Families Upon Thames March/April 2024 Print

Easter

Hop

May

Best

CONTENTS

Contact us

Editor Linda Stone

editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk 020 8241 0423

Sales Amanda Biggs amanda.biggs@familiespublishing.co.uk 07835 848066

Design Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk

Printed by Buxton Press Ltd

Next issue: May/June

Book by: 29 March

Nov/Dec issue competition winners

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at www.bit.ly/ND23recipients

In this issue 4. 9.

Education Early years

12. 14. 16.

Easter camps Easter activites What’s On

Would you like to advertise your business in our next issue? Call Amanda on 07835 848066 for information.

Welcome

Is there a touch of spring in the air? If not quite yet, then definitely very soon. It’s time to come out of hibernation and re-embrace the great outdoors as nature comes back to live

Easter is just round the corner so make sure you get out your calendar, go through our What’s On section and find those fabulous egg hunts, as well as the other great events and activities going on locally. There are plenty of fun school holiday activities to discover too.

We also have some fabulous articles about education in this issue. Discover more about Auditory Processing Disorder and find out how to easily support your child’s learning outside of the traditional homework routine.

On the home front, we put parenting in the spotlight as we explore whether it’s ever okay to shout at your children. Two parents give their views.

Enjoy!

Linda Editor, Families Upon Thames

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School wobblies –keeping reluctant children in school

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Noble

Anxiety about going to school affects about five percent of children in the UK. Part of normal development in young children, it becomes more concerning if it doesn’t pass over time. If your child is refusing school due to anxiety, the longer this continues, the harder it becomes for them to return.

Missing school not only means your child loses out on education but also other essential skills, such as mixing with their peers and becoming more independent from their parents. School attendance is, in fact, mandatory: under UK law parents are responsible for ensuring their child attends school. However, in 2022, more than sixteen thousand parents were fined for unauthorised school absences.

A variety of factors can be behind a reluctance to attend school. Young children often experience separation anxiety or may be anxious by temperament. Some children may experience difficulties at school with friendship group dynamics or feel intimidated or inferior. Others may find the work challenging and the pressure to perform well overwhelming. Difficulties at home or illness may keep them away from school. Commonly it is a combination of some or all of these things that creates anxiety and may lead to the arrival of the ‘school wobblies.’

How to identify ‘school wobblies’

The feelings your child may experience are real and this anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as sweating, headaches, feeling sick or an increased heart rate which can make them

Building good attendance habits

Here are some tips for helping your child build a positive mindset and instilling the habit of going to school.

Open communication: actively listen, try to be calm, patient and show empathy.

Establish a positive routine: consistent morning and bedtime routines provide structure and reassurance.

Positive reinforcement: celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to boost your child’s confidence. Show interest in their learning, progress and friends, always talking positively about school.

Build strong connections with your child’s teachers and peers. Work closely with your child’s school to address areas of struggle, with additional support provided, if necessary.

Promote independence: involve your child in decision making to empower them and give them a sense of control.

Seek professional help. If school reluctance persists or appears rooted in deeper issues, seek help from the school’s SENCO initially.

feel dizzy. Children may be reluctant to get up and ready in the morning. They may be angry and upset or acting out at home or they may withdraw and seem quiet and low, often fixating on small issues. These are all automatic and mostly normal reactions.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that for every missed school day, it becomes harder for your child to go back. For some children an occasional day off could be the best thing but, for an anxious child, this can make things much worse. So try not to give in and keep continuity.

School reluctance requires a nuanced and empathetic approach. By understanding the root causes, fostering open communications and implementing positive strategies, parents and educators can work together to create an environment in which children feel supported, confident and eager to embrace the opportunities that schools offer.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

A personalised support plan

Once you understand the root of your child’s anxiety, work with their school to create a personalised plan of support and schedule regular progress meetings. This plan may include:

Taking your child in earlier to school to meet with a known key adult or friend to ensure a calm start to the day.

Providing a visual timetable to give a clear structure to the day, including support when moving between lessons. Where possible, ensure your child is informed about changes.

A safe space to retreat to and opportunities for brain breaks. Activities and clubs at breaktimes to provide structure. A specific responsibility can help them feel involved.

An in-school Social Skills Intervention Group to embed positive friendship habits.

Practising mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help calm an anxious mind.

Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

By Usha Patel

Those with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) have normal hearing but constantly mishear what is said. Whilst APD is neurological in nature and may be inherited or stem from developmental problems, research shows that early childhood ear infections can be a significant contributory factor.

Children develop critical language skills between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, when the brain learns to map out and store sounds for language processing. When a child starts reacting to words with a smile or starts speaking their first words, they are effectively associating these sounds with meanings.

If a child suffers from constant middle ear infections during this critical period, the ability to process language and speech can be affected. Sounds which normally become imprinted in the brain’s memory and language centres are not properly established. The mishearing happens because the brain recognises aural information differently from what the child actually hears.

For example, when children can’t differentiate between thirteen and thirty. Whilst hearing can be perfectly normal, the brain just cannot process those sounds correctly due to their similarity. This inability of the brain to accurately process what is heard results in the Auditory Processing Disorder condition (APD).

APD is often difficult to diagnose in children as they may have other learning difficulties such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or dyspraxia (DCD), which may mask the condition. It also cannot be diagnosed with standard hearing tests; it requires specialist audiology testing.

Children with APD have also been observed to:

Have trouble paying attention to and remembering information presented orally;

Have problems carrying out multi-step directions and need more time;

Misunderstand what is said and ask for instructions to be repeated;

Have language difficulty and language delay (eg they confuse syllable sequences and have problems developing vocabulary and understanding language);

Appear to have behaviour problems, often because they are not complying with given instructions;

Have difficulties retrieving spellings because they struggle to remember the sounds.

The Raviv Practice London (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk) offers a structured language programme for APD called Fast ForWord (FFW), a computer based learning programme based on twenty five years of research. FFW can be used anywhere in the UK. Screen your child with a FREE questionnaire at www.bit.ly/AuditoryProcessingQ

Always ask your child to repeat mispronounced words - in a fun way;

Bedtime audio books help with following stories and engaging with auditory material;

Children are often tired at the end of the school day and it’s exhausting listening to specific information through competing background sounds;

Understand that when phonics are in place, your child may not be able to ‘blend’ sounds with ease and may need more practice;

Show your child’s school the completed questionnaire at www.bit.ly/AuditoryProcessingQ

What the parents say….

We spoke to parents at Kew College Prep (KCP) about their experience of the school.

Rosie and Sam both have three children at Kew College Prep and they all started their journey in the school straight from its Nursery. Mira’s children are in Year 2 and Reception.

We asked Rosie and Sam what benefits they felt starting their children in the KCP Nursery had delivered. Both remarked on how special it was for their children to have created friendships in Nursery which continued throughout their school lives.

‘There’s something really nice about starting a school when you are very small and growing up together with a group of friends’ Rosie says.

Sam loved the nurturing environment, the support that her children received during their toddler years and the fact that they were taught values such as kindness, consideration, respect and the importance of encouragement and positivity from a very young age. Sam says this gave her children a sense of security and self-belief.

So what sort of school is KCP and what attracted our interviewees to it? ‘Caring, kind and happy’ is how Mira describes it. ‘Warm and nurturing’ adds Rosie, while Sam cites the ‘excellent rounded education KCP offers.'

Rosie and Sam both commented on being impressed by the KCP children who showed them around when they attended an Open Day, with Rosie saying that they were ‘really lovely’ as well as highlighting that they were ‘confident and polite without being pretentious and were exactly the sort of children we hoped ours would turn out to be!’ Sam describes the children her family met at the Open Day as ‘well spoken, kind, curious and confident but not arrogant.’ While Mira tells us that she chose KCP because she felt her daughter could both fulfil her potential AND be very well nurtured there, given pastoral care is one of KCP’s top priorities.

So what exactly is it that makes the children at KCP so happy? 'Kindness, learning, fun and lovely teachers', explains Mira, ‘who

because of the smaller size of the school can get to know each child as an individual.’ Rosie’s children like going to school with girls and boys and participating in all sports. Sam says all her children are different in character and passion but that ‘they all love KCP’s nurturing environment, where they feel safe to ‘try and fail,’ explore, grow and develop, surrounded and supported by peers and teachers that genuinely care for them and want them to express their full potential.’

And what do Rosie, Mira and Sam love about KCP? ‘It’s the balance the school achieves between encouraging the children to be the best they can be, without making them feel pressured or stressed’ says Rosie. Sam adds that the small community feel of the school ‘helps children feel secure and looked after.’ Mira tells us about how professional KCP’s staff are, particularly praising their communication with parents.

All three parents were keen to tell us about the progress their children have made at KCP. Motivation and confidence are key. ‘It's excellent, my children are so motivated to learn!’ smiles Mira, while Sam adds: ‘My children have come on leaps and bounds in their confidence and their knowledge. They care about doing their best and genuinely enjoy learning. I could not ask for more.’ Rosie’s daughter has also grown in confidence both academically and in sport and music.

KCP is known for its tailored 11+ programme, designed to support students and parents in preparation for the 11+ exam process and selecting the right senior school. We asked our interviewees about the support they have received in this area. Rosie describes the school as providing ‘excellent advice and support’ on which schools might suit her daughter. Sam describes the school as ‘incredibly supportive’ with a ‘very well-oiled process to support both child and parents through the journey.’ She feels very confident that, with the support of the KCP team, her children will end up in the right senior school.

It is a testament to the teaching at KCP that when we asked our interviewees what subjects their children enjoyed, it was uniformly hard for them to choose. Maths and English were top picks but Humanities, Science and Sport, ICT, Dance, Music and Art all scored well. ‘Genuinely all of them’ says Sam. ‘The specialist teachers at KCP are truly inspirational and have an "infectious passion” for their subjects.’

In terms of co-curricular at KCP, it seems that, between them, there is almost nothing Rosie, Mira and Sam’s children have not tried! From yoga, weaving and STEM Inventors Club, to Chamber Choir, netball and singing, activities range from residential trips to book days, choir performances to sporting events. Sam’s eldest child has been on two residential trips which have been the highlight of his year. ‘Other events he found truly magical were performing in Kew village with the choir and a concert called Voice in a Million, where the school choir sung at Wembley with many other schools’ she tells us.

Kew College Prep is a co-educational prep school in Richmond for children ages 3 to 11 years. For more information, visit www.kewcollegeprep.com

Packaging learning

By Zuzu Jordan

Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote ‘tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember; involve me and I learn’ captures the essence behind true learning.

This may be why encouraging your own child to WANT to sit down to learn can feel like an impossible task at times, with parents often questioning how their child is able to sit, concentrate and learn at school.

Covid lockdowns thrust homeschooling onto families. Parents had to take on the role of teachers, experiencing the complexities surrounding learning, while children faced the need to respond differently to their parents as teachers.

Being in a classroom in a school setting, rather than at home, helps children grasp that a different set of rules apply. In fact, in schools, they conform simply because the majority do - children are excellent at policing each other!

There has been a rise in the number of families who choose to homeschool, many of whom have developed effective strategies to create a learning environment at home. Whether you want to homeschool, support homework or just nurture a love for learning, a deep dive into the working mind of a child can offer ways to package learning.

Understanding that learning is something that occurs through experiences or acquiring knowledge and skills, we can usefully engineer situations and scenarios to facilitate this. These techniques can package learning as inviting and exciting.

Use toys. This applies for children of all ages. For example, Nerf guns are great at firing at answers to times table questions or spelling. Scrabble tiles are also fantastic for practising spelling. Foam letters or numbers in the bath are fun for both spelling and maths questions.

Go into the wild.

great outdoors: making rain gauges, following maps, gardening, studying wildlife and classification.

Question of the week. To encourage independent thinking, at the start of the week pose a question which doesn’t have an obvious answer. For example: ‘Who built the strongest buildings - Romans or Saxons?’ Developing curiosity in children is key to packaging learning.

Computer games. The settings and characters in welldeveloped computer games are designed to entice children. This can be good for enhancing creative writing skills.

Emailing experts. Consider setting your child up with an email address so that they can email an ‘expert” in a chosen topic to find out more. For example, if they are learning about volcanoes, they could email a vocanologist.

Book and movie comparison. Turn a movie session into a learning opportunity. Watch the film and then read the book or vice versa. Compare their similarities and differences.

Reading dogs. There’s a lot of research that suggests that children’s reading improves if they read to pets. It’s as simple as that!

Treasure hunts. Children love finding things. Plant words, numbers, sentences, objects and questions around the house and send children to find them.

Board games. A lot of learning can come out of playing board games. Create your own board game linked to your chosen topic.

Current issues - whether environmental, social or political. Find something that your child is passionate about. Write letters, research, devise fundraising events.

Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Facebook page Edumateuk.

Celebrating achievements

This is the fun, rewarding and essential part of parenting, increasing self-esteem and motivating children to keep learning. Try these:

The Tate Modern allows children to upload their own artwork for display in the online gallery (www.tate.org.uk/kids). Some maths apps have pre-made certificates. For example, Whiterose 1 Minute Maths App (www.whiteroseeducation. com/1-minute-maths)

Blue Peter Badges are fantastic way to celebrate children’s work. There are a number of badges your child can apply for and they even get your child into some attractions for free!

Handling toddler sleep challenges

By Heidi Skudder

After the baby months of feeding, getting to grips with naps and developing a routine and then finally moving onto solids, you’d think that the first year would be the hardest when it comes to sleep right!?

Wrong! Toddlers are notorious for their sleep challenges and whilst you may have had a baby who napped well and slept through the night, it is not unusual for this all to change in their second year and beyond – welcome to toddlerhood!

Sleep for toddlers is complex. It’s not just about making sure they are well fed and awake for long enough during the day but also whether they’ve had enough of your attention to not crave it at night as well. Cue multiple visits to your bedroom once they can get out of their bed!

Nightmares

For many toddlers, imagination kicks in from around the age of two. This can bring genuine fears of the dark, monsters or anything else their little brain has convinced them is scary. This makes dropping off to sleep difficult and they may wake and need your support during the night to settle down again.

Reading comforting books together, favourite teddies or dolls and limiting TV exposure can be really useful, as can keeping a warm red or orange night light on for them.

Bedtime resistance

Another key stage in a toddler’s development arrives as they start to realise that they do, in fact, possess the language and control to be able to delay going to bed. ‘One more story, two more songs, I want milk, I need a wee’ have been commonly heard by many a toddler parent!

Whilst this is a phase and happens to the vast majority of parents, it is important to consider sticking to your boundaries during this period so that bedtime doesn’t start to become a two hour process. We speak to many parents who feel that they have lost control and that their toddler now dictates everything about their bedtime routine.

Co-sleeping

And then of course, there is the idea that maybe they just want to be close to you.

Sleeping in the same bed is considered normal in many cultures. The number of parents who are happy with this arrangement

in the UK varies hugely. Whilst some are very pro co-sleeping, others prefer separate beds and the prospect of a better night’s sleep without being kicked by little limbs. When it comes to night time sleeping arrangements, it is the best approach for your family that counts.

The common theme around sleep for both for babies and toddlers is consistency and some parents struggle with this. Whether you help your toddler fall asleep or ask them to settle to sleep on their own, it is the consistency of whatever approach you take that helps sleep along.

Doing different things, at different times of night, can be really confusing for a toddler and this can lead to multiple night wakes and confusion. Your best bet? Choose one approach to sleep and stick with it. Then the whole family will get a better night’s sleep.

Heidi Skudder is a Sleep Expert and founder of Positively Parenthood (ww.positivelyparenthood.com) She is also a regular speaker at The Baby Show (www.thebabyshow.co.uk) taking place in London in March and October, Birmingham in May and Manchester in June.

Is it ever okay to… shout at your child?

By Ellie Malt

Parenting norms change over time. For example, in 2024 most parents would agree that hitting your child is unacceptable. Has shouting gone the same way? Or is it okay to express your frustration by raising your voice? If you shout but wish you didn’t, here are some tips to help you keep your cool. But first, two different mums share their perspectives.

‘It’s perfectly normal and natural to shout sometimes’

‘Shouting is something I want to avoid as much as possible’

Sometimes I shout at my children and I really think it’s okay. My child is growing up in a world where people shout and pretending that the world is one long festival of peace will only set them up for a shock. Once they start work as an adult, they are unlikely to avoid ever being shouted at. Even in school, they will get shouted at. I remember a PE teacher who just couldn’t hide his frustration when I forgot my PE kit. The shouting was upsetting but even the calmest adults have limits to their patience and children need to understand that they can survive and thrive in a word where that happens.

Faced with the typical toddler’s stream of daily questions, along with the sleep deprivation that comes with parenting, who isn’t going to find their patience strained? It’s perfectly normal and natural to shout sometimes. Not every parent can maintain a supernatural level of calm and sometimes shouting is an expression of how much they care. Shouting at your child when they are about to step out into a busy road could save their life. But even less black and white situations might call for some way to release your frustration and personally I think it’s better than falling back on other less honest ways of venting your emotions like sarcasm, sulking or passive aggression.

Jade, mum of two girls, from Wiltshire

Staying calm

Pausing is key. No matter how frustrated, it’s preferable to resist responding at all until your emotional storm has calmed.

Counting and breathing techniques are tried and tested ways to create an immediate pause in the conversation and slow down the release of cortisol and adrenalin.

It’s important to notice and learn the physical sensations that signal that you are losing your temper. As you get better at this you will get better at stepping back earlier in the process.

When I shout, it feels like a failure and I always regret it afterwards. For me, that’s all the evidence I need that shouting is something to avoid as much as possible. I also don’t like it when my children shout and always pull them up for doing it. But I can hardly expect them to learn to stay calm if I’m not setting an example.

I’ve tried to get better at keeping my emotions under control by breathing and counting. I believe this has helped the whole family to stay calm and keep talking until we reach common ground, instead of raising our voices. More than that, it helps me to slow down and wait for longer while my children figure out what it is they really want to say. I listen for longer without interrupting to try and understand what it is they are really trying to tell me. If they shout, it’s not my job to shout back at them; I see it as my chance to show them there is a better way. I want my kids to respect me, not do as they are told because they are scared of me.

At the end of the day, if we’ve got to boiling point, taking some time out away from each other seems like a preferable option to just standing there, shouting our heads off at each other.

Sue, mum of three, from Nottingham

Where to get help

From dancing to puppetry with soft toys, Hand in Hand Parenting (www.handinhandparenting.org) offers tonnes of ideas for diffusing moments of tension and anger with younger children.

Meditation is one of the few activities proven to reduce the reactivity of the brain to stress, if practised consistently over a period of time. Headspace (www.headspace.com) has meditations designed specifically for parents.

The Calm and Confident Parenting Club (Facebook @calmparent) offers video tutorials including a two minute technique for releasing tension: https://vimeo. com/800838958

Enjoy Stagecoach’s Shrek the Musical Workshop

From 8 to 12 April, children

ages 6 to 17 are invited to embark on a whimsical journey at Stagecoach Twickenham and Teddington's Shrek the Musical workshop. Let your child's creativity soar as they delve into the enchanting world of performing arts. This immersive experience will ignite their passion for the stage and promises, laughter, friendship and theatrical magic.

Expert instructors will lead a week of fun-filled activities, culminating in a spectacular performance. Non-Stagecoach students welcome.

Book now at www.stagecoach.co.uk/twickenham

Strictly Musicals Step on Stage Easter Workshop

Join performing arts school Step on Stage this Easter for its Strictly Musicals holiday workshop.

Running from 2 to 5 April, the workshop will involve singing, dancing and acting based on West End shows such as Annie, Mary Poppins, Hairspray, Billy Elliot and more. This fun week will finish with a spectacular production for friends and family at 4pm on the final day.

The workshop takes place at St James Church in Hampton and is for children ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 19. Younger children (ages 4 to 6) attend from 10am to 12.30pm on each morning, whilst older children attend from 10am to 4pm.

Step on Stage is an independent performing arts school offering term time classes and holiday workshops.

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

Enchantment at Clubland’s Easter Holiday Club

Step into a world of enchantment at Clubland's Barnyard Bonanza Easter Holiday Club, where laughter and creativity converge for an unforgettable week of joy. Located in the heart of Claygate at Claygate Primary School, this holiday club promises an eggstra-special experience for children ages 4 to 12.

The Barnyard Bonanza theme features a bouncy castle, crafts, outdoor sports and culinary delights. Your child’s imagination will soar as they immerse themselves in daily adventures inspired by the charm of the barnyard. From crafting scarecrows and lollystick tractors to engaging in lively barn dances and baking cornbread bundles, every moment is tailored for endless smiles and lasting memories.

The dedicated team ensures a safe and stimulating environment, fostering friendships and nurturing creativity.

As a special treat, book a full week - and the last day is on Clubland! Secure your child’s spot today for a week filled with laughter, new friendships and Clubland magic.

More information at www.clubland-playscheme.com

Easter fun with Ultimate Activity Camps

Ultimate Activity Camps are for children ages 4 to 14, running Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and providing a full day of thrilling adventures (costs apply). Easter camps take place at Shrewsbury House School in Surbiton and Holy Cross Prep School in Kingston.

These Ofsted-regulated camps guarantee parents peace of mind, knowing their children will have a fantastic experience and be well-cared for. With dedicated staff who prioritise safety, Ultimate Activity Camps create a supportive environment in which kids grow, learn and form lifelong bonds. Memory-making adventures and challenges abound.

From sports and survival camps to art and tech adventures, there's something for everyone. Picture scoring the winning goal, creating art masterpieces or coding your own game— endless possibilities await!

Ultimate Activity Camps go beyond fun; they inspire personal growth through teamwork, problem-solving and leadership. Your child’s confidence will be boosted and they will build resilience and self-esteem.

More information at www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

Easter at the National Trust

Look no further than your local National Trust property this Easter for Easter egg trails and other activities galore!

From egg-racing and welly-wanging to creating poetry, discover Easter fun on a family trail around the parkland at Hatchlands Park (www.bit.ly/nthateaster) from 29 March to 1 April. (10am to 4pm)

Enjoy an adventure in nature with activities and challenges for all the family to enjoy on the Easter trail at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl (www.bit.ly/NTHhead) from 29 March to 14 April (10am to 4pm). Don’t forget to look out for the Exmoor ponies along the way.

Bounce through the rabbit racecourse, test out your archery skills, plant a seed, add your pledge to nature and discover what’s in the mystery wellies at Dapdune Wharf (www.bit.ly/ ntweyeaster) from 29 March to 1 April (11am to 5pm).

From 23 March to 7 April (10am to 4pm), hop to Winkworth Arboretum (www.bit.ly/ntwinkeaster) to help Basil the Bunny start his first day as the Easter Bunny’s assistant. Become Basil’s alarm clock, race him to work and meet his Easter friends.

Make your way along the trail at Claremont Landscape Garden (www.bit.ly/ntclaeaster) and find bunny-inspired activities for the

whole family that will engage all the senses with fun challenges that test agility, wits and creativity. Runs 23 March to 14 April

From 23 March to 21 April (10am to 3pm), spring has sprung on the Cooking up a feast with Grizwald the Griffin Easter trail at Polesden Lacey (www.bit.ly/ntpoleaster). Grizwald the Griffin is cooking up an Easter feast but he’ll need your help! Follow the interactive trail around the grounds and discover plenty of fun family activities.

Follow the Easter wooded play trail at Box Hill (www.bit.ly/ ntboxeaster) from 29 March to 14 April (10am to 4pm) with activities and challenges along the way. From 29 March to 1 April (11am & 3pm), bring your own fabulously decorated egg to roll down the hill. Prize for best decorated egg. Come early to prepare your egg at the egg decorating station.

From 29 March to 3 April (10am to 4pm), make your way along the trail around Morden Hall Park (www.bit.ly/ntmoreaster) and experience a journey through sound, music and discovery with fun-filled games and activities.

Other than events at Hindhead Commons and Box Hill which are FREE, all National Trust Easter trails are £3 plus normal NT property admission, including a chocolate or vegan and free-from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg.

© National Trust/ James Dobson

Create & Grow Easter holiday fun at Squires Garden Centres

Head to Squires Garden Centres in Cobham, Hersham, Long Ditton, Shepperton and Twickenham for activities running from 9.30am to 1.30pm on weekdays (excluding Bank Holidays) from 2 to 12 April.

Plant three colourful plants in a wicker basket, decorated with a raffia bow, to create a lovely gift or place in your garden. (Advanced booking - £6.50). Then, embark on the Spring Flower Hunt by following the clues to find the magic word and receive a sweet treat or vegan alternative. (No booking - £2.50).

More information at www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Egg-cellent Easter BIG Statue Trail at Painshill

Running from 16 March until 14 April, it’s time for families to enjoy the Easter BIG Statue Trail at Painshill in Cobham.

Head for Painshill for the egg-cellent BIG statue trail and see if you can find all the colourful characters on this magical egg hunt trail.

Giant eggs are waiting to be found in the beautiful landscape and you will follow an Easter map to help find all twenty eggs. There is also an Easter activity sheet on the back of the map so you can take this home to enjoy.

The trail is free anytime for members and included in general admission for those with day tickets.

Book at www.painshill.co.uk to join the quest on this fun-filled hunt!

WHAT'S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Every Mon-Sat

Get Crafty at Museum of Richmond

Free family craft activities each week day from 1pm and Sat 10am4pm.

www.museumofrichmond.com

Every Tue during term

Storytelling for Pre-schoolers at Landmark Arts Centre

Art, yoga and musical storytelling for ages 2-4. Booking required. www.landmarkartscentre.org

Every Fri until 22 Mar

Friday Froglets at London Wetland Centre

Play in nature, learn songs, share stories, make nature crafts and finish with quiet time around a fire. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london

Every Thu

Story & Rhyme Time at The Alligator’s Mouth, Richmond Staff read at least two picture books, often followed by a poem or song. 11am. Ages 0-4. www.thealligatorsmouth.co.uk

Every Sat

ParkPlay at Osterley Park

A FREE two-hour long play session, starting 9.30am. Registration required.

www.park-play.com/parks/ greater-london

Every Sat & Sun from 16-17 Mar

Steam Train Rides at Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway Train rides every half hour and picnic area open (not every Sat). Booking required. www.hamptonkemptonrailway. org.uk

Every Sun Junior Parkrun

FREE 2k event for ages 4-14 at Bushy Park, Laleham, Hanworth, Osterley, Surbiton & Twickenham. www.parkrun.org.uk

Wed 6 Mar

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Landmark Arts Centre

Fun, brain-stimulating daytime social gatherings for parents of babies and young children. www.landmarkartscentre.org

Fri 8 Mar, Fri 22 Mar, Fri 5 Apr & Fri 19 Apr

Museum Monkeys at Chertsey Museum

Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts for under 5s. www.chertseymuseum.org

Sat 9 Mar

Mum2mum Market in Surbiton

Local baby & children’s market for pre-loved goods at Hollyfield School. 2.20-4.30pm. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

Plane Making Workshop in Walton

Two hour workshop for KS1 and KS2 children to explore the wonders of modern flight. Ages 6-12 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

Sun 10 Mar

Mum2mum Market in Ashford Local baby & children’s market for pre-loved goods at Ashford Community Centre. 12-2pm. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

Mother’s Day Concert at Landmark Arts Centre

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a FREE concert, children’s choirs and international artists. www.landmarkartscentre.org

Mon 11 Mar & Mon 8 Apr

Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz at The Bear, Esher

Fun, brain-stimulating daytime social gatherings for parents of babies and young children. www.bringyourbaby.org

Tue 12 Mar & Tue 9 Apr

Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz at Kew Gardens Hotel

Fun, brain-stimulating daytime social gatherings for parents of babies and young children. www.bringyourbaby.org

Fri 15 Mar & Fri 19 Apr

Play:Make:Art at Orleans House Gallery

Drop-in session for creative activities with an artist. Ages 2-5. www.orleanshousegallery.org

Sat 16-Sun 18 Mar & Sat 13-Sun 14 Apr

Steaming Weekend at Kempton Steam Museum

Watch the unique and enormous ancient steam engines in action. www.kemptonsteam.org

Sat 16 Mar & Sat 20 Apr

Young Archaeology Club

A group for ages 8-16s to learn and get hands on with the past. www.chertseymuseum.org

Sat 16 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Painshill’s BIG Easter Egg Statue Trail

Giant eggs are waiting to be found in the Painshill landscape this Easter.

www.painshill.co.uk

Tue 19 Mar & Tue 23 Apr

Curious Tots at Orleans House Gallery

Sensory musical session uses puppets, instruments and creative activities.

www.orleanshousegallery.org

Fri 22 Mar

Sensory storytelling at the National Archives Kew Dani the Storyteller will use music, play and toys on a fantastic adventure. Ages 0-3. www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Sat 23 Mar

Saturday Snappity at Kingston Museum

Storytelling and craft sessions for under 5s. www.kingstonheritage.org.uk/ families

Coder Dojo at Richmond Free coding club open to young people ages 7 to 17. www.coderdojo.com

Sat 23 Mar to Sun 7 Apr

Easter at Winkworth Arboretum Hop to Winkworth to help Basil the Bunny start his first day as the Easter Bunny’s assistant. Become Basil’s alarm clock, race him to work and meet his Easter friends. Normal admission + £3 per trail with chocolate or vegan free-from Easter egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum

Sat 23 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Easter at Claremont Landscape Garden

Make your way along the trail and find bunny-inspired activities for the whole family that will engage all the senses with fun challenges that test your agility, wits and creativity. Normal admission +£3 per trail with chocolate or vegan free-from Easter egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden

The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace Embark on a captivating adventure finding the elusive Lindt Gold Bunny statues and receive a treat. www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-courtpalace

Sat 23 Mar to Mon 1 Apr

Easter at Polesden Lacey Spring has sprung and Grizwald the Griffin has come to life. Grizwald is cooking up an Easter feast but he’ll need your help! Follow the interactive trail around the grounds, where there will be plenty of fun activities for all of the family. Normal admission + £3 per trail with chocolate or vegan free-from Easter egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesden-lacey

Easter Egg Hunt at Ham House and Garden

Travel back in time to the Civil War and collect clues to claim your chocolate reward. Normal admission + £3 per trail with chocolate or vegan free-from egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse-and-garden

Wed 27 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt at Osterley Park and House

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Normal admission + £3 per trail with chocolate or vegan free-from Easter egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ osterley-park-and-house

Wed 27 Mar & Wed 24 Apr

Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz at The Anglers Teddington Fun, brain-stimulating daytime social gatherings for parents of babies and young children. www.bringyourbaby.org

Fri 29 Mar to Mon 1 Apr

Easter trail at Hatchlands Park

From egg-racing and wellywanging to creating poetry, discover Easter fun on a family trail around the parkland. Normal admission + £3 per trail with chocolate or vegan free-from Easter egg.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park

Easter trail at Dapdune Wharf

Bounce through the rabbit racecourse, test out your archery skills, plant a seed, add your pledge to nature and discover what’s in the mystery wellies. Normal admission + £3 per trail with chocolate or vegan free-from Easter egg.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey-and-godalming-navigationsand-dapdune-wharf

Egg Rolling at Box Hill

Bring your own fabulously decorated egg to roll down the hill at 11am or 3pm each day. Best decorated egg wins a prize. Come early if you’d like to visit the egg decorating station to get egg ready. FREE.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill

Fri 29 Mar to Sun 14 Apr Easter at Box Hill

Follow the Easter trail through the wooded play trail at Box Hill with lots of activities and challenges along the way. FREE.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill

The Giant Easter Egg Hunt at RHS Garden Wisley

Join RHS Garden Wisley this Easter, where explorers of all ages can search the garden to find giant decorated eggs. Find all the eggs and you’ll be rewarded with a free chocolatey treat from NOMO - The UK’s No. 1 Vegan & ‘Free From’ chocolate brand. It’s the perfect way to spend some family time outdoors when the garden is bursting with colour from spring bulbs and beautiful blossom.

www.bit.ly/wisleyeaster

Bluey at Kew Gardens

Variety of fun outdoor activities and games inspired by fan-favourite episodes of the show.

www.kew.org

Easter Egg Hunt at Brookland’s Museum

Hop along to our Brookland’s eggciting Easter egg trail.

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Sat 30 Mar to Mon 1 Apr & Sat 27 to Sun 28 Apr

Easter Steam Up at London Museum of Water & Steam

Marvel at the amazing working pumping engines that helped make London the city it is today.

www.waterandsteam.org.uk

Spend

WHAT'S ON

Sat 31 Mar, Sun 1 Apr & Sun 7 Apr

Thames Ditton Miniature Steam Railway Open Day

Take a ride on one of the miniature railways.

www.malden-dsme.org

Mon 1 Apr

Bach to Baby Easter Family Concert at Kew

Specially designed programme of classical music for the whole family to enjoy together.

www.bachtobaby.com

Tue 2 Apr to Fri 5 Apr

Easter Eggs Family Workshop at Museum of Richmond

Create your own Easter decorations and handle some real Easter eggs from the collection.

www.museumofrichmond.com

Tue 2 Apr to Fri 12 Apr

Create & Grow Easter Holidays at Squires Garden Centres

Cobham, Hersham, Long Ditton, Shepperton and Twickenham. Plant a colourful Spring Basket (£6.50). Advanced booking. And/or go on a Spring Flower Hunt (£2.50) (drop in). 9.30am to 1.30pm weekdays only (ex Bank Holidays.)

www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Thu 4 Apr

Kids Nature Photography at Claremont Landscape Garden

With expert tuition, children will spend a morning or afternoon, learning how to use a camera and capturing the amazing wildlife, plants and trees. Ages 7-11 & 12-16. Booking required.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden

Sat 6 Apr

Kids’ Saturday Sewing Circle at Chertsey Museum

Come along and learn how to sew. Ages 7-12. www.chertseymuseum.org

Tue 9 Apr to Fri 12 Apr

Fab Spring Flowers Family Workshop at Museum of Richmond

Explore the florals in the Museum’s collection and create your own fantastic flower decorations. www.museumofrichmond.com

Sun 14 Apr

London Bus Spring Gathering at Brooklands Museum

Extensive bus displays, heritage bus trips and children’s activities. www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Sun 21 Apr

Mum2mum Nearly New Sale in Twickenham

Buy quality second hand and nearly new baby & children's stuff at popup market. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

Tue 9 Apr & Thu 11 Apr

Little Explorers at Claremont Landscape Garden

Fun-filled, hour long adventure investigating what is happening at Claremont this spring. Ages 7-9. Booking required. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden

Sun 27 Apr

Mum2mum Market in Surbiton Local baby & children’s market for pre-loved goods at Hollyfield School 2.20-4.30pm. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

CHILDREN'S THEATRE

DORKING HALLS

www.dorkinghalls.co.uk

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out 24-25 Apr

Join Peppa and her family and friends as they go to the zoo and the beach for a special party.

THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD www.electric.theatre

Morgan & West’s Massive Magic Show for Kids and Childish Grown-Ups 9 Mar

Funny and fantastical magic-filled extravaganza for the whole family.

Let’s All Dance - Goldilocks 16 Apr

Perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the magic of live, professional ballet. All ages.

The Adventure Academy…For Adventurers 7 Apr

Side-splitting, globe-trotting hour of entertainment that is fun. All ages.

The Wizard of Oz – The Panto 11-14 Apr

A delightful, all-singing, all-dancing, hilarious experience. Ages 2+.

ESHER THEATRE www.eshertheatre.com

The Three Little Pigs 1 Apr

Brand new musical adventure with catchy songs, dancing and audience participation. Ages 2+.

THE EXCHANGE, TWICKENHAM www.exchangetwickenham.co.uk

Baby Cinema 21 Mar & 25 Apr

Monthly opportunity for new parents and carers to get up and out with relative ease.

Comedy Club 4 Kids 7 Apr

Hilarious comedy club suitable for children and adults alike.

The Adventures of Little Red Hen 12-14 Apr

Energetic adaptation featuring brilliant puppetry, live music and unforgettable comedy.

G LIVE, GUILDFORD www.glive.co.uk

Science Museum The Live Stage Show 13 Apr

Science Museum’s brand-new stage production inspiring you in new and exciting ways.

Out of Hat! 27 Apr

A story about friendship and the true magic of nature full to the brim with lively songs. Ages 5+.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/newwimbledon-theatre

Where is Mrs Ladybird 26-31 Mar

A live hide-and-seek story for tiny people to share with their grownups, Ages 0-3.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea 7-8 Apr

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show. Ages 3+.

The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen 28 Apr-6 Oct

Exciting new concept show features award-winning comedians and improvisers. Ages 7+.

OSO ARTS CENTRE, BARNES

Where is Mrs Ladybird 22 Mar

A live hide-and-seek story for tiny people to share with their grownups. Ages 0-3.

PEACOCK THEATRE, LONDON www.sadlerswells.com

My First Ballet: Swan Lake 4-13 Apr

Experience the thrill of the world’s most famous ballet with your little ones, in this specially adapted version for children aged three upwards. With a narrator to help follow the story, a shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s wonderful music, beautiful dancing by students from English National Ballet School and all the elegant costumes you could wish for, this is the perfect introduction to the joy of live ballet.

POLKA THEATRE, WIMBLEDON www.polkatheatre.com

Three Billy Goats Gruff 29 Mar-21 Apr

Featuring beautiful puppetry, fantastic storytelling. Ages 3+.

Early Weaves 17-21 Apr

Wonderful introduction to dance theatre for early years children. Ages 1-4.

Skydiver 1-5 May

Visually compelling dance-theatre. Ages 3-5.

THE RICHMOND THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/richmondtheatre

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out 20-21 Apr

Join Peppa and her family and friends as they go to the zoo and the beach for a special party.

Awful Auntie 9-12 May

Expect laughs, spectacular effects, ghosts, schemes, twists and more. Ages 5+.

RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

Granny Pearl 9 Mar

Storytelling, puppetry, song and live music tell the story of Granny Pearl. For babies & toddlers.

Musical Mystery Tour 24 Mar

Oodles of musical fun and laughter with original songs, tunes, choruses and an array of amazing musical instruments. Ages 3-16.

THE ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON www.rosetheatre.org

The Lion Inside 28 Mar-14 Apr

A heart-warming story about confidence, self-esteem and a shy little mouse. Ages 3+.

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

The Gruffalo’s Child 27 Jan

Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone. Ages 3+.

Exciting Science 1 Apr

Brand-new, thrilling and educational show will amaze and astound. Ages 4+.

Sleeping Beauty 11-13 Apr

Follow the prince and his journey

to overcome the obstacles and awaken the princess.

Zog & The Flying Doctors 19-21 Apr

Based on the bestselling books, the crew are back for another ROARSOME adventure. Ages 3+.

WATERMANS THEATRE, BRENTFORD

www.watermans.org.uk

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet 9-10 Mar

The sublime and the ridiculous combine in this hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams, brought to life using puppetry, well-loved ballet music and dazzling comedy. Ages 2-7.

Morgan & West’s Massive Magic Show for Kids and Childish

Grown-Ups 21 Apr

Roll up, roll up! Morgan & West are back with a massive magic show for kids (and their childish grown-ups)! Expect gawps, gasp, and guffaws in this relentlessly funny and fantastical magic-filled extravaganza.

The Witch & the Egg 5 May

One performer and a flock of shadow puppets tell an engaging and heartwarming story. Ages 3-9.

Horrible Histories Terrible Thames Boat Tour

www.terribletudors.com

Horrible Histories proudly presents its wicked river tour of the Terrible Thames. tremble in terror at the Tower! Sizzle at the Savoy! Give Cleopatra the needle! Be washed away at Westminster! Lose yourself in Lambeth! Get gobsmacked by the Globe! Hold onto your head at London Bridge and escape from Execution Dock!

Take a dive with Horrible Histories into the stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd, in this history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in!

Check the website for dates