FamiliesDorset_4_JanFeb2019

IN THIS ISSUE

RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

Education Clubs & Classes Parenting Advice New Year, New You What’s On Guide

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

please call Vicki King 07501 433 922

THINK BIG Kindergarten, Pre-Prep & Junior School

Open Morning, Fri 8th March See our new STEAM HUB under construction.

Hear about our new curriculum for the future taught from age 3.

• Coding • Design Thinking • Project Management • Digital Design • Ethics • Material Science

Talbot Heath Independent School for Girls aged 3-18

Rothesay Rd | Bournemouth | Tel: 01202 763360 | talbotheath.org | Connect with us @TalbotHeathSch | Day and boarding

Issue 4 January/February 2019

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Editor’s Welcome Happy New Year!

In this issue, we show you how to beat the winter blues and get 2019 off to the best start for you and your family. Plus, we’ve got everything you need to ease yourself back in to the school routine and prepare your kids for exam season, along with great ideas for clubs & classes for all ages.

Managing Editor - Keren Moseley editor@familiesdorset.co.uk 07518 514012 Advertising - Claire Clarricoates Claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk 07812 218331 Design - Matthew Craig mattcraigdesign.co.uk Next Issue March/April 2019 Easter Holidays & Days Out, Education, Classes & Clubs, Early Years and much more!

Booking Deadline: 1 February Copy Deadline: 7 February Distribution We distribute throughout Dorset including Bournemouth, Blandford Forum, Broadstone, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, New Milton, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Verwood, Wareham, Wimborne and more.

Find Families Dorset Magazine on @FamiliesDorsetMag @FamDorsetMag © Families Dorset Magazine January/February 2019.

Families Dorset 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 Dorset are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Dorset. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Dorset, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

If you have anything you’d like to share with our readers – whether news, events or

promote your business - and you’d like to get in front of thousands of local parents in our next issue - please do get in touch with me.

Plus, don’t forget to like us on Facebook for up-to-date information, competitions and more.

Best wishes,

Editor

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In This Issue 3

News & Views

5

How to Beat the January Blues

6

How to Have your Happiest Year Ever

7

Six Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter

8

The Inside Track on Exam Preparation

9

Top Tips for De-Stressing Term Time Routines

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10 Early Years News 11 Clubs & Classes for Pre-Schoolers

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12 Winter-Proof Clubs & Classes 14 What’s On this January & February

BUSINESS OWNERS! Would you like to advertise your business to over 40,000 parents?

BOOK TODAY Call 07518 514012 or email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Looking for some extra income?

Have a few hours spare for 1-2 days every 2 months during school hours?

Families Dorset Magazine is looking for friendly, local distributors to deliver our magazines.

If you live locally, are reliable, have a car and would like more money in your pocket, please contact us for more info.

BRIDPORT / BLANDFORD FORUM / DORCHESTER / WAREHAM / WIMBORNE / SWANAGE

Email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

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Healthy Drinks with Kids Meals The Oral Health Foundation (OHF) is calling for the introduction of healthy drinks as the standard drink option served with children’s meals in restaurants, insisting that it will significantly help to improve oral health.

Photo Credit: Robin by Andy Hay @ rspb-images.com Photo Credit: Family by Eleanor Bentall @ rspb-images.com

The Big Garden Birdwatch The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 26 to 28 January and is the largest wildlife survey in the world. The information collected helps monitor bird species in the UK, and is great fun for children.

To take part, you need to watch the birds in your garden or local park for just one hour at some point over the three days and report your results to the RSPB.

You can request a FREE Big Garden Birdwatch pack from the RSPB which includes a bird identification chart and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden.

To make it fun, challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park to look for birds, or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

More info at www.rspb.org.uk

The call follows a pioneering law passed in California, which will see milk (and a nondairy milk alternative) and still, sparkling or flavoured water being advertised on menus and served as primary drink choices with kids’ meals in restaurants throughout the state.

According to the OHF, around one in four (24.7%) children age 5 years in the UK have tooth decay and new government data shows the number of 5 to 9 year olds admitted to hospital for tooth decay has risen for the second consecutive year.

The charity believes rolling out a similar initiative in the UK will help combat the health effects of sugary drinks and protect thousands of children from tooth decay every year.

Kids Debit Card & App Teaches Value of Money & Giving

More info at www.dentalhealth.org

gohenry is a pre-paid debit card and app that allows parents to manage their children’s pocket money whilst teaching them good money habits and giving them financial independence.

Reading Support Volunteers Needed in Local Primary Schools

Parents can top up the card with a regular allowance or set tasks for their children to complete to earn extra money.

Parents can decide where the card can be used (online, in-store or at cash machines) all within set spending limits.

Not So ‘Free Childcare’ Most parents are paying to access the government’s 30 hours ‘free’ childcare scheme, according to research for the Department of Education.

The research confirms that 56% of parents are paying charges for additional items or activities when accessing the 30 hours offer.

The majority of charges are for meals, snacks and other refreshments, while charges for special activities such as music, gym lessons

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Children can set savings goals and choose how much pocket money and earned money they save.

Now gohenry has teamed up with the NSPCC to launch a new Giving function, allowing children to make a one-off or regular donation to the NSPCC (capped at 20 pence per week).

More info visit www.gohenry.co.uk/why-nspcc

or outings are less common, as are charges for consumables such as sun tan lotion.

Almost half of parents said that they had seen restrictions placed on when they could use the hours or that they had to be taken at times specified by the provider. Additionally, the research found that 39% of providers reported a reduction in their profit due to the 30 hours scheme while 25% of providers said that they had moved from either making a profit to breaking even or even making a loss.

More info at www.pre-school.org.uk/news

Can you spare an hour or two a week to listen to children read in a local primary school? Schoolreaders has recently launched into Dorset and is looking for volunteers to carry out this important role.

Reading time for many children at home and at school is often insufficient and one in four children are now leaving primary school unable to read to the required standard, which can have lifelong consequences.

No qualifications are necessary, just a good command of spoken and written English.

Schoolreaders is flexible and will match your availability to an appropriate, local school. Its volunteers find the scheme incredibly rewarding, knowing that a few hours helping a child learn to read each week can have such a great impact on their life chances.

Visit www.schoolreaders.org to join or call 01234 924111 for further information.

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New Year Offers at Monkey World Monkey World is kicking the New Year off with a special money-saving offer for all local residents to the parks.

The renowned ape rescue centre near Wareham is giving residents living in BH, DT and SP postcodes half price entry throughout the whole of January.

It’s a great opportunity to see over 250 primates of more than 20 different species, including the world’s largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa. Simply show your proof of postcode (household bill/passport/driving license) on entry, and then enjoy your day at the park!

Safewise Celebrates 20 Years of Saving Lives Dorset-based charity, SafeWise, has marked 20 years of delivering essential skills for life and safety education. Since 1998, SafeWise has welcomed an estimated 250,000 children at its learning villages in Bournemouth and Weymouth.

Safewise has extended its traditional accident prevention remit for children to include wider Skills for Life programmes, including healthy

living, mental health, digital well-being, financial capability and more.

SafeWise Chief Executive Rob Hattersley said: “We’re looking forward to the next exciting chapter for SafeWise as we equip visitors with the skills, knowledge and confidence to enjoy active, fulfilling and safer lives in stronger communities.”

Moyles Court School Supports ‘Restart a Heart Day’ Pupils at Moyles Court School near Ringwood have trained in emergency response and CPR, as part of the British Heart Foundation’s national ‘Restart a Heart Day’ initiative.

Get Trained in Mental Health Iron Mill College is a leading provider of creative and inspiring training, in the field of mental health and wellbeing.

Whether you're exploring counselling or psychotherapy for the first time or already practice in this field, Iron Mill College has an opportunity for you. The college prides itself on offering high standards of creative and inspiring teaching, delivered in a very special learning environment. You can learn more at the college’s Open Day in Poole on Saturday 6th April.

For more information, visit www.ironmill.co.uk, call 01202 743804, or email enquiries@ironmill.co.uk.

Children from Reception to Year 4 learned the importance of getting help in an emergency. They practised making 999 calls with various emergency scenarios and discovered not just the sorts of questions they would be asked, but also what important information they could give to make sure the right help arrived quickly.

Years 5 upwards looked at the importance of emergency help and were shown the steps of CPR and then practised these steps on the Resus Annie. They were given the opportunity to use a trainer Defibrillator, and were tasked to check out their local areas to spot the Public access defibrillators.

The British Heart Foundation’s target is for 5 million people to be trained in CPR by 2020.

Gold Award for Create at the Cove Family craft activity centre, Create at the Cove, has capped its first year in business with Dorset Tourism’s prestigious Gold Award for Best New Tourist Attraction in Dorset 2018. The unique, all weather, all year-round attraction also received a Silver Award for Learning Experience of the Year.

It’s easy to see why Create at the Cove is an award-winning destination. Its idyllic location

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near Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, and bright, spacious interiors provide the perfect setting to inspire your creative side, whatever your age! Activities include Paint Your Own Pottery, Sand Art, Make Your Own Bear, Model Making and more, with a gift shop, café & baby changing facilities. Open from 10am daily except Mondays during winter months.

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How to...

Beat the January Blues Once the excitement of Christmas is over, it can often feel like a real struggle for the whole family to keep things fresh and lively in the new year.

However, there still plenty of opportunities for you to do things together as a family, so you’ll soon banish the January blues!

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind…

A Family Read-In

of toast, then roll in birdseed to create an instant feeder that the kids can hang outside. Add a bird book and they can pass a few hours identifying and logging the birds that come to visit.

When it's blowing a gale outside, there's no better way to spend an afternoon than snuggled up with a good book. For younger children you can encourage them to act out the story and show Fun in the Snow off your full range of funny faces and voices. For Of course, snow isn't guaranteed, but if it does older children, take the opportunity to discuss snow you have the ideal excuse to organise what they're reading in some depth - talk about snowman building contests and a monster plot and characters and why they enjoy a snowball fight. Kids of all ages love playing particular type of book. Who knows, you in the snow, but have you ever played may even inspire them to try writing tug of war? Or tried snowball their own story!

Grey winter days dodgeball? Once that snowman is offer the perfect built, try frisbeeing a hat onto his Family Bake-Off opportunity to bake head or play a game of pin the nose Who doesn't love the Great British up a storm in the on the snowman using a carrot. And Bake Off? Those grey winter days kitchen everyone can join in a simple game offer the perfect opportunity to bake of tag, made a little more interesting if up a storm in the kitchen. Let younger you're only allowed to use the footprints children indulge in some messy play with of the other players! their own bowl of cake mix or a piece of pastry - don't get stressed about the mess but enjoy the chance to spend some creative time together.

For older children, encourage some healthy competition by going 'full Bake off' and seeing who can produce the best cookies or cupcakes.

Get Creative in the Garden Outdoor crafts are a wonderful way to liven up the garden for pennies, using materials you can find outdoors or simply lying around the house. It's amazing how ice, berries and watercolours or food colourings can transform tap water into beautiful ice baubles to decorate the garden when set in interesting moulds. Or spread peanut butter all over the outside of an empty toilet roll holder or a piece

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The best way to blow away the cobwebs is to take the family for a long winter walk. It's great exercise, but it's even more fun if you make your walk an excuse to collect items for some winter crafting.

Another interesting find on your walk might be a stick that transforms, with the help of some beads, feather, paint and markers into a wish stick for younger children or a talking stick for the older members of your tribe. Talking sticks have a long history in tribal cultures

Look to the Heavens On a clear night, there's nothing better than wrapping up warm and heading outside to stargaze.

Download an app and see how many constellations you can find and identify. Younger children will enjoy spotting stars and older ones can test their astronomical knowledge.

Have a Tech-Free Day Be brave and ban iPads, smartphones and games consoles for the day. Instead put out a pile of blank paper, pens and craft materials and see what your children can create. Boredom can be the best motivator for creativity.

Revive the Art of Den Building

Create Rock Pets

Find a Talking Stick

as a way of allowing everyone to have their say you can only talk when holding the stick - so, for larger families, this could be an ideal way for your kids to create something that will ensure they're heard.

For younger children, provide blankets, boxes and furniture indoors while encourage older children to get outdoors and get den building in the garden or the woods. Find out who's the Bear Grylls of the family and who can create the best fantasy castle/spaceship/dragon's belly. Den building is for everyone, so get involved!

Blow away the

cobwebs is to take the family for a long winter walk

For more ideas on keeping the kids active this winter, check out our What’s On guide on Page 14 or visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/activities

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Have Your Happiest Year Ever

How to...

The secret to happiness turns out to be notso-secret. Family. Relationships, love, human connection - that’s basically it! So here are some quirky and fun tips taken from the science of positive psychology that will help your family towards the happiest year yet!

Get Huggy Over the festive season, chances are, you will have been giving and receiving more hugs than usual.

So why not continue the hugging habit all year and use this scientific fact that might just change your life: apparently, the average hug lasts 2.1 seconds.

However, for the love to really transfer a hug has to last 7 seconds or longer. So a top hugging tip is to treat the ones you love to the full 7 seconds that really says “I love you.” Everyone wins. Hugging releases oxytocin (a happy chemical) in you and the one you’re hugging.

Be a Hygge Spotter The Danes have a word – hygee (pronounced ‘hooga’) – that has no direct translation in English. The closest I can give you is ‘comfort.’ For me hoo-ga is sitting by an open fire, drinking hot chocolate, while a storm rages outside. Work out what your hoo-ga moments are, and then get good at spotting them, all year round. This is linked with mindfulness and improves your happiness by enabling you to better appreciate more wonderful moments.

A Year of Experiences Get everyone in your family to write an early Christmas list for December 2019. The exact question is this: What 20 things would you would like for Christmas?

That aren’t things. Share the ideas and schedule them to actually happen (where you can) in 2019.

By Dr Andy Cope

Play As we grow up, we get weighed down with responsibilities and life can lose its lustre. Stop seeing yourself as a ‘responsible adult’ and start being an ‘inspirational adult.’ Rewind to when you were age 6, a time when everything was new and exciting. Start jumping in puddles and playing on the swings… Your children will love it!

Celebrate What Hasn’t Happened Have you ever asked yourself, what hasn’t happened that I didn’t want that I haven’t celebrated?

Sadly, unless you’re a black belt happiness ninja your children don’t sit in a maths lesson thinking how lucky they are to have a nice school and a wonderful teacher. They curse because they have to remember stuff. And when you’re stuck in traffic you don’t sit there marvelling at the sunglasses compartment and cup holders, you mutter and swear under your breath at the delay.

The opposite of savouring good experiences is to notice the many things that could have gone badly, but didn’t. Of course, it’s hard to notice something that didn’t happen. But it’s helpful to sometimes switch your thinking to all the bad things that could have happened, but didn’t. And then celebrating the positive result. Share it with your children and get them to think of examples. The chances are theirs will be much more creative than yours!

Dr Andy Cope is a positive psychologist and bestselling author. His latest book Diary of a Brilliant Kid is available now on Amazon.

For more information, visit www.artofbrilliance.co.uk

Dance Your Days Away with a diddi dance Franchise If you’re looking for an award-winning, family-friendly business opportunity with a supportive franchise network then look no further! Now is your chance to be in business for yourself, not by yourself!

Established in 2003 by professional dancer Anne-Marie Martin, from day one diddi dance has been the go-to class for parents with active toddlers. diddi dance classes, parties and early years setting sessions are designed to engage and inspire children's own creativity by using action songs, dancing games and props all to our own original, funky music. We are looking for more great franchisees to help us and join our mission to Get Children Moving!

Our franchisees come from different backgrounds, but inevitably chose diddi dance because of what we stand for and are trying to achieve within the preschool sector. Our low-cost franchise package of £4,995+VAT can suit anyone who wants to run their own business.

Looking for a New Opportunity?

Eleven years ago, I was like any new mum – nervous, excited and unsure how I would be able to leave my child to return to work. So, I resigned from my corporate job to consider my next steps. I wanted to earn an income on my own terms and choose when I worked.

I found a home-based opportunity that offered the flexibility and income I wanted and I now earn a full-time income around my children, and enjoy benefits to rival any blue-chip company. Moreover, I’ve achieved my success by helping other people (especially mums) to succeed, coaching the simple business model which has earned the company the Investor in People Gold status.

For more information, contact Vicki King on 07501 433922 or email vickimking5@gmail.com

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Six Ways to..

Stay Healthy During Winter

It’s tough getting through a long British winter without succumbing to illness somewhere along the way. Here are our top tips for making it through to spring the healthy way! By Claire Winter

Eat for Immunity Eat food that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C, which will also keep you healthier.

Foods high in zinc, like lean meats, poultry, and baked beans can help balance your immune response.

Green leafy vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts are high in

Soups packed full of vegetables or fruit smoothies are an excellent way to ensure you are all having more than your 5 a day.

Wash Your Hands Emphasise to all your family members the importance of washing hands regularly and properly.

Around 80% of infectious diseases are spread by touch. Use hot water,

anti-bacterial soap and wash hands for 45 seconds or longer.

Teach children to rub the backs of their palms and hands, including their thumbs!

Get Outdoors Make sure you and the family get outside.

At least 2 million people in the UK suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which is caused by lack of sunlight.

It’s recommended that you should try getting out for at least an hour a day, preferably midday when the sun is at its strongest.

Using a light box, exercising and talking therapy can also help.

De-Stress Being stressed can make you more likely to catch a cold or illness because it weakens your immune system.

Regular exercise helps you de-stress and get fitter, whilst meditation can also help you unwind.

Headspace for kids focuses on calm, kindness and bedtime (www.headspace.com/kids).

Calm (www.calm.com) also provides mindfulness and sleep stories for children, whilst www. dreamykid.com has lots of great meditations and visualisations just for children and teens.

Yoga sessions or a daily walk are also great ways to help you all wind down.

Sleep Well Make sure adults in your family are getting 8 hours of sleep every night.

If you are run down through lack of sleep, you are more susceptible to illness. Sleep boosts your immune system, helps you fend off any nasty colds and illnesses. It also supports healthy brain function and maintenance of your physical health.

Toddlers should get 11-14 hours sleep a day, while pre-schoolers need 10-13 hours. School age children need 9-11 hours and teenagers 8-10 hours.

Having a hot bath and reading book is a great way to wind down for a good night’s sleep.

Supplement The NHS recommends that all children from the age of 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements with A, C and D in them every day.

milk is fortified with it. You may also be able to get vitamin drops for your baby if you qualify for Healthy Start.

(Check eligibility at www.healthystart.nhs.uk).

Please note if your baby/child is having 500ml of formula or more, do not give them vitamin D, as formula

If you give your children a chewable supplement, make sure it is after they eat as some vitamins cannot

be absorbed without food. It’s also a good idea for adults and children over 5 years to supplement with Vitamin D to keep our muscles and bones healthy. As the sun’s UVB radiation is weak during winter, we must rely on supplements and Vitamin D rich foods such as meat,

oily fish and eggs. Vitamin C and Zinc also help to ward off colds. It’s been scientifically proven that dosing up on Zinc in the first 24 hours of getting a cold can mean a quicker recovery. If you are not sure whether to give your child vitamin supplements, always seek medical advice.

Time For Mum Makes The Family Strong Making time for yourself as ‘Mum’ not only benefits you, but your family too. Being there for our families and children is incredibly important but you must refill your own cup too. If the Captain goes down, the ship goes down with it!

Exercise, meditation and relaxation are all great ways to help mums feel a little more like themselves. Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical wellbeing and these things can be built into your day more easily than you might think.

• Eat enough protein & wholefoods, drink plenty of water • Workout when your small one naps, or before they wake in the morning

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• Get your children to workout with you, be active with older ones • Once babes are asleep spend 10 minutes meditating and deep breathing to reduce stress • Once a week get your partner to put kiddies to bed so you can get to a class or take your baby to a daytime fitness class

Once postnatal, always postnatal! However old your children, discover more about our classes at our Christchurch-based Lucina Fitness studio at www.lucinafitness.com or on Facebook.

At Lucina Fitness, babies are always welcome because we know how important it is for mum to have the opportunity to rehab after birth and train in the best way for strengthening core and posture. Growing and birthing a baby is a major life event for our bodies which can continue to show its effect for many years…

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The Inside Track on Exam Preparation It may seem too early to talk about teaching children of primary school age how to prepare for exams, but this is a skill they can hone, refine and use throughout their entire education (and even in their working lives) and it can definitely help them feel less overwhelmed. Claire Winter gets some advice from tutors on preparing primary school children for exams.

Make a Plan

need to improve.” Another tip is to get your child to set a timer while doing the exam, so they get used to working under time pressure. You can find out more at www.lifemoreeextraordinary.com.

Do Your Research Selective independent schools set their own 11 plus exams, so find out from each school what the format will be so you can tailor your child’s preparation accordingly.

Most exams include maths and English and Often tutors local to the school you are applying some contain elements of verbal and non-verbal for or your child’s own current school will have reasoning. Would worksheets from your child’s detailed knowledge about its entrance exam. The school, online resources or verbal or non-verbal formats tend to change every few years, so parents reasoning practice papers be helpful? with a child who took the 11 plus previously Create some time for them to may not realise their younger child needs prepare and allocate certain to use different materials. times in the week to go over different topics, build their Do your best to instil Know the Syllabus confidence and address any the importance of staying One tip for exam success is knowing problem areas they may calm and coping with what is included in the syllabus for have. Balance is important, so obstacles during the particular exam you are studying don’t overdo it and make sure their exams for. Once you know the syllabus, you your child continues with their can evaluate your child’s knowledge hobbies and fun time. and see where the gaps are.

Practice Lucy Parsons, author of The Ten Step Guide to Acing Every Exam You Ever Take says, “My top tip for any exam is to do past papers and to get the child to mark their work themselves, using the mark scheme. This way they understand what the examiners are really looking for and can start to spot what's a good answer and where they will

Talk About What You Have Learned For information retention, it’s helpful for your child to verbally recap what they have learned.

Paul Anderson from Tutor Doctor says, “Do not underestimate the value of verbal revision. Just half an hour articulating what they know to teachers, friends, and family is a fantastic opportunity for children to test themselves.”

Short Sharp Bursts Primary school children may find it hard to sustain concentration for longer than 30 minutes without a break. Don’t schedule too many preparation sessions in one day – one or two would be the appropriate maximum for this age group on a weekend or school holiday day, but less if they are also managing homework. Otherwise your child will become stressed and it’s much harder for them to learn under pressure.

Stay Calm Do your best to instil in your child the importance of staying calm and coping with any obstacles they face while sitting their exam. Teach them to leave challenging questions and come back to them once they have answered easier ones. Suggest that they look at the questions before they read a passage or text, so they know what to look for when they are reading the text.

Taking exams can be stressful for some children, so ensure they get enough sleep and eat well. It also helps if learning can be fun. You can play games, colour code their work and even produce short videos about topics they find hard to learn.

It’s vital to praise your child’s effort in preparing for their exam, regardless of the outcome.

Children need to understand that all you expect is for them to try their hardest and that no one exam that they take in their life will ever be the key to success, failure or happiness.

Talbot Heath School’s Vision for Success

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Talbot Heath School for girls aged 3-18 has had an amazing year, presenting its educational model on the world stage and constructing a fantastic state-of-the-art new facility to support its innovative ‘Think Big’ vision.

performing arts, and has been the UK’s number one school for girls’ tennis for the past three years. In 2019, it launches its new swimming academy, overseen by Swim England ‘National Coach of the Year’ Barry Alldrick.

The school achieved the county’s best A-level results last year, with 100% achieving their university place of choice. Talbot Heath also achieved national level in sport, music and

For a dynamic and supportive learning environment, that nurtures and inspires, Talbot Heath is the perfect choice.

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Top Tips for.

Spring Open Days

De-Stressing Term Time Routines

Ballard School Friday 8 February & Friday 22 March, 9am–12pm www.ballardschool.co.uk

Bournemouth Collegiate School Prep: Tuesday 26 February, 9.30am–12pm Senior: Friday 15 March, 9.30am–12pm www.bournemouthcollegiateschool.co.uk

Clayesmore School

Do you ever wish the school routine was a little less demanding, easier to cope with and didn’t involve so many “Don’t forgets…” and “Remember to…”? Here are some tips for making the all-important stress points of the school week a little easier.

Before School

Night Before

Saturday 2 March, 10.30am–12pm www.clayesmore.com

Durlston Court School Friday 25 January, From 9.15am www.durlstoncourt.co.uk

At Weekends

Tip 1: Crucial 10 Minutes

Tip 1: Get Homework Done

Tip 1: Don’t Over Schedule

Try getting up 10 minutes earlier. This may give you a chance to grab a cup of tea or coffee, have a shower and get dressed in less of a rush than usual, and should give you just enough time to gather your thoughts and make sure you have everything.

Beware your child’s pleas to do homework after dinner. They can be too tired and often end up in bed later than is ideal or struggling to switch off and go to sleep. Try to give your child 30 minutes to wind down after school, but then it’s homework time!

Having too much scheduled activity at the weekend often means children don’t get to replenish their energy before Monday. Try to make sure there’s chill time for everyone.

Tip 2: Have a Checklist

Tip 2: Do Preparation with your Child Before Bed

Create a written or verbal checklist for your child’s school morning routine.

A checklist could include: eating breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, packing lunch and water bottle, putting on shoes and coat. A plan of their weekly school routine is handy too so that you know when school library books are due back, which day is swimming or games and so on.

Put dirty items in the laundry and lay out the remainder for the next day.

Check all homework and sports kit are bagged up for the next morning.

Make showers/baths part of the night time routine, rather than obstacles to overcome in the morning. Having a really good chat with your child before bed will settle them more easily – it helps them to offload their minds.

Tip 3: Use Devices

Tip 3: Build in Quiet Time

Set reminders on your phone for special tasks such as remembering to give your child signed permission slips or leaving early for a school club. Think about an alarm for children who struggle to wake up. Set a timer for tasks such as 15 minutes to eat breakfast or 5 minutes for showering, so that you can keep your children on schedule.

Children normally need at least an hour of unwind time after dinner, if they’re to go to bed and to sleep quickly. So, try to set half an hour (minimum) of quiet activity such as reading or drawing before bedtime.

Open Day Sat 2 March 10am-12.30pm

Tip 2: Get the Homework Done Part 2 Don’t let homework hang over the heads of the family all weekend. Try dividing the work into two parts and schedule one just after breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday.

Tip 3: Plan the Schedule Take time to chat about the week ahead at dinner on Sunday evening.

Check emails from the school to see what’s happening in the coming week, and take notes of extra sport/ music practices, Book Club books, late finishes, early starts etc on your calendar.

Tip 4: Do your Prep Make packed lunches, sort snacks, fill in permission slips, ensure you’ve written in your child’s homework or reading diary, if they have these.

Nursery to Year 2: Friday 1 February, 1.30–3pm Whole School: Saturday 2 February & Saturday 9 March, 10am–12pm www.fsmschool.com

Hanford School Saturday 9 March www.hanfordschool.co.uk

Leweston School Thursday 31 January, 10am–12pm Friday 22 March, 2–4pm www.leweston.co.uk

Milton Abbey School Lower School: Saturday 2 March www.miltonabbey.co.uk

Moyles Court School Saturday 2 March, 10am–12.30pm www.moylescourt.co.uk

Port Regis School Saturday 9 February, 9.30–11.30am www.portregis.com

Sherborne School Saturday 9 February & Saturday 23 March www.sherborne.org

Sherborne School for Girls Friday 8 February & Friday 1 March, From 10am www.sherborne.com

St Mary’s School Friday 15 March, 10.30am–1.30pm www.stmarys.eu

Sunninghill Preparatory School Friday 8 February, 9.30am–12pm www.sunninghillprep.co.uk

Talbot Heath School Kindergarden, Pre-Prep and Junior: Friday 8 March, 9am–12pm www.talbotheath.org

See The Amazing Every Day at Moyles Court At Moyles Court (day and boarding from age 3 to 16 years) we believe that being confident, happy and stimulated leads to a successful academic experience. Smaller class sizes, individualised learning, great teaching, stimulating curriculum, after school provision, tailored transport and excellent pastoral care provide your children with the best possible start in life.

Richard Milner Smith, Headmaster says: “Our core values are at the heart of our fabulous school and

familiesonline.co.uk

Forres Sandle Manor School

every child benefits. We offer individualised learning, a flexible approach to travel and wrap around care – making us accessible to so many families who want their children to be happy, learning and achieving in our glorious New Forest setting.”

Moyles Court School is holding an Open Morning on Saturday 2nd March from 10am-12.30pm – please do come and find out what amazing work happens here every day. Call 01425 472 856 or visit www.moylescourt.co.uk.

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An Inspector Calls!

The Role of an Ofsted Inspector in Assessing a Nursery Setting

Whilst there are lots of important considerations when choosing a nursery or pre-school for your child, it’s unlikely you’ll make a final choice without at least a cursory glance at the setting’s Ofsted report.

The acronym is one used frequently by parents but how many of us actually know how a nursery or pre-school gets its Ofsted rating?

Improving Number Foundations A leading child psychologist has produced a series of number games for nurseries and parents which are proven to boost the confidence and ability of pre-school children in maths in just 5 weeks.

Dr Jo Van Herwegen created the games based on her research into the Approximate Number System (ANS), a mechanism used by the brain to differentiate between groups that have more or fewer items in them without counting. The ANS games are based on two foundations estimation and matching approximate large amounts.

"The activities we've developed are fun. They are based on scientific evidence about the cornerstones of mathematical learning and how to nurture this in young children. It's all about the child knowing which number is larger and which is smaller, " Dr Van Herwegen explained.

Research showed that playing these specially-designed games for 10 minutes a day for 5 weeks improved young children's number foundations, the essential building blocks needed for mathematics. This improvement was still apparent 6 months later, when the children had started formal education.

To download the free games, visit www.kingston.ac.uk/research/ research-showcase/research-case-studies

Sangeeta Gardiner has been an Ofsted Inspector for 26 years and has conducted well over 150 inspections of nurseries, pre-schools, and child-minders. One of the key things an Inspector examines is how a setting safeguards the children in its care. Inspectors check to make sure safeguarding policies are implemented, that staff have the relevant legal background checks, and have been properly recruited. “I’ll ask staff members how they got their jobs” reports Sangeeta. “Being a friend of a friend is simply not good enough. I also probe more deeply if I discover staff members have moved around a lot.”

Checking safeguarding arrangements also involves monitoring how children enter and leave the setting and what provisions there are for visitors. “It’s also important that children are being taught how to keep themselves safe” comments Sangeeta. Changes in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework place more emphasis on the importance of a child’s emotional security, so Inspectors also observe how confident and secure children feel in their environment and in their interactions with others.

Early Year’s Education is all about learning through play but the word “teaching” is still used in the EYFS framework. Staff “teach” children about their world by asking them open ended questions. Inspectors also observe children and then question the Key Person responsible for those children about them. “If a child is upset, the Key Person should be able to tell me about the child’s circumstances, for instance, if they are new to the setting” says Sangeeta. “There should also be information about a child’s development, and planning for a child’s next steps.”

You can find Ofsted Reports for settings in your local area at https:// reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

Wrap-around Child Care at St James Cottage Nursery Established for over 40 years, St James Cottage Nursery in Gaunts Common, near Wimborne, provides a safe, secure and home-fromhome environment for children aged 2-11.

Little Giants Needs Helping Hands The Little Giants Preschool in Cerne Abbas is appealing for qualified nursery staff to join its friendly team and volunteers to sit on its committee.

If you’re able to spare some time as a committee member, or if you or someone you know has a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and may be interested, please get them to email manager@cernelittlegiants.org.uk.

The preschool is set in a lovely rural position at Cerne Abbas Village Hall, where children can access the natural world, riverside walks and a playground.

It is open Wednesday-Friday, 9-3 during term time. Spaces are available for children aged 2-5 to start in January for the spring term.

Our aim is to encourage children’s development and nurture a love of learning. Our dedicated nursery team follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum ensuring your child is fully prepared for their transition into school life. For busy parents, we offer flexible, tailored wrap-around childcare at highly competitive rates with our popular out-of-school and holiday clubs.

Visit www.stjamescottage.co.uk today to find out more.

NURSERY Inspirational

m time wrap-around ter aged 2-11 care for children

Nursery 2-4 years

Breakfast Club 2-9 years

Out-of-School & Holiday Club Open 8am - 6pm

After School Club

3-11 years

Holiday Club 3-9 years

*Childcare vouchers & funding schemes accepted* www.stjamescottage.co.uk | office@stjamescottage.co.uk | 01258 840679 | Gaunts Common, Wimborne BH21 4JN

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Pre-School Rules! Clubs & Classes for Pre-Schoolers We take a look at the kinds of activities you can find near you to keep your pre-schooler amused. By Sally J. Hall.

Arts and Crafts

Gymnastics

Music

There are lots of places to drop in to get involved in crafting with your kids. They can learn skills such as painting, gluing, cutting out and sticking and of course the art of adding glitter! Providers like The Creation Station let children get involved in creative play with their parents.

Indoor gym activities are good for rainy days and help with flexibility and strength. Look for classes suited for very young kids that show them how to roll, jump and use gym equipment in a safe and controlled environment. As they get older, they can start to take more serious classes and enrol for certificates like those run by the British Gymnastics Association (british-gymnastics.org).

From nursery rhyme sing-alongs in the local park or café to learning a simple instrument, teaching a very young child to love music will give them a lifelong gift.

Dance Teaching grace, strength and movement; dancing is a great form of exercise and can be enjoyed from a young age. Look for a class that is not too formal at first so that the emphasis is on play and enjoyment.

If your child shows promise, they can go on to take Royal Academy of Dance certificates later on.

Football & Rugby Little ones can learn how to kick and control the ball, use gross motor skills and understand teamwork. Mini rugby is always gentle and does not involve contact and the skills and size of the pitches are suited to the kids’ ages. Look for a local club which may allow kids to go into more serious games as they grow.

Languages Children from bi-lingual families seem to cope well with two languages from a very early age. Even if you and your partner both speak English, you may want your child to learn a second language from an early age to stand them in good stead for their later education and also if you have family or a holiday home abroad. Find a small group or one-to-one sessions where your child has fun and plays games in a second language.

Swimming Learning to swim is a great and useful life skill and it seems that the younger you start, the less likely it is that your child will be nervous in water. Many local leisure centres run mother and baby swim sessions where you can start to teach your child how to gain confidence in the water.

Theatre It’s never too early to start treading the boards and there are lots of drama and acting clubs for even quite small kids. They teach about self expression working within a group and confidence.

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written major parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Hartbeeps Award-Winning, Magical Musical Adventures

More Than Music at Jo Jingles

Hartbeeps delivers a unique blend of original music classes and mini productions to babies and children on the South Coast and New Forest areas, including Christchurch and New Milton.

Jo Jingles provides children with lots of fabulous fun, and whilst we don’t guarantee an “X Factor” star we do offer a wonderful musical experience for them to enjoy with their “grown-ups”.

Our music classes are specially designed to create innovative, multisensory and highly interactive productions by transforming everyday environments into colourful, tactile 'wonderlands' of imagination. We set the scene, tell the story and make magic happen! We offer classes for all ages under 5, stay and play sessions plus magical birthday parties and baby discos too!

But it’s not just about the music; our classes also encourage group interaction, help speech development, coordination and social skills. We have a different theme every week so the children are always excited to discover what Jo’s new musical adventure is going to be.

Find your nearest class at www.hartbeeps.com/south-coast or call 07907 862864 today.

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Parents tell us it’s their favourite weekly activity, as well as their children’s, so why not come along and join in the fun! Find your nearest class today at www.jojingles.com/poole

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Theatre Machine Makes Dynamic Performing Arts Classes Theatre Machine is BIGLITTLE's brilliant training ground for children looking to build confidence and skills in performing arts, with group classes for children from Reception age up to Year 10.

Winter-Proof Clubs & Classes Girl Guides and Scouting

With the nights closing in and the temperature dropping, the idea of sending your child out on to the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track may not be an appealing one. But active after school activities offer children great developmental benefits.

Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. Why? Because they offer an antidote to the modern world with adventure being at the heart of everything they do.

From as young as 6, children can get involved in learning outdoor skills and undertaking leadership qualifications, as well as enjoying camps and residential experiences. However, waiting lists can be long so act quickly!

So here are our ideas for keeping your restless youngsters on the go – and the good news is you don’t have to force them (or you!) outside:

Trampoline Clubs and Parks

Dynamic and friendly classes are wellsuited children who may be taking their first steps into the world of performance, led by experienced staff, all of whom have an extensive background in professional performing arts.

Theatre Machine classes are available in four locations: Boscombe, Ringwood, Bournemouth and from January 2019, in Christchurch.

All students perform in an annual showcase production, and many, particularly in the early years, have the chance to do LAMDA examinations in speech & drama.

Visit www.biglittle.biz/theatremachine or call 01202 434499.

Ice Rinks/Snow Slopes

These are popping up all over the country and classes are fun and social. The UK now has over 190 trampoline parks and most offer kids a safe environment to cut loose as well lessons and classes for children from as young as toddlers upwards.

Local snow slopes and ice rinks are great places to get kids active during the winter and offer kids the opportunity to try tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding, or get a pair of skates on. There are indoor and outdoor rinks and centres, depending on how you feel about braving the cold or damp weather.

Indoor Rock Climbing This activity is also growing in popularity across the country with a centre likely to be very close to you. Even the NHS recommends it as an activity that provides unique physical and mental benefits whilst at the same time catering for all ages, fitness levels and abilities.

Indoor Sports You can access indoor classes for most outdoors sports such as football, cricket and tennis at leisure centres or school recreation halls. Likewise for toddlers and pre-schoolers, multi-sport and ball skills classes are often run inside during winter.

Whatever place you’re into

“Learning new tricks.”

Spaces available on our Swimming Lessons! ferndown.placesleisure.org Terms & Conditions apply. See our website for details.

Ferndown Leisure Centre Cherry Grove, Ferndown BH22 9EZ

Operated by Places Leisure Ltd on behalf of Dorset County Council.

Call us on 01202 877468 or scan the code above to get in touch.

12 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk

Learn to Swim with Puddle Ducks Puddle Ducks swimming lessons are all about fun, confidence, grace and safety in the water. Our unique child-led approach helps children to feel empowered and never forced.

Our highly trained and qualified teachers are experts at identifying children’s levels of ability and adapting activities to the individual, nurturing confidence and encouraging natural ability.

Classes from birth to 10 years run throughout Dorset & west Hampshire including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Blandford, New Milton and Wimborne.

Free Taster Offer!

Puddle Ducks Dorset is offering Families Dorset readers a FREE TASTER session (worth £13). Simply quote ‘FAMILIESDORSET’ when you book!

For your nearest classes, prices and times, visit www.puddleducks. com/dorset, call 01202 674676 or email dorset@puddeducks.com

Designed by experts, fuelled by magic, delivered with love!

Award-winning musical classes for Babies and Toddlers

Girls Play Less Sport than Boys

Come & play!

Boys spend significantly longer than girls on sporting activities.

We also do

A report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that boys spend an average of 40 minutes per day on sports activities, compared with 25 minutes a day for girls.

parties!

www.hartbeeps.com/south-coast | 07907 862864 | diane@hartbeeps.com

But encouragingly, boys and girls who do participate in sport enjoy it equally, according to the study.

One way parents can change this is by setting an example.

Research shows that by being active themselves, parents, particularly mothers can influence their child’s activity levels.

Another way is to make it social. Research by Women in Sport shows that girls are most interested in making friends and having fun when playing sport. Seek out clubs, classes or activities that may have girls of a similar age as your daughter or encourage her to take up new classes with her existing friends.

More info: www.womeninsport.org

Make a Splash at Ferndown Leisure Centre!

Learning to swim is an essential life skill that allows you to enjoy a range of fun activities in the water.

Our lessons are taught by qualified, friendly teachers who focus on the fundamentals of swimming in a positive, encouraging way. Teachers follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework.

Free swimming is available for all children on swimming lessons so that they can come swimming with you at other times to develop their confidence.

We’ve got plenty of spaces available so if you’re interested call us on 01202 877468 or visit www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk for more information.

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Throughout Jan & Feb

11 January

Active Fun at Ferndown Leisure Centre

Maths for Parents

Ferndown Leisure Centre, Ferndown BH22 9EZ

Lytchett Matravers Library, Poole BH16 6BN

Keep your kids active & healthy, no matter their ability! Activities include junior Badminton, gymnastics, trampolining, dancing, squash & disability cricket as well as birthday parties & school holiday activities.

Pottery, Crafts, Cuddly Toy Making & More Create at the Cove, Wareham BH20 5SG Get creative at this unique all-weather venue. Choose from a variety of craft kits, fossil digging, model making, decopatch, paint your own pottery, colouring & painting, make your own cuddly toy and more. There’s something for everyone, so give it a try. Open Tues-Sun from 10am–5pm.

The Upside Down House The Triangle, Bournemouth BH2 5RG This inverted structure is the first of its kind in the UK, providing a zero-gravity illusion experience in a safe and family friendly environment. Walk on the ceiling, go downstairs to go up, perfect for quirky photo opportunities. Open from 12pm weekdays & from 10am weekends. From £4. Under 3s go free.

Until 23 February

Do you sometimes wish you could better understand your children’s mathematics or support them with homework? Maths can be accessible and enjoyable for all, so come along and learn how to make maths a part of everyday life, and give your children a ‘can do’ attitude to numbers.

10–11am. Booking essential. Free.

11–12, 18-19 January Sleeping Beauty The Mowlem, Swanage BH19 1DD Swanage Drama Company brings their annual family pantomime to the Mowlem.

Performances at 7.30pm with 2pm matinees on Saturdays. Adult £10, child £5.

11, 25 Jan, 8, 22 Feb Blashford Buggy Walk Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Ringwood BH24 3PJ Get outside, get fit and discover the wonderful wildlife living on your doorstep with a guided walk around Blashford Lakes with your little ones. Meet at the Education Centre. 10.30am – 12pm.

12 January

Cool Coast Ice Rink

Feeling Musical?

BIC Purbeck Hall, Bournemouth BH1 2BU

Swanage Library, Swanage BH19 2NU

Embrace that wintry feeling and enjoy Bavarian inspired food and drinks in a cosy alpine setting. There’s a mini rink for those first nerve-racking glides and skate mates for hire for the youngsters. £9.50.

Children aged 5-11 are invited to come and try different instruments with Purbeck Instrument Loan Scheme. 2–3.30pm.

9, 17 January, 28 February Crafty Fun Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY Bring your little lemurs along for some crafty fun & do some letter decorating (9 Jan), create paper plate sharks (17 Jan) or fish puppets (28 Feb). 10.30 – 11.15am. £5.20 inc admission.

10, 29 January, 7 February Arty Fun Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY Get down to Lemur Landings for some art filled fun activities including drawing and balloon models (10 Jan), pasta picture making (29 Jan) and fish potato printing (7 Feb). 10.30–11.15am. £5.20 inc admission.

Ratatouille Bridport Electric Palace, Bridport DT6 3NY A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a great French chef and his passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

Doors 10am. Start 11am. £4.50.

12 Jan, 9, 19, 21 Feb Kids Clay Time Moon Studio Ceramics, Christchurch BH23 7AB A practical, hands on creative class that’s perfect for families to have quality time & messy fun. There’s plenty to do including sculpting your clay into a work of art, decorating your creations with coloured underglazes and more. Suitable age 4+.

Child £18.

14, 21, 28 Jan, 4, 11, 18, 25 Feb

20 January

Buggy Walk

The Incredibles 2

The Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE

Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport DT6 3NR

Free guided walks to help parents with young children establish a regular exercise routine. The walk routes are fairly flat, suitable for pushchairs. Get out in the fresh air and meet new friends whilst getting to know your local area better.

10–11am. Meet 15 minutes before start.

While the Parr family has accepted its collective calling as superheroes, the fact remains that their special heroism is still illegal. After they are arrested after unsuccessfully trying to stop the Underminer, their future seems bleak.

3pm. £2.50.

15, 23, 31 Jan, 6, 26 Feb

20 January, 17 February

Foody Fun

Roller Disco

Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY

Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth DT4 8ED

Have fun making and eating some tasty treats. Design your own breadstick wand (15 Jan), make chocolate dipped bananas (23 Jan), do some doughnut decorating (31 Jan). Or even try making your own cookies (6 Feb) or yoghurt dippers & fruit kebabs (26 Feb). 10.30–11.15am. £5.20 inc admission.

Get your skates on for the Roller Planet roller disco. All ages welcome. 1-3pm & 4-6pm. £6.

16, 24, 30 Jan, 5, 12, 27 Feb

Disabled children and their siblings can enjoy exclusive soft play sessions from 6.15 – 8.15pm. Pre-registration required. £7.50 family.

Character Visits Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY Bring your little lemurs along to monkey around with Lola (16, 30 Jan & 12 Feb) & Lewey (24 Jan, 5, 27 Feb). Cut, stick and colour crafts and masks with the gang before your meet and greet. 10.30am. £5.20.

18 January Bedtime Stories Dorchester Library, Dorchester DT1 1EF Children can come along in their pyjamas, bring their favourite bedtime toy and listen to some cosy stories before bed.

Suitable for under 7’s. Children must be accompanied by parent or carer.

5–5.30pm.

19 January Pied Piper Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport DT6 3NR When the Pied Piper plays his flute the rats run, the greedy mayor rubs his hands and the children dance. Norwich Puppet Theatre’s humorous and irresistible one-person show combines a skilful mix of puppetry, foot-tapping music and storytelling. 2pm. £6.

19, 23 – 26 January Robin Hood & Babes in the Wood The Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE Beat the January blues with this fun family pantomime, brought to you by the Verwood Pantomime Society. Weekday performances at 7.30pm & Saturdays at 2pm & 6pm. Tickets from £7.

19–26 January Cinderella

22 January, 5, 19 February Short Breaks Play Session Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4N

25 January Harry Potter Night Corfe Mullen Library, Corfe Mullen BH21 3LE Join us for a magical, spellbinding evening of fun, games, and all things Hogwarts.

Dress up as your favourite character from the books or come as you are. 5–6.30pm.

Booking essential. For ages 5-12. Free.

1 – 28 February Snowdrop Season at Kingston Lacy Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA Walk through the gardens at this time of year and you’ll find carpets of brilliant white. The snowdrop walk stretches through the 40-acre garden for 1.5 miles, creating a spectacular display that heralds spring is on its way. 10am–4pm.

2 February Three Sat Under the Banyan Tree Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG Based on The Panchatantra - India’s Aesop’s Fables – these animal tales are brought vibrantly to life with wondrous masks, movement and music. 2pm, 7pm.

Suitable age 7-12. Adult £9.85, child £9.

16 February I Love Wildlife Chesil Beach Centre, Portland DT4 9X Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre and make gifts for the animals in your garden to show how much you love wildlife!

Crafts start from £1. Children must be accompanied. 11am–3pm.

The Regent Centre, Christchurch BH23 1AS

Wriggle Giggle Pirate Special

The ultimate rags-to-riches story is brought to you by the award-winning Highcliffe Charity Players. Prepare for sumptuous sets & costumes, dazzling dance routines, knockabout humour and popular show songs. Adult £12.50, child £10.50.

Dorchester Library, Dorchester DT1 1EE Have a lively time at our Pirate Special!

Join in with actions, stories and songs.

Suitable for under 7’s. 10–10.30am.

DON’T FORGET to check with the venue before setting off just in case anything’s changed since we went to print. And remember to tell them you heard it first in Families Dorset magazine!

14 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk

16 - 17 February

17 February

South West Model Show

Moana

Tank Museum, Bovington BH20 6JG

Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport DT6 3NR

It’s the biggest model show in the South West with miniature, remote control and scale models all in attendance. Plus, there’s family activities, free family trails and indoor & outdoor play areas.

Moana sails out on a daring mission to save her people and meets the oncemighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder.

Together they sail on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. 2pm. £2.50.

16 – 17, 20 February Mary Poppins Returns The Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE The mysterious Mary Poppins returns to Depression-era London to visit Jane and her brother Michael, now a father of three, and helps them rediscover the joy they knew as children. 16-17 Feb 7.30pm, 20 Feb 2pm & 7.30pm. Adult £6, child £5, family £19.50.

16 – 17, 23 – 24 February Get Toasty Around The Campfire

18 February

Make and decorate your own spring time creatures from air dry clay. Bring a small box/tub to take your masterpiece home in. Suitable age 4+. Booking essential.

11am–12.30pm & 2–3.30pm. £8 per child.

18–22 February Family Feb Fest Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Exeter EX5 1DR

Shire Hall, Dorchester DT1 1UY Calling all superheroes! Follow the trail to Shire Hall’s underground secret lair, where you can design your own superhero badge! Afterwards, come up to the café for some heroic treats. Kids dressed up as superheroes get to visit Shire Hall for free* (*Up to two children per full paying adult.)

10am–4pm.

16–24 February Celebrating Spring at Half-Term Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA Discover the first signs of spring this half-term. Explore the gardens and parkland with a family activity pack and spring themed crafty fun. Wrap up warm, put your wellies on and get ready for an adventure. 10am–4pm.

This half term, Crealy welcomes your family favourites live on stage every day, including The Sooty Show, Little Chix and Krazy Kev & Dinky Doo. From £10.

Fun Days Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore BH23 8EE Get your kids outdoors where they can experience exciting outdoor challenges and environmental discovery. Enjoy a combination of activities from archery, pioneering and animal tracks to bushcraft, shelter building and more. Half day for 5-8 years - £12.50. Full day for 8-12 years - £25.

19 February Animalcolm A vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny new musical comedy from the awardwinning Story Pocket Theatre. Animalcolm combines physical theatre, puppetry and outstanding storytelling to bring David Baddiel’s wonderfully comic story to the stage. 2pm. Adult £15.75, child £12.

Clay Creatures Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL

Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens, Dorchester DT2 8PX

Explore Durlston's wildlife and create your very own animal to take home. 2–3.30pm.

Booking required. £3.

20 February

Treasure Trail

Half Term Phaser Night

Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH

Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY

Embark on an adventure across the heath and through the woods in search of clues in order to unravel the wildlife riddles for your prize at the end. 11am–3pm. £3 per trail sheet.

Join the crew for a fantastic evening of phaser tag! Climb aboard our giant space station themed playframe for 6 exciting phaser missions & Digiwall fun! Minimum age 6+. 6.30pm. £10.

Orienteering for Beginners Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH Maps, compasses and co-ordinates - feel lost already? Decipher the language of maps and directions through games and exercises, then put your new skills to the test. Children must be accompanied. From age 7+.

Booking required. 11am–12.30pm. £4.

familiesonline.co.uk

No need to book - no time limits

Tel: 01929 400270 www.createatthecove.com

Spring Ranger Days

Once Upon A Princess 2019

Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour BH13 7EE

The Regent Centre, Christchurch BH23 1AS

Bring your budding young rangers to the island to join our team and to discover how to conserve nature and to learn some bush craft skills. See how to look after Brownsea's habitats and get stuck in. Suitable age 8+. Children must be accompanied.

11am–3pm. Adult £7, child £20.

‘Once Upon A Princess’ is the ultimate pop Princess party, live on stage. This glittering production features your favourite fairy tale Princesses and a soundtrack of top pop hits and movie musical classics.

Performances 11am & 2pm. £11.

Wild Wednesday Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL Free activities and crafts for all the family.

11am–3pm.

20–22 February Little Women Shelley Theatre, Bournemouth BH5 1LX Big Little Theatre School’s highly talented, professionally trained musical theatre students will guarantee laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit in this delightful new production based on the classic book.

Performances at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee on 21 Feb. Adult £14, child £12.

Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG

Half Term at Kingston Maurward

Come and join us for some family fun, with a range of activities every day with special discounts for Dorset residents.

Paint your own Pottery, plus lots more...

Fabulous indoor space Coffee Lounge, Car Park

Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH

Walk to the Outdoor Centre where you will find tasty treats to be toasted on an open campfire. What could be better on a crisp winters day? 12 - 2pm. Meet at the Outdoor Centre. Free event. Normal admission charges apply.

Superhero Week

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES GALORE!!

Pop up Pottery: Pinch Pot Animal

Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour BH13 7EE

16–23 February

WINNER! BEST NEW TOURIST ATTRACTION IN DORSET 2018

20, 22 February Multi Activity Day Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre, Bournemouth BH6 4EN A chance to experience a range of exciting activities both on land and in the water, including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, archery, canoeing, climbing, katakanuing, raft building and stand up paddle boarding. From 8 years. 9am–4pm. £40.

20–23 February Shrek The Musical

22 February Caterpillar Kids: Natty Nests & Brilliant Birds Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Weymouth DT3 5QH Who builds the best nest? Join us to discover just how tricky it is to build a nest with just a beak and feet! Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games.

Adult free, child £3. Booking required.

10.30am–12.30pm.

Nestbox Building Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH Get hammering and help celebrate National Nestbox Week. Take home your own bird box and enjoy watching who visits it. 11am–3pm. £8.50 per birdbox.

23 February The Chesil Challenge Chesil Beach Centre, Portland DT4 9XE Can you complete the Chesil Challenge? A children's treasure trail in and outside the Centre looking for clues to solve puzzles about Chesil Beach. 11am–12.30. Suitable age 5+. Child £2.

3 March

Bournemouth BIC, Bournemouth BH2 5BH

Exciting Science

Based on the Oscar-winning animation film, Shrek The Musical is the Tony Award-winning adventure-filled musical.

The beloved characters from the film are brought to life in this fabulously fresh storybook journey for irreverent family fun. From £16.

Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne BH21 1LT

21 February

This brand new, exciting and educational show will amaze & astound. Featuring silly, fun, factual science experiments, it’s the perfect way to engage the mind and imagination during the half term holiday! A show full of wiz, bang, pop …. and splurt! Suitable age 4+. 1–3 pm. Adult from £12.50, child from £10.

Caterpillar Kids: Beasts, Bugs & Slugs Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Weymouth DT3 5QH Explore the woods, uncover minibeasts, then create your own beautiful beetle to take home. Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games. Adult free, child £3.

Booking required. 1.30 – 3.30pm.

To promote your local event in the next issue please email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

Families Dorset 15

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