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Thames Valley West
IN THIS ISSUE
PARTY SPECIAL Do you have what it takes to be a foster carer? A beginner’s guide to camping
Issue 112 May/June 2021
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Families Thames Valley West is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Thames Valley West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Thames Valley West. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
...endless ideas for families of young children in Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham Families® Thames Valley West • Issue 112 • May/June 2021 Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk
In this issue... 4-6
News and views
7
Open days
8-9
Education news
10
Meet the Head
11
Early years
12
Party ideas for different ages and stages
13
Birthday party planner
14-15 What’s back on 16
Mixing up family mealtimes
17
How to overcome emotional eating
18
The beginner’s guide to camping
19
Addressing post-COVID learning loss
20-21 Clubs and classes directory 22
Making science fun for kids
23
Would you like to own this magazine?
The Families team... Editor: Rachel Jones Production: Ridgeway Press, 01256 300420 www.ridgewaypress.co.uk
Hello from the Edit or...
Warmer weather and longer days are here – and we are finally able to enjoy them with family and friends. There is a huge sense of relief after a hugely challenging period. While it may take time for the full complement of family events to return, there is now plenty to do, and we celebrate that with the return of our popular what’s on guide. If you’re looking to venture a little further afield, do have a read of our beginner’s guide to camping, including some camp site suggestions. This is our party special issue, with ideas and features for making your child’s special day truly memorable. There’s even a pullout planner to make sure nothing gets missed as the day approaches. Despite day trips being possible, many of us are still spending more time than usual at
Next issue: July / August 2021 – Summer days out and holiday camps
home. Like me, you may have cooked (and eaten!) endlessly during lockdown and are left feeling totally uninspired. I recently invested in a whizzy kitchen gadget – a Thermomix – which is worth every penny. Check out our interview with one of their consultants as she shares her tips for family mealtimes. Last but not least, a new challenge beckons for me and I’ve made the difficult decision to sell the franchise of this magazine. If you’re interested in working for yourself (but with the support of a head office), part time and flexibly, check out the feature on p23 and do drop me a line to arrange an informal chat: editor@familiestvw.co.uk
Rachel.
Booking deadline: 1st June 2021
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney that are simple, fast and affordable
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A home from home where learning is fun! A happy, friendly and caring environment in Calcot where each child can thrive • Ofsted: ‘all children make good progress’ • Large enclosed garden • Accepts funded 2 yr olds, plus 15 & 30 hours places • Experienced and qualified teachers & nursery nurses
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To advertise: If you are reading this, so are your customers! We can help you reach an audience of over 47,000 parents in Reading, Henley, Newbury, Wokingham, Bracknell and West Berkshire. Give us a call on 07968 711937 or drop us a line at editor@familiestvw.co.uk to find out how we can help support your family friendly business!
NEWS AND VIEWS
Why you need a will No one likes to think about dying. That is one of the reasons why having a will made can seem so daunting. My goal at SJ Will Writers is to make the process simple, relaxed and efficient. Having previously worked for a firm of solicitors that tried to ‘upsell’ their products and convince clients that their will was ‘complicated’, I was keen to offer a more transparent and affordable service. The price you see is the price you pay, unless I offer you a discretionary discount based on your personal financial circumstances. My service is centred around your needs. I am a mum to two young girls, and I hope that we enjoy a long, happy life together. However, the thing about death is that none of us know when it will come, or under what circumstances. If the worst should happen, I want my children to be looked after by someone that I can trust. Having a will made means that you can appoint
Mum’s the world This year more than ever, we all have good reason to be grateful to our Mums. So running a special Mothers’ Day competition was a no brainer and we were delighted by the warm response not just from our readers but from the generous partners who made it possible.
guardians of your choice. In the event that you should die without a will before your children turn 18, the court will appoint the best guardian they see fit. This may not align with the person who would have been your first choice. The only way to protect yourself against this is to have a will in place which clearly sets out your wishes. I always advise my clients to think of their will as a set of written instructions that they are leaving behind for their Executors to follow. I am serious about the work I do, which means I will strive to give you the best service I can, but I am also passionate about my clients’ happiness and mental wellbeing, which means I will make the process as simple and stress-free as I can. If you would like to know more about having a will made, or discuss any of the other services I offer, I am always happy to have an informal chat, either during office hours, or at a time that suits you. You can find more information on my website
Our first winner’s package went to gal.loves.food. She will be looking forward to a dinner for four delivered by Makan Malaysia, which she can enjoy in candlelight using a pair of handmade soy candles supplied by Little Village Candles. With dinner sorted, she can focus on her own health and wellbeing with a Wellness Blueprint session with Revitalise Home Coaching followed by an online make-up session with Millie Makeup. To calm her after all that excitement, she has a forest bathing session with Adore Your Outdoors. Our second winner, Lucy Galliano-Cleverley, very kindly gifted her complete bundle to a friend. We hope she will enjoy a treat box from Camilla’s Cakes. She may be especially grateful for an hour’s life coaching with Rebecca Hogan Coaching Therapies and a Positivity Box from Mindfill. She can then get her lashes done with a £50 voucher from Juli Lash Studio. Also included in the pack (but giftable to a friend) is a
sjwillwriters.co.uk or email me at info@sjwillwriters.co.uk Sonia Jutla is the founder of SJ Will Writers
month of free access to BuzzyLizzy Reading’s pregnancy, postnatal and baby classes. Bundle three went to Erika Raymond. Her little luxury rewards include an Art & Craft Subscription Box from Inner Canvas and a sixbar gift set from RELAX! Her exercise element comes with a month’s membership from Fitter Mother. She also has a £30 voucher from The Threading Bar and a CACI facial with Body Bonito. Shannon Holmes picked up the final package. She has much to look forward to with a £100 voucher from Gem’s Beauty and a healthy coaching session with Essentially All You Need and a 1-2-1 essential oils session with doTerra. Mindful Butterfly have chipped in with a half-day mental health awareness course, and Shannon can bolster that learning with a first aid training course from Worsley Training. And to cap all that, there’s a Three Can Craft personalised gift bundle.
Foster Care Fortnight West Berkshire Family Placement Team continues to seek out new foster carers in our area – are you ready for the challenge? Did you know there are currently over 175 children in care in West Berkshire but only 75 foster homes available? It means the council has to outsource to agencies, which can really stretch budgets, whilst placing children further away and increasing their anxiety. Foster Care Fortnight is a national initiative to highlight the need for foster carers across the country. This year between 11 and 24 May, West Berkshire Council will be running various recruitment activities to seek out new local foster carers. Information on virtual events can be found on the main council website when you search ‘fostering’, as well as information about the assessment process and what carers are offered for their hard work and dedication to the children in their care. Look out for daily tweets on @FosteringB for further information about
what is expected from carers and what they can expect in return. It can be very difficult to find foster carers for sibling groups or children with additional learning or physical needs. The council is reaching out to those who have experience of caring for children, especially if they have fostered in the past or are considering a change due to the pandemic. Fostering is an ideal opportunity to use your existing skills as well as develop new ones to provide a warm and nurturing home for children who can no longer live with their birth parents. If your circumstances have changed due to COVID and you feel you could take on a new challenge like fostering, please get in touch with the Family Placement Team on 01633 503155 or fostering@westberks.gov.uk to speak to their dedicated recruitment social worker. Your call may #writethenextchapter for children in care in West Berkshire.
4 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
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An Independent Prep School for Boys & Girls aged 3-13
Please visit our website to learn more or contact Kate Spooner admissions@dolphinschool.com www.dolphinschool.com 0118 934 1277 Waltham Road, Hurst, Berkshire, RG10 0FR
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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937
Families Thames Valley West • 5
NEWS AND VIEWS
Grant allows music to play on for Berkshire Maestros Berkshire Maestros, the charity delivering music education to children across Berkshire, has been awarded £375,270 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, administered by Arts Council England. The funding will enable Berkshire Maestros to continue to run much needed music education activities in schools and for families across Berkshire. It will also allow the charity to launch new initiatives, including two live bands who will perform in schools across the county. This is particularly exciting given the lack of live music opportunities over the last year.
Reacting to the announcement, Dawn Wren, CEO of Berkshire Maestros, said: “We are delighted to receive this wonderful funding that will benefit so many children in Berkshire. The pandemic has impacted heavily on our budgets, and we welcome the funding as recognition of the important role music plays in education and wellbeing for all young people. This grant will enable us to rebuild the group activities and events that we have missed so much, and to open up new musical opportunities for children who haven’t yet benefitted from learning an instrument or making music with others.”
Covid: young now more interested in science career New research suggests children have been particularly engaged by scientific discoveries over the last year. According to a survey commissioned by Thales, a French aerospace company, the pandemic has inspired more than a third (35%) of children to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
6 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
A survey of more than 2,000 parents of children ages 5 to 16 across the UK found that 50% of youngsters cited NHS frontline staff, the scientists behind the Covid-19 vaccine rollout (31%) and the Mars rover landing (24%) as events that have most inspired them. More info: thalesgroup.com
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAYS SUMMER TERM 2021 Schools across the Thames Valley are still keen to show prospective families what they can offer. At the time of going to press, the details in this feature were correct, but government guidelines continue to change so please make contact with each school to check the details and to book your place if required. OXFORDSHIRE MOULSFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent boys day & boarding school 4-13yrs), 01491 651 438, moulsford.com Virtual open day: Sat 15 May 10am. Prospective parents are also welcome to make an individual appointment to visit the school and meet the Headmaster or to arrange a video call. Please contact the Registrar: admissions@moulsford.com THE ORATORY PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2-13), 0118 984 4511, oratoryprep.co.uk For more information or to arrange a private tour, please contact Mrs Aktinson: c.atkinson@oratoryprep.co.uk. CRANFORD HOUSE (a non-selective independent day school for girls aged 3 to 16 and boys aged 3 to 11) 01491 651218 cranfordhouse.net For further information about open events, virtual tours or the admissions process, please contact the Registrar: admissions@cranfordhouse.net
READING THE ABBEY (independent day school for girls aged 3-18), Junior School 0118 931 3111, Senior School 0118 987 2256, theabbey.co.uk The Abbey is running a series of virtual and face to face events to allow you to sample the rich opportunities on offer, as well as hearing from key members of staff and the student body. Contact the admissions team for more details: admissions@theabbey.co.uk
LEIGHTON PARK SCHOOL (independent co-ed day and boarding 11-18yrs), 0118 987 9608, leightonpark.com Open days (physical events): Tues 11 May 9.15am and Tues 15 June 9.15am. To book, please visit leightonpark.com/visit-leightonpark ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (independent co-ed day school 3-18yrs), 0118 966 1000, sjcr.org.uk Virtual open mornings: • Thurs 6 May – Early Years (9.30-10.30am), and Years 7 – 11 (11am-12pm) • Tues 8 Jun – Early Years (9.30-10.30am) and Years 7 – 11 (11am-12pm) To book a place, visit sjcr.org.uk QUEEN ANNE’S CAVERSHAM (independent girls day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 918 7300, qas.org.uk Virtual open morning: Sat 8 May 10am. To book a place, visit qas.org.uk. DOLPHIN SCHOOL (independent day school and nursery for boys and girls 3-13 years), 0118 934 1277 dolphinschool.com Families are welcomed to book private tours. Please contact Kate Spooner at admissions@dolphinschool.com
SOUTH OF READING CROSFIELDS SCHOOL (independent co-ed day school 3-16yrs), 0118 987 1810, crosfields.com Families are warmly invited to attend a
personal tour or a virtual meeting. Please contact the Registrar on 0118 987 9902 or email registrar@crosfields.com. You can pre-register for the Senior School open event, which will be taking place on Sat 22 May, by visiting crosfields.com WAVERLEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent prep school and day nursery for boys and girls 3 months-11yrs), 0118 973 1121, waverleyschool.co.uk Prospective parents are invited to contact the Admissions team on admissions@waverleyschool.co.uk to arrange a 1-2-1 visit or virtual tour.
WEST BERKSHIRE BROCKHURST & MARLSTON HOUSE SCHOOL, Hermitage (independent boys (Brockhurst) and girls (Marlston House) day and boarding prep school 2-13yrs), 01635 200 293, brockmarl.org.uk Please contact Rachel Harper, Head of Admissions (r.harper@brockmarl.org) for information or to arrange an individual tour. PANGBOURNE COLLEGE (independent coed day and boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 984 2101, pangbourne.com Next open weekend: 24-25 April. To book this, an individual tour, or a place on a Headmaster's Breakfast, contact Admissions: admissions@pangbourne.com. You can also visit our year-round virtual open day: pangbourne.com/virtual-openday
DOWNE HOUSE (independent day and boarding school for girls), 01635 200286, downehouse.net Open mornings: 24 April and 12 June. Book a virtual visit tailored to your daughter’s interests or experience one of our virtual open mornings. Visit downehouse.net or contact Registrar at registrar@downehouse.net ELSTREE SCHOOL (independent day and boarding co-ed school 3-13yrs), 01189 713 302, elstreeschool.org.uk Open mornings: Sat 6 May and 27 May, 10am-12pm. Year 2 and 3 Discovery Day, Sat 12 June 10.15am-1.15pm. Individual visits also welcomed during term-time. Contact the Registrar for more information: registrar@elstreeschool.org.uk ST ANDREWS PANGBOURNE (independent co-ed day & boarding school 3-13yrs), 0118 974 4726, standrewspangbourne.co.uk Individual tours of the school are available from the summer term. For more information about stay and play events, future open days or to arrange a visit, please contact Registrar: Mrs Carolyn Reeves – 0118 974 4276 or email: registrar@standrewspangbourne.co.uk
WOKINGHAM LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 978 4175, luckleyhouseschool.org Individual visits can be arranged during the summer term, bookable via luckleyhouseschool.org, where there will also be details of any planned open evenings. For any queries, please contact: registrar@luckleyhouseschool.org.
When I grow up, I want to be a Mermaid Marine Engineer
Junior School Confidence - Purpose - Joy www.theabbey.co.uk
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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937
Families Thames Valley West • 7
EDUCATION NEWS
A taster of Dolphin School life Dolphin School is inviting prospective families to some exciting new taster days. Its popular reception class has limited spaces for this September, and the independent Reading school is also welcoming enquiries for the following academic year. The class is headed up by qualified early years teachers, but also makes use of subject specialist teachers from the main school in music, languages and sports. The department retains a Montessori ethos yet also embraces current thinking, with the child’s interests placed at the heart of the curriculum. The children enjoy a weekly Forest
School in the site’s own copse, and regular day trips linked to their learning. Head of Early Years, Jane Robinson, says: “Our ethos is to build a love of learning through hands-on experiences, which allow every child to grow and develop in their own unique way. We pride ourselves on being different. Whether it is the absence of a uniform, the first name terms with teachers, or our creative approach to teaching, we are confident that we offer something special.” For more information or to book a personal tour (for any year group), or to book a Reception Taster Day slot, please contact Kate on admissions@dolphinschool.com / 0118 934 1277.
‘Old Pangbournians’ celebrated on International Women’s Day To mark International Women's Day, Pangbourne College decided to shine a light on some of the female alumni who are affectionately known as ‘Old Pangbournians’ (OPs) through a series of video interviews. They started with Jess Brown (photographed), who offered an update on her PhD at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Metamaterials, part of the Centre for
Metamaterial Research and Innovation. This was followed by an interview with Jess Payne, a Senior Registrar at the Royal London Hospital, who spoke about her career and the challenges of being a doctor during the pandemic. Charlotte Butterworth is on the Board of Governors for Pangbourne College. Since leaving Pangbourne she has served in the Royal Navy and is now a successful lawyer. Charlotte was interviewed by Pangbourne College’s Chief
8 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
Cadet Captain, Elise, where she spoke about how Pangbourne prepared her for the future. Georgia Francis is an OP who has gone on to achieve great success rowing for Great Britain. She was interviewed by Richard Follett, Director of Rowing last year, but it was felt that International Women's Day was a great opportunity to be reminded of her achievements. You can watch these interviews on the college’s YouTube channel.
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EDUCATION NEWS
New 11+ Vocabulary Quiz Game Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards has released a new addition to its range – a child-friendly quiz game designed to add some fun and variety to 11+ preparation. The quiz game covers a wide range of vocabulary knowledge in a simple and easy to play format, including: • odd one out • general knowledge • verbal classification • multiple meanings
Waverley ranked ‘Best in Berkshire’ for a decade Waverley Preparatory School has achieved another top ranking in the National Prep School league tables issued by The Sunday Times – for the tenth consecutive year. In the recent annual ranking of Prep and Junior Schools, Waverley continued to be the only Prep School in Berkshire that has been consistently ranked in the Times Top 100 each year, and the only prep school in the Wokingham or Reading area. Waverley is especially proud of its ranking – which is 55th nationally – as it remains a nonselective school. Rankings are based on the academic performance of the school's Year 6
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cohort. There are 2,026 prep schools and over 18,000 junior schools in the UK. Waverley prides itself on being a forward-thinking school with a combination of traditional and modern teaching methods. The school is also proud to maintain single form entry with one class per year group. Waverley strongly believes that this combination is the best way of ensuring that all its pupils realise their full potential. This ethos consistently produces proven results as demonstrated in its Times ranking and also in the knowledge that last year, all Waverley Year 6 pupils were offered a place at their chosen secondary school.
To succeed in the 11+, it is crucial that children know all the definitions of a word – not just the most common meaning. For example, do they know that ‘badger’ does not just refer to a nocturnal mammal, but can also mean to pester someone? The 11+ specifically tests this ‘homonym’ knowledge (words with more than one meaning) as it is a very common stumbling block for children. The quiz offers a fresh approach to help children improve the homonym and vocabulary-based general knowledge which underpins so many 11+ questions – and a quick round makes a perfect ‘break’ from paper-based practice! For more information, visit: vocabularyflashcards.co.uk
Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937
Families Thames Valley West • 9
Meet the Head... Nisha Kaura took over as Head of The Abbey Junior School last September after 14 years as a teacher and deputy head – and a previous career in the pharmaceuticals industry. She has exciting plans for the girls-only independent day school in Reading, which prides itself on marrying academic excellence with pastoral care, producing confident and curious global citizens. How would you describe The Abbey’s ethos in five words? Outward-looking, innovative, ambitious, excellence and caring. In your other role as an independent schools’ inspector, you must have seen a rich variety of settings. What sets The Abbey apart for you? We’re a city school – modern, savvy, down-to-earth and grounded in the real world. We nurture within our girls an active mind and a readiness to take on the world. And it’s that internationalism and that
restlessness that makes us special. Many schools speak of academic excellence but, for us, it’s just as important that our students are prepared to live with confidence, purpose and joy. How did your pharmaceutical background prepare you for a career shift into education? Both the healthcare and education settings are founded on people. Today’s pandemic shines a light on the endeavours of the pharmaceutical industry and the connection that it has to our dayto-day quality of life. In the context of global citizenship, it has made me recognise that the world is a small place and appreciate the part we play in connecting with each other. Both sectors truly understand the importance of continuous development, excellence in service delivery and lifelong learning. I hope that my students see me embracing new challenges (especially within the context of being a woman and a parent), and realise that success is a journey and not a destination.
Along with executive head, Will Le Fleming, you have been described as a trailblazer. How are you breaking new ground at The Abbey, and what ambitions do you have for the future? We want to expand the breadth of the co-curricula offer, not least capturing the voice of every child and involving them in our key decision-making. Results are the passport that get us through the gateway. Beyond that, it’s everything else they gain with us that counts, and particularly the belief that they can make a real difference. From an infrastructure perspective, our site has recently been remodelled and extended, and we are now turning our attentions to the nursery and enhancing the home-from-home feel. There is so much that we are doing already that we will be pushing on with. For the Juniors, there is far more to learn than reading and writing – it’s about becoming a skilled researcher, critical consumer of opinion, intrepid explorer and a good friend and citizen. Why do you think girls-only is stronger than a mixed setting? Does it work for all girls? I genuinely believe that, in a learning environment where there are no gender stereotypes, there is an even playing field. Everyone can participate and all are equal. Girls will be the authors of their own identity, without considering their choices in the context of boys. It stands them in good stead to move into the world of co-education when they leave us, feeling nurtured and able to carve out their own paths. The Junior School has a clear approach to teaching and learning, such as placing enquirybased learning at its heart. How does this evolve as pupils progress into the senior school? We work closely with our senior school colleagues to ensure the transition is seamless. We base our approach on the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile, which describes a broad range of human capacities and
10 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
responsibilities that go beyond academic success. It runs right through the school until our sixth formers, where many take their IB Diploma. We have a number of specialist teachers that work across both the Junior and Senior School so are familiar faces throughout. We also create plenty of opportunities for Junior School pupils to spend time on the Senior School site. How do you encourage the girls to play their part in the world as global citizens, and to aim high? Never has it been more apparent that humanity is connected than in a global pandemic, and that’s been an insightful and valuable lessons for students. We encourage our girls to consider the impact we could be having – whether that be in relation to climate change, Black Lives Matter or violence against women. We are ambitious in terms of what we expect of our students and how we celebrate difference. Our enquiry-based curriculum gives them the power to act and build a more sustainable, equal world. What is the most rewarding aspect of your work? Truly making a difference to young people’s lives and helping them to create memorable experiences. The energy that comes from working with amazing people – confident students, accomplished teachers, and supportive parents and governors. The Abbey is such a special place and I fully appreciate the privilege that comes from having an impact on tomorrow’s world. familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Sourcing help
Help for my child
By Camilla Crystal CC Speech & Language
Mental Health Time to Talk, Kooth and an Emotional Health Triage service. (servicesguide.reading.gov.uk and directory.westberks.gov.uk)
The beginning of this decade has not panned out the way any of us had planned. It’s had a long-lasting impact on us all. As carers, we have witnessed our children suffer and we ourselves are suffering as well.
Legal advice and support IPSEA (ipsea.org.uk) Contact (Contact.org.uk)
Children are back at school but many children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) are still locked in. Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and educators have adapted during the pandemic via videoconferencing platforms. Services have delivered training on a huge variety of topics to develop a child’s play, attention, understanding and use of language and social communication. In hospital Intensive Therapy Units (ITUs), SLTs have had to manage patients’ swallowing difficulties after contracting the virus. In neonatal and paediatric care, vital bonding between mothers and babies has been interrupted, and feeding impacted.
SaLT NHS cypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk. ASLTIP (helpwithtalking.com). ICAN (ican.org.uk/i-cans-talking-point) Afasic afasic.org.uk
We must celebrate the resilience of the Families Thames Valley West readership and praise families for their continuing efforts in the face of adversity. As ever, we must endure and have faith that despite the significant losses felt, we will find happiness, health and wellbeing again. If you do require SaLT from a local passionate and dedicated professional, I am available to see your child both remotely and face to face to meet your needs. I currently specialise in working with early years and remotely. I can see children with all SLCN needs depending on their attention span and cognitive profile. Feel free to contact me and I look forward to giving your child a voice!
TEFL and tuition Tutor Doctor (tutordoctor.co.uk) Global LT (global-lt.com)
Help for me workingmums.co.uk climbingout.org.uk mentalhealth.org.uk frontline19.com
Green Park Day Nursery celebrates British Science Week Children from Green Park Day Nursery in Reading were delighted to take part in a series of themed activities to celebrate British Science Week. From making a ‘volcano’ erupt to racing balloons and making predictions, preschoolers from the setting on Lime Square were thrilled to take part in the exciting experiments, which encourage critical thinking, whilst incorporating basic educational messages. The children regularly take part in STEM activities as part of an initiative which looks to
integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths into everyday learning in order to introduce the subjects and nurture interest from an early age. Green Park Manager, Mandy Cooper explained: “Science is brilliant for helping to develop key life skills including problem solving and forming opinions based on observations. As well as being fun, we hope the STEM activities will inspire a passion in both the girls and boys which we can continue to support in nursery.”
Term & Crash courses
My voice counts Striving towards inclusion and participation for your child/young person
• Re-opening after Easter!
• All levels from Toddlers to Rookie Lifeguards • Continual assessment & class progression • Pangbourne • Thatcham • Compton • Qualified*insured*dbs • Crash course May half term – Book now!
We are an Independent family run swim school — not a franchise *Every child is different, every child is equal*
Jo@swimlessons.co.uk | www.swimlessons.co.uk
T: 07853 194327 familiesonline.co.uk
Camilla Tanya Crystal
Independent Speech and Language Therapist and Teacher of English as a Foreign Language
+44 07581 067 499
Camilla@ccsandl.onmicrosoft.com
Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel:07968 711937
Families Thames Valley West • 11
Party ideas for different ages and stages
By Simone Ryder
Regardless of whether you love or hate party planning, we hope this thumbnail guide to age appropriate parties will help guide you on the road to a successful event. Age 1
Age 6 to 9
Your child’s first party is really your celebration – the anniversary of becoming a parent, so many parents choose to make this a celebration for adults only. If you decide to invite other babies, be sure to keep the party short (under an hour) to accommodate nap schedules. Blowing bubbles or singing songs will probably provide all the amusement the little ones need.
You may find that during these years, you go from whole school class invites to more exclusive groups of friends. Activity-based parties become popular, from trampolining and football to drama, or, as children get older, rock climbing or tree top adventures. Children this age like secrets and mysteries, so consider games with clues and puzzles. Parties should not exceed two and a half hours.
Age 2 They can catapult from excitement to temper tantrum in minutes — so you need to be prepared. Most age twos are still very possessive of their toys so it’s best to put away your child's favourite things beforehand. Word of warning: avoid opening gifts at the party since most of the guests won’t understand they can’t just take the birthday child’s new things home.
Age 3 Now children begin to really understand parties. Singing and circle activities work better than
group games as they will usually enjoy playing with other children briefly but may still have trouble co-operating. Keep the party to about ninety minutes to avoid over-stimulating them.
Age 4 Children of this age are full of energy and imagination, which makes them wonderful partygoers. Plan short games and keep things moving as they may still find it hard to wait their turn. Treasure and scavenger hunts work well but many parents opt for soft play venues or similar. Another popular
option is for an entertainer at your home or hired venue. Plan for a party of one to two hours.
Age 5 5 year olds know parties are very important and may have all sorts of wonderful (and wild) suggestions about the event. Theme parties work well at this age. Children are usually ready for games that involve instruction like Hokey Cokey and Simon Says. They are acquiring fine motor skills so they’re ready for simple crafts too. Plan for a party of about two hours.
Age 10 to 12 Your child may start to want something more sophisticated and grown up. Although activity-based parties remain popular, you may be able to attempt something even you might enjoy, such as an outing to the cinema, theatre or restaurant. A movie night at your home with select friends is regarded as cool at this age. Beware however: throwing a sleepover party will be a rite of passage you cannot completely avoid!
Do you have a LEGO fan with a birthday to celebrate? Master Builders Club will provide a memorable event for your child’s special day. With brick building games, a fun 90-minute LEGO® brick building workshop, thousands of LEGO® bricks and lots of themes to choose from, we have everything you need to create the perfect party. Our parties are highly engaging, calm and inclusive to accommodate ‘Brickies’ of all abilities.
Our party package is priced at £275 for up to 20 children and we can accommodate extra guests for an additional £7 per child. We provide the invitations, thank you cards, a badge for each attendee and a special gift for the birthday child. We are also able to offer LEGO®-inspired take home gifts and party bags to compliment the celebration. Our birthday parties are run by
experienced, fully trained staff who love working with children and playing with LEGO® bricks. We pride ourselves on offering a personalised service from start to finish. Having organised countless parties for our own children, we understand the importance of offering a stress-free, reliable and enjoyable experience for everyone. info@masterbuildersclub.co.uk masterbuildersclub.co.uk
01628 821145
07721 422554
Bringing all the fun of the farm to your school, Home, Private Party, Family Funday or Fete, also providing beneficial therapeutic/sensory sessions for visits to Nursing Homes or Special Needs Activities.
Call Pete to discuss your requirements, and obtain prices e: farm@basilandcrew.co.uk • www.basilandcrew.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
As families navigate their way through the final bends of Boris’ roadmap, outdoor venues across the Thames Valley have started to open back up for business. And – all being well – some indoor days out will be possible from 17 May. Many venues have returned to running timed prebookable slots to limit numbers and maintain social distancing. Over lockdown, a number of businesses moved their events and classes online, and some continue – a great option if you’d prefer to stay close. Details were correct at the time of writing but please make sure you check against individual websites or social media pages before visiting.
WHAT’S BACK Photo: Beale Wildlife Park is home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions
OUTDOOR FUN Here’s our top picks of the family friendly outdoor places that have reopened for making the most of the beautiful Berkshire and South Oxfordshire countryside. For some fresh air and plenty of space for the children to let off steam, make a beeline for one of these outdoor spaces. Many of The National Trust’s gardens, parks and outdoor spaces continue to be open for visits. As long as Government guidance allows it, indoor places are expected to open from 17 May, including indoor seating in cafes. The booking system remains in place to ensure social distancing and it is recommended that members of the public book ahead of their visit and check property web pages for updated information. Some of our favourite local venues include Basildon Park near Reading, Greys Court, near Henley-on-Thames, Basingstoke’s The Vyne and Cliveden in Taplow. Any special activities will be listed nearer the time at nationaltrust.org.uk The Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham has a network of footpaths around a glorious lake, with fantastic wildlife to see all year around. There are also adventure playgrounds, picnic facilities and
toilets. At the time of writing, the main building remains closed, but the café, shop and outside toilets have reopened. Keep an eye on the website for further details and any half term activities. bbowt.org.uk Beale Wildlife Park near Reading (see main photo) is particularly well known for its huge range of wildlife including some exotic birds and animals. The 35-acre site also boasts beautiful gardens, playgrounds, a new jumping pillow, narrow gauge railway and more. It is open for pre-booking only at bealepark.org.uk The play parks and activity centre (including boat hire) are open at Dinton Pastures Country Park at Hurst, and the café is available for take-away. The mini golf is also back and must be pre-booked. On 19th June, over 8s can join a Summer Solstice evening paddle and learn about the solstice. dinton-pastures.co.uk Farm animals, mini golf, adventure playgrounds, sand and water play, tractor and trailer rides and much more await you at Odds Farm Park near High Wycombe. Admission tickets must be pre-booked online. oddsfarm.co.uk The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort has three major new attractions, including Flight of the Sky Lion, Fire & Ice Freefall and Hydra's Challenge. DUPLO® Valley also recently enjoyed a magical
makeover. Full details and booking at legoland.co.uk
entertainment, try out some of our highlights from across the region.
Wellington Country Park, near Reading, is planning a host of exciting activities perfect for your budding outdoor explorers. Highlights of the Outdoor Explorers Week (31 May – 4 Jun) are a Nature Explorer Woodland trail, Bird of Prey Shows, Mud Kitchen and bug hunting. The park is also home to animals, play areas, a splash park, dinosaur exhibition, mini train, beautiful lakeside walks and more. Visit the website for further details and to book tickets. wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk
The River & Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames, is once again open (from Thurs 20 May), including shop and café, Thursdays to Mondays 10am-4pm. Explore the enchanting Wind in the Willows, take a trail around the galleries or enjoy one of the riverside adventures outdoors. Elmer & Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee is a colourful, magical exhibition that will run until 21 Jun. rrm.co.uk
The historic country estate, Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, has reopened its car park and gardens to the public. Wonder Woods is a real treat for children with hours of entertainment - swinging, jumping, sliding, climbing and splashing. A new adventure playground, Tumblestone Hollow, was installed over the Winter, which includes a double-decker wooden walkway linked by climbing walls and nets, a spiral staircase and fireman’s poles and slides. Join the Knights of Royal England for an epic display of medieval jousting on 22 and 23 May. Tickets must be purchased in advance. stonor.com
INDOOR ACTIVITIES Many indoor venues – from libraries to museums – are back for business from 17 May. For a little culture and plenty of
14 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
The Museum of English Rural Life, Reading has now opened the garden, cafe and shop. The galleries will be available again from the week commencing 17 May. Visit the website for details of any virtual or physical events. merl.reading.ac.uk Many libraries across the Thames Valley have now reopened, but they are also planning a number of online events for families: • West Berkshire: online sessions include regular storytime, rhymetime and craft sessions, plus a Code Club for youngsters. • Bracknell: sessions will be running either at Bracknell Library or virtually (subject to official guidance). These include a dinosaur storytime on Sat 15 May; Elmer Day Celebrations on Sat 29 May; Tots Time on 1 Jun; Bounce & Rhyme on 3 Jun; The Very Hungry Caterpillar Storytime on 6 June and familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON Baby Socials (Mondays until 28 Jun) will offer parents/carers the chance to connect and learn more about child development in these sensory classes. For pre-schoolers and their families, Tots Create (Thursdays until 24 Jun) offers weekly sessions in music, dance, drama and crafts. Toddler Dance (Tuesdays until 29 Jun) is a great opportunity for 2-4 year olds to shake, jump and boogie, and Teddy Bear’s Picnic (Fridays until 2 Jul) invites under-4s to bring along their teddy and a snack to the Learning Centre, whilst engaging in creative activities and games. cornexchangenew.co.uk
ON MAY – JUNE 2021 Harry Potter Day celebrations on Sat 26 Jun. • Wokingham: online events include a Teen Writing Author visits on 8 May and 12 Jun, storytime for under 7s on 25 May and 29 Jun, an art inspired session on 4 Jun. To sign up, email
familiesonline.co.uk
libraries@wokingham.gov.uk Newbury’s The Corn Exchange has a number of children’s classes running. Rhyme and Shine (Wednesdays and Fridays until 2 Jul) are for parents and carers with little ones aged 2 and under. New
Pop Up Play Village Basingstoke and Reading is back, running sessions on a pay-as-you-go basis with bookings made in advance. There are several morning events planned during May and June at venues in Sulhampstead, Sonning, Chineham and Goring. For full details and to book, please see their website and social media pages. popupplayvillage.co.uk Shaw House in Newbury will continue with its Family Activity
Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937
Days online through the school holidays. There is also an exciting programme of indoor and outdoor theatre planned for the Spring and Summer, including Oldilocks and the Three Bears (indoor puppet theatre, Tues 1 June); and Daisy Pulls It Off – outdoor theatre (various dates from 17-26 Jun). There will also be an Open Air Sculpture Exhibition from Sat 29 May – Sun 27 June. westberkshireheritage.org/whatson Join Alice on her magical musical adventure down the rabbit hole as South Hill Park Arts Centre and Wilde Theatre (Bracknell) present their professionally produced community production of Alice in Wonderland, from Wed 2 – Sun 6 June. southhillpark.org.uk The car park, toilets and play park at the Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell are open – bookings are required. The centre itself is planning to reopen after 17th May, subject to any changes in government guidance. bracknellforest.gov.uk/leisure-services/lookout-discovery-centre
Families Thames Valley West • 15
Mixing up family mealtimes
K
els Noades can whip up a risotto in 18 minutes. Her fridge is filled with homemade pasta sauces, mayonnaise and stock. Her 8-year-old makes a mean butter chicken and the Mum-of-three, who juggles two jobs, can’t even claim to have plenty of time on her hands. Her secret is a Thermomix – the multifunctional kitchen gadget beloved by top chefs and celebrities. Unlike other whizzy devices that only do one thing (hello pasta machine and doughnut maker!), the Thermomix does it all. It weighs, chops, sautees, steams, and even washes itself up. The design is surprisingly easy to use with a large touchscreen and step-by-step instructions to make thousands of recipes. Kels is an independent consultant. We asked her to tell us more, and share her top tips for family cooking.
Check out what Kels makes in her Thermomix on her Instagram or Facebook pages – search for 'My Thermomix Adventures'. If you would like to arrange a free demo with Kels, you can contact her on 07771 648 111 / mythermomixadventures@gmail.com If you buy through Kels, she offers free workshops, cooking classes and her ongoing support. The Thermomix comes with 2 years warranty and free delivery plus, if you host a demo, Kels will throw in a little gift too!
How did you first discover the Thermomix? I’ve had one for 17 years, but knew I was hooked when I took it on holiday with me! We were staying in a self-catered house and planning some pizza nights. I couldn’t imagine not being able to whip up the dough and sauce without it. And when did you realise it had business potential for you? My main job is a photographer, but I became a Thermomix consultant about three years ago. It’s been a great side career for me, working flexibly around the children. I passionately believe that every home would benefit from one, and haven’t met anyone yet who doesn’t love theirs. I get to know my customers and provide as much support as they need. I run lots of free cookery classes on Zoom and I’ve built a really fun community of Thermomix fans and customers! What are your top tips for making family mealtimes easier? Time-saving is right up there for us as busy parents. I try to cook smart, so I’ll make a vegetable-filled tomato sauce that can be used that evening with pasta, and the following day on a pizza or lasagne. With a few extra ingredients, it also makes a great soup for weekend lunches. The Thermomix is connected to an app with 70,000 recipes so you can plan your weekly meals and link it to your online shopping – ticking another job off the to-do list! Which recipes work particularly well with your children? My kids love to cook in the Thermomix as it’s so straightforward and there are no naked flames. They can just type in the dish they want to make and press 'start cooking' – it's really that easy. My favourite was when they made eclairs on their own. I know some adults who would struggle with those! Because everything happens in one appliance, there is much less mess and you can pop it all in the dishwasher. The children are more willing to try new foods when they get involved. Red pepper and tomato soup and chicken katsu curry with homemade naan are some of their favourites at the moment. A fruity smoothie or slushy takes them minutes to whip up and they really enjoy the autonomy. 16 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
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By Pranita Salunke
How to overcome emotional eating Over the last year or so, parents have had to juggle – a lot! A global pandemic, lockdown, social-isolation, anxiety and home-schooling, on top of fulfilling other important roles.
B
eing under so much pressure can create stress in the body and one of the results can be falling victim to emotional eating – eating beyond the need to satisfy hunger, to comfort or reward ourselves. Does this sound familiar? Reaching for biscuits or chocolate after a row with your partner? Most of us have been a victim of emotional eating at some point or another. Emotional eating actually stems from a disconnection between the mind and the body. The mind is on autopilot, while the body consumes food without really being conscious of the need for nourishment. Eating while we are in this negative state often leads to overeating and/or digestive and health issues, without ever fixing the root of the problem. If you recognise this problem, here are some powerful and simple ideas to help you overcome emotional eating.
Create a positive environment Try to enjoy meals in a happy, positive environment, in company, where possible. Take a multi-sensory approach: light a candle, put on some music, notice the aromas of the delicious meal. It can be hard at first, but try to throw out the unhealthy snacks, savouries and sweets – that way, when your will power is low, you will have no option but to choose healthier options. Never dine alone Social isolation increases your chances of emotional eating. Often when eating alone, we make less effort to cook a healthy meal and familiesonline.co.uk
resort to eating in front of the TV so we don’t notice the quality or quantity of food we are consuming. This can be a difficult one for single-parent families, particular during pandemic circumstances, but even if you are eating after the kids are in bed, try to share your meals with another person and connect with meaningful conversation. If a physical meeting isn’t possible, why not schedule a dinner date via Zoom or Skype? Identify your triggers Some of the common triggers of emotional eating are work or home stress, loneliness, sadness, anxiety or even influencers from your own childhood – such as memories of your mum's voice telling you to “finish up that plate!” These can all lead to weak will-power and therefore a higher chance of resorting to emotional eating behaviour. If you can relate to these triggers, it can be helpful to keep an eating diary in which you note your emotions. That way you can identify the exact situations or emotions that lead you to eat unhealthily, and try to deal with the issues before they become a problem.
behaviour. For 5 mins sit comfortably, away from the dinner table. Relax your body from head to toe. Put your palm on your belly. And take a deep breath in your belly and breathe out fully. If you can, hold the breath momentarily. You may note, within 5 minutes of this exercise, you can bring your conscious awareness into a present. If you teach these skills to your children, they will be much more equipped to listen to their body while choosing their food. This is an important life skill you can empower them with. Pranita Salunke has more than twenty year’s experience as a Preventative Cardiology Specialist and Occupational Therapist. Her new book Vitality: A Healthy and Happy Heart is out now. For more information, visit pranitavitality.com
Breath is energy Deep breathing is a great way to help you to centre your consciousness into the present moment, and prepare your body for a nourishing meal. This is especially true when you are stressed or have had an argument. Calming yourself with 5 to 10 deep inhalations and exhalations is a scientifically proven method to control emotional eating
Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937
Tame your emotions before the meal Whether you had a stressful day at work, you had an argument with your partner or the kids are fighting, always strive to bring your emotions back into balance before meal times. Don’t eat when your blood is boiling, your heart is racing faster or you are sweating. If you can, try to manage any emotional upheaval before meals by writing down your thoughts, going for a quick walk or listening to some music. If you are frustrated with the rest of your household, it can be helpful to call a trusted friend or another family member. Just talking calmly will assist you in feeling more centred and bring your emotions back to a state where you will be able to take more nourishment from your meals.
Families Thames Valley West • 17
The beginner’s guide to camping By Claire Winter
With staycations on the horizon for many families this year, camping is a fun and affordable option. But it can be daunting for the first-time camper. So here are some simple dos and don’ts for those of you interested in planning a family camping trip. Do your research and make sure you book early. Do you want a rural location that allows open fires or a more commercial site with facilities like an indoor pool or a shop where you can get essentials? Whichever it is, many more families are opting for a camping holiday this year, so it’s vital you decide what you have in mind, research options and book now!
Don’t leave a trace. Leave the campsite as you found it by taking your rubbish with you after your stay (some grounds have bins and dedicated recycling stations); make sure your campfire is out before you leave too.
Do have a packing list. Make sure you have a list of everything you need. Turning up with a carload of tired and hungry kids with a tent and no tent pegs is not funny!
Belinda: ‘Pack a bottle of wine, corkscrew and two glasses at the top of a bag. Unpack these first. This ensures fewer arguments whilst putting up the tent.’
Do bring an eyemask and earplugs. If you are a light sleeper, these are essential.
Sian: ‘If in England, bring a heater. Electric pitch and rechargeable lights are a must (so no batteries to faff about with).’
Do check the pet policy. The joy of camping is that you can take a furry friend with you – IF you’ve booked a pet-friendly site… Do bring a sense of humour. Unexpected things happen on a camping trip, from kids tripping over guy ropes on a late-night trip to the loo, to older members of the camping party falling off their camping chairs (after a vino or two). Don’t rely on Sat Nav/Google Maps to get you to your destination. You might not have phone signal, and you often get sent to the wrong place when driving to a rural campsite. Pack a paper map along with a compass, and you should be fine (just make sure you know how to use them!). Don’t leave food unattended. Tidying up outside your tent before spending the day exploring or going to sleep is vital to keep unwanted animals like foxes at bay.
Camping tips from Families readers
Emily: ‘Take your own pillow and duvet/quilt. Get a tall tent so that you can stand up to get dressed. Always have two mallets. You can't have too many torches. Everyone will eat twice as much as usual. Use review sites such as ukcampsite.co.uk or Cool Camping to check opinions. Take a stack of medication and a first aid kit; everything is bigger, wetter and MUCH dirtier on the way home, so allow for 20% expansion when you pack the car!’ Laura: ‘Pack like a minimalist. Also, fill a pot with water and put it in places on the ground to be sure it’s level before you pitch. It’s very annoying to notice a tiny incline once your tent is up.’
Summer camping fun Perfect for petrol heads Whittlebury Park, which is right next to the world-famous Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire, is offering camping during this year’s Formula One British Grand Prix, 13-19 July. whittlebury.com/leisure/british-grand-prix Cornish beach fun Trevornick Holiday Park is a five-star holiday park situated in the stunning location of Holywell Bay in Cornwall. The beach is just a short walk away, and the Park has excellent onsite facilities, such as an outdoor heated pool, plus daily entertainment. trevornick.co.uk Glamping in Pembrokeshire Glamp in the stunning castle grounds of Lawrenny in Pembrokeshire. The Little Retreat is situated in the UK’s only Coastal National Park. It offers Domes, Stargazers or Bell Tents to stay in. littleretreats.co.uk Home Farm Glamping North London’s nearest glamping escape. Guests can choose to stay in one of eight Bell Tents or four Yurts. homefarmglamping.com New Forest fun Green Hill Farm Holiday Village has a range of accommodation including camping, touring caravans, safari tents with wooden hot-tubs and luxury holiday homes in the New Forest. There is plenty to do at the dog-friendly park including segways, bike hire, archery, trampolines, splash pads, plus a playground. lovatparks.com Retro Americana Spend a unique short break away at Camp Elwood, a pop-up campground near Holkham beach in Norfolk, from 26 July to 9 August. Enjoy the retro vibes, daily evening entertainment, spectacular views and stunning beaches. campelwood.com
Happy camping!
18 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
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Addressing post-COVID learning loss By Emma Martin
As our worlds slowly open back up and children are in school once again, for many parents a key question will be how they can support their child’s learning post-COVID. There has been much in the news about children being ‘behind’ and needing to ‘catch up.’ However, just as important is their emotional wellbeing, in particular connection, play, making sense of the world and resilience. By focusing on mental health, we can help our children to be in the best possible place to learn. Re-build and strengthen connections Children do need to catch up this summer – but to catch up with friends and family. Social connections have been hugely impacted by the pandemic, so it is important that we give children the time and space they need to enjoy being social again (and not just via a screen!). By giving time to rebuilding social connections, parents will be helping their child to feel good about themselves and to practice all the skills they need to help them get on with others in a positive way. Let’s play! With opportunities limited during lockdown, by giving children the opportunity to play we can help them to develop their social, emotional and cognitive skills. Most importantly, play helps children to have positive thoughts about themselves which is exactly what we need to encourage right now. familiesonline.co.uk
Making sense of experiences One of the most important things parents can do this summer is to help children make sense of the pandemic so they don’t store concerns. We can do this by helping them to share the challenges and successes of their own ‘COVID story’ through conversations, role play or painting and drawing. Nurture resilience Many people have commented on how resilient children have been during this tumultuous time. Whether your child has ridden the rollercoaster with ease or found it more challenging, placing a focus on problem solving and resilience is a sure-fire way to help your child make progress at school. One way to support your child’s ability to bounce back when things get tricky is to spend quality time doing an activity of their choice with them, whether it’s play dough, kicking a ball about or playing a board game. By doing so, you are giving them a sense of safety and letting them know you are there for them. Let’s prioritise their wellbeing Think back to your own childhood and the things you enjoyed – being free to play, being yourself and being with friends. Let’s not give our children the message they are ‘behind,’ but instead celebrate their wonderful achievements during this tricky time. Let’s make this summer one of freedom and play by prioritising their emotional wellbeing the rest will follow.
Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937
Tips to help children process the pandemic Explore your child’s feelings. Recollections like: ‘Oh I remember. I think you were excited when we first did home learning’ or ‘Yes, it was worrying when it was time to go back to school and you weren't sure what your classroom might look like, wasn’t it?’ help children notice, explore, process and understand their feelings, whilst simultaneously recognising them as normal. It also conveys that you are interested in their feelings and that talking about them is a safe and positive thing to do. Focus on accomplishments. Avoid referring to a need to catch up or suggesting that your child is behind. This places unnecessary pressure on children that could be detrimental to their mental health. Instead focus on their accomplishments during the pandemic. Help them put some of their work into a scrapbook or assemble a photo book to remember this key time. Also look forward with them. Embrace their aspirations and desire to learn new things, helping them and celebrating their achievements.
Emma Martin is an educational psychologist employed full-time by E-ACT multi-academy trust. She supports our primary academies in Bristol and is co-author of our national Relationships and Recovery Curriculum.
Families Thames Valley West • 19
Drama and theatre arts
Clubs and classes directory Regular clubs, classes and out of school activities give your child a chance to shine and for you to have fun together, and there really is plenty of variety to choose from. Here are a few of our favourites, for babies, toddlers and school-aged children. Do check latest details directly with each provider as some elements may have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more clubs and classes in your area, check out familiesonline.co.uk Developmental classes
Gym, sport and swimming Bulmershe Gymnastics Club – based at a purpose-built gym in Woodley, run gymnastics classes for all ages including Leap Frogs for walkers to five years lead by qualified coaches. bulmershegymnastics.co.uk
Master Builders Club Brick Building Workshops for Children proud winners of the Every Giggle 2020 Award for Best Paid For Activity For Primary School Children In The South East
GR Swimming Schools – children’s swimming lessons from 3yrs in Newbury, Thatcham, & Pangbourne. Places for non-swimmers through to advanced academy levels. Also holiday crash courses in swimming, diving and coming soon SYNCHRO!! Uniquely structured lessons, following Swim England Award Scheme. 01635 34862 swimlessons.co.uk Music & dance
Weekend and holiday workshops, after school clubs, birthday parties and nursery/primary school events are designed to provide children with an exciting and captivating experience. Fun workshops start with a short story which Master Builders ‘bring to life’ through the LEGO® models they build. Thousands of LEGO® bricks are supplied in a calm and supportive environment along with the imaginative stimulus to transform a room into a world of creativity. If you are passionate about providing engaging and stimulating play opportunities that nurture your child's mind, then Master Builders Club is for you!
The Academy of Magic – an after school club like no other. Award-winning illusionist and mentalist, Radek Hoffman, runs classes (over Zoom and face-to-face in Reading) that ignite in your child a passion for something different, which brings with it a whole host of benefits to their development and wellbeing. Radek also makes birthday parties truly magical with his incredible show and hands-on workshops. radekhoffman.com
Contact: 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk, perform.org.uk
Perform summer holiday course: Alice in Wonderland. Drama, dance and singing five-day course 9-13 August, 10am-3pm Wokingham Methodist Church Hall, RG40 1XS Your child will enjoy the colourful topsyturvy world of Wonderland as we join the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts and Alice herself in this five day magical adventure.
RABBLE theatre – Reading’s leading professional theatre company. Runs LAMDA classes in Public speaking, Verse & Prose and Acting. Classes run at Kendrick school 5-6pm on Tuesdays for 6-18yrs. RABBLE also runs private lessons online and in person. Contact dani@rabbletheatre.com
masterbuildersclub.co.uk Portuguese Language Club – offering tuition to help you talk fluently in Portuguese, but we don’t stop there. For us, it’s all about you and ensuring that you enjoy your stay with us whilst also making sure that your Portuguese language skills are vastly improved. We offer a range of services to suit all needs; including one-to-one and group lessons, in-school clubs, holiday Portuguese and GSCE and A Level tuition. Based in Tilehurst, Berkshire. Contact Maria on 07427630331, 0118 942 4591, info@portugueselanguageclub.co.uk, portugueselanguageclub.co.uk
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes – confidence-building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Classes are delivered in line with government COVID-19 guidelines. Visit perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class. Venues: Newbury, Twyford, Reading, Wokingham, Crowthorne, Henley-on-Thames and Goring.
Berkshire Maestros – fun, lively music classes for children from birth to seven years led by professional musicians and using a wide range of inspiring resources and real instruments. Lots of singing, dancing, games and playing instruments, building confidence and friendships, as well as developing creative, intellectual, physical, social and emotional skills. Classes in Lambourn (Tue), Hampstead Norreys (Wed), Arborfield (Thu), Woolhampton (Fri), Reading (Thu/Sat), Emmer Green (Fri) and Newbury (Sat). Session times and more details at: berkshiremaestros.org.uk/mini_maestros_main. html or email admin@berkshiremaestros.org.uk
Starmaker Stage School – a Saturday stage school based in Woodley that offers drama, dance and singing tuition, allowing younger children to explore their creative side without pressure. The experience of performance aids with public speaking, presentation skills and self-discipline. Saturday sessions run from 9.30-11.45am (Mini Stars for 4-6 years) and 11.45am-3pm (Young Stars for 7-12 years). To book a free trial, please email Sue at stageschool@starmaker.org.uk and quote this advert.
20 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
perform.org.uk/alice Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow – COVID secure, fun, energetic theatre classes for 3½ to 18yrs. Dance, drama, singing, tap, street dance, pop styles and musical theatre. Regular awardwinning classes in Wokingham and Woodley, plus summer schools. Call Shelley on 07970 034 488, or email shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk, steppinoutstars.co.uk
award-winning after-school drama classes for kids who love to ACT! Burghfield, Tilehurst, Lower Earley, Mortimer and Wokingham. High-energy classes mean that students never get bored, can't wait to get to class and develop confidence, creativity and focus. Free trial class and a Pay-As-You-Go option for infants. Ages 5+. Full listing of available classes, prices and venues at: https://stageability.class4kids.co.uk Come and join the fun! E: jackie@berkshire.stageability.co.uk M: 07721 565898 T: 0118 933 3791
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Clubs and classes news
Confidence building with StageAbility
L
ock down was a busy time for StageAbility. Not only did all of their community drama classes go on-line, they also worked with local schools to ‘lift’ their pupils’ online learning experience with funpacked active lessons. The StageAbility team was delighted to get back into schools for Shakespeare Week, getting children on their
feet, connecting and exploring Shakespeare plays and themes. StageAbility is looking forward to using drama in schools across the summer term as a perfect way to re-engage the pupils, introduce some active lessons and rebuild their confidence after a difficult year. A Wokingham teacher said: “The children (and staff) LOVED
the session! All children were engaged, and even those who were are a little shy were eager to get involved with all the activities. We had a student teacher observe a few sessions and she said she is looking forward to taking some of the ideas with her for when she starts her teaching. Thank you for the great afternoon!”
Drowning Prevention Week
To mark Drowning Prevention Week, Jo Lay, who runs Berkshire-based GR Swimming School, shares some questions she is often asked: Q. My child can swim unaided. They will be fine in the sea, won’t they? A. Not necessarily. A swimming pool is a controlled environment where teachers are trained and risk assessments take place. The sea / lake / river is not. There are hidden dangers everywhere. familiesonline.co.uk
Q. Won’t a fit and healthy child be fine? A. Have they just eaten? Have they had enough fluid? Too much sun? Muscle cramp or tummy ache? Messing about in the water takes energy, being tired and in the water is very dangerous. Q. Wouldn’t I hear my child if they get into trouble?
A. Probably not. There are so many other noises to distract the ears. More scarily – it is not like the movies where the actor will scream and shout for help. The mouth will be open and fill with water preventing that in real life. Swimming lessons are a vital life skill and we help teach children how to be safe in and around the water. To find out more about GR Swimming schools, visit swimlessons.co.uk
Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937
Families Thames Valley West • 21
Making science fun for kids Scientific processes happen all around us during many of our everyday activities – all just waiting to be discovered, explored and tested by curious, young scientists! Here are some fun ways to explore science with your children. The science of cooking Learning about science in a meaningful context—the food we prepare and eat—is a great way for children to explore new scientific ideas and relate them to other things they already understand. Baking bread, cakes or biscuits is enjoyable and children will learn about irreversible changes as milk, butter, eggs and flour combine to form a new, delicious substance. Making lollipops is a great way to explore freezing and melting. Churning butter is an easy activity during which children can learn about the science of preserving food and have something tasty to eat afterwards. This traditional method of preserving dairy products has been used by civilisations throughout human history. The ancient Sumerians, Greeks, Romans and Vikings all churned butter, to name a few. To make your own butter with your children, all you need is some double cream and some clean jam jars for 'churning.' Your children will enjoy shaking their jars and seeing the butter and buttermilk gradually separate out from the cream. Once churned, get your children to wash the butter in cold water, pat it dry, then mix it with
a little salt to help preserve it for longer. The finished butter can be wrapped in foil and kept in the fridge for several days. This simple experiment raises lots of good scientific questions such as 'where did the butter and buttermilk come from', 'why does shaking the cream make them separate' and 'why does salt help preserve the butter.' If you want to learn more about the science behind making butter, have a look at Viking Science at https://bit.ly/3tO3Iio Outdoor science Any outdoor space—whether your own garden or a public park—provides many opportunities for scientific exploration. Outside, children can see how the changing of the seasons affects growth and life, hunt for mini-beasts (such as woodlice and centipedes), experience wind resistance and measure changes in weather. Look out for signs of new life in the spring such as new leaf buds. Find flowering plants and seeds in the summer, and observe the changing colours of the leaves in autumn. Identify, draw and describe creepy-crawlies found under rocks, then learn more about them in books or online. Make paper pinwheels or fly kites to see and feel the wind blowing, or a rain gauge to
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By Oli Ryan
measure rainfall in your garden or on your balcony. Bath time science Bath time is another opportunity for scientific discovery. What differences do your children notice between water, shower gel and toothpaste? How do they feel different when you rub them between your fingers? What happens when soaps and other gels are mixed with water? Toilet paper can be used to study chromatography. Mark a dot in the centre of a piece of toilet paper with a felt pen. Add a drop of water, and pop the sheet on a plate. In a few minutes, the water separates the ink into separate pigments, creating a beautiful pattern. Try it with a range of felt pens and colours! For a fizzy, rapid chemical reaction, chuck a bath bomb in with the kids. What can they see? What can they hear? Where does the bath bomb go?
Oli Ryan is a former UK primary school teacher, now writing for PlanBee about issues affecting teachers, schools and pupils. PlanBee has loads of completely free resources for science teaching and learning for home and school. Visit planbee.com
familiesonline.co.uk
Would you like to own this magazine? Ten years ago, I was commuting into London for a busy PR job, with a lifestyle equally full of fun and stress. Then came my three children, and the acceptance that the long hours wouldn’t work and couldn’t give us the family time we craved. A series of freelance projects followed chosen to fit in around being Mum. Nothing proved hugely fulfilling, inspirational or exciting.
T
hen from the blue came the opportunity to buy the franchise for this Families magazine, and with it the freedom to run my own business but with the support of a respected and well-established franchise. What’s more, I would never miss a school play or parents’ evening! Being a Families magazine owner and editor offers fantastic flexibility and rewards. There are around 40 editors around the country who all
have children of their own. The Families network supports editors to run their own magazines, with training provided on everything from setting up an accounting system to writing editorial and running a social media campaign. Families Thames Valley West is a particularly high-performing title in the network, with an established base of advertisers, suppliers and distributors. It is a locally known and loved brand with very few
Would you like to work from home and have a successful career whilst bringing up your children?
competitors. You are up and running as soon as you take over! The scheduling of the six printed issues a year enables me to work less during the school holidays (I don’t know of another job that enables you to take most of August off!). Now, with my youngest at school, I have an opportunity to return to my mainline marketing career and to reluctantly hand over this
magazine to a new owner who can take the magazine on to even greater success. If you would be interested in exploring this opportunity and would like to chat further about the rewards and flexibility of being your own boss, do feel free to call me on 07968 711937 or email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk Best wishes
Rachel
Thames Valley West
Families Thames Valley West Magazine is for sale. Part of a successful national franchise of more than 40 magazines, Families Thames Valley West is the region’s best-loved parenting magazine. You could have the chance to be at the helm of your own print business, and be a part of a highly successful and supportive network of fellow editors who are all working mums. Please call Rachel on 07968 711937 or email editor@familiestvw.co.uk to find out more!
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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937
Families Thames Valley West • 23
24 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
familiesonline.co.uk