Families Thames Valley East Sept/Oct 2021

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Thames ValleyPROOF East ADVERTISEMENT Please find below a proof of your advertisement for the Nov/Dec 2019 issue (No. 104) of Families TVW. Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially dates, telephone numbers and addresses.

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RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

please call Diana Page 01235 533362 • 07747 086518

IN THIS ISSUE

What’s On Education Early years Starting your own business

Issue 116 September/October 2021 familiesonline.co.uk

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1

EXCELLENT ISI inspection

OPEN MORNING Saturday 16 October 9.45am to 12 noon To book email admissions@heathfieldschool.net

Day, Weekly and Full Boarding for Girls 11-18

heathfieldschool.net | +44 (0) 1344 898343

01344 624291 2

Kings Road, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PS

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

www.themarist.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Contents ...endless ideas for families of young children in Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

In This Issue

® @FamiliesTVE 4-5 News & information EDUCATION FamiliesTVE @FamiliesTVE 6 Open days 8 Back to school anxiety Thames Valley East 10 Tips for a successful parent’s evening 11-12 Meet the head From the Editors...

13 Dyslexia awareness Welcome to the Sept/Oct Back to School issue! We hope you have

EARLY YEARS managed to have a good summer break and get away from it all on a 15 What you need to know about the EYFS framework holiday somehow! Hopefully the children are now feeling refreshed and 16 Starting school, keep them ready to tackle a new school year. You may be interested to read about Please findmoving below a proof of your advertisement for the ‘Back to School Anxiety’ on page 8 or ‘What you need to know about Jan/Feb 2020 issuefeminist (No. 106) ofinFamilies TVE. 17 Raising sons the Early Years Framework’ on page 15. We also have our regular Open #Metoo era Days diary piece on page 6. Plus, we have managed to pull together our 18-19 CHECK WHAT’S ON Please ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially ‘What’s On’ pages throughout Sept and Oct too, so do be sure to check PARENTING out pages 18 and 19. Finally, we are very excited to speak to a collection dates, telephone numbers and addresses.

20 Black history month of local businesses who tell us how networking and co-working through WORK ‘We are Tabono’ have really helped support both /their business Any need to your be made this stage.

21 changesStarting ownat business T: 07867 514138 07753 414605strategies and well-being.

22-23 We are Tabono Any further amendments will be charged for.

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Thames Valley East

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Anna & Rach Editors:

Rachel Bailey Anna Collins 01628 788058 Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk www.Familiesonline.co.uk

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Nov/Dec 2021 Tel: 01628 788058 Circulation: 16,000 Cover image: depositphotos.com

We are an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ nursery providing high quality day care for children from three months to five years. Set within bright, modern Windsor Leisure Centre, our setting includes a large toddler room, pre-school room, a new snuggly baby room, and spacious outdoor garden.

Open 51 weeks a year – Accepts 30 hours funding – Highly trained team Come and look around today: Call: 01753 855543 or email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

ASCOT 01344 206466 ascot@stagecoach.co.uk

Helping children believe they can do anything BRACKNELL NORTH (WARFIELD) 01344 206466 bracknellnorth@stagecoach.co.uk

HIGH WYCOMBE HENLEY AND MARLOW 07968 598227 07968 598227 henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk

WINDSOR AND LANGLEY 01932 988086 windsor@stagecoach.co.uk Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

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editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

3

EDUCATION News News&&Views Views

Mental Health and Wellbeing Tips for Children Looking after our mental health and wellbeing has never felt more important with one in six children and young people now having a diagnosable mental health condition. Helping to grow our child’s awareness skills will empower them to thrive whatever the challenge ahead. Awareness boosts self-esteem, improves emotional regulation, resilience and reduces feelings of anxiety and stress.

Here are five easy ways for parents to try at home: 1. Join the Dots – connect mind and body together. Encourage gentle enquiry asking, what emotion are you feeling, where do you feel it physically, what are your thoughts?

2. My Superpowers – we are superheroes too! Nurture your child’s unique inner strengths to grow their internal sense of power.

3. Create a self-care tool kit – ask your child to write down a ‘happy’ list of activities, things, people or places that they can remind themselves of when needed. Model positive self-care habits too.

4. A game of ‘I Spy’ with my senses – tapping into our senses creates a physical connection to our direct experience which helps to calm our mind.

Highfield Preparatory School extends co-educational provision Highfield Preparatory School, part of Chatsworth Schools, is extending co-educational provision for Reception – Year 2 from September 2021.

Maidenhead based Highfield is presently girls only from Reception upwards (the Nursery is already co-educational) but from the start of the Autumn term, Highfield will offer co-education in Nursery up to the end of Year 2, so that more families can benefit from all that the School has to offer. The School will remain girls only for Years 3-6.

The move to co-education is in response to the demands and desires of parents who are increasingly seeking an excellent family school that will serve both their sons and their daughters, particularly in the early years.

Joanna Leach, Headteacher said, “This is a hugely exciting time for Highfield Preparatory School – a School that achieves extraordinary results thanks to its focus on teaching with pride, passion and positive expectations”. www.highfieldprep.org

5. S itting like a lion– balance the daily stream of external noise and distractions with time to be quiet, help your child observe their body, breath and mind in this state.

Anna is a mindfulness teacher based in Windsor offering individual support, classes and workshops.

For more information please email: anna@happea.net or visit www.happea.net

One-to-one home tuition that really works

All subjects, all ages and specialists in SEND Experienced and fully DBS vetted tutors One-to-one tuition to suit your schedule Areas covered include: SL0, SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, SL6 Call today for a free consultation: 01753 316125 07845 865275 slough@tutortoo.co.uk

www.tutortoo-slough.co.uk 4

SJB Parent Wise supports The Baby Bank Give your child the best possible start to learning through SJB Parent Wise - an early years learning advice group for parents with babies & toddlers, 12-36 months. Find out from the EYFS specialists at St John’s Beaumont how to support your baby or toddler during each stage of their early years learning development; from communication, social to motor skills and more. Join other parents to share your parenting experiences and receive expert advice on learning development related questions. Their Early Years teachers have 45+ years of experience between them and will show you how to put theory into practice. During each weekly session they will introduce you to new age-appropriate learning tools for your child to help those little hands and minds flourish.

The cost of each session (£5) will be donated to The Baby Bank.

You will also have the opportunity to donate unwanted children’s clothing or toys which they will collect and supply to the Baby Bank for you. Sessions run Thursdays from 23rd September to 2nd December at the Nicolas Owen Block at St John’s Beaumont School in Old Windsor, SL4 2JN, from 10:15 to 11:30 AM. Register at www.SJBWindsor.uk/parent-wise.

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

News News&&Views Views

Local Perform Classes: St Peter’s Centre, 1 Thorney Lane North, Iver SL0 9JU 4-7s Tuesdays 4pm; 7-12s Tuesdays 5.05pm Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Road, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am; 7-12s Saturdays 11.15am

Join Perform for Confidence Building Fun this autumn term Perform weekly classes are packed with drama, dance and singing but have a special focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. They don’t worry about whether children get their lines or moves right, instead, they use a mix of drama games and fun activities which boost self-esteem and allow every child to shine.

Their magical end of term shows for friends and family are a wonderful celebration of everything the children have achieved.

Maidenhead Community Centre, 42 York Road SL6 1SH 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5.05pm All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA 4-7s Mondays 4pm; 7-12s Mondays 5.05pm Hilltop First School, Clewer Hill Road, Windsor SL4 4DW 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5.05pm COMING SOON Virginia Water Community Centre, 3 Beechmount Ave, Virginia Water GU25 4EY 4-7s Mondays 4pm; 7-12s Mondays 5.05pm

The Perform curriculum focuses on fun, friendship and laughter alongside catchy songs and funky dances. Class material is specially designed by Perform, with apps, downloads and videos for the children to enjoy at home. Classes are available for ages 4-7 and 7-12 with a new creative theme each term and, this autumn, they’re taking 4-7s to Outer Space while the 7-12s will be appearing in Bluebeard’s Bride.

Perform are offering Families readers a special £40 introductory discount... on bookings made by 15th October – just quote TVE151021 T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries @perform.org.uk

To book a no-obligation FREE trial class at the venues listed below visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Could you be a life-changer for a vulnerable child?

Why do people choose not to foster?

Clearly it’s a big decision and not one to be taken lightly, however, all too often it is not that people chose not to foster, it is simply that no one asked them to in the first place.

Slough Children First is looking to change that so are asking you now, could you foster? Could you be a life-changer for a

vulnerable child?

Tony and Diane Harrison are foster carers with Slough Children First and they were in this position several years ago when they were visiting friends.

“We decided to start fostering because some friends of ours had been fostering and they said to us, why don’t you foster?”

It’s as simple as that. Someone asked them and so began their exciting new adventure.

It won’t be easy but Slough Children First and all their existing foster carers will be there to support you every step of the way.

Find out more about fostering through Slough Children First, the support and allowances you will receive, by visiting www.fosterforslough.com

New ADHD Support Handbook launches – A real-life guide to empowering a child with ADHD and related conditions If you are a parent or carer of a child or children with a neurodiverse disorder such as ADHD you may often feel alone, tired, frustrated, confused, guilty and worn out. It can be a constant battle to secure the help and support needed to enable them to grow and develop or receive a basic education. The isolation and judgement from others who don’t understand the challenges can be debilitating.

It is a great resource for parents, care givers, schools, doctors, family members or anyone who may interact with someone who has ADHD or related conditions. This book shares a real-life story that may be similar to your own. You will learn about a parent and her son’s struggle and learn strategies that will equip you with a variety of resources, tools and tips to help you navigate your journey and enable your child to thrive.

For details on our classes, parties and events contact Bernice at bernice@littlelearnersuk.com or call 07944478517 familiesonline.co.uk

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Written by Jean Gibson – Grandmother, Mother, Life Coach & Author www.activepersonaldevelopment.co.uk Families Thames Valley East

5

EDUCATION Open NewsDays & Views

Schools’ Open Days Autumn Term 2021 Please ring the school to check the Open Day or Evening is still going ahead. Also, depending on the situation with COVID 19, schools may need to confirm if events are in person or virtual.

Claires Court For girls and boys from two to 18 years Address: please see website for the division you are visiting Friday 8 October 9.30am to 11.30am 01628 327710 registrar@clairescourt.com www.clairescourt.com Eton End 35 Eton Road, Datchet SL3 9AX Friday 8 October 9.30am to 12 noon 01753 541075 registrar@etonend.org www.etonend.org Heathfield School London Road, Ascot SL5 8BQ Wednesday 29 September from 6.30pm (Sixth Form) Saturday 16 October (whole school) 9.45am to 12 noon 01344 898343 admissions@heathfieldschool.net www.heathfieldschool.net Herries Preparatory School Dean Lane, Cookham Dean SL6 9BD For a personal tour visit the website

01628 483350 admissions@herries.org.uk www.herries.org.uk/admissions/ make-an-enquiry Highfield Preparatory School 2 West Road, Maidenhead SL6 1PD Private tours available 01628 624918 office@highfieldprep.org www.highfieldprep.org

Call to book your place now!

St. John’s Beaumont Independent Catholic school for boys aged 3-13 years Priest Hill, Old Windsor, SL4 2JN Wednesday 15 September 01784 494053 sjb.admissions@sjb.email www.SJBWindsor.uk/admissions/ visit-us

Meadowbrook Montessori School Malt Hill, Warfield RG42 6JQ For a personal tour visit the website 01344 890869 admin@meadowbrook.uk www.meadowbrook.uk Pangbourne College Independent co-ed day and boarding school 11-18yrs Pangbourne Rd, Reading RG8 8LA Whole College Open Morning: Saturday 18 September Dunbar (Year 7) Open Morning: Saturday 16 October 0118 984 2101 admissions@pangbourne.com www.pangbourne.com

The Marist School Kings Road, Sunninghill, Ascot, SL5 7PS Thursday 23 September (Senior Phase) Friday 15 October (Prep Phase) admissions@themarist.com www.themarist.com/admissions/ open-events Upton House School Windsor 115 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor SL4 3DF Contact school to arrange an Autumn term visit 01753 862610 registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk www.uptonhouse.org.uk

Thinking of your son’s future education?

Come and meet representatives of 28 of the finest senior schools in the South of England.

Thursday, 23rd September 3:00pm to 6:30pm

Schools including these and many more: Windsor Boys

Holyport

Wellington

Eton Harrow

St John’s Beaumont Preparatory School Priest Hill Old Windsor SL4 2JN

Charterhouse Winchester

Free entry. Open to all. Sign up here:

www.SJBWindsor.uk/register

Open Day Wednesday, 15th September www.SJBWindsor.uk

Hear from EYFS specialists how to support your baby or toddler during each stage of their early years learning development; • • • •

Communication, social and motor skills etc.

Introduction to age appropriate learning tools Exchange parenting experiences with others Expert advise on early years learning development

Weekly sessions on Thursdays 10:15am (Old Windsor)

www.SJBWindsor.uk/parent-wise 6

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

Co-educational Preparatory Day School and Nursery for children aged rising 3 to 11

“Excellent in all areas” - most recent ISI Inspection

Visit the School and Nursery Contact us to book a tour with the Headmistress or to chat with our Registrar

At Meadowbrook we do things differently

Prioritising emotional wellbeing ensures that high academic achievement comes through warmth, support & tailored guidance, specifically designed to meet the needs of your child.

Combining Montessori practice, the National Curriculum, Growth Mindset & Positive Discipline, Meadowbrook teaches children how to learn, not just what to learn, creating responsible individuals ready to tackle life with courage, confidence & accountability.

Eton End School 35 Eton Road Datchet Berkshire SL3 9AX

01753 541075 • registrar@etonend.org

familiesonline.co.uk

admin@meadowbrook.uk | 01344 890869 | www.meadowbrook.uk

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

7

SUMMER FUN Education

Dealing with back to school anxiety

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

A new school year can be an exciting time for children; equally, it can prompt feelings of anxiety. For most children, these worries are transient and fade quickly. For some, the anxiety may linger well into the school year, particularly during the current pandemic. So how can we support our children with this?

Most anxieties are rooted in fear of the unknown. A new school year brings change: classroom, teacher, routines, social and academic pressures and expectations. For those entering new phases, change can include new schools, new travel routes and new friends.

Establishing good practice and routines in advance of the new academic year will address some common worries, preventing them from becoming deep-rooted. Make preparations well in advance, make them feel exciting and involve your child. Discuss the school day and let them ask questions. Remind them of the great things about school and reassure them that they are not alone.

For children whose worries persist, this simple five step programme can help manage anxieties.

Take care of the basics. Ensure a good sleep routine, healthy snacks and regular exercise.

Provide empathy. Find uninterrupted opportunities to listen to your child’s worries, expectations and fears. Car journeys, bath time and walks are all ideal times to talk. Listen actively, withholding judgement and advice and validate their feelings.

Problem solve. Discuss coping strategies, ideally led by your child. Showing confidence in their own problem solving abilities will nurture greater resilience.

Highlight the positives. Encourage your child to recognise fun elements and not fixate only on the negatives. Use questions like: ‘What was your favourite thing for lunch?’ ‘Did you ask any interesting questions?’ and ‘What was the funniest thing that happened today?’

Be mindful of your own emotions and reactions. Recognise that they can create learnt behaviour. By staying calm and seeming positive, the message to our children is that they don’t need to worry.

The golden ticket is communication. Making sure your child is comfortable and confident talking to you and knows that you are ready to listen, will help prevent anxiety spiralling out of control.

If you feel that ‘back to school’ anxiety may be something more concerning, then speak to your child’s teacher for advice and support.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of EmParenting (www. emparenting.co.uk), which works with schools and parents to strengthen children’s core qualities of emotional intelligence, kindness and compassion and offers insights, skills and tools to nurture their development and wellbeing.

Longridge Longridge is based on the Thames at Marlow.

We provide a huge range of outdoor adventurous activities for all ages and all abilities.

Birthday Parties

For a great birthday party, combine a group activity with a Birthday Tea from our Café or bring a picnic.

School Holiday Activity days Every day of the School Holidays, a full day of activities with lunch for only £40!

Family Activity days

Switch-off the telly for a day of Full-on Family Fun.

Courses Learn a new sport or improve your skills with one of our qualified instructors.

Family kayaking courses now available!

www.longridge.org.uk

0330 303 0101

JOIN US AT BOURNE END ACADEMY 16.09.21

OPEN EVENING 5:30pm

'The strong academic ethos of Bourne End Academy underpins a broad and balanced curriculum' 'Highly structured and disciplined learning environment in which students receive an excellent education and achieve their full potential'.

'Students are offered an ever-expanding range of enrichment activities to broaden, support and deepen learning'.

www.bourneendacademy.e-act.org.uk Charity Number 1121239 8

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

Developing Future Leaders

familiesonline.co.uk

Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years.

Self-esteem and happiness, we believe, are paramount to each child’s success and we pride ourselves on developing confident and happy children with a love of learning.

Call 01753 862610 or email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

9

SUMMER FUN Education

Top tips for a positive Parents’ Evening

By Annabel Gray Despite the sore throat and spinning head by the end of the event, as a teacher, I used to love Parents’ Evening. Those ten minutes can make all the difference to a child’s experience and outcomes at school.

To get the most out of those precious minutes, my biggest piece of advice to parents is: be prepared!

Attend. Yes, this may be obvious but it is vital that you make time to attend - be it in person or online - and to show your child that you value their learning. Personally, I always liked it when the children attended too; we are talking about them after all.

Smile. The teacher you are meeting spends just as much time as you do with your child and will know them very well. Make them feel at ease and create a positive vibe from the outset by being friendly.

Come armed with questions. The most productive meetings are when the parent brings all the queries they have to the meeting so they can be ironed out quickly. What do you want to know? Their level? Their test results? How they interact with others? How confident they are? What the homework is about?

How to do long division? This is your chance! Don’t waste it!

Celebrate their work. Pandemic-permitting, let your child take you round and show you the work they have done on display.

Look at their books too. Most parents are surprised at the quality of the work their children do at school. Tell them they are great!

Focus on solutions. Sometimes there might be tricky issues to tackle, from either side of the desk. Try to focus on solutions rather than blame. Teachers want the best for your child as much as you do. If an issue can’t be resolved, book a further meeting at another time.

Be proud. Your kids are amazing! Tell them that!

And that’s it.

Think about how you can work these top tips into your parents’ evening and I promise you’ll feel positive, productive and informed by the end of it. Teachers love you to ask questions and to help them create a triangle of communication between yourself as the parent, your child and them.

Supporting learning Supporting our children in their learning journey is key and will contribute massively to their attitude, enthusiasm and enjoyment of education.

Parents are naturally great teachers and it’s proven that their involvement in their child’s education makes a huge difference to their child’s outcomes. But what kind of involvement?

Life is busy for most parents and they are often stretched for time. This means sitting down at a desk with your child and helping them with a worksheet doesn’t always work out.

But don’t worry! You can easily incorporate the following learning activities into even the busiest of family routines: Read to them; Talk about the time and the analogue clock; Write letters to family members and put them in the post – or even send an email if that’s easier!

Keep small change in a jar and encourage your child to take it out and talk with you about coin values; Play board games – something the whole family can enjoy.

These tips create fuss-free ways to encourage learning – you’d be surprised how much they can help children progress.

Annabel Gray is the proprietor of Bella Learning. If you’d like to find out more about what your child learns at school and how to support them in their learning journey, visit www. bellalearning.co.uk

Established 1980 Established 1980 Providing careand and education for 2-6 ages 2-6within years within a nurturing Providing care education for ages years a nurturing environment. environment.

Ofsted Outstanding in all Ofsted Outstanding inareas. all areas.

T 01753 833 771 E mail@cotwmontessori.co.uk W cotwmontessori.co.uk

Education and play from 6 months to 5 years old within a caring and happy environment

can provide 15 andaged 30 hours 2-5 September 2021 forWeacross children all 5 days if required

We can provide 15 and 30 hours

• 2½ - 5 year old classes

(6 hoursall aisday).

Montessori summer school across 5also days if required (6 hours a day). available for July/August

• 18 months – 2½ year old toddler class

Contact us for a prospectus and/or visits Individual available arrange a taster session

• Baby, toddler and parent class St Mark’s Hall, Dedworth Road, Windsor SL4 4JS To arrange a visit telephone: Cheryl or Alexis 01753 833 771

10

FREE Montessori Education for funded 2-3 yearfrom Free Montessori FREE Montessori EducationEducation for funded 2-3olds year olds

Individual

visits available

Home Park, Romney Lock Road, Windsor SL4 6HX

Tel: 01753 868399 OR 01344 844592 SCHOOL THE WINDSOR MONTESSORI e.menik@windsor-montessori.com

Home Park, Romney Windsor, SL4 Home Park, RomneyLock Lock Road, Road, Windsor SL4 6HX6HX Tel: or 01344 844592 www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk Tel:01753 01753 868399 868399 OR 01344 844592 e.menik@windsor-montessori.com Email: menik@windsor-montessori.com

www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

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SUMMER FUN Education

Meet the Head...

Thomas Garnier has been the Head at Pangbourne College for 16 years. He lives with his wife Alex and their two sons on the beautiful 230-acre site, which was where the school was established in 1917. Originally set up to train boys to become naval officers, it moved on to become a mainline independent day / boarding school more than 50 years ago and has been co-educational since the 1990s.

How would you summarise the Pangbourne College ethos?

We are interested in who our young people turn out to be as much as in the qualifications they gain. Ours is a caring community where every individual matters and we want to see them flourish – to love learning, develop values, skills, experience and ultimately to be able to make a positive difference to the world. We see evidence of our values in the way pupils behave towards each other and how they respond when things go wrong.

How do you balance the drive for academic achievement with personal growth and wider skills?

Our curriculum is structured to help us achieve the right balance.

The academic curriculum is obviously the largest part of what we do, but subjects outside that are very important and they come together in our ‘Challenge Curriculum’, which includes the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Combined Cadet Force. We also run a ‘Taking Responsibility’ course in Year 12 to encourage leadership, and in Year 13 we ask our final year students to mentor younger pupils. That’s where we see the most growth happening - as the older pupils reach out to the younger ones so they grow too.

There has been a lot of emphasis recently on the mental health of young people. How do you ensure that your pupils cope?

It’s been a challenging time for all of us but particularly difficult for young people in coping with all the uncertainty and change plus periods of isolation. Seeing so much online, they have inevitably worried about what’s going on that is outside their control. We benefit from strong pastoral care and place great emphasis on thinking about others. We provide opportunities to engage through talks and workshops. We have also introduced a wellbeing hub to enable pupils to find out more about things that might be worrying them, and we have created a new role for an Assistant Head responsible for pupil mental wellbeing.

enough of it so that we can do it well. We host seven or eight major events each year that have a ceremonial aspect. We feel it’s a tradition that gives a lot to the students and they have made clear to me that it’s not for touching. The benefits they get from it include self-discipline, team work, leadership opportunities and (most of all) a strong sense of community.

What more would you like the school to achieve in the next five years?

It is going to be an exciting time as the world settles into the new normal. We are spending the next year working up a new development plan which will include growing to about 500 pupils, a size we think will enable us to do more. We also want to build on our reputation by making sure that our teaching is of the highest quality. I would also like to broaden our catchment a bit.

We are sometimes described as Berkshire’s best kept secret - I would like to share that secret a bit more widely!

Call 0118 984 2101 or visit www.pangbourne.com for more information

How well has the school (and indeed its pupils) coped with the added stresses that the pandemic has thrown at you all?

From the very first day of lockdown we were able to go fully online with live lessons. Online learning has gone exceptionally well and we have had lots of good feedback from parents. I think we have emerged from the pandemic in good shape and there are aspects of the experience that we have definitely learned from.

For many years, your pupils numbered around 200 but that has since doubled and you have become co-educational. Has that big increase in size worked out well for you?

The growth since we went fully co-educational in 1996 has been mainly in girls and that has been a very good thing for the school. We had 457 pupils on the roll last term, which I think is small enough to know everyone, yet large enough to provide opportunities and generate sufficient resources.

You have around 50% boarders. Do your day pupils get the same value from school life?

We have 40 to 45% boarders overall but increasing from 25% in Year 7 to around 75% in Year 13 . Neither day pupils nor boarders dominate so it integrates very well. Most of our activities take place within the school day and we have sufficient events outside of school hours which involve everyone.

Yours is a school that still has a lot of ceremonial traditions.

Are they still as relevant as they once were?

The commitment isn’t as great as it used to be but we maintain familiesonline.co.uk

THE GROWN UP SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS OF ALL AGES Ballet, modern, tap and Acro classes for beginners or advanced students, from 3 years and upwards.

Weekdays:

Braywick Leisure Centre & The Beacon Centre in Beaconsfield

Saturdays:

BCA, Maidenhead

Call Candy Cox on: 01494 673919 candy@patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk www.patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

11

SUMMER FUN Education

Meet the Head...

Rob Grosse has been the Headteacher at Herries Co-Ed Preparatory School and Nursery in Cookham Dean for over a year now, having previously been Deputy Head at a Prep school in Great Missenden. Rob lives in Buckinghamshire, spends his time out of Herries with his children and is a keen sportsman. Herries has been running since the 1930’s and was originally set up by Beryl Goddard, who opened her home up in Cookham Dean to Colonial Service children. Herries is also the former home of Kenneth Grahame where he wrote Wind in the Willows, the Herries children still use the wild woods next door.

How would you define the Herries ethos?

Every parent wants their child to succeed and be happy.

Achieving this is a team effort between teachers, parents and the children. At Herries, we work hard to help our pupils find an area of strength and arm them with the skills they will need to work towards this. Our lessons reflect the Herries Values: Happiness, Enthusiasm, Resilience, Respect, Independence, Excellence and Sincerity.

How has Herries evolved over the years and what have been the highlights?

Herries truly provides an all-round education – our provision in sport, drama, art and music has evolved over the years and continues to do so. Opportunities to allow children to find and develop their interests, whilst providing them with a high quality education in the core subjects is what Herries is all about.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?

Each morning I greet the children on the horseshoe at the front of the school and I love seeing the smiling enthusiasm of the children as they bounce up the path and into school. In the

Herries Co-Ed Preparatory School & Nursery from 2 - 11 years

summer term, our Year 6 children really come into their own and take a lead role in the activities at the end of term. Seeing how far they have come in their journey at Herries makes me proud and I know they are ready for their next journey, into secondary school.

What are the qualities of a great teacher?

Enthusiasm, innovation, resilience, patience and fun

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Have you implemented any new polices or made any long-term changes as below a resulta of the challenges faced over the Please find proof of your advertisement forpast the year?

The purchase of new chromebooks for the school allowed us to Nov/Dec 2019running issue (No. 105) of Families hit the ground when it came to the TVE. lockdown closure in January. I truly believe that investing in this technology enabled us to ensure theALL children continued to progress, even Please CHECK INFORMATION IS make CORRECT especially when working remotely. The staff at Herries have embraced this dates, telephone numbers and commitment addresses. to making sure this and I cannot fault them for their happened.

Any changes need to be made at this stage.

Encouraging

Curiosity

From budding naturalists to scientific investigators, our small class sizes give children a nurturing environment to develop and succeed from the moment they join us through to year 6.

The very best start to their education.

How do you think education look/for. evolve over the next 5 Any further amendments will bewill charged years?

The rapid paceusthat technology is developing duringyour the Please contact by return either to amend or approve pandemic and the greater use of this in the classroom has advertisement. developed the children’s technological understanding and allowed all the children to access instant facts, explanations, endless practice, guidance and support in developing key skills for success. Rather than standing still with this, now is the time to embrace these changes and continue to move forward with them.

Call 01628 483350, email admissions@herries.org.uk or visit www.herries.org.uk/admissions/make-an-enquiry to arrange a tour.

based in

Maidenhead and

Windsor

Call 01628 483350, email admissions@herries.org.uk or visit www.herries.org.uk/admissions/make-an-enquiry to arrange a tour.

Distinctive setting in Cookham Dean • Activities at National Sports Centre and Longridge-on-Thames • Wraparound Care 7.30am - 6.00pm 12

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SUMMER FUN Education

Understanding dyslexia

By Jane Constantine The majority of people reading this sentence will do so with ease. But did you know that one in ten people in the UK struggle with reading because they suffer from dyslexia?

Most of us have heard of dyslexia but how much do we know about the condition and can we identify the signs?

According to the British Dyslexia Association, the early signs of dyslexia in pre-schoolers can include difficulty learning nursery rhymes, paying attention, sitting still and listening to stories, slow speech development, muddling words eg ‘flutterby’ or ‘cubumber’ and forgetting names of teachers and friends.

Signs of dyslexia in children ages 5 to 12 include speed of processing eg slow spoken and/or written language, poor concentration, forgetting words, confusion with letters which look similar eg b/d or p/g, poor handwriting, spelling a word several different ways in one piece of writing, slow reading progress, difficulty blending letters together when reading, confusion of numeric symbols eg + and x signs and difficulty remembering sequential order eg days of the week/the alphabet.

Identifying these early signs in your child can be very difficult, sometimes beginning with incorrect judgements being made about your child. Two mums, Cate and Kate told me of their experiences.

‘Sebastian got through Reception and Year 1 with no problem’ Cate told me. ‘But, in year 2, his teacher kept telling me that he was lazy and task avoidant. As a teacher myself I was concerned but I couldn’t put my finger on the problem - he certainly wasn’t those things in my eyes.

‘He started junior school and we were again told he was just a lazy boy who would catch up. I was confused, as his reading was good but spelling seemed to be an issue. With daily work on his spelling, he would pass the weekly test but not retain the words he’d learned.

‘By year 4, I was working for a company which specialised in therapeutic approaches to learning. My line manager suggested a dyslexia assessment. At the end, I was told Sebastian was dyslexic but had specific issues around attention, working memory and processing. So we went into year 5 able to explain Sebastian’s struggles and with detailed strategies to support him. My insistence that he have a reader and scribe for tests meant he went from 10/50 in Year 4 to 43/50 in Year 5 for reading. His spelling, punctuation, grammar and maths also improved – although not to the same level.’

Kate fought similar battles for her son, Rowan. ‘In Year 1, I was told it was too early to tell if Rowan had dyslexia and that he wouldn’t be checked again until Year 3. However, I was told that he did have APD – auditory processing disorder. The dyslexia assessment didn’t happen in Year 3 and finally, in Year 4, after the assessment, we started making progress with getting him some support.’

Due to funding issues, Kate feels Rowan didn’t really get the support he needed until he reached secondary school.

‘He’s now allocated a laptop so he can scribe on that. He has 1:1 intervention for English, an allocated SEN team member and access to the SEN room when he’s struggling. The school does assessments with him and allocate him a scriber in lessons, if needed. He’s also allowed to do many assessments vocally.

‘Since Rowan started at the school last September his reading and writing have gone from almost non-existent to a level where he can keep up at school.’

Jane Constantine is a writer and mother of two children living in Hampshire.

Tips from parents Cate reports that Seb has struggled with his diagnosis, calling himself ‘stupid.’ The books ‘Mission Dyslexia’ and YouTube videos that explain the condition visually, are starting to help him recognise he just uses different strengths.

Rowan has attended an emotional development course which has helped him with the frustration of being dyslexic.

Kate says: ‘Rowan’s very intelligent but it’s locked inside him and the frustration of that is one of the hardest things for him to deal with.’

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FAMILY LIFE Early Years

Changes to the Early Years Framework (EYFS)

By Emma Lewry A new Early Years Framework has been trialled in the UK and becomes statutory in September 2021. So what does this mean for families with children attending Early Years settings and classrooms?

As an Early Years teacher and former head teacher, I don’t think anyone could argue with the aim of the changes - to raise outcomes and to enable practitioners to spend more time caring for children. From my experience working with schools trialling the changes, there are many elements which will be brilliant for children and families.

Let’s start by looking at what is staying the same: Children learn best through play – playful experiences remains at the heart of the EYFS. The curriculum is broad – the EYFS curriculum includes everything from reading and writing to understanding simple maps; from learning social skills to throwing a ball. There are new parts but children will still be supported to learn a wide range of skills and knowledge.

So what is different?

One of the biggest changes is the need for children to be taught new words and develop a love of reading. Teaching words has always happened but now it is being given centre stage to support children’s communication and language development.

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The second biggest change, and one which families who have a child in an Early Years setting already may notice, is the recommendation to reduce recording of children’s learning.

This means carers will be able to spend more time playing and supporting the learning of children. It might mean that you see fewer pictures or less written information about your child’s learning but what is recorded and shared with you will be the really valuable parts - the new learning and the ‘wow’ moments.

The new framework includes some other new learning too, including supporting children to learn about equality, difference and communities and to develop positive relationships and attachments which help them understand their own feelings and those of others.

Staff will need a few terms to settle into using all of the new elements but, as with all things education-related, do ask your child’s key workers, teachers and support staff if you would like to know how the new framework is being used in your setting.

Emma Lewry is a school leader, former head teacher and coowner of Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) where parents can find support for matters relating to school and education.

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Early Years

STARTING SCHOOL? KEEP THEM MOVING! To stop or not to stop… that’s the big question facing the parents of children starting reception every September. Should your child continue with their favourite activities when they start school?

The answer is yes! Your child needs movement to be better at school. If you want your child to be a better sitter, a better listener and better at concentrating, keep them moving.

THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH MOVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT SCHOOL As much as schools are trying to increase how much your child is moving, it is impossible to provide the rich, varied opportunities for movement during the school day to meet children’s developmental needs.

According to OFSTED, Early Years settings are ‘not sufficiently physically challenging’, and ‘the more active a child is, the stronger their body core and the better able they are to do the things asked of them at school. If practitioners do not encourage children to do this then they are not setting them up well for the future.’

The NHS recommends children aged 5 years and under should get at least three hours of exercise every day, including 60 minutes of vigorous exercise. This is critical to the development of their brain, body, sensory systems and social and emotional skills.

LACK OF MOVEMENT LIMITS CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT Four-year-olds learn from movement. Your child’s brain grows through movement. They get smarter, their body gets stronger, their senses are satisfied and that helps them to listen better, sit still and concentrate.

Movement helps your child learn to problem solve, control their body, enhance their gross motor skills, discover what they are capable of and to trust themselves. They develop self-confidence,

16

self-esteem, peripheral vision, balance, spatial awareness and boost their creativity and imagination through movement. They learn to concentrate, focus and even sit still through moving first.

KIDS NEED A RELEASE AT THE END OF THE DAY – JUST LIKE ADULTS! Worried that they will be too tired at the end of the school day?

They won’t!

They need an outlet for the stimulation from their school day. The best way to stop the after school tantrums – get them moving!

Movement calms young children’s bodies & brains and promotes a better night’s sleep.

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FAMILY LIFE

Raising feminist sons in #Metoo era

By Tanith Carey This year’s revelations about rape culture in schools and universities have led parents to think more about how to raise their sons to become men who respect and treat women as equals. Of course, it’s not boys who are the problem. It’s the messages they get from our culture, which we, as parents, have to help them question and stand up to.

Allow boys ALL their emotions Studies have found that boy babies cry just as much as girls.

But then, unconsciously, we ‘man up’ our sons early, believing they need to be tough. By age 4, mothers use more emotional language with girls than boys, according to research. By age 7, if a boy hurts himself during sport, he gets praised more for not crying than a girl the same age. From this, our sons learn that the only emotion they are permitted without looking weak, is anger. Allow your son to express all his feelings including hurt and sadness.

Let boys play whatever they like Before age 3, boys and girls play in roughly the same way. But after that, they start to get the idea that some games are more appropriate for boys than others. Encourage your son to play whatever interests him, without limits. Let him be the female characters in his ‘let’s pretend’ games if he wants to explore this too. If he gets the feeling you disapprove, he will push this side of himself away.

Consider male stereotypes Just as research has found Barbie dolls give girls ideas

about what an ‘ideal’ female body ‘should’ look like, genderexaggerated superhero figures present boys with an image of males without any emotion, except anger. Similarly, if children read more stories in which boys are heroes and girls are invisible or passive, they internalise those messages. As your son grows, talk about some of the stereotypes he may see in video games and pop videos, which can portray men as sexual predators and women as less powerful objects.

Value equality Show how equality can be just as good for boys as it is for girls, allowing all genders to reach their potential without limits on how they think or what they become. Have a family value that everyone is treated with dignity and courtesy, no matter who they are.

Tanith Carey is author of What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, with Dr Angharad Rudkin, published by DK and available from Amazon and Bookshop.org.

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What’s On?

All details correct at the time of going to press. Please do remember to check online for up-to-date information and remember that in most cases you will need to book.

September

WED SEPT 1 TO SUNDAY OCT 31 PADDINGTON - THE STORY OF A BEAR The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, NW1 2DB Join Paddington as he sets off on a new adventure at The British Library. www.bl.uk WEDNESDAY 1 TO SATURDAY SEPT 18 DINOSAURS UNCOVERED Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury HP20 2QP Skeletons and fossils Open Mon-Sat. 10-5pm www.buckscountymuseum.org

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 14, 21, 28 BABY MASSAGE COURSES Maidenhead home studio SL6 3PF Newborns: Tues 1-3pm 2-6months: Tues 10-11am (plus stay & play option) 6 months+: Weds 10-11am (plus stay & play option) www.mindbodyandbump.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 1 TO SUNDAY SEPT 5 CITY OF STORIES EXHIBITION Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP £5 www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on THURSDAY 2 TO SATURDAY SEPT 4 ONLINE KITE MAKING WORKSHOP Book kit and collect from Norden Farm, SL6 4PF before accessing on demand video www.norden.farm

DAILY IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER CANOE AND KAYAK ADVENTURES Barry Ave, Windsor SL4 5JA Guided Kayak, Canoe and Paddle boarding along the River Thames www.canoeandkayakadventures.co.uk

FRIDAY 3 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5 CHILLI FESTIVAL Waddesdon, nr Aylesbury, HP18 0JH Local artisan food, live music, family fun and children’s craft. £3 and normal grounds admission applies www.waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/chilliadvertisement for the festival

MONDAYS IN SEPT AND OCT LITTLE ROOTS TODDLER GROUP St Mary’s Church, White Waltham SL6 3JH 9am – 11.15am term time only www.stmaryswhitewaltham.org.uk/z/ under5s59

TUESDAY 7 AND TUESDAY SEPT 14 WILD WORLD HEROES CLUB Britwell Library, Wentworth Avenue, Slough SL2 2DT Activities and Inspiration for children to take care of their planet Free event. Age 4+ www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sloughlibraries-33567244349

THURSDAY 9 TO SUNDAY SEPT 12 LUNA CINEMA Waddesdon, near Aylesbury, HP18 0JH Four great films set against the backdrop of the House.

Pretty Woman, Grease, Star Wars: A New Hope, Knives Out Adult £16, Child £11. 6.15pm start. www.waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/openair-cinema

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4 LARCHFIELD LADYBIRDS TODDLER GROUP FAMILY BIKE RIDES Larchfield Community Centre, Maidenhead IS Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION CORRECT Organised

by Maidenhead Cycle Hub SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11 SL6 4BB 6-8 mile rides aimed at families. Rides start DAVID GIBB’S FAMILY DUKEBOX especially dates, numbers and addresses.

10am – 11.45am termtelephone time only (starts 8 at 2pm from the public car park Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Sept) by the entrance to Bray Lake (SL6 2EB) Oxford OX1 1BP £7 https://www.facebook.com/ Any changes need to be made at this stage. www.cyclehub.org.uk T: 01628 627586 www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on LarchfieldLadybirds Any further amendments will be charged for.SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5 E: editor@familiestveast.co.uk SATURDAY 11 AND SUNDAY SEPT 12 SUNDAYS IN SEPT AND OCT KITE FESTIVALyour 50 All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead, Please contact us by return either to amend or approve COOKHAM AND MAIDENHEAD ARTS MAIDENHEAD PADDLEBOARD Boyn Grove Park, Punt Hill Maidenhead TRAIL advertisement. SOCIAL Berkshire, SL6 6NA PADDLESPORTY SL6 6JD For a trail map of those taking part visit: Maidenhead Sailing Club, Free event with music, food and bar 12www.camat.org.uk 57 Summerleaze Road, Maidenhead 4pm SL6 8HZ 01628 788997 FRIDAY 17 AND SATURDAY SEPT 18 Taster / beginners from 3.30pm & BBQ www.norden.farm HARVEST MOON PADDLE option Dinton Pastures RG10 0TH £25 non member adult / £20 non member Guided night paddle for 8+ child Adult £25 Child £25 Includes boards (or reduced price if BYO). www.dinton-pastures.co.uk All ages. www.paddleboardmaidenhead.uk

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What’s On? SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18 BIRDS OF PREY Crocus at Dorney Court SL4 6QP 10am-4pm.

Free entry no booking necessary. £2 charge to handle a bird 01628 788997 www.crocus.co.uk/dorney-court SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19 HENLEY FESTIVAL FAMILY SUNDAY www.henley-festival.co.uk/whats-on/ family-sunday THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23 SENIOR SCHOOL FAIR Sports Centre, St John’s Beaumont School, Priest Hill, Old Windsor SL4 2JN Meet representatives from 28 top senior schools. Windsor Boys, Wellington, Holyport College, Charterhouse, Winchester, Harrow and Eton inc.

Open to parents and children of middle school-age. Book time slot below (between 3pm-6.30pm). www.SJBWindsor.uk/register SATURDAY 25 TO SUNDAY SEPT 26 RURAL LIFE Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB Themed family event www.coam.org.uk

October SATURDAY OCTOBER 2 LET’S ROCK THE MOOR 2021 Cookham Moor SL6 9QH The retro festival returns www.letsrockthemoor.com SATURDAY OCTOBER 2 FAMILY BIKE RIDES Organised by Maidenhead Cycle Hub 6-8 mile rides aimed at families. Rides start at 2pm from the public car park by the entrance to Bray Lake (SL6 2EB) www.cyclehub.org.uk

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9 DAVID GIBB’S FAMILY DUKEBOX Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP £7 www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on SUNDAY 10 TO MONDAY OCTOBER 11 DEAR ZOO Wycombe Swan HP11 2XE 10.30am and 1.30pm www.wycombeswan.co.uk THURSDAY 14 TO SUNDAY OCT 31 BRICK OR TREAT Legoland, Windsor, Spook-tacular activities to celebrate Halloween www.legoland.co.uk/explore/specialevents THURSDAY 14 TO SUNDAY NOV 7 FIRE AND LIGHT TRAIL Polesden Lacey National Trust RH5 6BD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-laceyignite

SATURDAY 23 TO SUNDAY OCT 31 HALF-TERM HOLIDAY TRAIL Cliveden National Trust, Taplow SL6 0JF Likely to be spooky-themed!

Plus visit the Storybook Den playground. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden TUESDAY OCTOBER 26 TERRIFIC TUESDAY Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB Themed family craft and activity days 11am-3.30pm www.coam.org.uk WEDNESDAY 27 TO SATURDAY OCT 30 THE LITTLE PRINCE Norden Farm, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11.30am and 3.30pm www.norden.farm

Upcoming Events ADVERTISEMENT PROOF

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2

FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR FAMILY advertisement for the RACEDAY September/October 2014 issue (No. 74) of Families TVE. Ascot Berkshire SL5 7JX SATURDAY 23 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 31

www.ascot.co.uk/whats-on-at-fireworksWOODLAND EXPLORERS AUTUMN TRAIL PleaseBeeches CHECK ALL IS CORRECT Burnham SL2 3TE INFORMATIONspectacular-family-raceday Download your copy from our website. especially dates, telephone numbers and addresses.

FRIDAY 5 TO SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7 Suggested donation £2. Bring a pencil FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ Legoland, Windsor SL4 4AY burnhambeeches Any changes need to be made at this stage.

T: 01628 www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events Any further amendments will be charged for.

E: editor SATURDAY 23 TO SUNDAY OCT 31 SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7 HALF-TERM HALLOWEEN FUN 50 All Sa Please contact us by return either to amend or approve your FIREWORKS NIGHT Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road advertisement.

Berkshir Crowne Plaza, Marlow SL7 1GJ HP10 0LX Annual spectacular firework finale over the Visit the Pumpkin Patch Garden and pick lake with food and face painting! your own ready to carve!

Many other spooky surprises for a frightfully www.cpmarlow.co.uk/Calendarofevents fun day out.

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19

Parenting

Kids’ books that promote diversity

By Tamsy Ashman, a published author and mother living in Birmingham.

As conversations about race continue to dominate the headlines and we celebrate Black History Month in October, organisations and individuals have stepped up in recognising that we can celebrate our differences and embrace other cultures and races at the same time. So this is the perfect time to explore literature and texts from diverse authors with our kids.

Exposure to books featuring different backgrounds help shape children’s views of the world positively in an inclusive, welcoming way.

Reading about racial differences enables children to empathise with others and appreciate different ways of life whilst understanding that essentially, we are all the same and that is - human.

Here’s a list of great books to get started.

The ABCs of Black History

by Rio Cortez A beautiful toddler-friendly introduction to black history. With its bright, vivid imagery, the book teaches the ABCs in an interesting and meaningful way.

Letters represent: History - G is for the Great Migration. Culture - K for Kwanzaa.

People and places - H is for Harlem and Zora Neale Hurston. Big ideas - like B for beautiful, bold, brave, brotherhood.

Perfect for learning the alphabet and black history.

Suitable for ages 3+.

Available at www.bookshop.org

I Am Whole

by Shola Oz A delightful picture book celebrating children of mixed backgrounds and cultures. Written with love to embrace the differences that come with being multiracial, it includes language, family and cultural traditions. This book encourages children to embrace their diversity and recognise that such differences make us whole.

Suitable for ages 0 to 7.

Available on Amazon.

In the Know: Inspiring Black Figures

by Tamsy Ashman The aim of my book is to spread knowledge of black individuals who have impacted and revolutionised our world.

It encourages a well-rounded view of history and brings to the fore lesserknown black inventors. It also encourages children to think of what career they may have in the future and consider how they want to impact the world.

Suitable for ages 5+.

Available on Amazon.

It’s OK to be Different

by Sharon Purtill This book encourages kids to be kind and befriend those who are different from themselves, showing young children that they don’t have to look alike to engage and interact with others and promote racial tolerance. By highlighting the ways kids are different from one another, it helps children to accept themselves and others as the unique individuals that they are. The book includes a short survey for children about kindness and is a fantastic way to start a conversation about diversity.

We all Belong

by Nathalie & Alex Goss A beautifully written and illustrated children’s picture book that recognises and celebrates diversity in children. It’s a rhyming poem about inclusion, whatever the colour of our skin, with excellent representation of different cultures. The book includes an activity at the end, to help children appreciate how we are all similar in some ways and different in other ways too.

Suitable for all ages.

Available on Amazon.

The Black History Book

by DK (Author) A great book featuring profiles of key people, movements and events, which brings together accounts of significant ideas and milestones in Black history and culture and how it has influenced the world. This vital and thoughtprovoking book presents: modern Black communities such as Windrush migration, Civil Rights, Black feminist movements and Black Lives Matter.

Ages 10+.

Available at www.bookshop.org

Suitable for ages 2 to 8.

Available at www.bookshop.org 20

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Work

Starting a business – the practicalities made easy

By Riina Trkulja Starting your own business is incredibly exciting.

Nevertheless, many people are unclear about the legalities and structures they require. Here are the considerations.

Company structure The most common legal forms your business can take are sole trader or limited company. A company is a separate legal entity from you and liability will be limited by shares, so if someone sues you, the company will be liable and your personal assets are protected. Whereas, as a sole trader or partnership, you are personally liable, meaning if someone successfully sues you, any personal assets you own, including your house, could be used to repay business debt.

Because limited companies offer the above personal protection, they must disclose accounts and a confirmation statement annually to Companies House, where they can be accessed by anyone for free. They must also submit a corporation tax return to HMRC annually. This is not made public. Bear in mind that the deadline to file a return is 12 months after the year end but the deadline to pay is only 9 months and 1 day after the year end.

A sole trader is required only to disclose its income and profits on a Self-Assessment tax return due by 31 January annually. This information isn’t public.

In terms of tax payable, there’s little difference between sole trader and limited company on income levels up to £50,000.

Other considerations VAT. You must register when your VAT-able turnover exceeded £85,000 over the last 12 months or if you expect your income to exceed £85,000 in the next 30 day period. Sometimes it might be useful to register earlier or speak to a specialist about one of the many VAT schemes.

Insurance. Service providers usually have Professional Indemnity insurance and Public Liability insurance is necessary if you are servicing the public in your building. Speak to an insurance broker to get specific advice for your business.

Data protection. If you collect and process people’s personal data, you will need to register with the ICO. To find out more, visit www.ico.org.uk or get specialist advice.

Becoming an employer. Even if you are a sole director of your limited company, you will have to register as an employer if you decide to pay yourself a salary. Find out more at www.gov.uk/ register-employer Riina Trkulja is founder of Accounts Assistants (www. accountsassistants.co.uk) which offers quality book keeping, accounting and financial advice for small businesses.

How to set up a limited company

Bookkeeping – do I need an accountant?

There are tonnes of companies out there that provide the service of setting up your limited company but it is easy to do it yourself and only costs £12 if you follow the steps at www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation

Bookkeeping is simply tracking all your incoming revenue and outgoing expenditure regularly and matching them to the bank statement. You can do it using Excel (or similar) first, depending on the amount and type of transactions. Or you can select an accounting programme like Xero or cheaper alternatives. If you have a limited company, it’s best to speak to an accountant before you choose.

When you register a limited company with Companies House, you will be asked to provide an address which will be publicly available alongside your full name and month and year of birth. If you do not want your address with Companies House and you are not yet renting office space, you could get a virtual address for £70 upwards a year. Some virtual address companies even offer meeting rooms that can be rented which is helpful if you need to meet clients.

If you are not planning to trade straight away and may keep your company dormant for a while, you can set it up as such, as you do not have to file Corporation Tax return for a dormant company. When you do start trading, you must inform HMRC.

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Retain your receipts and invoices from suppliers and the invoices you issue to clients. It is a legal requirement to keep track of your records if you are operating a business but if you have a cloud-based drive and keep all your records digitally, then there is no requirement to keep paper records.

If you are concerned about spending valuable start-up capital on an accountant, bear in mind that having one doesn’t mean spending lots of money immediately. You can do your bookkeeping and basic admin yourself and get your accountant to manage the annual accounts and tax return, which are due nine to twelve months after the year end.

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

21

Work

The Power of Networking We Are Tabono is a business networking company based in Maidenhead, Berkshire, run by Chloë Leibowitz and Anna Verghese. They help women in business to break down barriers, grow their confidence, build their businesses and achieve their full potential.

The company has a number of ways it helps. They run a range of events for women in business, as well as for the benefit of large organisations and their teams. Examples include networking for women and ‘pop up’ co-working events in the Maidenhead and Marlow area and

online and bullet journal workshops.

Tabono offers business coaching and mentoring as well as business mastermind groups and focused training events. The heart of Tabono is the community membership where you can access much of the above, plus more frequent contact.

Families speaks to some local businesses who harness the power of networking through We Are Tabono to enhance their working life.

Katie Hone Karen Stevens

Founder of Bags it’s Mine!

Business Purpose I love to create bespoke products from beautiful fabrics and yarns. My aim is to make individualised products that my customers will want to keep forever. I started my business to raise funds for a charity bike ride in India and have continued to donate a proportion of my income to my chosen charities.

Future plans I have now ‘retired’ from nursing after 42 years and can now focus more on developing my business. I love to make keepsake products and use the customers own fabrics to create cushions, quilts and soft toys. Now we are moving out of lockdown I will be restarting my beginners crochet and sewing classes from my home.

Networking I was introduced to We are Tabono by a friend and have found my ‘Tribe’. From working on my own I now have a support network that I can call on for advice and support. Anna and Chloë have created a space for women in business to learn and develop. There is always someone willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

I can’t wait until we can all meet up in person again. www. facebook.com/bagsitsmine 22

Karen Rosser

Founder and Owner of inspire my soul Business purpose Sterling silver personalised inspirational charm jewellery. A one-of-a-kind gift for when you want something just that little bit extra special. Full of meaning and designed to keep those you love close to you even when apart. Celebrate life and commemorate the important milestones how will you wear your story?

Future plans With the last 16 months we have all lived through, it is now more important than ever before to celebrate those we love. What a fabulous way to remind them than with a unique piece of inspire my soul letterbox jewellery – new necklace collections launching LOVE – CELEBRATION – REMEMBRANCE.

Colour Consultant and Owner of The Coloursmith, based in Cookham Business purpose I trained as an independent colour consultant and realised there should be more to personal colour analysis than just the physical colouring. My approach is different because I use my colour psychology training to find colours that not only look great but also help my clients feel happy, confident and able to express their personality.

Future plans I am using my colour psychology knowledge to expand my business into other areas. With business branding I help companies convey their brand message and attract their target market. My wedding colour package includes palettes for all aspects of a wedding, from the dresses to the flowers. I also provide an interior colours service for homeowners, businesses and community spaces.

Networking Life as an entrepreneur can be lonely and isolating, and to know your tribe of women are there for you, and totally get what you are going through is priceless – a true example of women supporting women.

Networking I was attracted to Tabono because of the informal co-working which is a more organic way of connecting with people. I love the accountability and support you get from Chloë and Anna, and everyone in the group helps and encourages each other.

www.inspiremysoul.co.uk www.instagram.com/inspiremysoul__ www.facebook.com/inspiremysoull

www.thecoloursmith.com katie@thecoloursmith.com Instagram: the_coloursmith

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Alison Crook

Director of Sales for Idio Web Services Business purpose Idio Web Services was set up in 2019 to provide affordable websites for businesses, no matter how big or small.

Working as an outsourced digital team, unlike many agencies who see your website as just a project, we partner with you and the build of your website is just the beginning. We structure our prices to be affordable, with a small up-front build fee and then an ongoing monthly contract fee that provides you with everything you will need to make sure your site is secure, remains current and can evolve as any good website should. Our unique support service approach means that you aren’t just left to fend for yourself once your website has been built, but we provide you with ongoing support for content and design changes whenever you need them, without any extra costs.

Future plans Idio was growing far quicker than initially anticipated, which has been a great testament to our service offering, however we saw a rapid increase across all of our services once the pandemic hit. We have seen website builds for new business start-ups following redundancies, and others who already had a web presence, have been actively working on their online visibility so our other services such as SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and Social Media Management have become very popular indeed.

Networking Networking is an integral part of our marketing strategy as it is a really effective way of building the business; relationships are formed with others which not only open up opportunities for new business and referrals but the support, advice and camaraderie is a hugely important factor. www.idioweb.co.uk 07710 798675 alison@idioweb.co.uk

Michelle Brown Diana Wilkinson and Carole Waterman of Diana’s Wardrobe & Princess Fifi Fashion

Business Purpose We have been running our own businesses independently for a number of years. Diana’s Wardrobe offers a beautiful range of ladies fashion accessories as well as a few carefully selected sustainable brands and preloved items, whilst Princess Fifi Fashion retails gorgeously girly hair and fashion accessories for pretty pink-loving girls of all ages.

Future plans We recently realised that joining forces and bringing the two businesses together would enable us to streamline the running of the business and we could work more closely together. This broadens the offering for both businesses to a much wider audience. Our exciting new partnership will also see the launch of our very first website.

Networking Networking has quite literally been life changing for us. Not only have we made valuable business connections, which have enabled us to move our businesses forward, it has been the catalyst for the formation of our collaboration. We never stop learning through the workshops and coaching provided but most importantly for us we have made lifelong friendships along the way. www.dianaswardrobe.co.uk hello@dianaswardrobe.co.uk Both brands can be found at ORA in Nicholson’s Walk, Maidenhead and in Maidenhead Gift Emporium.

Health and Lifestyle Coach Business purpose As a Master Health and Lifestyle Coach and mentor, I work with people who are ready to put the life back into living… those who are ready to kick start their energy, clear out that head fog and regain mental clarity, so they can feel truly energised in body and mind and step out into their most powerful Self.

Future plans I believe that health is an inside job.

Whilst conventional views of upgrading our health (such as diet and exercise) are undeniably important, I believe that this focus will not lead to sustainable health unless we are also living in the truth of who we are. By coaching people to peel back the layers of stories that have been imprinted throughout their lives and that keep them ‘stuck in a rut’, we utilise the quickest and most sustainable tool we have to achieving truly vibrant health our intuition. It’s by living in our truth that health becomes inevitable.

Networking Networking with We are Tabono has helped me grow in confidence with regard to fine tuning my business message and knowing my audience.

This has enabled me to attract and help more of those people who are aligned with my mission. I love the camaraderie of networking groups like Tabono. It’s a supportive and friendly environment and this is something I was missing daily… like co-workers, only without the office politics. www.michellebrowncoach.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MichelleBrownCoach Community: www.facebook.com/ groups/thegoodcompanymembership Instagram: www.instagram.com/ michelle_brown_lifestyle/

It has been great to find out more about these businesses based in the local area. It is also evident that networking and co-working really helps lift them and stretches and supports them no matter what comes their way. It is also clear that well-being support, as well as business strategy is key.

If you would like to sign up for a free trial with We Are Tabono and see how they can support you and your business, then please visit www.wearetabono.com/community-membership familiesonline.co.uk

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

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