Families Surrey West Jan Feb 2020 by Families Magazine

Win a family ticket to Bocketts Farm!

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On in January and February Puzzle Page for Kids Early Years Feature

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Issue 76 Jan/Feb 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s in this issue 4-5

News & Views

Kids Page - puzzles and a competition to win tickets to Bocketts Farm!

Why Daylight is Essential for Children’s Health

8-15

Early Years

16-17 Schools and Education 18-19 Days Out 20-23 What’s on Diary 23

Pucks Oak Barn, Compton

Holiday Camps, Children’s Theatre and Concerts, Nearly New Sales

Enjoy nature with your little one Bugs, mud & exploring galore!

Book your places online

Special Offers & Competitions

surreywildlifetrust.org/wildtots

• Save £40 when you book with Perform - front cover • Claim your free pack from www.mathsbypost.co.uk -

page 4

• Free one week trial with Kumon - page 5 • Win one of two family tickets to Bocketts Farm - page 6 • Save £5 at www.readingchest.co.uk - page 15 • Save 20% on tickets to AirHop Guildford - back cover (Ts&Cs may apply, see relevant page for details). We have a Next issue: Parties March/April 2020 Feature in our next issue contact us now Advertise: To advertise call Sarah on 01737 558898 or email editor@FamiliesSurreyWest.co.uk. to promote your Keep in touch: like us at parties!

www.facebook.com/FamiliesSurreyWestMag/

C hild ren's Classes

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Dance, yoga & fitness clubs, ♪ holiday fun & parties in our classes, workshops & parties for ♪ Hands on music making classes for children aged 3 fantastic Guildford gym schools & leisure centres monthson –include 4music years ♪ Classes Hands making classes for children aged 3 singing, playing instruments, puppets synergydance.co.uk www.gymnasticsfactory.co.uk Moosical discovery for Under 4s months –include 4music years ♪West Hands♪on music making classes for children aged 3 aged and stories Hands on making classes for children 3 Classes singing, playing instruments, puppets Classes in South Surrey ♪ Hands ♪ on Hands on making classes making classes for children for children aged 3 aged 3 months –Classes 4music years months –include 4music years and stories singing, playing instruments, puppets WeMusic offer Ballet, Tap, ♪ Lead by a professional Therapist with over 15 Confidence building www.mollymoocow.com months months – 4 years – 4 years and stories andMusic Modern from puppets ♪ Classes include singing, playing instruments, years’ experience working withJazz young children ♪ Classes include singing, playing instruments, Lead by a professional Therapist with puppets over 15 fun - try a free drama ♪ Academy Classes ♪♪ Classes include singing, include singing, playing instruments, playing instruments, puppets Pre-school to Advanced stories and stories years’ experience working with youngpuppets children Lead by a professional Music Therapist Surrey Theatre and or dance class. Weekly2classes starting with1over 15 and stories and stories Version Call Jane on years’ experience working withTherapist young children ♪training Lead ♪ by a professional Music Therapist with 2019 over 15over 15 by aWednesday professional Music with 9 January Weekly classes starting Inspiring theatre forLead perform.org.uk/try 378536 ♪ Lead ♪byLead a professional by a professional Music 07711 Therapist Music Therapist with over with 15over 15 9:40am: 2.5-4yrs Jacobs Well Village Hall 9:40am-10:20am: 2.5 – 4 years Hands on music making classes for children agedtoday! 3 10:30am-11:10am: 18 months – 2.5 years 10.30am: 18mths-2.5yrs Guildford, GU4 7PD Childcare vouchers accepted - join online 11.20am – 12.00pm: 3 – 18 months 11.20: months 3-18mths– 4 years

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years’ experience working working with 9young children years’ experience young 2019 children th with Wednesday January Weekly classes starting 4-18 year olds RedShoesSchoolofDance.co.uk years’ experience years’ experience working working with 2.5 young with young children 9:40am-10:20am: – 4 children years th 01428 652360 haparts.co.uk Wednesday 918 January Weekly classes starting Weekly starting 10:30am-11:10am: – 2.52019 years To advertise here classes for justmonths issue 9:40am-10:20am: 2.5 –£20 4 an years www.surreytheatreacademy.co.uk Weekly th Weekly classes classes starting starting th 11.20am –9 12.00pm: 3 –January 18 months Red Shoes School of Dance offers Wednesday January 2019 please call Sarah on 01737 558898 Wednesday 9 2019 10:30am-11:10am: 18 months – 2.5 years 9:40am-10:20am: 2.5 – 4 years

th January th January Wednesday Wednesday 918 2019 2019 11.20am –912.00pm: 3 months – 18 months FSW Magazine Ltd is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently 10:30am-11:10am: –owned 2.5 years 9:40am-10:20am: 2.5 – 4 years 9:40am-10:20am: 2.5 4 years and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Bourne 11.20am – 12.00pm: 3 –– Road, 18 months 18 2.5 9:40am-10:20am: 9:40am-10:20am: –editorial 4 years 2.5 – photographic 4 years 10:30am-11:10am: 18– or months – 2.5 years End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Surrey West are fully protected by 10:30am-11:10am: copyright and none of2.5 themonths Location matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of FSW Magazine Ltd. Every care is taken preparation this 11.20am – 12.00pm: 3the – 18 months 10:30am-11:10am: 10:30am-11:10am: 18 months 18 years – 2.5 years 11.20am – in 12.00pm: 3– months –2.5 18 of months magazine, but FSW Magazine Ltd, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle beLocation held 11.20am 11.20am – 12.00pm: – 12.00pm: 3 –Marketing 18 months 3 –cannot 18 months responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz from Pre-school to Advanced Call Jane on 07711 378536

Location

Fully qualified professionally trained teaching staff. In the heart of Guildford. www.guildfordtheatreschool.co.uk

Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds CAMBERLEY 0208 892 5177 stagecoach.co.uk/camberley FARNBOROUGH 07717 137332 stagecoach.co.uk/farnborough FARNHAM 01252 216277 stagecoach.co.uk/farnham GODALMING 01252 403504 stagecoach.co.uk/godalming GUILDFORD 01243 536000 stagecoach.co.uk/guildford GUILDFORD NORTH 01483 789430 stagecoach.co.uk/guildfordnorth LIPHOOK 01425 470934 stagecoach.co.uk/liphook

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

News & Views Perform is Celebrating its 20th Anniversary!

Does Your Child Need Help With Maths?

Families chatted to founder, Lucy Quick.

Billy told his Mum he was scared and worried about Maths; he struggled and dreaded Maths tests as he was sure he would fail.

How did Perform start? I was a musical theatre actress in Oliver! at the London Palladium and I loved working with children. I had a vision for a drama school that wasn’t about talent or auditions; where performing arts would be used to develop what we now call the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Where is Perform at now? Starting with two classes in 2000, we now run 472 schools across the South East and West, employ over 250 teachers and have almost 8000 children attending weekly. What’s the secret of Perform’s success? We put child development at the heart of everything we do. What does the future hold?

Quote SUW140220 for a £40 discount!

Opening more Perform schools across the country – we’re just launching in Nottingham - and continuing our confidence crusade to help children fulfil their potential through drama, dance and singing.

What are you proudest of? My teachers. They are the most inspirational bunch of talented and enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet. Try a FREE no-obligation drama class in Farnham, Frimley, Godalming, Guildford, Haslemere or Woking. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book.

Distributors Wanted ...... Families Surrey West Magazine is looking for distributors to deliver the magazine to the schools, nurseries and other venues that have copies in your local area. If you have a car, a few hours to spare every two months (during the school day), are reliable and want to earn some extra money, please contact Sarah on 01737 558898 or email editor@ FamiliesSurreyWest.co.uk

Toad Hall Nursery Are Recruiting Toad Hall Nursery are recruiting for diverse, enthusiastic and experienced childcare practitioners to join their team. They believe that the quality of childcare and education provided lies deep within their investment in children, staff, parents and the wider community. To view their amazing benefits and what they have to offer, please visit: www.toadhallnursery.co.uk or email: recruitment@toadhall-nursery. co.uk. They would love to hear from you!

4 Families Surrey West

Claim your free pack!

Since starting Maths Club by Post Billy’s confidence has flourished and he says he feels smarter as he gets most of his Maths correct. At parents evening the teacher commented that his engagement during lessons has improved significantly and he has a much more positive attitude towards Maths. His Mum, Kelly says, “He likes to receive Maths Club by Post packs and he can’t wait to get started!!” If, like Kelly, you can see that your child worries about Maths, get a FREE pack from Maths Club by Post and help your child flourish too. Go to: MathsClubByPost.co.uk.

Ripley Court Introduce Free Nursery Taster Sessions Ripley Court Prep School are delighted to introduce free taster sessions in their Nursery The Ark. These will be held every first and third Tuesday morning, from 9:1510:15am of every month during term time. Come along from January 2020, and meet the team to see the magic happening first hand. Please book your preferred session with Mrs Gray, Registrar via 01483 225217 or email FREE TASTER SESSIONS registrar@ripleycourt.co.uk.

in The Ark Could you be a Wildlife Warrior?

We are delighted to introduce free taster sessions in our Nursery The Ark. These will be held every first and third Tuesday morning, from 9:1510:15am of every month during term time. Come along from January 2020, and meet our team to see the magic happening first hand.

Surrey Wildlife Trust are encouraging children to become Wildlife Warriors. It could be goingPlease book your preferred session with Mrs Gray, Registrar via 01483 225217 or email registrar@ripleycourt.co.uk out for a walk to spot wildlife, improving their garden or helping out in their school wildlife garden. They can then upload photos and put details of what they have done on an interactive map and then see what others in their local area are doing by viewing the map. The link to the web page and map is: surreywildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlifewarriors - it also has some ideas of things you can do to become a Wildlife Warrior. Winter is a great time to get out and about and spot birds in particular and there will be lots of ideas on their website for families over half term to get outdoors.

RAD Ballet ISTD Tap & Modern ● Saturday Workshops ● Acrobatic Gynastics

Musical Theatre & Singing Street Dance ● Mothers & Toddlers ● Adult Tap

●

T: 01428 652360 | E: haparts@aol.com | www.haparts.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views Rebound Therapy at Gravity Force JUMP IN’s Gravity Force trampoline park in Camberley runs Rebound Therapy classes aimed at children and adults with autism or heightened sensory needs. The trampoline therapy forms part of inclusive relaxed sessions where those with special needs are encouraged to explore unassisted play with their families and carers in a safe, lower sensory environment. Trampolines are key to this specific type of exercise therapy which benefits those across virtually the whole spectrum of disabilities. It has been proven to provide a huge number of potential therapeutic and physiological benefits, from cardio-respiratory, muscle tone and balance and posture through to perception and communication. Benefits that are more specific to autism include: improvements in calmness, focus, concentration, eye contact, memory, following instructions, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, potential for learning across the curriculum, and happiness. Other benefits are: reduction in tactile defensiveness, anxiety, agitation, shimming, rocking, self-harming, hitting, and anti-social behaviours. Jump In Rebound Therapy-qualified instructors are on hand to work either one to one or in groups after a full assessment of needs is carried out. To find out more or book an assessment for the Rebound Therapy-specific session, with a qualified Jump In Level 2 Rebound Therapy practitioner, please email enquiries@gravityforce.co.uk with your contact details. Their area expert will be in touch with lots more information. Further information on Rebound Therapy can be found here: https://reboundtherapy.org/

Free One Week Trial with Kumon Kumon offer English and Maths programmes, which help children of any age and ability to become confident, independent learners with a positive attitude to study. Currently they are offering a one-week free trial from 1-29 February! There are local study centres in Farnham, Guildford East, Guildford North and Haslemere.

Free one week trial!

Rather than offering conventional maths and English tuition, their Instructors set themselves apart by guiding their students through work that is set at just the right level for them, keeping them engaged and making progress. They support and encourage students to work out answers by themselves, helping them to become self-sufficient, successful learners for the future. By studying little and often through daily worksheets and twice weekly study centre visits, their students steadily increase ability and fluency, building their skills in small, manageable steps.

Lyndhurst Tots – New Baby & Toddler Group Launching! Lyndhurst 020! School in for 2 New Camberley are looking to add a new string to their bow in Lyndhurst the form of their brand new Toddler Group launching at the end of February. This Baby & Toddler Group group adds to their family orientated Every Friday morning from 9:30am until 11:30am school. The session offers new parents, All welcome, join us to enjoy • Storiesbabies • Crafts • Snackand Time • Singing • and much more! parents / carersPlay with toddlers Tea / Coffee and a chat! £1 per session a session or those families new to the area For more information please visit our website: www.lyndhurstschool.co.uk in which the children can play, interact or call Carly Alder on 01276 22895 and have fun. There will be stories, crafts, singing, snack time and much more! Adults can enjoy tea, coffee and meeting new friends. This exciting new group will be run by current Lyndhurst School staff, and is open to all. Lyndhurst School (Please use main entrance) 36 The Avenue, Camberley, GU15 3NE @lyndhurstschool

The first session is free and will be held on Friday 28th February at 9.30am-11.30am – please join them! Future sessions are just £1. No booking necessary, please use the main school entrance (36 The Avenue, Camberley, GU15 3NE). For more information visit www.lyndhurstschool. co.uk or call Carly Alder on 01276 22895.

Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz

Pre-school to Advanced Level To find out more call

Jane Lubach

07711 378536

RedShoesSchoolofDance.co.uk

To book your child’s free one week trial visit www.kumon.co.uk, call your local centre or call 0800 854 714.

MultiSports MultiSports MultiSports

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Classes in South West Surrey! Call to book a FREE trial!

Help YOUR child discover their CONFIDENCE and enjoyment in MATHS

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Team Sports + Individual Sports + Team Building, together, creating well-rounded young people. Enrol now for Spring term. & Girls Weekend sports for Boys & Girls Families Surrey West 5 well-rounded young people. Enrol nowcreating for Spring term. Weekend sports for Boys Sports familiesonline.co.uk + Individual Sports + Team Building, together,

aged 4-16 of all abilities

Kids Page

Spot the difference and win a family ticket to Bocketts Farm Park!

DOT TO DOT Join the dots to create a creature you may see in your garden this winter!

.. .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. 31

35 36 37

40 41 42 39

1 12

Enter our Spot the Difference Competition to win a family ticket to Bocketts Farm Park! How many differences can you spot between these two pictures of the horse riding at Bocketts Farm? To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to Bocketts Farm, email the number of differences between the two pictures to editor@ FamiliesSurreyWest.co.uk with Bocketts Competition in the title. If you are under 18, please ask your parent or guardian to email for you. Please include a parent or guardian’s name, child’s name, contact telephone number as well as the number of differences you found. Please email your answer by 5pm on Saturday 29th February 2020. For full Ts&Cs see http://bit.ly/2E9paqm.

43 44

WIN one of two family tickets to Bocketts Farm!

When you’ve finished, why not colour it in?

PICTURE CROSSWORD

Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword? 1

3 3 4 5 6

8 9 7

How many robins can you find? 8

6 Families Surrey West

We have hidden some robins throughout the magazine - have a look through and see if you can find where they are hiding!

familiesonline.co.uk

Health

Why Daylight is Essential for Children’s Health

Spending less time outside restricts children’s access to natural light and this can have an impact on their health.

Short-Sightedness Babies are born longsighted, with a short eyeball that grows as their bodies do. A healthy eye stops growing when it reaches its optimum shape, but it struggles to do this without access to good quality light, which is only available outdoors. Our eyes are very good at tricking us into believing that our indoor environments are well lit, but even a brightly lit room cannot match the levels of outdoor light, even on a cloudy day outside.

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Without the correct daylight cues, the eyeball can grow too long, making the child short-sighted, at which point,

they will need lenses or surgery to correct their vision. The NHS advises that ensuring your child regularly spends time playing outside may help reduce the risk of becoming shortsighted.

The Sunshine Vitamin Sunlight helps children produce adequate levels of vitamin D, protecting them from poor bone health, cardiovascular disease and reduced muscle function. The NHS recommends that babies and children aged under 5 years should be given vitamin D supplements even if they do get out in the sun and everyone else should consider daily Vitamin D supplements, especially from October to early March.

SAD Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression thought to affect around 2 million people in the UK, including children. SAD is thought to be related to lack of daylight exposure and the effect that this has on some of the brain’s chemicals and hormones. The exact nature of this effect is not fully understood, but one theory is that light stimulates the part of the brain called the hypothalamus which controls mood, appetite and sleep. In some people insufficient

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odern children are spending more time indoors than previous generations. An extensive survey in 2016 found that three quarters of UK children spend less time outside than prison inmates and a fifth do not play outside at all on an average day. A report by Natural England concluded that 12% of children in the UK had not been to a park or natural environment at all in the preceding year.

sunlight results in a disruption of these processes. Typical symptoms include lack of energy and motivation, sleep problems, feeling depressed or anxious and poor concentration. Making small changes, such as giving your children more access to daylight, even when it’s cloudy, and encouraging regular physical activity, will set them up for a much healthier future. Getting your children to go out and play is an essential component of their long term health. For more info visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonalaffective-disorder-sad www.nhs.uk/conditions/shortsightedness www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/howto-get-vitamin-d-from-sunlight

Singing Theatre Dance Singing Theatre Dance Drama Holiday Workshops Drama Holiday Workshops LAMDA coaching LAMDA coaching

Tel: 0845 388 9789 Tel: 0845 388 9789 info@surreytheatreacademy.co.uk info@surreytheatreacademy.co.uk www. surreytheatreacademy.co.uk www. surreytheatreacademy.co.uk

�� Families Surrey West 7

Early Years

Nanny, Granny or Nursery? Decisions over childcare are some of the most challenging and important that working parents have to make. Whether it’s the cost or the suitability (or lack thereof), parents often grapple with childcare dilemmas right the way through a child’s pre-school and primary school years.

school age, so once you’ve found a good one, excellent continuity is available. Nurseries vary in size and approach and it’s best to visit to truly see what they’re like. Remember: a regulator rating of Outstanding doesn’t mean the setting is right for you and your child.

So how do you go about finding the best for you and your family, regardless of the ages of your children?

Offering year-round care, nurseries can be very cost-effective (£242 per week average) especially for one child but make sure there are no surprise extras such as meals and nappies.

To start, be truly realistic about what the amount of childcare you need. It’s not just the hours you will spend actually at work. What about your commute? Do you have early starts, late finishes or unpredictable hours? Set or varied shifts? If you’re in a relationship, do you and your partner’s hours (and work pressures) match up or are they dissimilar? Can one or both of you work flexibly? Taking all this into consideration will help you assess the childcare options available.

Childcare Options: What’s Best? One of the best ways to learn about the childcare options in your area is to speak to other local parents about their experiences and recommendations. Of course, underpinning most parents’ choice is cost. What are your earnings after tax? Do you have access to taxfree childcare? What is your budget? For average costs in your area, check out this online tool: www.childcare. co.uk/costs

Nursery Day nurseries can care for children from when they’re young babies until

Nurseries will often operate long hours but these tend to be set, with little flexibility. Think about your commute to work. If you choose a nursery close to home, is it easy to continue your onward journey from there? Is there enough time between the time you leave work and the time the nursery closes for you to comfortably get there, taking account of inevitable public transport and traffic delays? Would it be better to choose a nursery close to work if time will be tight at the end of the day? If it’s going to be difficult for you (or your partner) to routinely leave work at a set time, a nursery may not be the ideal option for you.

Childminder Childminders offer childcare in their home with a small number of other children, often at a similar cost to a nursery (average £221 per week), so can be a very cost-effective option. Additionally, a childminder can offer a more flexible approach if you have irregular hours as well as offering care of your child in a home environment. They must be registered, which involves meeting numerous requirements (health and safety,

‘Enriching young minds, a guide for curious learners. A big hand for a li�le hand’’

Your local village pre-school nriching young minds, a guide for curious learners,for children aged 2-5 years 15a hours and 30 hours funding available A big hand for little hand’’ AM, PM and full day sessions available

For further informa�on or to arrange a visit contact us: r local villageTel pre-school for children aged 2-5 years No: 07751 366392 www.rowledgepreschool.co.uk 15 hours Website: and 30 hours funding available

By Gabrielle Nash

development, nutrition, safeguarding etc) just like a nursery. They are also regularly monitored. You do need to consider what happens if your childminder falls ill. Do you have a back up plan? Contact your local authority for a list of registered childminders in your area. Laura and her partner have a 17 month old and only need 3 days childcare “We both are able to work 4 days a week, so we each do 1 day’s childcare and then for the remaining 3 days we have two different childminders, one of which is flexible which can be really helpful.”

Nanny A nanny is the most expensive childcare option (average £400 per week) but arguably the most flexible. If affordable, a live out (or live in) nanny can remove the majority of logistical issues of childcare as they’ll come to your home at times that suit you. Remember though, that there is no legal requirement to have qualifications as a nanny so it can be sensible to use a nanny agency to recruit one and undertake necessary background checks or rely only on a recommendation from someone you trust. A nanny is particularly cost-effective if you have two or more young children, children with any additional needs or if you can set up a nanny-share with another family. Take into consideration that there are other costs involved though; the nanny’s tax and pension, in particular. To work out costs head to Nanny Tax’s online calculator https:// www.nannytax.co.uk/what-we-do/freetools-services/salary-calculator

Child’s Play Pre-School - Guildford . Open 8.30am - 2.45pm .Places available now

.Warm and caring atmosphere .Parking .Forest school sessions .All funding accepted

.15 and 30 hours free childcare places To make an appointment please email info@childsplaypreschool.co.uk or call 07510 254313 / 01483 565343

www.childsplaypreschool.co.uk

Guildford United Reformed Church, 83 Portsmouth Rd, Guildford GU2 4BS

AM, PM and full day sessions available For further or to arrange a visit 8 information Families Surrey West contact us

familiesonline.co.uk

Early Years Family If you’re lucky enough to have a family member to help with childcare then you are very fortunate as it’s known to substantially increase a woman’s chances of returning to work. It’s estimated that 40% of grandparents in the UK provide regular childcare. However, although this may look like a cheaper option, it does still require assessment. Is the family member in good health? Does he or she have other regular commitments? Who covers granny when she is ill or on holiday? You may prefer to keep your family member as back-up childcare for when your child can’t go to nursery or school or even ask them to just do wraparound for a shorter day at nursery, for example.

“LittleLarge Steps,Leaps” Large Leaps” “Little Steps,

details of childcare options that have expertise to support children with SEND. Depending on the availability of services and your child’s needs you may want to look to a combination of specialist and mainstream care. Visit www.familyandchildcaretrust. org for more information on finding suitable childcare near you.

Flexible Working

Free Childcare

Despite not having the progressive approach to state funded childcare as some countries, British parents do enjoy some free childcare. In the last few years there’s been additional support for some parents from the government’s Tax Free Childcare scheme and the free childcare entitlement (for 3 and 4 year olds).

If flexible working is something that appeals to you then consider in advance of asking for it what might work for your career and your family. Compressed hours could mean you do 3 or 4 longer days, allowing for you or your partner to cover one or more days of childcare and save on costs. But if overrunning deadlines make rushing for childcare pick-ups a headache, maybe it’s better to do the equivalent of 3 or 4 days but spread over a week, with earlier finishes to allow for easier evenings.

In England if your child has additional needs or you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit you can receive 15 hours free childcare from age 2. When your child reaches 3 everyone is entitled to 15 hours free childcare and if you’re eligible this extends to 30 hours.

Parental Choice CEO Sarah-Jane Butler is a firm advocate of flexible working but often sees parents not planning childcare that fits with their career. “One key mistake that parents make, is to make the flexible working request and then try to make childcare work to what they envisage that to be like, it’s advisable to sort out what childcare you want first and then make the request.”

Need help navigating the system? Contact your local authority’s family information service. They can help you with your entitlements and they’ll also have a list of local providers from nurseries to childminders.

ChildTrust ren’s and FoodSoiTrust Associationmeal approved * Children’s *Food l AssociandatiSoionl approved s meals * Heals from thy meal s frommenus, seasonal menus, aland l prepared by ourchefsin ha * Healthy meal seasonal all prepared cookedand by ourcooked in house tailored to accommodate tailored to accommodate allergies allergies *andPartfultilmtime eandsessifulonsl tiavai me sessi oens available * Part ti m e l a bl Horley: 01293823500 Horley: 01293823500 Horley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Horley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Funded sessi* Funded ons avaisessi labloens available *Learni IndivindgualProgrammes Learning Programmes * I n di v i d ual Walton-On-Thames: Walton-On-Thames: 01932 252858 01932 252858 * Regul a r Tri p s and Outi n gs Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Regul a r Tri p s and Outi n gs Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk *cExtra Curricular programmes such as: * Extra Curri ul a r programmes such as: Ottershaw: 01932Ottershaw: 874826 01932 874826 “Little Steps, Large Cook &yGrow, EarlLeaps” yProgramme, Language Programme, Magical Maths, Cook & Grow, Earl Language Magi c al Maths, Ottershaw@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Ottershaw@toadhall-nursery.co.uk *LetscalGet, StorkPhysitocWal al, Stork *Lets Get Physi k to Walk Haslemere 01428Haslemere 654117 01428 654117 * PlatinforumFiAward forTraiFinristngAid Training * Pl a ti n um Award r st Ai d Haslemere@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Haslemere@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Nappiand es, Creams and alsunl increams * Nappies, Creams sun creams cluded all included Chessington *eStrong beliefleinarnioutdoor learningtieopportuni ties Chessington 01932 252858 01932 252858 * Strong bel i f i n outdoor n g opportuni s Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Childcare for Special Educational Needs

The childcare system is not perfect, something that parents of SEND children are acutely aware of. Many parents struggle to find both affordable and suitable childcare for their child if they have additional requirements – something that continues into the school years when there are limited provisions during school holidays. It’s advisable to discuss your needs with your local Family Information Service. Ask for

While the grim reality of an inflexible childcare system can be daunting, good quality childcare plays a hugely important role in your child’s development and independence.

For more from Gabrielle Nash, follow her @TheLondonishMum

“Little Steps, Large Leaps”

* Children’s Food Trustand andSoil Soil Association Association approved meals * Children’s Food Trust approved meals * Healthy meals from seasonal menus, all prepared and cooked by our in house chefs and * Healthy *meals from Food seasonal all Association prepared and Children’s Trustmenus, and Soil approved meals tailored to accommodate allergies cooked by intime house and and cooked by our in house chefs and * Healthy meals from seasonal allchefs prepared * Part andour fullmenus, sessions available * Children’s Food Trust and Soil time Association approved meals Horley: 01293823500 tailored to accommodate allergies tailored to accommodate allergies Horley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Funded sessions available * Healthy meals from seasonal menus, all prepared and cooked by our in house chefs and * Part time and full time sessions available * Individual Learning Programmes tailored to accommodate allergies Horley: 01293823500 * Part time and full time sessions available Walton-On-Thames: 01932 252858 * Regular Trips and Outings Horley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Funded sessions available Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Part time and full time sessions available 01293823500 * Funded sessions available * Extra Curricular programmes such as: dhall-nursery.co.uk * Funded sessions available * Individual Learning Programmes Ottershaw: 01932 874826 01932 252858 Walton-On-Thames: Cook & Grow, Early Language Programme, Magical Maths, * Individual Learning Programmes Ottershaw@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Individual Learning Programmes * Regular Trips and Outings Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk ames: 01932 252858 * Lets Get Physical, Stork to Walk * Regular Trips and Outings oadhall-nursery.co.uk * Extra Curricular programmes such as: Haslemere 01428 654117 * Regular Trips and * Platinum Award foras: FirstOutings Aid Training Ottershaw: 01932 874826 * Extra Curricular programmes such Haslemere@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Cook &Creams Grow, and EarlysunLanguage Programme, Magical Maths, w: 01932 874826 Ottershaw@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * *Nappies, creams allsuch included Cook & Grow, Early Language Magical Maths, ExtraProgramme, Curricular programmes as: to Walk adhall-nursery.co.uk * Lets Get Physical, Stork Chessington 01932 252858 * Physical, Strong belief in to outdoor learning Programme, opportunities Stork Walk Cook & Grow, Language Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Haslemere 01428 654117 * Lets Get *Early Platinum Award for First Aid Training e 01428 654117 Haslemere@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Platinum AwardMaths, for FirstLets Aid Get Training Magical Physical, Stork to Walk adhall-nursery.co.uk Nappies, Woking: 01483 486116 * Nappies, Creams and sun* creams all Creams includedand sun creams all included Woking@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Chessington 020 01932 252858 8391 4447 * Platinum Award for in First Aid Training * Strong belief outdoor learning opportunities on 01932 252858 * Strong belief in outdoor learning opportunities Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Bridgeroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Woking: 01483 486116 Woking: 01483 486116 * Strong belief in outdoor learning opportunities Woking@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Woking@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

oadhall-nursery.co.uk

Woking: 01483 486116 : 01483 486116 Woking@toadhall-nursery.co.uk dhall-nursery.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

* Nappies, creams and sun creams all included

Families Surrey West 9

Early Years

Nurseries At Independent Schools

Barrow Hills

St Nicholas’ School

St Hilary’s School

The Ark Nursery, Ripley Court School

Lyndhurst School – Little Lyndhurst, Early Years Department

Belmont

A wealth of experiences awaits your child at Little Lyndhurst! Through innovative activities delivered by experienced Early Years teachers and subject specialist teachers, a bespoke curriculum enables your child to take huge steps in their learning and development. With fantastic, well-resourced outdoor and indoor areas, they focus on the all-round education of your child in their happy, family-oriented environment. Give your child the best start to their educational journey in life. Please contact admissions@lyndhurstschool.co.uk or call 01276 22895. www.lyndhurstschool.co.uk

At Belmont, Early Years pre-school children enjoy either sessional or full-time education (term time only) in a magical setting, with bright and cheerful rooms, two gardens, an adventure playground and woodland activities. French, Music, Drama, Art, PE, IT, swimming and ballet lessons are provided by specialist teachers in addition to the traditional curriculum. An extended day is possible with breakfast club from 7.30am and after school club until 4.20pm. For more information, please visit www.belmont-school.org

Rydes Hill Preparatory School & Nursery

Halstead

St. Andrew’s School

Barrow Hills Nursery is a safe, sociable and supportive nursery in which children can explore, grow in confidence, make friends and, most importantly, have fun. Their dedicated EYFS qualified staff are warm and approachable and want the very best for your child. They create a genuine family feel from the very first day, as well as provide regular updates to you. They’re a traditional yet forward-thinking nursery where children are an integrated, valued part of the whole school community.

The Ark Nursery welcomes children around their third birthday. As an integral part of Ripley Court School, children benefit from the fabulous facilities and specialist teaching from a young age. As part of their normal curriculum they will take part in the Forest School, Food Technology, Swimming, Dance, Music and French.

Rydes Hill Preparatory School & Nursery provides a wonderland of opportunities to ignite children’s natural curiosity within a secure, fun and stimulating environment, tapping into specialist teachers for an array of activities such as Forest School, sport, music & movement and arts & craft. The Nursery offers both termtime only and all yearround places for 48 weeks of the year to provide an outstanding pre-school environment with the benefit of flexibility.

10 Families Surrey West

Learning is easier if it’s fun! At St Nicholas’ School they make sure that this first step is a happy and positive experience. Light airy rooms, bright modern equipment and friendly, experienced staff ensure children are introduced to a world of friends and opportunities, encouraging confidence and respect for others. Forest School and YoChi are some of the many activities they have to offer. 15 hours Early Years Education Funding available. To find out more please contact them on 01252 850121 or email: registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

Halstead offers a nurturing, stimulating and challenging learning environment in which girls aged 2 to 11 learn best. They can truly be themselves and build strong foundations for their future. Their curiosity is sparked in vibrant indoor and outdoor spaces with experienced staff and specialist teaching enabling them to fulfil their potential and talents across a broad curriculum. Halstead was judged ‘outstanding’ in every aspect by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate. Halstead girls establish roots to grow and wings to fly allowing them to go on to be whatever they wish to be. Please contact them to arrange to visit.

St Hilary’s School offers its pupils an outstanding all-round education with small class sizes and well-qualified, specialist staff who provide excellent pastoral care. The well-resourced Early Years room for children to play, learn and explore in also has a large outdoor area complete with its own castle and slide! According to the Independent School Inspectorate “The overall quality and standards of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are outstanding.” Please visit www.sthilarysschool.com for more information.

St. Andrew’s School, Woking, situated in Horsell, is a thriving co-educational independent day school for children aged 3 - 13 years. The Nursery is a happy, vibrant place where children feel secure and gain independence. They promote enquiring minds and equip children with the skills, knowledge and positive attitudes that are key to future success. Children are introduced to phonics and numeracy in fun and lively ways as they are prepared for transition into Reception. For more information, please visit www.st-andrews.woking.sch.uk.

Early Years

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Open Morning Friday 6th March 9:00-10:30 am

Church Hill House, Horsell, Woking, Surrey GU21 4QW Telephone: 01483 760943 www.st-andrews.woking.sch.uk Reg. Charity No. 297580 ~ Established to promote and provide for the advancement of education

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‘Excellent’ in all areas - ISI Inspection 2016 INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS & BOYS AGED 3-13

~ Developing potential for life ~

NURSERY & PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 2 – 11 YEARS

Halstead Preparatory School Woodham Rise, Woking, Surrey GU21 4EE

halstead-school.org.uk

St Nicholas’ School fleet • hampshire

An independent day school for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-16

Open Mornings Wednesday 5th February 2020 9.30am – 12.00pm

• • • • • •

Small class sizes Inspirational teachers A caring, family ethos Purpose-built facilities Outstanding results ‘Excellent’ ISI Inspection

• School buses run from Alton, Bentley, Basingstoke, Bramley, Chineham, Hook, Old Basing, Odiham, Hartley Wintney, Fleet, Farnham, Rowledge, Yateley, Camberley, Farnborough and Aldershot

Saturday 7th March 2020 10.00am - 1.00pm

Year 7 Entrance Exams 10th January 2020

T. 01252 850121 | E. registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk @stnicholasschool |

@stnicholasfleet

st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

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Families Surrey West 11

Early Years

Preparing Your Child for School

By Sarah McKinlay

throughout the day and develop a positive ethos around the importance of communicating and expressing feelings, of any kind. This will have multiple benefits (including knowing how your child is really feeling and maintaining an open and trusting rapport), both now and in the future. Sharing and Interaction

f your child is starting school in September, you may be wondering how best to prepare them for this big new adventure!

Firstly, don’t worry if they can’t read a word or write their own name. The ability to interact, communicate and exercise a degree of independence is actually far more important than reading or writing skills when a child starts school. In fact, research shows a link between strong personal, social and emotional skills in Reception and higher levels of attainment in the future. So if you want to strengthen your child’s skills in these areas, here are some tips. Independence The aim is for children to be responsible for themselves, their belongings and their actions at school. Help your child learn to get dressed, put on their coats/shoes, go to the toilet, tidy away toys and select their own activity resources.

The more opportunities your child gets to interact and learn how to share and take turns, the less of a shock it will be when he or she starts school! However, expect this to be an on-going process. Allow your child lots of opportunities to play with siblings and organise lots of play dates. If disagreements occur between children, talk to them about how to resolve issues, modelling language and behaviour which gives them strategies and words to prevent or resolve disagreements in the future. Respect for Behavioural Boundaries At school, behavioural expectations and boundaries are likely to include: • Listening the first time they are asked to pay attention • Keeping hands/feet to themselves • Sharing and taking turns • Looking after things • Tidying away • Being kind to others You can reinforce these expectations at home by teaching children to respect themselves, their actions and the feelings of others.

Communication and Language

Physical (Gross and Fine Motor Skills)

Research demonstrates that competent speakers develop into competent readers and writers; without competent spoken language, learning to read and write is more difficult. Language allows children to interact with the world. Being able to communicate their message effectively is satisfying and develops their esteem and self-confidence. Model good spoken language, with correct pronunciation of sounds, and encourage your child to speak in full sentences using an expanding vocabulary. Talk to your child about their experiences and feelings

All activities require some sort of physicality, whether it be large (gross) or small (fine) movements. Gross motor skills are developed when hopping, skipping, running, jumping, galloping, balancing, pedalling a bike, using a scooter, climbing, throwing, catching, and kicking a ball. Varying the speed and direction of movement activities also develops spatial awareness. Your child can have fun developing fine motor skills at home with every day activities such as using pegs and scissors, bead threading, button fastening, moulding play-dough, and painting.

Exploring and Investigating Often the most effective learning occurs when a child is left to his own devices, without nicely-prepared resources and prescriptive instructions about how to do something. Make a conscious effort to step back and allow your child the opportunity to use his initiative and develop his creative, imaginative and innovative skills through exploring, investigating and initiating his own learning. Children learn by exploring, trying out and adapting ideas for themselves and taking ownership. Present your child with a large cardboard box (and the opportunity to access other resources/toys). See what he or she does with it. In the latter stages of his or her ‘creation’ you may wish to step in to play too, but allow your child to initiate the direction of the play and conversation. All the above skills can be naturally weaved into your everyday lives. Enjoy and treasure these precious last few months with your child at home, and keep the above tips in mind to promote a positive start to your child’s school life. Sarah McKinlay is a mother and school teacher with qualifications in psychology.

For September 2020 school places the closing date for on-time applications for primary, infant and junior school is 15 January 2020 (for both Surrey and Hampshire). Most open days are in the Autumn, but we have found a few schools that have open days/tours in early January (please contact the school if you want to attend an open day): St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School, Godalming Tues 7th Jan from 9.30am. Queen Eleanor’s C of E Junior School, Guildford Wed 8th Jan 9.30am and Thurs 9th Jan 1.30pm. Ewhurst C of E Infant School Thurs 9th Jan 9.30am. St. Andrew’s C of E Infant School, Farnham Thurs 9th Jan 9.30am. St. Nicolas’ Infant School, Guildford Fri 10th Jan 9.30am. Independent Schools have different deadlines. For independent school open days please see page 17.

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially developed to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention.

Classes in:

. Farnham . Frimley . Godalming . Guildford . Haslemere . Woking

Quote SUW140220 for a £40 discount!

Go to perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk

12 Families Surrey West

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Early Years

prepare to be curious!

Open

MOrning

Barrow Hills School is a prep school and nursery for girls and boys aged 2 to 13, committed to delivering an exceptional broad and varied curriculum with a strong family ethos in a safe and stimulating environment. Please visit us to see how our children are prepared for greater things.

Fri 28 Feb th

9:30

www.barrowhills.org

We are delighted to introduce free taster sessions in our Nursery, The Ark. These will be held every first and third Tuesday morning of the month during term time from 9.15 – 10.15 am. Come along from January 2020 and meet our team to see the magic happening first hand.

@barrowhills Roke Lane Witley, Surrey GU8 5NY

J O R A PA R A M

FREE TASTER SESSIONS in The Ark

W E A R E P R E PA R E D F O R G R E AT E R T H I N G S

Please book your preferred session with Mrs Gray, Registrar via 01483 225217 or email registrar@ripleycourt.co.uk

St Hilary’s Preparatory School Godalming 2—11 years

Welcoming boys to join Year 3 and 4 in a plan to become fully co-ed by Sept 2022

“Happy, charming and academically successful” The Good Schools Guide Open Days: Saturday 18th January and Friday 28th February 2020 Year 3 Entry Scholarships and Bursaries available

Tel: 01483 416551 • @StHilarysSchool • Email: registrar@sthilarysschool.com

www.sthilarysschool.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Surrey West 13

Early years

Local Nurseries Guildford Nursery School

Toad Hall Nursery Group

Guildford Nursery School provides a bespoke approach that meets the individual needs of each child. Together with stimulating environments inside and out, staff are their greatest asset. They are very experienced and very well trained. Qualified teachers lead the learning. They are very inclusive and believe that every child has the right to high quality early education. Their special needs co-ordinator works tirelessly to ensure the best possible start for children who have additional needs. All their children spend time engaging with nature in their wonderful outdoor spaces and at Forest School. They offer funded and fee-paying sessions. Please see www.guildfordnscc.surrey.sch.uk for more details.

Toad Hall Nursery Group is a family chain of 12 nurseries throughout the South East England, providing a welcoming, safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and play. They offer childcare and early education for children from 3 months to school age. The standard of their child care and early years’ education has earned them an Ofsted grade Good. They invite you to visit them and find out about the allinclusive services they offer and why they are the ideal choice for your child. Take a look at their website to find the nearest Toad Hall Nursery to you: https://www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk/our-nurseries.

Child’s Play Pre-School

Rowledge Pre-School

A warm, caring and friendly Pre-school based in the United Reformed Church Hall in Central Guildford. Open 8.30am to 2.45pm; children can attend Mornings, Afternoons, or full days. Light, bright and spacious hall; outdoor area and weekly Forest School sessions. Children accepted from two years old until school age. All funding accepted - 15 hours, FEET, Childcare Vouchers, and 30 hours free childcare available. Contact info@ childsplaypreschool.co.uk or 07941 346953 or visit www.childsplaypreschool.co.uk and complete the “Register Interest” form.

Rowledge Pre-School provides a home from home environment for children to explore and learn from ages 2-5 years. The Pre-School has been a part of the village community for over 45 years and they pride themselves on offering a warm, friendly setting for children and families to flourish. 15 and 30 hours funding is available, and morning, afternoon and all day sessions are on offer. For more information please see www. rowledgepreschool.co.uk or call 07751 366392.

Going to Nursery Improves Behaviour

hildren who go to nursery are better behaved and have fewer emotional problems than those cared for by family or a childminder, a new study has found.

Those who attended nursery, crèche or day care centre staffed by professionals for a year or more found it easier to make friends and had better social skills than youngsters who stayed at home. Researchers believe more stimulating play, more time spent reading, following rules from a young age and getting praise mean children thrive in a nursery setting. The study by the Sorbonne University in France looked at the factors involved in childhood health and development using a survey of 1,428 children. It tracked their emotional development from birth up to age 8. Previous research has suggested early childcare can boost a child’s language and thinking skills, and may improve their academic performance. More info: www.jech.bmj.com.

14 Families Surrey West

familiesonline.co.uk

Early years

For children 2-5 years old High quality education led by qualiﬁed teachers and staﬀ Hazel Avenue York Road Guildford Guildford Surrey Surrey GU1 1NR GU1 4DU 01483 566589 01483 561652

admissions@guildfordnscc.surrey.sch.uk www.guildfordnscc.surrey.sch.uk

Pre-School Reading Tips

hen children start school, there will be some who can read fluently and some who cannot yet recognise any letters. You should not feel at all pressurised into teaching your children to read before starting school, but it is important to introduce books and read to your children from the earliest age to give them the best possible start. Have fun sharing books and reading aloud to your children as much as you can. Rather than racing through a bedtime story, let children interrupt and ask questions. Making reading sessions more interactive will help your child’s comprehension and should encourage a love of books. When children start school, they will learn to read using phonics. It is the letter sounds that are more important to learn rather than the letter names. Different schools use different phonics programmes, but it is likely that children will learn their letter sounds in small groups together and then work on blending them to make words. The first sound group is normally ‘s, a, t, p, i, n’. Once children know these sounds, they will be encouraged to blend them together to make words, such as ‘s – i – t’.

familiesonline.co.uk

By Liz Walker from www.readingchest.co.uk

The speedier children become at recognising letter sounds, the easier it becomes to blend them together and learn to read. Try to introduce letters and their sounds through play. As soon as children have learned the first few sounds, they can start to read. Selecting the right level of books to build confidence is important. Reading scheme books are designed to do this and are central to teaching children to read in primary schools. There are a number of fully decodable reading schemes available - such as Phonics Bug, Big Cat Phonics and Floppy’s Phonics. The most important thing to get right when helping children read is to pronounce sounds correctly. This might seem obvious – but when sounding out ‘mat’, it is important to sound out the ‘m’ at the beginning as ‘mm’ sound rather than ‘muh’. There are lots of websites to help with letter sound pronunciation, such as the phonics section of oxfordowl.co.uk.

Save £5! For more information on phonics books and access to a wide variety of reading schemes, visit www. readingchest.co.uk, the book rental service for children learning to read. Use the discount code SURREYWEST to get £5 off your first month’s membership.

Families Surrey West 15

Schools & Education

School News

St Hilary’s School Awarded Full Accreditation of the International School Award

Lyndhurst Tots – New Baby & Toddler Group Launching!

St Hilary’s School was recently awarded the full accreditation of the International School Award from the British Council, which recognises the school’s commitment to embedding international awareness and understanding across the entire school and in curriculum teaching. The school’s plans to become fully co-educational by 2022 have been successfully implemented with boys joining Year 3 for the first time in September 2019. Headmistress Jane Whittingham said “The boys have moved seamlessly from Pre-Prep to Prep and the boys and girls are enjoying the opportunity to learn together. As a family orientated school, it has been fantastic to see the boys integrating so well.” With new Bursaries and Scholarships available for Year 3 entry, why not visit the school at one of the upcoming open mornings on Saturday 18th January or Friday 28th February. Please contact the registrar for more details 01483 416551.

Lyndhurst School in Camberley are launching a brand new Toddler Group at the end of February. The group is open to all parents and carers with babies and toddlers. There will be stories, crafts, 020! for 2 New singing, snack time and much more! The first session Lyndhurst is free and will be held on Friday 28th February at 9.30am - for more details please see page 5.

Baby & Toddler Group

Every Friday morning from 9:30am until 11:30am

Building Confidence at Rydes Hill Preparatory School All welcome, join us to enjoy

Play • Stories • Crafts • Snack Time • Singing • and much more!

Tea / Coffee and a chat! The Speech and Drama department at Rydes Hill Preparatory School & £1 per session Nursery have had another astonishing year. 64 please pupils Speech For moreAll information visit ourtaking website: www.lyndhurstschool.co.uk or call Carly Alder on 01276 22895 and Drama exams in 2019 were awarded distinction, placing Rydes Hill as Lyndhurst School (Please use main entrance) 36 The Avenue,and Camberley, Drama GU15 3NE one of the top prep schools in the UK for Speech for the third @lyndhurstschool year running, according to The Victoria College of Music and Drama. Every child is encouraged from Reception onwards to perform in front of the whole School community in assemblies, Christmas Nativity and outstanding summer productions. The Headmistress, Mrs Norville said “As a nonselective School, we are incredibly proud of our girls and the confidence they project on stage from such an early age. This is largely due to our inspirational and passionate Drama teacher, Miss Quinn, who empowers each and every child and encourages them to develop self-confidence, a creative imagination and maturity in interpersonal skills”.

An outstanding Catholic Prep School and Nursery in Guildford for girls aged 3-11 and boys aged 3-7

The secret to success is…

sharing your child’s reading journey Regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level.

Rydes Hill is a non-selective, one-form entry Prep School open to all faiths and beliefs. Our small class sizes ensure every child benefits from individualised learning paths and we are proud to be one of the top Prep Schools in the country for Speech and Drama.

NOW TAKING REGISTRATIONS FOR 2020 01483 563 160

16 Families Surrey West

www.rydeshill.com

www.readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read

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School Open Days

Schools & Education

Please contact the schools to find out if you need to register as many schools require you to book a place at their open day

School

Open Day Date

Aldro School. Boys 7-13 yrs.

Thurs 30 Jan 10am-11.30am.

Amesbury School. Mixed 2-13 yrs.

Fri 7 Feb 10am–12pm.

Barfield School. Mixed 2-13 yrs.

Please contact the school.

Barrow Hills School, Witley 01428 683639 Mixed 2-13 yrs.

Fri 28 Feb 9.30-11am.

Belmont School In the Surrey Hills between Guildford and Dorking. 01306 730852 Mixed 2-16 yrs.

Mon 10 Feb, Fri 6 March, Fri 24 April 10.30am.

Coworth Flexlands School Boys 3-7 yrs, girls 3-11 yrs.

Talk & Tour: Fri 17 Jan, Wed 5 Feb. Open day: Wed 26 Feb.

Cranleigh Prep School. Mixed 7-13 yrs.

Wed 26 Feb.

Cranmore School. Mixed 2½-13 yrs.

Fri 15 May.

Duke of Kent School. Mixed 3-16.

Fri 7 Feb 9.30am-12pm.

Edgeborough, Frensham Mixed 2-13 yrs.

Fri 13 March from 10.30am.

Frensham Heights. Mixed 3-18 yrs.

Sat 16 May.

Glenesk School, E Horsley Mixed 2-7 yrs.

Fri 28 Feb 9.30am.

Greenfield School. Mixed 3-11 yrs.

Fri 7 Feb 9am.

Guildford High School. Girls 4-18.

Junior School: Thurs 30 Jan, Wed 26 Feb.

Halstead Prep School. registrar@halstead-school.org.uk 01483 772682. Girls 2-11 yrs.

Fri 6 March 9am-10.30am.

Highfield and Brookham School Liphook Mixed 3-13 yrs.

Sat 11 Jan 10am-12pm.

Hoe Bridge School, Woking Mixed 3-13 yrs.

Tues 3 March 9.30am.

Lanesborough School. Boys 3-13.

Please contact the school.

Longacre School, Shamley Green Mixed 2½-11 yrs.

Wed 22 Jan 9.30am-12pm (Early Years). Tues 11 Feb.

Lyndhurst School, Camberley 01276 22895 Mixed 3-11 yrs.

Sat 7 March.

Manor House School. Girls 2-16 yrs.

Wed 5 Feb 9.15-11am.

Moon Hall School Specialist school for dyslexic children.

Please contact the school.

Ripley Court School, Ripley 01483 225217 Mixed 3-13 yrs.

Fri 24 April 10am-12pm.

The Royal School Mixed 6 wks-18 yrs.

Junior School: Fri 20 March.

Rydes Hill Preparatory & Nursery Guildford 01483 563160 Girls 3-11 yrs, Boys 3-7 yrs.

Sat 14 March 10am–12pm. Please book a place as they have a themed ‘Bear Hunt’ morning of activities.

St Andrews School, Horsell 01483 760943 Mixed 3-13 yrs.

Fri 13 March 9-11am. Thurs 7 May 9-11am.

St Catherine’s School, Bramley 01483 899665 Girls 4-18 yrs.

Prep School: Fri 7 Feb, Thurs 12 March 9.45am.

St Edmund’s School, Hindhead Mixed 2-16 yrs.

Sat 8 Feb 10am.

St Hilary’s School, Godalming 01483 416551 Mixed 2-11 yrs (now taking boys from Nursery to Year 4 inclusive in a phased plan to be fully co-educational by Sept 2022).

Sat 18 Jan 10.30am-12.30pm Fri 28 Feb 10.30am-12pm Fri 6 March 10.30am-12pm.

St Ives School Girls 2-11 yrs, boys 2-7 yrs.

Fri 24 Jan, Fri 7 Feb.

St Nicholas’ School, Fleet 01252 850121 Boys 3-7 yrs, Girls 3-16 yrs.

Wed 5 Feb 9.30am-12pm, Sat 7 March 10am-1pm.

St Teresa’s Effingham. Girls 2-18 yrs.

Fri 1 May.

Tormead School. Girls 4-18 yrs.

Junior School: Mon 23 March 9.30am-11am.

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Competitive fees / Flexi or weekly boarding Bespoke day options from 7.30am—8pm / Minibus services

A breath of fresh air

Located between Guildford and Dorking in the Surrey Hills 01306 730852 www.belmont-school.org @belmontdorking

#Achievement Through Happiness OPEN DAY—MONDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 10.30AM—12PM

Families Surrey West 17

Days Out

Please double check event with organiser to avoid disappointment

RHS Garden Wisley Houseplants have taken over at RHS Garden Wisley in The Great Houseplant Takeover from 25 January - 1 March. Step into a house reclaimed by its plants long after its human inhabitants have left. A banana has pushed through the roof, carnivorous plants feast in the dining room and cacti play chess. A few plants have grown rather too large and tower over their relatives. In the Glasshouse (which is open 10am-3.45pm ©RHS Guy Harrop daily). Included in admission. Also, during half term from 15-23 February 10am-4pm, you can enjoy a range of fun all-weather activities and discover more about the wild weather of the UK, these activities are also included in admission. Book entry tickets online in advance to save 10%.

Jump In Jump In have you covered for after-school fun and fitness! An end to the Christmas holidays doesn’t have to mean an end to the fun and Gravity Force Jump In Trampoline Park in Camberley is the perfect place to let off some steam. As well as Open Jumping, Jump In Trampoline Park in Camberley offers sessions to suit everyone, including AfterSchool Deal; Jump and Play and Gravity Tots sessions for the under fives; Friday Night Takeover; Toddler Time, Relaxed Sessions (with SEN activities and Rebound Therapy) and Fitness Classes (for all ages). Besides trampolines, the Jump In fun includes dodgeball, battle beam, basketball, tumble track, foam pit and Wipe Out plus a soft play area for the under fives. Further details are available at: www. gojumpin.com/locations/trampoline-park-camberley

New total wipeout!

Alice Holt Forest At Alice Holt Forest, explore walking and cycling trails, play areas and find magnificent wooden animal play structures as well as the ever popular Gruffalo sculptures. Children will love the Timberline play trail and the new Dormouse Crossing and Centenary Trees play structures provide hours of play for all the family. Join in the fun with the new Shaun the Sheep Glow Trail – available until March 2020. Experience the forest from up high on the thrilling Go Ape Tree Top Challenge course, hire a bike or if you simply want to relax, picnic in the fresh air or enjoy lunch at the café. Why not finish your visit with a quiet stroll or bike ride in one of the more remote parts of the forest.

18 Families Surrey West

Brand NEW Attractions at AirHop Guildford Unleash your inner winner on the brand-new Obstacle Course, exclusive AR Trampolines, Dodge Attack and much more! Ultimate bouncing fun for kids and big kids – guaranteed to leave you with a big fat smile on your face.

Use code FAMILIESSW20 for 20% off tickets to AirHop Guildford!

AirHop Trampoline Park Guildford offers a wide range of hoptastic activities - with over 50 interconnected trampolines that run across the floor and up the walls on the Main Court plus Dodgeball, Slam Dunk, Foam Pit and more. From MiniHopper sessions for under 5s, to teambuilding for big kids, to birthday parties for all ages - it’s the place to be for 100% fun. AirHop is conveniently located in Guildford and close to the A3 with free parking, a café and a viewing mezzanine to watch people defy gravity while you put your feet up! Book now at airhop-guildford.com or give them a call on 0330 223 3333.

Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village Nestled in the beautiful Surrey Hills, Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village has something for all the family to enjoy. Collect a free trail to help children explore the collection in a more tactile way. There are multisensory bags for Under 5s and Artists’ Village backpacks with quizzes, games and tactile objects. There are wild woodlands to explore and make camps in, play areas to enjoy and cake to treat yourself to in the Tea Shop. On Sundays from 10.30am-4pm, drop in to the family-friendly Make Space to explore different kinds of materials and making; it’s free with admission and features a new activity every week. There are lots of extra activities in half term – see the listing on page 22 or visit www.wattsgallery.org.uk for more details. Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Compton, Guildford GU3 1DQ. 01483 810235. Under 18s go free.

Bocketts Farm Park Enjoy a great day out on the farm this February Half Term (15 - 23 February) with the start of the Spring lambing. There are up to 70 lambs due from Feb 14th - you may even see one being born! Birds of Prey will also be at the farm MondayFriday where you can meet them up close and watch the flying demonstrations twice daily. What’s more, the wonderful ‘Gigglettes’ from The Giggle Company will be running shows daily with lots of dancing, games, bubbles and more! Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, small animal encounters and pig racing, plus you can enjoy acres of indoor and outdoor play, inclusive of a giant heated playbarn. Great fun for the whole family, whatever the weather!

Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park There’s lots going on at Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park. At the Pick’n’Mix Playstore, children can swim in the ball pools, climb ropes, swing over ravines, shoot down slides and crawl through tunnels - a place of fun and adventure for all children aged 12 years and under. The Leisure Lagoon featuring flumes, water features and waves is fun for the whole family. The Swim School offers lessons for all ages and abilities and also on offer are Disney family swim sessions aimed at 3-11 years old of all abilities (accompanied by an adult). There are Go bananas sessions for under 5s which includes trampolines, soft play, bouncy castle and arts and crafts. On Friday nights 6-17 year olds can enjoy an hour of trampoline fun – 4-5pm for 6-11 year olds and 7-8pm for 11-17s. There is lots more including a holiday camp, sports courses and parties. See http://bit.ly/ wlcholidays for details or call 01483 771122.

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Days Out Godstone Farm Olympics From Sat 15 to Sun 23 February you can enjoy an action packed day on the farm and celebrate this Olympic year as you complete their farm themed challenges. Will your toy tractor win the race? Will your welly throw be far enough? Get all 5 rings and join them on the winners podium! With animal encounters and play areas to keep all mini Olympians busy, everyone’s a winner! https://godstonefarm.co.uk/

From 18-21 February, at Bourne Valley Garden Centre, Addlestone you can enjoy breakfast in the restaurant followed by painting your own pottery with Jazz It Up Ceramics! Recommended for ages 5-12. £16.99 per child including breakfast, materials and equipment. The event runs from 9.30-11am. Pottery items will be glazed, fired and returned to the garden centre ready to collect at a later date. Booking essential. Visit www. bournevalleygardencentre. co.uk to view the breakfast menu and book online.

RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

Bourne Valley Garden Centre

15 – 23 February Bring your wellies, grab a jacket and join us for fun family activities inside and out, whatever the weather.

RHS members go free

Your visit supports our work as a charity

FREE TRIAL 1-29 FEBRUARY

Kumon maths and English study can help your child achieve beyond expectations. Book your one-week Free Trial now!

Farnham Guildford East Guildford North Haslemere

01252 01483 01372 01428

416337 901477 378377 642863

Ability development for any child at any age Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only. Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

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kumon.co.uk

Families Surrey West 19

What’s On Diary

Please double check event with organiser to avoid disappointment

TUESDAY 7 JANUARY

MONDAY 13 JANUARY

Storytelling for Under 5s The Lightbox Woking 11-11.40am. Suggested donation £3. First come, first served basis from 10.30am. For under 5s with an adult.

Little Chicks, Halstead Preparatory School Woodham Rise, Woking 2-3pm. For children up to 3 with an adult. Friendly Parent & Toddler Sessions run every Monday during term time. A stimulating range of toys, crafts and activities with refreshments for all. To book please contact the Registrar on registrar@ halstead-school.org.uk.

THURSDAY 9 JANUARY Wild Tots, Nower Wood Education Centre Leatherhead 10am-12pm. Forest School inspired adventures for 2-5 year olds with an adult. Booking essential at www. surreywildlifetrust.org/families. Runs every week in term time.

FRIDAY 10 JANUARY Wild Tots, Pucks Oak Barn Compton For 2-5 year olds with an adult. Sessions include arts and crafts, games, mud Wild Tots kitchens, exploration, mini beasts and so much more. Booking essential at www.surreywildlifetrust.org/ families. Runs every week in term time. 10am-12pm. No Place like Home Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30-11.30am. Story and craft for accompanied under 5s. No need to book. Adult £1, child £2.

SATURDAY 11 JANUARY NCT ‘Big Push’ Charity Walk Witley Common 10.30am-12pm. 5k buggyfriendly walk with shorter routes available. Treasure hunt along the way. Suggested £3 donation per family. Open to all, you do not need to be an NCT member. Limited parking. The Lion King (PG) (2019) Cranleigh Arts Centre 2pm. Relaxed Screening. £8.25; Under 25s £5.50. Sayers Croft Trust Ewhurst

Wild Club For 0-6 yr olds (with an adult) who love to get outside and explore. Free but book in advance online. Really Wild Club 2-4pm for 6-11 year olds. Lots of fun activities outdoors. £4, book in advance online. Rationing Reality Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30am-12pm. Take a look at WWII rationing and consider how we would cope today! For ages 5-11. Book in advance. Dora and the Lost City of Gold (PG), Borough Hall Godalming 3-5pm. Book at www.waverley.gov.uk/cinema.

20 Families Surrey West

Little Twigs Ripley Court School Rose Lane, Ripley Every Monday in term time from 9.30am11am. Woodland Stay and Play for children 18 months - 3 years with an adult. Play in the woodland and enjoy lots of outside activities. £3 per child per session. Please book online www.ripleycourt.co.uk/littletwigs.

TUESDAY 14 JANUARY Busy Bees Toddler Group St Hilary’s School Holloway Hill, Godalming For children aged 1-2 years and their parents on Tuesday afternoons (2-3pm) in term time. The cost is £1, all are welcome. No booking needed. Please call 01483 416551 for more information.

WED 15 JANUARY Woodland Explorers Belmont School Holmbury St Mary Free. 10.30am-11.30am. A fun activity session for parents with children under 5. Activities include den building, climbing, bug hunting and playing in the mud kitchen. Runs every Wednesday in term time and is followed by refreshments. You can book via www.belmont-school.org/ woodland-explorers. Toddler Time Rydes Hill School Guildford Toddler group for children 18 months – 3 years (younger siblings welcome). 9.30-10.30am. Free. Runs every Wednesday in term time. There is one of five fun and engaging activities each week such as Outdoor Explorers or Music and Movement. Please book at www.rydeshill.com/ nursery/toddler-time-sessions.

FRIDAY 17 JANUARY Watts Tots: Portraits Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village Compton 10-11am. Child £5, adults free. Pre-booking required. For under 5s with an adult. Experiment with paper plates and other materials to create portraits, play with faces and make masks to take away.

Painting for Under 5s The Lightbox Woking 11am. For under 5s with an adult. Child £4, adult free. Booking essential.

SATURDAY 18 JANUARY Kids’ Craft: Air Balloon Lanterns Cranleigh Arts Centre 2-3pm. £6 per child. Create a hot air balloon lantern. For ages 5+. Please pre-book. Paper Guildford Dragons Victorian Schoolroom 39½ Castle Street, Guildford

Make your own cheeky Guildford Dragon. Drop-in anytime from 11am-1pm. For ages 4+ with an adult. Activities Morning St Hilary’s School

Holloway Hill, Godalming

10.30am-12.30pm. Winter Picnic for pre-school children with arts and crafts, music and playtime with the parachute. Refreshments will be provided. Parents/Guardians are required to stay. Activity morning for children in Year 1 or 2 includes Art, Lego, Drama, Music and Science. Parents can leave their child after they have been registered and enjoy refreshments in the Pepperpot if they wish. Please register for either session by contacting registrar@sthilarysschool.com or calling 01483 416551.

TUESDAY 21 JANUARY Storytelling for Under 5s The Lightbox See 7 January.

FRIDAY 24 JANUARY Space Explorers Haslemere Educational Museum 1.30-2.30pm. Learn all about the wonders of space, listen to a story and create your own universe! Adult £1, child £2. No need to book. For under 5s with an adult.

SATURDAY 25 JANUARY Big Garden Bird Watch Haslemere Educational Museum Free. Family drop-in event from 10.30am-1pm. Make bird cakes, enjoy crafts and discover the birds in the Museum grounds and galleries.

SAT 25 JAN-SUN 1 MAR The Great Houseplant Takeover, RHS Wisley See listing on page 18.

TUESDAY 28 JANUARY Sticker Art Surrey Heath Museum Camberley 11am-12.30pm. Drop-in crafts for under 5s with an adult. Donation £1, includes squash and biscuits.

SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY National Storytelling Week Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30-12pm. Storytelling and making up stories. For ages 5-11. Mem £5, non-mem £7. Book in advance.

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY Studio Sunday The Lightbox Woking Drop in anytime from 11.30am-3.30pm. Get messy and explore different techniques. Children must be with an adult. Adult and one child £9.50, add on ticket £5.

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY Storytelling for Under 5s The Lightbox See 7 January.

FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY Watts Tots: Textures Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village Watts Tots Compton

1011am. £5 per child, adults free. Prebooking required. For under 5s with an adult. Explore different textures, colours and shapes and cut and stick beautiful collages inspired by nature. Fascinating Fossils Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30-11.30am. For under 5s with an adult. No booking needed. Child £2, adult £1.

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY Kids’ Craft: Love Heart Wreaths Cranleigh Arts Centre 2-3pm. Get crafty with paper collage and make a lovely Valentine. For ages 5+. £6 per child. Please pre-book. Wild Club and Really Wild Club, Sayers Croft Trust

See listing on 11 January.

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave, Farnham Maltings 2-4pm. Adult £13, child £9 (pre-walkers free). Dance under the nightclub lighting, with bubbles, balloons and glitter plus craft tables. For ages 0-8. Please pre-book.

SAT 8–SUN 23 FEB Colour Quest Trail, Claremont Landscape Garden Esher 10.30am-4pm. Head outside with an I-Spy trail to discover the flora and fauna that make Claremont colourful. Admission + £1 per trail.

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What’s On Diary FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY Painting for Under 5s, The Lightbox See 17 January.

SAT 15 FEBRUARY Make Your Own Table Placemat, Guildford Museum As part of the Eating In exhibition, come and make a personalised placemat. Drop-in anytime from 11am-1pm. For ages 4+ with an adult.

SAT 15 – SUN 23 FEB Half Term at Bocketts Farm Park See listing on page 18. February Half Term Family Fun - Whatever the Weather RHS Garden Wisley Fun half term activities - see page 18 for more details. Animal Quiz, Elm Nursery Children’s Farm Sutton Green, Guildford There will be an animal quiz on the farm. 50p + normal farm entry (child £3, adult £2, under 2s are free). Answer all the questions and claim a small prize in the farm shop. Elm Farm Cafe will be open selling homemade lunches, cakes and pasties.

Half-term Trail Hatchlands Park 10am-4pm. Explore the parkland on a fun half-term trail, included in admission. Half-term Trail: Shapes and Sizes Winkworth Arboretum Godalming 10.30am–4pm. Get some fresh air as you discover all things great and small with the children’s trail. Admission + £1 per trail.

Alice Holt Forest

February Half-term Trail Polesden Lacey

• • • • •

Gt Bookham, Nr Leatherhead

10am–3pm. The family outdoor trail will show you the secret power of trees – how they look after themselves and each other. £3 + admission. Godstone Farm Olympics See listing on page 19.

Activity Centre Gruffalo Sculptures New play areas Go Ape Cafe

forestryengland.uk

MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY Discover Mixed Media Art Farnham Maltings For ages 6+. 9.30-11am or 11.30am-1pm. £15 per session. Have fun experimenting with paint, drawing and collage. Please pre-book.

Godstone Farm Olympics 15th - 23rd February 2020

Create Your Own Comic Workshop, G Live Guildford For ages 7-12. £20. 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm. Please pre-book.

Can you complete all 5 challenges and make it onto our hay bale podium?

1st 2nd

3rd

Book online & save! www.godstonefarm.co.uk

FM/WINTER2019

Visit www.bournevalleygardencentre.co.uk to view the breakfast menu options and book tickets

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Families Surrey West 21

What’s On Diary

Please double check event with organiser to avoid disappointment

MON 17 – FRI 21 FEB

TUES 18 - SAT 22 FEB

Story Art Workshops Surrey Heath Museum Camberley 11am-12.30pm or 2-3.30pm. £3.50. Create magical pictures to illustrate Artist Alex’s story. Under 5s need to be with an adult. Please pre-book.

Amazing Archaeology! Surrey History Centre

TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY

130 Goldsworth Rd, Woking

During normal opening hours enjoy free drop in arts and crafts activities based on archaeology! For ages 3-11 accompanied by an adult.

Action Stations Sayers Croft Trust Ewhurst £8pp. 10am-2pm. Outdoor adventure days for SEND children aged 8-15. Please book online. Farmyard Cupcake Decorating, Farnham Maltings Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village 10.30-11.45am. For ages 6-11. TUE 18 FEB - SUN 23 FEB Decorate farmyard animal cupcakes. £13. Please pre-book. Half Term Fun, Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village G Live Compton, Guildford Activities Guildford Please pre-book. are inspired by the portraits of Dance in a Day: Cats William Orpen and G F Watts For ages 7-12. 10am-4pm. across the Artists’ Village. £35. Learn a dance routine Making Faces which will be performed at the 10.30am - 4pm. Free with end of the session in make-up. admission (admission is free Theatrical Make Up: Cats for under 18s). Step into the For 11-16s. £40. 10am-4pm. pop-up portrait studio to Your creations will be brought experiment with drawing using to life in a performance by the mirrors and perspex. For all Dance in a Day performers. ages. Hockney Week: 3d Every Picture Tells A Story... Landscapes, The Lightbox 10.30am, 11.30am & 12.30pm Woking For ages 5-7 with an on Fri 21 & Sun 23 Feb. Free adult. 1.30-3pm. Create a 3D with admission. Aimed at ages landscape. Child £8, adult free. 5+, pre-booking advised. G F Book in advance. Watts wanted to paint the most interesting faces - you can see Dance In A Day, Princes Hall some of them in the galleries. Aldershot 10am-5pm. £21. For Who are they, what did they do 6-10 yr olds. Please pre-book. and how do they feel to be on display? Join Storyteller, Olivia The West End Centre Armstrong, to hear the stories Aldershot Please book online: of some of the characters, Mini Matisse wake up the paintings and Re-create one of Matisse’s animate the Gallery. famous works. For ages 5+. Digital Portraits Pots for Tots Thurs 20 - Sun 23 Feb 10.30am or 12.30pm. For pre10.30am-12.30pm (for 8-12 schoolers with an adult. Clay yrs) and 2-4pm (for 13-16 yrs). workshop. £10. Pre-booking required. Street Dance with Heidi Explore the possibilities of 10.30am or 11.30am. For ages using smart phones and iPads 8-11. Learn street dance basics. creatively to draw portraits in Perfect Puppets, Haslemere this digital masterclass. Educational Museum WED 19 FEBRUARY 10.30am-1pm. Puppet making fun. Mem £2, non mem £4 per Sayers Croft Trust child. No need to book. For all Ewhurst Please book online. ages with an adult. Wild Club Free. 10am-12pm. Outdoor TUES 18 - THUR 20 FEB exploration activities for ages Kids Breakfast and Pottery 0-6 and their parents. Painting Activity, Bourne Really Wild Club Valley Garden Centre £4 per person. 2-4pm. Outdoor Woodham, Addlestone adventure and exploration for Enjoy breakfast in the 6-11 year olds. restaurant and then paint your own pottery with Jazz it Up Ceramics! Recommended for ages 5-12. £16.99 per child including breakfast, materials and equipment. Book online at www. bournevalleygardencentre. co.uk. 9.30-11am.

22 Families Surrey West

Bourne Valley Garden Centre

Make a ‘Mammoth’ Hot Air Balloon, Farnham Maltings 9.15–10.45am or 1.15–2.45pm. £20 (family of up to 4). Using natural willow and traditional techniques. Please pre-book.

Lego Robotics, G Live See listing on 19 February.

Arts & Crafts Museum of Farnham Drop in anytime from 10.30am12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm. Child £3. For ages 3-8 with an adult.

The West End Centre Aldershot Please book these workshops online. Decoupage Memory Box 10am. For ages 5+. Boogie Beat for Babies 10.30am. Sing, dance, use props such as parachutes, instruments and lots more.

Wild Rangers Conservation Club, Nower Wood Education Centre Leatherhead 9.30am-4pm Try live mammal trapping, learn how to map habitats for dormice and then practice your woodland survival skills in the afternoon! Suitable for 11-17 year olds. Booking essential: surreywildlifetrust.org/families Mem £35, non-mem £40.

Wild Explorers Holiday Club Nower Wood Education Centre Leatherhead 9.30am-4pm. An action packed fun day out in the woods looking for wildlife, building a campfire, making crafts, building shelters and toasting marshmallows. For 5-11 yr olds. Booking essential: surreywildlifetrust.org/families. Mem £35, non-mem £40.

The West End Centre Aldershot Please book all these workshops online. Ukulele Workshop Learn how to play the ukulele! For ages 3+ at 10.30am, for ages 8+ at 11.45am. Hands-on Animal Encounters 1.30pm or 2.30pm. For ages 3+. Meet some exotic animals.

Hockney Week: Learn To Create Tablet Art The Lightbox Woking For ages 8-11. 1.30-3pm. Learn different techniques and processes using tablet software to create your own David Hockneyinspired artwork. Advance booking required.

Lego Robotics, G Live Guildford 10am-4pm. For ages 7-12. Learn how to build and programme Lego and Edison robots. £35. Please pre-book.

Play in a Day: Mary Poppins Princes Hall Aldershot 10am-5pm. For 7-11 year olds. £21. Work on a short play that will be performed to parents at the end of the day. Please pre-book.

Family Fun Day Guildford Cathedral 10am-12.30pm. Arts & crafts for children (with an adult), plus you can explore the cathedral. Free, no booking needed. Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman (PG), G Live Guildford 2pm. PG. Hockney Week: Cup Weaving, The Lightbox Woking Turn recycled cups into colourful weaved pots. Drop in anytime from 1.30-4pm. Suggested Donation £3. Early Birds, Haslemere Educational Museum 9-10am. For families with children who have an Autism Spectrum Condition. Enjoy the Museum free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. By donation. Book in advance.

THURS 20 FEBRUARY Holiday Club Sayers Croft Trust Ewhurst £25. Adventure and exploration session for 8-12s. 8.30am-4pm. Book online. Earth Hour Family Workshop Living Planet Centre Woking 10.30am or 11.30am. Free, £2 donation appreciated. Please book online. Make a colourful collage poster to spread the word about Earth Hour.

Beautiful Bird Boxes Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30am-12pm. Make a bird box to take home. For 5-11 years. Mem £5, non-mem £7. Book in advance. Arts & Crafts, Museum of Farnham See listing on 19 Feb.

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY Hockney Week: Big Art Landscape The Lightbox Woking Drop in anytime from 1.30-4pm. Suggested Donation £3. Create a Big Art Project using smaller pictures to create a large Hockney-inspired landscape. The West End Centre Aldershot

Please book all these Children’s Festival workshops online. Pottery 10am for ages 3-7. 12.30pm for ages 8+. Family Willow Sculpture 10.30am. Learn willow craft techniques. For ages 5+. Holiday Club, Sayers Croft Trust See listing on 20 Feb. Ketsy’s Marvellous Magicians Workshop, G Live Guildford 10am-4pm. £35. A fantastic introduction to magic for 7-12s. Please pre-book.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

All holiday clubs need to be booked in advance TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY Storytelling for Under 5s, The Lightbox See listing on 7 January. Straw Rockets, Surrey Heath Museum 33 The Square, Camberley 11am-12.30pm. Drop-in crafts for under 5s with an adult. Donation £1, includes squash and biscuits for children.

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY Lyndhurst Tots, Lyndhurst School 36 The Avenue, Camberley 9.30am11.30am. New toddler group with crafts, singing, snack time and more! Today’s session is free. No booking needed, please use main school entrance. The group will run every week in term time and normally costs £1.

HOLIDAY CAMPS Woking Leisure Centre

Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park

01483 771122 www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/ wokinglc Ofsted registered holiday camps

for children aged 4-13. Action packed days full of varied activities including inflatable fun, playstore, sports, games, trampolining and arts & crafts (daily programmes may vary). Early drop-off and late pick up options. Forest School Holiday Club

Hazel Av, Guildford 01483 566589 guildfordnscc.surrey.sch.uk

Forest School holiday club is open to children aged 2-8 years. Fully qualified and friendly staff provide a range of activities in the spacious centre and inspiring outdoor area. These sessions are available in the Spring, Summer and Autumn half terms and Easter and Summer school holidays. It is running throughout February half term from 17-21 Feb. Some of the exciting activities include: forest games, den building, Forest School tree climbing, minibeast Holiday Club hunting, making hot chocolate on the fire, making bird feeders, creating pictures and sculptures from the environment, and much more. Synergy Dance Workshops Dance and Duel Day Camp in Godalming from 9am-4pm on Mon 17 Feb. Synergy Day Camp for ages 4-11 in Guildford from 9am-4pm. £37.50, childcare vouchers accepted. Frozen 2 theme on Mon 17 Feb, Secret Life of Pets theme on Tues 18 Feb. Book the above by contacting sue@ synergydance.co.uk Synergy Dance Workshops at Guildford Spectrum: Wed 19 Feb - Greatest Showman themed workshop with Circus Acrobatics 2-3pm, £8, for 6-12 years.

familiesonline.co.uk

Thurs 20 Feb – Frozen 2 themed workshop 2-3pm, £8 for 3-7 years. Friday 21 Feb - Star Wars, Sabers & Glow in the Dark 2-3pm, £8 for 6-12 years. To book Spectrum workshops call 01483 443322, option 3. Spark4Kids

020 8090 1444, www.spark4kids.com

Computer Coding Workshops in Guildford in the Easter Holidays. Spark4Kids are running all-day holiday workshops that introduce children to computer coding through the medium of games. Spark4Kids Available are courses on Minecraft Modding, Roblox Coding, Robotics, Games Design, MicroBit & Arduino coding, Python, HTML/ CSS, JavaScript and Unity/C# in a fun, engaging environment. Ages 5-7 years, 8-12 and 13-16. The Easter Holiday workshops are taking place in Guildford from Tuesday 14 April - Friday 17 April. Visit www.spark4kids.com for more details.

CHILDREN’S CONCERTS HG WELLS CENTRE

Woking www.wokingso.org.uk

Family Concert Woking Symphony Orchestra Sat 18 Jan 3.30pm.

G LIVE

Guildford

Children’s Concert Wed 29 Jan 10.45am & 1.30pm. An orchestral concert for 5-11 year olds. Southern Pro Musica: Family Classics Sun 1 March Children can try out orchestral instruments in workshops at 1pm, followed by a concert from 3-4pm.

GUILDFORD UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Bach to Baby Family Concert Wed 19 Feb, Wed 25 March 10.30am. Book online: www.bachtobaby.com.

GUILDHALL

Guildford

Mozart and Muffins Tues 21 Jan, Tues 3 March 10.15-11am. Short informal classical music for preschoolers with an adult. Book online: tickets.visitguildford.com.

NEARLY NEW SALES Baby and Children’s Market Guildford - Nearly New Sale On Sunday 9th February 3-4.30pm at Normandy Village Hall, Glaziers Lane, Guildford, GU3 2DT. Lots of stalls bursting with top quality like new baby and childrens items from birth to 8 years. £1 entry, kids are free. Come and grab a bargain or book a stall and be a seller. Keep 100% of what you make on the day. Contact Ellie for more information: ellie@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk or visit their website: www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

CHILDREN’S THEATRE CAMBERLEY THEATRE

The Jungle Book Wed 19 Feb 11am & 3pm. With comedy, songs and dance!

CHICHESTER HALL

Witley www.witleypanto.co.uk

Robin Hood and his Merry Men Wed 22-Sat 25 Jan.

CR ANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE

Mimi and the Mountain Dragon Thurs 20 Feb 2pm. A magical musical puppetry adventure for ages 3+.

FARNHAM MALTINGS

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Thurs 16 Jan, Thurs 13 Feb 11.30am. Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers Sat 15 Feb 11am & 2pm. £8. An interactive story suitable for 5+. Your Toys Mon 17 Feb 11.30am & 2.30pm. For ages 4+. A heartwarming story about friends pulling together. £8.

G LIVE

Jack and the Beans Talk Sat 11 Jan 11am & 2.30pm. An ideal introduction to theatre for ages 3 - 7. Out of the Hat Sat 1 Feb 10.30am & 2pm. A story about friendship and the true magic of nature. Comedy Club 4 Kids Sat 22 Feb 3pm. For ages 6-11 years and their grown ups.

HASLEMERE HALL

Puss in Boots Fri 10 - Sat 18 Jan.

HIGH CROSS CHURCH, CAMBERLEY

Peter Pan Returns Sat 1, Sun 2, Fri 7, Sat 8 Feb. Please book at: www.thehats.org.uk/tickets.

MYTCHETT CENTRE

The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz Thurs 23 – Sat 25 Jan. ticketsource.co.uk.

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE

Peter Pan Goes Wrong Tue 14 - Sat 18 Jan. Comedy for ages 8+.

PRINCES HALL

All Star Super Slam Wrestling Tues 18 Feb 7.30pm.

WEST END CENTRE

Kaleidoscope Wed 19 Feb 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm. A colourful performance for 6-18 months. How Does This Politics Thing Work Then? Fri 21 Feb 2.30pm. For ages 8+.

Families Surrey West 23

February Half Term Tuesday 18 - Sunday 23 February

Unde r 18s g o

Explore with family trails Make at drop-in workshops Play in woodlands

wattsgallery.org.uk 01483 810235 | Guildford, GU3 1DQ

February Half Term 2020.indd 1

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