Families Sussex Coast Sept-Oct 2013 Issue 31

Issue 31 : September/October 2013

FREE

www.familiessussexcoast.co.uk

Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing, Lewes, Littlehampton and everywhere in between!

Photo Credit – Charlie at biggerpixel.co.uk

Clubs & Classes special Money off voucher for Sea Life Brighton Competitions

The really useful magazine and website for families with children

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Sussex Coast 01903 506813

Welcome

Welcome Hello!

I love September.

I know I should be lamenting the end of the summer and the end of the sunshine, but there is always something special about the start of the school year. I feel it always promises good things for the school year ahead. This issue has a back to school feel with our annual clubs and classes special and a fabulous article about inclusion in school.

As we also are nearing October half term, the fabulous people at Sea Life Centre Brighton have provided you all with a discount voucher to keep your family amused over the holiday. Also, as Halloween is at the end of half term, I hope you enjoy the Halloween activity provided

by PlayMosaic, who never fail to come up trumps with exciting things to do at home. I hope you enjoy the latest issue.

Please remember to “like” my Facebook page and follow me on twitter for more up to date activities and news.

Vicki

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What’s inside?

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News

What is happening in Sussex?

Competitions & Sealife Voucher!

Your chance to win prizes from Sussex Family Fairs and Fishers Farm Park. Also, your discount voucher for Brighton Sea Life Centre.

Clubs and Classes Special

Your guide to choosing clubs and classes including our detailed listing of selected clubs in Sussex.

Clubs and Classes in focus

Find out about some of the leading clubs and classes in Sussex

10 Benefits of Inclusion

By Rachael Ross , Portsmouth Downs Syndrome Association

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Schools in Focus

News from St Bede’s Pre-prep and Nursery

12 Spooky treats and winter fun

Fun with PlayMosaic and wintery seasonal treats to come

14 What’s on Printed by Warners Midlands Plc www.warners.co.uk Please recycle your copy of Families Sussex Coast when you have finished with it.Copyright: Families Sussex Coast August 2013 .

Data protection: If you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the samples or prizes.

If you would prefer us NOT to do so, please state this clearly on your entry.

Disclaimer: We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Families Group: Families Sussex Coast is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All magazines in the Group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Your guide to family fun in Sussex including October Half Term and Halloween

Families Sussex Coast covers: Brighton, Hove, Eastbourne, Worthing, Lewes, Burgess Hill, Hassocks,East Preston, Rustington,Littlehampton and everywhere in between.

Next Issue Nov/Dec: Advertising and editorial deadline is 30th September 2013.

You can contribute to Families Sussex Coast through advertising, editorial and our whats on pages. Contact Families Sussex Coast 01903 506813

editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk

Design by Sanderswhite. Contact sue@sanderswhite.co.uk

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

4 News

Stretch Breathe Grow East Green specialise in yoga for women in Worthing.Classes are taught

by Shirley Gain a mother of two who was inspired to train as a yoga teacher following the births of her children.

During pregnancy yoga is a safe and gentle yet strengthening form of exercise, helping women to maintain a sense of wellbeing and ease any pregnancy related ailments, prepare for birth and enjoy a comfortable and relaxed pregnancy.

Postnatally, mother and baby yoga classes provide a fabulous mix of relaxation tools, helping you ease into the demands of motherhood and safe and effective exercise. Regular yoga helps us restore core and pelvic floor tone and strength, improve posture (lifting and holding a growing baby puts extra strain on our backs and shoulders, not to mention pushing pushchairs and lifting those heavy car seats!), and generally gain a sense of wellbeing. The best bit is that you get to exercise with your baby, lots of snuggly mum and baby bonding included!

Yoga for women classes are also available designed to give women a little ‘me-time’ in their week.

Classes focus on women’s health and wellbeing and are inspired by Shirley’s passion for yoga.

New daytime classes start in September.

www.stretchbreathegrow.co.uk Shirley@stretchbreathegrow.co.uk 01903 208038 07769 310722 Follow us on facebook

Fleet Tutors

Parental prep for entrance exam season

Children may have to take the exams but it also requires a battery of skills and knowledge from parents to make sure their children reach exam season possessing a quiet confidence and self-belief, secure in their English and maths knowledge and well-practiced in exam techniques.

Start early is the mantra you’ll hear from parents who’ve been through the experience. Whether you use a tutor or do-it-yourself, a steady structured programme prepares a child, not just for exams, but for the big changes they face when they start ‘big’ school in year 7.

Don’t lose sight of your child in all of this. Focus on what they are doing right.Confidence drives self-belief which encourages learning and also establishes an outlook that will serve them well throughout life. For more details contact

0845 644 5452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk.

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

Child Care Services Sussex Branch Ltd.

New branch now covering Sussex. Suzie McNally joined Hazel Richardson of the long established (1996) East Green Child Care Services Ltd in 2013 after many years of nannying herself.

Suzie has 20+ years of varied childcare experience, most recently, maternity nursing. Since returning to work after having her own baby Suzie is extremely excited to finally put to use her vast experience to successfully link nannies and parents together helping find their ideal childcare solutions. Providing Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Nanny/Housekeepers, After School Care, Babysitters & Emergency Cover we assist with both full part time permanent and temporary positions. We feel our USP is our fixed fee charges, what you see is what you pay!

Families benefits:

All child carers are thoroughly vetted & DBS checked.

We personally interview ALL candidates.Advice & support on various aspects of becoming an employer relating to contracts & tax issues.

Our child carers:

Encourage our registered nannies to regularly update their knowledge within current guidelines.

Provide details for each interview, with interview tips.

Offer discounted accredited courses.

Ongoing support & advice.

We are here to support both family & carer in your working relationship and will always follow up placements during the first few months. Providing all types of home based child care we cater for all your childcare needs and pride ourselves on charging a set fee to our clients rather than a salary based fee.

Recruiting for qualified & experienced carers now: Contact 07746 728936

suzie.eastgreen@btinternet.com www.eastgreenchildcare.co.uk

Learn to read with Reading

Eggs

Reading Eggs is the award-winning online reading programme for children aged 3-13.

Children love working and playing on the computer and the Reading Eggs programme is all about bringing out the best in each child using unique worlds of interactive reading and writing activities.

Proven reading results

• Over 90% of parents have noticed an improvement in their child’s reading ability since using ReadingEggs • The lessons content and format are based on solid scientific research • Has a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words supporting what children learn at school • Uses skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success • The programme is used by over 2 million children worldwide (and counting!)

• Reading Eggs has been developed by expert educators with over 20 years’ experience

Why children love Reading Eggs

• There are over 512 interactive games, motivating rewards and songs • It makes reading fun – children want to learn • The programme supplies one-on-one lessons that match your child’s ability • Detailed assessment reports show and recognize progress • Suitable for children aged 3 - 13 From 26th August to 30th Septemberyour child can join thousands of children across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge – a nationwide effort to inspire children to read!

This FREE event will give your child 5 weeks FREE access* to Reading Eggs – the online reading programme that teaches children aged 3-13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success.

Sign up for your FREE trial* today and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs. Simply register your child at

www.readingeggs.co.uk/eggy.

Fishers Farm Park WINNERS for Whats On 4 Kid Award - Best Family Day Out! It was recently announced at the official awards ceremony, held at Brighton Racecourse that WINNER for the prestigious ‘What’s On 4 2013 Junior Awards – Best Family Day Out’ in association with Konfidence, is Fishers Adventure Farm Park in Wisborough Green. This means that they are officially the top in the UK as voted for by parents! Fishers Adventure Farm Park has entered the awards for the first time this year and were so excited to be announced the Winners! Kate Rollings, Marketing Manager from Fishers told us “it was such a fantastic group of people involved with these awards and we are absolutely honoured to have won”.

Competitions

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YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO Families Sussex Coast is delighted to be able to announce that we are the official media partner for

Sussex Family Christmas Fair Extravaganza on Saturday 30th November 2013 from 10.30am – 4pm.

Back for a 2nd year following last year’s success, we have even more family Christmas favourites for all the family to enjoy! With over 60 gift stands, festive food & drink stands, Santa’s grotto, face painting, free prize draws, goodie bags and much more!

To launch our next show we’ve organised an exciting competition for Families Magazine readers.

Three lucky winners have the opportunity to each win £25 Marks & Spencer vouchers! All you have to do, to win these prizes is to -

Tell us how many stands we have attending the Christmas Fair!

Email your answer with your full name to info@sussexfamilychristmasfair.co.uk by October 31st 2013. You can also post your entry to Sussex Family Fairs, Knoll Business Centre, Old Shoreham Road, Hove, BN3 7GS.For more information about the Sussex Family Christmas Fair Extravaganza visit www.sussexfamilychristmasfair.co.uk

GRANDPA IN MY POCKET GRANDPA IN MY POCKET comes to stage for the very first time and visits Theatre Royal Brighton from Wednesday 18 – Sunday 22 September.

Sunnysands pirate Horatio Heave Ho takes Jason and Jemima on a pirate adventure in search of treasure. But when things go wrong, it’s time for Grandpa to put on his shrinking cap and save the day.

See all your favourite Sunnysands characters and places come to life before your eyes.

For your chance to win tickets a family ticket for 4 min (min 2 children) for Wednesday 18th September, please answer this question.

Send correct answers to A much loved family attraction, the multi-award-winning Fishers is arguably editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk the number one all-inclusive, all-year attraction in the heart of the West Sussex countryside. With all rides and activities included in your admission, Fishers is undoubtedly the ultimate, great-value day out for any family, and Where does Grandpa live? promises a farm-tastic day of fun come rain or shine!

To book tickets 0844 871 7650* Constantly evolving at Fishers, they’re developing a number of sections within the park this year into www.atgtickets.com/brighton* (*bkg fee) exciting new exhibits for all visitors to enjoy! The new ‘Indoor-Soft Play Centre’ will be a huge new addition to the facilities this Winter too – so it’s worth getting an annual pass soon!

Tractor Rides, Ghost Tunnel, Magic Shows, Climbing Wall, Toboggan Run, Adventure Golf, Pony Rides, Animal Racing and more than 40 different rides and attractions...Fishers Adventure Farm Park is most definitely the number one choice for a jam-packed fun-filled family day out!

For your chance to win Family Ticket for 4 to Fishers Farm Park, simply answer the following question by email to editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk before 30th September What is the next attraction that Fishers are planning to Let us take you on a fascinating journey through the oldest add at the Park this winter? operating aquarium in the world. Every step will reveal something new, from a face to face encounter with sharks to a handson rockpool experience.

01903 506813 or editor@familiessouthcoast.co.uk

September Event If you're visiting Brighton Sea Life Centre 31st August - 8th September, you will have the pleasure of being joined by Timmy the sheep.

The Aardman character – star of hit children’s TV show Timmy Time – will be at the Sea Life Centre to say hello and pose for photos. Check website for meet & greet times.

October event We’ll throw the spotlight on sharks for this event 14th October – 3rd November, with talks, feeding demos, kid’s activities and lots more.

Check www.sealife.co.uk/brighton for details.

40% off for 4 people Voucher t&cs 1. This voucher entitles a maximum of 4 people to 40% off the standard individual entry. This voucher is not valid for use in conjunction with any other offer, concession or online/call centre booking. This voucher has no cash value. This voucher is automatically void if sold, offered for sale or if any attempt or offer is made to transfer the voucher for value. 2.This voucher is valid at Brighton SEA LIFE centre until 31st December 2013. CHECK OPENING DATES/TIMES ON THE ATTRACTION WEBSITE. Exclusions: this voucher is not valid on the following dates: 25th December 2013. 3.This voucher remains the property of Merlin at all times and Merlin reserves the right to take possession of this voucher at any time. This voucher must be presented at the Attraction entrance & surrendered. 4.For full Terms and Conditions, incl. Attraction restrictions (which are an inherent part of this voucher), visit www.sealife.co.uk/terms or call 0871 4232 190 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras). Ref: Fam SC October.

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

6 Clubs & Classes Special

Extra- curricular acvities Football or ballet, drama or Brownies - how do you know what, and how much, out-of-school activity is right for your child? Use this quick guide to help you choose.

Please take a deep breath and relax.

Extra-curricular activities are not essential; many children do perfectly well without them.

However, there are some benefits from a few well-chosen groups, clubs or classes.

School cannot teach all the skills you might consider essential for modern life. Swimming lessons, for example, or cycling proficiency are crucial for safety.

Carefully selected activities can bring numerous other benefits that could help your child now and in the future.

They will get a huge confidence boost from participating in an enjoyable activity they are successful at. A shy child, for example, may flourish in a dance class.

Subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one in a large family – something they feel is their own.

While these advantages are very real, care must be exercised when choosing activities. Too many and the wrong ones will only leave everyone fed up and exhausted.

Beware of signing up for something just because your son or daughter’s best friend is doing it, this may not be a good enough reason.

Ask yourself if your child gets something from the activity that they don’t get elsewhere and that it complements what’s already going on.

After-school activities affect the whole family. No one wants to spend all their time ferrying children from one activity to another while dinner that still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful.

Only commit to out-of-school activities that fit comfortably into the schedule and budget. It may transpire that your time and money can be better spent on family activities at home.

When you do decide on a class or club – take some time to check it out. Find out how long it has been running, do other parents recommend it, are the staff Disclosure or CRB checked?

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Dance and Drama Brighton and Hove Dance Academy Brighton and Hove High School .Ballet, jazz and creative dance classes.

Brighton and Hove Dance Academy are offering jazz classes for kids at two levels this Autumn.

07500 72423 info@brightonandhove danceacademy.co.uk

East Sussex Dance Specialist tuition in Ballroom and Latin, Ballet, Disco and Streetdance.

Mondays @ Patcham Community Centre,16.00 Under 6’s Disco & Street Dance, 16.30 Under 10’s Disco & Street Dance.

Wednesdays @ Patcham Community Centre, 16.15 Children’s Ballroom & Latin, 17.15 Over 12’s Street Dance.

Tuesdays @ St John’s Church Hall, Lewes, 15.45 Children’s Ballroom & Latin.

Thursdays @ St Mary’s Church, Lewes, 16.30 Over 12’s Disco & Street Dance.

Fridays @ Christ Church, Lewes, 16.00 Under 8’s Disco & Street Dance, 16.30 Over 8’s Boys Street Dance, 17.15 Bronze/Silver Disco & Street Dance. Saturdays @ Portslade and Lewes, Private tuition – All Styles. We also have established classes for more advanced students. Contact Alex on 07901 962163 or info@eastsussexdance.com www.eastsussexsdance.com Grace Dance Academy Worthing Currently offering classes in Modern and Ballet, starting with “Preschool Dance” from 3yrs. There is also “Late Beginners” class for 11yrs upwards, consisting of Ballet, Jazz and Tap in one lesson.

Classes held at Heene Community Centre.Call Fiona for a FREE TRIAL 07746 240621 or gracedanceworthing@ gmail.com

Little Luvvies Brighton and Hove Singing, signing, dancing, drama and music for toddlers and young people.

01273 737912 www.littleluvviesbrighton. co.uk Perform Haywards Heath, Horsham, Hove & Uckfield A unique mix of drama, dance, and singing for children aged 4-8 years.

0845 4001281 www.perform.org.uk Vocademy A fun-packed part-time singing school for 7-18 year olds and focuses on warm ups, vocal techniques, songs and performance. A great way to build confidence in young singers and develop their voices.

Hove (Monster Studios, Basin Rd) - Wednesday 7-11s Superstars 4-5pm or 5-6pm, 11-14s Teen Skills 6-7pm, 1418s Artist Development 7-8pm.

Worthing (Ivy Arch Studios, Ivy Arch Rd) - Monday, 7-11s Superstars 4.30-5.30pm, 1114s Teen Skills 5.30-6.30pm or 6.30-7.30pm, 14-18s Artist Development 7.30-8.30pm.

Haywards Heath (Sound Central Studios, London Road)- Thursday, 7-11s Superstars 4.30-5.30pm, 1114s Teen Skills 5.30-6.30pm.

Contact Sam 0845 5191765 www.vocademy.co.uk Worthing Youth Theatre Worthing A youth club specialising in drama and media. Senior members expand drama activities to include film making, TV and pod-casting.

01903 502741 www.worthingyouththeatre. org.uk

Sport ................

Activ8 Activ8 runs preschool, after school and holiday sessions for children aged 1-12 years.

Pre School classes: Monday: Angmering Community Centre (from September) 10-10:45am,Tuesday: Smile to Live studios Hove 10:1511am, Lancing leisure centre 1:15-2pm, Wednesday: Lancing Parish Halls 10:1511am, Thursday: Angmering Community Centre 1:15-2pm, Friday: Maybridge Keystone Centre (from September) 1:302:15pm. From September there will also be new classes running in Crawley, Hanover (Brighton and Hove After School sessions: These sessions run at schools. If you would like your school to run an Activ8 multi skills club please ask your head teacher or PE coordinator and email info@activ8forkids.co.uk Holiday sessions: These run at all the above locations for children aged 1-12 years.

Please check the website for more information: www.activ8forkids.co.uk Contact Debbie Webb on 01903 785785 or email; info@activ8forkids.co.uk Bee-Fit Fun fitness classes using stimulating equipment and action songs, aged 6mth – 5yrs. Prenatal, afterschool and adult classes also available.

18m – 2 ½ y = Tues – 10.45 – 11.30 Worthing Leisure Centre, Wed – 9.15 – 10.00 Worthing Leisure Centre, Thurs – 10.15-10.45 Worthing Leisure Centre, Thurs – 10.00 – 10.45 Gaskyns Café, Fri – 9.15 – 10.00 St Mary’s Church hall. 2 ½ - 5 y = Mon – 1.30 – 2.15 Worthing Leisure Centre, Tues – 10.45 – 11.30 Worthing Leisure Centre, Wed – 10.45 – 11.00 Worthing Leisure Centre, Thurs – 9.15 – 10.00

Improve your child’s study skills Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to improve your child’s skills, develop their confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Brighton Hanover Study Centre Kumar Suresh 01273 900059 kumon.co.uk

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

Clubs & classes near you

Worthing Leisure Centre, Thurs – 10.00 – 10.45 Gaskyns Café, Friday – 11.1512.00 St Mary’s Church Hall Classes NOW also available in Littlehampton. More details on all classes at www.bee-fit.co.uk.

Contact 01903 241740 or beefitworthing@aol.com

Little Kickers Football for fun yet professionally run for boys and girls aged 18mths-7yrs.

For more information on any of these classes (and others nearby) call 01293 226201 or email philbanister@littlekickers. co.uk.

Burgess Hill – Saturdays 9.15 – 10.00am & 10.15-11.00am, Rottingdean – Sundays 9.00 – 9.45am, 10.00 – 10.45am & 11.00-11.45am, Haywards Heath – Sunday 10.1010.55am & 11.00 – 11.45am, Hove – Sunday 10.0010.45am & 11.00-11.45am, Patcham – Saturday 10.0010.45am & 11.00-11.45am, Portslade – Friday 10.10 – 10.55am & 11.10 – 11.55am, Shoreham – Saturday 9.009.45am, 10.00-10.45am & 11.00-11.45am

Little Kickers Offering free trial classes at Eastbourne, Lewes, Hailsham and Seaford.

Contact 01323 749640 blevett@littlekickers.co.uk Little Rugby For 2-7 year olds, now offering a free trial class. Details at www.littlerugby.co.uk.

Contact 01323 749640

Swimming ................

MXT Swim School Brighton, Hove, Steyning, Shoreham, Storrington,

Worthing, Horsham Swim classes from 4 months to adults.

01903 532765 www.mxtswimschool.com

Puddleducks Hampshire and West Sussex Puddle Ducks offers unique baby and toddler term time weekday and weekend swimming classes in Worthing, Littlehampton, Arundel and Chichester.

Children learn lifesaving and swimming skills whilst having fun! Our contact details are: Tel 07837 715937 Email: westsussex@puddleducks.com www.puddleducks.com WetWetWet Swim School Brighton and Hove Swimming for 3-16 year olds.

Lessons include all stages from non-swimmer to “squad” level. CHILDRENS SWIM TUITION & SWIM SQUAD - daily lessons during term time for complete beginners to pre comp. MANY LOCAL VENUES TO INCLUDE Surrenden - Roedean Patcham – Hangleton – Westdene – Lewes.

ADULT SWIMMING - swim fit sessions and ‘learn to swim’ available weekly 01273 388247 - info@ wetwetwetswimschool.co.uk www.wetwetwetswimschool. co.uk The Little Swim School Brighton Specialist swimming classes for preschool children of all abilities.01273 207992 www.thelittleswimschool. co.uk Penguins Swimming Lessons est 1994 at Lancing College.

Classes for preschool children, termly lessons from 4 years upwards, individual lessons.

Also crash courses during Easter and summer hols. www.penguinswimlessons. co.uk Tel: Linette Wheeler 01903 767820

Arts and crafts ................

Creation Station Arts and crafts classes for babies and preschoolers. Baby Discovery 10am – 10:40am for 4-15month olds, Little Explorers 11:10am– 12pm for 1-5 year olds. MONDAYS: Maybridge Keystone Centre, Worthing. TUESDAYS: 1:10pm – 2pm Little Explorers only: Worthing Leisure Centre.THURSDAYS: Emmanuel United Reformed Church,Worthing. FRIDAYS: East Preston Guide Hall. Buy your first class and get your second FREE! Siblings half price too! Call Aby Mason on 0844 854 9186 / 07737 651830 or email aby@thecreationstation. co.uk for details and to book www.thecreationstation. co.uk Create Club After School, Saturday and Holiday Clubs

For 5-11 year olds with childcare provided. Arts and crafts plus fun and games!

Monthly Saturday clubs from 10am - 12pm at East Preston Guide Hall, Sept 7th, Oct 5th, Nov 9th and Dec 7th 2013 Refreshments provided!

Regular Holiday Clubs in every school break – half days and full days available.

Contact aby.mason@createclub. co.uk for details. After school clubs in schools throughout West Sussex – contact Aby to bring Create Club to YOUR child’s school! Call Aby Mason 0844 854 9186 / 07737 651830

Clubs & Classes Special 7 Made by Me Hassocks Children’s sewing workshops and other crafts. www.madeandmaking.co.uk

Languages

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Buenos Dias Brighton and Hove Spanish classes for children aged 6 months to adults.

01273 323431

Bonjour Kidz Bonjour Kidz run entertaining French lessons for children (Shoreham, Portslade, Hove, Brighton and Lewes) - for the under 5s in local nurseries and mums & toddlers group (11.15am Thursdays in Hove) - for the under 11s in local schools and after-school clubs (4pm Mondays and Wednesdays in Hove) Go to www.bonjourkidz.com for more details or contact us on 01273 921821.

Music ................

Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals Finally a kids’ music group that really rocks! Music for Aardvarks is a groovy kid’s music class that both children and their adults look forward to. The friendly, interactive classes are centred around rockin’ original music with provides a fertile musical environment for your babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

This is the choice for parents looking for an alternative to traditional children’s music groups, making music which sounds more like the Jam than the Tweenies! Mondays (ACT Brighton, 8-10 Rock Place, Brighton) 9:45 and 10:45, Tuesdays (Westows, Hove) 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 Wednesdays (Westows, Hove)9:30, 10:30, 11:30, Thursdays (Fountain Centre, Braybon Ave, Patcham)10:45, Fridays (Beacon Arts, Knoyle Rd, Brighton), 9:30, 10:30, 11:30.

Contact Emily@uk-aardvarks.co.uk 07886 927081 www.uk-aardvarks.co.uk

Babies & Pre school

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Little Monkey Signers Brighton and Hove’s Independent Baby Signing group.

Weekly themed fun using British Sign Language, songs, music, puppets, dance and theatrical surprise to delight the senses!

For little monkeys aged 6 months +.Taught by a qualified teacher of the deaf. A great way to communicate with your baby before they can speak!

The Cornerstone Community Centre - Thursdays 10.3011.30 and 11.30-12.30.Tel: 01273 727088 / 07961 322608 www.littlemonkeysigners. co.uk

Sing and Sign Brighton and Hove Award-winning classes which are highly regarded for their unique approach in teaching through music and rhyme. For babies 6 months to 2 years encouraging communication in babies. Classes are run every day of the week: Monday am - Central Brighton, Tuesday am – Hove, Wednesday am - Central Brighton, Thursday pm - Hove, Friday am – Westdene, Friday pm - Hove, Saturday am - Surrenden Park. For more details go to www.singandsign.co.uk or email brighton@singandsign. co.uk 01273 540266 Tatty Bumpkin Worthing Tatty Bumpkin uses yoga inspired movement and creativity to nurture the physical, emotional and communication development in your child. Have fun, relax, develop strength and flexibility.

After school classes are held in schools across the area for age 4+and Saturday morning classes are held at Ropetackle centre Shoreham 9.30-10.15 and 10.30-11.15, age 2+ contact worthing@tattybumpkin. com

01903 506813 or editor@familiessouthcoast.co.uk

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

8 Clubs & Classes in focus

Super Safe, Super Fast Super Mario!

Keeping children safe around water is a key priority for parents and the way to help them stay safe is to cultivate a sense of confidence and enjoyment of

swimming. Mario from MXT Swim believes that children learn faster and more effectively if they are happy and relaxed. His lessons are either 1:1 or in very small groups, as the children become more confident. He also provides intensive swimming courses during school holidays, a brilliant way for kids to learn quickly and without the chore of weekly lessons at the local pool. His aim is to instill a love of swimming in as many children as possible, helping to put them on the road to lifelong fitness, health and enjoyment. MXT also offers adult swimming lessons to those who wish to learn to swim or for those who wish to improve bad habits or improve water confidence. For more details please call Mario at MXT Swim on 01903 532765 or 07944 237614 www.mxtswimschool.com

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Clubs & classes in focus

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08 07500 724236 or dhovedanceacademy.co.uk. info@brightonan

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

The little swim school specialises in teaching

toddlers and pre-school children, between 1 and 5, water safety and swimming skills in warm private pools. We welcome children who have done infant water safety programmes like Little Dippers, and those who have little or no experience of the water.Our teaching programme is unique to the little swim school.

We combine recognized teaching methods with building water confidence and development or introduction of water safety techniques.

All of our teachers are fully qualified, hold the rescue award, police checked and fully insured. They also all have children, and thus a great empathy and understanding of the many phases children can go through between the ages of 1 and 5.

Small children tend to get cold more quickly than older children and adults so at the little swim school we only use warm, private pools that run between 33and 35 degrees. We also only ever run one lesson at a time and have small class sizes. This gives the best, most relaxing environment to teach in and ensures time for individual attention. We currently offer lessons in warm, private pools across Brighton and Hove, and Lewes.For more information or to book a course, please call us on 01273 207992. www.thelittleswimschool.co.uk

Mathemagical Activity Classes

smARTies ‘

Musical Theatre’ Here at Mathemagical workshop classes for 4-1 we love maths! And we Brighton and Hove Hig 6 year olds held at want to pass that passion Brighton.Your child wil h School- Montpelier Road, l onto the children who to take part in a Music have the unique opportunity al Theatre class like come to Mathemagical Following the amazing no other! classes. Whether it’s our term of Musical theatr success of SmARTies first e cla sse s, we can proud Parent & Toddler Classes, Nursery Classes or announce our exciting new season of classe ly After-School Maths Enrichment classes, we make captive and inspire s to all maths fun, interactive and engaging for children. in the Brighton and Ho young budding performers ve are a.

At Mathemagical we …

Taught by industry pe rfo • Develop children’s fascination and love of maths; within the sessions we rmers and qualified teachers, • Build children’s confidence in a subject that is LAMDA exams so tha are also running group t often perceived as difficult; qualifications in Music students can gain al Theatre which we • Deliver maths in an innovative and exciting way; is unique to our are believe a and a real value ad • Prepare pre-school children for the maths they ded option for a part time perform an will learn at school; Back by popular dema ce course. nd • Complement and reinforce the learning that is workshop ‘Ultimate We from our fantastic half term happening in nursery or school classrooms; performer Craig Nicho st End Experience’ West End lls One of our Parent & Toddler Class mums said… teacher throughout the will be appearing as a guest “the pre-school class that every parent is looking for: on ‘Phantom of the Op term in between his work era’ at Her Majesty’s A class that is engaging and fun for children, London.Students are Th placed within appropri eatre interesting and thought provoking for adults, and classes and will rotate ate aged be a class which is truly developing an essential skill specialists, developing tween our smARTie which will help children into school and beyond.” disciplines: Acting, Mo their skills in the following vement and Singing.

Natalie, mum in Worthing.

All classes last three ho As well as the Parent & Toddler classes, 3pm-6pm on the follow urs and are between ing dates Sept 14th Mathemagical also run ‘Mini-Mathemagical’ Oct 5th, 12th and 19 and 28th th sessions in customers own homes, Nursery and Dec 14th, 15th (with .Nov 2nd , 16th and 30th fi Pre-school classes, Primary school workshops and the Sunday evening nal performance at 6pm on ) after-school enrichment clubs, staff training for Students will work tow ards a final showcase Early Years settings and maths private tuition up to be performed on the evening of the last se that will A-level.To find out more information or to book a ssion.

Cost of series of wo rksho place please go to www.mathemagical.co.uk information or to enrol ps is £165. For further ple as e co ntact or call Emma on 07787 534499. liz@thelittlesmarti es.co.uk or call 0790 9 834586

+ =

Clubs & Classes in focus

Worthing Yo ded been ‘highly commen s’ wn Do uth So y for its ‘M short film. h and Hugh Bonneville said g people engaging wit It’s great to see youn ues which brought the South iss commemorating the into being.”

Downs National Park and produced in its entirety ed eiv nc co s wa lm fi e 19 and Th Senior group of 14 to by the members of the in the snow. n was filmed at Highdow of the Worthing Youth Theatre, ers mb me r ge un yo r Ou tivities and entrate on drama ac aged 8 – 14yrs conc which is entirely created by ow put on an annual sh the members. at the tre and Media meets enings.

Worthing Youth Thea ev y da Fri on ing in Worth Rosie Youth Centre or to get join to t, ou lp he to or To find out more ct Nicky Bleakley at: involved, please conta theatre.org.uk

info@worthingyouth

Unlock their potential with Kumon’s maths and English study programmes

At your local Kumon Brighton, Hanover Study Centre, children of all ages and abilities are realising their unlimited potential.

Through studying the unique maths and English study programmes, each child develops the independent learning skills and confidence required to excel academically and experience on-going success.

The Kumon programmes help early learners get off to a confident start by building key study skills such as rhythm, pace and accuracy as well as developing a daily study habit and a passion for learning. Over time, Kumon empowers the child to succeed on their own, giving them a sense of accomplishment that fosters further achievement.Before enrolling, your child will benefit from a Free Assessment.

This will determine where on the programmes they will begin and will ensure that your child’s Kumon study is individualised to their needs from the outset.

Once enrolled, your child will start on the programmes at a level they are comfortable with.

Kumon is the UK’s leading supplementary education provider, with over 68,000 students studying at more than 670 study centres across the UK and Ireland.

The Brighton, Hanover Study Centre : Barnard Centre, St John’s Mt, Mount Pleasant,BN2 0JP Class times: Monday and Wednesday 4pm to 6pm.

For more information, contact Instructor Kumar Suresh on 01273 900059

Activ8

provides fun physical activity sessions fo children as young as 12 months up to 12 years.

Whether your child is energetic, shy, confident or finds some physical skills difficult, Activ8 can develop their skills. We help children to channel all their energy whilst developing their physical skills. Activ8 teaches children the fundamental movement skills needed for physical development. These basic skills underpin any future sporting skills. With the under 5’s it is well documented that the development of gross motor skills (walking, jumping, running, throwing etc) help to develop the fine motor skills (writing, drawing, cutting etc).

School age childrenwill benefit from Activ8 clubs as we use a multi skills approach. This covers all the basic sports skills and will allow them to transfer these skills to a variety of sports. Whatever your child’s age, Activ8 will increase your child’s confidence and self-esteem as they will experience success within the class and be able to take part in the activities at their own level.

Pre-school classes are only £1 for the 1st session and then £3.75 thereafter. There is no joining fee and you do not have to pay in advance.

After school clubs are £3 per session.

Discounts are available for childminders and siblings.

Contact Debbie Webb on 01903 785785 or email; info@activ8forkids.co.uk

Sing and Sign

Have you heard of baby signing? Are you intrigued? Why not try a free session to see for yourself?

Award-winning Sing and Sig n regarded for their unique app classes are highly roach, teaching through music and rhyme … so it’s eas fun too! All babies go through y to pick up, and good a in which they use a lot of nat stage of development ural gesture before those all-important first wor ds emerge. Baby signing is a wonderful way to help encourage this and more importantly, encourage a bab y’s speech.

Sasha Felix, runs these fun -filled groups every day of the week (including Saturd ays) across Brighton and Hove. Sasha says, “Parents are amazed by what their baby is capable of ‘saying’ with signs before being able to talk.” Thousands of hap tended our sessions locally. py families have atFor parents who can’t get to a class we offer a variety of ways to learn, including DVDs and products to lear n from at home. All our teachers have signed with their own babies and offer expert advice on why Sing and Sign can be a wonderfully rewarding acti appropriate groups for all stag vity. We have age es of pre-verbal development. Try us out in a free session!” www.singandsign.co.uk email brighton@singandsi gn.co.uk 01273 540266

How to help your child learn a language First Tip – listen!

It is important to regularly listen when learning a foreign language, just as babies learn by listening and repeating. This process can really help your child become familiar with the sounds and patterns of the language.

One doesn’t often listen enough when learning a new language and it is a good idea to use a variety of different media to do so. You can often change the language setting of a DVD or why not borrow a CD from the library. beefitworthing@aol.com classes@beefit.co.uk

www.bee-fit.co.uk 0781 597 6224 01903 241740

Fun fitness for all the family

Fun fitness classes - Children’s parties School clubs - Adult fitness

Clubs & classes in focus

heatre/ Worthing Youth T Media uth Media has

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At Bonjour Kidz, when introducing children to the French language, we encourage the children to practice listening after each lesson. Indeed we like to help parents find fun and educational resources and have created a special section on ourwebsite where children can find stories, songs and watch videos. By listening and having fun with your children, you will soon be dancing and singing along to your favorite French songs and before you know it having conversation!

By Gabrielle Ellin Read more tips at www.bonjourkidz.com or call 01273 921821

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

10 Benefits of Inclusion

classes have s r e k ic K Lbeenitdetsigle ho on, alt ugh using a ned so that the sessi ildren with a

ntly provides ch football, more importa sitive introduction to sport fun, po and development. of play not At all ages our ethos through nt me lop ve de d an push lusion of all fun,excitement and inc r classes. ou to y ke children is the ven that It has also been pro anised org joy en o wh en childr a young physical activity from active ain rem to ly more like age are substantially scence and into adulthood. throughout their adole 18 months to preschool, the m With the children fro ment through fun rather focus is about develop . than a ‘football class’ to 7yrs the focus is about rs With children from 5y tball skills but inclusion is foo ir the of nt me lop ve redient. de always the crucial ing is fun d an e lut the an abso e olv inv d an aginative All our games are im stretching, jumping and t, children running abou We are fully insured and ty! ea sw d an t ho g ttin nced and ge FA qualified, experie our coaching staff are s run throughout the year sse CRB checked.Our cla and Sundays throughout on Fridays, Saturdays lease call the Office on Brighton and Sussex.P ss a free trial! cu 0208 432 0982 to dis

Want to send your child to dance class, but not sure where to start?Your child will experience the JOY of dance at

Grace Dance Academy

Dance classes should be fun!

Of course you want to feel there is enough structure and discipline to keep everyone safe and achieving their potential, but ultimately you want your child to develop a love of music and movement.

With a decade of teaching experience, Fiona (the Principal) offers high quality, nurturing classes in a safe and caringenvironment. Your child is recognised as an individual, and the emphasis is on fun. Moreover, all students receive the correct training should they wish to pursue dance in the future. Working towards optional examinations with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, the syllabus provides a balance of limbering exercises and dance sequences, taught by friendly and imaginative teachers. Your child will also have opportunities to be creative and express their own sense of rhythm and style.

Classes are held at Heene Community Centre, which has a lovely onsite café and free parking.Call Fiona now for your FREE TRIAL CLASS on 07746 240621 email gracedanceworthing@gmail.com for a chat. www.gracedanceacademy.co.uk

Bee Fit

All parents are aware of the importance of enabling the ir children to keep fit and acti ve, none so more than Tina Le Merle at Bee Fit. Tina’s own children have sho wn in life has set them up for hug that an active start e sporting success, both being awarded in diffe rent sports this summer.

Charlotte has become the Sussex Bronze 4 piece champion for gymnastics, and 9yrs Sussex Bagcat winner William is the boys for believes that instilling an inte swimming. Tina res young age has enabled her t in sport at a children to succeed, and is a firm believer that an early start in sport can set youngsters up for future car in coaching. One of the eas eers, for example iest start in sport, and to learn skil ways for a positive ls which can then be applied to their chosen sport, is by going to Bee Fit. Bee Fit classes are fun enjoyable for children. Classe , active and s aged 6 months, with classes start for babies con Bee Fit also runs after school tinuing to 5 years. classes. For more details please contact 019 03 241740 or beefitworthing@aol.co m

The Benefits of Inclusion

By Rachael Ross,

Chair, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

When I went to school in the mid ‘70s and ‘80s, children with any form of disability were not actively encouraged into mainstream education. This absence of anyone with a disability was also reflected in the wider community.

Consequently when I left school, and for much of my early adult life, I had never even met or spoken to a person with a disability, leaving me awkward and unsure how to interact in their company.

Thankfully times have changed, and children with a wide variety of additional needs are now commonplace in mainstream education.

Children like my son Max. Max is eight and happens to have Down syndrome.

Until the 1970s it was still widely believed that children with Down syndrome were uneducable, and they were denied that most fundamental of childhood rights; an education. We now know that with right specialist support these children can learn alongside their peers, and today, more children than ever before are being successfully included in mainstream schools.That’s not to say that special schools do not play an equally important role. It has to be a decision based on what’s best for each individual child and their specific needs.

For Max, the benefits in attending mainstream education are huge.

Speech and language issues are a significant problem for nearly all children with Down syndrome, and can lead to frustration and isolation if not tackled headon. Studies show that when they attend mainstream school, these children develop at least two years faster with spoken language and literacy.

They also benefit from having positive role models. Max needs to be around his typically developing peers, not just for PE and playtime, but there needs to be meaningful interaction. He needs to feel that he is part of the class, part of the wider school community, with the same opportunities and responsibilities as the other children. Otherwise how can we expect him to interact successfully with society as an adult?

We are very fortunate that Max’s teachers have created a welcoming and caring environment where he is very much a part of school life. When we visit, I am always overwhelmed by the genuine affection and friendship shown to Max by both staff and pupils. Many of the children have grown up with Max, and see it as nothing unusual that he is in their class working with them. In turn, ’im sure the children benefit from being with Max. They learn to celebrate

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differences. They learn acceptance and patience, and will hopefully grow into more tolerant adults which will lead to a more accepting and integrated society. Inclusion is helping to steadily improve society’s attitude towards Down syndrome, fuelled by more positive media portrayal.

Several top retailers including M&S, Next and Boden have used children with Down syndrome in their advertising campaigns. Actors with Down syndrome have played characters in popular TV shows such as Glee and Downton Abbey.

Individuals are becoming role models, and are themselves changing misconceptions, like Simon Beresford, who in 2007 became the first person with Down syndrome to complete the London Marathon, and now 8 marathons later is an inspiration for people around the world.

More is being achieved than ever before, but there is a still a long way to go.

Down syndrome is the most common cause of intellectual disability and yet funding does not reflect this. The situation has worsened in the recent economic climate, and parents are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of access to specialist support like speech and language therapy, which help enable their children to participate in mainstream education. As the Coalition Government plans to ‘end the bias towards mainstream’, there is a real risk that 30 years of slow uphill progress will be undermined unless there is adequate investment in training, research, resources and specialist support.

We have seen glimpses of what can be achieved as children with the right skills and support go on to lead more independent and productive lives, enter employment, and become valued members of their communities. But as yet, there has never been an entire generation of children with Down syndrome that has passed through the system with adequate and sustained support in all areas of need, continuing into early adulthood. Until this happens, we will never be sure of their true capabilities.

Rachael is the Chair of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, Footprints, which offers friendship, advice and a wide range of educational services to children, their families, schools and professionals in Portsmouth and across the South East.

To find out more visit www.footprintsds.org

Schools in Focus 11

Bede’s Pre-Prep and Nursery ‘ Bede’s Pre-Prep and nursery is a place where everything is custom crafted for your child. If every child is to be cherished, stimulated and enriched then the place they should spend their days should be just as exceptional as they are.

We are open fifty weeks of the year, caring for and nurturing children in a genuinely holistic way. To support and guide every child to be curious, confident and inspired is what motivates us, and our friendliness and expertise is a matter of pride.

We believe that early-years enrichment is critical and consider the cultivation of young minds paramount.

The outstanding educational experience we offer at Bede’s is about going far beyond where other schools might, broadening horizons in a profound way that truly develops excellence.

In much the same way that we are a school within a school, we are a home away from home for the children here. We prepare everything on site, from our home cooked, locally grown, nutritious meals to our fantastic range of activities and learning resources.

Our dedicated outdoor classrooms mean that, as they start toddling, children can benefit from safe, soft play areas whatever the weather. With separate, larger play areas for older children, seaside walks in buggies and fresh sea air every day, we have woven the natural world into the very fabric of what we do.

The development of young minds is our specialism, so whether in our dedicated library, dance studio or play areas, or in the fabulous amenities we share with the Prep School, your child can swim, run, dance and play in ways that truly enrich them.

We help every child know who they are and how to express themselves, show them that anything is possible and provide them with the skills they need to make their way in the world.

Every child has unique abilities, needs and characteristics that make them special.

Across the Bede’s family of schools this idea underpins everything we do.

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12 Spooky treats & winter fun

Halloween spider and ghost prints What you will need

Paper or card Washable paint Googly eyes (optional) A tray or plate for the paint Painting apron or old top Painting cloth or old sheet Hands and feet !

Preparation

‘Have some family fun from the PlayMosaic team’ Please look at our website for future events and to subscribe to our newsletter Follow us on Twitter @playmosaic Find us on Facebook PlayMosaic ltd www.playmosaic.co.uk

Let your little ones choose some card/paper and paint, put down the paper on the floor for the foot painting making sure its on an old sheet or something you don’t mind getting paint on! ......Get creating

Ghosts

Pour some paint into the tray, holding their hand let your child put their feet into it and let them walk over the paper making their ghosts! Allow to dry then place some eyes on using the googly eyes or you could just draw some eyes on to make the ghost come to life (excuse the pun!)

Spiders

Pour the paint onto the tray, get your little ones to put one of their hands into the paint and print them onto a piece of paper facing the hand one way then print using the other hand facing the opposite way, overlapping the hand already printed, not the fingers (making the spider have 8 legs).

Seasonal fun to come!

ALADDIN Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne 13 December – 12 January 2014

Let the Genie grant your wish and join Eastbourne Theatres for another magical pantomime.

Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the magic lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee-Washee wants a clean vest – can the Genie grant their wishes?

It promises you a show jam-packed with all of the essential pantomime ingredients plus top class live music, a fabulous cast, dazzling sets and a magic carpet ride through a spectacular adventure!

Starring Shaun Williamson of Eastenders and Extras fame, gather your family and catch Aladdin at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne from 13 December 201312 January 2014. Book now on 01323 412000 or online at www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

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Top Tips for Family Skiing Holidays Paul and Francesca Ayres moved to Morzine 18 years ago, started a family ski company (Chilly Powder) and had 3 children.

We asked them to tell us about the most important things you should consider when taking your family on a ski holiday.

Don’t rush to high altitude resorts because children can sometimes get altitude sickness. It’s also unsafe for babies under the age of 1 to go up in high cable cars because of the air pressure.

Finding a resort with an easy, short airport transfer will be a blessing! Also check that your airport transfer company is properly licensed and has the child car seats you’ll need.

While your on your transfer vehicle from the airport to your holiday accommodation, try to sit as near to the front of the bus as possible - then there’s less chance of the windy roads making your children sick.

It’s pointless wasting money on expensive ski clothes for your children - they’ll only outgrow them by next year! Borrow what you can from friends or try TK Maxx in September and October!

If your children are attending ski school or childcare, make sure you sew their names in to their clothes so they don’t get mixed up with others.

If you’re taking a pushchair to use during your holiday, take one with large wheels.

Standard chairs will be impossible to push in the snow but it might be that your holiday company has a stash of them for you to borrow.

Don’t forget that sun block is just as important on a winter holiday as it is in the summer. Take sun block rather than spray so that you don’t have to take your gloves off to rub it in! Fore more details about Chilly Powder see www.chillypowder.com

Whats’on Theatre

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Aladdin – tickets go on sale Fishers Farm Park 9th September After the amazing sell-out success of the Fishers pantomime again last year, they have decided to release tickets slightly earlier to give everyone a chance of booking. Call the Box Office on (01403) 700063.

Sid’s Show

Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne 20th October, 2.00pm Join Sid from Cbeebies live on stage in a fantastic fun-filled adventure that’ll knock your socks off!

Cinema ......................

Big Scream!

Duke of York cinema, Brighton Every Wednesday morning at 11.00am for parents and carers with children under 1 year. See website for films. www.picturehouses.co.uk Saturday morning Kid’s Club Duke of York cinema, Brighton 10.30 start with film at 11.00.

See website for films 0871 7042056 www.picturehouses.co.uk

Saturday morning pictures

The Ritz Digital & Connaught Cinema, Worthing Every Saturday 10.15am Check website for films 01903 206206 www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

Museums ......................

Chilled to the Bone: Ice Age Sussex

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery 16th March 2013 - 18th January 2014 Explore Ice Age Sussex and discover how ice has driven our evolution, why we have survived whilst the Neanderthals perished, and what the disappearance of ice from the poles could mean for our survival.

Events including Halloween

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Timmy the Sheep

Sea Life Centre Brighton Meet and greet TV star Timmy the Sheep at the oldest operating aquarium in the world. Please check www.sealife.co.uk/brighton for meet and greet time.

Giant Maze at Royal Pavilion

Brighton Until 3rd September A stunning summer maze attraction open until early September. The 22m by 22m maze is based on a Roman design and made up of 360 metres of corridors and beautiful hidden garden rooms, evoking the four seasons in the Giant’s Garden. Sound effects, giant gardening tools, riddles and traditional games, such as Nine Men’s Morris and Fox and Geese, will startle and delight adults and children alike as they try to find their way to the centre of the maze. Is there a giant in the centre of the maze? You’ll have to visit to find out! The attraction costs just £4 per person

Worthing’s West End Festival

Worthing 7th – 8th September Join in with an afternoon of family fun in Worthing’s West End between 12 and 3pm. Lots of attractions from the western end of Monague Street, along Rowlands Road to Heene Road.

Astronomy Festival at the Observatory

Culminates with bonfire lighting between the Bandstand and Wish Tower and a fire juggling display and fireworks.

Spotlight on sharks

Sea Life Centre Brighton 14th October – 3rd November Come along for talks, feeding demos, kid’s activities and lots more. Check out www.sealife.co.uk/brighton for more details

Family Open Evening

The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux 26th October, 6.30pm – 11.00pm Family Open Evening with optional Halloween drop-in activities. Among the activities you can make your own flying bats and screaming balloons as well as decorating goody bags with spooktacular pictures. SPECIAL OFFER 1 child admitted FREE with every full paying adult. There will be a charge of £1 per child for the Halloween activities.

Halloween Happy Hauntings Fishers farm Park 26th October – 3rd November

The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux 7th & 8th September 10.00am6.00pm Family fun day on Sunday 8th September including trade stalls, food and drinks and beer tent.

Shinewater Fun Day

Shinewater Park, Eastbourne 7th September A fun filled day at Shinewater with family activities and fete.

Miniature Steam Running Day

Field Place, Worthing 8th September, 22nd September, 13th October, 27th October Another season of the popular steam train rides at Field Place continues right through the summer and autumn on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Findon Sheep Fair & Village Festival

Worthing 13th & 14th September The Findon Sheep Fair itself is Saturday 14th September on Nepcote Green. Friday night 13th September begins with a funfair on the green starting at 6.30pm, then a barn dance in the marquee at 7.30pm

Bonfire Society Procession & Fireworks

Eastbourne Seafront 5th October, 7.30pm – 9.00pm Eastbourne Bonfire Society returns with an annual bonfire procession and fireworks along Eastbourne seafront - everyone welcome! Torchlit bonfire procession from Fishermans Green at 7.30pm, featuring drummers, pipers, dancers and local bonfire societies.

What’s on 13

Half term Halloween fun on the farm

Spring Barn Farm, Lewes 26th October – 1st November Spooky, not scary! Join us for our first ever Pumpkin Festival, Spooky story time, Whizzy’s witchy walk and more!

With meet the animals and fantastic indoor play, there’s fun whatever the weather! Daily activities for all the family .

Zany Zone of Experiments at the Observatory

The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux 28th October, 11.00am – 4.00pm The Zany Zone is an area of crafty experiments. Create colour and experiment, build a pipe cannon, and be amazed by puzzles and weird kitchen science. Normal admission applies + £1.00 for activity

Haunted Wood Trail

Petworth House 28th October – 3rd November, 10.30am – 3.30pm Witches and Wizards, Vampires and Lizards, and owls that go hoot in the night. Scary tales and slimey snails, and ghosts that give you a fright! Jump aboard your broomsticks and soar over to Fishers this hair-raising half term for the ‘Halloween Happy Hauntings’!

Ideally suited for ages 2 – 11 yrs, come and enjoy this fangtastic week with your own little monsters! The spooky season is promising to be frightfully fun with truly gruesome ‘Gory-ent Express’. Too scary? Then join the creepy crew in the amazing Pumpkin Patch! A coven of wicked witches and a spectacle of Spooks perform the spell-binding ‘Spook Show’ daily in the enormous Barn Theatre! For the ‘not so brave’ among us…choose from the delightful array of animals in the cosy new Animal Encounters Barn. Learn all about our furry friends from the tiniest baby rabbit to the most enormous Shire horse!

Halloween Shriek Week

Drusillas Park, Alfriston 26th October – 3rd November If you are bored of all your local haunts, stake out the fun at Drusillas Park over the Halloween period. We’ve conjured up some fang-tastically spooky surprises to keep your little horrors half term happy. For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk.

Are you brave enough to enter our haunted woods trail? Follow spooky clues that will lead you into the deepest darkest wooded area. All little monsters will receive a small reward for their bravery. £3 per trail

Eyes on the Universe’ half day workshops The Observatory

Science Centre, Herstmonceux 29th October, 10.30am – 1.00pm or 2.00pm – 4.30pm Find out how we study the heavens around us. Make and use your own telescope and sundial as well as learning how to use the large telescopes on site. £9.95 per child this is for the workshop ONLY BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Age: 6 + years.

Scooby-Doo

Drusillas Park, Alfriston 30th October Crime solving Scooby-Doo™ will be coming to meet budding detectives at various intervals throughout the day.

Come and investigate with the

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

14 Whats On cowardly hero but don’t forget the Scooby snacks. Zoinks! For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk.

Centre’s giant telescopes (weather permitting). Cost: £20.95 per child - this is for the workshop ONLY - BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Age: 9+ years.

Twilight Special ‘Earth and Beyond’

Petworth House 30th & 31st October, 11.00am12.30pm & 2.00pm-3.30pm Our ever-popular potion making class will be making a welcome return for Halloween but be warned, Professor Grimble has some new tricks up her sleeve! Dress code: scary! £5 per child

The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux 30th October, 2.00pm – 8.00pm Spend an afternoon carrying out some fascinating experiments learning about volcanoes, earthquakes, ice caps and more before looking through The

Professor Grimble’s Potion Class

Halloween Trail of Terror

Woolbeding Gardens 31st October, 5.00pm – 7.00 Come prepared to be spooked as you follow a trail through the haunted gardens full of spooky surprises. Parking signposted from Woolbeding Bridge, off the A272 from the Woolbeding turning near Midhurst. Adults £4, children £3

Sussex Coast 01903 506813

Hallowe’en

Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker 31st October, 10.30am to 4.00pm Traditional entertainment with a Punch & Judy show. Trail in the house and grounds, drama sessions, crafts and Hallowe’en fun.

Sussex Coast

OUR NEXT ISSUE… Our November/December issue of Families Sussex Coast has a focus on Christmas, seasonal fun, competitions and more…

For all editorial, advertising and our “What’s on” guide, please get in touch 01903 506813 or editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk www.familiessussexcoast.co.uk Please “like” Families Sussex Coast and follow FamiliesSC on Twitter

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