the 11 plus exam to try and secure a place at one of the fiercely competitive grammar schools in the area. This year, children sitting the exam have been faced with a new form of the paper, designed to test natural ability and therefore said to be ‘tutor proof’.

These recent changes to the test aim to address the issue of ‘coaching’ and have to a large extent resulted from intense debate on access and privilege.

The 11 plus has for a long time come under fire for having lost its original purpose of providing access to high quality education to those who are academically capable but not in a position to afford the fees associated with selective schools in the private sector.

Coaching for the 11 plus exam is common practice for those who can afford it, which ultimately brings up questions about privilege. The exam is argued to favour those who are in a position to pay for tuition, meaning those who can’t are at a disadvantage. According to local councillor, Mike Whiting, a revamp of the 11 plus test will help to address the coachability factor and improve chances of success for those unable to pay for tuition.

So, have the changes to the exam created a more even playing field? Will the new test 50

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

mean that preparatory tuition and helps students succeed in is becoming redundant? These the 11 plus exam and, most are topical questions which importantly, beyond. many are asking in light of the recent changes. Anita Clemens, Children who sat the new Kent who runs Rochester test in September report Tuition Centre in on formal grammar collaboration and conventional ...a revamp with Bright mathematics still of the 11 plus test Young Things forming a large will help to address and has more part of the the coachability factor than 27 years exam. A strong and improve chances of teaching knowledge of success for those experience, in these areas, unable to pay for believes that according to tuition. children who have Anita Clemens, prepared for the is not a product of current 11 plus test are natural ability; however, likely to do better than those it relies on good teaching. The who have not. She argues that problem, nevertheless, seems to “it is hard to separate between be that tutoring in preparation knowledge gained from teaching for the 11 plus has become and ability, however both improve synonymous with ‘coaching,’ with practice”. Students who which carries negative attend one of Bright Young connotations. Coaching Things’ tuition centres are implies something deceitful, an taught in a calm and productive untoward method of helping teaching environment by children who ultimately will experienced teachers who not be capable further down explain topics in a methodical the line, as they have been manner and encourage students overprepared with the sole aim to ask questions. This creates a of passing the 11 plus exam. solid foundation from which to Real teaching is about equipping further develop academic talents students with fundamental

academic skills which can then be applied at every stage of a student’s academic life, not merely the 11 plus. It becomes evident that exams by their very nature are preparable and parents will always do what they can to offer their child the best chances of success.

Therefore, while enforced with the great intention of eliminating inequality in the grammar school entrance process, it would appear that the alterations to the Kent test do very little to create an even playing field for those who battle for that all important grammar school place. It is my belief that students, particularly those from poorer backgrounds, should have wider access to learning support in preparation for the test. Initiatives such as providing free tuition to disadvantaged, yet talented and eager to learn children, as well as scholarship schemes run by academic institutions, should be encouraged as both a positive and productive step in the right direction.

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51

Competitive pencil grip school sport must go the

A good

M

by Denise Yusuf Action Stations Write

any parents will often wonder why their child holds their pencil in a grip that might look uncomfortable.

Pencil grip patterns have been studied by

researchers and have been classified into developmental levels; so for example a two year old child will hold a crayon using an immature static grip compared to a seven year old who might hold their pencil using a dynamic tripod grip.

The progression of pencil grip patterns are usually developmental.

a b c d Picture a - A cylindrical grip (often seen between the ages of twelve to eighteen months).

Picture b - A digital grasp (often seen between the ages of two to three years).

Picture c - A modified tripod grip (often seen between the ages of three and a half and four years).

Picture d - A tripod grasp (usually developed by four and a half years and seven years).

However many parents will look at their older child’s pencil grip and note that it is not a tripod grip. This is because researchers have found that there are at least four different types of mature dynamic pencil grip which have the same result of legibility and speed as a traditional tripod pencil grip. If your child can write legibly and is keeping up their speed of writing with their peers, then there is often no reason to need to change their grip. However some children may find that their pencil grip leads to extra effort and sometimes painful hands, reduced speed and reduced legibility.

It is often best to speak to their class teacher in the first instance as schools often have resources such as pencil grips or chunky pencils to help remedy pencil grip difficulties.

ACTION STATIONS WRITE

Handwriting support for children and young people run by a children's occupational therapist

actionstationswrite@gmail.com 07749 320 202 www.actionstationswrite.com 52

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extra mile S

tudents in the state school system deserve the same opportunities to excel at competitive sport as those in the independent sector, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has said in a new report.

In the report ‘Going the extra mile: excellence in competitive school sport’, Ofsted finds that schools with high sporting standards have similarly high expectations in the classroom. Both help to cultivate an environment in which pupils excel. Following the success of Team GB in the 2012 Olympics, Ofsted was keen to explore why so many winning athletes attended independent schools and examine the link between quality of competitive school sport and later sporting success.

The survey revealed discrepancies between the proportion of pupils attending state schools and their representation in elite sport.

For example, fewer than one in ten pupils across the country attend fee paying schools but they make up the majority of the players in the English Rugby Union premiership, and more than a third of players in top level cricket.

The survey finds that in the best schools, both independent and state, leaders recognise the benefits of competitive sport in building the school’s culture.

They make sure that sport helps

pupils to excel in the classroom and on the playing field.

Competitive sport thrives in schools with staff that dedicate time and energy to organising sport before, during and after school, as well as at weekends.

Schools identify particularly talented pupils and develop them through extra coaching whilst also ensuring that sport is accessible to pupils of all abilities.

Ofsted recommends that maintained schools and academies should recognise the wider benefits that sport brings to pupils and their school, and that they should make a distinction between physical education on the one hand, and sports coaching on the other.

It recommends that schools should: • Raise the quality of their competitive sports programmes by learning from the best and supporting the most able students.

• Work with professional associations to help and inspire the best athletes.

• Put sport at the centre of the school by involving parents and governors, and take every opportunity to celebrate sport and reward success.

W

Why do parents choose an

by Ruth Thorogate www.truthmarketing.co.uk

independent education?

W

ith average annual day fees in the south east of England often topping £12,000 and boarding fees in excess of £25,000, educating your child in an independent school is a huge financial commitment. But significant numbers of parents are still digging deep to find the money to pay fees and in surveys, over 50% of parents say if they could, they would choose to go private.

But why do, and indeed why would, so many parents opt to send their child to an independent school? The most popular reason given is “better standards of education”. Results at GCSE and A Level are higher in the independent sector and although that does not mean children do not do well in state schools, when you also look at grades achieved in harder subjects such as mathematics and science, students at private schools score a greater

proportion of top grades. Over 51% of A Levels taken by independent school students achieve the top A* or A Grades, compared to a national average of 26%. At GCSE, 60% of independent school exam entries score A* or A Grades, twoand-a-half times more than the national average of 23%.

In pre-prep or independent junior schools, the curriculum on offer is often much broader and richer than you might

find in the average primary school. Languages are started at a young age, sometimes even from nursery or reception classes and subjects such as PE, music and ICT are often taught by subject specialists not the class teacher. By the age of eight, specialist teaching is introduced in science and the arts. At senior schools, you may find a choice is offered between A Levels, the International Baccalaureate or the Cambridge Pre-U at Sixth Form.

Another reason why parents choose independent schools are the smaller class sizes. Recent news stories have focussed on increasing numbers of children in state primaries being taught in classes of over thirty children.

Prep school classes are more likely to be around eighteen to twenty pupils in size, allowing each child more one-to-one time with their teacher. In senior schools, classes are larger but teaching often takes place (continued over the page)

Breaside celebrates another year of outstanding examination results Over 90% of Breaside children selected for grammar school places.

Breaside Preparatory School prepares pupils from 2½ to 11 years for both grammar and independent senior schools in a caring and nurturing environment. Once again, SATs and 11+ entry results for 2014 were outstanding.

This year nine of our Year 6 girls sat the Newstead Wood entrance test and all were offered a place. Once again a number of our boys passed the St. Olave’s entrance test. Both of these schools only take the top 4% of academic ability.

Pupils also received academic, creative and sports scholarships to Eltham College, Trinity, Colfes, Walthamstow Hall and Bromley High, together with twenty-one places offered to local grammar schools, including St Olave’s, Newstead Woods, The Judd, Dartford, Tonbridge, Beths, Chislehurst and Sidcup and Wilmington.

Breaside is committed to achieving the very best for each individual child from Kindergarten through to preparation for secondary transfer at the end of Year 6.

For more information or a personal tour of the School and Kindergarten please call 020 8460 0916, email info@breaside. co.uk or visit www.breaside.co.uk ABC Magazine - Kent

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in smaller groups, usually with some streaming in core subjects so that teachers can plan and deliver lessons at a particular level.

Independent schools are seen as providing a good solid preparation for university and employment, with key skills such as teamwork and public speaking developed through an extensive range of extra-curricular activities.

These opportunities, which complement the academic curriculum, include competitive and fun sports, drama, individual and group musical activities, clubs and societies.

With so much on offer, it is not surprising many parents feel that an independent school is best equipped to help fulfil their child’s potential, whatever their interests and strengths.

Stop

bullying for all

T

hat is the theme for Anti-bullying week 2014 which takes place from 17th to 21st November. This is the tenth anniversary campaign, and it will focus on raising the issue of the disproportionate amount that children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities are bullied in schools.

The Anti-bullying Alliance defines bullying as, “the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power”.

It can be hard to know where to turn if you think your child is being bullied, or is the bully. Parents and children can feel embarrassed and unable to talk about it to people they know. The Anti-bulling Alliance has a list of helplines and websites for both adults and children which can provide you with information and support. Find out more at www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk 54

ABC Magazine - Kent

There are some practical reasons why parents opt for an independent school. Boarding schools increasingly offer great

flexibility in how often or regularly children stay overnight at school from those that stay every week and some weekends to those who do so occasionally when parents have work or other commitments. Many day schools also offer before and after school care, allowing parents to drop off and pick up children on their way to and from work. Some schools run extensive bus and coach routes which then free parents from the dreaded school run. Other schools even run holiday activity courses to ease the burden of finding childcare during the school vacations.

Whilst the perceived benefits of an independent education are compelling, the most important thing to remember when choosing a school is will your child be happy there?

Results, facilities, activities and opportunities on offer are meaningless if it is not the right environment for your son or daughter to thrive in and succeed. BAC

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As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme tailored to meet their needs, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum. There’s independent proof of the benefits too - research by Reading University showed that “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

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55

Childhood aspirations affect later career

choices

B

oys who dream of becoming firemen and girls who aspire to become hairdressers are more likely to end up in stereotypically male or female occupations as adults according to new research from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The research found that their fathers. Girls with mothers children who wanted to do in non-stereotypically ‘female a job traditionally associated occupations’ were more likely with their gender were twice as to aspire to similarly nonlikely to end up in these types traditionally female jobs. Boys of occupations as adults than with fathers in traditionally children who wanted to go male occupations were into occupations that more likely to aspire are not generally to traditionally ...the seen as men’s or male jobs. women’s work.

However, very researchers However, only few children found that girls 6% of adults wanted to learn to be nonwent into directly imitate stereotypically the specific their parents female from their occupation with only a mothers... they aspired to small percentage as children. of boys aspiring to their father’s A knock-on effect of this actual occupation. was that women who aspired to female dominated occupations It seems that how we divide as children were likely to up chores at home affects how have lower wages in their first our children’s career hopes. The jobs. This is because these survey showed that boys living occupations tend to pay lower in families with a traditional average wages. division of housework tended to aspire to more traditionally Interestingly, the researchers male occupations. However, found that girls learn to be girls living in these types of non-stereotypically female from households did not necessarily their mothers, but boys learn aspire to ‘women’s’ occupations. to be stereotypically male from

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ABC Magazine - Kent

S

o

s

e

by Allyssa McCabe www.childandfamilyblog.princeton.edu

Silencing the mother tongue only makes it harder to learn English

T

he best way for a child to excel at English is to be good at their own native language.

The message from academic research is that, at home, smart parents should stick with the language they know best. Speak that with your children - even if you can’t read it with them. English will take care of itself in time - and be better as a result.

It’s a simple principle, but one that has been much disputed amid the mythologies surrounding multilingualism.

Many people continue to believe - contrary to overwhelming evidence - that speaking to a child in their native language confuses them and slows them down in learning dominant public languages such as English. As a result, many parents coming to the UK from other countries inadvertently and tragically rob their children of vital language-learning skills. They

make the mistake of focusing The little girl, however, knows on English and silencing little Spanish so far as or downgrading their her caregiver (a mother tongue at native Spanish...full of home. speaker) can tell. Whenever vocabulary, I’ve seen anyone syntactical and the results. addresses her in grammatical In a facility any language, that provides all the little girl complexity... childcare to does is yell, "Shut at-risk infants up!" Evidently, and children, there that is one phrase is a new three year old girl her mother knows in English whom aides refer to as the and has taught her daughter.

‘Shut-up Girl.’ Her single If you downgrade your heritage mother speaks Spanish and is language, you deprive a child an undocumented immigrant. of access to a whole lot of

enriching experiences and that can also impact on their reading ability and access to the school curriculum. They do not get the benefit of you speaking in your most proficient language.

As a result, they miss out on your capacity to engage with them at your best, using enriched communication, full of vocabulary, syntactical and grammatical complexity as well as lengthy, complex stories.

All of these factors are linked to developing their long-term (continued over the page)

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ABC Magazine - Kent

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(continued from previous page)

capacity to learn other languages - including the dominant language - proficiently. These losses can also impact on their reading ability and therefore, ultimately, on access to the school curriculum.

We now know that oral language difficulties are the root of many reading problems.

Two year olds are unable to tell a narrative. Some parents talk with these children, asking them about whom they played with, whether they went out in the snow. These are the children typically, who, by the ages of four or five, can give a long narrative. And that early capacity predicts success in reading and comprehension tests a few years later. So it’s wise to be speaking to young children in your best language. Sharing these insights is vital, given that

many parents may feel their own language is less prestigious than English.

Appreciating the value of They don’t realise that it is a the spoken native language wonderful gift, a great tool that is particularly important for they have brought with them. parents who lack literacy skills. I Some fear that using it could remember a Portuguese mother, block their child’s opportunities, who was not very literate even whereas, in fact, proficiency in in her own language. Her their native language enhances daughter came home saying that children’s life chances via their her teacher said it was important improved capacity to to read books at home. But learn other languages every time they went and to connect to read a book, Some properly with they would end fear that using extended up screaming family and at each other. it could block community.

I said to this their child’s There are mother: "Just opportunities... parallels here talk with your with sport - the child in Portuguese sprinters who and things will go become bob sled better." Parents can find champions - and with music. it difficult for lots of reasons A violinist’s capacity to learn to support early reading in the piano is enhanced, not their native language. Take

Want to reach Kent parents?

58

ABC Magazine - Kent

hampered, by playing their first instrument well.

Cambodians, for example - the Khmer Rouge destroyed reading material and killed many of the people who could read. So many parents cannot read and don’t have access to books. For them, the best advice is to speak to their children in Khmer.Telling parents to read with children is not nearly as important as parents talking about whatever is of interest to the children. If a child is interested in trucks, talk about trucks. Talk about what matters to them.

Language deficiency can be a source of great social disadvantage but proficiency can be a route to enhanced life chances. We need to make sure that parents, desperate to give their children opportunities in a new and sometimes hostile country, do not inadvertently make life more difficult for them. BAC

Call us now, we'll show you how! 01732 885679

The dilemma of hiring a

by Fleet Tutors www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

D

safe private tutor

espite the fact that one in four families in the UK employs private tutors for their children, tutoring is still largely an unregulated ‘industry’. This means that unlike schoolteachers, private tutors are not obliged to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check or even a university degree to teach. According to Mylène Curtis, Managing Director of Fleet Tutors, “if parents choose to hire a tutor directly rather than through an agency, they face a myriad of checks they will need to understand and undertake on their own.”

Types of checks to undertake in hiring a private tutor A reputable and professional agency will perform these checks for the client, but what exactly are all these checks and do they really count?

• Police check This will have ‘National Identification Service’ at the top of the form and only discloses convictions in a local area. This check is insufficient for working with children.

• Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check This check is performed by The Disclosure and Barring Service. Applicant details are matched against those held on the Police National Computer and will identify any criminal convictions. This also checks if the person is on the DBS barred list. This check is for people who work around children, but not sufficient for people who work in direct contact with children, such as tutors.

• DBS barred list This is a list of convicted sex offenders and people permanently excluded from working in schools, maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

• Enhanced DBS check This is the most thorough and comprehensive check available and is designed for people in

information - a major reason direct contact with children why finding a tutor through an such as teachers or tutors. agency is a safer option.

This is the only check that queries the national police How do parents database and barred ensure the list, as well as Despite agency is the local police reputable, departments as all these especially as an important precautions, it agencies are additional is important that unregulated? step. This parents resist 1. Choose an check reveals paranoia. agency which is a any criminal DBS registered body. convictions, 2. Choose an established allegations or agency/tutoring company cautions which make the that has an address, telephone applicant unsuitable for number and staff - more than work with children. In the just a website. Speak with their local searches, police are also staff before allowing any tutor asked to reveal any ‘additional into your home. information’ which may make 3. Confirm that the agency the tutor unsuitable for work requires ‘enhanced’ DBS’s of with children. For example their tutors. if a tutor is undergoing a 4. Ask whether the agency current investigation, the requires the tutors to have ‘additional information’ in degrees in the subjects the enhanced disclosure will they teach and/or teaching reveal it to the agency but not certificates. to the tutor themselves.

5. Does the agency check references?

Validity of checks A reputable company should require that DBS checks are kept up to date by ensuring it is renewed every three years.

Entrusting your private tutor needs in safe hands Parents should be aware of the administration process behind hiring a self-employed independent tutor rather than one through a reputable agency. Reputable and established agencies will screen enhanced DBSs for additional

6. Are the tutors interviewed?

7. Are the tutors qualified and experienced? Ideally, qualified tutors have a degree in the subject/s they teach (recommend ‘2:1’ minimum level) and/or teaching certificates. They should have successful experience in teaching one-to-one.

The decision factor Despite all these precautions, it is important that parents resist paranoia. Finding a qualified and experienced tutor through an established agency is an investment worth making in your child’s future.

Using an agency that is able to do the legwork for you by conducting these checks will go a long way in alleviating any burden associated with hiring a private tutor.

Fleet Tutors, DBS Registered Body 20528800006, is Britain’s leading tutoring service provider with over 5,000 tutors and 36 years experience helping students reach their potential.

For more information, www.fleet-tutors.co.uk or 0845 644 5452

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59

Beyond the traditional classroom At home children are reportedly spending more time indoors than ever before, but in school exactly the opposite tends to be happening. Why are classrooms embracing outdoor space?

“There’s something special about being outside,” according to Caroline Chaffé, Head of Early Years at Russell House. “It fuels children’s natural curiosity, encouraging them to explore the diverse shapes, sounds and textures around them. It raises questions and it gives freedom for movement - not to mention messy play with water, soil and sand.There’s also the thrill of the unexpected: a butterfly landing on a leaf or a woodlouse scuttling under loose bark. If the children are very lucky, they might, with a pair of cardboard binoculars, spot a dinosaur nestled in a bush!”

This is the world of the Preschool and Reception class children at Russell House in Otford, by Sevenoaks, situated in beautiful grounds with far-reaching views across the North Downs. It is common for children of every age at the school to be seen outside carrying out surveys and investigations, looking at plants or bugs, or testing materials for their magnetic qualities.

This year, the school has gone one step further. All the Early Years classrooms have been adapted to allow the children to move freely and safely between the indoor and outdoor space.

The two-year olds can go out through double doors into an enclosed garden with a canopy, come rain or shine. The garden has been designed to stimulate exploration with a range of natural materials. The play area includes wooden climbing equipment designed to blend with the environment. A natural willow arch is also in prospect.

“The children can choose whether they want to be indoors or out,” says Mrs Chaffé. “We’re also encouraging them to create their own games and make the most of the natural features of the garden. “The shed is not simply where we store the equipment - it’s a castle, a fire engine, even a spaceship.The gravel path may be somewhere to sit and feel the stones running through our fingers, or to hurtle down on a tricycle whilst relishing the scrunching noise under the wheels.” In the Nursery garden, the children have been creating toe and foot paintings, making a jungle for their wild animals and planting flowers. Some of it has been very messy - but that is the joy of being outside. In Transition, children have made binoculars for their very successful dinosaur hunt - it’s amazing what you can find in the trees and bushes!

As children progress through the Early Years classes, they are gently introduced to more structured activities, but the opportunity to use both indoor and outdoor space is ever present. “There are so many benefits for the children, invigorated by fresh air and natural light,” Mrs Chaffé adds. “Our new classroom arrangements really do add an extra dimension to their learning - and their love of school.”

...what Kent parents really read!

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ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

Fit for Life R

by Mrs Ann Lawson Kent College Preparatory School

egular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning and judgment skills sharp as you age. Physical activity stimulates chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. In addition, you may also feel better about yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.

As well as being physically fit, what other characteristics make us fit for life in terms of the qualities needed to help us deal with life’s ups and downs?

What characteristics will help your child succeed in life?

High intelligence, good school, well organised lessons, skilled teachers and high expectations?

Although these certainly help, what children bring in terms of their attitude matters even more.

Children with the attitude and disposition that encourage good learning will thrive.

When pupils are encouraged to develop good attitudes, their academic performance

improves. Increasing evidence suggests that character traits such as resilience, persistence, optimism and courage actively contribute to improved academic standards.

Here are some qualities we should all try to nurture within ourselves:

Joie de Vivre is a quality

that gives someone the ability to love life to its fullest.

Unfortunately for many of us, the demands of everyday life can wear us down so that all we see is the less optimistic side of things. We get used to things and people being the way they

are, take things for granted and lose sight of the wonders in our life: our health, our strengths, our family, our achievements, our hobbies and the world around us. We need to make time to appreciate the positive aspects of our lives.

Resilience is essential for

successful learning. Resilient children give things a try. They understand that learning has plenty of setbacks but avoid turning mistakes into a major catastrophe. As people grow up and gain knowledge, so resilience develops. It can also come from supportive relationships, as well as cultural

grow . .

explore make thrive

Kent College Prep & Early Years

beliefs and traditions that help people cope with the inevitable setbacks in life. Being resilient means that your child will bend but won’t break when faced with the stresses of life. It will give your child the ability to bounce back and adopt a positive perspective on a difficult situation.

Courage in this case is about courageous actions that seem small to us as adults, but are big in children’s lives.

Learning is about approaching the unknown and stepping up to new challenges. Successful learners overcome their fear (continued over the page)

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ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

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and find focus. Having courage can arm children with the skills needed to make decisions that can greatly improve their lives.

Kindness includes the quality of being friendly, considerate and generous to other people and the environment. A kind disposition is a positive character trait that draws other people to you and bolsters learning through the help and support of others, as well as allowing you to work productively in teams and groups. It also encourages listening and empathy, which in turn foster deeper, more complex learning.

Honesty allows children to build good links with teachers and others. It increases confidence and gives children a clear focus with which to direct their learning. Living your life honestly and with a moral conscience means that you can be relied upon to be genuine.

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This produces trust – trust in ourselves and in all those around us. Trust in turn produces confidence and also encourages us to take risks in order to fulfil our goals.

All these traits are important.

Research shows that they help people build confidence, face challenges, have more satisfying careers and build stronger relationships.

Unfortunately, recent evidence suggests that increasing numbers of children are growing up with less control over their moods and actions. Children need to develop qualities that contribute to a strong inner core. Just as muscles grow stronger with regular exercise, which improves our physical wellbeing, the above traits are strengthened by thoughtful encouragement and reinforcement, helping to develop characters that are truly 'Fit for Life' BAC

Embracing mobile

A

technology

s many young children embark on their journey through the school years, they will face increasing pressure and expectations from peers to be connected to the world via mobile devices and the internet as part of both their social lives and studies. This is far removed from the experiences of their parents’ schooldays and child psychologist, Dr Amanda Gummer, urges them to understand and embrace their technology as part of keeping children safe online.

The versatility of technology enables children’s learning to be much more bespoke and therefore more relevant, engaging and enjoyable and Dr Gummer, founder of child development, play and tech advice website www. fundamentallychildren.com believes that parents should not be afraid of encouraging their children to engage with technology as part of a balanced play diet. “Getting independent expert advice on apps, eSafety and managing screen time can help parents feel more in control of their children’s technology. In the mean time, here are some tips

from the experts at Fundamentally Children on what to look for when evaluating the pros and cons of the tech children engage with,” says Dr Gummer.

Look for technology that: • Allows personalisation children benefit when learning and play is targeted to them and they feel that they have control over aspects of it.

• Encourages socialisation technology that encourages children to play together, communicate or compete will help promote social development.

• Uses new technologies to

enhance traditional play patterns - for example, role play.

• Widens access to play by children with additional needs.

• Promotes active play technology that encourages children to move around rather than staying sedentary.

Be careful with technology that: • Has poor linking between on and offline play patterns.

• Shoe-horns technology into toys and games that doesn’t improve play value or accessibility.

• Has too narrow a focus on limited play patterns.

• Is addictive - addictive games with no tools for regulating time spend on screen-based play.

Avoid: • The inclusion of technology where it reduces the flexibility and play value of a toy (over spec’d toys prevent children from developing problemsolving and imagination skills).

• Poorly designed games that will frustrate and confuse children.

• Devices without appropriate parental controls.

• Apps and connected games that enable access to inappropriate material.

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Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JY 01342 822574 www.ashdownhouse.co.uk secretary@ashdownhouse.com ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

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Changes to

National Curriculum F

rom September, a new National Curriculum has been taught in schools across England.

However, research from tuition provider, Explore Learning, has revealed that 62% of parents in England are totally unaware of the changes, suggesting they will be ill-prepared to help their child with their studies and support them in their development.

The research of 1,000 UK-based parents, also found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of parents in the UK worry that British children aren’t leading the field in standards of education.

Carey Ann Dodah, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning says: “The new curriculum is a response to the feeling that England is slipping behind their international competitors and so there are some drastic changes which for most children and parents will appear more challenging. Many concepts in maths and English will be introduced earlier which will feel like quite a jump.”

Carey Ann continues: “While the changes to the curriculum are well intended, the implementation is messy and the lack of money or additional time for teaching training or resource development could be troublesome. Transitioning schools to a new curriculum without a clear method of assessment or levelling is confusing at best, and at worst, will leave schools and teachers frustrated and disillusioned with the new system.”

Carey Ann concludes: “There is a definite need for change and as the demands on the UK workforce develop, it’s important that there is a focus on the skills needed in the future. However, parents must always remain a partner with schools in their child’s education and in this respect the lack of information made available to parents about the new curriculum is worrying.”

It is expected to take a few years for schools to really assess how effective the new curriculum will be. Any parents that feel unsure should attend information sessions held by their school, check out the government website (www.gov.uk/government/collections/ national-curriculum) or ask for advice from their local Explore Learning centre.

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ABC Magazine - Kent

Empowering our young women from an early age

A single sex education responds to the needs of today and tomorrow

A

by Antonia Beary Headmistress, Mayfield School

woman in today’s world is expected to balance many roles. She will need independence, confidence, leadership, integrity, courage and ambition - qualities which will be nurtured and developed by the right school environment. Girls’ schools are specialists in educating girls, and I believe this equips them best to support girls during their formative years: to be aware not only of the wealth of opportunities available to them now, but also the ‘glass ceilings’ and how to respond. Our teachers are not just at the forefront of contemporary education but, specifically, contemporary education for girls.

Girls and boys mature at different rates so in a learning environment it makes sense to give both girls and boys what they need at each stage in their development. Girls’ schools provide an education that’s carefully tailored to the needs and developmental stage of each girl.

One consequence of this is outstanding examination results.

Year after year, girls in single sex schools achieve significantly better grades. Yet exam results are not everything. We aim to produce confident, independent women. And that includes them being able to engage with boys on a personal, intellectual and professional level. In order to do so appropriately, they need the freedom to find out who they are, or want to be, rather than whom they feel society is pressuring them to be. We want them to explore fully all the educational opportunities available to them, discerning their strengths and weaknesses; be they in the classroom, on the sports field or in performance.

Furthermore, in a school like Mayfield, with over twenty different nationalities, girls learn an understanding and appreciation of other cultures which prepares them to take their place on the world stage.

One of the great benefits of an all-girls school is that there is no gender stereotyping. Girls don’t just enjoy equal opportunities, they enjoy ALL opportunities.

They excel as much in physics, engineering and design as they do in English, drama and art.

They are free to pursue and achieve in every sport their school offers. There should be no limitations on a girl’s aspirations, both professional and personal: our role is to help her instill the discipline, rigour and courage to achieve them.

Every school claims to have excellent pastoral care. The difference in girls’ schools is that we really do understand what makes girls tick. This experience means we can give the right (continued over the page)

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

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✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Win fab prizes with Curl up this winter with this collection from Walker Books

Discover the best new picture books with Walker Books’ Picture Book Party, perfect for sharing the love of reading and storytelling with your little ones. From zebras and chimpanzees, to ice cream and dancing, this fantastic selection of picture books has something for everyone.

Visit www.picturebookparty.co.uk for the latest Walker picture books, activities and more.

We’ve teamed up with Walker Books to offer 3 lucky ABC readers the chance to each win a fabulous Picture Book Party goody bag, which includes a copy of Vanilla Ice Cream by Bob Graham, Daisy Saves the Day by Shirley Hughes, The Zebra Who Ran Too Fast by Jenni Desmond, Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance by Birgitta Sif and Willy the Wimp by Anthony Browne, plus stickers, posters and activity sheets. For your chance of winning simply tell us what animal Willy the Wimp is?

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

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ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

(continued from previous page)

kind of support and create safe environments in which they feel comfortable taking risks and asking questions. Perhaps too, we are also more rigorous in our expectations; there is nothing that can’t be said if you ‘speak the truth in love’. As a result, girls become more resilient and sure of themselves. Whole school roles such as the Senior Prefect Team need to be filled, and they ALL need to be filled by girls. Girls learn to shoulder responsibility, as well as how to inspire and lead others. While there are ‘glass ceilings’ in a girls’ school, we are equipping them to break that glass when they encounter it outside.

Girls’ schools have an excellent track record in helping students gain places at their university of choice: six Mayfield pupils have started at Oxbridge Colleges this year, most studying Science or Mathematics based subjects. Whether your daughter continues her studies in higher education or opts to

go straight into employment, a girls’ school will prepare her to be successful. We open girls’ eyes to possibilities and help them to take the practical and imaginative steps necessary to achieve their ambitions whatever they may be. BAC Mayfield is a leading Catholic independent boarding and day school in Sussex that has been educating the minds, bodies, hearts and souls of girls aged 11 to 18 for over 150 years. www.mayfieldgirls.org

Is a Will enough?

by Hugh Goodale Casey & Associates

I

f you ask the 'average' family man or woman what they want to happen with their assets when they die, the reply is often “Everything to my spouse and then to my children”.

Unfortunately, a standard Will does not necessarily guarantee one’s children will inherit one’s hard earned wealth.

This is because when the first dies the survivor might a) change their Will or b) remarry and not make a new Will. This is known as unwitting sideways disinheritance. Furthermore, assets can be lost to, for example, Long Term Residential Care Fees Assessment.

The family home is usually the largest family asset and half of the family home can be protected at first death so that it can only go to the chosen beneficiaries of the first to die. This is done by using a Life Interest in Property Trust (LIPT).

When the first person dies 'their' half of the house goes into trust for 'their' chosen beneficiaries. Here is an example. Ann and Barry are married. They have two children Christopher and Danielle.

Ann dies first. Her half of the family home goes into trust.

Barry can continue to live in the family home for the rest of his life. Barry remarries Erica in later life and does not think to make a new Will. Barry dies before Erica. (Effectively) all of Barry’s assets go to Erica. But because of the LIPT created by Ann all those years ago, half of the family home was always

protected for Christopher and Danielle and they duly receive it when Barry dies.

A LIPT is also ideal for second marriage situations as in this example. Fred has a child Gerald from his first marriage which ended in divorce. Fred marries Hannah. Hannah has a child, Isabelle, from a previous partnership. Fred can create a Will with a LIPT protecting 'his' half of the new family home for Gerald whilst Hannah can protect 'her' half of the new family home for Isabelle.

A further benefit of the LIPT, as mentioned earlier, is that

immediately on first death, until second death, half of the family home is protected from, for example, Long Term Residential Care Fees Assessment.

Casey & Associates specialises in LIPT Wills and have home visit consultants based throughout the South East. If you would like a review of your circumstances or would like to discuss LIPT Wills on a no obligation basis in the comfort of your own home, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 0870 020 3553 quoting ‘ABCLIPT’.

We are specialists in Will Writing, Estate Planning and Trusts.

A Will is the first step in sound estate planning and, using varying types of trusts, we help our clients to protect their assets and ensure that not only does the maximum possible pass to their loved ones, but with maximum efficiency.

Even in these difficult times, we at Casey & Associates are certain that, whatever your circumstances, we can help you to look to the future with the peace of mind that only comes from knowing that all of your estate planning requirements have been well taken care of.

Much of what we do is based on the Wills Act of 1837.

However, Casey & Associates is very much a 21st century company. We understand that, in an increasingly busy world, time is at a premium. So your appointment will be arranged to suit your schedule and will be conducted in the comfort of your own home. Our consultant will carry out a full review of your circumstances so that he or she can then give you the best advice based on your unique requirements. There is no charge for this review. We only charge if and when you give us instructions to create your Will or associated legal documents.

Call us now on 0870 020 3553 or for futher information see www.caseyandassociates.co.uk ABC Magazine - Kent

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Social media for your business

A

by Karan Hopper Kameleon Marketing

s a time-starved business owner, parent and home-maker, it’s probably hard to find time to manage your business’s social media marketing! And yet manage it you must - since it won’t work for you without time invested in it.

A culture lesson at the breakfast table and a great way to boost your income

Bright World Guardianships is a long established guardianship company charged with offering care to international students in UK boarding schools whose parents are not living here. These bright and brave young students are full boarders at schools but need host family accommodation when schools close for short breaks such as half-terms and exeat weekends. With so many excellent independent schools in the UK, it is likely that an increase in demand will be evident here.

Hosting international students is a very fulfilling and rewarding role. Bright World do, of course, pay a generous nightly rate to cover expenses for visiting children which can offer a valuable extra income to families. More than this though, hosting a young international student can make their entire experience in the UK a happy one. If you welcome them into your home they will actually look forward to exeats and half-terms and it will enhance their overall experience and impression of the UK. Your children will also benefit from the exposure to sharing their home with an international student and will learn about new cultures and countries - think of it as a geography and culture lesson at your breakfast table! So becoming a Bright World host family can not only help pay for that annual holiday but will help to educate your own children to new cultures and at the same time make a young international student’s life so much better.

For more information on becoming a host family for Bright World Guardianships, please contact: Lindsay Gayle on lindsay@brightworld.co.uk 68

ABC Magazine - Kent

Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what to communicate in your social media status updates - it can feel like you spend half of your time thinking about what to write. Save time - write an editorial calendar. Look ahead a few months and spend an hour or two choosing themes for your updates. That way you don’t have to think too much when it comes to posting each day/week. In terms of what to post, it needs to be of interest to your followers and ‘likers’ but it also needs to serve the purpose of getting your brand and message across. Regular posting also keeps you front of mind, but again be careful not to post too often as this just becomes annoying and will, have no doubt, damage your brand/professional image.

Here are some thoughts on some of the things you could post, to help you save time: • Direct promotional posts to the benefits of your products • Product updates • New courses/services/products • Recent new articles, press releases, links to PR coverage • New books you have written or of interest to readers • Recent research • Interesting facts • Seasonal messages (Happy Christmas, Easter etc) • Customer testimonials or results if they are happy to publish • New accreditations or memberships • New clients • Link to your blog when a new post is up • Polls - a good way to start discussion on something to get your customers engaged Karan Hopper is a mum of two young ones and owns Kameleon Marketing, a Hove-based business offering affordable, flexible marketing services for small businesses, start-ups and sole traders. Kameleon Marketing is passionate about bringing effective and affordable marketing to local businesses to help them thrive and grow. Find out more at kameleon-marketing.com or contact Karan on karan@kameleon-marketing.com or 07720 443263 for a free 30 minute consultation.

Steps to

I

working again

t can be difficult to return to work after a career break to have children, even if you know what you want to do. Technology has moved quickly, your skills and qualifications may need updating, and you may feel out of touch with the work environment.

If you are going back to the able to find one to fit in with same company it is worthwhile your schedule. There will also be keeping in touch with them homework that you need to do whilst you are on and many parents can maternity leave. find this difficult to Many larger fit in with family Returning companies commitments. to work is have Often, you certainly not easy, formal may need to ways of work late at particularly if keeping night after you want to in contact children are do something with in bed, but staff, but it is worth it entirely new. if not, the to be able to occasional do the kind of phone call work that you want or catch up with to, rather than settling for colleagues can help you when something else. you go back to work.

If you are turning a hobby into Many women choose not to a money-making enterprise work until their children are there are some skills you will at school, so may be out of the need, or you can pay someone workplace for five years or more. else to do them for you. You If this is the case, many things may decide to make party cakes, may have changed or you may be a children’s entertainer or choose an entirely new career. set up your own drama classes.

It is likely your skills may need You will still need some basic updating or you may need an accounting and marketing skills, entire new set of skills if you are so it is worthwhile looking changing career. The first thing for courses for small business to do is some research into the owners at your local college. qualifications or expertise you need. Many local colleges run Volunteer work is a good way daytime and evening classes to ease yourself back into the to bring you up to date in work environment and it also many areas such as computing, shows future employers that business and accounts, health you have done something more and beauty and so on. If you than looking after your children are choosing a new career (although we know this is often path, you may find there are a full-time job!). Many parents specific GCSEs you need that choose to work in schools or you don’t have. Many colleges something to do with children run year-long GCSE courses after having their own, so it is that will enable you to get the useful to be able to show an qualifications you need quicker. employer that you have made an effort to work in the right Going to college is obviously a environment. Your child’s school time and financial commitment, or nursery will be very happy to at a time when you may be have your help once a week. You short of both. Courses are may be able to listen to children normally run at various times reading, play with children at to suit parents and those with nursery or help out on a school jobs already, so you should be trip. This also gives you the

opportunity to find out whether you do want to actually work with children.

You can also volunteer for the pre-school committee, be on the school PTA or become a school governor. These all show a certain type of skill depending on the role, including administration and time management. They also prove to an employer that you are the type of person to get involved, and it gives you something to talk about at an interview.

Returning to work is certainly not easy, particularly if you want to do something entirely new. (continued over the page)

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Working for me, myself and I! Anna Dark of Sevenoaks, Kent, mum to two young daughters, thought she’d see what the Stella & Dot Jewellery company was all about and popped along to a local meeting, and the rest is history...

I'd previously worked as a legal secretary in London and really wanted to start earning some money again for myself and get a new interest but with two young girls, London was no longer an option. A friend suggested Stella & Dot, as she knew I loved jewellery/fashion and also that I am a sociable person.

I signed up over a year ago now and absolutely love everything about my job. Not only do I get to own all the gorgeous jewellery, scarfs, purses and bags and therefore wear them every day, but I also get to meet new people along the way. I work as little or as much as I want and I really do just fit it in around my husband and girls. I earn between 25% to 35% of what I sell, which averages out at about £1000 a month. There are always amazing incentives being set too, so I’ve won many items of jewellery along the way and also earn credits to buy new items. The incentive I am aiming for at the moment is a 5* all-inclusive weekend in Turkey!

I try to do at least one party a week but over the festive period last year I was doing three to four parties a week. Parties range from coffee mornings to pop up stalls at shops and restaurants to 'girly nights' in at people’s homes. All the hostess has to do is invite her friends/colleagues around, provide some drinks, give me some space to present my jewellery and leave the rest to me. Everything comes beautifully gift boxed so make perfect presents and UK P&P is free over £40. Prices range from £12 to £250. The hostess earns between 10%-20% commission to spend on jewels of her choice plus two to four items at 40% off and a free bracelet.

Stella & Dot is an American company and has been in the UK for nearly three years and is now also in Ireland, France and Germany. Stella & Dot is often featured in the latest fashion magazines as well as worn by many of the hottest celebrities.

If you’d like to host a party please contact me, or if you’d like to learn more about becoming an Stella & Dot Stylist I’d also love to hear from you.

Anna.dark@hotmail.co.uk www.stelladot.co.uk/ annadark 07880 602036

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It can be appealing to take the easier option and go back to something you know, but you may be working for many years so it is worthwhile taking some time to get the qualifications and experience you need to do the job that you really want to.

The four types of working parent On 30th June, new government legislation was passed giving full-time workers the right to request flexible working.

Citrix, who specialise in making software to enable workers to work more flexibly, conducted research and found that working parents with one child were more likely to support flexible working than non-parents, and parents with two or more children were twice as likely to support the legislation as those with none.

Citrix has categorised working parents into four types and has tips for each type to help them become more flexible and balance working and family life.

The desk-chained How you act: If when the children are on holiday, your schedule hasn’t changed one bit (maybe there’s a grandparent or partner on hand to keep an eye on the children) but you are possibly more likely to head straight for the exit as soon as the clock strikes five, in order to enjoy the long evenings with your family.

Tip: Take advantage of the new flexible working legislation to create a work schedule that allows you spend more time with your family, at the hours that suit them. Alternatively, investigate remote working to bring the office to your home.

The boomerang How you act: Where your coworkers hear clocks chime, you hear school bells ring, and are

most likely found dashing across town conducting a conference call on your mobile before switching straight into ‘parent mode’ as soon as you arrive at the school gates. But the next morning at 9am? You’re right back into ‘work mode’.

Tip: Put out some feelers among fellow flexible parents of your children’s school friends to see if you can find an opportunity for a play date.

Consequently, you won’t need to miss that late meeting and your children can have some added fun with friends, plus by returning the favour down the line you will help out a friend into the bargain.

The juggler How you act: You have embraced remote and flexible working to its fullest extent to juggle the demands of the double life of work and children, from hosting a conference call in the gap between dinner and bath-time to proofing a budget while reading a bedtime story.

Tip: Encourage your children to take up a personal project - from writing a letter to their grandparents to a ‘science investigation’ in the back garden - to do alongside your own work. Then while they are rewarded for their productivity with some time doing whatever they want, you can take calls uninterrupted. Younger children? Create a schedule around their waking hours to let your colleagues know when you will be available to talk, scream-free.

The fully flexible How you act: You’ve the holy grail of flexible working practices and have got the worklife balance down to a fine art.

Congratulations!

Tip: Share your wisdom!

A BC

...don’t forget to say where you saw it!

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Putting your family in safe hands

by Gail Brooks Gullands Solicitors

M

aking the decision that your relationship has come to an end is never easy. Working out what is best for your children can be even harder; emotions are running high and all you want is to protect those you love the most.

The Government is now putting more emphasis on parents reaching amicable agreements with one another outside of the courts. If you and your former partner/spouse are unable to discuss matters directly with one another, then mediation or assistance via solicitors may provide you with the guidance and support you need to reach an agreement which is in the children’s best interests, both in the short and long term.

There is no right or wrong way to agree the future care arrangements for children; it really depends on how your family works. The law emphasises safeguarding the welfare of the children and

ensuring that their emotional, mediation reached amicable physical and educational needs agreements and thus avoided are met. These factors must be the need for highly stressful and at the forefront of your costly court proceedings. mind when entering The result of this is into discussions also that those There is no to determine who engaged in right or wrong the future care mediation were way to agree arrangements. able to walk away with a the future care At Gullands real sense of arrangements for Solicitors, empowerment, children... our specialist as they have been family team offers able to remain expert legal advice in control of any and representation as well decisions which may affect as mediation services. Family their future. mediation is very successful in resolving a wide variety of At Gullands Solicitors, we can disputes; in fact in recent years offer the very niche service over two thirds of separating of lawyer-led mediation and couples who engaged in thus you will benefit from the

support and assistance of a mediator who is also a highly qualified family lawyer and who can provide you with relevant legal information and guide you in the right direction when trying to work with your former partner or family member in resolving a dispute.

Whether you want to try mediation or instruct a solicitor and obtain legal advice and assistance, we at Gullands can provide you with all the support you require.

Gail Brooks is a solicitor and mediator at Gullands Solicitors and can be reached at 01622 689753 or g.brooks@gullands. com. See www.gullands.com

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Is there a

‘free range’ option

when it comes to

childcare?

I

t’s a familiar scene for modern parents. One minute you were holding your brand new baby and suddenly you find yourself surveying the minefield of childcare. What are the options and do we fully understand them?

Annelize Cruz has been finding out. The registered childminder and mum of two has recently launched freerangechildcare. com, designed to help parents find out about childcare, specifically childminding, and link them to suitable childminders in their area. She says, “We’ve been conducting research to find out just how much parents know about childminders and the results are shocking. Many parents are

unaware that childminders are organisation or communal voice qualified, registered, inspected to speak up for childminders childcare professionals. and generate Some even liken us awareness. Annelize Children to babysitters.” is one of a band benefit from of professionals sharing the family The nature of who are trying setting with peers of childminding to change different ages, allowing means that this. They them to learn from it comprises are passionate each other. thousands of about their small businesses, businesses, most sole traders, passionate about with no central childcare and desperate for parents to understand the richness they can bring to the childcare table.

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Win fab prizes with Let’s play a game contains everything you need to play six super-fun board games.

The games are boisterous, and engaging, but also help children with first maths, coordination and matching and sorting skills. The pack is also portable, durable and features vibrant artwork.

Make art with your hands and feet! is an art pad with a difference.

Readers are encouraged to draw around their fingers, thumbs, hands, toes or feet to complete the printed pictures. Once the images are complete the pages can then be personalised.

Let's play a game (£14.95 ) and Make art with your hands and feet! (£8.95 ) are both available from all good bookshops or visit www.thamesandhudson.com We’ve teamed up with the publishers Thames and Hudson to offer 4 lucky ABC readers the chance to each win both Let's play a game and Make art with your hands and feet!

For your chance of winning these two great prizes, simply tell us how many different games Let's play a game contains?

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

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Childminding serves the practical needs of working parents and the developmental needs of their children. Despite the herd-childcare that the government seem to be pushing to the forefront, with proposals for higher child-carer ratios and schools expanding facilities to take children as young as two, it is actually possible, and affordable, for children to be cared for in the loving, caring home environment that they deserve to be in when so young.

Childminders, as individuals running their own small businesses, are often a much more affordable option than nurseries, yet can provide the same professional and quality care with so many added bonuses.

Being with a childminder is like being part of an extended family in a home environment.

The numbers are much lower

than those in a nursery so there can be more time for one to one care. Childminders provide a real-life learning experience.

They are qualified, registered and inspected childcare professionals and generally a parent themselves. Children benefit from sharing the family setting with peers of different ages, allowing them to learn from each other. Children enjoy a range of activities and outings, from visiting the parks and playgrounds to attending toddler groups and taking trips to local attractions.

Childminders can also offer flexible childcare for parents who do not work nine to five, with options to provide care in the early morning, evening, weekends and overnight, termtime only, holiday cover, school pick ups and ad-hoc care.

When using a childminder you can grow a relationship with them where they truly become like extended family and often continue to care for your child even after they start school.

Annelize believes that childminding is the ‘free range’ choice when it comes to childcare. “Your children are in the safe, trained hands of professionals, yet are enjoying the nurturing care of a home environment, a loving relationship with their carer and the freedom to learn from real life, outside the bounds of a childcare institution.”

For furthe information visit www.freerangechildcare.com

Babysitting solutions

M

ost parents will have used up all their babysitting favours by early December so it makes sense to use a babysitting agency at this time of year.

There are many advantages to using an agency; the main one being that you know your children will be cared for by someone whose references have been checked and has experience of working with children. Many of the sitters that agencies use work in the childcare sector as nannies, nursery workers or as childminders, for example.

Once you know the date you need a sitter, it is best to book a babysitter as soon as you can, particularly in December. However, agencies will do their best to meet your requirements, even if you call them the day before.

When you ask a friend or family member to babysit for you, you tend to feel as if you need to return the favour, but by using an agency there are no such issues - you can use them as often as you wish.

If you are using a babysitter for the first time, it is worthwhile asking them to arrive a little before you actually need to go out.

This gives you time to finish getting ready in some peace, but also allows your children to meet with the babysitter whilst you are still at home. Once you have used an agency a few times, you may find your children have a ‘favourite’ and the agency will try to match them with you when they can.

Don’t forget agencies aren’t only for babysitting at night. Many will be able to help you out during the day as well. You may need to watch your oldest child in a play and don’t want to take your baby, or perhaps your regular child minder is poorly - you can book a sitter and then go out in the knowledge that your children will be well cared for.

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Hairy Hounds was founded in 2009 by Laura Newton and Francine Bennett.

Both Laura and Francine have ample experience in professional dog grooming and now have their very own bespoke grooming salon at the Sevenoaks Veterinary Practice.

PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMING SERVICE Hairy Hounds now have their very own bespoke grooming parlour at the Sevenoaks Veterinary Practice Please visit our website for more details on our grooming services Tel: 01732 465347 Mob: 07976 575784 www.hairy-hounds.co.uk

Hairy Hounds originally opened in Borough Green and has just recently moved to its current location at the Sevenoaks Veterinary Practice. It has always been the aim of Hairy Hounds to bring a professional grooming service to the Sevenoaks area, placing the emphasis of the business on the care of our clients and their pets. It is this philosophy that secured Laura and Francine the opportunity to work from the Sevenoaks Veterinary Practice ensuring the highest standard of grooming whilst always ensuring that the animal’s welfare and health come first.

an appointment basis only.

Contact us now to book your next grooming session or if you need further information about the salon, or just want to chat about your dog’s first grooming session, please contact us to make an appointment.

Hairy Hounds now has an ever increasing client base and we are accepting new clients nearly every week.

Hairy Hounds operate on

An interview with Padraig Egan from Channel 4’s 'The Supervet'

by Thea Thompson and Alex Zaloumis, aged twelve

What is your role here at Fitzpatrick Referrals?

I am one of the vets, I do a mixture of clinical work and I also do some management at the same time. But my role is going to change over the next few months as I am basically going back to school for three years to learn under the supervision of a surgeon, so I know how to do some of the more complex operations safely.

How old were you when you realised you wanted to be a vet?

Very young. I am from an Irish background so every holiday we would go to Ireland to visit my grandparents, who lived on a farm. The earliest picture of me with a cow, was when I was two and I was sitting on top of it.

My parents say that whenever I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up my answer was always a vet.

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What is the most memorable animal that you have treated?

There have been quite a few but there’s one that I will always remember. It was a little Westie that was the best and only friend of an elderly lady. I remember her coming in and saying; “this is my best friend, please do anything you can." I’d only been qualified about three weeks and it was the first emergency operation I’d done. I always remember that case as I saved her only friend.

Do you have any animals?

Yes I do, I have the best cat in the world and his name is Bumper. He got his name after I rescued him from the bumper of a campervan. No-one claimed him from the clinic, so I took him home to live with me. He is a very good friend and he has made me realise how much people's animals mean to them.

What unusual animals have you treated?

I have operated on a sheep, I’ve fixed a broken leg on a chicken.

I’ve seen the odd snake, but I’m not very good with them.

I did the anesthesia on a pig in the last series. At university we helped some penguins at Edinburgh Zoo as people are very silly and feed them anything through the cage, like coins. I once treated a zebra too.

What is your biggest life ambition?

I came here to Fitzpatrick Referrals to learn as much as I can, to try and be as good as I can and to try and do the best by my patients. I am learning from some of the best surgeons in the world and you should always set yourself a goal that is maybe a bit unreachable. My goal is to be as good a surgeon as Noel (The Supervet) one day hopefully!

Are you scared of anything?

Yes I am, lots of things. Snakes are one, also I’m not very good with spiders. I once had an exam at university which involved me holding both of those. But as a vet, I suppose I am scared of making the wrong decision.

What is your favourite animal?

Cats. Dogs will be your friend and anyone else’s no matter what, but cats are very selective with who they are friends with.

, e

Christmas pet survival guide

T

he festive season means our pets can suddenly find their home filled with intriguing decorations, unfamiliar food and noisy houseguests.

Although we may enjoy this festive fun, all this extra hustle and bustle can be stressful, and possibly even hazardous for our pets.

Here are some tips to help make Christmas for your pets less stressful.

Create a den To help minimise any stress, make a quiet, cosy ‘den’ for your pet in advance - behind a sofa in a quiet room is ideal for dogs, while cats feel safest when high up, so a cat bed placed securely on a shelf or chest of drawers may be preferred.

Coping with Christmas decorations Pets can be tempted to explore Christmas trees and play with shiny decorations and flashing lights, but this can result in injuries if they are left to their own devices. Why not allocate some ‘pet playtime’ instead, with suitable toys? Take dogs out for a good run around, or play with your cat using fishing rod-type toys. It’s a good idea to supervise your pet in rooms containing trees, and keep doors closed when you’re not around. After opening presents there can be wrappings, wires, toys and batteries left lying around. These can be choking hazards as pets often explore new objects with their mouths, whilst batteries can also cause internal burns if they are swallowed and start leaking. Remove tempting items from the floor and keep an eye on your pet as you would a young child.

Kitchen hazards With hot ovens and boiling pots and pans, the kitchen is always a hazardous place for pets, but with a big dinner on the go and extra mouths to feed it can be even more dangerous on Christmas Day. Keep kitchen doors closed so pets can’t get under your feet.

Christmas food While enjoying a post-Christmas lunch afternoon snooze, our pets may use this opportunity to sniff out an extra treat. However, human food not only contributes towards pet obesity, it can also prove dangerous. Pets can choke on turkey bones, whilst some foods such as onions, raisins and certain nuts can even be poisonous.

Watch out for sage and onion stuffing, Christmas cake, chocolate and mince pies.

Car journeys Many of us will be visiting relatives over Christmas, and it’s just as important for our pets to buckle up and use a seatbelt as it is for us.

Unrestrained pets can cause distractions, and can cause and receive significant injuries if the car is involved in an accident. Pet seatbelts and harnesses are available for larger pets, or use a secured pet carrier for smaller pets.

See for more information www.pdsa.org.uk

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Save Money

T

here are many ways that you can cut energy consumption in the home and reduce your energy bills - some things require little or no expenditure, others will mean a bigger outlay leading to longer term savings.

Benefits of a new boiler Today’s boilers are 40% more efficient than they were in the 1980s.

A modern condensing boiler converts up to 100% of the fuel it uses, which could save over £200 on your fuel bill.

Insulate for big savings Nearly a quarter of all the heat lost in a home is through the roof. If you have less than 10cm of insulation in your loft you’ll be wasting energy. Top the insulation up to 27cm and save around £150 a year.

Take control of your heating and hot water 84% of domestic energy consumption is used for heating and hot water with 60% used for heating alone. So taking control of your heating system is a top priority in keeping energy bills down.

Turning your room thermostat down by just 1ºC could save up to £100 a year. If you have an adjustable thermostat for your hot water set it to no hotter than 60°C (140°F). Any higher wastes energy and could scald; much lower and there may be a risk of harmful bacteria forming.

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Win fab prizes with Tickets to Surrey's Home Show The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating and Home Improvement Show takes place in Surrey, Sandown Park on 27th-28th June.

The show offers a wide range of free daily seminars and masterclasses hosted by property experts and over 200 exhibitors that will showcase their latest products to cater for all projects, tastes and budgets.

A pair of tickets costs £24 and is available from www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/southern We’ve teamed up with The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating and Home Improvement Show to offer 5 lucky ABC readers the chance to each win a pair of free tickets to the show in Surrey on June 27th or 28th.

For your chance of winning, simply tell us where is the show taking place?

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

76

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

Shop around The UK has six main energy companies. Broadly they put prices up together but there are always variations and they all need to attract new customers by offering better deals. It’s not difficult to switch - energy companies are only too glad to have your custom and will take care of most of the “admin” involved in switching over. So it pays to shop around.

Improve the efficiency of your heating system Your central heating system requires regular servicing to keep it working at its best. An annual service by a qualified engineer will improve the efficiency of your boiler and a well maintained boiler will burn up to 10% less fuel than a poorly maintained one. Why not ask your local, reputable heating engineer to give your system a thorough ‘once over’ checking the boiler, radiators, radiators valves, pumps and thermostats.

Install renewable technology With households facing up to the fact that high energy bills are here to stay it’s become essential that homeowners look at ways to become more energy efficient. More and more homeowners are installing one or more renewable energy technologies: these generate energy from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat (from the air or ground). By generating your own heat and power you could make worthwhile cuts to your energy bills.

For free, impartial and expert advice, 0800 810 8303 or visit www.heatinghelpline.org.uk

E

W

Enjoy your garden in winter too!

W

inter is here but that does not mean we can ignore the garden now! It is a weird phenomenon that when spring comes, everyone is busy in their gardens making sure it looks as pretty as their neighbours’. What you can’t forget though is that you need to look after it in the winter too, so it will look good in spring when the sun comes out and we are all sitting outside enjoying it again.

Here are some tips on what you can do to prepare your garden in winter.

Pruning This is a busy time in the garden, particularly for pruning the fruit trees. Most deciduous fruit trees such as apple and pear trees can be pruned at this time of year except plums. Also prune roses and dead head any flowers and plants that have finished flowering for the season.

Lawns It’s time to repair lawns, including edges. Remove any fallen leaves and debris regularly as they will block out light and moisture. Avoid walking on frosty lawns - it

can damage the grass and leave brown patches. If the weather is mild, the lawn may need a monthly mow. Be sure to adjust the height of the lawn mower above the ‘summer cut’ height to allow for the extra moisture and not stress the grass.

on the shortest day (21st December) but planting any time in December is fine. Fruit trees can be planted now too remember to soak the root ball before planting.

Contact Neil at Ed’s Garden Maintenance if you need some help with your garden!

Garden Borders Whilst your borders are more moist than they have been in the summer, it is a good time to dig over garden beds. This will alleviate compaction and give better drainage during the wetter months. It will also help to cultivate the soil in new garden beds.

Planting Garlic is traditionally planted

G3CONTRACTS

New Build

Conversions

Basements

Joinery

G3 Contracts Ltd is an alliance of over 100 years of expertise in total refurbishments and design and build.

Contracts Ltd., Unitgenerati G3 on of G3 isG3 able to provide a new Chaucer Business Park procurement contracting, allowing the self build customer achieve far greater savings over WaterytoLane, Kemsing traditi onal 6HU contracting methods. We will be at TN15 your side throughout the process and will provide full quantities and purchase management. We tel: 01732 760 888separate labour and are also able to provide fax:management 01732 760 services 999 in the domestic and project commercial e-mail: sectors. G3 will be pleased to provide information on comparable projects from our substantial client base, along with full details of www. our many accreditations.

G3 Contracts Ltd

info@g3contracts.com

01732 760 888 ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

77

Every Aspect lives up to our name!

Thanks to our comprehensive team of craftsmen, we can complete any aspect of your building project. We have experience in delivering a huge range of projects from building and remodeling new & existing homes, shops, restaurants, office buildings and other commercial properties.

We also employ specialists to assist with design aspects of your project, including qualified structural engineers and architects. From interior and exterior painting, landscaping, flooring, plumbing, electrical work and lighting, plastering, window and door fitting, and more, we have 'Every Aspect' covered.

We are proud of our friendly approach and high standards, we enjoy what we do and we like our customers to enjoy the projects we undertake and love the results. The suppliers, materials and partners we use are of the highest standard, we are proud to do business with them, we have long relationships with everyone and consider that very important to how we work and the end result we deliver to our customers.

We hope to be working with you on your next project!

07736 733 395 / srbuilders777@hotmail.co.uk www.srbuilders777.co.uk 78

ABC MAGAZINE - KENT

Page-by-page Shopping & Services Directory

This Directory has been created to help ensure easy reference to the local businesses which support us.

ABC is free and will remain so as long as the advertisers are aware of THE magazine that Kent parents read!

Please mention ABC when replying to adverts, give copies to your friends and help spread the word!

Activity & Outdoor Toys Toy Time

Hildenborough 01732 833695 www.toy-time.co.uk

Activity Classes Angela’s Swim School

23

Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks www.thejpaacademy.co.uk

07870 460687

KLAPA

Paddock Wood & Tunbridge Wells 07852 739113 www.klapa.co.uk

Microsport

Tunbridge Wells,Sevenoaks, Dunton Green, Tonbridge, Pembury, Orpington Bromley, Beckenham 07863 330 200 www.micro-sport.co.uk

Ruggerbugs

Orpington, Rochester, Tunbridge Wells 01279 400442 www.ruggerbugs.co.uk

After School Education Explore Learning Ltd

Ashford 01233 220344 Crayford 01322 352760 Orpington 01689 867302 Sidcup 0203 7141229 Southborough 01892 731932 www.explorelearning.co.uk

Fleet Tutors

Kent 0845 644 5452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

After School Tuition Bright Young Things

Tunbridge Wells 01892 800492 www.brightyoungthings.co.uk/tunbridge-wells

Kent 07740 038972 www.futurefreedomforever.myforever.biz/store

Apps

Gazoob

Nationwide www.gazoob.com

Baby Massage Blooming Babies

Sevenoaks 07810 503766 www.blooming-babies.net

Baby Wear

Bamboo Baby Ltd.

Nationwide www.bamboo-baby.com

Breastfeeding Advice & Support Snoob

Nationwide www.snoob.co.uk

Building Contractors

10

10

55

59

Children’s Activity Classes Microsport

Sevenoaks, Dunton Green, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Pembury, Orpington 07863 330 200 www.micro-sport.co.uk

Musical Bumps

East Malling 01732 321217 www.musicalbumps.com

Perform

Kent 0845 4001314 www.perform.org.uk

Tunbridge Wells 01892 752042 www.minormania.co.uk

Bamboo Baby Ltd.

24

Christmas Fair Love From Kent

38

Sevenoaks www.lovefromkent.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks www.thejpaacademy.co.uk

07870 460687

KLAPA

51

69

47

18

24

Stagecoach

8

Beckenham 0208 5410833 Bromley 0208 9416073 Dartford 01732 750783 Folkestone 01424 772255 Orpington 01732 750783 Sidcup 01732 354007 Tonbridge 01444 456208 Tunbridge Wells 01273 835199 www.stagecaoch.co.uk

Day Nursery

The Green Cave Day Nursery Tunbridge Wells 01892 800033 www.greencavenursery.co.uk

Daycare Sitters

Nationwide 08447 367 367 www.sitters.co.uk

Atkinson Brignall

Sevenoaks 01732 459 222 www.atkinsonbrignall.co.uk

Design Consultancy

22

10

Selby Design

Kent 01732 647648 www.selbydesign.co.uk

Education

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury 01227 865242 www.canterbury-cathedral.org

The New School At West Heath Sevenoaks 01732 460 553 www.westheathschool.com

Educational Support Action Stations Write

Kent 07749 320 202 www.actionstationswrite.com

Explore Learning Ltd

Ashford 01233 220344 Crayford 01322 352760 Orpington 01689 867302 Sidcup 0203 7141229 Southborough 01892 731932 www.explorelearning.co.uk

Gazoob 8 9

5

07852 739113

9

Dental Clinic 17

7

Perform

Kent 0845 4001314 www.perform.org.uk

Nationwide www.gazoob.com

Evening Babysitting Sitters

Nationwide 08447 367 367 www.sitters.co.uk

St Julians

Sevenoaks 01732 458261 www.stjulians.co.uk

Family Shows

38

Nationwide www.brightworld.co.uk

Sadler’s Wells

39

Ashdown House School

63

Stag Theatre

36

Breaside Preparatory School

53

Bromley High School GDST

49

Canterbury Cathedral

62

Combe Bank School

54

Farringtons School

64

Fosse Bank School

64

Hilden Oaks School

56

Junior King’s School

66

Kent College

56

Kent College Preparatory School

61

Mayfield School

65

The New Beacon

57

Russell House

54

St Edmund’s School

62

Walthamstow Hall Junior School

58

Dartford 01322 220099 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk London 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.com Sevenoaks 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Farm Shop

Sevenoaks 01732 761 672 www.chartfarm.com

Fashion

24

The Golden Boot

27

Hoad’s Childrens Shoe Shop

25

Snoob

17

Nationwide www.bamboo-baby.com Maidstone 01622 75234925 www.thegoldenboot.co.uk Sevenoaks 01732 453816 www.hoadskidsshoes.co.uk Nationwide www.snoob.co.uk

Fitness

Martial Fit

14

Women’s Health

15

Sevenoaks 07879 631 091 www.shizendo.co.uk

77

Cheekiss

24

Love From Kent

38

Ruth Brushett Designer Jeweller

21

Stella & Dot

70

Nationwide 01732 467307 www.cheekiss.co.uk Sevenoaks www.lovefromkent.co.uk

Orpington 01689 823 035 www.ruthbrushett.com

Kent 07880 602 036 www.stelladot.co.uk/sites/annadark

Grooming Hairy Hounds

Sevenoaks 01732 465347 www.hairy-hounds.co.uk

Guardianship

36

29

Bamboo Baby Ltd.

Gifts

62

Bright World

Nationwide www.brightworld.co.uk

Hair Salons

Jo Brehme Hair Salon

55

Handwriting

Action Stations Write

Kent 07749 320 202 www.actionstationswrite.com

Health

74

68

16

47

73

52

15

Zanshin Holistic Health

13

Sevenoaks 07710 761 927 www.zanshinholistichealth.com

Nationwide 01483 791 900 www.espritski.com

Host Families Bright World

Independent Schools Forest Row 01342 822574 www.ashdownhouse.co.uk Bromley 0208 460 0916 www.breaside.co.uk

Bromley 0208 781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/abc1 Canterbury 01227 865242 www.canterbury-cathedral.org Sevenoaks 01959 564 320 www.combebank.kent.sch.uk Chislehurst 0208 467 0256 www.farringtons.org.uk Hildenborough 01732 834212 www.fossebankschool.co.uk Tonbridge 01732 353941 www.hildenoaks.co.uk Canterbury 01227 714019 www.junior-kings.co.uk Canterbury 01227 763 231 www.kentcollege.com

Tunbridge Wells 01892 820204 www.kent-college.co.uk Mayfield 01435 874600 www.mayfieldgirls.org Sevenoaks 01732 452131 www.newbeacon.org.uk Sevenoaks 01959 522352 www.russellhouseschool.co.uk Canterbury 01227 475600 www.stedmunds.org.uk

Sevenoaks 01732 451334 www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk

68

21

Stella & Dot

70

Orpington 01689 823 035 www.ruthbrushett.com

Kent 07880 602 036 www.stelladot.co.uk/sites/annadark

Labelling

Nationwide 0870 850 7897 www.mynamelabel.co.uk

Landscaping

46

Ed’s Garden Maintenance

77

Every Aspect

78

Sevenoaks 0774 8721319 www.edsgardenmaintenance.co.uk Kent 07736 733 395 www.everyaspectbuilders.co.uk

Magazines

Women’s Health

Nationwide 0844 848 1601 www.hearstmagazines.co.uk/wh/10014

Martial Arts Classes Sevenoaks 07879 631 091 www.shizendo.co.uk

31

76

Ruth Brushett Designer Jeweller

Martial Fit

Holidays

Esprit Holidays c/o Mediability LLP

Kent 01732 647648 www.selbydesign.co.uk

My Name Label

Women’s Health

Nationwide 0844 848 1601 www.hearstmagazines.co.uk/wh/10014

Selby Design

Jewellery

Borough Green, Near Sevenoaks 01732 781191 www.jobrehmehairsalon.co.uk

52

Homes & Interiors

59

Orchard Theatre

Sevenoaks 0774 8721319 www.edsgardenmaintenance.co.uk

76

Kent 0845 644 5452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

37

Ed’s Garden Maintenance

16

Fleet Tutors

Churchill Theatre

Tunbridge Wells 01892 530613 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Gardening

73

Home Tuition

35

Nationwide 0844 848 1601 www.hearstmagazines.co.uk/wh/10014

44

32

Assembly Hall Theatre

Chart Farm Shop

Childrenswear

Paddock Wood & Tunbridge Wells www.klapa.co.uk

73

Kent 07859 015 231 https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Kazzamataz/531397070295298

IFC

Dance & Drama

Pennies Nannies

Kazzamataz

Kent 07859 015 231 https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Kazzamataz/531397070295298

The JPA Academy

5

22

Nationwide www.bamboo-baby.com

73

Children’s Entertainer

Kazzamataz

Minor Mania

County Nannies

Kent 01622 737733 www.penniesnannies.co.uk

KLAPA

Family Club

Bromley 0844 871 7620 www.atgtickets.com/bromley

5

77

Kent 01795 520060 www.countynannies.co.uk

8

Paddock Wood & Tunbridge Wells 07852 739113 www.klapa.co.uk

G3 Contracts Ltd

Childcare

Sing & Sign

Children’s Parties

78

Kent 01732 760 888

11

7

Every Aspect

Kent 07736 733 395 www.everyaspectbuilders.co.uk

Sevenoaks 0843 52 36 113 www.seriouslyfun.com

10

East Grinstead, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells 01342 836743 www.singandsign.co.uk

Alternative & Holistic Health Future Freedom Forever

Orpington, Rochester, Tunbridge Wells 01279 400442 www.ruggerbugs.co.uk

Seriously Fun Swimming Schools 11

Bromley, Cobham, Dartford, Gravesend, Medway, Northfleet 07557 997 396 Maidstone, Orpington, Otford, Sevenoaks 07703 185 837 www.angelasswimschool.co.uk

The JPA Academy

Ruggerbugs

Massage

Zanshin Holistic Health

Sevenoaks 07710 761 927 www.zanshinholistichealth.com

ABC Magazine - Kent

15

14

13

79

Midwives

The Hypnobirthing Midwife

Tonbridge 07725 121419 www.thehypnobirthingmidwife.co.uk

Multi-Sensory Classes Blooming Babies

Sevenoaks 07810 503766 www.blooming-babies.net

Music

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury 01227 865242 www.canterbury-cathedral.org

17

18

62

Music & Singing Musical Bumps

8

Kent 01732 321217 www.musicalbumps.com

Sing & Sign

Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells www.singandsign.co.uk

8

01342 836743

Nannies

County Nannies

Pennies Nannies

73

Kent 01622 737733 www.penniesnannies.co.uk

Nurseries & Pre-School Education Ashdown House School

Forest Row 01342 822574 www.ashdownhouse.co.uk

Farringtons School

Chislehurst 0208 467 0256 www.farringtons.org.uk

63 64 44

Junior King’s School

66

Canterbury 01227 714019 www.junior-kings.co.uk

Junior’s Day Nursery

Cranbrook 01580 713033 www.juniorsdaynursery.co.uk

45

Kent College Preparatory School

61

Kia Mena Montessori Pre-School

46

Tunbridge Wells 01892 820204 www.kent-college.co.uk Beckenham 0208 658 9009 www.kiamenamontessori.co.uk

Positive Steps

Sevenoaks 01494 484755 www.positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

46

St Edmund’s School

62

St Lawrence Preschool

47

Canterbury 01227 475600 www.stedmunds.org.uk

Sevenoaks 01732 763354 www.st-lawrence-preschool-sevenoaks-kent.co.uk

Pantomimes

Assembly Hall Theatre

Tunbridge Wells 01892 530613 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

The New School At West Heath

Orchard Theatre

38

Sencio Community Leisure

Stag Theatre

36

Dartford 01322 220099 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk Sevenoaks 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

35

36

Sevenoaks 01732 460 553 www.westheathschool.com

IBC

Edenbridge 01732 865665 Sevenoaks 01732 470700 Swanley 01322 662188 www.sencio.org.uk

Stag Theatre

Parties

Border Tex Mex

OBC

Sevenoaks 01732 441 730 www.bordertexmex.com

Minor Mania

IFC

Tunbridge Wells 01892 752042 www.minormania.co.uk

Perform

9

Kent 0845 4001314 www.perform.org.uk

IBC

Edenbridge 01732 865665 Sevenoaks 01732 470700 Swanley 01322 662188 www.sencio.org.uk

36

Sevenoaks 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Minor Mania

IFC

Tunbridge Wells 01892 752042 www.minormania.co.uk

Private Tuition

Kent 0845 644 5452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

13

Every Aspect

78

G3 Contracts Ltd

77

Pets

Hairy Hounds

Sevenoaks 01732 465347 www.hairy-hounds.co.uk

Kerry Pets

Seal, Sevenoaks 01732 761955 www.kerryspets.co.uk

Photography

My Name Label 74

Shoe Shops

75

Tenterden 07595 895575 www.elvesshoes.co.uk

Hever, Near Edenbridge 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

Lapland Uk Ltd

Ascot 0871 620 7063 www.laplanduk.co.uk

11

Angela’s Swim School

11

Seriously Fun Swimming Schools

11

Bexley, Bromley, Dartford, Gravesend 07432 530 104 www.angelasswimschool.co.uk

Theatres

Assembly Hall Theatre

35

Churchill Theatre

37

National Theatre

34

Orchard Theatre

38

Sadler’s Wells

39

Stag Theatre

36

Tunbridge Wells 01892 530613 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Bromley 0844 871 7620 www.atgtickets.com/bromley London 020 7452 3000 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Dartford 01322 220099 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk London 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.com Sevenoaks 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Toys

Cheekiss

24

Toy Time

23

26

Nationwide 01732 467307 www.cheekiss.co.uk

The Elves and The Shoemaker

26

Hildenborough 01732 833695 www.toy-time.co.uk

The Golden Boot

27

Hoads Children’s Shoe Shop

25

The Elves and The Shoemaker

Canterbury 01227 788522 www.elvesshoes.co.uk

19

Hever Castle

46

Nationwide 0870 850 7897 www.mynamelabel.co.uk

Thomas Richards Photography

Places To Visit

OBC

School Uniform

19

Kent 07877 734 645 www.thomasrichardsphotography.com

Kent 01732 760 888

Sevenoaks 01732 441 730 www.bordertexmex.com

Samantha Taylor Photography

Sevenoaks 07979 147 477 www.samanthataylor-photography.com

Kent 07736 733 395 www.everyaspectbuilders.co.uk

Border Tex Mex

19

Kent 07747 123 232 www.CharlieChristiesPhotography.com

Renovation

Restaurants

Charlie Christie’s Photography

Angela’s Swim School

Sevenoaks 0843 52 36 113 www.seriouslyfun.com

5 8

Maidstone 01622 75234925 www.thegoldenboot.co.uk Sevenoaks 01732 453816 www.hoadskidsshoes.co.uk

Gullands Solicitors

71

Maidstone 01622 689700 www.gullands.com

Sports Bar

33

Sevenoaks 01732 441 730 www.bordertexmex.com

Martial Fit

Sevenoaks 07879 631 091 www.shizendo.co.uk

Tutoring

Border Tex Mex

OBC

51

Explore Learning Ltd

55

Ashford 01233 220344 Crayford 01322 352760 Orpington 01689 867302 Sidcup 0203 7141229 Southborough 01892 731932 www.explorelearning.co.uk

Will Writing

Casey & Associates

Nationwide 08700 203553 www.caseyandassociates.co.uk

Call 112 to contact any emergency service (police, fire brigade, ambulance) in all twenty-seven countries of the European Union from your home, mobile phone and public phones for free.

Call 112 in any emergency where police, fire brigade or ambulance are needed.

For example: You have seen an accident Someone is seriously hurt You see a house on fire

Do...

Call 112 and explain the situation to the person on the line and try to explain exactly what and where it is happening Give your name, address and telephone number to the person answering your call

Do not...

Call 112 to get general information (traffic, weather, etc.)

Call 112 if it is not a real emergency Make telephone jokes Hang up if you dial 112 by mistake

For further information visitwww.ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/kids-corner 80

ABC Magazine - Kent

14

Bright Young Things

Tunbridge Wells 01892 800492 www.brightyoungthings.co.uk/tunbridge-wells

Solicitors

39

Training

Call 112

When?

32

59

KLAPA

Beckenham 0208 5410833 Bromley 0208 9416073 Dartford 01732 750783 Folkestone 01424 772255 Orpington 01732 750783 Sidcup 01732 354007 Tonbridge 01444 456208 Tunbridge Wells 01273 835199 www.stagecaoch.co.uk

Sevenoaks 01732 458261 www.stjulians.co.uk

Fleet Tutors

Sevenoaks 07710 761 927 www.zanshinholistichealth.com

Stagecoach

St Julians

IBC

51

Tunbridge Wells 01892 800492 www.brightyoungthings.co.uk/tunbridge-wells

7

07852 739113

Sevenoaks 01732 470700 Edenbridge 01732 865665 Swanley 01322 662188 www.sencio.org.uk

Bright Young Things

The JPA Academy

Paddock Wood & Tunbridge Wells www.klapa.co.uk

Sencio Community Leisure

Maidstone, Orpington, Sevenoaks 07703 185 837 www.angelasswimschool.co.uk

Zanshin Holistic Health

Performing Arts

Swimming

Swimming Classes

Play Centres

Reflexology

Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks 07870 460687 www.thejpaacademy.co.uk

The Green Cave Day Nursery Tunbridge Wells 01892 800033 www.greencavenursery.co.uk

37

Bromley 0844 871 7620 www.atgtickets.com/bromley

Sencio Community Leisure 73

Kent 01795 520060 www.countynannies.co.uk

Churchill Theatre

67

01732 441830