Families Dorset November/December 2022 Digital

We have everything you’ll need for a perfect family Christmas in this issue, so check out some fabulous things to do with the family in Dorset! Also find the best Advent Calendars on offer, gifts for teachers for under £10, hacks to make everything go smoothly, green ideas and a green gift guide, DIY decorations for the kids to make and lots more. Plus if you fancy a festive UK family city break – which could double as a gift-buying opportunity – then investigate some of the cities that put on the best show in the lead up to the big day.

Meanwhile, life ticks on. If your child starts school in September 2023, it’s time to choose schools to put on your application and we have tips and advice for you.

Finally, in this issue, we have Christmas gifts and tonnes of Weebles to giveaway! Apply for these adorable wiggly, wobbly mini-toys at familiesmag. co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

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w e w i l l b e o p e n i n g o u r d o o r s f r o m 9 : 3 0 a m t o a l l f a m i l i e s w h o w i s h t o c o m e a n d v i e w o u r b e a u t i f u l s c h o o l a n d n u r s e r i e s a n d t o g e t a f e e l f o r o u r c u l t u r e a n d e t h o s T h e e v e n t i s o p e n t o a l l b u t i f y o u a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t e r e s t e d i n a 2 0 2 3 R e c e p t i o n s p a c e , i t w o u l d b e a g r e a t o p p o r t u n i t y t o s e e w h a t w e c a n o f f e r y o u a n d y o u r f a m i l y . P l e a s e s c a n t h e Q R c o d e t o b o o k y o u r s p a c e H o w e v e r , i f y o u c a n n o t m a k e t h e s e d a t e s , w e a l s o o f f e r p r i v a t e t o u r s . S i m p l y e m a i l a d m i s s i o n s @ p a r k s c h o o l . c o . u k t o b o o k y o u r v i s i t w i t h o u r h e a d t e a c h e r . W e l o o k f o r w a r d t o s e e i n g y o u s o o n .

BE AN ENERGY VAMPIRE!

ENERGY SAVING

Outstanding opportunities at Park School

‘All Through’ at Talbot Heath School

Park School is a co-educational, private day school, highly respected in the Bournemouth area for providing outstanding education up to the age of 11. Its popularity is rooted in the wide range of opportunities and experiences it offers. Core subjects are supplemented by lessons in technology, languages, the arts, personal, social and health education, reasoning and critical thinking.

Carefully differentiated teaching enables children to progress at different rates, challenging highfliers and providing individual support. A full programme of sports and activities help children become well-rounded and self-reliant and many of the school’s pupils win places and scholarships at local senior schools.

Above all, the school is P.A.R.K. (Polite, Ambitious, Resilient and Kind). These values empower children to approach the next stage in their education with confidence, determination and respect for others.

More information HERE

Being an ‘All Through’ school means dedicated staff really get to know every pupil, building strong, supportive, nurturing relationships and guiding girls through all aspects of their development. It also means a broad curriculum, providing great consistency and progression across year groups and key stages.

Younger pupils benefit from the support and role modelling of the older girls; older pupils develop empathy and leadership skills working alongside younger pupils. Additionally, girls develop security and confidence from receiving an education in a familiar environment surrounded by familiar people.

Pupils attending the Junior School will automatically be offered a place in its Senior School if they are a positive role model, have a positive attitude to learning and make the required academic progress.

Reserve a place at Talbot Heath School’s Junior Open Morning (3 March) HERE

Best board games for learning

It’s a great time to snuggle up inside with a board game. If you’re thinking of adding to your collection, here are some options that particularly enhance children’s learning.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way. Ages 3-6. £19.99

Life on Earth memory and matching game Great for encouraging focussed attention. Ages 3+. £17.99

Spot it Junior!

Children learn to suppress their first impulse. Ages 4. £14.39

Zingo Bingo Develops language skills & self-regulation. Ages 4+. £17

Melissa and Doug

Suspend Junior Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills. Ages 4+. £21.99

Sequence for Kids

Involves taking turns, planning & prioritising. Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25

Carcassone

Develops planning, working memory, taking turns & prioritising. Ages 7+. £36.99.

Kingdomino

Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay. Ages 8+. £22.35

Rat-a-tat Cat

Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49

Choosing the right primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications. Exciting times!

Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?

The catchment area

School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice.

You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which

you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices.

Practicalities are very important too. Is the location of the school convenient?

READ MORE

All aboard for the Poole Christmas Festival

Christmas Spectacular at The Regent Centre

City Cruises in Poole is excited to celebrate the Poole Christmas Maritime Festival on the water with its Festive Lights boat trips.

Throughout this magical Christmas festival, which will run from 19 November to 2 January, City Cruises will run daily thirtyminute boat trips every evening on its magical lighted boats.

Worried about being cold? Fear not! There will be hot chocolate stations on hand to so you can enjoy a delicious beverage to keep you warm while you are aboard.

As well as its boat trips, City Cruises will be holding Christmas Parties every Friday and Saturday night, as well as on Sunday 18 and Thursday 22 December and Santa will return on its popular Sail with Santa Cruises at the weekends.

More info HERE

This fun, fast-paced, cracker of a show at The Regent Centre in Christchurch has left audiences smiling from ear to ear for over a decade and this year celebrates its tenth anniversary, with the perfect entertainment to get you feeling festive.

From 17 to 24 December, this year’s Christmas Spectacular is set in the North Pole at Santa’s Magic Toy Workshop. Follow Santa and his elves as they prepare for another festive season. But sabotage is afoot and a nasty frost is spreading throughout Christmastown. Who is plotting to ruin Christmas?

With fabulous up-beat dance routines, popular ballads and Christmas favourites, all performed by theatre professionals and adorable elves, this festive treat will make magical memories.

More information and booking HERE or call 01202 499199.

Sail

Aladdin at The Tivoli Theatre

Made to Measure Productions return to The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne this Christmas with an exciting new production of Aladdin.

Featuring incredible special effects from internationally acclaimed illusionists The Twins FX, this panto will have the biggest WOW factor in Dorset. Prepare to be amazed as Aladdin soars over the audience on his amazing flying carpet, with no strings attached!

The panto will star Britain’s Got Talent star, Courtney Jackson, as the hilarious Widow Twankey, with a wardrobe of outrageous costumes that must be seen to be believed, Wimborne favourite, Tegen Jones, as Scheherazade and Lee Redwood, as the hilarious Wishee Washee.

So hop on your magic carpet and join The Tivoli this Christmas for the best value, most spectacular pantomime in Dorset.

More information and booking HERE

A Christmas adventure at Upton Country Park

Early one morning when the winter solstice was done,

Upton Country Park woke to find the woodland animals...gone.

Where could they have gone, with no sign of whisker or tail?

Come and find out on the Christmas Woodland Trail!

Enjoy the perfect family adventure this Christmas holidays at Upton Country Park! From 17 to 24 December and again from 27 to 1 January, Upton Country Park’s immersive Christmas woodland trail will take your family winter wandering amongst the trees along an accessible route.

Discover festive scenes and listen for musical moments in the woods. Children can search for winter woodland animals and earn a Christmas present, ready for them to collect from under the Upton Country Park Christmas tree. More information HERE

Car seat safety: what is the law?*

You must wear a seat belt where one is fitted. The driver may be prosecuted if a child aged under 14 years doesn’t wear an appropriate seatbelt which, for children aged under 12 years and shorter than 135 centimetres in height, means the correct child restraint.

A child may wear an adult seatbelt when they reach 135 centimetres in height or the age of 12 years old (whichever is reached first). Find out more HERE.

Top tips before you buy

Avoid second hand car seats - you can’t be sure of their history.

Research and prioritise safety. All seats must pass minimum standards of safety. Some manufacturers test way beyond these standards.

Get independent advice from Child Seat Safety or from BCP

Council Road Safety Team (by emailing HERE) who have IOSH accreditation or can direct you to someone experienced.

Ask for the car seat expert in store to serve you and ask about their qualifications. If they are IOSH approved in Child Seat Safety Awareness they should be able to provide an accreditation number. If they aren’t available, request an appointment.

Where possible, make sure your IOSH expert shows you how to fit the car seat. This avoids confusion and should give you confidence to fit the seat correctly.

If you’ve already bought a car seat, visit a car seat fitting clinic in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch, to get your car seat checked.

Reference links

* Kid RAPT

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Top Advent Calendar Picks

Great value NEW climbing parties

RockReef on Bournemouth Pier has re-introduced offpeak rates on birthday parties, providing even greater value, as well as a new birthday party option for Activity Only, for those looking for a lower cost option without food.

With twenty eight climbing challenges, a HighLine aerial obstacle course, Pier Cave and adrenaline activities, there’s are activities to suit everyone ages 4+.

RockReef parties include ninety minutes activity time and those that include the food option have a designated table in the café after the activities, with a choice of party food options.

In addition, there’s a free slide for the birthday child and a voucher to return as a gift from RockReef.

More information HERE or call 01202 983983 to check availability and book.

An unforgettable party service

Whether your child is looking for a gaming or pizza-making party, magical sleepover or something more bespoke - the team at Teeparty will take the stress away.

Providing a full party planning service, from styling right through to entertainment and catering, the team works with you to help with ideas and deliver unforgettable experiences that ooze imagination and fun. These include:

Luxe Picnic Turn your home into the perfect spot to entertain with a custom pop-up luxe picnic. The setups work with any theme and colours, are styled by a professional event stylist and come with tableware to match your theme.

Indoor Themed Teepee Sleepovers

Providing all the hire equipment you need to transform your indoor space into a magical sleepover world.

More information HERE

@ T e e p a r t y e v e n t p l a n n e r s

E V E N T P L A N N E R S P A R T Y M E N U

B e s p o k e P a r t y P l a n n i n g & S t y l i n g S e r v i c e

I n d o o r T h e m e d T e e p e e S l e e p o v e r s

L u x e P i c n i c s

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P r o v i d i n g a l l t h e h r e e q u i p m e n t y o u c o u l d p o s s i b y n e e d t o t r a n s f o r m y o u r i n d o o r s p a c e n t o a m a g i c a l s l e e p o v e r w o r l d

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Party time at Golden Gecko!

Sporty parties at Purbeck Sports Centre

Golden Gecko is an exciting indoor climbing centre in Romsey. It’s the ideal place to host your child’s birthday party and food can be provided.

With 190m2 of climbing available on the Climbing Tower and Challenge Wall, children will never be bored at Golden Gecko.

What’s more, any child ages 5+ can join in, with or without climbing experience. For those that do have experience, bouldering is also available.

With more than seventy routes and easy access to roped climbing, safety is taken care of with seventeen easy auto belay devices which lower the climber to the ground at a controlled rate and act as a safety check if they fall.

Goldent Gecko also offers a range of instructed sessions for both kids and adults.

More information HERE

Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham offers sporty parties for children of all ages.

Purbeck offers a range of parties for active children, including 5-a-side football (ages 5+), swimming (ages 1+), swimming with an inflatable (ages 5+), Nerf (ages 9+), archery (ages 10+) or Laser Tag (ages 7+).

Your child and their friends will take part in your choice of activities and be supervised by the Centres’ qualified instructors. Perfect for children who like to be on the move! The friendly team at Purbeck Sports Centre will ensure your child has a birthday party to truly remember.

To satisfy hungry tummies after the party, the on-site café has a great selection of food and drink to choose from and you can book food in advance.

More information and booking HERE

Eco Christmas gift guide

Spread a bit of festive joy by being good to your family and the planet. These gifts for kids and

everyone’s day without costing the earth.

Nature

British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets

nature prints. £20 per month.

Barekind

Bright and colourful

filler helps save the

animal

£7.50

Kabode Alphabet children’s

Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton bedding makes learning fun. £44.95

Play

Sustainable &

Bake at Home

Home-delivered.

ready-made dough, cutter & recipe.

DIY lip tint or

balm

Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with gorgeous ingredients.

£19.99

Tartan

Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres.

Halo water

Insulated, compact,

handbag

pocket-friendly.

on the move.

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Super-cosy, one-size, made from discarded

Get greener this Christmas

Christmas trees

Don’t use artificial trees – they aren’t recyclable and will end up in landfill.

Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery.

Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year!

Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.

Eco alternatives

Use reusable, fabric crackers.

Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric.

Go for a real, fresh wreath made with seasonal, natural foliage.

Buy a reusable Advent Calendar. Fill with your own gifts.

Make your own decorations.

Pot grown tree care

Christmas dinner

Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need. Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can.

Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours. Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.

Christmas gifts

Consider second hand or refurbished items eg bikes, tech. Try giving experiences such as theatre tickets or days out instead of gifts.

Buy reusable items like refillable water bottles and beeswax wraps.

Buy consumables like food and toiletries as gifts.

Christmas leftovers

Learn the difference between potted trees and container grown trees, which ones have the best chance of survival and how to care for them.

Four of Jamie’s tasty leftover recipes including turkey stew with leek & smoky bacon biscuit dumplings, bubble & squeak, smoky veggie chilli & hodgepodge pie.

Festive family city breaks

Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the best family friendly cities to explore with your little ones this Christmas.

Durham

A beautiful, picturesque city & a great Christmas Festival from 2-4 December.

Winchester Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by German Christmas markets further afield.

Norwich

Home to the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light!

Nottingham Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!

Exeter Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes. Exeter truly embraces Christmas!

Kidderminster Santa Trains to Arley take families to see their favourite characters in pantomime.

Glasgow

Festivals, pantos and children’s classic concerts such as The Night Before Christmas.

Cardiff

Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.

Belfast

Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big!

Christmas treats to make with the kids

Christmas gingerbread people

Christmas pudding Malteser cake

Have some fun in the kitchen with a classic gingerbread recipe your kids will love to make. Decorate your people using dried fruits, nuts and coconut for a healthier treat that tastes fantastic. The kids will particularly enjoy making their little people truly personal.

This sneaky cake is a bit of a trickster! It looks like a Christmas pudding but is, in fact, a delicious chocolate cake covered in Maltesers. Kids will love tricking others with this cake and, of course, they will also love the taste of this chocolate extravaganza!

Christmas cookie houses

Gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition but these little cookie houses are so much easier to assemble and just as fun.

Use different biscuits and decorative items to give each cookie house a unique, fun look. The kids can even make a small Christmas town of their own.

Gifts for teachers for under a tenner

Realised the kids break up soon and you haven’t chosen something for them to give as a gift? Here are some ideas that won’t break the budget.

The Body Shop

‘Create

Fill the pouch with a selection of Body Shop goodies. £3

‘Epic things to teach’

Add photos and teacher’s name for personalisation. £4.99

Personalised

Apple-shaped bracelet with personalised message. £1.99

Terrific Teacher glasses case

Stylish gift for a teacher who wears glasses. £2.99

Jamie Oliver’s

Christmas pudding gift jar

Just buy the ingredients and the kids can make this themselves.

Milk chocolate trophy

Award your teacher with a chocolate trophy. £10.

One4all gift card

Can be used with 130+ brands in store and online. £10

Personalised resin coaster

Handmade resin teacher coaster with a name of your choice. £8.99

Personalised mug

Remind them they’re the best teacher on the planet! £9.99

More Christmas gift ideas

Hot Wheels Car Plate by Munchy Play

My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal

Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate. Race cars around the Hot Wheels™ track, pull stunts and dodge obstacles past the finish line. Designed by a mum, the colourful blue and orange plate makes a fun gift for kids (ages 3+), fussy eaters, and car fans. £16.50.

Girls Support Girls

Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity. There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman –except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.

Two new activity journals inspired by the numberone best-selling children’s mental health title You’re a Star by Poppy O’Neill. Books contain cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help children aged 7+ grow in confidence. £7.99 each.

The Book for Badass Women

The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes. What is a badass woman? Whatever the heck she wants to be!

Dive head first into advice on strengthening your selfconfidence, going after your goals and empowering other women. £9.99

Christmas hacks for parents

Keeping presents hidden

In the loft – assuming your child can’t access it or wouldn’t think to look there!

In the car boot – this is a winner if you can’t access it from the back seats.

Inside luggage – zip presents into a suitcase.

Another house – leaving with friends or family will thwart the most ardent snooper!

Laundry basket – kids are unlikely to go digging through dirty laundry so stash some wrapped presents at the bottom.

In the run up

Ignore the hype – don’t compare your family to every trend on social media.

Love your lists – getting things down on paper definitely helps you stay sane.

Delegate – don’t do everything. Ask for help and get everyone involved.

Drop high stress rituals –families thrive on traditions but choose the ones most important to you.

Stick to routines - your child will find it reassuring. Avoid back to back socialising and travel – try to arrange some visits after Christmas.

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

Measure the height of your room before you choose a tree.

Nordmann Fir is a great choice as it does not drop its glossy dark needles and has a good shape.

Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.

Check daily and top up the water when the level drops.

Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.

Don’t let your tree dry out.

On the day

Not all at once - spread out gift-opening to keep Christmas morning manageable.

Turn present-giving into a game – everyone takes turns and must try to guess what it is before opening.

Avoid present chaos - wrap everyone’s Christmas gifts in different paper so you can recognise them.

Prioritise presence over presents – remember Christmas is really about time with your family.

Avoid overload – kids can get over stimulated so give them time to play quietly or rest.