Families London Kent Borders March-April 2018 Issue 42

ALTERNATIVE EASTER GIFT GUIDE PLUS: Education Wellbeing Clubs and classes Out & about

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In this issue...

Families London–Kent Borders Magazine or Twitter @familieslkb

ISSUE 42: MARCH/APRIL 2018

6

13

4 Family Woman more stressed out than men - It’s official

Technology good for kids

11 Clubs and Classes Begin a lifelong love of sport 12 Easter Alternative Easter gifts

6 Education How early learning can predict success 8 Wellbeing

Five early signs of Autism

AS SEEN ON

Easter act ivites

13 Out & About The best of What’s On near you this Easter

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Families London-Kent Borders Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London-Kent Borders are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London-Kent Borders. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2018

3

Family News

WOMEN MORE STRESSED-OUT THAN MEN – IT’S OFFICIAL Women in the U.K. suffer from more work-related stress than men because of office sexism, extra responsibilities at home and unequal pay, according to official figures from the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The official figures show that women aged 25-54 feel more work-related stress than men, but it’s those aged women aged 35-44 who are often juggling work with parenting and childcare that feel it the most.

Sleeping on Side to Prevent Stillbirth In the UK, there are nearly three stillbirths for every 1,000 pregnancies after 28 weeks.

Researchers from the University of Manchester have found that mothers who sleep on their backs in the last three months of pregnancy are more than twice as likely to have a stillbirth.

One of the largest to date, the study of just over 1,000 women found the risk doubles if women go to sleep on their backs in the third trimester.

One reason proposed for this increased risk is reduced blood flow to the uterus due to the baby and stomach putting pressure on major blood vessels.

Researchers say the position which women fall asleep in is most important - and they should not worry if they are on their back when they wake up.

The pregnancy charity Tommy’s has started a campaign to raise awareness of the study and to encourage women to sleep on their side.

On top this are new findings published which reveal many more women than men are feeling generalised stress and anxiety. The research reveals that insomnia, unhealthy eating, tense relationships and missed nights-out are commonplace for many more women than men. This research also found that being a parent with kids aged under 18 is linked to higher levels of stress than being a parent with adult children.

For more information visit www.hse.gov.uk or www.chrysaliscourses.co.uk

MORE RISKY PLAY FOR KIDS

More information visit www.tommys.org/sleeponside

The Chief Inspector of Schools recently announced new training for School Inspectors to ensure they are properly focusing on child safety but not at the expense of opportunities to broaden and enrich young minds. Amanda Spielman, the Head of Ofsted, expressed concern that children British children aged 1 to 6 ask an average of 73 questions are being deprived of every day ... half of which parents struggle to answer, rewarding experiences according to a recent study conducted by One Poll. Children and the ability to cope are at their most inquisitive at 4 years old and boys and girls with normal everyday tend to be just as curious as each other. risk because of an overzealous Almost a third of parents in the study find this constant barrage approach to health and safety. of questions exhausting, lasting as it often does from the time

73 Questions a Day! So What’s the Problem?

Ms Spielman said “Making sure children are safe at school is, of course, an important part of our work, but I want to be sure we look at the right things in the right way, without going overboard”. Statistics from A& E Departments have shown that injuries from tree falls are down amongst under-15s and that children are more likely to injure themselves in a tumble out of bed!

Recent research has also shown that in today’s society only 21% of children play outside today compared to 71% of their parents when they were children.

More information visit www.gov.uk/government/speeches

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MARCH - APRIL 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

children wake until they drop off to sleep at night. Almost half of the parents interviewed admit that they struggle to find an answer 50% of the time, turning to Google for help, whilst nearly one third confessed to making up answers on the spot.

Fathers field the most questions but mothers still deal with an average of 413 per week.

To help parents deal with some of their children’s more challenging questions, Tots Town at Argos has teamed up with child psychologist Dr. Sam Wass and created a series of videos which can be found on YouTube.

The research also revealed that London is home to the most curious children, with kids from the capital asking an average of 93 questions a day – almost four questions every waking hour.

Family News

Recent research indicates that a staggering 96% of teachers believe technology has Technology had a positive impact on the way children participate and learn in a lesson, whilst Good for Kids 56% believe that pupils are more engaged when technology is used, according to a Learning survey conducted by Smoothwall, a web filtering provider for schools.

An impressive 86% of teachers also say that technology has made them perform better and prepare more varied and exciting lessons. And parents are on board too. A survey conducted by The Knowledge Academy shows that 91% of parents believe technology is making it easier for them to be involved with their child’s education and 68% say that technology has increased their ability to help children with school work.

However, there are some concerns. At least a third of teachers are worried about using technology in class because they cannot control what each child is doing whist it is being used. A similar number of parents also think that children already have too much access to technology and don’t need it at school.

More information www.smoothwall.com and www.theknowledgeacademy.com

Children’s Authors Top the Pops in Libraries

The kids are taking over the libraries!

Seven children’s authors - Julia Donaldson, Daisy Meadows, Roderick Hunt, Francesca Simon, Adam Blade, Jacqueline Wilson and Roald Dahl – are among the top 10 most borrowed authors in UK libraries, according to figures from annual data released by the British Library.

David Walliams’ popularity continues to soar and he’s now the nineteenth most borrowed author, up from forty first place in 2014-15.

Jeff Kinney does not make it into the top ten authors but his Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is clearly a big hit with kids with eight titles in the series featuring in the top 10 most borrowed children’s fiction titles.

For parents looking for something for their ‘reluctant reader,’ this library data provides a helpful guide to what other children love.

For more details on most borrowed children’s authors and titles visit www.bl.uk/plr.

RESEARCH CONFIRMS NEW DADS MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS A new poll reveals almost 40% of men experience anxieties after having children. The research released by the Priory Group of Harley Street, London also claims to show that thousands of men experience anxiety – and in some cases depression - as they enter fatherhood.

One in five men believed they were actually suffering from Paternal Post Natal Depression, although only 2% were officially diagnosed.

This accords with earlier research by the parenting charity the NCT, which showed around 1 in 3 new fathers are concerned about their mental health.

The increased pressures of fatherhood, more financial responsibility, changes in relationships and lifestyle, combined with a lack of sleep and an increased workload at home, may all affect a new dad’s mental wellbeing. Concern about their partner is another worry for new fathers. The NCT found that almost three quarters (73%) of dads were worried about their partner’s mental health.

For more information visit www.nct.org.uk/dads-PND or www.priorygroup.com

LAWS ON SMACKING CHANGING

New laws are coming into force in the UK relating to smacking children.

Currently, it is legal for a parent or carer to smack their own child but only when it amounts to ‘reasonable punishment’, as laid down in the Children Act 2004. What is defined as ‘reasonable punishment’ is a grey area as it is not set out in the law and depends on each individual case. However, changes are planned in the Scottish and Welsh legal systems which will ban the smacking of children under any circumstances. This means England will be the only country in Britain where parents will still be able to legally smack their children. In England it will remain illegal for teachers, nursery staff or care workers to smack a child. Privately hired carers such as nannies and babysitters may smack, but only if permission has been given by the child’s parents.

For more information visit www.childlawadvice.org.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2018

5

Education

HOW EARLY LEARNING CAN PREDICT A CHILD’S SUCCESS

By Dr Robert Titzer

Y

ou may be surprised to learn that the long term effects of children learning language and maths skills at an early age is one of the greatest predictors of their financial success as adults. How can this be possible you may ask? With the many confounding variables such as a child’s IQ, formal education and socio-demographic background, it’s hard to believe that early reading or maths skills can be one of the most important factors associated with doing well as an adult.

However, a 2013 study from the University of Edinburgh1 shows that early maths and reading abilities have major long-term benefits. Children who performed better in reading and maths tests at age 7 were shown to be more likely to earn higher wages later in life according to researchers.

Children who had advanced by just one grade level in reading by age 7 earned an average of £5,000 per year more at age 42 than their classmates.

The study also concluded that “mathematical and reading ability at age 7 are substantially and positively correlated with financial success at age 42, independently of relevant confounding variables.” In other words, it was the actual reading and maths abilities at age 7 – not just the child’s socioeconomic status, the child’s IQ, or other factors – that had a lasting impact on the person’s life chances.

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Understanding Words Research consistently indicates that the earlier a child learns language skills, the better the long term outcome.

A well-known study in 19952 found that the number of words spoken to a child by age 3 was a better predictor of a child’s vocabulary at age 11 than the parents’ IQs, parents’ socioeconomic status, or which school the child attended.

A more recent study on the topic found that babies who learned more words by 18 months of age had greater vocabularies at age 3. In addition, the researchers found that 18-month-old babies who knew more words had faster brain processing speed. The study also concluded that the “language gap” that exists by 18 months of age would be hard to overcome, meaning that babies who had been taught fewer words in the first 18 months of life could have later delays in learning language skills3.

MARCH - APRIL 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Early Reading and Maths Skills Reading problems at an early age are hard to counter-act later on in life. Very few children who cannot read at the

appropriate level at the end of first grade ever catch up.

There are also significant advantages in learning to read early. Studies back in the 1960s concluded that children who were taught to read at ages 3 or 4 read better than children of the same IQ who were taught at ages 5 or 6. Those with the same IQs who were taught at ages 7 or 8 were even farther behind. Six years later, the children who were taught to read earlier were still ahead of the sameIQ children who were taught later.

In addition, the earlier the child was taught to read, the more likely the child enjoyed reading.

Parental involvement in teaching children about reading and writing words is also related to the development of early literacy skills.

In turn, early literacy skills directly predict word reading at the end of first grade (age 6-7 years) and indirectly predict reading in third grade (age 8-9 years). Word reading at the end of first grade predicts reading comprehension in third grade.

So, if you are wondering how to give your infant a head start in life, it’s worth investigating the resources available to help you teach little ones language and maths skills as early as possible. You can read my tips at www.yourbabycanlearn.com Dr Robert Titzer is an Infant Researcher and expert speaker at The Baby Show returning to London ExCeL 2nd – 4th March 2018 (www.thebabyshow.co.uk).

1 Ritchie, S. J. & Bates, T. C., (2013). Enduring Links From Childhood Mathematics and Reading Achievement to Adult Socioeconomic Status.

Psychological Science.

2 Hart, B. & Risley, T., (1995). Meaningful Differences in Everyday Parenting and Intellectual Development in Young American Children. Baltimore: Brookes.

3 Fernald, A., Marchman, V. A. & Weisleder, A., (2012). SES differences in language processing skill and vocabulary are evident at 18 months.

Developmental Science.

Education

BREASIDE REACH NEW HEIGHTS OF SATISFACTION! The best schools in Bromley have been revealed in a guide released by the Sunday Times. Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2018, ranks the 2,000 top schools in the UK. The guide is based on exams results and features both independent and state schools.

Staff from Breaside Preparatory school were celebrating their ranking as being the 16th best school in the country. Executive Principal of Breaside Preparatory School Karen Nicholson said: “We are very pleased to share with you that we have been placed 16th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Independent Schools list - an absolutely fantastic achievement of which we are incredibly proud!

“It is wonderful to be recognised for all of the hard work that the staff and children put into Breaside to make it the very special place that it is.”

Open day: Wednesday 21st March 2018.

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

An outstanding Junior Department and Nursery The Junior Department at Bishop Challenor buzzes with daily excitement and pupils flourish in a positive learning environment where high standards and expectations are set at every level. From nursery to Year 6 girls and boys experience a rich curriculum and wealth of opportunities. Small class sizes ensure staff work closely with pupils within one establishment, providing a successful transition between the different stages in their education.

Their seamless journey form Nursery to Reception is something parents appreciate.

Applications for entry at 4+ and 7+ for Autumn 2018 entry are still being accepted and they welcome enquiries from all potential pupils at all year groups.

Open Morning: 3rd March 2018, 9am-1pm Open Door Afternoon: 18th May 2018, 1.45pm To book a tour or assessment, contact Mrs Long, Admissions Registrar: admissions@bishopchallonerschool.com

Bishop Challoner School Shortlands

A Catholic Independent School for Girls & Boys 3 -18

Open Morning Saturday 3rd March 2018 9.00am to 1.00pm Welcoming all faiths www.bishopchallonerschool.com www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2018

7

Wellbeing

FIVE EARLY SIGNS OF

Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder can mean parents don’t have to wait for their child to start school to implement intervention programs.

behavioural symptoms of autism in children from as young as 18 months of age and can have long term positive effects.

Early autism intervention programmes can address the primary

Many children with autism appear to be developing typically until they start pre-school or kindergarten, when language and social delays stand out in contrast to the development of their peers.

These five signs of autism can be observed in children as young as 12 to 24 months of age.

1

Your child does not look when you point at something.

A child with autism may not look when you point at an object across the room and may not follow your gaze when you look at something.

2

Your child does not point with one finger to request items or get help.

A child with autism may not use gestures like pointing with one finger to ask for things or to direct your attention.

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MARCH - APRIL 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

3

Your child does not respond to his or her name.

Children with autism may not understand the response you expect when you say their name, or they may not be motivated to respond in the same way as a typically developing child.

4

Your child avoids looking you in the eye.

A child with autism may find eye contact challenging or painful and may avoid looking you in the eye when you are talking to, playing with, or dressing him or her.

5

Your child ignores you or does not seem to understand directions.

A child with autism may have trouble understanding spoken language.

If you have concerns about your child, contact your GP or healthcare provider today.

For more information on early intervention visit www.autism.org.uk or www.gemiini.org, which is a web based learning programme offering online video modeling to parents without a formal diagnosis or access to regular services.

Clubs and Classes

THE PERFECT START TO PERFORMING ARTS

FOR STRESS FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

A new term lies just around the corner and with more children attending Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools than ever before, there has never been a better time to take to the stage than now.

It can be hard to keep children entertained during the school holidays. With an unrivalled choice of activities and more ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings than any other comparable provider, Barracudas is an excellent choice for both parents and children alike.

For as little as £3.64 an hour, children have a choice of quality activities for every session, run by friendly, professional and enthusiastic staff in exceptional settings.

Performing arts classes are hugely enjoyable for children of all ages and they are an excellent way to build confidence and social skills. With classes in Bexleyheath, Sevenoaks and across South London, why not book a two-week trial today?

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Clubs and Classes

BEGIN A LIFELONG LOVE OF SPORT A

ll Stars Cricket was launched in March 2017. The programme has had an incredible first year with over 1,500 All Stars Cricket centres delivering the programme to over 37,000 kids. In addition, the end of year parent survey yielded very positive results with key headlines of 70% of families new to their local cricket club, 85% of parents want their child to return in 2018 and bring a friend!

All Stars Cricket provides boys and girls from 5 to 8 years old with an opportunity to become a star. The national curriculum of fun, cricket activities and games provides children with the basic movement skills to begin a lifelong love of physical activity.

The programme is a paid for product that has a RRP of £40, although this can vary across the Country. The cost includes the 8 week All Stars Cricket programme (1 x hour session per week for 8 weeks) and the pack; including a bat, ball, rucksack, cap and t shirt (personalised with their name) – all delivered to your door.

friends in safe, and most importantly, fun environment.

The Centres will be encouraged to deliver their programmes from May 11th through to July but some Centres may start slightly later than the 11th May. For more information or to register for a summer of #BigMoments please visit allstarscricket.co.uk

REASONS TO JOIN The pack also includes an Activity book that allows children and parents to engage with the programme using several weekly challenges to earn ‘star awards’ like bowling, catching, running, and teamwork.

The programme is delivered by trained volunteers who deliver game based activities that teaches basic cricket skills like catching, throwing, hitting a moving ball and social skills like team work and communication.

Held at accredited cricket clubs these courses are a perfect way for children to learn about cricket and make

• For all boys and girls aged five to eight • Delivered nationwide at over 1,800 centres • Eight one-hour sessions, held over eight weeks • Emphasis on fun and being active • Focus on developing your child’s movement skills • Great first introduction to cricket • Safe and fully accredited • Valuable time with your kids – mums and dads are encouraged to take part too • Easy online registration

www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2018

11

Easter

ALTERNATIVE EASTER GIFT GUIDE Compiled by Claire Winter

Bored of chocolate? Do you want to give your loved ones a special Easter gift this year that isn’t edible? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s our alternative guide for 2018.

Personalised Egg & Soldier Board £25, hugosworkshop.co.uk

This fun personalised Egg & Soldier board is made from upcycled oak kitchen worktops and is personalised with the name of your choice. It is a beautiful, unusual gift that will last for years.

Kooshi Backpack £34.99, kooshi.co.uk

We love this Kooshi Bunny backpack. It was designed by a mum who was fed up of using valuable space in her kids’ bags transporting things for them to nap on during journeys. The pillow can be detached and used on a plane, car or bus, so your child can sleep in peace. The perfect bag to take on holiday!

Snazaroo, Mini Theme Pack £2.99, snazaroo.com

Greatest Egg Hunt Ever Jumper

Snazaroo has launched these pocket-friendly face paint packs.

They’re just £2.99 per pack, with instructions and face paints included. They have ten designs to choose from including an Easter bunny and chick. It’s a really fun, budget friendly present for boys and girls.

£23, ellieellie.co.uk

Row of Speckled Eggs cushion £26.99, welovecushions.com

This range of fabulous cushions has a variety of stylish designs featuring eggs, bunnies, hares and cockerels. They would make a lovely addition to any sofa.

Colour-In Easter Top £14, selfieclothing.co.uk

This really cool company does a range of colour-in clothes. You can get a colour-in Easter top, in different sizes for children aged two to ten. Each top is printed with a design ready for your child to colour in with Selfie pens to make it their own. Once they have been coloured in and ironed, the designs will stay permanently, so your child has a unique piece of clothing they can keep.

The company offers a huge variety of designs, including capes and PJs too!

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MARCH - APRIL 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Perfect to wear on an Easter hunt and an ideal gift for the little adventurers and the all- round mini-sleuths in your life. Made from a cotton blend these unisex sweatshirts have a soft feel with a fleecy lining and are designed for a ‘relaxed’ fit. Available in fuchsia and pastel blue.

Oskar & Ellen Doll’s House with Bunnies £24.99, borngifted.com

This gorgeous, handmade Swedish designed toy looks lovely and is great fun to play with too. It’s a cloth house that has a cute bunny family inside. It also has a carry handle so it’s easy to transport too. Suitable for children aged three and above.

Personalised Bunny Dining Set £39, ellieellie.co.uk

This cute, personalised bunny plate set is a great way to add a touch of fun to any table this Easter. Each set includes a dinner plate, side plate and mug and every item includes a bunny silhouette with your chosen name.

Out & About

Out & About T H E B EST O F W H AT ’S O N N EA R YOU

EVENTS AT HEVER CASTLE: MARCH AND APRIL Mother’s Day Weekend: 10 and 11 March

Treat mum to a delicious lunch or tempting afternoon tea at Hever Castle & Gardens this Mother’s Day. The historic Castle and stunning gardens is the perfect place to say thank you and enjoy a family day out over the weekend of 10 and 11 March.

Children can make a heart shaped keyring in a free craft workshop or take part in a cupcake decorating workshop* (*additional charge).

Dazzling Daffodils: 21 - 25 March

Visitors to Hever Castle & Gardens’ new event Dazzling Daffodils can enjoy the sight of 14,000 daffodils.

E V E R Y S AT U R D AY

The brand new event will throw the spotlight on the narcissus family and showcase the new and the best in daffodils.

Norman Park, Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF

Master grower Johnny Walkers of Walkers Bulbs, and winner of 35 RHS gold medals, will be onsite giving talks and tours and sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of bulbs accrued over a lifetime growing daffodils.

Easter: 30 March – 15 April

Family fun at Hever Castle & Gardens throughout the Easter holidays promises to put a spring in your step.

Hop through the grounds following the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny to claim your delicious chocolatey prize.

Celebrate spring by making and decorating an Easter bonnet at daily craft workshops* with a chance to show off your creations in a parade in front of the Castle every day and prizes for the best bonnets.

Put your thinking cap on with a fun quiz in the Castle about the history of Easter and the traditions of the season* (*Normal entry costs to the Castle apply, small additional charge)

BROMLEY PARKRUN

Weekly free 5km timed run.

Come along and join in whatever your pace! Please register before your first run. 9am 0300 303 8658 www.parkrun.org.uk/bromley

10 MARCH

SATURDAY CRAFT CLUB – GARDEN OF GREATNESS Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, Civic Centre, Mount Pleasant, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JN

Monthly free drop-in craft sessions for all ages. Self led sessions from 10am – 12noon & 2pm – 4pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Cost: Free 01892 554171 www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

MOTHERS ARE MAKERS Red House, Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF

This Mother’s Day enjoy a tour of Red House and a cream tea. Discover the stories of

the mothers and other female characters encapsulated by the Pre-Raphaelite movement Until 11 March 020 8304 9878 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house

WITH MAP AND MUSKET Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, TN16 1TD

Join an eighteenth century surveyor as he explains how map makers played a key role in the Quebec campaign.

1-5pm / Free event, but normal admission charges apply.

Until 21 April 01959 567430 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/quebec-house

11 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY CREAM TEA AND GARDEN TOUR Chartwell, Mapleton Road, Westerham, TN16 1PS

Give mum a special treat by taking her along to Churchill’s family home for a one-hour tour of the garden followed by a cream tea. 2-4pm.

01732 868381 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chartwell

www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2018

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Out & About

MAKE MUM’S DAY AT IGHTHAM MOTE Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT

Make Mum feel special this Mothering Sunday with a visit to Ightham Mote. Children can pop into the Squire’s Room to make mum a present. Or why not treat her to lunch or a cream tea in the café? Mum’s can also enjoy a touch of luxury with a hand massage in the shop. Booking not needed, admission applies.

11:30 - 15:30.

01732 810378 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/ightham-mote

19 MARCH

BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy is the UK’s premier baby friendly comedy club! The shows

feature the funniest comedy stars from the circuit and TV. Soft flooring, toys, buggy parking and baby changing are provided so that your baby is happy and you can relax, have a drink and be entertained!

12pm, tickets £10.

0844 871 7620 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

DEAR ZOO Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA

Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book makes its stage premiere.

This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

Until 18 March Ages 2+, tickets: £15.50. Mon at 1pm, Tue at 10am & 1pm.

0844 871 7620 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

CIRCUS FUN AT LEEDS CASTLE THIS EASTER

28 MARCH CIRQUE BERSERK!

Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA

Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, Cirque Berserk! celebrates the 250th anniversary of the invention of Circus by bringing this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular created especially for the theatre.

Until 2 April 0844 871 7620 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

30 MARCH

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT - BEEHIVE TRAIL Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, TN16 1TD

Explore the garden to help Mrs Wolfe find all the beehives hiding the eggs, honey and spices she needs to make hot cross buns. Afterwards collect your Cadbury chocolatey prize. Suitable for ages 3 and over. Booking not needed Admission applies.

Until 2 April 01959 567430 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/quebec-house

EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Down House, Luxted Rd, Downe, BR6 7JT

30 MARCH TO 2 APRIL Prepare to be amazed this Easter holiday as ‘Tarzanna’ presents a playful aerial theatre show, where the performers literally climb, jump and swing through the air before your eyes. A fun filled show for the whole family where children can learn circus skills throughout the day, including the trapeze and tightrope!

The fun continues at the Castle until 15th April with our Easter Quest. Seek out clues hidden around the Castle grounds on a fun quest for children of all ages. Answer each of the questions and receive a chocolate treat as a reward. There is an additional £1 charge for the Easter Quest. Both events are included in the price of admission.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Leeds Castle again and again with your annual ticket from exploring the Yew Maze to conquering the Knight’s Realm and Squires’ Courtyard adventure playgrounds to daily free flying falconry displays.

The grounds of the Castle will be abundant with beautiful birds to see during your visit from black swans to nuthatch to great crested grebe to name but a few. For fantastic souvenirs and delicious treats don’t forget to pop into the gift shops, cafés and Castle View Restaurant this half term.

A valid admission ticket to Leeds Castle is required for this event.

Annual tickets cost £24.90 for adults; £21.90 for seniors and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free); £16.90 for children (under 4’s free).

Annual tickets are valid for 12 months so you can pay once and visit all year round. For more information on Leeds Castle attractions, activities and events during 2018 visit the website www.leeds-castle.com

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MARCH - APRIL 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Calling all valiant adventurers this Easter weekend! Go on the hunt for legendary dragon eggs. Set off with an intrepid character from the past to crack the clues and claim your chocolate reward.

Until 2 April 01689 859119 www.english-heritage.org.uk

SPRING INTO EASTER! Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

Meet the Lambs and Goat Kids as well as calves and piglets!

Have a go at bottle feeding the Lambs and Kids in sessions throughout the day, and learn how to identify fertilised eggs in the hatchery. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny for some yummy Easter treats.

Until 15 April 10am-5pm / Adults £9.95 Concessions £8.95 Children (3-15years) £8.25 Under 3’s FREE Family Ticket £32.95.

01622 763936 www.kentlife.org.uk

3 APRIL

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS BLOOMING EASTER BONNET Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, Civic Centre, Mount Pleasant, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JN

Go and celebrate Easter during the April Holiday Happenings

THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER WEAR A HAT DAY! Calling all schools, parents and teachers! Please get involved in Wear A Hat Day 2018. Taking place on Thursday 29th March, this is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it that day, just choose another. Join in the fun as schools and families across the UK get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumours.

“Wear A Hat Day is a perfect opportunity to bring the whole school together and support this game-changing charity.” – Mr Dan Gross, Deputy Head Curriculum, Beachborough School.

It’s very easy to register online at www.wearahatday.org (it works really well on mobiles!) and then we can send out your fundraising pack. In the meantime, browse the other Wear A Hat Day pages for ideas and inspiration to make your event a hattastic fundraising success!

In 2017, families and schools came together alongside other organisations and communities across the UK and helped raise over £300,000 to fund our vital research. With your help we can double this in 2018. We’re aiming for £600,000, enough to keep a group of researchers funded for a year.

So please register for Wear A Hat Day 2018 today.

Thank you. Together we will find a cure. www.wearahatday.org

Out & About

by making your very own traditional Easter bonnet.

These activities are completely free and run on a drop-in basis.

4 JULY The smash-hit production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt returns vividly and 2 SEPTEMBER noisily to the West End in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score. Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick, oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure. The production is adapted for the stage from the modern classic written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

Ages 3+, tickets from £15.60.

Until 4 April 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm.

01892 554171 www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

BAAMY BAA-LAMBS Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

SHAFTSBURY THEATRE, 210 Shaftsbury Avenue WC2H 8DP, 4 July - 2 September, 0330 333 4812, www.bearhuntlive.com

Hilarious story and lamb puppet craft for you to take home.

EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT

Keep the kids entertained during the holidays with a house quiz, craft activities, garden trail and the chance to go wild in the natural play area. Booking not needed, admission applies.

Until 15 April 10am-4.30pm.

01732 810378 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/ightham-mote

5 APRIL

the brand new adaptation of Disney’s iconic fairy tale with on-screen lyrics so everyone can join in!

2pm & 7pm.

01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

6 APRIL BOUNCE

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED

The Orchard Theatre auditorium is transformed into a soft play paradise, with bouncy castle, ball pool, toys, arts & crafts and more! Plus special appearances from Cory The Cat!

MY FIRST BALLET: SWAN LAKE Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA

Enjoy one of the most famous ballets of all time together, in this beautifully adapted new version for children aged three upwards. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Tchaikovsky ’s wonderful music, this is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet, and a fantastic family day out.

Saturday 11am & 5pm, Sunday 11am & 3pm.

0844 871 7620 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

18 APRIL

THE BLUEBELL FESTIVAL Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR

Bluebell Walks, Music in the woods, Art Exhibition and Bluebell-inspired Crafts.

Until 29 April (except 23 April) 10.30am – 4pm. All ages.

01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Until 15 April

01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

SING-A-LONG-A BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

11 APRIL

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR

Singalonga Productions invite you to “Be our Guest” at Singa-Long-a Beauty and the Beast. Go along to celebrate

14 APRIL

BUTTON BRACELETS Easter Holiday craft activities from 11am – 4pm.

Until 15 April 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

‘Ingenious’ Daily Mail

Illustrations © 1989 Helen Oxenbury from We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

Until 6 April 10am & 2pm (1 hr session), £4 children, adults free. Advance booking required.

01322 621238 www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk

SAVE THE DATE

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

From 4 JULY BOOK NOW

bearhuntlive.com www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2018 HEV-Easter-Ad-Families-87x130-2018-AW.indd 1

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EASTER

30TH MARCH TO 2ND APRIL Watch jaw dropping aerial acrobatic shows and learn circus skills, plus join our exciting Easter Quest until the 15th April.

EXPERIENCE MORE leeds-castle.com

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