Families Solent East Sep/Oct 23 PRINT issue

Solent East

Contact us

Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

07789 882467

Sales Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk 07812 218331

Book now to be included in our Nov/Dec issue. Book by 2 October.

Welcome

So the new school year rolls around again and your child is heading off to school with bright and shiny new uniform and gear and hopefully a big smile; leaving you with perhaps just a little time on your hands to delve into our great Education feature and explore how to support your child’s learning this year. Whatever stage your child is at you’ll find something of interest, including how to understand learning styles, tips for attending open days and how AI can support dyslexia.

And it won’t be long before your child starts to get excited about half term and, in particular, Halloween, get inspired by our fab haunted house craft project and check out the What’s On guide (pages 12-14), it’s packed with local events to enjoy this autumn and October half term.

And, if you’re not looking forward to the nights drawing in and your thoughts are already turning to next year’s holidays, get inspired by the kind of destinations you could visit in 2024 for a great family break.

Look out for our fabulous True’s Mushroom House Playset giveaway. Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Rebecca

Editor, Families Solent East

© Families Solent East 2023. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

An Island School with a GLOBAL Outlook

An independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2 ½ to 18

NEXT OPEN MORNING:

Saturday 4 February 10.00am to 12.30pm

NEXT OPEN MORNING: Saturday 7 October, 10am to 12.30pm

Going beyond the Early Years curriculum at Portsmouth High

Victoria Fabre De La Grange, Head of Early Years, Portsmouth High School GDST explains how Early Years is an important educational start for pupils. Many join Portsmouth High School as non-readers, non-writers and within weeks they are reading and writing. ‘It really is a fantastic thing to observe’, she commented.

‘We have an experienced teaching team and that’s important because it means we can guide our pupils and tailor our approach to their individual needs. Pupils are encouraged to learn at their own pace with one-to-one support from teachers and they are also encouraged to work within a group and independently.

Our aim is to instil in our girls an intellectual curiosity, which encourages risk taking and independent thinking, which goes beyond the standard Early Years curriculum. It’s important to us that the girls are encouraged to expand their learning by giving exciting, interesting opportunities both within and outside the classroom.’

You can find out more at their next Open Morning on Saturday 23 September from 10am to 12 noon. There will be ageappropriate activities for children to enjoy and refreshments. Register at www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk/admissions/open-days

Over 90% of children get first choice primary school

Over 90 percent of primary school children were accepted into their firstchoice school. Similarly, more than 80 percent of secondary school pupils obtained their top choice.

Recently release data shows that nearly all children in England, 98.6 percent, received an offer to one of their preferred choices for primary school in 2023, while 95.6 percent of secondary school applicants also received a preferred choice according to recently released government data on applications and offers.

However, the proportion of secondary school applicants who received an offer for their first preference school experienced a slight decrease of 0.7 percentage points to 82.6 percent. This decline follows a 2.2 percentage point increase observed in 2022.

Find out more at www.bit.ly/DfEOffers

Get autumn-term ready with a free Perform class

Perform classes use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, the classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

From September, ages 4-7 will take to the skies with Phileas Fogg as they go on an amazing adventure Around the World. Whether walking like a wallaby in the outback or revealing the legends of the Egyptian pyramids, the new term will be filled with globetrotting fun!

Meanwhile, ages 7-12 are going to the ball in a rags-toriches rock show, Cinderella Rocks. This hilarious version of Cinderella features struggling band, The Ugglies, in their quest to top the charts with charming music mogul, Simon Prince.

With all abilities welcome, the children will work towards an end of term performance for family and friends. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class in Fareham, Petersfield, Southsea or Waterlooville.

Gosport Heritage Open Days returns this September

The country’s largest festival of history and culture returns to Gosport with a packed programme of FREE events for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Gosport, a historic town with 16 conservation areas, 13 scheduled monuments and over 500 listed buildings, has one of the most comprehensive Heritage Open Days (www.heritageopendays. org.uk) festivals running from 8-17 September. There will be 65+ unique events over 10 days, that are accessible and FREE.

The festival is a chance for communities nationwide to come together to learn, explore and have fun by sharing the treasures.

Terry Rhodes, Chair of Gosport Heritage Open Days said: ‘Once again, we have a terrific range of events, most of which are led by volunteers who have passion for their subject and enjoy sharing their knowledge. All events reflect the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Gosport and its communities.’

Visit www.gosportheritage.co.uk to find out more.

Take a look at our what’s on guide on pages 12-14 for more local Heritage Open Day events.

How can AI support dyslexia?

By Usha Patel

Recently, the parent of a dyslexic student expressed their concern to me about their son’s preference for writing essays longhand instead of using speech-to-text software. Despite being offered assistive technology, he found that writing and rewriting by hand helped organise his jumbled thoughts and process ideas effectively.

Assistive technology plays a significant role in education, supporting students in all kinds of ways. Spelling and grammar software, for example, is widely used and not just by individuals with dyslexia. It helps improve spelling, grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. These tools enhance the ideas generated by individuals and guide them to ensure accuracy.

Artificial intelligence (AI) takes assistive technology a step further. When asked a question, Natural language processing tool ChatGPT can provide multiple options and ideas, serving as a valuable starting point. However, some individuals with dyslexia, particularly those who struggle with reading, may find it challenging to sift through the responses. So, what can be done to maximise its usefulness?

Education specific AI tools

AI technology can help bring some order to students’ ideas and form them into coherent arguments. This is something that assistive technology cannot do alone. For example, if the student who prefers writing longhand had access to AI technology that could assist him both in writing up his thoughts and managing paragraphs into a logical order, it would greatly benefit him.

With repeated use, the student could acquire the necessary techniques himself and learn the organisation process independently.

Natural language processing tools like ChatGPT can suggest improvements, correct factual errors and enhance the readability of content. This can be especially valuable for dyslexic individuals who struggle with remembering and recalling details, such as in a history project where dates and facts must be accurate.

Overall, AI technology can be a powerful ally in education, assisting students with dyslexia in organising their thoughts and enhancing their overall learning experience.

On the other hand, an over-reliance on AI could inhibit a child’s ability to think creatively for themselves. Take our use of mobile phones for example. We no longer have to remember frequently dialed numbers until we lose our phones. How many numbers from your phone can you remember yourself? AI should therefore be used in moderation.

Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist at Raviv Practice London. If you are interested in learning more about what therapies and methods could be combined with AI to help a dyslexic child achieve their potential, visit www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk

Ten top tips for attending school Open Days

By Andrew Campbell

If you are looking ahead to your child’s first or next school, you have big decisions ahead. Do your homework now and the choices will become clearer, particularly when it comes to visiting your shortlist.

TOP TIPS: It can take a couple of visits to really nail your school choices. So attend Open Days for key schools two years in advance of your child’s start date so you have time to come back to an Open Day the following year. Bear in mind that independent schools are generally nonselective at Reception, so get your name on waiting lists early. It can be good to visit the school and see it in action on a school day too, if you can.

Here are Families’ tips for preparation and getting the most out of your visit.

1. Do your research

Study the school’s website noting where the gaps are in your knowledge and which questions you want to ask at the Open Day. Are there particular entry requirements? How long is the school day? How many students per class? Are there taster sessions for children before the start of term? Make a list of questions covering the things that are a priority for your family. If your child is moving on to senior school, you may want to ask about things like mobile phone policy. If it’s a state school you are visiting, check your understanding of the catchment area, as these can change from year to year.

2. Feel the vibe

Are the pupils around you happy and smiling? If it’s a school day, are they enjoying each other’s company? Do they seem articulate, confident and polite? Are the staff warm, welcoming and personable? Do they talk passionately about their subjects? At primary schools, is there colourful artwork and children’s projects on display?

3. Go to the Head’s talk

Schools very much reflect the personality, vision, values and ethos of

the Headteacher. If the Head is giving a talk, you will get a real sense of these by attending. If you feel the Head speaks your language, it’s likely you will go on to like the school.

4. Talk to the students

Often, groups of students are recruited to show parents around, particularly at senior school level. Ask these students the same questions you ask the teachers, looking out for differences in what you hear. Remember kids are known for saying it like it really is! Ask students how they found their first year? Worse thing and best thing? What is food like (very important to your child)!

5. Ask about pastoral care

Your child’s happiness, physical and emotional wellbeing at school are crucial. Ask how the school covers these needs. Is there is a specific pastoral care department and who runs it? Meet and chat to them or to the Head or another senior member of the team. With mental health issues on the rise amongst even the youngest children, it’s a must-ask question.

6. Involve older children

While you probably won’t be taking your four-year-old to visit schools, it’s useful to take older children if the school allows. Give them space to ask questions and, if appropriate, encourage them to engage with teachers and students as you walk round the school

7. Is the school offering the right balance of subjects?

This becomes more critical at secondary school. Are GCSE and A level subjects very academic or more practical? For example, if your child loves music, cooking or design technology, are there the facilities and will your child be free to pursue these subjects to GCSE and A level? Where do pupils typically go onto? This can be a good indicator of the curriculum focus.

8. Ask about facilities and cocurricular activities

What interests does your child have and does the school cater for them? How much sport/PE is on offer? Which clubs are run? Is there a breakfast club? Plenty of outdoor space? What special trips are on offer?

9. Speak to key subject teachers

What does the maths teacher say when you discuss your child’s challenges in maths? How does the English teacher engage with your child who is passionate about English? Does the drama teacher impress you?

10. Single sex or co-ed?

Many parents have a strong feeling either way. But if you don’t, it’s worth visiting both types of schools and asking staff what they see as the benefits and downsides so you can weigh these up.

Open Morning

Saturday 7 October 10am to 12.30pm

Register at www.rydeschool.org.uk

Open Morning

Saturday 23 September 10am to 12 noon

www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk/ admissions/open-days

Open Events

Pre-School & Juniors

Wed 27 Sept & Tue 10 Oct

www.pgs.org.uk

Open Week

25-29 September

Pre-booking required, email: admissions@meoncross.co.uk

Celebrating different learning styles

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

Just as none of us look the same, everyone is born with tendencies towards certain learning styles when developing literacy, language and motor skills. Recognising your child’s learning style is important in understanding how they access their learning, particularly if they appear to be struggling in certain areas.

Visual learners rely on what they see. Encourage them to use visual aids, sit at the front of the class and write down or draw information.

Kinesthetic learners learn best through doing and moving. They benefit from using tools, acting out or role-playing new information and having freedom of movement.

Auditory learners learn best through hearing and listening. Engage in discussions about what they are learning, read stories out loud and repeat information.

Solitary learners absorb information independently of other people. Let them make notes and recite back, provide quiet learning spaces and give opportunities for sharing their learning.

Verbal learners respond well to written or spoken words. Play word games, use rhymes, acronyms and mnemonics, read their writing aloud, encourage discussion and debate.

Logical learners use logic and structures in order to learn effectively. Provide problem-solving tasks, challenge them to work things out for themselves and have them verbalise ideas and answers.

Identifying your child’s learning style

Observe how your child naturally interacts with the world around them and also note weaknesses: what types of tasks do they find challenging?

Watch how your child expresses themselves. Children will be more expressive through their natural learning style. Auditory learners express themselves best through words whilst visual learners are more apt to reveal their emotions through facial expressions. Kinesthetic learners use more body language and may seem unable to stop themselves fidgeting.

Consider your child’s interests. These will likely reflect their learning styles. Auditory learners usually show an interest in music and sounds. Visual learners often have interests both in reading, watching TV and looking at interesting objects. With

kinesthetic learners, look for an interest in physical activities. See how your child solves problems. Children lean into their learning styles. Auditory learners tend to talk through and discuss possible solutions whilst visual learners use their eyes to solve problems. Kinesthetic learners will usually try to solve problems with their hands.

Why different learning styles?

While the information people receive might be the same, each of our brains processes information differently, influenced by several factors, one of which is learning style.

Your child’s tendencies and preferences for learning can be influenced by peers, cultures, age, their own experiences and available educational materials. What works for one child doesn’t necessarily work for the next.

Understanding the preferred styles of different learners can greatly impact their successes in the classroom as well as contributing to their own sense of personal development and achievement.

With the help of observant parents and teachers, children can benefit from understanding and engaging their natural tendencies. But, it is a rare child who solely works best with one style alone. By understanding and practising a range of different learning styles, a child will have a bigger ‘toolbox’ to call on, finding a combination that enhances their ability to understand, recall and use the information they learn.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Open Morning

School minibus routes run throughout the local area

Saturday 23 September 10am to 12 noon

A warm welcome to tour the pre-school, prep school, senior school and sixth form to find out more.

Book your place now via the school website www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

By Ashley Lutz

Family holidays are opportunities to spend quality time together while making unforgettable memories. With cost always a factor though, booking ahead can offer the benefits of low deposits, discounts and even free child places. Plus you have more time to get excited and have something to look forward to! If you’ve not booked a family trip for 2024, here are some fabulous ideas.

Crete

Explore the largest of the Greek islands. For younger kids there are many quiet beaches and secluded coves. For the bigger ones, theme parks, aquariums and water sports are easy to come by. Should you squeeze in a chilled ‘adult day,’ laid back boat trips and snaking coastal walks promise spectacular sea and valley views. This island really does have something for everyone.

Abu Dhabi

Consider booking Abu Dhabi over Dubai for winter sun. It’s more relaxed, very well suited to families of all ages and has a less chaotic feel to it. Familyfriendly activities include Ferrari World, waterparks, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and relaxing sunset cruises. There is even a Warner Bros World!

Portugal

Explore beyond the Algarve on a fun road trip. Even in the summer motorways tend to be quiet, making it easy to explore a variety of regions, each with its own unique character. There are so many fun routes to explore which take in long golden beaches, hilltop medieval villages, famous vineyards, the natural beauty of the islands and delicious food.

Switzerland

This can be a magical, great outdoor destination for family holidays and breaks. Whether bathing in one of the many lakes or rivers, up high, climbing a mountain on a hike or cycling through unique landscapes, Switzerland is a paradise for summer outdoor adventures.

Sweden

Consider a family trip to Sweden in summer. You can relax and explore in equal measure. Enjoy the pure bliss of jumping into lakes, kayaking and swimming in the sea. Rest your head in a tent for some wild camping or book into a comfy boutique hotel. From staying in the unspoilt nature of Swedish Lapland to exploring Stockholm and its vast archipelago, Sweden is a dream for nature lovers and adventurous travellers.

Krk Island, Croatia

Connected to the mainland by bridge and also accessible directly by air, this island is lesser known and there’s no need for ferries. Krk’s natural beauty and numerous activities like scuba diving, go karting or simply just relaxing on one of the many lovely beaches and coves make it perfect for families.

Mauritius

For stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine and enough breeze to keep young children cool, Mauritius is perfect both for summer and Christmas holidays. This wonderful island is extremely familyfriendly with plenty of hotels, restaurants and activities which cater well for families.

Thailand

For a long haul adventure, this is a great option. Travelling with children is easy, with welcoming locals and great domestic travel options helping you to explore with ease. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the chilled out vibes of island life, there’s something for everyone.

Ashley Lutz is a Travel Counsellor with seventeen years’ experience working with families to find inspiring holidays best suiting their wants, needs and budget. More info at www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ashley.lutz

Splitting the parenting workload

By Tanith Carey

The number of women in work has hit a record high at more than seventy five percent in the UK. It’s great that we are gaining more equality in the workplace – except for one factor: women are still doing the lion’s share of the housework and organisation around kids, as well as the emotional heavy lifting.

Research from Stanford University has found that women still tend to take on a much greater proportion of childcare and household management in heterosexual relationships because they don’t feel entitled to put their own needs and time first.

The impact this overload can have is burn-out, numbness, emotional flatlining and even a dial down of their capacity to enjoy time with their kids. Women speak of feeling so overloaded that they want to quietly disappear in a puff of smoke.

One Mumsnet thread called: ‘Am I unreasonable to just pack my bags, disappear and leave everyone to it?’ crystallises the feelings of many women who feel too overwhelmed to enjoy their lives and who fantasise about being free of demands. A flurry of replies like: ‘If you let me tag along, I’ll bring cake’ and ‘I might do the same’ showed how much it touched a nerve.

With more paternity leave, dads working from home and outdated gender roles breaking down, we are moving in the right direction. But if you’re not there yet, what’s the best way to share the load more evenly?

Have a re-balancing conversation

In an amicable, constructive way, draw up a list together of everything you and your partner both do to keep your home

going. This may include micro-tasks, like being the one who always applies sunscreen to the kids, who arranges birthday parties and organises childcare.

Compare lists and consider ways to share the jobs more evenly. Point out that having to remind your partner to do tasks puts more pressure on you and that if they take responsibility for something, like the laundry, they should see it all the way through from start to finish. Remember too that partners are not mind-readers.

Your partner may not have noticed the toll that the build-up of unequal balance is taking on you. Co-parents may also lack confidence or think they won’t do some tasks as well as you. Be prepared to offer non-critical training! Remember that not all tasks need to be done exactly the same way.

Tanith Carey is the author of Feeling Blah? Why Anhedonia has left you joyless and how to recapture life’s highs (Welbeck £16.99) available from www.bookshop.org

Is it ever okay to… give parenting advice to another parent?

By Ellie Malt

Where do you stand on giving parenting advice to another parent? Should you try to help or steer clear altogether and give them the space to find their own solutions? If you are minded to have your say, we’ve got some suggestions to reduce the risk of sounding like a know-it-all. Two mums give their, ahem… advice!

We all know at least one baby who slept easily and fed beautifully from week one. If you are lucky in that respect, it is particularly tempting to offer advice but please don’t think you’ve discovered some amazing secret for solving all the problems of another parent.

Jumping in with advice can be the opposite of helpful; it may sound like you think you know the situation better than the parents. In reality, you can’t know all the factors at play.

It’s easy to blame ‘parenting’ when often there are biological issues that lie behind struggles with feeding, sleeping and meltdowns, many of which may not emerge for years. For example, developmental delays, sensory issues, hearing loss, ADHD, autism, eczema, reflux and allergies are just a few of the many (and sometimes invisible) possibilities. And it can take years for parents to figure out causes or find solutions. During that time, it’s typical for parents to feel judged, so while offering advice to an already sleep-deprived parent might make you feel better, it’s more likely to make them feel worse.

Advice, particularly when it hasn’t been asked for, can often land when energy levels are already low, putting the onus on the parent to have to justify why what has worked for you just doesn’t work for their child.

Anna, mum of two boys, from Devon

How to pick the right moment?

Timing is key: no matter how good the advice, it’s a bad idea to suggest anything after a particularly difficult night or right in the middle of any meltdown.

It’s important to see how the advice is being received, so avoid sending an email/text/WhatsApp or posting on social.

If in doubt, hold back. If someone shares a problem, chances are a non-judgmental listening ear and sympathy are actually more helpful than advice, however well-meant.

Getting advice at the right time and from the right people can be helpful. For example, when meeting up with other new mums to feed your baby and enjoy a coffee together, it seems natural to talk about what you’re going through and to compare experiences.

When you are all just figuring it out together, it feels less judgemental; more of a safe space in which to swap stories about small wins and epic fails. Just occasionally a golden nugget of advice will drop into your lap.

On the flipside, lots of parenting advice either won’t work for your particular situation or your child or it may be out of date. Granted, it can be irritating when advice is worded as if it’s a universal law applicable to everyone, therefore implying you are a ‘bad parent’ for not doing whatever it is. That said, it would be a shame to miss out on something useful just because of another person’s misplaced sense of conviction or poor timing.

I try to see advice as a potential tool rather than a rule and remind myself it’s in my power to be curious, to test and then reject or accept it. Even when the advice doesn’t work, ruling it out is one step closer to success. In this way I can see parenting as a process of constant refinements rather than a reflection on some kind of innate ability.

Sarah, mum of three, from Oxfordshire

What to share instead of advice?

Your own problems: in moderation. This helps the other parent feel less alone.

Things you are considering trying yourself but haven’t yet! So there’s no suggestion that you have the absolute answer. Useful gadgets/objects: keeps the focus on physical solutions rather than criticising actions.

Share your sources: mentioning helpful podcasts, books etc instead of offering specific advice (but only send a link if the person asks you to).

‘Jumping in with advice can be the opposite of helpful.’

‘Just occasionally a golden nugget will drop into your lap.’

Handling headlice

By Andrew Campbell

Headlice are a common problem faced by many parents, so here is what to do when there’s a classroom outbreak.

It helps to first understand the facts:

• Headlice are 2.5mm to 3mm long at adult stage.

• Their eggs are small, white and stick to the head, taking seven to ten days to hatch and then seven to ten days to mature into adults.

• Head lice only survive two to three days away from a human head.

• Contrary to myth, headlice don’t jump or fly, they don’t have a preference for either clean or dirty hair and they spread only from head to head contact, not from pillows or hairbrushes.

Symptoms

These can include itching, small itchy rash-like pink bumps around the edge of the scalp and the feeling of something crawling in the hair. Or there may be no symptoms and you might only find lice by systematically parting and combing the hair with a fine-toothed nit comb from the root of the hair to the tip. You will be able to see any lice, eggs or nits if you wipe the comb on a tissue between strokes. If you find any, it’s advisable to check the whole family’s hair.

Getting rid of head lice

Your local chemist will stock insecticide and non-insecticide treatment shampoos. Check your chosen product is suitable for the age of your child and note that some treatments are not suitable for pregnant women. There is no medical evidence of the effectiveness of Tea Tree Oil.

An alternative to treatment shampoos is wet combing with conditioner in the first instance or using this alongside the treatment shampoo. This can be helpful as some head lice are resistant to insecticides. If the treatment product requires you to treat the hair more than once, wet comb in between treatments to remove any eggs that may have hatched.

Wet combing

To wet comb, wet the hair, apply conditioner and thoroughly comb through all of the hair, in sections. Wash off the conditioner and repeat. In between each stroke, you need to wipe the comb on a tissue to check for lice. Repeat wet combing every two or three days until no lice have been seen for ten days. The aim is

Common questions

Do I need to keep my child at home?

No - as long as you are actively treating the lice. Naturally you should inform your child’s school so they can let other parents know. It’s advisable to keep long hair tied back and warn anyone your child mixes with of the situation.

If your child is old enough, you can explain to them that it’s a good idea not to get their head too close to that of other people.

Do I need to wash all bedding?

You don’t need to worry about other family members or friends being infected from things your child’s head has touched like pillows, duvets, cushions or soft toys.

What about pets?

Headlice don’t feed on animal blood so this is nothing to be concerned about.

Where can I read more?

The Little Book of Nits, by Richard Jones and Justine Crow is both a fact-packed manual and entertaining read. Signed copies are £7.99 from www.booksellercrow.co.uk

to remove all the lice as they hatch before they have the chance to mature, produce new eggs and reinfest your child.

Repeated checking

Whichever method you choose to treat your child, you should keep checking their hair regularly after the last of the lice have disappeared. This is because headlice lay a new batch of eggs daily. They take seven to ten days to hatch, so even if you’ve got rid of the live lice, there may be more waiting to hatch.

Check for headlice every time you wash your child’s hair, as it’s easier to spot lice on wet hair. Double check places like the nape of the neck and behind the ears where headlice sometimes lurk.

Head lice can be hard to shift. Their life-cycle, small size and the problem of treatment resistance all conspire to make this tricky. It’s not uncommon for family members to re-infest each other as headlice move from one head to another, plus of course, unless your child’s school friends have also been treated, headlice infestations can just continue to circulate in their class. If you’re finding headlice stubbornly hanging on, speak to your chemist for advice.

Book your tickets now

The magic returns to Staunton Farm for Christmas 2023

Enjoy the stunning illuminations of Enlightened as they transform the grounds into a dazzling winter wonderland.

8 December to 24 December 2023

Staunton Farm – Havant – Hampshire

Get social with #EnlightenedStaunton Farm

hants.gov.uk/stauntonfarm

hants.gov.uk/staunton

What's On

To promote your local event in the next issue, email: editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk. Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more interactive content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go

All listings correct at the time of going to print.

Ongoing

Ocean at the End of the Lane Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, PO1 2LJ portsmouthmuseum.co.uk

Find out more about how we use and change our coastline and the affect this has on our environment and wildlife. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. FREE.

Ongoing

Treasure Trails

Across Southh East Hampshire and West Sussex treasuretrails.co.uk

A self-guided spy mission walking trail or treasure hunt inspired walk. Trails are 2 to 2.5 miles and take approximately two hours. Print a map at home or buy online.

Ongoing ‘50 Things’ Activities

The National Trust: Petworth House, Uppark House www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Why not try some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges? There’s something for every young explorer to do.

Until Sun 1 Oct

Boom, Bang, Fizz – The Science of Fireworks Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ winchestersciencecentre.org

Join WSC in a brand new free live show to discover the science behind the ooh, aah and wows of a firework display. Fun experiments and dazzling demos will bring this explosive topic to life in an exciting 20-minute live show. Free with general admission.

Until Sun 29 Oct

Nature Explorer Adventure

Uppark House & Garden, Petersfield GU31 5QR nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark

Uppark’s gardens and little woodland are great places for early adventures into our amazing natural world. Kids can grab a Nature Explorer activity sheet to find fun challenges all about the animals and nature at Uppark. £1.

Fri 8 to Sun 17 Sep

Heritage Open Days

Jane Austen’s House, Chawton, Alton, GU34 1SD www.janeaustens.house

Visit Jane Austen’s House, the enchanting Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen lived and wrote her beloved novels. 3.30-5pm. Pre-booking required.

Fri 8 to Sun 17 Sep

Heritage Open Week

Uppark House and Garden, Petersfield GU31 5QR nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark

Uppark will be part of Heritage Open Week, a FREE entry week for all, celebrating history across the nation.

Sat 9 Sep

Talk and Tour Experience

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth, PO1 SPY

maryrose.org

Enjoy this unique and unforgettable experience which explores archery in Tudor times. Discover how a Tudor arrow was made step by step, explore the museum with a guided behind the scenes tour of their collection. This event is suited to older audiences. 1pm-4.30pm.

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Sep

Heritage Open Days

Royal Armouries Fort Nelson, Fareham, PO17 6AN royalarmouries.org

Join a special tours of some of the behind-the-scenes places at Fort Nelson not normally open to the general public. FREE.

Mon 11 to Wed 13 Sep

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, PO5 2QJ kingsportsmouth.co.uk

So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So, get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!

Thu 14 Sep

Heritage Open Day

Gilbert White’s House, Selborne, GU34 3JH

www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

Explore the house and gardens for FREE as part of Heritage Open Days.

Sat 16 Sep

The Bubble Show

Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham, PO16 7DX, ashcroft.org.uk

Join Mr. Bubbles with his extraordinary soap bubbles in

all shapes and sizes! The Bubble Show is a unique blend of magic, storytelling, and bubble art! Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles, and even fire bubbles! 2pm. Ages 3+.

Sat 23 Sep

Creative Saturday: Clay Pots Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

Creative Saturdays are fun, handson activity days. Explore stories, collections and exhibitions together as a family. Learn how to work with air-dry clay to create pinch pots or coiled vessels to decorate at home. 10.30am & 2pm. £8.

23 Sep

Fold Our City Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk Create local landmarks to add to a giant 3D map. All ages. 10am–3pm in the foyer, FREE.

23 Sep

Equinox Viking Boat Burn –Saxon & Viking Fire Festival Butser Ancient Farm, PO8 0BG butserancientfarm.co.uk

An incredible afternoon and evening of spectacular entertainment, straight from Valhalla itself. Witness live folk music, reenactor warrior battles, traditional crafts, and the burning of a Viking longship at dusk. 4-8.30pm.

Heritage Open Days

Sun 24 Sep

Organ Extravaganza

Weald & Download Living Museum, Chichester, PO18 0EU wealddown.co.uk

Hear the sounds of street organs and the roundabout/carousel organs that you hear on your visit to the fairgrounds. Some of the organs were built dating back before the turn of the century. See and hear how they work, listen to all the different sounds from the smallest hand turned organ to the mighty large fairground organ. 10.30am-6pm.

Mon 25 Sep

Relaxed Open Morning

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth, PO1 SPY maryrose.org

Relaxed open morning from 10am-12pm, where the lights in the museum will be at a higher level, and sound effects will be turned down. Suitable for SEN children.

Wed 4 to Sat 14 Oct

The Adams Family

The Arden Theatre, Titchfield Festival Theatre, Fareham, PO14 4BG titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

A new musical comedy. A heartwarming story of love, family and friendship… with a twist! With an extraordinary original score, from the writers of multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Tony Award nominated Andrew Lippa, The Adams Family is sure to entertain whether you’re 12 or 312! Pre-book.

Thu 5 to Sun 8 Oct

Truth & Tails

Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk

Three charming stories from the popular Truth & Tails series celebrating difference and encouraging understanding, are brought to life in a new stage show. Based on original stories written by Alice Reeves and illustrated by Phoebe Kirk, Roxy The Raccoon and her three friends work together to make the forest an inclusive place for all; Carlos The Chameleon learns it’s OK to be different; while Vincent The Vixen begins to understand the importance of who they really are. Ages 3-8.

Sat 7 Oct

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain

New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, PO1 2DD newtheatreroyal.com

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So Barmy Britain is back with the hit West End show, full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past! 1.30pm & 4pm.

Sat 7 & Sun 8 Oct

Roman Reenactment Weekend

Butser Ancient Farm, PO8 0BG butserancientfarm.co.uk

Discover Roman living history and combat reenactments with the Butser IX Roman Legion. Find out what life would have been like in Roman Britain as you explore our open-air site. 10am-4pm.

Sat 7 to Mon 30 Oct

Science Spooktacular Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, SO21 1HZ winchestersciencecentre.org

Join Skully the Skeleton for a fiendishly fun trick or treat trail around the Science Centre. See page 14 for more information.

Sun 8 Oct

Fireman Sam Live Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, PO5 2QJ kingsportsmouth.co.uk

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus. 12pm, 3.30pm. Ages 3+.

Sun 8 Oct

I Believe in Unicorns New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, PO1 2DD newtheatreroyal.com

Award-winning storyteller

Danyah Miller brings bestselling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s treasured story to life. An enchanting and interactive production. 12pm, 2.30pm. Ages 6+.

Fri 13 to Sun 29 Oct

Pumpkin Picking at The Rogate Pumpkin Patch Petersfield, GU31 5EG rogatepumpkinpatch.com

Rogate Pumpkin Patch is a wonderful world of everything spooky and pumpkin. Attractions include: Merlin’s Wood, Dracula’s Estate, Pumpkin Garden and the Bubble Witch. Plus the Spooky Sunflower Trail with its individual creations for visitors to seek out

such as Dorothy’s House, The Hobbit Hole and the Box Troll Eyes. The pumpkin patch itself has 25 different varieties of pumpkin, gourd and squash for visitors to pick directly from the field.

Sat 14 Oct

Creative Saturday: Carving in Wood Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

Join a fun, hands-on creative workshop led by an experienced artist educator. Spend time together as you develop your creative talents in different materials and techniques. Learn the basics of carving with basswood to create a carved object. 10.30am. £8.

Sat 14 to Sun 29 Oct

Spooky Pumpkin Halloween Trail Hinton Ampner, SO24 0LA nationaltrust.org.uk/hintonampner

Wilma the Witch needs your help to lift the curse on Hinton Ampner… but there’s a problem. Wilma’s pesky pumpkin pals have stolen the pages from her spell book! Track down the pumpkins and tackle the challenges to help Wilma cast her spell. £2 including a pencil and prize. 10am-4pm.

Sat 14 to Sun 29 Oct

Halloween Trail Petworth House, GU28 9LR nationaltrust.org.

Solve the spooky mystery of a stolen Halloween trail pumpkin with activities, games and challenges for the whole family to complete together. Ages 7+. 10.30am-3.30pm.

Sat 14 to Mon 30 Oct

Halloween Spooktacular

Paultons Park, Ower, SO51 6Al www.paultonspark.co.uk

Join Paultons Park for a Halloween spooktacular and enjoy Peppa

Pig World‘s spooky Halloween makeover. There’s ghoulish fun –meet Pickles the Pumpkin and the rest of the spirit squad characters! Plus, rides in the dark! Late night opening on 24, 25 & 26 Oct.

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Oct

Ancient Music Weekend

Butser Ancient Farm, PO8 0BG butserancientfarm.co.uk

Discover ancient music and have a go with historic instruments!

Explore a wide array of instruments from the early Neolithic era to the Middle Ages with merry band of musicians Here Be Flagons. 10am-4pm.

Sat 21 to Sat 28 Oct

School Holiday Spooky Trail Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

Follow the Museum and Art Gallery cat on a spooky seasonal trail around the galleries. Find clues and solve riddles to win a special prize! 10am-5pm.

Sat 21 to Sun 29 Oct

Half Term Activities

Weald & Download Living Museum, Chichester, PO18 0EU wealddown.co.uk

Head to the Museum for fantastic indoor and outdoor fun this half term. Enjoy the great outdoors and fresh air, look out for the heavy horses and other traditional breed farm animals including pigs,

chickens and geese. There are a number of lovely woodland trails, including a woodland play area for children to explore. 10.30am-4pm.

Mon 23 Oct

Spooky Puppets

Westbury Manor Museum, Fareham PO16 0JJ hampshireculture.org.uk/events

Join in and create your very own mini wooden marionette skeleton. Each child will receive a skeleton kit which they can build and decorate. After the session children will receive a babycino in the museum cafe. £6. Ages 5+. Pre-book.

Tue 24 Oct

Comedy Club for Kids

Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk

The favourite family-friendly comedy club is back and they’re doing what they do best! Getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and

Giggles, gasps and gasses at Science Spooktacular

It’s trick or treat season and Winchester Science Centre is pulling out all the stops to fill this one with giggles, gasps and gasses!

Between Saturday 7 and Monday 30 October, there’ll be all the usual Science Centre fun, plus even more to excite all ages at Science Spooktacular – and it’s all included with admission. There’ll be giggles galore as little monsters hit the dancefloor at the Halloween disco. Listen out for the sounds of astounded gasps as families swap spooky scares for frightfully fun science in the Trick or Treat Trail. And head off on a gassy journey through our digestive system to discover what happens to all those tasty Halloween treats with brand new live science show, can you stomach it?

From 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 2pm). All visits must be booked in advance.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.winchestersciencecentre.org

cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits!

Under 16, £6, adults £12. Ages 6+.

Wed 25

Family Fun Day

Chichester Canal, PO19 8DT chichestercanal.org.uk

A day full of spooktacular fun for all the family. 10am-3pm.

Wed 25 to Sat 28 Oct

Todd

Trinity Theatre, Southsea, PO4 0LX ticketsource.co.uk/bookit

Based on the infamous character, Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, this story has a more humane approach and the author has depicted Sweeney Todd as a victim of circumstance and of his own vengeance, otherwise, the references to the barber shop

incidents and Mrs Lovett’s pies remain part of the original story. 7.30pm and Sat at 2pm. From £10.

Fri 27 & Sat 28 Oct

Halloween Event

Stansted House, Rowlands Castle, PO9 6Dx stanstedpark.co.uk

See the website for information as event details were not available at the time we went to press.

Sat 28 Oct

Halloween Family Fun Day

Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

Put on your costume, grab your broomstick and wand and enter Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery if you dare! Celebrate Halloween with ghostly crafts, spooky storytelling and modern twists on traditional games. There is something for all the family! 11am-4pm.

Sun 29 Oct

Relaxed Open Morning Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth, PO1 SPY maryrose.org

Relaxed open morning from 10am-12pm, where the lights in the museum will be at a higher level, and sound effects will be turned down. Suitable for SEN children.

Don’t forget to say you saw these listings in

Wonderful winter show at Chichester Festival Theatre

There’s a fantastic spread of entertainment for families to discover in Chichester Festival Theatre’s winter season.

The West End and Broadway hit Life of Pi is a spectacular adventure with a stunning, life-size puppetry tiger for ages 8+, playing 16 November–2 December on its first UK tour.

For Christmas, The Jungle Book (16–31 December) is a brand-new adaptation that spins Rudyard Kipling’s story into exciting, pulsating life for ages 7+; while The Three Billy Goats Gruff (14 December–January) is a magical, fairy-tale show for ages 3–7.

Hit musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World (for ages 7+) and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (ages 3+) romp in for February half term. Plus a host of one-off shows including Michael Morpurgo with Carnival of the Animals and The Gruffalo & Friends with Julia Donaldson.

For full details, visit www.cft.org.uk or call 01243 781312.

Make a haunted house for Halloween!

We asked our friends at Art-K Art School (www.art-k.co.uk) for a wonderfully spooky creative project for the kids to make for Halloween and they have come up with this very scary, haunted house.

You will need:

ü Water colour paints, ü A4 and A5 pieces of card

Instructions:

ü Scissors

ü Black sharpie

ü Glue

Step 1: Draw the haunted house on card and use a black sharpie to outline it. Simplify it if your child is very young. Now paint in the outline.

Step 2: Fold an A4 piece of card in half horizontally. Create two flaps by cutting a three-sided panel either side of the fold. Bend the two flaps inwards.

Step 3: Copy and draw two pumpkins onto separate A5 pieces of card.

Step 5: Glue the painted pumpkins onto A5 pieces of card as shown.

Step 6: Draw and outline ghosts and tombstones on to the A4 piece of cards. Find some ghosts on the internet to inspire your child. Then paint.

Step 7: Open up the A4 piece of card to see the step in the middle that bending the flaps inwards has created.

You now have your haunted house with pumpkins and ghosts!

andCutout keep

Step 4: Outline and paint the pumpkins



Step 8: Glue the house onto this step and stick the card with the pumpkins in front of the house.

At Meoncross School, we ensure each and every pupil has the individual attention they need to thrive and succeed both in and out of the classroom Academic achievement is high, but so is our focus on wellbeing, as we know that happy children are high achieving children We nurture our pupils and develop the characteristics and qualities we know they will need to build bright futures We believe that at Meoncross, it should be all about ‘ME’– each individual child – your child, what makes them unique and how we inspire, enthuse and guide them to be their best throughout their educational journey, and beyond...