Families Central Scotland Mar Apr 2012

Central Scotland’s really useful magazine for busy families of children age 0-12

FREE Issue 9 Mar/Apr 2012

In This Issue

• Nursery feature • Sleep solutions • Win a pair of tickets to the Baby and Toddler Show at the SECC • Ideas for the Easter holidays

Where Smart Mums Sell & Save

The Jack & Jill Market

Unique

Bespoke Events

0

-9 40+ stalls bursting with yea r s quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, cots, car seats, and all the rest (0-9 yrs). Indoor markets. Entry £1 adults.

&

Affordable Style With Priceless Memories is a Guarantee

Events, Parties and Wedding Planning

Livingston West Lothian College

Sun 11 Mar

Unique balloons for every occassion from newborn to 100

Dunfermline Vine Venue

Sat 17 Mar

Tailored Packages to suit every individuals needs and budgets

Livingston West Lothian College

Sun 22 Apr

Dunfermline Vine Venue

Sat 28 Apr

All markets 10.30 am—1.30 pm

For Enquiries Please Contact Amber Rennie

Email: uniqueandbespokeevents@gmail.com

Tel: 07706155578

www.JackandJillMarket.co.uk

www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk

editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk

079302 64979

Could you be a

Central Scotlan

d’s really useful

families of children

age 0-12

FREE Issue 9 Mar/Apr 2012

In This Issue

• Nursery feature • Sleep solutio ns • Win a ticket to the Baby and Toddler Show at the SECC Ideas for the Easter holiday s

•

Where Smart Mums

Sell & Save

The Jack & Jill Market

40+ stalls bursting 0-9 with quality nearly-new yea rs baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, cots, car seats, and all rest (0-9 yrs). Indoor the

markets. Entry £1 adults.

Livingston West

Sun 11 Mar

Venue

Sat 17 Mar

Lothian College

Dunfermline Vine

Unique Affordable Style

Bespoke Events

&

With Priceless Memories is a Guarantee

Events, Parties

Lothian College

Dunfermline Vine Livingston West

Sun 22 Apr

Venue

and Wedding Planning Unique balloons for every occassion from newborn to 100 Tailored Packages to suit every individuals needs and budgets

Sat 28 Apr

All markets 10.30

For Enquiries Please Contact Amber Rennie

am—1.30 pm www.JackandJillMarket.c o.uk

Email: uniqueandbespo keevents@gmai

l.com

Tel: 07706155578

www.familiescent

ralscotland.co.uk

editor@families

centralscotland.

co.uk

079302 64979

We have 5 pairs of tickets to give away for the Baby and Toddler show at the SECC on 27th to 29th April. For details on how to enter our prize draw see page 7

0800 509 5 3 63

Cal l

Hi and welcome to issue 9 of Families Central Scotland Magazine. This issue has an informative and local nursery guide for that all important decision when you return to work after maternity leave. We also have articles on sleep and reflux, issues affecting many parents and as always we have our useful out and about guide to family friendly events going on in the local area. Look out on page 14 for some great suggestions of activities and events in the Easter holidays.

magazine for busy

more now t to k g with n a tive rin uw if yo out foste o-opera C e ab ’ r e a r rC rca Foste xt ‘foste The or Te o 87474. t

Check out our website on www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk where you will find more articles and information.

Follow and ‘like us’ on face book by clicking on www.facebook.com/FamCS where you will get regular updates of local events for you and your kids.

The Foster Care Co-operative is a not for profit agency providing quality care with integrity.

If you are interested in advertising with us we are now taking bookings for our May/June issue which will be our summer clubs and classes feature. Deadline for copy and adverts is 1st April so email us at editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk for our media pack.

Fiona & Louise the editors

We are registered and established in Glasgow and actively seeking foster carers throughout Central Scotland.

www.fostercarecooperative.co.uk The Foster Care Co-operative (Scotland), 4 Blair Court, North Avenue, Clydebank Business Park, Glasgow G81 2LA

contents Welcome and contents ....................................................................3 News and local reviews.................................................................4-5 Nursery feature............................................................................... 6-11 Parent to parent article....................................................................12 Baby page.................................................................................................13 Out and about.............................................................................. 14-15

contact us Fiona Logan and Louise Boyle Joint Editors Families Central Scotland editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk tel no 079302 64979 Visit us on www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk Circulation 12 000 copies delivered directly to nurseries, playgroups, health centres, libraries, leisure facilities as well as selected shops, cafes and schools.

Please contact us if you wish to receive our media pack, detailing costs and sizes of adverts.

Design – Gillian Lamb of Lamb Designs Printers – J Thomson Colour Printers Cover Photograph – Jacqueline Bradley, Jacquelinebradley@blueyonder.co.uk Families Central Scotland is part of a larger group of magazines headed

by Families SW London who are celebrating 20 years of publishing. All Franchised magazines are operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials are sent at the owners own risk and while every care is taken neither families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

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Could you be a foster carer?

The Foster Care Co-operative (FCC) is a not-for-distributed-profit independent fostering agency actively recruiting carers in Central Scotland. With an office now established in Glasgow, the FCC (Scotland) hopes to attract new people to foster care in the central belt area. Carers from the agency (already operating in England and Wales for more than 12 years) have helped hundreds of children and young people, offering homes for children for perhaps a weekend or for many years.

carer will find comprehensive information about fostering for the FCC on www. fostercarecooperative.co.uk The site sets out the background to the agency and information about the ethical not-for-distributed profit status. A simple quiz illustrates the qualities which are needed to become a foster carer and pages on the site offer detailed information about fostering as well as links to other national bodies and organisations who are involved in the fostering task.

Anyone can foster and carers come from all walks of life. Carers need to have a ‘can do’ approach to life, to offer patience, a stable home environment, lots of time and commitment and a sense of humour!

Any children placed with carers will need to have their own room. The agency offers full and diverse training, excellent support from qualified social workers and a fee which recognises a professional caring role.

Anyone who is interested in being a foster

The Foster Care Co-operative is part of a very small number of Foster Care Agencies that work on a Not For Profit basis. Contact FCC If you are interested in fostering for an agency providing quality care with integrity. The Foster Care Cooperative(Scotland), 4 Blair Court, North Avenue, Clydebank Business Park, Glasgow, G81 2LA . For more information call 0800 633 5509 www.fostercarecooperative.co.uk

The Clothes Tree We are an independent children’s shoe shop, with a focus on high quality, well fitted shoes for boys and girls. We specialise in Start Rite and many other leading and well known European and American brands. Our staff are fully trained and committed to ensuring that every one of our customers leaves confident in the knowledge that their child has shoes which not only look great but are the best fit possible! It is important to check the fit of your child’s shoes regularly and we are always happy to do this and to answer any queries you might have – we will always be completely honest about whether new shoes are needed or not. It is our aim to make shopping for your child’s shoes as stress free and relaxed as possible for both of you – in fact it should be fun!

We hope to see you soon! Clever Clogs – 19 Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB www. cleverclogs-online. co.uk/ 01324 633090

When Mhairi Clarke gave up a high-flying career and became a mum, she was determined to make sure it wasn’t the

end of her business career. That desire to succeed, allied to her new role as a mum, helped her gain a postgraduate diploma, start a communications firm and inspired her to launch a brand new children’s designer e-boutique.

Based on the principles of simplicity and purity, The Clothes Tree auctions new and nearly new designer clothes for 0 to 14 years of age, providing fashion conscious parents with an affordable way to buy and sell highend clothing whilst also offering an easy way to make money – selling designer ware that no longer fits their offspring.

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families central scotland / issue 9

Waste watchers Over 1,500 Falkirk householders and school pupils have signed up to the Waste Watchers Challenge aimed at helping everyone save money on food shopping bills by reducing food waste. At the heart of the Challenge is a simple, fun food waste diary and information pack teeming with hints to make it easier than you might think to save cash by cutting out food thrown in the bin. And for those who complete the food diary, useful goodies such as cool tote bags, tea towels, garden seeds, and shopping lists are offered as incentives. All goody bag winners are automatically put forward to monthly prize draws to win rewards including ‘grow your own fruit & veg’ classes, cookery sessions, and iTunes, Love Eco and HMV vouchers to motivate householders in every part of the District to take part.

December’s lucky prize draw winners were cooks keen to get busy in Camelon Education Centre’s training kitchen where a ‘Ready Steady Cooking for Waste Watchers’ class was arranged to inspire them to get creative with leftover food and ingredients past their best.

The NHS experts leading the class encouraged even those who didn’t think they wasted much food or knew nothing about cooking to eat well, trim waste, save on shopping, and have some fun with store cupboard basics into the bargain.

The winners rustled up healthy, low cost snacks and meals like butternut squash soup, vegetable pizza, stuffed mushrooms, potato & sweet potato wedges, stuffed vegetable tortilla wraps with salsa, pasta Bolognese bake, and potato scones – all from scratch. No mean feat for some of the cooks who would normally buy in ready meals!

Banter amongst the group included trading favourite cooking tips such as: freezing fresh cream on its ‘use by’ date to save it from going off for use later for thickening soups, sauces and stews; adding beans and other pulses rich in protein to make plain vegetable soup more substantial, and cutting off the green skin of potatoes to use them up instead of throwing them out.

To pocket savings in your own household, visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/wastewatchers and join the Challenge!

The first Clothes Tree shop will open in Spring in the Central Scotland area. The Clothes Tree ‘stocks’ all major children’s designer labels, including: Armani, Dior, Chloe, Burberry, Kenzo, Ralph Lauren, Mini Boden, Joules and Juicy Couture.

The Clothes Tree can be found at www.theclothestree.co.uk

Happy birthday to The Hub! Spring is on its way and we’re busy preparing all our birthday celebrations at The Hub (can you believe we turn 2 in April). We pride ourselves on knowing just what the latest trend is for kids at The Hub, and offer a fantastic array of toys and gifts, whether for pocket money treats, party gifts or special birthday surprises. We’ll be springing into spring with the newest toys on offer from your favourite brands, including LEGO, TOP Model & YooHoo & Friends. We’re organising lots of special customer events, including LEGO special previews, birthday competitions and much, much more. We’ll also be keeping on top of all the latest collectable crazes including Skylanders, Monsumo, Bungees, Moshi Monsters, Pokemon & Club Penguin.

In fact we’ve got so much going on at The Hub over the next few months that it’s really hard to tell you all about it here. If you want to keep up to date with what’s happening at The Hub as it happens you can follow us on facebook at www.facebook. com/thehubdirect or contact us via our online shop at www. thehubdirect.co.uk to be added to our monthly newsletter. The Hub, 7 High Street, Dunblane 01786 825933

Are you nuts about nature?

Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of the Wildlife Trusts and the UK’s leading environmental action club for kids. If your child is nuts about nature and cares about the environment, this is the club for them!

There are over 25 local Wildlife Watch clubs in Scotland including the group based at Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre in Grangemouth. Taking part in the Jupiter Wildlife Watch Club is an exciting way to explore your surroundings and find out more about the wildlife that we share it with. Recent activities have included creating a wildlife garden, wildlife photography, woodland shelter building and a star gazing evening. Our programme for 2012 is as full of exciting wild days as ever.

The Jupiter Wildlife Watch Club is for children aged 8-12 years old. The group meets once a month, normally on a Saturday morning, and sessions cost £1 per child. For more information, please contact the Jupiter Ranger on 01324 486475 or email jupiterranger@swt.org.uk

Take life on, one step at a time If prizing the joypad out of your children’s hands and getting them moving more is easier said than done, then we’ve put together a few tips for coaxing the kids to get off the couch. Children need at least 60 minutes physical activity every day to help prevent the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer later in life, so making sure they’re getting their share is vital. It doesn’t just prevent the risk of serious conditions, regular exercise and running around helps build stronger bones and develops children’s co-ordination, concentration levels and confidence. Even busy families can build some activity into their everyday lives and take life on.

Here are some ideas to cut down on couch time and get minis moving: • You could break down the 60 minutes into bite-sized chunks of 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day • Children should have no more than two hours in front of the TV a day.

• Buy some skipping ropes, a frisbee and a ball, they’re all cheap, easy to use and you can set challenges to keep them motivated • Kids who have a short attention span won’t spend long on solitary games. The more excitement the better, so introduce them to team games and big sporting events as early as possible • The local park is great for letting off steam, playing tig with pals or working up a sweat on the swings or climbing frame.

• If you live in a flat or a house with no outside space, it can be difficult to think of activities in winter. But a bit of research into what’s happening locally can solve the problem.

Recent research by NHS Health Scotland found 55% of parents felt they could make their children’s lives healthier. Ensuring your child gets their 60 minutes of activity a day will help you instil good habits in their lives for the future. For more ideas on getting your children active visit www.takelifeon.co.uk Your kids and their bodies will thank you for it in later life!

Rocking Rascals Rocking Rascals deliver dazzling, fun-filled parties uniquely tailored for you. Our fully-trained team of highly energetic and lively entertainers manage a whirlwind of games, party-tunes and dances, ensuring even the quietest children have the best of times.

Our service includes invitations, colourful table settings, premium party favours and engaging activities, which sets us apart from the average children’s event.

The party begins with a mini makeover just to get us all in the party mood, and then we will groove away on the dance floor and play some fun games also. When we need a break we will move to the birthday buffet table and get our energy back for the big finale – the fashion parade/dance show.

For more details, or to book your party, call Emma on 07818 687066 or email parties@rockingrascals.co.uk www.rockingrascals.co.uk

Physiofocus has been providing physiotherapy in Stirling for over twelve years. Our team of seven Chartered Physiotherapists are all highly qualified and dedicated and we treat a wide variety of conditions. Supported by our superb reception staff we pride ourselves in delivering an exceptional level of patient care.

Talk to us! 01786 480048 www.physiofocus.com info@physiofocus.com Brucefields Golf Centre, Pirnhall Road, Stirling FK78EH Registered with all major health insurance companies

Contact Gail 01259 211218 forthvalley@stepaheadtuition.com

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Nursery Feature What’s in a nursery?

So, your little one’s growing up and it’s time to start thinking about nurseries. Day nurseries, nursery schools, pre-schools – nurseries come in all shapes and sizes and navigating your way through them can be daunting. Whether you’re going back to work or just want your child to benefit from all that nursery has to offer, here is our guide to finding the best, and right, nursery for you.

Studies have shown that children who attend nurseries can be more confident and often go on to do better at school. A good nursery will prepare your child for those first few nerve-wracking weeks at school, plus most children thrive on the stimulation at nursery.

Private Day Nurseries

Open usually 8am-6pm, day nurseries are a good option for working parents as many will take babies from as early as 6 weeks. Another advantage is the yearround care they offer, and you know your child is being looked after by qualified staff who won’t become ill and need time off work – at least not all at the same time! The day follows structured activities interspersed with naps, meals and outdoor play. Day nurseries offer continuity of care and your child doesn’t have to stay all day – many day nurseries will do half days or you can collect early.

School Nursery

State nursery classes are often more formal in the way they structure sessions.

They usually take children from 3 years and provide a grounding for starting school, teaching letters, shapes, numbers and sometimes even early-stage reading.

Nursery schools give children the opportunity to make friends of the same age as most require children

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Nursery Checklist Once you’ve found a nursery, go and have a look. Go back again if you’re still not sure. A good nursery will welcome a visit and might even let your child join in. By watching the other children you’ll get a good idea of whether it’s the right environment for your child.

• Start early – it is fine to sign your bump up for nursery if you feel it’s the right one!

• Near or far? Some people prefer a nursery around the corner from home, others like one near work.

• Consider your child’s routine.

• What does the nursery offer? Do they provide food? Do they pick up from school?

• How flexible will the nursery be if you need to swap a day or add an afternoon? You’ll soon discover how useful this can be • Does the nursery have a welcoming, happy, cheerful atmoshphere? Look at whether the children are relaxed, happy, stimulated and engaged. The best way to choose a nursery is gut instinct!

• See what the officials have to say.

Perhaps the findings of a report will help you make a decision. Childcare is regulated by two organisations in Scotland – Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate. Education Scotland’s Inspections provide an overall evaluation of the quality of a pre-school’s provision. They seek to answer the following questions: How well do the children learn and achieve? How well does the establishment support children to develop and learn? How does it improve the quality of its work? The Care Inspectorate is the independent scrutiny and improvement body for care and children’s services. Their primary concern is child protection and safety.

to do either 5 morning or 5 afternoon sessions, so the same children will be there everyday. You can split these 5 sessions between private and state nursery if you want to. They are often smaller scale with a personal touch, too, but perhaps are not so convenient for working families, unless grandparents are able to help with pick up.

Playgroups

Playgroups usually take children from 2.5yrs, offering short sessions to ‘ease’ your child out of the home and into a more sociable learning environment where they can play, learn and have fun. Parents are encouraged to be active members of the playgroup therefore playgroups tend to be more suited to parents who are home based and who are perhaps just looking for social interaction and extra support with daily childcare. They are also excellent value for money as they tend to be notfor-profit .

Paying for Pre-School Education

Nursery fees vary greatly, depending on location, demand and what is offered. They start at around £150 - £200 a week, but there are ways to get help with the costs: • All children in Scotland are entitled to free pre-school education from the age of three. This usually starts the term after their third birthday and qualifies them to 12.5 hours of school a week until they start school – more or less two and a half hours a day. This can be provided in a local authority nursery school, a nursery within a primary school, a partnership private nursery, an independent nursery, a playgroup or with a childminder. The 2.5 hours a day state provision can go towards your private nursery/childminder costs.

• Your employer may provide subsidised Childcare Vouchers as a portion of your salary. Download a guide at www. childcarevouchers.co.uk or find out more about Childcare Vouchers at www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm.

Check if your nursery will accept Childcare Vouchers • You may be able to recoup some of your childcare costs through the tax credit scheme, depending on the number of hours you work and your household income.

To find out if you are eligible go to www.payingforchildcare.org. uk or www.direct.gov.uk/en/ MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits

s for The Baby We have 5 pairs of ticket e away to our and Toddler Show to giv ze draw simply readers. To enter the pri email us at cotland.co.uk editor@familiescentrals

More Information

• Find out about the Early Years and Family Support at www.scotland.gov. uk or on www.scottishchildcare.gov. uk where you can download a list of registered childcarers in your area • For local nurseries Education Scotland reports and Care Inspectorate reports go to www.hmie.gov.uk and www. scswis.com • The National Day Nurseries Association provides information for parents. Search for NDNA member nurseries at www.ndna.org.uk/parents • Scottish Childcare has information about childcare options, tax credits and free nursery places, plus contact details for registered childcare providers • Go to www.familiescentralscotland. co.uk and find out more about local nursery providers in our directory.

Nursery Feature The Scottish baby and toddler show is back Scotland’s biggest baby & toddler event, The Scottish Baby & Toddler Show is back at the SECC, Glasgow from 27-29 April 2012. For the second year Mothercare and Early Learning Centre are back on board as headline sponsor.

As well as seeing the latest products and services for parents, babies and toddlers, visitors can make huge savings, obtain expert pregnancy and parenting advice, with features including: • Free crèche by Bertram • Free nappies, wipes and nappy sacks at the Boots Changing Area • Free facilities at The Baby & Toddler Feeding Area • Baby Play Area and new to the show this year, our Toddler Activity Area, both sponsored by Early Learning Centre - packed with games and toys The popular Expert Advice and Information Area will be back with free seminars from expert speakers including Annabel Karmel, Jo Tantum, Road Safety Scotland, British Red Cross, Dr Titzer and more!

Opening hours are 10am – 5pm daily. *Advance tickets are £6. On the door tickets are £10/£38 for a group of 4. All tickets include brochure RRP £2. Free entry for under 16s. Further information and tickets are available through 0844 395 4000 or by visiting www.thescottishbabyandtoddlershow.com. You can also follow the show on Facebook – thescottishbabyshow and Twitter@Babyshowsecc *Advance tickets available until 25 April 2012 and subject to booking fee

Stirling baby cafe NCT Central Scotland is pleased to announce the arrival of Britain’s newest Baby Café to Stirling. It is currently the only one in Scotland. Baby Café offers invaluable support to parents with young families, particularly specialising in Breastfeeding support and advice. The Café is open on Fridays between 1030 and 1200 in the Mayfield centre lounge. Details for the café and its phone line can be found on our Baby Café Stirling Facebook page. Although we opened our doors at the Mayfield Centre on Friday the 13th of January we will host our formal launch on the 9th of March. We are looking forward to seeing our regulars and lots of new Mums at the new location.

Being a new Mum can be isolating, why not drop in for a cuppa and a chat.

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that provides high quality childcare from birth up to 5 years.

We have pre-school grant funded places available and have been graded Excellent & Very Good by SCSWIS in our recent report; the Nursery is set in the beautiful rural surroundings of the Keir Estate on the outskirts of Dunblane with ample car parking.

• Open all year round from 7.30am to 6.00pm • All meals included home cooked by our in-house chef • Fully qualifed & trained staff.

For further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Nursery direct on 01786 822 391 Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

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Nursery Feature Bertram Nursery Group, Falkirk and Stirling Committed to think about tomorrow today..

Following the success of their Bright Beginnings Nursery in Falkirk achieving the coveted ECO schools Green Flag Award, the Bertram Nursery group is making a firm commitment to ensure all its nurseries will be flying the flag within the next year. The Falkirk Nursery who achieved the award last year have worked hard to ensure that all the children are involved in the recycling process and have a strong environmental awareness. Manager, Alison Frampton, said “The energy and enthusiasm of the staff and children has been wonderful to see. We have recycled ink cartridges, paper, card and cartons, we collect clothing for rag bags, are building a plastic bottle green house and are even growing our own fruit and vegetables.

Participating in this scheme has brought huge benefits to the nursery, strengthening bonds between staff, service users and the wider community, inspiring creative ideas for our gardens and giving us all a fantastic sense of achievement.”

This success has spurred all the nurseries in the group to dig deeper and are green with envy that Alison and her team beat them to the post.

Both the Bright Beginnings Nursery in Stirling and Bridge of Allan are also registered ECO School Centres and are making great progress towards gaining the Green Flag. Set in the idyllic grounds of Stirling University the Bridge of Allan Nursery has secure access to the fabulous nursery grounds and the acres of space provide a fantastic opportunity for the children to learn more about the environment. The nursery hopes to operate its own forest school and the caring ambience is carried right through the nursery which has a homely, cosy and welcoming feel which values each individual.

Bright Beginnings, Stirling also has access to fabulous green space and takes advantage of being located in the Kings Park area of the city with easy access to the park. Heather, the nursery manager and her team support and encourage the children and their families to embrace the recycling of all waste materials both at home and at the nursery and have developed growing areas within the nursery garden.

Hummingbird House Nursery in Dunblane, also part of the Bertram Nursery Group, are the proud holders of the Silver ECO Schools Award and with large and spacious outdoor facilities have encompassed ECO awareness into their living values approach to support the children’s learning. Each quarter the nursery focus on a different set of living values which are embedded and reinforced through all aspects of nursery life. At present they are focussing on peace, love, joy, honesty, respect and cooperation and the staff team are working hard to provide quality learning experiences which support and encourage the children.

The Bertram Nursery Group have nurseries throughout Scotland and the North of England and if you would like any information about any of the nurseries please call their head office on 0131 662 2270 or visit www. bertramnurserygroup.com

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families central scotland / issue 9

Arnhall Day Nursery, Dunblane

We have been established in the beautiful rural surroundings of the Keir Estate, on the outskirts of Dunblane, for over 20 years. We operate in partnership with Stirling Council enabling pre-school grant funding to Arnhall Nursery a private be used with us. Curriculum for Excellence andisPre-Birth to Three planning documents are followed and children from ch that provides high quality birth up to 5 years receive high quality childcare by qualified birth up to 5 year and fully trained staff, who work closely with parents to ensure an excellent service is provided at all times.

We have pre-school grant funded p and have been graded Excellent & SCSWIS in our recent report; the Nu beautiful rural surroundings of the K outskirts of Dunblane with ample

• Open all year round from 7.30a • All meals included home cooked by • Fully qualifed & trained

For further details or to arran please contact the Nursery on 01786 822 391 Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 www.arnhallnursery.co

Nutritional lunches and healthy snacks are provided by our in-house chef enabling your child to experience a variety of homemade foods.

We work alongside local outside agencies such as Fitkids, LazyTown, Jo Jingles and Little Kicks to ensure fitness is part of your child’s routine. Visits to the MacRobert Centre and local attractions are arranged for all age groups throughout the year.

Open all year round between 7.30am and 6pm we have ample car parking facilities for drop-off and picking up.

Children who come to Arnhall will experience playtime in our fabulous gardens and outdoor classroom and enjoy walks through the woodland on the Estate. Arnhall Day Nursery, Keir Estate, Dunblane, FK15 9NU. For further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Nursery direct on 01786 822391 www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

Kidz World Nursery, Alloa We are the only nursery in Clackmannanshire to include everything in your fees (except baby milk) – we include breakfast, snacks, fresh prepared, home cooked lunch, drinks, nappies, wipes and cream. And if your child attends more than 2 sessions per week you also receive a free membership to Kidz World Soft Play – our 4000 sq ft play facility is joined to the nursery and open 7 days per week. All you need to bring to nursery is your child! And with a secure nursery cam covering all our play rooms you can leave your child knowing that you can log in during the day from your phone or laptop to check how they are doing. As well as highly qualified staff, warm & welcoming rooms and a £10,000 upgrade to our

Little Stars Nursery, Stirling “I can smell the rain on the leaves”, “I can hear the birds singing, “I can see the sun hiding behind the clouds”.

So begins our morning sensory minute; huddled together on our rubber tyres, reflecting on the changes to our nursery garden since our last visit.

Here at Little Stars Nursery, Stirling, our staff have been busy working alongside our children and families to develop the outdoor learning experiences for all. As a group, we are very fortunate to be situated in front of a large woodland area; where rabbits and deer are often spotted, so nature is quite literally on our doorstep. This removes any extra planning and anxiety in terms of travel and means we can come and go if the weather is extra chilly!

We feel passionate that our children are entitled to the freedom and rich play opportunities that exist in the outdoor environment.

Whether it is a large forest or a small patch of wild flowers; the inner wellbeing achieved through being outside, touching, exploring, sharing, enjoying, is endless. All areas and outcomes within the Scottish Early Years curriculum can be carefully and creatively planned for using outdoor space. We have found that our children that struggle to calm their behaviour in the classroom blossom when they are outside; the

vulnerability of the natural world encouraging care, thoughtfulness and patience. It tends to be these children that are first to pick up the slimy snail to show their friends and soon learn to be gentle when placing it back where it was found.

Nursery Feature

Our staff work closely with our older children; supporting them in establishing safety rules and learning to form personal limits...”how high is too high?”, “do you still feel safe?” Not only are our children building in confidence, they are becoming resilient and equipped with self help skills; skills that you would find difficult to develop in the indoor classroom environment. Parents have given wonderful feedback to staff, emphasising how they feel their child is benefiting from the experience; physically, socially and emotionally.

Our children are so energised and excited in their learning; making up stories and singing songs always seems so much more enjoyable when you are in a den built from sticks! Little Stars Nursery, Prudential, Craigforth, Stirling, FK9 4UE to find out more call 01786 445552 www.littlestarsnurseries.co.uk

Lecropt Nursery, Bridge of Allan and Old Doune Road Nursery, Dunblane

Acrewood Nursery, Stirling

Lecropt Nursery in Bridge of Allan was established in 2003 by Lorna Jack, a working mum, looking to provide more choice in the area for other parents. She started the nursery using what she calls “the mum approach” combining this with that of the professionals in childcare. This approach, together with a dedicated and caring team, helped the nursery become very popular in the area. Any new children starting with them is now due to their existing reputation.

Acrewood Nursery Complex is one of the largest in Scotland currently registered for 176 Children. Formed in Jan 1991 Acrewood has been trading for 21 years and provides a day care service, before & after school care, softplay facility and café all under the one roof. We work in partnership with parents so that all children are exposed to a loving, caring, enriching and happy environment while they are in our care.

In 2006, as her own children were progressing through primary school, Lorna quickly realised there was insufficient after school care in Bridge of Allan. In August 2006, Bridge of Allan After School Club was established. This club is dedicated to children who attend Bridge of Allan primary and is provided on school premises, after school. The club allows children to be cared for after school and socialise with children from P1 to Primary 7 whilst participating in activities.

Also in 2006, Lorna took over another nursery in Dunblane, Old Doune Road Nursery. Again applying the same approach the nursery has gone from strength to strength and has gained a similar reputation as Lecropt and Bridge of Allan After School Care.

Lecropt Nursery, The Old School House, Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan 01786 834596 Old Doune Road Nursery, 4A Old Doune Road, Dunblane 01786 822854 garden underway we also provide you with 4 weeks free per year, up to 20% discount for 3-5 year olds and a pickup service from St John’s and Claremont. We believe we offer something unique here at Kidz World Nursery. So if you require childcare for a 6 week old or 12 year old we have something to offer and will be happy to show you round. Kidz World Nursery, Medway House, Kelliebank, Alloa, Clacks, FK10 1NU. For more information call 01259 928007 www.kidzworld.co.uk

In carrying out all aspects of work, we: Ensure that the children in our care receive the best early years education we can provide, We value diversity, promoting social inclusion – in an environment where everyone is welcome; and Seek progress through partnership, working closely with people with whom we share a common purpose.

The Holly room 0-2yrs is a large, bright, open plan room where children are encouraged to safely explore their surroundings. Staff are aware that children of this age are usually in a routine at home and will do their upmost to follow this routine in nursery.

The Rowan Room 2-3yrs is a large open plan room with plenty of opportunities for play and learning. Children will be able to take part in physical play, art and music activities as well as imaginative play.

Observations of the children are used to plan next steps for learning.

Early numeracy and literacy is introduced to this age group in the form of puzzles, games, stories and art. Children aged 3 to 5 have the benefit of two playrooms – the Beech & Maple Room. Our planning follows the Curriculum for Excellence and our main objective is to ensure that we help develop and educate our young people and invest in them to become: Successful Learners, Confident Individuals, Responsible Citizens, Effective Contributors.

At Acrewood, we have a large fully equipped garden and outdoor space; we view the garden as an extension of the nursery, which is why you just may find us outside regardless of the weather!

Contact Carol Wass, 35 Colquhoun Street, Braehead, Stirling FK7 7PX 01786 462621 admin@acrewoodnursery.com

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Nursery Feature

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familiescentral centralscotland scotland/ /issue issue94 families

Nursery Feature

Kidz World in Alloa is an all inclusive nursery What’s Included in Our Fees • • • • • • • •

4 weeks free All nappies wipes & creams Breakfast, Snacks, drinks & lunch Free membership to kidz world soft play (min 2 sessions) Secure nursery webcam for viewing your children from your phone/computer Pick up service from St Johns & Claremont Up to 20% discount for 3-5 year olds £10,000 upgrade to garden for Summer 2012

Kidz World Nursery Medway House,Kelliebank, Alloa, Clacks, FK10 1NU 01259 928007, gail@kidz-world.co.uk, www.kidz-world.co.uk

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parent to parent

children’s clothes’, and Little Monster Toys in Callander Square shopping centre, as they have a huge range of toys for babies right up to adults and a good range of educational ones too.

Favourite park Park House Park in Polmont, as it’s a huge open green space surrounded by trees, lovely for walks, with an enclosed children’s play park.

H

i I am Lynne Kelso, mum to Lucy 10, Cameron 6 and Amelia 20 months. We live in Redding and I teach TinyTalk baby signing classes in Falkirk which will be coming to Stirling in April. Visit www.tinytalk.co.uk/ lynnek for more details. I am also a real nappy advocate and can be contacted on 07557904865.

Why you like living where you do?

We live in Redding near Polmont. It’s a lovely community with lots of groups for young families. There are lots of parks and walks and fantastic schools in the area.

Favourite shop Jolly Tots on Bank Street for young

Favourite children’s club/class Apart from my own TinyTalk classes which I teach baby signing using BSL, for my older 2, it has to be the NRG Performers dance classes where they go to learn various dance styles from street to lyrical.

Favourite day out We love to travel about but our favourites have to be Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston where we get to feed animals and play in the park, and Callander as it’s a lovely village with long walks along the riverside. Also Wee Boppers Discos are fantastic with the children when they are in the area, www. weeboppersdiscos.com

GO Y NTHL & MO ZE I PR S D R AW

Take part in the Waste Watchers Challenge to save you money, council resources and the environment.

Register for the Challenge, complete the 2 week waste diary, claim your goody bag and automatically enter our monthly prize draws to win: • cooking classes • grow your own fruit & veg sessions • gift vouchers from www.love-eco.co.uk, iTunes & HMV • quality eco products

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For more information visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/wastewatchers or call 01324 504444

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FOODS WASTED ARE MILK, BREAD, FIZZY DRINKS, POTATOES & READY MEALS AND SNACKS

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AVERAGE SCOTTISH HOUSEHOLD THROWS AWAY £430 WORTH OF FOOD EACH YEAR ONE IN

Favourite child friendly restaurant Behind the Wall, as although they could do with a changing 2/3 OF THE FOOD WE THROW AWAY COULD HAVE BEEN EATEN AN area for babies, they cater well for children with a decent and healthy children’s menu and colouring activities.

SEVEN ITEMS WASTED IS STILL IN ITS PACKAGING THE TOP 5

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families central scotland / issue 9

Proudest eco-friendly moment I am an advocate for real nappies and hire out nappies to parents looking to use real nappies but unsure of spending money buying them - in case they aren’t suitable.

Phone me on 07557904865 for more details.

No parent should be without Paper and colouring pencils as they can consume endless amounts of time when boredom seeps in.

Parenting pet hates Wrongly fitted car seats, having worked in a shop as a qualified installer I hate seeing car seats poorly fitted.

Favourite family holiday spot Inverness as there are a few lovely spots to stop off at on the way up like Aviemore and Landmark Adventure Park, plus lots of lovely tourist attractions.

Most loved children’s book We are fans of the Narnia series by C S Lewis.

Most played with toys Little Tykes Cosy Coupe for the youngest but the older two love their bikes.

Biggest waste of money My kids trampoline, it was a hit the first year it was bought but we took it down during the winter to save it from blowing away and the kids haven’t bothered with it since the year it was bought.

Lynn’s recommendations Jolly Tots, Kids Clothing store in Bank Street, Falkirk Little Monster Toy Shop, Callendar Square Shopping Centre, Falkirk NRG dance classes in Falkirk Call 07939265344 or 07970063641 Almond Valley Heritage Centre www.almondvalley.co.uk/ Wee Boppers Disco www.weeboppersdiscos.com Behind The Wall Melville Street Falkirk 01324 633338 Tiny Talk - www.tinytalk.co.uk/lynnek or phone 07557904865

The UK’s first rugby specific play programme for young children Rugbytots® is a weekly play session for children between the ages of two and seven.

Separated into three age groups, Rugbytots® combines the multiple skills used in rugby with a fun, energetic and structured play programme designed to enhance your child’s social and physical skills.

Whether the next step for your child is mini-rugby or ballet, Rugbytots® aims to provide the foundations which will enable them to progress with confidence.

All Rugbytots® classes are fully insured and will be run by an RFU qualified lead coach who is trained in paediatric first aid and has been CRB checked.

For further information please call

0845 313 3252

kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk • www.rugbytots.co.uk

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Baby Page

Baby go to sleep , please!!!!

I

t’s the first questions new mums ask – how can I get my baby to sleep? “The moment I put him down, he just howls!”

We have all, at some time or other, rocked our baby to sleep, pushed them up and down the hall, put them in the pram and pounded the pavements to get them to sleep. But it doesn’t have to be like this.

Here are our top tips to encourage your baby to sleep.

How can I get my baby to sleep through the night?

Every baby is different. Some sleep through from the start, others won’t sleep more than an hour or two at a time.

Although there’s no way to force a baby to sleep through the night, there are steps you can take that can help baby not only sleep through sooner, but also establish healthy sleep habits for life.

• Establishing a bedtime routine. A routine provides babies with security and comfort and can encourage them to sleep for longer spells.

Before bedtime let your baby get any pent-up energy out of their system with tummy time or a kickabout, then follow it up with a bath and lullaby.

Dim the light when your feeding.

Whatever you do, do the same thing every night • Learn the signs that your baby is tired.

• Teach the difference between day and night. In the daytime, play with your baby. Chat and sing to them, keep their room light and bright.

Don’t try to cut out the radio or washing machine. At night, stay quiet when you feed, keep lights and noise low and hopefully your baby will work out that night-time is for sleeping!

• Give your baby a security object • Put your baby down awake. If they’ve become sleepy on the breast or bottle, rouse them slightly before putting them in their cot.

• Teach your baby to settle itself. If your baby cries, allow them to cry for 3 minutes, then comfort them but don’t pick them up. Let them cry

By Joanna Parry

for 5 more minutes and return again. Extend the time you wait before returning each time and your baby will learn to soothe itself and fall asleep without assistance.

• The settle-and-leave method.

If you don’t want to leave your baby to cry, pick them up and talk to them until they stop screaming (or try to settle them without picking them up, which is even better). If they cry again pick them up again. It might take 100 goes, but you’ll get there!

• Stay by the cot. Some parents choose to stay with their child as they fall asleep but unless you want to do this forever gradually move further away.

After a week you’re sitting by the door and, finally, you need no longer stay. If your baby is upset, go to them and say “night, night”, then go back to your place in the room • Be consistent.

• You’re not just doing it for you.

‘Training’ your baby to self-settle at night will have positive effects on their general outlook during waking hours.

• Remember the advice on cot death.

SIDS is rare and the exact cause isn’t known, but researchers think there are likely to be a number of factors that can affect a baby at a vulnerable stage of development. http://fsid.org. uk advises placing baby on their back to sleep (not on the front or side).

Don’t let your baby get too hot, and keep their head uncovered. Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot or use a baby sleeping bag.

Don’t use a duvet or pillow until baby is over one year old. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair and don’t let anyone smoke in your home Remember, a happy mother equals a happy baby. Learning good sleep habits

early on will stand both of you in good stead for the future, and your baby will appreciate the consistency and predictability. Don’t expect miracles right away, but persevere and be consistent.

Good luck!

Visit our website www. familiescentralscotland.co.uk for the full Baby go to sleep, please article – including info on how to keep them asleep and what to do if it all goes wrong!

Helpful websites

For support call the Cry-sis helpline on 08451 228669 (9am to 10pm, seven days a week). www.nhs.uk www.contentedbaby.com www.4little1.com www.babycentre.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/health

Top Tips

• make the last feed of the day a big one • don’t rush to baby at every whimper - many of their noises are attempts to fall asleep • incorporate baby massage into your bedtime routine • make sure baby’s room isn’t too hot • place a warm towel on the sheets to warm baby’s bed, remove it just before putting baby down • tank up your baby during the day – feed them at least every 3 hours • learn a few reflexology points to massage

Does your baby have Reflux?

“New mothers assume that feeding their newborn will be a positive experience,” explains Alison Scott-Wright, author of The Sensational Baby Sleep Plan and expert in infant reflux www.alisonscottwright.com “Sadly this isn’t true for those whose babies suffer from reflux. Reflux can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. “ “We have to crack the ‘reflux code’ for each baby to find out what helps relieve the individual symptoms. Babies cry to communicate.

If they are crying for long periods of time, then there’s something wrong and, in my experience, it’s usually a digestive issue. “ Reflux is the contents of the stomach coming back up into the gullet. The acid causes a burning sensation which can make baby vomit, arch their back and cry inconsolably. It’s thought about half of

all babies have reflux in the first 3 months of their lives to some degree, with most developing it at about 2 months. That figure reduces to 5% by the time babies are 10 months old.

Babies get reflux because the stomach valve hasn’t developed properly.

Symptoms vary dependent on the child and the severity of the case.

To find out more about reflux visit our website www.familiescentralscotland. co.uk and read our article Living with Reflux

Good websites- www.livingwithreflux.org or www.littlerefluxers.co.uk

out & about

Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks in advance of the event.

Please call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out.

Ideas for the Easter Holidays in Central Scotland.

Monday 27th February to Sunday 11th March

Bridge of Allan Operatic Society present The Sound of Music at the Macrobert A great night out for all ages! For information and tickets visit www.sabos.co.uk or phone the Macrobert on 01786 466666

Outdoor activities

Many of you have recommended Briarlands Farm, which aims to open on Saturday 31st March complete with new visitor centre.

Please check before going out at www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk. The Bo’ness Steam Railway reopens on the 31st March and there is a great museum round the back where children can go on the footplate of some of the old trains. www.srps.org.uk/railway Also check out the Falkirk Wheel which is a great day out both for trips on the boat but also has a great park and water park. www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk

History in Action

The central belt is full of historic buildings. Why not visit Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Doune Castle, Blackness Castle, Bannockburn Heritage Centre, the Wallace Monument, the Old Town jail in Stirling and Callendar House in Falkirk. Check out the following website for details of times and any activities that might be going on. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk www. nts.org.uk www.nationalwallacemonument.com Stirling Castle has a special event on during the holidays- Enchanted Easter on 7th and 8th April.

Visit www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/ for details. Callendar House have some great activites from Monday 2nd to Sunday 15th April Celebrate Easter in the Georgian Kitchen (sample popular dishes of the season) and Join the Easter Hunt at Callendar House (find missing eggs hidden around the house) FREE drop in events, no booking required, enquire at Callendar House shop.

Free Activities

There are many free activities going on if you know where to look. Check out your local library that often has a range of Easter activities for all ages.

Remember that the Smith Gallery in Stirling is free, as is Callendar House in Falkirk. Both have kid’s corners with activities or dressing up as well as the all-important café. The Smith has a fantastic garden and the Calendar House has a great park. Visit www.smithartgallery.demon.co.uk and www.falkirk. gov.uk. There are loads of great parks in the area and miles of cycle paths suitable for kids. Our favourites include cycling along the canals (particularly from Polmont to Linlithgow) and from Dunblane to Doune on the cycle path. There will also be a special holiday parade in Falkirk town centre on Saturday 14th April see www.falkirkdelivers.com for details. Geocashing is a great activity to get out and about but makes it fun by having a treasure hunt. Check out our article on http://www.familiesonline.co.uk/ LOCATIONS/Central-Scotland/Articles/Geo-cashing-with-the-ParkFamily-in-Falkirk-Central-Scotland-free-acticvity-that-all-the-family-canenjoy for details on how to get going. Check www.hamleys.com/ for free activities in the Glasgow store. Click on the link ‘Whats on Glasgow’ down the bottom of the page.

Wet weather activities

Unfortunately it sometimes rains in the holidays! Check out the Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling www.macrobert.org the Bo’ness Hippodrome and Falkirk Town Hall. www.falkirk.gov.uk Don’t forget the soft plays at Sprinkerse View www.springkerseview.co.uk and Bearheart Castle www. bearheartcastle.co.uk in Stirling, Monster Mania www.monstersoftplay. co.uk and Cadwinkles in Falkirk www.playhousefun.co.uk and Kids World in Alloa. www.kidz-world.co.uk There is also the Bo’ness Motor Museum which has some great exhibits and a small soft play. www.motor-museum. bo-ness.org.uk

Get Active

Many of the clubs and classes run holiday camps but also check out your local leisure centre for swimming and classes. Falkirk and Clacks offer free activities to children living in their areas and Active Stirling have a number of activities for children at The Peak. Check out their website for details. www.the-peak-stirling.org.uk www. activeschoolsfalkirk.co.uk and www.clacksweb.co.uk Check out our directory of local clubs and classes on www.familiesonline.co.uk/LOCATIONS/CentralScotland/Local-Directory/Stirling-Falkirk-andClacks-Clubs-and-Classes Check out our website www. familiescentralscotland.co.uk for ideas of more events, activities, arts and crafts over the Easter holidays.

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families central scotland / issue 9

Monday 5th to Saturday 10th March

Saturday 10th March

Fairtrade Fortnight This year we’re asking everyone to take a step for Fair Trade, starting in Fairtrade Fortnight. It can be a simple step, like swapping your tea to Fairtrade, or a bigger step, like asking everyone in your office to do it too. You’ll be joining thousands of others all over the UK. Every step counts for millions of farmers, workers and their communities in developing countries who urgently need a better deal from trade. To find out more visit www.fairtrade.org.uk Friday 2nd March Falkirk Farmers Market 11-4pm High Street Saturday 3rd March The Goonies (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome 11am

Yogi Bear (U) 11.00am Macrobert (also on Sunday 4th) Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre Watch Club in Grangemouth 10.30-12.30 Suitable for children age 8-12 the club will be working in the garden to build a gigantic bug hotel to help as many creepy crawlies as possible. For information email Stephen on jupiterranger@swt.org.uk or phone 01324 486475 cost £1 Sunday 4th March Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies Grow a Sweet Pea Teepee Spring is the busiest time of year for young gardeners, the garden needs lots of TLC and it’s time to start planting. Everyone will get to plant a sweet pea teepee to take home. Contact Dobbies on 01786 458860 for details. FREE Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Mother and Daughter Pamper Evening at the Dunblane Centre 7pm There will be a fashion show and local beauty and relaxation therapists on hand to give you a taster session of many different therapies from massage to manicures. For tickets and details phone 01786 824224 Sunday 11th March The Jack & Jill Market Livingston 10.30am-1.30pm 40 stalls bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggys, bikes and all the rest. £1 Adults.

West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston EH54 7EP. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th March Rio (U) 11.00am Macrobert Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (PG) 2.00pm Macrobert Wednesday 14th March to Saturday 17th March Stirling Gang Show 2012 Stirling Scouts and Guides return to Macrobert for their 19th annual Gang Show. A great night of entertainment for the whole family with music, dance and comedy.

Various times. Phone 01786 466666 for tickets.

Thursday 15th March The Attic presented by Starcatchers at the Falkirk Town Hall. 11-12 noon and 2-3pm Suitable for children age 3+ Grandma and Lucy are up in the attic where all the memories are stored. Hidden in dusty containers at the top of the house, they have been waiting a long time to come out and play. Come up the stairs, blow away the cobwebs and peep into the boxes. Who knows what

out & about

Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre Watch Club in Grangemouth 10.30-12.30 Celebrating Jupiter’s 20th anniversary. Come along and get creative by making some wildlife inspired ceramic tiles to decorate Jupiter as part of the celebration. The club is suitable for children age 8-12. £1 For details email jupiterranger@:swt.org.uk or phone 01324 486475

Monday 26th and Wednesday 28th March

might happen when the sleepy attic comes to life. Tickets available at The Steeple Box Office, phone 01324 506850 or visit www. starcatchers.org.uk Saturday 17th March The Legend of the Green Man at Hopetoun House 10.30-12pm suitable for primary age children. Learn all about the legendary Green Man and find him in Hopetoun’s buildings and woods. You will enjoy a crafts session where you will make your own Green Man to take home.

Booking essential. For tickets contact the Ranger on 0131 319 3956 or emailranger@hopetoun. co.uk Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March

Falkirk Senior Schools Concert at the Falkirk Town Hall. Join pupils from across all eight local secondary schools with performances from regional ensembles, soloists and specialists projects as they showcase the cream of Falkirk’s young musical talent. For tickets visit the Steeple Box Office or phone 01324 506850.

Wednesday 28th March NCT Easter Egg Hunt 10-12noon Kings Park Stirling.

Contact Margo on 0844 2436079 for details.

Saturday 31st March to Sunday 1st April Catherine Wheel presents White at the Macrobert 11.30am and 2.30pm A playful, highly visual show for young children and a perfect first time theatre experience. Suitable for ages 2-4. For tickets and information phone the Macrobert on 01786 466666 Up (U) 11.00 am Macrobert Big Miracle (PG) 2.00pm Macrobert

Kung Fu Panda 2 (U) 11.00am Macrobert Saturday 24th March Fair Trade Ceilidh Come and join the fun with the fabulous Riverside Ceilidh Band from 7.30pm in the Bridge of Allan Parish Church Hall. For tickets and details visit www. fairtradestirling.org or phone 01786 473750 Tryst Craft Fair Dobbie Hall Larbert. For more information, please contact Eileen on 01324 556532 Stagecoach Discovery Session 12-1pm at St Columba’s Church.

Park Terrace, Stirling. Come along to learn more about Stagecoach which aims to nurture talent for 4-18 year olds through dance, drama and singing. To reserve your FREE session phone 0131 337 7774 or email stirling@stagecoach. co.uk

Sunday 1st April Family Fun day at the Macrobert Stirling There will be a whole host of exciting events for the whole family with activities for both under 5s and over 5s which include storytelling, taster workshops, creative quizzes, face painting, magical performances and family films. For details visit www.macrobert.org/fundays Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies Super Heroes and Super Fruits Learn about different super fruits that are easy and fun to grow, these are the types of fruit that Super Heroes eat to grow big and strong! Children can dress up for the event as their favourite superhero and will grow a strawberry plant. Contact Dobbies on 01786 458860 for details. FREE Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday 4th April

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March Ice Age 3 (U) 11.00am Macrobert

Hairy Maclary at the Falkirk Town Hall 2.15pm Hairy Maclary and his friends are back at the FTH with new adventures springing off the page and onto the stage. For tickets visit the Steeple Box Office or phone 01324 506850. Suitable for ages 3+

Thursday 5th and 12th April A History of Chocolate in the Georgian Kitchen Callendar House 2.00 and 2.30pm Assist and taste the chocolate making process. FREE but booking essential and children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact the box office on 01324 506850 for tickets.

Friday 6th April to Monday 9th April Bo’ness Steam Railway Easter Egg Specials A free tasty Easter treat for every child and a chance to win a prize in our Easter Egg Hunt. Wear your Easter Bonnet!

Standard timetable & fares apply.

Visit www.srps.org.uk/railway or phone 01506 825855 Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th April Enchanted Easter at Stirling Castle For a magical day out at Easter in the castle, meet a wizard, watch spectacular jugglers, jocular jesters and find out all about James V’s personal alchemist who tried to fly from the castle wall’s Included in admission price. See www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/ for details.

Sunday 8th April Easter Egg’stravaganza at Hopetoun House. 10.30-12pm Booking essential For tickets contact the Ranger on 0131 319 3956 or email ranger@ hopetoun.co.uk Wednesday 11th April Children’s Clay Workshops at Callendar House 10.30am12noon Up to 8 yrs 1.30pm-3.30pm 9 to 12 yrs Tickets £15 to book phone The Steeple Box Office on 01324 506850

Saturday 14th April Central Scotland NCT Nearly New Sale Bridge of Allan Parish Church 1-3pm

Pirates and Princess’ Parade in Falkirk Town Centre. With the Q20 Theatre group and a huge pirate ship parade through the High Street. Free hat making and face painting at 1.30 and the parade starts at 3.30pm. FREE fun for all the family.

Saturday 21st April 21 Gun Salute at Stirling castle at 12 noon Come along to celebrate the Queen’s birthday with a 21 Gun salute. An enjoyable and memorable experience. Normal admissions prices apply. www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk Sunday 22nd April The Jack & Jill Market Livingston 10.30am-1.30pm 40 stalls bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggys, bikes and all the rest. £1 Adults.

West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston EH54 7EP To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Saturday 28th April Falkirk and West Lothian NCT Nearly New Sale Linlithgow Academy 1.00-3.30pm Tryst Craft fair Dobbie Hall Larbert For more information, please contact Eileen on 01324 556532 Friday 4th May Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre Watch Club in Grangemouth 6-8pm Spring Evening campfire cooks out. Come along and practise your camp fire lighting skills and cooking food on the fire. Baked potatoes and toasted marshmallows. For details email jupiterranger@swt.org.uk or phone 01324 486475 Families Central Scotland Magazine now on facebook. Visit us for regular what’s on updates. www.facebook.com/FamCS