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Win a family holiday to Santa’s Lapland
September/October 2020 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk September 2020 1
RECRUITING NOW
Text foster to 85222 to find out more
Start your new career as a Foster Carer with Hertfordshire County Council You’ll receive: • up to £446 per week • full training • excellent local support
FOSTERWITHUS
In partnership with
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fosterfamilies @hertfordshirefostering
@HCCFosterAdopt
NOW OPEN Free childcare for 2-10 year olds while you shop at The Marlowes Shopping Centre, Hemel Hempstead.
Register now and find out more about how we are COVID-19 secure at themarlowes.co.uk/tinies-crèche
2 September 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
We’re Celebrating!
Contact Us Tel: 07958284983 Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk Editor: Dale Harry /FamiliesHerts
/FamiliesHerts
In This Issue 4 10 12 14 18 19 20 22
Education Autumn Activities Early Years Halloween Health Parenting Clubs & Classes Activities
Free early education for two year olds If you are a parent/carer of a two year old and receive certain benefits,such as universal credit, your child in guaranteed up to 15 hours free early education per week. Free early education places are available at your local: • childminder (registered with Ofsted) • day nurseries • pre-schools • some schools.
p lay
When your child accesses their free early education place,they will experience a varied and stimulating range of play and early learning activities, including: • learning by playing and exploring • socialising and making friends • having fun, in a safe and nurturing environment • being school ready.
2 le a r n
Did you know you do not have to buy additional hours in order to access free early education?
To find out if you are eligible, and to apply visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/twoyearolds Don’t miss out, act now!
For more information visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/parents or speak to your local family centre on 0300 123 7572.
familiesonline.co.uk
There are some reasons to celebrate as we head into autumn. Our children will hopefully get to go back to school and nursery after a huge break, which is really good news for parents. This autumn also marks the 30 year anniversary of Families Magazine, first launched in London in 1990. Throughout the next 12 months, we’ll have lots of freebies on offer for our subscribers to mark this milestone. So sign up if you don’t want to miss out! It’s FREE. To get the ball rolling, we’re proud to offer you the chance to win a family holiday to Santa’s Lapland in Finland! See page 28 for details. In the meantime, we hope you find this issue useful in negotiating the start to the new school and nursery year. In the meantime, we hope you find this issue useful in negotiating the start to the new school and nursery year.
Dale RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking five working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, please call Diana Page: 01235 533362 | 07747 086518 Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof. September 2020 3
EDUCATION
Free Learning Support Resources Need some additional tools to help your child catch up at school?
BBC Bitesize
Preschool, KS1, KS2+.
Oxford Owl
Early Years, KS1, KS2+.
BBC School Radio
Daily Phonics Lessons by Ruth Miskin Training
Mathematics Mastery Home Resources KS1, KS2.
Literacy Counts Home Learning Packs
Reception, KS1, KS2.
Bud’s Number Garden Game
Literacy Shed
NRICH Maths at Home Resources
Preschool, KS1.
Preschool, KS1.
4 September 2020
KS1, KS2.
Early Years, KS1, KS2.
Hi I’m Max from MAOAM. Follow me through the magazine to try to win a Halloween prize!
KS1, KS2+.
familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
What Do We Say to the School about our Separation?
Five “Must-Do’s” When Choosing a School for your Child
Any parent who has been through a separation will understand the massive stress it involves and the anxiety around co-parenting. One of the important issues that can get overlooked in the mix is what to tell your child’s school. READ MORE
It always makes sense to put your child at the centre of the process when choosing a school. Parents know better than anyone how different individual children can be and individual schools can be very different too.
By Rebecca Giraud & Bob Greig
By Judith Judd
READ MORE
Coping with Back to School Stress
Starting a new school year after Covid-19 may mean both parents and children feel more anxious than usual. So what can we do to help our children go back to school feeling more happy and relaxed? Claire Winter speaks to some experts. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
September 2020 5
EDUCATION
18 Top New Children’s Books for Autumn
Duck and Penguin That Dog! Things I Love by Emma Lazell. Do Not Like Bear Will smart dog outwit the Susie Linn/Alex Willmore. Sleepovers Julia Woolf. Night time adventure for babies/toddlers.
dog-nappers? For babies/toddlers.
Scenes and activities little ones will recognise. For babies/toddlers.
The Diddle That Dummed
It’s OK to Cry
I’m Sticking with You
Kes Gray/Fred Blunt. Laughter, music, word play & silliness. Ages 3+.
Molly Potter/Sarah Jennings. Great intro to emotions. Ages 3+.
Moth
The Blue Giant
Egneus. Powerful/ visually spectacular evolution story. Ages 5+.
story about pollution in our oceans. Ages 5+.
Smriti Halls/Steve Small. A story about friendship. Ages 3+.
Super Milly and the By Isabel Thomas/Daniel By Katie Cottle. Poignant Super School Day
6 September 2020
By Owen Millward. Upbeat/funny picture book about kindness. Ages 5+.
It’s me again, Max from MAOAM. Count how many times you can see me to win a Halloween surprise!
familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
18 Top New Children’s Books for Autumn
Mermaid School: Ready, Steady, Swim!
Noah Wild and the Floating Zoo
Lucy Courtenay/Sheena Dempsey. An underwater school story. Ages 7+.
Alexander Mccall Smith. An ordinary boy’s heartwarming/extraordinary feat. Ages 7+.
Louis Sachar/Aleksei Bitskoff. Brilliantly illustrated story of mixedup mayhem. Ages 7+.
My Name is River
Turtle Boy
Health Heroes
The Virus
Return to Wonderland
The Unadoptables
Beneath the Cloud of Doom
Emma Rea. M. Evan Wolkenstein. Emily Sharratt. Thrilling, ecological A story offering hope/ ‘Health heroes’ talk adventure in the Amazon new perspectives to life’s about their working lives. jungle. Ages 9+. outsiders. Ages 9+. Ages 9+.
Ben Martynoga/Moose Allain. Explores the science behind viruses/Covid-19 pandemic. Ages 11+. familiesonline.co.uk
Wonderland-inspired stories from top contemporary authors. Ages 11+.
Hana Tooke/Ayesha L.Rubio. Adventure set in oldworld Amsterdam/ surrounds. Ages 11+.
September 2020 7
EDUCATION
Supporting a Dyslexic Child By Ellie Malt “Do you think she might have dyslexia or something like that?” I asked. I was standing in the playground with one of the teaching assistants, watching my 4 year old climb into her buggy, eager for her after-school snack. Although it was only her second term in Reception, I’d noticed she seemed uninterested in the alphabet, while other children could already write their names. But I was only really thinking out loud. Even to me, it seemed ridiculously early to be jumping to any conclusions. “Probably” she shot back over the general hubbub. I admit, I was shocked. But looking back years later, finally in possession of a formal diagnosis, I appreciate her honesty. I only wish I had acted sooner; it could have saved so much struggle and frustration. READ MORE
Dyslexia Features
Sources of Help
Your child may:
British Dyslexia Association Advice and assessments. Find your local association.
• • • • •
Talk well but write little; Be a slow/reluctant reader; Struggle with spelling; Have difficulties with writing; Not always remember/ understand what he/she has just read; • Seem inattentive and unable to concentrate/remember instructions; • Have difficulty organising himself/herself; • Struggle to remember the order of things, eg days of the week. 8 September 2020
The Dyslexia Association Screening, assessment, tuition, assistive technology training. Dyslexia Assist Find local support. Achieve Now Works with dyslexic pupils and IT. All services online. IPSEA Free, independent legal information, advice and support. Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre Influential regional centre.
Max from MAOAM here. How many pictures of me can you spot? Follow me through the magazine to try to win a Halloween prize!
familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Top Homework Tips Where, When and How
Let THEM Do the Work
Create space. If possible, this should be a communal space but one with minimal distractions. This enables parental supervision/input without it feeling like an intrusion.
Provide guidance, not answers. Use questioning to help them get as close to the answer as they can but don’t tell them.
Establish a routine. Some children prefer to do homework straight after school; others need to ‘unwind’ or eat first. Whatever is decided, stick to it. Get organised. Have your child do the hard work first when they are most alert. Help them make a “Done/To Do” list.
Let them make mistakes. Giving answers means they will not learn the material and their teacher will not know how much they understand it. Step in only when progress comes to a halt. Encourage them to set small positive targets promoting independent working and selfsufficiency.
What YOU Can Offer Discuss homework. Even if you know nothing about a subject, you can still help just by talking, listening and helping them to find the right answer. Use a timer. Challenge your child to estimate how long an assignment might take. Suggest setting a timer for that amount of time, or less. Encourage. Praise effort not achievement. Focus on hard work or improved concentration, handwriting or presentation. Make it positive. Tell them how important school is. Your attitude to homework will influence their attitude. familiesonline.co.uk
September 2020 9
EDUCATION
An Educational Wonderland by Kathryn Gorman, Head at Abbot’s Hill School
The parallels between lockdown and Alice’s disappearance down a rabbit hole are striking: like Alice, we found ourselves in a strange and often unfathomable world.
a formal classroom has bestowed much on us; and we return richer for it.
However, also like Alice, we found that life did not only carry on but presented new and exciting opportunities. We had glimpses into each others’ lives beyond school – family pets settled down for daily, live form-time sessions, parents joined in with afternoon singalongs, cakes were baked, concerts and sports days enjoyed remotely. Pupils ventured ‘out’ on virtual trips and intellectual travel occurred too in our bespoke InspirED A Level bridging programme. On site, keyworkers’ children explored every nook and cranny of our 76 acres. And, vitally, our staff, parents and pupils found ways to support others with fundraising efforts, production of PPE, community kitchens... and all this, day in, day out.
We invite your nursery children and daughters to grow, change and flourish with us. *Abbot’s Hill School was recently awarded ‘Excellent’ ISI ratings across all areas. We invite you to visit our school and see for yourself just how incredible it is. Visit www.abbotshill.herts. sch.uk
So in a time of restriction and seeming loss of liberty, invention and innovation, community and collaboration ensured that we thrived. We saw things differently, looked at the world anew and found that nothing was impossible if we set our mind to it. Pupils return more independent, more self-aware, more able to experiment, to problemsolve. Like Alice, they have had to navigate much complexity and they have done so in style. On our return in September, we need to reflect on how we have changed. Like Alice, we have undergone a metamorphosis. We will emerge wiser, stronger and more confident than ever. Less time in
As Alice says to the Caterpillar: It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.
Abbot’s Hill School is hosting an open day on 26 September (2-4pm). To attend, please register via the school website.
First Class St. Francis’ College Education with Opening minds St. Francis’ College fulfilling hearts LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY
Increasingly we find that girls’ only schools are disappearing For Open Days... from the options available for parents.
www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk
Reception Testing Delayed to 2021 The government’s plan to introduce Reception Baseline
Assessment (RBA) will be delayed until September 2021 because of the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In September 2017, the Department for Education announced that a new start-of-school assessment for children ages 4 and 5 would be introduced as a baseline measure to track progress during primary school. The test is due to eventually replace key stage 1 SATs in providing the baseline on which pupil progress scores are based. The new tests have been criticised by some teachers, Head Teachers and parents, who claim it is unnecessary, will cause distress and could damage children’s future learning.
10 September 2020
Empirical research illustrates that there are better learning Foreducated individual visits year round... opportunities available to girls when they are with their peers. They can learn at the pace bestadmissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk suited to their developmental needs and enjoy the benefits of positive role PREPARATORY - SENIOR - SIXTH FORM models. Such opportunities enable girls to follow their interests free from stereotyping. St. Francis’ College, based in Letchworth Garden City, provides a stimulating educational environment where children can thrive. St Francis Ad 148.5-210 A5_AW 2020.indd 1
The school seeks to build intellectually creative minds through a rigorous and supportive educational experience, with a focus on close individual care. It aims to be a community that values the unique qualities of each member and promotes social responsibility, self-esteem and self-development. Most pupils are day students, however boarding is available from Year 6 and there is the option of day, weekly, flexi- or full boarding. The school has everything you would expect and more: there is a 330-seat purpose-built theatre, a 20-metre indoor heated swimming pool, gymnasium, dance studio, hockey pitches and five courts for both netball and tennis. If you’d like to find out more visit www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk/ open-days.aspx, where you’ll find information on open day events. familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Virtual Open Day Available online at stchris.co.uk Independent day and boarding school for girls and boys, aged 3 to 18. +44 (0) 1462 650947 admissions@stchris.co.uk stchris.co.uk
Where enjoyment creates achievement
St. Francis’ College LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY
Opening minds fulfilling hearts For Open Days... www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk For individual visits year round... admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk PREPARATORY - SENIOR - SIXTH FORM
St Francis Ad 148.5-210 A5_AW 2020.indd 1
familiesonline.co.uk
17/02/2020 11:49
September 2020 11
EARLY YEARS
A-Z of Early Years Activities By Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum
Animal Hunt. Search for tiny creepy crawlies, the chirpy in the trees kind and the bigger more exciting kind! Baking. Use overripe bananas to bake muffins. Or roll out some biscuit dough. Cardboard Creations. A pirate ship, a car, or a doll’s bed? Save a box, colour it in or cut it up! Den building. Inside with chairs and sheets. Outside with pieces of wood! Envelope Endeavours. Send photos/stickers or a letter/card to a friend/family member. Film Fun. Make popcorn, print off ‘cinema tickets’ and snuggle up. Garden Growing. Ingredients: patch of soil for digging/planting, old spoons for digging and water for watering! Hiking. Pack a bag and snacks/ drinks. Get your kids excited about a little ‘hike.’ Imaginary Play. Kids LOVE it! Visit the doctors or take a pet to the vet! Jumble Sale Jollies. Involve kids in sorting things for charity or a jumble sale. Kickabout. Visit the park with a ball – run, jump, slide, shout! Learning through Play...is the best way! Games like i-spy improve letter/sound recognition. Mud Mess. It’s such FUN! Make mud pies. Noise. Bang pans; pick out a tune/rhythm with bells or drums. 12 September 2020
Outdoor Painting. Paint leaves/stones. Add food colouring to bubbles and ‘paint’ windows – it washes off! Puzzles. Jigsaws develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. Quiet. Help your little one enjoy quieter things - small world toys, books, colouring or painting. Reading. Make reading special. Try different voices to captivate your child’s imagination. Safari Special. Hide toy animals (or pictures) around your home. Grab paper/pen and go on safari. Write down the animals you see. Treasure Time. Make a map and hide “treasure.” Grab a toy sword and battle pirates as you search for it! Under the Stars. Show your toddler the twinkling lights from galaxies far away. Virtual Fun. Journey down the Amazon; enjoy a virtual roller coaster ride! Water. As a wise person once said: when a child is grumpy “just add water!” X-Ray. Draw around your child’s body. Stick the drawing on the floor. Draw in bones, explaining what they are and what they do. Yoga. Find great kid-friendly options on Youtube. ZZZZ….Time to sleep. familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Clever Ways to Get your Child Eating Healthily
Childcare Post Lockdown
Do you dread mealtimes? Does your child have little interest in broccoli and beans? Whether you’re trying baby-led weaning or desperate to get vegetables into a pre-schooler, here’s our tips on how to give your child the best start at the dinner table.
As childcare opens up postlockdown, there is a sense of unease about whether it’s safe to send our children back to nursery. Of course, we want to protect them. So how are nurseries making their environment safe for our children? READ MORE
By Gabrielle Nash
READ MORE
More Healthy Eating Tips Dr Pandora Giles (University of East London) outlines her ideas. • Make meal times fun. Chat, sing, talk about the food. • Encourage food play. Make faces out of fruit or a forest with broccoli! • Offer new foods alongside a favourite. • Swap excessive milk/juice between meals for water if your child is eating little. • Have clear mealtimes of around 20 minutes. • Eat with your child. Offer encouragement. • It’s never too late. Tastes change, so you can introduce variety at any point. familiesonline.co.uk
September 2020 13
HALLOWEEN
9 Best Halloween Recipes Creative Halloween party snacks for all the family to enjoy making and eating.
Sticky Toffee Apples
Spider Pizzas
Frozen Banana Ghosts
Scary Halloween Jelly
Sausage Mummy Dippers
Halloween Cupcakes
Spooky Pumpkin Soup
Eerie Eyeball Pops
Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
14 September 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
HALLOWEEN
MAOAM’s Top Halloween Hi folks. Max here. For those who don’t know, I’m not just the green guy you see on your bags of MAOAM. I’m MAOAM’s favourite mischief-maker too! And, I’m sharing with you some of my favourite family Halloween pranks. Let the mischief commence!
Pranks with Max
Spider Scare
Cut out a paper spider and stick it inside a lampshade. When a family member turns on the lamp, they will think it’s REAL!
Blood for Water
Re-vamp your bathroom with this ghoulish trick! Place red food dye gel around the tap. When turned on….gasp! The kids will see blood streaming from the taps.
Spooky Hot Dog Fingers
Bring extra scares to dinnertime! Add chopped onion to the end of your hot dogs - AND you’ve got yourself a creepy finger. Add one to the kids’ lunchboxes for an un-boolievable surprise.
Enjoy the SPOOOKY Fun!
Top Tips for Halloween Costumes
Creepy Sock Puppet
These aren’t just any old sock puppets. These are stinking scary ones! Grab some old socks. For the eyes, attach two delicious MAOAM Pinballs with glue and you’re ready for some spook-tacular mischief. Remember, the Pinballs are decoration only! Find loads more, super cool (and mischievous) family prank ideas at our Mischief Hub. familiesonline.co.uk
Get the creative juices flowing by browsing Pinterest for inspiration or YouTube for tutorials. Once you’ve done your research, put pen to paper and do some sketching. It doesn’t need to be a masterpiece, but you’ll be less stressed, if you have a plan. Then…. READ MORE September 2020 15
HALLOWEEN
9 Best Halloween Games Perfect for a small gathering or indoor family fun!
Halloween Pinata
Sticky Spider Web Game
Pumpkin Golf
Halloween Bingo
Halloween Tin Can Bowling
Apple Bobbing
Pin the Tail on the Black Cat
Toilet Paper Mummy Game
Doughnut Eating Race
16 September 2020
And‌guess what? I’m back! How many pictures of me have you counted so far?
familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
9 Best Board Games For rainy weekends and as the nights draw in!
Djeco Little Circuit
Shopping List
Peppa Pig Muddly Puddle Game
Great first game with simple rules and quick games. Ages 2.5-5yrs.
Fast paced game testing memory and matching skills. Ages 3+.
Help George jump over muddles puddles to climb the hill. Ages 4+.
Cheeky Monkeys
Bananagrams
Jenga
Hang the monkey on the tree. Fun game of chance. Ages 4-8yrs.
Fast paced version of Scrabble. Ages 7+.
Take wooden blocks off the tower without it toppling! Ages 6+.
Monopoly Deal
Hey, That’s My Fish!
Einstein Eats Eggs
15 minute Monopoly – perfect intro to this classic game. Ages 8+. familiesonline.co.uk
Award-winning game of strategic fish hunting. For ages 8+.
High speed Charadestype guessing game. Ages 10+.
September 2020 17
HEALTH
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
Children with OCD: Recognising the Signs
Transitions are always stressful, and even more so if you have been out of the swing of things for a while. Dr Sarah Mundy from Parenting through Stories has created a guide to give you some ideas about the best ways to support your child through separation anxiety.
Children worry. Feeling anxious, having doubts, or being worried is normal at any age. However, those who are experiencing OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), may feel unable to stop focussing on those feelings – no matter how much they want to. This can compel them to behave in particular ways. READ MORE
DOWNLOAD HERE
Keep it Moving!
By Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum
One of the pleasant, unexpected consequences of lockdown, was witnessing so many families taking to their screens for some physical activity courtesy of the likes of Joe Wicks and Cosmic Kids Yoga. Wouldn’t it be amazing to stay motivated to be physically active? READ MORE 18 September 2020
Top Tips for Getting Active
Don’t be over-ambitious. Be active often, rather than attempting a 10 mile hike! Make it fun. Dance! Put on some tunes that get your kids moving. Set screen time limits. Make time. Think of creative ways to be extra active. Can you cycle to a friend’s house? Can you get off the bus one stop earlier? It all counts. Look for new options. New places to visit for physical activity or new types of activity to try. Set a good example. Live an active life. Explain to your children that it makes you feel good and STRONG! familiesonline.co.uk
PARENTING
Who Will Take Care of the Children IF….?
Busting the Myths about Adoption: Are you Eligible?
It’s tough deciding who will take care of your children if the worst happens and they no longer have a parent around. Unfortunately, in this eventuality, the situation is not straightforward for your children. Find out why.
Sadly, the number of children in care being adopted each year has fallen, while the number being looked after by local authorities is steadily rising. So there’s a continuing need to find more adoptive parents to look after vulnerable children. READ MORE
By Andrew Campbell
READ MORE
Meaningful Moments By Claire Winter
We all lead busy lives, with endless to-do lists and children with many hobbies. Naturally family time can fall by the wayside sometimes. Yet spending time together is essential if we want a happy and inclusive family environment. So why not plan some family moments this autumn? READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
September 2020 19
CLUBS & CLASSES
Face-to-Face and Virtual Classes and Clubs
Mother Nature Science
Gymboree
Sing and Sign at Home
Music Bugs
Face to face classes for Face to face and online 0–5s utilising music, science activity classes movement, props, and patented apparatus. for 5-12yrs.
Online baby signing classes.
Online sensory music classes for babies and toddlers.
Rugbytots
Little Gym
Teddies Music Club
Face to face and online music toddler groups for 0-5s.
Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Face to face drama classes for 5-17yrs.
Little Kickers
Face to face rugby play Face to face and online Face to face football programme for 2-7 yrs. gymnastics activities classes for 18mths-7yrs. for 4mths-12yrs. 20 September 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Face-to-Face and Virtual Classes and Clubs
Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School
FunTech
Caterpillar Music
Tots Play
SA Dance
Parrot Street Book Club
Online tech and coding Face to face and online music/movement for 7-18 yrs. classes babies and Face to face and online toddlers. drama for ages 4-18yrs.
Face to face and online baby and toddler play programme.
Online dance classes for 2.5yrs+.
Teddy Tennis
Lingotot
Face to face tennis classes for 2.5-6yrs.
familiesonline.co.uk
Face to face and online language classes for 0-12yrs.
Monthly subscription book club for 5-11yrs.
Water Babies
Swimming classes for 0-5yrs.
Here I am again. I’m Max from MAOAM, remember? Remember to follow me through the magazine to win a Halloween surprise!
September 2020 21
ACTIVITIES
Social Interaction and fun with Monkey Music! If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to help support your baby or young child’s development and happiness then Monkey Music is the answer. Sessions for babies start from 3 months old and by the time your little one reaches 4 years old they’ll have learnt nearly 500 catchy songs and fun musical activities. The sessions are also a great opportunity for Mums and Dads to bond with their child and also meet other parents. For lots of families, Monkey Music means more than learning impressive musical skills. Katherine Watmough, owner of Monkey Music Baldock, Hitchin, and Welwyn has a long track record as a professional violinist with the BBC, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and session musician, as well as over 22 years as a music teacher. Katherine’s success at Monkey Music has recently earned her a shortlisting in the Lifestyle category at the bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards, which takes place in November. Monkey Music is offering your first session FREE! To book, and for more information, email baldock.hitchin@ monkeymusic.co.uk. Weekly classes are in Baldock, Biggleswade, Henlow, Hitchin, Knebworth, Letchworth, Stotfold, and Welwyn.
Monkey Music Baldock, Hitchin, and Welwyn E: baldock.hitchin@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01462 626735 Classes in Baldock, Biggleswade, Hitchin, Knebworth, Letchworth, Stevenage, Stotfold, and Welwyn E: Weblink - https://bit.ly/2KaaXhF
www.
monkeymusic.co.uk
nurturing a lifetime of music
22 September 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
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Easter activities & What’s Ons * Win chocolates for Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers Issue 10 March/April 2020
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ME
ACTIVITIES
Autumn Outdoors Enjoy these seasonal outdoor activities with the family.
Bark Rubbing
Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Conkers
Mushroom Hunting
Tree Decorating
Making and Flying a Kite
Building a Hedgehog Home
Litter Picking
Making a Leaf Maze
24 September 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Great Autumn Crafts Join our friends at MyBaba and get crafty with the kids!
Autumn Leaf Pictures
3D Autumn Tree Craft
Autumn Leaf Sun Catchers
Autumn Play Dough
Painted Leaves
Leaf Rubbing Busy Bag
Animal Seed Collage
Leaf Chromatography
Autumn Sensory Tray
familiesonline.co.uk
September 2020 25
NEWS & COMMENT
‘An Honest and Frank Discussion can be Invaluable’ Debenhams Ottaway Family Partner, Helen Young, discusses what to do when a change in circumstances impacts maintenance payments Effective communication in difficult times is vital especially at the moment with the worldwide pandemic and all sorts of uncertainties about the present and what the future may hold. Lots of people are worried about children not slipping behind in their education and making sure their family is as safe as possible. These problems can be made worse if money worries become an issue with employees on furlough and some facing redundancy. We have received and dealt with many enquiries from people worried about being able to maintain the level of maintenance they pay to their ex spouse and for their children. Whilst they want to ensure that they are still providing for the family, there may have been significant
reductions in their income whether they are in employment or running their own business. This can impact on the amount of monthly maintenance they need to pay and also school and nursery fees which still need to be met. We would always encourage dialogue between separated spouses and parents if that is possible. An honest and frank discussion can be invaluable in trying to establish new and temporary arrangements if circumstances have changed. If spousal and child maintenance is paid in accordance with a court order, then if you agree to temporarily change arrangements, you should ensure that any changes are set out in writing and specify the changes, how long it is agreed they are in place and when matters should be reviewed. If agreement is not possible then you can make an application to the court to vary the existing provision if that is the only way to resolve the issue.
Play Your Part for Hertfordshire
Organisations across Hertfordshire are appealing to the public to play their part in preventing outbreaks of Covid-19 in the county.
If maintenance for the children is paid through the Child Maintenance Service then again arrangements should be reviewed at the earliest opportunity. We know that the CMS are receiving a large volume of enquires from parents who are worried that they cannot pay in accordance with an assessment that was carried out when they were in different financial circumstances. The CMS are encouraging paying parents to call them to report changes in circumstances so they can deal with these issues as quickly as possible. If you have any questions then our family team will be happy to help.
To contact Debenhams Ottaway email hy@debenhamsottaway.co.uk, call 01727 738212 or visit debenhamsottaway.co.uk
Volunteer with Potential Kids A local voluntary non-profit charity organisation – Potential Kids – is putting down roots with their new garden initiative at The Galleria.
As part of a countywide ‘Stay Safe Hertfordshire: Play Your Part’ campaign, residents are being reminded that the most important things you can do to help reduce the spread of coronavirus are: *Washing your hands as often as possible, for 20 seconds with warm water and soap. *Keep your distance from others, particularly in indoor spaces *Wear a face covering in the places you are required to *Self-isolate and book a test immediately if you get symptoms
Launching on 11 September, Potential Kids has been given a charitable lease for The Galleria’s Learning Garden, which is a secluded area which was previously a car park and repurposed as a community use horticultural hub in 2011.
Hertfordshire County Council’s Leader David Williams said: “We’d like to thank you Hertfordshire for everything you have done in rising to the challenge of Covid-19. “Everyone has worked so hard and made sacrifices to help us bring the infection rate down in our county – let’s keep bringing it down so that Hertfordshire can get moving again. “Covid-19 hasn’t gone away - our key workers are still putting themselves on the line every day and our most vulnerable residents are still very much at risk – so please do everything you can to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”
Hatfield-based Potential Kids aims to provide social, learning and physical activity sessions and invites anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to contact them by email at info@ potentialkids.org
26 September 2020
The Learning Garden will allow neurodiverse children and their families the opportunity to develop important social, communication and learning skills, whilst providing a fun and engaging sensory experience for all.
Volunteers can expect to take on a variety of roles and responsibilities, as well as helping to promote sustainability and social connectedness within the local community. To find out more about the work of Potential Kids, visit www.potentialkids.org familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON Events listed on this page may be subject to change so please call venues before attending. PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK Broxbourne, EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com Land of the Tigers 3 October Paradise Wildlife Park has the first ever tiger habitat in the UK to house Amur tigers which the public can view underwater. The pool is deep enough for both tigers, Aleena and Siberia, to be fully submerged. It’s an exhilarating experience to see these stunning animals up close from the viewing station. Dinos After Dark 24 October – 1 November Lit by torches and lanterns, go on a magical tour of the World of Dinosaurs and see the dinosaurs come to life by moonlight. Who knows what my lie waiting in the forest. With all your favourite dinosaurs, this is an experience like no other. Halloween at Paradise Wildlife Park 24 October – 1 November Halloween hits Paradise Wildlife Park once again! The Park will put on all the tricks and all the treats your little monsters could ever want. From creepy crawlies to howling with the wolves, it will be a half term to remember. For more information or to book tickets on any of the events above go to www.pwpark.com
HATFIELD HOUSE Hatfield House, AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk Thursday-Sunday Looking for ways to keep the family entertained? Hatfield Park has opened its gates to welcome visitors to The Park, Gardens, Woodland Walks and The Old Palace. Why not pack up your picnics and spend the day in the stunning grounds with the opportunity for children to become nature detectives for the day by completing the woodland activity sheet. Cost: Old Palace, Garden, Park & Woodland Walks; Adult £15, Child £7.50, Family £49. Garden, Park & Woodland Walks; Adult £11, Child £5.50. All tickets to be purchased online. THE LUNA CINEMA Hatfield House, Hatfield, AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk 22 September – 27 September An evening under the stars with a choice of films across six evenings in September provide by The Luna open-air cinema. Back to the Future (22nd), Dirty Dancing (23rd), Rocketman (24th), Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (25th), Grease (26th), and Joker (27th). All ticket, booking groups will be assigned a pitch with chairs pre-laid out to allow for social distancing. Why not bring along a picnic! For further information and tickets go to www.hatfieldhouse.co.uk/event/luna-cinema/ MONKEY MUSIC
WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Pumpkin Festival 19-31 October Prizes for the best Halloweenthemed fancy dress and for the best carved pumpkin in the Carving Cavern. Arts & crafts, Pumpkin Olympics, magic shows and all your Willows favourites. For information and tickets go to www.willowsactivityfarm.com SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK Station Road, Shepreth, SG8 6PZ 01763 262226 www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk Red pandas, Sumatran tigers and more. The Park has implemented a number of measures to ensure a fun and socially distanced experience. Tickets should be booked in advance via the website.
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Visit MAOAM’s Ghoulish Gallery Hey Herts, it’s me, Max. Ready to experience the FULL ON FUN of MAOAM’s Ghoulish Gallery? Get ready for this spook-tacular event at Westfield on 17 and 18 October, including a hall of mirrors and zombie photo wall. I’ll make sure the Big Wigs at MAOAM HQ leave a treat for you to enjoy too.
Baldock, Hitchin & Welwyn 01462 626735 Baldock.hitchin@monkeymusic.co.uk www.monkeymusic.co.uk Fun, educational, age-specific music classes for babies of 3 months up to children of 4 years. JUNIOR FITNESS 1-4 Kimps Way, Bennetts End, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8EN Thursdays Fun fitness activities for kids aged 7-10 years, including boot camp, circuits, games and dodgeball. Cost: £4.50 per session or £10 a month by direct debit. For further information email healthyugym@ gmail.com
For the full tour list, check out the MAOAM Mischief Hub. P.S. We’ll be safely spooking by adhering to all Local Government guidelines!
Win a Halloween Surprise Count the pictures of Max you see in the magazine to win a special Halloween treat.
To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, answer and postcode to: info@familiesmagazine.co.uk
Am I the last Max? If so, enter my fabulous competition above.
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POLARIS WILDERNESS ADVENTURE Private woodland, Bayford SG13 8PH 07971 289604 www.polarisbushcraft.co.uk Family Bushcraft & Survival Weekend 23-25 Oct Fire lighting, build a shelter, source drinking water, and learn about the plants, trees and animals around you. Cost: £245 per adult & child. Adult & 2 children £295. Family of four £345. HIGHFIELD PARK TRUST 01727 847242 www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk Apple Day Highfield Park Centre, Russet Drive, St. Albans, AL4 0DB 4 Oct – 2-4pm Listen to a local band whilst indulging in homemade cake or play apple-based games such as hunt the apple. There will be apple-juicing displays and a presentation from Highfield’s local bee keeper. There really is something for everyone at this popular Sunday afternoon event. Entry is free, although if you would like to make a small donation to Highfield Park Trust, it would be gratefully received.
For more information go to www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk/ apple-day/ SANDRIDGE 10K & FAMILY FUN RUN Heartwood Forest, AL4 9DQ 12 September The Family Fun Run at 3.30pm will be followed by the 10k, a completely off-road trail through the Heartwood Forest, at 4pm, culminating in a food and drink festival with local suppliers. For more information: www. enjoystalbans.com/event/ sandridge-10k-family-fun-run CASTLE PARK HERITAGE DAY Castle Park, The Causeway, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2EL Sunday 13 September Join the Friends of Castle Park in a day of celebrating the heritage of Waytemore Castle. This free event will include a self-guided tour of the park, children’s activity pack and a chance to take a look at historical artefacts. The castle tells a captivating story of the history of Bishop’s Stortford and the early development of the town. For more information go to friendsofcastlepark.net/ events/
ROTHAMSTED MANOR HERITAGE WEEKEND Rothamsted Estate, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2BG 19 – 20 September Visitors can take free self-guided tour of the Manor and explore its rich history, take part in science activities, enjoy the rarely seen 16th Century murals and paintings, and enjoy delicious cream teas in the cafe. There will be a scavenger hunt and prizes! Booking essential. Call 01582 938500 or email events@ rothamstedenterprises.com
A MILLER’S TRAIL AT MILL GREEN Museum and Mill Mill Green, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5PD Sunday 20 September (2-5pm) Explore the new digital trail in the grounds of Mill Green Museum and Mill. Search for QR codes and snap them with your smartphone to discover more about the 18th Century water mill and history of the site. There’s been a mill recorded at Mill Green since the Domesday Book of 1086. Booking essential. Call 01707357850 or email museum@welhat.gov.uk
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