Families Thames Valley West Sep/Oct 2020

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley West

IN THIS ISSUE

Back to school

School open days Immune-boosting family food Autumn days out WIN a trip to Santa’s Lapland

Issue 109 September/October 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

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 Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire Families® Thames Valley West • Issue 109 • September/October 2020 Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

Hello from the Edit or...

We’re back! We’re delighted to be in print again after a strange few months, and to combine that content with some exclusive extras in this digital special. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Families magazines, this includes some fabulous competitions for subscribing to receive future issues direct to your inbox.

The main focus of this Autumn issue is education – coping with any back to school stress, but also planning for next steps for those of you looking for your child’s future schools. We have a broad list of schools that are offering open days this term – whether that be virtual or in small face-to-face groups.

Our days out guide looks a little different this time – not least because so many larger events are not taking place right now. We have produced instead a ‘what’s still on’ guide – a round-up of the fun and safe days out on offer right across the Thames Valley, including some spooky Halloween fun and October half term clubs.

Please do follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We always welcome your feedback – drop me a line at editor@familiestvw.co.uk with any suggestions for content you'd love to read, or to learn more about promoting your business with us to 47,000 parents. In the meantime, take care and enjoy a healthy and happy Autumn.

Rachel.

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!

The Families team...

Editor: Rachel Jones Production: Ridgeway Press, 01256 300420 www.ridgewaypress.co.uk

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Next issue: November / December – Festive Fun Booking deadline: 1st November

Don’t miss these great offers • FREE trial classes at Perform, StageAbility, BilinguaSing, Street Feet Dance, diddi dance and Starmaker Stage School • FREE 30-minute family law consultation with LGFL Ltd • FREE taster session at Steppin’ Out • Receive a £40 introductory discount for a Perform class, see front cover • 10% discount off Eight food • WIN a trip to Santa’s Lapland • WIN £50 National Book Tokens

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Families Thames Valley West

News & views

Warning for youth athletes Youth athletes are not paying proper attention to their diets and are in danger of accidentally consuming banned substances, warns a West Berkshire nutritionist. Felicity Lucas of Ridgeway Nutrition creates personalised plans for teenage sportspeople, including Berkshire-based rugby teams. She finds that many are following the lead of adult athletes and ordering protein shakes online, unaware of the ingredients, which can include substances that would be detected in anti-doping tests. It follows the case of British rugby player, Brandon Staples, who was banned for four years after – he claims – unwittingly ingesting steroids from a protein shake.

Felicity says: “I always recommend a food first approach, before supplementation. One size certainly does not fit all – every person has their own needs and each sport burns different amounts of calories. Eating too little or infrequently and consuming processed foods – these can cause real issues for those who train hard. It’s a problem that is particularly prevalent in girls and in those who need to maintain a certain weight such as rowers or martial artists. I’m really keen that vulnerable youth athletes understand the importance of consuming the right quantities of food at the right times for their performance, but most importantly, their long-term health.”

Divorce delays: how mediation and collaborative law can help UK courts have reopened, but the justice system is facing a substantial backlog of family law and divorce cases. A collaborative law approach to divorce and separation can make the experience less stressful, less costly and less distressing for you and your children.

Collaborative law brings together both parties to sort out the practicalities and finances of separation and divorce, outside of the courts. Unlike a court hearing, you are not limited by the judge’s time and availability on any given day.

You can set your own meeting date, with no delay and no court-imposed time limits.

Collaborative law meetings via video conferencing mean you don’t have to be in the same physical space as each other either. You can bring in financial advisors as well as your legal team at the same meeting.

Mediation is another method to resolve other family law matters without the need to go to court. Again, you and your partner meet in a safe space, with an independent mediator present. You can discuss and agree child arrangements, financial settlements, co-parenting issues and living arrangements, with the mediator keeping your discussions calm and on track.

As a trained mediator and family lawyer, I know how mediation can build stronger relationships between you as a couple. This is especially important for your roles as co-parents for your children at family events such as weddings, christenings, and graduations. For me, this is THE major benefit of mediation, providing a long-term family-based solution, not an acrimonious short-term courtroom fix.

Anne Leiper is a Director at LGFL Ltd, a boutique family law firm in Reading. Anne is offering readers of Families Thames Valley an initial online 1-hour consultation with 30 minutes included free, to discuss divorce, separation or any family law issues. https://bit.ly/1-hr-consult

Reception testing delayed to 2021 The government’s plan to introduce Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) will be delayed until September 2021 because of the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

In September 2017, the Department for Education announced that a new start-of-school assessment for children ages 4 and 5 would be introduced as a baseline measure to track progress during primary school.

Children who start Reception in September 2021 will be the first group to take the new RBA during the first six weeks of the autumn term.

The test is due to eventually replace key stage 1 SATs in providing the baseline on which pupil progress scores are based.

The new tests have been criticised by some teachers, head teachers and parents, who claim it is unnecessary, will cause distress and could damage children’s future learning.

More info: gov.uk/guidance/reception-baseline-assessment

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Families Thames Valley West

News & views

Children’s Laureate to remain for further year

Legoland unveils new-look DUPLO Valley The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort’s DUPLO® Valley has enjoyed a magical makeover, complete with the world’s first ever DUPLO rollercoaster. The DUPLO Dino Coaster is the perfect first rollercoaster for littles ones – budding explorers hop aboard a brightly coloured dinosaur carriage, before soaring past supersized DUPLO brick dinosaur models.

Children’s imaginations will be captured from start to finish in DUPLO Valley, especially when they come face to face with four new giant DUPLO characters, which took a team of twelve expert designers, more than two and a half months to create.

Other updated attractions in DUPLO Valley include the transformation of the outdoor play area which includes a 5.3m high rocket play structure, a new look DUPLO Valley Airport and The Frog Prince debuting in the puppet theatre.

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Cressida Cowell’s time as Children’s Laureate will continue for an additional 12 months due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The best-selling author of the How to Train Your Dragon series took the role in July 2019 and had been due to step down next year. However, organisers BookTrust said the “exceptional circumstances” created by the pandemic meant Cressida will serve a three-year term, staying until June 2022.

The role of Children's Laureate is awarded once every two years to a leading children’s author or illustrator to honour outstanding achievement in their field and to acknowledge their importance in creating the readers of tomorrow.

Cressida plans to continue with her ambitious campaign to make the magic of books and reading available to everyone by making a library in every school in the UK a compulsory legal requirement.

More info: childrenslaureate.org.uk

The fun goes on at Jubilee Day Nursery Plenty of smiles, laughter and fun has been had by the staff and children at Jubilee Day Nursery this Summer, all whilst adhering to strict COVID-19 guidelines.

The nursery has continued to celebrate many special events including; VE day, sports days, graduation ceremonies and the arrival of new animals on its farm.

Parents (observing social distancing) have been involved in all of the events – proudly watching on as their little ones compete in their end of term sports day races and graduate in their caps and gowns.

During the lockdown period, Jubilee Day Nursery remained open for children of key/critical workers. The nursery reopened to all children on 1st June, with children grouped in bubbles.

The nursery has a highly regarded reputation for outdoor learning. Located in Padworth, Berkshire, it has over 60 acres of private woodland, with a working farm, and provides childcare for children aged three months to five years of age.

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Ground-breaking innovation in private education

Family life has changed dramatically this year. While lockdown was not without its challenges, many families have enjoyed a more flexible way of working and schooling, and are reluctant to return to long commutes, busy after school hours and minimal family time.

Responding to this new pattern, Brockhurst and Marlston House School in West Berkshire is the first in the country to instigate a groundbreaking combination of flexible fees and ‘hybrid’ classrooms. Its online learning management system had been in the pipeline for about a year, but the launch was accelerated when COVID-19 hit. Pupils are now able to access live lessons from anywhere, and to catch up on missed learning via recorded sessions. For families who are shielding, this could prove invaluable. It also means important lessons will no longer be missed as a result of music tuition or a dentist appointment.

It is a move that has been widely welcomed by the parents of the Hermitage school, which takes boys and girls from ages three to 13 on a day or boarding basis. By being able to observe how a particular topic is taught, they feel empowered to support their child from home, without the fear of ‘doing it wrong’. “We are hugely proud of our outstanding teaching, and the transparency in making lessons available to parents,” says Headmaster, David Fleming. “Many of our families are telling us that they want a new approach where they can be more involved with their child’s education, and where school fits within a rich family life.”

It is the rationale for Brockhurst and Marlston House also launching familiesonline.co.uk

‘flexi fees’, which allows families to create an holistic programme of learning tailored to the individual child. The core school day has been restructured to fit the hours of 9-3, with a reduced annual fee of £12,000. If desired, over 60 extra-curricular opportunities (which include riding, fencing and pottery) are offered as a ‘bolt-on’ at additional cost. Alternatively, families can continue to pay the original fee, which incorporates all extras and sport, and there are further optional courses like Rooky Lifesaving available on Saturdays.

online, and offer one-on-one support via Zoom as required. The school also contributed to a fundraising effort to supply IT equipment for the pupils across years 1-8.

“All the programmes we have introduced recently have the same principle in common – opportunity,” says Mr Fleming. “It’s about giving families options that balance school with modern family life. And it’s about opening up a first-class education to a wider demographic, plugging the considerable gap left by COVID-19, and creating a school environment fit for the 21st century.”

“The new fee structure is more accessible for many families, particularly in this post-lockdown time of financial uncertainty,” adds Mr Fleming. “But it also enables them to play to the strengths and interests of their own child, and to enjoy more time outside school together.” The revolutionary flexi fees option, combined with online teaching, has already received strong interest from parents of prospective pupils – and has also made it possible to retain those who may otherwise have been unable to continue.

It has been a busy few months for Mr Fleming and his team, who ran an online summer programme for disadvantaged children across West Berkshire. In partnership with the West Berkshire Council, the teachers continued to stream lessons from across the curriculum Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAYS AUTUMN 2020 Most schools in the Thames Valley are still planning open days for this Autumn. In some cases, these will be in person – either for individual families or in very small groups. Many are planning online tours where you can enjoy a virtual visit, and perhaps a presentation from staff, from the comfort of your home. At the time of going to press, the details in this feature were correct, but the COVID-19 government and Department of Education guidelines continue to change. Please make contact with each school to check the details and to book your place if required.

BRACKNELL AND ASCOT LAMBROOK SCHOOL, Ascot (co-ed day & boarding 3-13yrs), 01344 882 717, lambrookschool.co.uk An online tour can be accessed at a time convenient to you. To receive the link, please contact Penny Cardwell: registrar@lambrookschool.co.uk.

THE MARIST SCHOOLS, Ascot (independent Catholic girls school, 21/2 – 18yrs), 01344 624 291, themaristschools.com Open evening: Thurs 24 Sept 5.30pm-8pm

OXFORDSHIRE MOULSFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent boys day & boarding school 4-13yrs), 01491 651 438, moulsford.com Virtual open day: Sat 26 Sept 10am. To book a place, please email admissions@moulsford.com SHIPLAKE COLLEGE (independent boarding and day school for boys 11-18 and girls 16-18), 0118 940 2455, shiplake.org.uk Sixth form entry open day: Sat 3 Oct 9am Whole school open morning: Sat 7 Nov 9am Go to shiplake.org.uk/opendays to book your attendance.

THE ORATORY SCHOOL (independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 11-18), 01491 683 500, oratory.co.uk Meet the Head Master via a conference call.

Please contact Janet Martin to arrange: registrar@oratory.co.uk THE ORATORY PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2-13), 0118 984 4511, oratoryprep.co.uk Open morning: Sat 3 Oct To receive a copy of the virtual open morning, 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 2 to 11. Sixth form opening September 2021), 01491 651218 cranfordhouse.net Sixth form open evening: Wed 30 Sept 6-8pm Senior experience days (for Year 6 pupils): Wed 23 Sept and Wed 7 Oct Whole school open morning: Sat 10 Oct Reception open morning: Thurs 24 Sept For details and to register, email 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 Senior school open evening: Thurs 17 Sep 5.30-8.30pm Sixth form open evening:

Thurs 1 Oct 4.30-7.30pm Junior school open morning: Fri 2 Oct 9.15-11am Senior school and sixth form open morning: Fri 9 Oct 9.15-11am 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 Virtual open mornings: Sat 26 Sept 9am and Tues 13 Oct 9.15am. Year 7 taster day: Thurs 15 Oct. Book here: leightonpark.com/visitus ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (independent coed day school 3-18yrs), 0118 966 1000, sjcr.org.uk September open mornings: Wed 23 Sept. Years 7-11 (10.30am-12pm), Early Years (9.30-11.30am) Open evening (Y7-11): Thurs 1 Oct 7.30-9.30pm Sixth form open evening: Tues 20 Oct 6.30-8.30pm November open mornings: Tues 17 Nov. Years 7-11 (10.30am-12pm), Early Years (9.30-11.30am) QUEEN ANNE’S CAVERSHAM (independent girls day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 918 7300, qas.org.uk Virtual open morning: Sat 12 Sept 10am A Level options and open evening (sixth form): Thurs 17 Sept 6pm Open morning: Fri 20 Nov 9.30am DOLPHIN SCHOOL (independent day school and nursery for boys and girls 3-13 years), 0118 934 1277 dolphinschool.com To arrange a telephone or video meeting with headmaster, Adam Hurst, please contact PA Kate Spooner: headspa@dolphinschool.com

SOUTH OF READING CROSFIELDS SCHOOL (independent coed day school 3-13yrs), 0118 987 1810, crosfields.com Families are warmly invited to attend the next open event in the Autumn term. To find out more and to pre-register, visit the website or call the Registrar on (0118) 987 9902.

WAVERLEY SCHOOL (independent prep school and day nursery for boys and girls 3 months -11yrs), 0118 973 1121, waverleyschool.co.uk Open morning: Fri 9 Oct 9.30-11.30am.

Personalised virtual tours also available.

Please contact Helen Jenkins for more details: admissions@waverleyschool.co.uk EAGLE HOUSE SCHOOL (independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-13 in Sandhurst), 01344 772 134, eaglehouseschool.com To arrange a Zoom call or to access previous virtual tours, please contact registrar Sara Baldwin: registrar@eaglehouseschool.com

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

WEST BERKSHIRE BROCKHURST & MARLSTON HOUSE SCHOOL, Hermitage (independent boys (Brockhurst) and girls (Marlston House) day and boarding prep school 3-13), 01635 200 293, brockmarl.org.uk Evening drinks reception: Thurs 17 Sept 6.30-8pm Open morning: Sat 19 Sept 10.30am-12pm PANGBOURNE COLLEGE (independent co-ed day and boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 984 2101, pangbourne.com Open mornings: Sat 19 Sept (all years welcome, particularly Year 9 entry); Sat 26 Sept (all years welcome, particularly Year 9 entry); Sat 10 Oct (Year 7 entry); Fri 13 Nov (sixth form taster day). Check the website or email the admissions team for full information: admissions@pangbourne.com HORRIS HILL, Newbury (boarding and day preparatory school for boys 7-13 years), 01635 40594 horrishill.com Open morning: Fri 9 Oct 10am. Email registrar@horrishill.com to book a place ST ANDREWS PANGBOURNE (independent co-ed day & boarding school 3-13yrs), 0118 974 4726, standrewspangbourne.co.uk Open morning: Fri 2 Oct 9am. To register your interest, please contact Registrar Carolyn Reeves: registrar@standrewspangbourne.co.uk DOWNE HOUSE (independent day and boarding school for girls), 01635 200286, downehouse.net Open mornings: Sat 12 Sept and Sat 14 Nov. Interactive virtual tours are also available including a meeting with the headmistress and key members of staff.

Please contact the Registrar, Angela Nutt, for more details: registrar@downehouse.net

WOKINGHAM LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 978 4175, luckleyhouseschool.org Open morning: Sat 17 Oct 9am Open house: Fridays 9.30am MEADOWBROOK SCHOOL (independent co-ed primary school for ages 4 – 11), 01344 890869 meadowbrook.uk Meadowbrook School in Warfield offers tailor-made open days in the form of informal observation visits, where parents receive the undivided attention of the Head, watch real classes in action and chat naturally to children and staff. To book your visit call: 01344 890869 or email admin@meadowbrook.uk Please ring the school to check the open event is still going ahead.

State schools show their strengths State primary schools across our area will also be busy with open days this term. Here are just a few of those that are coming up.

EARLEY ST PETER’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL, (nursery and primary), 0118 9261657, earley-stpeters.wokingham.sch.uk Open mornings will be held on the following dates, led by the Executive Headteacher and including a tour of the school and nursery.

Tues 13 Oct, Wed 4 Nov, Thurs 3 Dec, Thurs 7 Jan. All 9.15-10am.

Please contact the school office to book a place: admin@earley-stpeters.wokingham.sch.uk WOODEN HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL, Bracknell, 01344 421117, woodenhill.bracknell-forest.sch.uk Open mornings: Thurs 24 Sept, Tues 3 Nov, Wed 2 Dec, Thurs 7 Jan – all from 9.30am. Book a place online at woodenhill.bracknell-forest.sch.uk YATTENDON CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL, 01635 201397, yattendonschool.co.uk Open days during the Autumn Term - please make an appointment through the school office to meet with our headteacher and have a personal tour of the school at a time to suit you.

ST. SEBASTIANS NURSERY, 01344 772427, st-sebastians.wokingham.sch.uk Open morning: Thurs 15 Oct 10am.

Email admin@st.sebastians.wokingham. sch.uk or satkins@stsebastians.wokingham.sch.uk OAKLANDS INFANT SCHOOL, 01344 774644, oaklands-inf.wokingham.sch.uk Parent tours during the Autumn Term – some spaces still available, so please make an appointment through the school office. The headteacher would be delighted to give you a personal tour of the school. Times available each day from Mon 14 – Fri 18 Sept (by appointment only). Please call the school office to book or email admin@oaklandsinf.wokingham.sch.uk.

Other dates will be available in the near future.

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Families Thames Valley West

Prepping for the future

Education news Safer vision, safer schools

shields. It was founded by Mark Smith, Head of DT at Leighton Park School. The £28,000 raised for materials through a GoFundMe crowd-funding site enabled the partnership to make a difference to almost 500 organisations desperate for vital PPE. “Not every superhero wears a cape, but they do all wear masks!” joked Mark, but his cheerful spirit and can-do attitude quickly attracted the enthusiasm of other organisations keen to get involved and commit their resources.

The shields were given free of charge and were welcomed by hospitals, hospices, care homes, GP surgeries, pharmacies, adult and elderly care services, and councils all needing to protect their staff. Schools receiving face shields also had a link to a colourful character topper to ensure their shields were fun for their pupils.

Bringing together 18 partner schools, three commercial organisations and one university, the ‘Safer Vision’ hub partnership has created and dispatched over 39,000 face

Gareth Williams, Chief Commercial Officer at Choice Care Group, who received 1,600 shields commented: “These selfless acts of kindness from the local community are what keeps spirits high and momentum lifted. We all make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. The school should be very proud of that.”

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

The last six months have brought a great deal of change for The Oratory Preparatory School.

Having joined Bellevue Education at the end of 2019, the South Oxfordshire school was called upon to respond to the demands of the COVID-19 outbreak. A hugely successful virtual learning programme was set up for pupils aged 2-13, and its first virtual open day took place. A number of prospective families listened to headmaster Rob Stewart, staff and pupils as they shared why they believe The Oratory Prep School provides the best start to a child's school adventure.

Most pupils were welcomed back to school at the end of the summer term. As well as getting back into their classrooms, children also enjoyed socially distanced sports days, picnics within the beautiful 65 acres of countryside and leavers’ celebrations.

The Oratory Preparatory School is now working on another exciting project. It is one of just four prep schools nationally to participate in a collaborative project with The Independent Association of Prep Schools and ITN Productions. The film, Prepping for the Future – which will be available in the Autumn – will showcase the very best of what a prep school education can offer.

Families are invited to the school’s next open day, which will be held on 3rd October. For more details and to book a space, please contact Registrar, Mrs Atkinson: c.atkinson@oratoryprep.co.uk

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Staying creative beyond lockdown The closure of schools may have stopped many activities, but students and staff at Pangbourne College came together to show off their creative side during the summer.

Inspiring fundraising effort At Moulsford, charitable fundraising features as an integral part of school life. Over the past ten months, the South Oxfordshire boys’ prep school has raised an incredible £30,000 for Inspire, which creates safe spaces for children and young people to thrive in rural South Africa.

Through such fundraising events as a cycle ride and festival, Moulsfest, the original target of £15,000 was doubled. The money raised will help renovate a new kitchen, transform eight dilapidated rooms into three small houses, repair a water borehole, hire a qualified teacher and purchase digital school equipment. A visit for Moulsford

pupils to the South African farm that they support was postponed due to COVID-19, but they look forward to meeting the families during a future tour.

Headmaster, Ben Beardmore-Gray, says: “Our boys carry forward an innate sense of responsibility towards helping others, and a grounded attitude of their place in the world. The funds that the Moulsford community has raised are going to make a huge difference to the lives of many. The projects create a long-lasting legacy, helping to enable a way out of poverty for many families now and in the future.”

The first ever virtual Summer Art Exhibition, curated by Mr Iain Young, Head of Art, was an inclusive opportunity open to all students, staff and college families. Contributors submitted paintings, photography and drawings in a choice of four themes: Just Visible, Natural or Artificial, The Passage of Time, or Varied Hues.

Mr Young said: “Although nothing completely replaces the experience of being in the art department at the College, we aimed to provide a creative outlet for members of our community during the lockdown, and we were really pleased with the

Crosfields School in Shinfield, Reading, will be expanding its Year 3 provision in September 2021 with an additional class.

Years 3 and 4 enjoy their own purpose-built area with spacious and bright, individual classrooms.

In more usual times, visiting authors, storytellers, musicians, artists and mathematicians help consolidate the children’s learning; activities outside of the classroom such as day and residential trips to places of interest and outdoor activity centres equip children with the knowledge and ability needed to progress.

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Small class sizes and experienced teachers, along with dedicated classroom support assistants ensure that children are prepared for success as they move up through the school. From Year 3 there is a host of co-curricular sessions that children can attend, including Swim Squads and choirs. With delicious hot lunches and wraparound care available, the demand for places at Crosfields remains at an all-time high. For more information, contact the Registrar at registrar@crosfields.com or telephone 07761 494293.

The exhibition can still be viewed at https://sites.google.com/pangb ourne.com/summer-openexhibition/home

Waverley granted permission to fully reopen Waverley Preparatory School was delighted when it was granted permission from the Department for Education to fully re-open its school and nursery to all year groups at the start of June.

Waverley, which was recently ranked best prep school in Berkshire based on its academic results, was one of only a handful of schools in the country to fully reopen as lockdown eased in the summer term. It also offered its breakfast and after school clubs.

Crosfields expands Junior School

contributions. That said, we are very much looking forward to seeing our artists in person from September!”

Rigorous COVID measures were implemented including pupils – who range from nursery age to year 6 – being placed into small social bubbles throughout the school day. Mr Shore, Head of

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel:07968 711937

Waverley, explained: “During lockdown, we offered a comprehensive full daily timetable of remote learning to all our pupils.

Our teachers were outstanding in adapting the curriculum at short notice to offer virtual learning where every pupil was engaged.

We strongly believe that children learn best being physically at school with their teachers and fellow pupils. Therefore, it was enormously important for myself and my teaching staff, that our pupils returned to school as soon as possible. It meant that all our year groups were able to have several weeks of learning together before they finished for the summer holidays.”

Families Thames Valley West

When a child won’t sleep No-one ever said parenting was easy! But when the baby you have been longing for turns out to be a problem sleeper, the reality can pose a big challenge. A child who doesn’t sleep means that you too miss out on kip at a time when you need it most.

Parenting media are packed with pleas for advice from desperate parents, and that is how Dee Booth came to turn her long years of

nannying experience into a business that is much in demand across the Thames Valley and beyond. She and her trusted team

at Sleep Fairy & Parent Rescue tackle not just sleep but a variety of other behavioural issues. The good news is that their solutions often take just a few days.

“I worked as a nanny for 16 years and answered a call for help from a parent network in Marlow,” says Dee. “I replied based on my experience, and what I suggested worked. The Mum told her friends, decided that she needed to pay me and it just grew by word of mouth.

I did a lot more reading and research and developed my own way of helping families.”

Dee’s business is also based on personal experience because her 14-year-old daughter was born prematurely. “Because of my nannying I went into becoming a parent very confidently, and suddenly I was facing something I hadn’t dealt with before,” she says.

“That experience gave me the added empathy to understand how horrific things can be.”

The business offers practical advice about sleep, eating and behavioural issues for babies and children up to age 11. What stands it apart from some others is the sheer length of hands-on practical as well as study experience Dee and her two colleagues have amassed.

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

TOP TIPS • Share a good bond so that your baby feels secure • Enjoy quality time together • Set a routine appropriate to age and needs • Ensure that Mum has time for herself • Allow the child to express emotions.

“Parents who have been trained to be successful in life suddenly have a baby that doesn’t follow their expectations and their limited parenting training doesn’t cover it,” says Dee. “There is a lot of advice and misinformation out there and it’s very confusing.

“Every baby can sleep – the issue is how it behaves around sleep times.

We try to take a very practical view on it, look at the parents’ needs and the baby’s needs and try to fulfil them as gently as possible.

The key thing is to keep a good bond between mother and child while putting boundaries in place.”

While most come to Dee and her team with what they believe is a sleep issue, there is more often than not an underlying behavioural issue. “If a toddler kicks off at night, I guarantee it would do it in the daytime if it could,” she says.

More info: sleepfairyparentrescue.co.uk

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Tackling Life’s Little Bugs erms have certainly taken centre stage recently, but there’s one business which has been educating the next generation about bugs well before COVID19. Tina Stubbs set up Life’s Little Bugs five years ago after the idea came to her as a single mother. Tina then set about developing the concept alongside a full-time job. She enjoyed evening courses in art and illustration, and some idle doodles of a family of cartoon bugs rapidly turned into a series of award-winning self-published books.

G

The fun workshops, which include experiments, group work and role play, are an excellent support for the Personal, Social, Health and Economic education curriculum.

The little bugs have proven such a hit that Tina is now branching out into children’s birthday parties, and forest school sessions. Life’s Little Bugs Go Wild runs during the holidays to teach children how to enjoy the environment, foster respect and gratitude, and garner a renewed commitment to taking care of the planet.

Parties are held outside and features games, and nature crafts to fit in with the season. Tina is even developing downloadable invitations and adding reusable table ware.

The key message is around the importance of self-care to maintain happy and healthy bodies.

The family of seven characters include Hum Bug, who discovers the benefits of positive thinking; Gum Bug who learns the correct way to care for our teeth; and Tummy Bug who practices good hand hygiene.

Tina adds: “I have even been asked to create a Corona bug! Awareness around viruses and staying healthy has never been higher. I’m really keen that this continues, alongside a deeper understanding about looking after each other and our environment. It’s all about teaching daily healthy habits from a young age that will equip our children with the life skills to grow into well-rounded adults.”

Tina says: “Children respond far better to fun characters than adults telling them what to do.

They love to ‘collect’ the series and meet all the bugs. Rhyme and repetition really help the messages to stick.” In total, Tina has published seven books, and now takes her message to nursery and primary schools across Berkshire.

familiesonline.co.uk

lifeslittlebugs.co.uk

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West

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ME

EDUCATION

Free Learning Support Resources Need some additional tools to help your child catch up at school?

BBC Bitesize

Preschool, KS1, KS2+.

Oxford Owl

Early Years, KS1, KS2+.

BBC School Radio

Daily Phonics Lessons by Ruth Miskin Training

Mathematics Mastery Home Resources KS1, KS2.

Literacy Counts Home Learning Packs

Reception, KS1, KS2.

Bud’s Number Garden Game

Literacy Shed

NRICH Maths at Home Resources

Preschool, KS1.

Preschool, KS1.

KS1, KS2.

Early Years, KS1, KS2.

KS1, KS2+.

familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

What Do We Say to the School about our Separation?

Five “Must-Do’s” When Choosing a School for your Child

Any parent who has been through a separation will understand the massive stress it involves and the anxiety around co-parenting. One of the important issues that can get overlooked in the mix is what to tell your child’s school.

READ MORE

It always makes sense to put your child at the centre of the process when choosing a school.

Parents know better than anyone how different individual children can be and individual schools can be very different too.

By Rebecca Giraud & Bob Greig

Coping with Back to School Stress

Starting a new school year after Covid-19 may mean both parents and children feel more anxious than usual. So what can we do to help our children go back to school feeling more happy and relaxed? Claire Winter speaks to some experts.

READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

By Judith Judd

READ MORE

EDUCATION

18 Top New Children’s Books for Autumn

Duck and Penguin That Dog! Things I Love by Emma Lazell.

Do Not Like Bear Will smart dog outwit the Susie Linn/Alex Willmore.

Sleepovers Julia Woolf.

Night time adventure for babies/toddlers.

dog-nappers?

For babies/toddlers.

Scenes and activities little ones will recognise.

For babies/toddlers.

The Diddle That Dummed

It’s OK to Cry

I’m Sticking with You

Kes Gray/Fred Blunt.

Laughter, music, word play & silliness. Ages 3+.

Molly Potter/Sarah Jennings.

Great intro to emotions.

Ages 3+.

Moth

The Blue Giant

Egneus. Powerful/ visually spectacular evolution story.

Ages 5+.

story about pollution in our oceans.

Ages 5+.

Smriti Halls/Steve Small.

A story about friendship.

Ages 3+.

Super Milly and the

By Isabel Thomas/Daniel By Katie Cottle. Poignant Super School Day

By Owen Millward.

Upbeat/funny picture book about kindness.

Ages 5+.

familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

18 Top New Children’s Books for Autumn

Mermaid School: Ready, Steady, Swim!

Noah Wild and the Floating Zoo

Lucy Courtenay/Sheena Dempsey. An underwater school story. Ages 7+.

Alexander Mccall Smith.

An ordinary boy’s heartwarming/extraordinary feat. Ages 7+.

Louis Sachar/Aleksei Bitskoff. Brilliantly illustrated story of mixedup mayhem. Ages 7+.

My Name is River

Turtle Boy

Health Heroes

The Virus

Return to Wonderland

The Unadoptables

Beneath the Cloud of Doom

Emma Rea. M. Evan Wolkenstein.

Emily Sharratt.

Thrilling, ecological A story offering hope/ ‘Health heroes’ talk adventure in the Amazon new perspectives to life’s about their working lives. jungle. Ages 9+. outsiders. Ages 9+.

Ages 9+.

Ben Martynoga/Moose Allain.

Explores the science behind viruses/Covid-19 pandemic. Ages 11+. familiesonline.co.uk

Wonderland-inspired stories from top contemporary authors.

Ages 11+.

Hana Tooke/Ayesha L.Rubio.

Adventure set in oldworld Amsterdam/ surrounds. Ages 11+.

ACTIVITIES

Autumn Outdoors Enjoy these seasonal outdoor activities with the family.

Bark Rubbing

Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Conkers

Mushroom Hunting

Tree Decorating

Making and Flying a Kite

Building a Hedgehog Home

Litter Picking

Making a Leaf Maze familiesonline.co.uk

ACTIVITIES

Great Autumn Crafts Join our friends at MyBaba and get crafty with the kids!

Autumn Leaf Pictures

3D Autumn Tree Craft

Autumn Leaf Sun Catchers

Autumn Play Dough

Painted Leaves

Leaf Rubbing Busy Bag

Animal Seed Collage

Leaf Chromatography

Autumn Sensory Tray

familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

A-Z of Early Years Activities

By Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum

Animal Hunt. Search for tiny creepy crawlies, the chirpy in the trees kind and the bigger more exciting kind!

Baking. Use overripe bananas to bake muffins. Or roll out some biscuit dough.

Cardboard Creations. A pirate ship, a car, or a doll’s bed? Save a box, colour it in or cut it up!

Den building. Inside with chairs and sheets. Outside with pieces of wood!

Envelope Endeavours. Send photos/stickers or a letter/card to a friend/family member.

Film Fun. Make popcorn, print off ‘cinema tickets’ and snuggle up.

Garden Growing. Ingredients: patch of soil for digging/planting, old spoons for digging and water for watering!

Hiking. Pack a bag and snacks/ drinks. Get your kids excited about a little ‘hike.’

Imaginary Play. Kids LOVE it!

Visit the doctors or take a pet to the vet!

Jumble Sale Jollies. Involve kids in sorting things for charity or a jumble sale.

Kickabout. Visit the park with a ball – run, jump, slide, shout!

Learning through Play...is the best way! Games like i-spy improve letter/sound recognition.

Mud Mess. It’s such FUN! Make mud pies.

Noise. Bang pans; pick out a tune/rhythm with bells or drums.

Outdoor Painting. Paint leaves/stones. Add food colouring to bubbles and ‘paint’ windows – it washes off!

Puzzles. Jigsaws develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.

Quiet. Help your little one enjoy quieter things - small world toys, books, colouring or painting.

Reading. Make reading special.

Try different voices to captivate your child’s imagination.

Safari Special. Hide toy animals (or pictures) around your home. Grab paper/pen and go on safari. Write down the animals you see.

Treasure Time. Make a map and hide “treasure.” Grab a toy sword and battle pirates as you search for it!

Under the Stars. Show your toddler the twinkling lights from galaxies far away.

Virtual Fun. Journey down the Amazon; enjoy a virtual roller coaster ride!

Water. As a wise person once said: when a child is grumpy “just add water!”

X-Ray. Draw around your child’s body. Stick the drawing on the floor. Draw in bones, explaining what they are and what they do.

Yoga. Find great kid-friendly options on Youtube.

ZZZZ….Time to sleep. familiesonline.co.uk

HALLOWEEN

9 Best Halloween Recipes Creative Halloween party snacks for all the family to enjoy making and eating.

Sticky Toffee Apples

Spider Pizzas

Frozen Banana Ghosts

Scary Halloween Jelly

Sausage Mummy Dippers

Halloween Cupcakes

Spooky Pumpkin Soup

Eerie Eyeball Pops

Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats familiesonline.co.uk

HALLOWEEN

9 Best Halloween Games Perfect for a small gathering or indoor family fun!

Halloween Pinata

Sticky Spider Web Game

Pumpkin Golf

Halloween Bingo

Halloween Tin Can Bowling

Apple Bobbing

Pin the Tail on the Black Cat

Toilet Paper Mummy Game

Doughnut Eating Race

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Sept/Oct 2020

MORE ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S [still] ON SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2020 After months of staying home, families have begun venturing out again, and there are plenty of fun and safe days out on offer right across the Thames Valley. While larger events are not running, there are a number of family-friendly venues (indoors and out) that are open, often running timed pre-bookable slots to limit numbers and maintain social distancing. Over lockdown, many businesses moved their events and classes online, and some continue – a great option if you’d prefer to stay close. Take a look at our guide to just some of the Autumn activities that you could enjoy with your children, including some spooky Halloween fun. Details were correct at the time of writing but please make sure you check against individual websites or social media pages before visiting.

OUTDOOR FUN Here’s our top picks of the family-friendly outdoor places that have reopened, 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 country parks, farm parks or theme parks.

We’ve also included a fabulous holiday club, ready to give you a helping hand this half term.

THE NATIONAL TRUST has reopened more than 135 gardens and parks in England, Wales and

Northern Ireland through advanced booking. Tickets are released on Friday for the following week – and they sell like hot cakes! 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 visitor centre building is closed, but

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

takeaway food and drink is available. Keep an eye on the website for details of reopening and any half term events. bbowt.org.uk BEALE WILDLIFE PARK is particularly

well known for its huge range of wildlife including some exotic birds and animals. The 350-acre site also boasts beautiful gardens, playgrounds, a narrow gauge railway and more. It is open on a first come, first served basis. bealepark.org.uk The play parks and activity centre are open at DINTON PASTURES COUNTRY PARK at Hurst, and the café is available for take-away.

During September and October,

there are some outdoor activities that can be booked, including guided sit-on-top kayak and stand up paddleboard tours; and a Halloween Night Adventure, where you can join the team under a full moon to explore the park at night.

Afterwards enjoy hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows. 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 prebooked online. They will also be holding drive-in movie nights on 24, 25 and 26 Sept. oddsfarm.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Sept/Oct 2020 The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort’s DUPLO® Valley has enjoyed a magical makeover, complete with the world’s first ever DUPLO rollercoaster. For Halloween, Brick or Treat runs from 15 Oct to early November. Full details at legoland.co.uk

full of adventure for younger visitors. The tractor deer safari is always a highlight and there are plenty of animals, a bouncing pillow, go karts, zip wire, den building, woodland assault course and more. buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk

Don’t miss the end of season spook-tacular, Hallo’welly’ween, at WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK near Reading from 24-31 Oct. 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

APOLLO’S half term club runs from

The historic country estate, STONOR PARK, just north of Henley-on-Thames, has re-opened 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. stonor.com BUCKLEBURY FARM PARK near

Reading boasts 77 stunning acres

Mon 26-Fri 30 Oct at Mapp Community Centre in Reading offering Ofsted-registered care for children age 4-12 years – arts and crafts, cooking, sports, off site trips and more. Government hygiene and distancing rules closely followed. £20 for a full day (8.30am-5.30pm), concessionary rate available. Contact: 0118 916 8416 or 0118 916 8417, e: apolloyouthclub@gmail.com BRILLIANT BEINGS is running a

children’s mindfulness and creativity session for wellbeing within Wasing Park at Aldermaston, near Reading. It runs from 10am12pm on Sun 20 Sept. For more details and to book: brilliant-beings.co.uk

INDOOR ACTIVITIES Just in time for the cooler weather, many indoor venues – from soft plays to museums – are back for business. For a little culture and plenty of entertainment, try out some of our highlights from across the region.

THE RIVER & ROWING MUSEUM, Henley-on-Thames, is once again open Thursdays to Mondays 10am4pm. This includes the café, shop, exhibitions and new outdoor selfled trails for families. They make the most of the Museum’s beautiful riverside setting. rrm.co.uk

The MUSEUM OF ENGLISH RURAL LIFE, Reading, reopened on 8th September, including all the galleries, reading room, library and archive, and the shop, café and garden. merl.reading.ac.uk MANY LIBRARIES are back with

slightly reduced opening hours and services. Some are also offering a 'Select and Collect' service to make book borrowing quicker and easier.

Simply browse the library catalogue, select the items you wish to borrow and place your free requests as normal. Alternatively, you can phone the library to reserve your items.

NEWBURY’S CORN EXCHANGE, Learning Centre and The Base are running some shows and

exhibitions. From 18 Sept - 6 Dec, you can catch a new exhibition at The Base in Greenham about a much-loved illustrator – Quentin Blake and John Yeoman: 50 years of children’s books. cornexchangenew.com MUM2MUM MARKET hold regular nearly new baby and children's markets at fantastic indoor venues.

Admission is £2 on the door for buyers - kids free. Sales are currently planned in Tilehurst on Sat 19 Sept 1-3pm, in Whitley on Sat 17 Oct 2-4pm and in Thatcham on Sat 7 Nov. Keep up to date with any changes at mum2mummarket.co.uk

During COVID-19, POP-UP PLAY VILLAGE launched a new service – the hire of mini kits, which are the perfect sized play areas to use in your home, from a construction site to a vet’s surgery. Pop-up Play Village also hopes to be back with its usual events very soon. popupplayvillage.co.uk SHAW HOUSE in Newbury is open

for weekend visits until Sun 27 Sept, 11am – 4pm. The grounds only are available during the week.

From 5-27 Sept, there is a free open air sculpture exhibition.

Celebrate Heritage Open Days – England’s biggest heritage festival – with self-navigated tours of the house and exhibition rooms from 12-13 Sept. No need to book. westberkshireheritage.org/whats-on

Apollo Holiday Club HALF TERM CLUB

Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2020 • Ofsted-registered-care for children aged 4-12 • Government hygiene and distancing rules closely followed Time: 8.30am to 5.30pm • Cost: £20 full day Concessionary rate available (conditions apply)

email us for more information about holiday club and term time club: apolloyouthclub@gmail.com Apollo is based at Mapp Centre, RG1 2TD

familiesonline.co.uk

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West

Nourishing foods for family immunity

By Lucinda Miller, NatureDoc

All our lives have been turned upside down over the past few months putting in place measures to avoid Coronavirus, and stopping it spreading to the most vulnerable in our community. There are many more children and young parents with compromised immune systems and pre-existing health conditions than most people realise, and they need just as much help keeping strong through this pandemic as the elderly.

With the likelihood of a second wave of Coronavirus this winter in the UK, we all need to continue working on keeping our immune systems robust for everyone’s sake.

Here are some healthy tips to keep even the most susceptible strong through these worrying times: Cook from scratch – The food we cook ourselves is generally fresher and more nutritious than ready-made convenience food.

Consuming too many ultra-processed foods like crisps, biscuits, cereal, low-fat yoghurts, cordials and ready meals can drive chronic inflammation which is the primary cause of most of the underlying health conditions that are thought to make us more vulnerable to COVID-19. Lockdown has been a great opportunity to cook at home, learn more about foods that nourish natural immunity and have fun in the kitchen with your family.

Choose healthy ingredients - It’s actually quite simple really. Think veggies, fruits, salads, pulses, nuts, seeds, meat, poultry, eggs, whole dairy products, cold pressed oils, herbs and spices. They can be fresh or frozen and tinned tomatoes and pulses are OK too.

Avoid the ultra-processed stuff - What are the things to avoid? White sugar, artificial sugars, white flour, trans and hydrogenated fats, emulsifiers, preservatives, and highly processed convenience foods can all deplete the immune system. If you don’t recognise the ingredients on a food label, then it probably won’t be a healthy choice for you or your kids.

Drink plenty of fluids – Keeping hydrated by drinking lots of water reduces inflammation. If you do get Coronavirus then ensure you are drinking lots of warm drinks like hot honey and

lemon, herbal teas, and fresh ginger tea to help soothe the respiratory tract.

Get some fresh air and sunshine – Spend time in your garden and open your windows to fill your house with fresh air. Enjoy some sunny rays when the sun is out as this will help to boost your vitamin D. Low levels have been linked to more severe Coronavirus symptoms, and this is why the government has recommended everyone takes it as a supplement all year round at the moment.

Move more – whether this is kicking a ball in the garden, squats in the kitchen or doing an online exercise class, your immune system will be thankful for some exercise. But don’t overdo it as extreme exercise can lower the immune system in the short term.

Lucinda Miller is the founder of NatureDoc which offers UK-wide clinics specialising in women’s and children’s nutrition and is the author of The Good Stuff cookbook. It is packed with lots of family-friendly immunity recipes and health tips. The first 60 pages share the simple ways you can keep your family in the best health possible, and everything is applicable to all ages from tiny babies up to octogenarians!

She also runs an online health shop www.naturedoc.shop which stocks a large range of immune support food supplements.

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Key immunity nutrients: Zinc is an important mineral needed to build a healthy immune system and has some anti-viral action. The main zinc food source is oysters (!) but you can also get some from day to day foods like meat, dairy products, eggs, shellfish, pulses, seeds and nuts.

The mineral Selenium is needed to fight viruses and if you don’t have enough selenium stores then you will probably be hit a bit harder. Those people at risk of a selenium deficiency are ones with thyroid problems as are those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Brazil nuts are the best food source and you can also get small amounts in yellowfin tuna, pork and ham, beef, turkey and chicken. Adults need to either eat four brazil nuts daily and small kids one a day to get enough.

Vitamin A is a key nutrient needed for a healthy immune system. Luckily, it’s found in plenty of day to day orange and yellow foods like carrots, butternut squash, sweet potato, mango, liver and butter. There also tends to be some Vitamin A in multivitamin supplements.

Vitamin C is a nutrient needed by the immune system in fighting off viruses and we need to consume some every day. As well as citrus, you can find Vitamin C in parsley, kiwi fruit, red peppers and even tatties.

The sunshine nutrient Vitamin D is important in producing the antimicrobial proteins that we make to overcome viruses and bacterial infections. Research has also shown that it can help avoid respiratory infections. You can also find some in organic milk, grass fed meat, eggs, oily fish and mushrooms.

familiesonline.co.uk

You are what you eight...

Eight Food proudly creates naturally boosted frozen ready meals for the whole family, for every generation. The three female founders – a chef, a nutritionist and an award-winning caterer – have eight children between them and eight mantras that they stand by: Brainpower, Immunity, Digestion, Energy Levels, Respiration, Skin Glow, Women’s Wellness and Elderly Health.

Using the tagline ‘you are what you Eight’, the meals are all gluten free and carry umpteen vitamins and minerals enhanced by the inclusion of naturally-fortified ingredients such as chicken livers and flaxseeds, which boost the nutritional impact of the cooking.

Packaged in fully sustainable sleeves & trays with widely recyclable PET layer, the range is available online (eightfood.co.uk) for home delivery (wrapped in eco-wool & delivered by next day courier).

Eight’s range includes sauces, meals, muffins, pancakes and smoothies – all flash frozen to lock in the goodness.

This is a brilliant recipe for all the family.

Garlic, spring onions and chilli are warming for colder months. Beef is packed with iron and B12, and peppers and peas are rich in Vitamin C – all important nutrients for supporting a healthy immune system.

Eight Nutritionist, Jo Saunders, says: "Eight’s brilliance is its sheer simplicity. Of course, we know what we should be eating, but many people struggle to find the time to batch cook or whip up nutritious meals every night. This is where we come in and we’ve made it so simple to eat well.”

Recipe

Eight is offering a 10 % discount off its range for Families readers.

Simply quote FAMILIES10 at the checkout.

Sesame beef stir fry

A helpful tip – as fillet of beef is an expensive cut of meat, if you ask your butcher for the ‘tail’ this is the part they usually sell less of so it can be far cheaper than the rest of the fillet.

Serves: 2 adults or 4 kids

Ingredients: • 160g beef fillet • 150g cooked noodles (you can buy precooked noodles for speed and ease) • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped or pasted • 1-2 cm ginger, finely chopped • 1 chilli, finely chopped or sliced (optional and can be later added for a more adult meal) • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or Tamari if you need this to be gluten-free) • 1 tbsp sesame oil • 2 tbsp sesame seeds • 2 tbsp honey • 1/2 red pepper, finely chopped • 1 inch cucumber, finely chopped • 30g approx. frozen peas • 2 spring onions, sliced

familiesonline.co.uk

Method: • Cut the beef into strips and place in a bowl • Pour over the soy sauce, sesame oil and honey • Then add the sesame seeds, garlic and ginger • Mix all together and leave to marinate for up to 10 minutes • Heat a little butter in a pan and, when hot, stir fry the beef. If it's cut into thin strips it won't take long to cook the beef – just 2-3 minutes.

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Try not to overcrowd the pan as it can cause the meat to sweat and you won't be able to get any good colour onto it • When cooked, place the beef into a bowl but using the same pan (don't clean) add the cooked noodles and warm through. Then add the red peppers, frozen peas and cucumber and heat through quickly • Add the beef back in, mix all together and serve eightfood.co.uk

Families Thames Valley West

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

Shichida UK brain-training programme, designed to bring out the genius in every child.

Activities are aimed at 0-6 year olds, and improve concentration, memory skills, general knowledge, musical ability and more. Hour-long classes take place in Reading once a week, with parents accompanying their children.

a unique and exciting mark-making class, designed to help babies, toddlers and preschoolers learn to write through play.

Fun and engaging one-hour sessions develop pre-writing motor skills, as well physical and social skills. Each session includes messy play, paint, play dough, sand, scribbling, movement and dance – all in a safe environment.

Term-time sessions run in Reading and Caversham on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and there are also special events in the school holidays.

Little Learners also offers birthday parties.

More info at littlelearnersuk.com or call Jalpa on 07474 368173.

For more information and to book: shichidauk.com, contact@shichidauk.com, 07774 523660

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 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 SwimKidz – runs small group classes within warm pools to provide a swimming program which starts from birth through to approximately ten years. The structured plans are fun and progressive ensuring children enjoy learning to swim. With each instructor teaching within the water, children learn to swim independently from a young age. As an accredited Swim England and Swim Teachers Association swim school, you can be confident that we provide children an aquatic journey in a safe, caring and nurturing environment.

Contact us at E:havefun@swimkidz.co.uk T:01635 777888 M:0750 005 6623 or visit our website for more information swimkidz.co.uk

BilinguaSing Wokingham – award-winning bilingual sensory music & movement classes with Spanish or French singing for babies (from 1 month), toddlers and pre-school children.

Master Builders Club Brick Building Workshops for Children Master Builders Club is a LEGO® lover's paradise!

Our 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.

Our fun workshops start with a short story which our Master Builders “bring to life” through the LEGO® models they build. We provide 1000’s of LEGO® bricks 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!

To book your LEGO® fan a place or to find out more about our events then please go to: masterbuildersclub.co.uk

BilinguaSing is a unique class for parents and little ones to learn Spanish or French together in a fun and engaging way.

Familiar nursery rhymes and songs are learned in both English and Spanish or French and are accompanied by a variety of fun movements and lovely props. Classes suitable for complete beginners to native speakers in Wokingham, Winnersh, Bracknell & surrounding areas. First taster class is FREE! Private sessions also available in nurseries, pre-schools and primary schools to support the EYFS, KS1 and KS2 learning objectives.

Call Kate on 07810 751645, kate@bilinguasing.com, bilinguasing.com

baby and toddler swimming lessons in Reading and Wokingham. The programme is gentle and progressive, offering a fantastic opportunity for some special bonding time with your little one.

Classes are baby-led, focus on the health and wellbeing of babies and children alike, and use songs and nursery rhymes to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Contact littleturtle@turtletots.com or 07810 864810

To advertise here please call 07968 711937

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

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs and classes directory

Details correct at time of going to press, September 2020

Music & dance

Drama and theatre arts

diddi dance - funky pre-school dance classes for girls and boys. Award winning, high energy sessions explore 16 different styles set to original, age-appropriate music. Classes improve gross motor skills, rhythm, coordination, confidence, creativity and social skills with dancing games, fun exercises, action songs and a host of props. Lessons are aligned to the EYFS and are structured yet relaxed. Nursery workshops and parties too! Free trial available. Classes run every day throughout Reading & Wokingham.

Call Andrea on 07719 878789, or email andrea.bickford@diddidance.com Street Feet Dance® - helps children aged 3-11 to get dramatically more confident through Street Dance in Reading. Book a 2-week free trial in Caversham, Tilehurst, Woodley or Woosehill now at streetfeetdance.co.uk and discover how we have helped over 1,000 children raise their selfesteem and develop their self-belief through dance.

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 selfdiscipline. 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.

The Dance Zone – a fun and friendly dance school that offers Ballroom, Latin American, Freestyle and Street dance classes for adults and children from the age of 3 in the Wokingham and Winnersh areas. www.thedancezone.co.uk, info@thedancezone.co.uk, 07789 175439.

Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow – fun, energetic classes for 3½ to 18yrs.

Dance, drama and singing, tap, street dance, pop styles, musical theatre.

Regular classes in Wargrave, Wokingham and Woodley, plus summer classes. Call Shelley on 07970 034 488, or email shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk, steppinoutstars.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 developed to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Go to perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class.

Venues: Reading, Wokingham, Goring, Newbury, Crowthorne and Twyford T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk, perform.org.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

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

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TERM & HOLIDAY COURSES 4

Covid-19 vigilant / track & trace BOOKING NOW for classes in Compton, Thatcham, Pangbourne and Calcot

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email: membership@bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

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Rookie Lifeguard Course now on!

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West

Clubs and classes news Still making waves GR Swimming School has proudly re-opened and is busy supporting children after the break over lockdown. Owner Jo Lay explains: “I have been approached by parents who are worried that their children will have lost ground (or water!). Every child will be in the same boat.

They will start back in their same classes and only move up when they seem fully comfortable. Children can be resistant to change and, after a long time away from the water, they need to be reassured that everything is ok before venturing out of their comfort zone.”

GR Swimming Schools is the only local swim school to offer discounted swimming lessons to NHS staff and members of the Blue Light Card Scheme. The 10 per cent discount will be donated to a local charity.

The school has built a reputation for its unique and proven lesson structure, small class numbers and sense of fun. Classes are open for beginners, improvers and advanced swimmers, and run in Compton, Thatcham, Pangbourne and Calcot. The independent family-run business also sees Jo’s daughter lead classes, and her son joining this year to train as a swim teacher.

Staging a comeback Reading’s irrepressible RABBLE theatre company is looking to bounce back from the challenges posed by COVID-19 with lots of stimulating new opportunities.

Run by husband and wife team, Toby and Dani Davies, RABBLE has an eight-year pedigree and a big commitment to ‘getting Reading on the cultural atlas’ by inspiring and involving all those with a yearning to act.

Activities during lockdown have included a series of monologues featuring characters from the Conquerors Trilogy including Reading’s famous buried King Henry I.

More info: swimlessons.co.uk

They have also been working on a radio play which will go out over five performances (plus an omnibus) on BBC Radio Berkshire from the end of September.

Of particular interest to youngsters right now is the Foundations Acting School whose autumn term runs 10am – 1pm on Saturdays from 19 September and is for eight to 18 year olds. The sessions are run by RABBLE’S professional actors, directors, stage combat specialists and more, and include opportunities to take LAMDA acting and public speaking exams. The first session is free.

More info: rabbletheatre.com

Perform returns with COVID safe confidence building fun Families talks to Perform’s Principal, Lucy Quick.

We’ve always put children at the heart of everything we do and we're thrilled to be back in real life with classes filled with laughter, fun and confidence-boosting activities.

We’ve put enormous effort into adapting our class content to ensure that we follow the latest government health guidelines whilst making sure the children can still sing, dance, act and have the best fun of the week.

To help children get back to enjoying the things they love most, our autumn term is packed with games and activities which build confidence, boost concentration, develop

communication and help coordination. We have left no stone unturned when it comes to health and safety but the children will be having so much fun that they will barely notice a difference. Whilst there won't be handholding games this term, there will be lots of eye contact, funky moves, fantastic diction and learning about how to be a great friend.

Perform runs drama classes for 4-7s and 712s as well as Perform At Home, our popular online classes.

Book a FREE no-obligation class in Reading, Wokingham, Goring, Newbury, Crowthorne and Twyford by visiting perform.org.uk/try

Steppin Out is LIVE! The well-known and established theatre school for children in Wokingham and Woodley has certainly not been quiet in lockdown! Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow has been running online talent shows and competitions, workshops with top-class performers and two fabulous summer workshops, Descendants and Something about Jamie. It has also been preparing to launch a new website at steppinoutstars.co.uk

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

The school has very quickly adapted to new COVID guidelines and is delighted to open its doors again. Interested children from ages 3.517 years are invited to book a free trial in drama, dance, singing and tap. These will take place at the start of term.

For more details, call Shelley on 07970 034488 or email shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Face-to-Face and Virtual Classes and Clubs

Mother Nature Science

Gymboree

Teddies Music Club

Sing and Sign at Home

Music Bugs

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy

Face to face classes for 0–5s utilising music, Face to face and online Face to face and online science activity classes movement, props, and music toddler groups patented apparatus. for 5-12yrs. for 0-5s.

Online baby signing classes.

Online sensory music classes for babies and toddlers.

Rugbytots

Little Gym

Face to face rugby play programme for 2-7 yrs.

Face to face drama classes for 5-17yrs.

Little Kickers

Face to face and online Face to face football gymnastics activities classes for 18mths-7yrs. for 4mths-12yrs. familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Face-to-Face and Virtual Classes and Clubs

Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School

FunTech

Caterpillar Music

Tots Play

SA Dance

Parrot Street Book Club

Online tech and coding Face to face and online music/movement for 7-18 yrs. classes babies and Face to face and online toddlers. drama for ages 4-18yrs.

Face to face and online baby and toddler play programme.

Online dance classes for 2.5yrs+.

Teddy Tennis

Lingotot

Face to face tennis classes for 2.5-6yrs.

familiesonline.co.uk

Face to face and online language classes for 0-12yrs.

Monthly subscription book club for 5-11yrs.

Water Babies

Swimming classes for 0-5yrs.

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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West

Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

familiesonline.co.uk