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ideas for families of young children in Ashford • Faversham • Canterbury • Thanet Sevenoaks • Tonbridge • Tunbridge Wells • Dartford • Maidstone and all the areas inbetween!
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes opening in Tunbridge Wells
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are opening a centre in Tunbridge Wells from January 2025 - here’s the lowdown on our fantastic classes!
How does it work?
Students are taught in small groups (maximum 8) to play the electronic keyboard, read and write music using electronic keyboards and headphones. The well-balanced, gently progressive lessons delight and inspire children every week with fun and famous tunes! The course consists of 5 progressive books and culminates in the internationally recognised Trinity Initial Keyboard Exam. Optional termly concerts and informal assessments available.
How much does it cost?
You will have a FREE trial and then it’s £17 per 50-minute class, payable by term. Register before 31 January and get the fabulous offer detailed below.
Start an amazing musical journey in the New Year - classes are on Thursdays from 3.45pm at The Camden Centre, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SW. Classes also available in Sevenoaks for kids and adults.
Visit www.funkymonkey.info or call 01732 457 100 to register your interest.
Next issue: March/April BOOK TODAY
Call Amanda on 07835 848066
Perform is not like other children’s drama schools. Its classes have a special emphasis on child development, using a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Classes focus on developing the 4 Cs - confidence, communication, co-ordination and concentration – using drama-based games and activities which are specifically designed to combine learning with fun.
This term, ages 4 to 7 are embarking on a sparkling underwater adventure Under the Sea whilst ages 7 to 12 work on a thrilling adaptation of a classic fairytale in Bluebeard’s Bride. Imaginations will soar as children work towards a magical performance for family and friends.
All abilities are welcome whatever your child’s age - just come ready to have the best fun of the week!
To book a FREE trial class in Faversham, Hampstead, Kings Hill, Maidstone, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Ebbsfleet, Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells, visit www.perform.org.uk/try
The learning habits of smart kids
By Bradley Busch
Want to raise a high-flying child? Here’s how to encourage the good learning habits that ‘smart kids’ demonstrate that will set your child up for life.
Believe they can improve. Kids can believe they have a fixed amount of intelligence, which can lead to a defeatist attitude towards schoolwork. They might say: ‘I know I can’t do this, so there’s no point trying.’ These children often give up on challenging tasks and reject feedback. Other children believe they can improve. They might say: ‘I find maths difficult so I’m going to try even harder.’ These kids have a growth mindset, believing they can improve by working hard and learning from their mistakes. This makes them better learners.
Try this: Praise your child’s effort, not achievement. Try: ‘I’m pleased with how hard you worked on your writing. What do you think would make it even better?’
Don’t compare. Smart children are more likely to focus on their own achievements and not compare their performance to others. This self-referencing leads to greater motivation and confidence. It’s the difference between saying: ‘I know I’m good at ten-pin bowling because I always win’ and ‘I know I’m good at ten-pin bowling because I used to get 90 points and now I get 110.’
Try this: ‘Your handwriting is really improving. Now try focussing on making your letters all the same size.’ Don’t say: ‘Why can’t you write as neatly as your sister?’
Ask for help. In late primary school, children (particularly boys) can become reluctant to ask for help because they think it’s a sign of weakness. But one of the hallmarks of a resilient learner
Get ready for World Book Day 2025
Put Thursday 6 March 2025 in your diary for World Book Day 2025 and start planning your child’s costume. Marked in over one hundred countries, children and schools get involved by dressing up as their favourite book characters and reading together to celebrate authors, illustrators and books. Each year World Book Day releases a brand-new line-up of £1 books and issues tokens that children can use to choose one of the books for free. This year’s books include short stories from family favourites Bluey and Paddington Bear for beginning and early reading abilities, a search-and-find story from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and a selection of poems from the 2022-2024 Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho. For more fluent and independent readers, Benjamin Dean captivates young adults with a standalone thriller, while Tom Palmer scores with The Soccer Diaries: Rocky Takes the Lead. More info: www.worldbookday.com
is that they ask for assistance if a task is proving difficult.
Try this: Explain to your child that asking for help is the sign of a mature learner. If they’re having trouble with homework, encourage them to seek an explanation from the teacher.
A sense of purpose. If children understand why they’re doing a task or how it will help, they are more engaged and make more effort.
Try this: A good teacher prefaces a task by explaining why their pupils are doing it. For example, ‘this will help you understand what we’ll cover in science tomorrow.’
Help your child understand the purpose of their homework and why it’s been set: is it a mock paper to help them do better in their SATs, for instance?
Smart kids recognise that procrastination isn’t helpful. Children often procrastinate because they don’t know where to start, the work looks too difficult or they don’t think they can finish it in one go. But once they start, they often realise it’s not as daunting as they thought.
Try this: Set a timer for ten minutes. Encourage your child to start the task, with the promise that they can stop when the bell sounds. Often, they’ll want to carry on once started, as the brain doesn’t like leaving things unfinished.
Learn from feedback. Can your child absorb the teacher’s comments and guidance for improvement? Many students see feedback as criticism and are less likely to take it on board.
Try this: Rather than your child asking themselves or you ‘Is this okay?’ – a question that could lead them to accepting work that doesn’t live up to their ability – suggest that your child asks: ‘How can I improve this?’
Bradley Busch is a Chartered Psychologist) and author of Release your inner drive: Everything you need to know about how to get good at stuff, available from www.bookshop.org
Top tips for 11+ preparation
By Lucy Alexandra Spencer
Preparation for the 11+ grammar or independent school exams can sometimes feel overwhelming but with careful planning, it can become a manageable and even rewarding experience. Try these actionable, supportive steps:
Creating a study routine
To help your child feel prepared, establish a consistent study routine as early as possible. Set up a quiet, well-lit area for homework and use a calendar to visually mark out revision. Regular short practice sessions are often more effective than infrequent, long ones. Monitor your child’s progress in school reports and address any subject areas where they’re struggling. Since the 11+ typically assesses children above their age level, staying ahead of the curriculum expectations is key.
Consider tutoring support
If your child finds certain areas challenging or needs motivation, it may be worth looking into tutoring support. Group sessions, online programmes or one-to-one tutoring can provide targeted guidance.
Registering for exams
Check application deadlines for each school, as these vary widely. Many independent schools require applications by June of the year your child turns 10, while grammar school applications often only open in May and June of Year 5. Mark these dates in your calendar and if you’re close to missing a deadline, contact the school directly.
Using mock exams to build confidence
Use mock exams to prepare for the real test. Start with home practice by setting a timer and simulating silent exam conditions.
Establishing effective home learning routines
Whether employing the support of specialists or embarking on a DIY 11+ journey, these are my key tips.
A term-time and holiday timetable is crucial. Use regular, shorter sessions during term time to build routine, with more in-depth learning during holidays, allowing for rest to avoid burnout. Use the Pomodoro Technique (www. pomodorotechnique.com) by studying in twenty five minute bursts with five minute breaks. This help the brain retain information effectively while preventing fatigue. Add quick physical activities during breaks to keep energy high.
To aid your child’s retention and recall in exams, involve different family members in specific subjects. Siblings might assist with mental maths tests, while parents or grandparents can help with Comprehension or Verbal Reasoning. Assign different spaces/rooms for each subject, like science at the kitchen table or maths in a quiet corner, to reinforce memory and keep learning engaging. This varied approach keeps study time fresh and supportive, encouraging active recall.
After each session, review your child’s answers to highlight strengths and areas of focus. When your child feels ready, consider booking an external mock test to replicate the full exam experience, including the presence of other students. This can boost confidence and reduce exam-day nerves.
Final preparations and exam day
In the final weeks, review key concepts without overwhelming your child. Use simple relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, to help them stay calm and positive. On exam day, ensure they have a nutritious breakfast and double-check that they have all the required materials. Keep the atmosphere calm, offer words of encouragement and focus on positive affirmations to help them feel supported and ready to succeed.
Lucy Spencer is founder of Education Boutique (www.educationboutique.co.uk), which provides in-person tutoring for children, schools and local authorities, designed to meet individual needs and ensuring that each child can access the right resources at their own pace.
Staying ahead of the curve for 11+ success
To stay ahead in 11+ prep it greatly helps to understand both school report language and standardised scoring bands. School reports often use terms like ‘Working Towards,’ ‘Expected,’ and ‘Greater Depth.’ For the 11+, aiming for ‘Greater Depth’ or ‘Mastery’ indicates a child is performing above age expectations, which is beneficial for competitive exams.
Schools also use standardised scores to show how a child ranks nationally against their peers. A score of 100 typically represents the national average. For the 11+, children should ideally score well above 100, with 115 and higher often seen as a strong position. Some schools may require scores even closer to 120 or more for a pupil to be considered ‘ahead of the curve.’
Seeking additional support early for your child, especially if they are working below the ‘Greater Depth’ level or achieving a standardised score below 115, can help you feel more in control and alleviate pressure.
Pastoral care in primary schools
By Melanie Sanderson
News reports last year claimed there is a child with a suspected mental health concern in every primary school classroom in the country. Figures released by NHS England showed more than 165,000 children ages 6 to 10 were in contact with NHS mental health services at the end of February 2024, while the number of primary-age children in England either waiting or being treated for mental health problems, increased by over a quarter in less than a year.
The picture has never been starker and schools have a key part to play both in terms of prevention and providing expert support. The past twenty years has seen schools evolve from places where it was ‘brain first’ to spaces where body and mind are recognised as needing equal developmental attention.
Before anything else, a school should be a centre for care. Pastoral care encompasses a wide range of initiatives and approaches. A good primary school will embed pastoral care into all it does within the culture of the school: how it teaches, how it protects, how it listens and learns. A pastorally strong school is in the best position to thrive academically.
When they experience anxiety, children can’t access learning, making it crucial that all schools have a robust pastoral care system to support pupils’ development. Simple measures like buddy benches, mindfulness lessons and worry boxes or mood charts are now widely offered and can make a big difference. Animals are good too. Some schools have a therapy dog and even class pets like goldfish or hamsters can help children open up.
A common thread running through primary schools with a strong pastoral offering seems to be plentiful opportunities for fresh air, physical exercise and being in nature. Even in some of the most space-pressed inner-city schools, children are cultivating a mini allotment or growing sunflowers in the playground. Similarly, Forest Schools offering regular outdoor hands-on learning sessions in natural environments, are building
Roll out of free breakfast clubs to begin in April
The Chancellor has announced that up to seven hundred and fifty state-funded primary schools will start offering free breakfast clubs from April this year.
This initiative will run during the summer term (April-July) as a pilot phase to prepare for a national rollout.
The Department for Education will work with the schools selected as part of the pilot to understand how breakfast clubs can be delivered to meet the needs of schools, parents and pupils when the programme is rolled out nationally.
The Government claims breakfast clubs will help reduce the number of students starting the school day hungry and ensure children come to school ready to learn. It will also support the government’s aim to tackle child poverty by addressing rising food insecurity among children.
More info: www.gov.uk/government/news
young children’s confidence and self-esteem.
Extra-curricular activities also play a role, fostering social engagement, personal development and a sense of belonging among pupils. An inclusive sporting ethos is often front and centre in schools with good pastoral care, particularly in the co-curricular timetable. However, do look for schools that offer a wide selection of clubs which appeal to all kinds of interests beyond sport too.
Amanda Childs, Chair of the IAPS adds: ‘Pastoral care is more than formal PSHE lessons. It incorporates every interaction an individual has in school; from the moment they arrive until they leave. It is about a genuine, positive culture, having excellent role models and high expectations, balanced with a kind and realistic view of the support any individual child needs to succeed - and that will be different for every single child.’
Central to a robust pastoral approach is staff fully trained in mental health first aid and safeguarding. This also includes the non-teaching staff that children often seek out to talk to such as school nurses, lunchtime and office staff. Sometimes the support offered will be a listening ear, at other times, children might require signposting to additional support. The more mentally healthy schools usually have a school nurse, mental health support teams and even dedicated counselling.
For Dean Taylor, Associate Headteacher at Seven Kings School, a co-ed state school for ages 4 to 18 in east London, it’s the relationship between staff and pupils that holds the key to positive mental health in schools. Dean says: ‘The ethos is more important than anything and you can walk around this school and see that it’s inclusive, friendly, safe and with clear and consistent boundaries’.
Seven Kings pays particular attention to pressure points and makes sure every child has a trusted adult. There’s a joined-up approach with the SENCO too, in the knowledge that youngsters with conditions such as ADHD and autism can be particularly at risk of mental health problems. ‘The most vulnerable pupils have a one-page profile that’s shared with all staff’ adds Dean.
Finally, successful pastoral care involves the school, child and parents. Starting school is a huge milestone for the whole family and a carefully managed transition makes for a smoother pastoral pathway right from the start. Likewise, primary schools with good pastoral provision work closely with secondary schools in Year 6 to ensure a seamless transition to the next stage of education.
Good schools take the time to get to really know a child personally; what they like or don’t like and what they are interested in. Schools where pastoral care is foregrounded will
extend their offerings to parents too. They might offer useful parent talks, for instance on safe use of technology and share wellbeing resources. Crucially, these schools will have the confidence to collaborate with parents in robust and trusting ways. If you think your child might need help, your first port of call should be your child’s form teacher or tutor who can elevate your concerns to the appropriate staff member.
Melanie Sanderson is Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide (www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk), which reviews the key components, pastoral care being one, of hundreds of schools per year, providing parents with in-depth, unbiased insights.
What do the inspectors expect?
The good news is that Ofsted and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) now assess personal development, which includes mental health in schools. Areas such as resilience, confidence, independence and how to keep mentally healthy are all covered in their assessments. As part of pastoral care, all schools are now also required to provide a mental health and relationships curriculum.
A school judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in the area of personal development will provide high quality pastoral support alongside a wide, rich set of experiences which support pupils to be confident, resilient and independent. It will offer exceptional quality opportunities for children to develop their talents and interests and strongly encourage take up of these, especially amongst disadvantaged pupils.
However, do look beyond Ofsted’s current one-word judgements and check when they last visited the schools that you are considering too. More than ninety percent of mainstream state schools are summed up as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ and yet, clearly, there is plenty to distinguish these schools from each other. What’s more, a lot can change in between Ofsted visits.
For parents with children in the private sector, the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) benchmarks are similar to Ofsted. The ISI is a government approved body that inspects and provides objective evaluation of independent schools. However, ISI reports are more nuanced than Ofsted reports and don’t give single word summative judgements for each area inspected.
Their recently revised framework has pupil wellbeing running through it, resulting in TES magazine stating: ‘The upshot of [the new framework] is that personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is now probably the single most important subject that schools teach when it comes to inspection outcomes.’
Amanda Childs, Chair of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) Pastoral and Wellbeing Committee, added: ‘Pastoral care is what the independent sector is renowned for. It is about a child knowing they are completely valued and cared for; allowing them to feel safe in order to discover themselves, what they are capable of and developing a positive sense of self.’
Spring Grove Forest School offers opportunity
Children at Spring Grove School are very fortunate to have a large area of woodland where they can spend time outdoors, enjoying all the benefits of fresh air, freedom and space.
All children from the Nursery pre-school class to the oldest children in Year 6 visit the forest regularly.
There may be a perception that children are ‘just playing’ in an unstructured way at Forest School. But this is precious time for children to take part in opportunities rather than activities and to move from adult-led to child-led learning.
Forest School is an integral part of life at Spring Grove, helping to promote the growth mindset that allows all children to grow into ‘can-do’ people.
Find out more about Spring Grove Forest School at their next Open Morning on Saturday 8 March. www.springgroveschool.co.uk
Open Morning
Saturday 8 March 9.30am - 12pm
Register online at www.springgroveschool.co.uk
‘Excellent’ in all aspects - ISI inspection
Supporting highly able children at home
By Erin Miller
As a teacher, the most common question I receive from parents is: ‘how can I support my child’s learning at home?’ All parents ask this question, whether their child is struggling or flourishing at school.
You may find that your child’s school has more support and resources available for children who are struggling than for children who are thriving in school. It is quite natural that schools are most concerned with ensuring that children who struggle are given as much support as possible to access the curriculum.
Unfortunately, the byproduct of this is that sometimes less time is spent nurturing the talents of the most able children. The Department for Education does not state how schools should meet the needs of their most able learners, only that all schools have an obligation to provide an education which meets the needs of every learner.
Of course, many schools do an excellent job in supporting their highly able children to build upon their talents but realistically, a highly able child will have a thirst for knowledge that must be fostered at home as well as in school. Therefore, it is useful to know what you can do at home if you have a child who is highly able.
What to do at home is as much about creating the right atmosphere as it is finding concrete enrichment activities for your child.
I believe that this is threefold.
Firstly, be a home which is open to intellectual curiosity
If your child expresses an interest in something, ask more questions and allow yourself to be guided by their interest in your choice of media, outings and family activities.
Secondly, be a household which visibly values education
For example, having books on display in your home communicates that you value reading. This can be achieved easily and cheaply through visits to libraries and charity shops.
Enrichment for primary ages
National Geographic Kids (www.natgeokids.com/uk): humanities, natural sciences, games, videos, articles. Epic Reads (www.epicreads.com): hosts reading challenges for book-hungry children.
Primary Homework Help (www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk): wide range of resources aligned with the primary curriculum. NASA’s Climate Kids (www.climatekids.nasa.gov): games, videos, activities about climate science. Aquila (www.aquila.co.uk): a subscription magazine aimed at highly able children. www.code.org: used by schools, helps children learn how to code.
Thirdly and perhaps most importantly, support your child to become an independent learner
A concern that the parents of highly able children often voice is that their child is bored or under-stimulated at school. Relative to age, children need to understand that they also have a responsibility for their learning. They should have routines and practices to turn to if they finish their work early at school or if they want to pursue an interest in a particular topic. For example, always having a reading book or knowing where to find extension tasks or activities.
You may have noticed that I have used the phrases ‘most able’ and ‘highly able’ interchangeably. This is because, since the Young Gifted and Talented Programme closed in 2010, there has been no official, national terminology to describe the most able students. Therefore, the definition and identification of ‘highly able’ varies from school to school.
This definitional information is also likely (and rightly) to be kept in-house as making this label known to children can have awkward connotations, both for the pressure it can place upon individual students and the impact it can have on other students who do not receive such a label.
Therefore, be cautious about how you approach discussing this topic with your child, if you choose to at all. It’s likely they will already have an awareness of where they fall in their peer group and labels can be damaging for highly able students.
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
Enrichment for teens
FutureLearn: offering short courses from various universities. Perfect for giving secondary children experiences of studying subjects they have previously not encountered.
Nrich.maths.org: from the University of Cambridge, helping gifted mathematicians (age 3+).
BBC Bitesize (www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize): resources of excellent quality across all subjects, linked to the national curriculum. Scratch by MIT (www.scratch.mit.edu): for children interested in developing their coding skills (Scratch Jr available for younger children).
Your baby’s biome
By Lucy Upton
If you’re a new or expectant parent, you may have heard a lot about the importance of your baby’s microbiome. But what even IS it? And why is it important?
The microbiome encompasses the large but invisible community of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and more, that live in various body parts. The one receiving the most attention in recent years is the gut microbiome. Your baby’s gut microbiome affects everything from their digestion (which you might expect) to immune function and brain development.
The importance of the microbiome
During the early months and years, up until they reach age 3, babies develop a community of gut bacteria that will last a lifetime. Developing a well-balanced microbiome during these years not only supports short-term health but will also reduce the risk of conditions like food allergies, asthma, obesity and immune conditions later in life. Several factors influence how your baby’s microbiome develops, some of which you can control and others which you cannot.
Mode of delivery. Babies born vaginally are exposed to their mother’s vaginal microbiota, while caesarean-born infants are initially exposed to microbes from their mother’s skin and the hospital environment.
Feeding method. Breastmilk is ideal for growing a healthy gut garden, containing its own probiotics (food to fuel gut bacteria) and a whole breastmilk biome. Babies who are formula-fed are known to grow a different community of gut bacteria but increasingly, formula milks have added ingredients to try and mimic the components in breast milk that help good gut bacteria thrive.
The new childcare offering
By Purnima Tanuku
Early education and childcare is very expensive, especially for our youngest children and as research has shown, many parents end up working just to pay for their child’s nursery. So why is UK childcare so expensive compared to childcare in similar countries? The reason is that the government contribution has been so low and until recently it was limited to children ages 3 and 4.
So, when the previous government’s plan to expand childcare support for working parents in England was announced last year, this was great news, not just for parents but also for children. Research shows that high quality early education and care supports their development, wellbeing and has an impact on their education all through their schooling.
What is the new childcare offering in UK childcare?
The childcare expansion is being delivered in stages, building on the thirty hours of funded childcare for children ages 3 and 4 which was already available. However, the offer is still only available to families where parents are working at least sixteen hours a week.
The roll out provides:
• fifteen hours funded childcare a week for children age 2 from April 2024
• fifteen funded hours for children ages 9+ months from September 2024
This will be increased to thirty hours funded childcare for all children under age 5 from September 2025.
When your baby starts solid foods, their gut microbiome undergoes a significant transformation as they experience a diverse range of new foods.
Environment. Exposure to pets, siblings and diverse environments can fuel the growth of your baby’s microbiome. A little dirt and outdoor play as your baby grows older are also excellent for their gut community.
Medications. Certain drugs are known to disrupt the balance of bacteria in your baby’s gut. Antibiotics are well-known culprits but other medications, including some anti-reflux medications, are also known to impact the gut microbiome. However, it’s important to remember that these medications can be essential for treating specific conditions and should always be used under the advice of a doctor.
Lucy Upton is founder of The Children’s Dietician (www.thechildrensdietician.co.uk) and expert speaker at The Baby Show (www.thebabyshow.co.uk), taking place 7-9 March at ExCeL London and 9-11 May at NEC Birmingham.
Although government funded hours make a difference to family finances, this funded childcare still involves costs for parents. It is important to be aware of the following parameters:
The thirty and fifteen hours of government supported childcare is not ‘free.’ The government only pays for the actual childcare sessions, which does not include any meals, snacks, consumables or additional activities, so families can expect to see settings make charges for these.
The funded hours are only during term time. Most parents work all year round so providers may ‘stretch’ these hours across the year, reducing the hours per week.
Depending on the length of your sessions, you will need to pay for any additional hours you need at the nursery’s usual fee especially for early or later hours.
Purnima Tanuku OBE is Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) (www.nda.org.uk), a charity with a mission to see children and families thrive through access to high-quality early education and care.
Eight ways to keep kids physically active indoors this winter
By Ellie Malt
Ah, winter. The season of... cabin fever? Yes, keeping children off screens is challenging. Well, challenge accepted! Read on for ten ways to keep them moving indoors!
Mission impossible
Place a prize in the middle of the room. Then tie string so it criss-crosses the room at different heights and angles: these are your invisible lasers. One child wears a blindfold. The second child instructs them on how to navigate the maze without touching the string to get the prize. They must return through the ‘lasers’ to win the reward.
Tabletop showdown
Got a kitchen table? You’ve got a ping pong table in the making! Grab some makeshift paddles (books work), a lightweight ball and let the games begin. You can use paper plates and a balloon for a slower version. You could also tape empty shoe boxes to the table ends to make goals and use straws to blow the balls.
Stairway cardio
If you have stairs, why not build some stamina and get a cardio workout going? Set challenges like ‘How many times can you go up and down in two minutes?’ or ‘Can you beat your time by the end of the week?’ Keep a chart and make it a challenge for the whole family. For older kids you could encourage them to do a sponsored or timed stair marathon.
Find the key
Hide clues around the house that lead to a key to access a final reward. Each clue can come with a mental puzzle or code to solve but also a physical challenge too e.g. ‘stand on one leg for ten seconds before winning the next clue.’ For older children, you may want to theme this as an escape room.
Blanket fort extravaganza
Let’s start with a classic: building a den. BUT we’re not talking about a tiny tent in the corner of the living room. Oh no. We’re going mega. Take every blanket, sheet and cushion you can find and transform your living room into a fortress. Once built, challenge your kids to make a pillow obstacle course inside!
Indoor agility course
Create an indoor agility course for either your children or pets. Using masking tape, you can create an agility ladder across the floor and a makeshift balance beam. Everyday objects can become a series of jumps. Boxes taped together make great tunnels. Let your kids complete the circuit and try to beat their personal best.
Pop-up gym
If you’ve got spare space, you can transform it into a temporary gym even without full-size equipment. For example, you can buy a small stand for your bike that turns it into a cycling machine. Look for pull up bars that fit doorways. One easy way to make a DIY rowing machine is to use a resistance band attached to an upright. Sitting on a skateboard or similar, you can push back and forth with the legs, pulling with the arms. Finally, you can create stations for exercises like jumping jacks and push-ups.
Race across the living room
Everyone has ten minutes to find as many boxes and bits of junk as possible. Then they have one hour to build a vehicle. Each child will get to test their creation by attaching it to their body and taking part in a kneeling race. They must stay inside the vehicle and cannot hold it with hands, arms or feet. Depending on their age, you could add an obstacle or two. Points can be applied for style, originality, moving parts etc.
Optimising circadian rhythms for learning
By Usha Patel
Do you have difficulties getting your child up in the mornings and worry that they are not getting sufficient sleep?
Sleep is a vital process for children, especially for memory consolidation. The transfer of short-term memories happens during sleep, when everything your child learns during the day is moved to a part of the brain called the hippocampus. Memories stored in the hippocampus can be retrieved when called upon in the future.
The rest, repair, and memory cycle during sleep are beneficial not just for our children but for all of us and understanding this can help you make informed decisions about your child’s sleep habits.
We each have an internal ‘body clock’ known as the circadian clock. This clock creates daily rhythms for sleeping, eating and being active during a twenty-four-hour day cycle. By aligning your child’s routine with their natural circadian rhythm, you can help them achieve their best performance and get the most out of each school day.
Factors that govern our circadian rhythm start in the morning with daylight. Our built-in light sensors pick up this morning light and create a level of alertness, getting ready for the day ahead. Morning daylight comprises more blue light frequencies which provide a signal to the body for a level of activity. Importantly, receiving this blue light input in the morning signals to the body’s main central clock that it is the start of the daily cycle.
Children must eat a substantial meal to start the day after being asleep for eight hours (or more, depending on their age). Eating times are another critical factor affecting optimum learning
The last meal
While all children have different eating patterns and needs, the timing of the day’s last meal is critical. When there’s sufficient time between eating and going to bed, a child’s core body temperature is reduced, providing another trigger for the body to go into sleep mode.
The more significant the gap between the last meal and going to sleep, the more the food is entirely digested, thus it feels natural for children to wake up because they are hungry. So, when children find it challenging to wake up in the morning, lengthen the time between their last feed and bedtime.
Undigested food from a late-night meal indicates to the body’s circadian clock that more sleep is needed to finish digestion. Being forced to wake up when your child’s body is not ready to do so is challenging for them.
Understanding our circadian rhythm is essential for everyone and making small tweaks can have a huge impact on overall wellbeing. The Circadian Code by Dr Sachin Panda is a book worth reading, especially for busy working parents.
performance. The last meal should be around three to four hours before bed. Having a break after eating the last meal signals to the circadian clock that the night-time activities the brain and body need to do can start ahead of going to sleep.
Premature babies and circadian rhythms
Research shows that preterm babies who spend their early lives in Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) often have poorly adjusted circadian clocks.
Exposure to constant bright light means that these newborns find it difficult to naturally wind down when it gets dark, once they are well enough to leave the hospital.
Early excessive light exposure, in turn, impacts their feeding, growth, learning and general development. Many children with ADHD also show the same symptoms.
Usha Patel is a Neurocognitive Therapist at Raviv Practice London (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk)
The best kind of light
Is your child getting enough daylight in the mornings? Walking for around twenty minutes in the morning (to school) is a way to ensure that your child is getting enough blue light, even on overcast days.
Generally, evening lighting should be warmer, especially in your child’s bedroom, upstairs landing and bathroom. Warmer lighting in your child’s bedroom triggers the hormone for sleep production, melatonin and illuminating the desk instead of the room is considered gentler on the eyes at that time of day. Electronic devices emit blue light, so they should have their blue light sensor switched off in the evening.
Sometimes, children want to get up at night to drink water or use the bathroom. Having a glass of water next to the bed and warm light in the bathroom means they are not overstimulated at a time when they should be resting.
Excessive light exposure when children are supposed to be sleeping triggers the wake cycle and the child needs to restart their sleep cycle from the beginning.
Top family-friendly festivals for 2025
Compiled by Andrew Campbell
Discover the ultimate family-friendly festivals across the UK in 2025, where music, arts and outdoor adventures come alive for all ages. Discover unique experiences which will ensure memorable moments and endless fun for families in vibrant, engaging and often idyllic settings.
Teddy Rocks Charisworth Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset 2-4 May
Winner of Best Family Festival in 2022, Teddy Rocks is an immersive, intimate three-day music event, with one hundred percent of profits supporting children’s cancer research. This multi-awardwinning, independent festival hosts over one hundred acts from international to brand new performers. The festival offers activities for all ages, including fairground rides, comedy tent and axe-throwing. www.teddyrocks.co.uk
Bearded Theory, Catton Park, Derbyshire 21-25 May
Set in the heart of the Midlands, this festival features sensational live performances for adults across multiple stages. The award-winning children’s offering includes fun, educational classes, a Toddler Tent with soft play, a pop-up library, poetry tent and creative workshops like puppet making. Kids can also enjoy a chill-out area, face painting, circus activities and a talent show. NEW: ‘Kids Rave On’ with club lighting and DJ performances. Evening highlights include LED light shows and the unique DOGSHOW performance. www.beardedtheory.co.uk
Elderflower Fields, Ashdown Forest, Sussex 23-24 May
This delightful, family-friendly event offers a weekend filled with music, sports, nature exploration and arts. Tailored for families with young children, this intimate festival offers a secure environment where kids can freely explore. Highlights include Dragonfly Hill for lively performances and Leapfrog Lawns for crafts and games. www.south.elderflowerfields.co.uk
The Big Retreat, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales 23-25 May
The festival celebrates wellbeing and adventure with yoga, fitness and live music. It offers diverse children’s activities, including storytelling, discos, water slides, circus toys and bushcraft workshops for survival skills and nature exploration. Families can enjoy a creative and inspirational atmosphere filled with arts, crafts, singing, dancing and wellbeing classes – an inclusive experience in which they can have fun, enjoy and learn together. www.thebigretreatfestival.com
Latitude, Henham Park, Suffolk 24-27 July
Award-winning Latitude is among the biggest of the family-friendly festivals with a huge array of activities for both children and parents. It’s a proper pop festival in the beautiful grounds of Henham Park with a stunning Kids’ Area. Expect fire shows, pizza-making, traditional woodland crafts and exciting science experiments, a more relaxed but packed programme in the Enchanted Garden and an Inbetweeners Teen Area. www.latitudefestival.com
Camp Severn Kids Festival, West Mid Showground, Shropshire 25-27 July
Camp Severn offers an all-inclusive adventure for children ages 3 to 13. This family-friendly event is packed with interactive workshops, outdoor games and themed events such as Space Camp, with Star Wars characters, singing princesses and inflatables. The festival also features engaging science
workshops, blending fun and education. With camping options available, families can immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere, enjoying a hassle-free experience where all activities are included in the ticket price. www.kids-events.co.uk
Festival of Sport, Packington Estate, Warwickshire 1-4 August
The Festival of Sport at Packington Estate offers families an exciting weekend filled with diverse sports activities for children ages 5 to 17. Featuring expert coaching and interactions with sporting legends, kids can explore rugby, hockey, cricket and more. Set in a picturesque location, this festival provides a unique opportunity for children to learn, play and be inspired by sports heroes.
www.festivalofsportuk.com
Camp Kindling, Sevenoaks, Kent 15-18 August
A magical, intimate, safe and secure family retreat in an ancient forest, featuring over one hundred activities. Children can enjoy thrilling adventures like water slides, zip lines and rock climbing, while adults delight in live music, theatre and comedy performances. Pre-bookable activities ensure no lost time and there are no hidden costs.
www.campkindling.co.uk
Images
Top left: Latitude
Bottom left: Elderflower Fields
Middle: Camp Kindling
Top right: Teddy Rocks
Bottom right: Festival of Sport
Feel more alive in 2025
By Sarah Lindsley
New year, new you. The old cliché is all too familiar and 1 January can stir up strange feelings, piling on the pressure to turn over a ‘new leaf’ before we have even finished tidying up the remnants of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. But the start of a brand-new year can actually be the perfect opportunity to embrace some exciting changes, even if it is just trying out some new dishes or booking that family day out you’ve been meaning to for ages. Time to feel alive and welcome 2025 with open arms!
Hold a weekly family games night
Because family life is so busy, how often do we really get to sit down and enjoy screen-free time together? Agree on an evening that works for everyone and switch off the devices. Whether Monopoly, card games or karaoke are your bag, turn up the music, make some popcorn and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. Get tweens and teens to join in by letting them pick the games or having a friend round. Check out charity shops for second-hand games or start a game swap with friends or neighbours.
Try a new sport
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. Dreamt up by a Mexican couple bored on holiday in the 1960s, it’s a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash and typically played as doubles which makes it the perfect mix of fitness and fun for the whole family. Or round up some other parents and kids and get social on a court near you! Even the teenagers will be up for a go! Find out more from the Lawn Tennis Association website www.lta.org.uk/play/ways-to-play/padel
Make time for a family day
The thought of a family day out can have us all checking our bank balances but quality family time doesn’t have to cost the earth. Sometimes just a trip to your local park with a hot chocolate and a game of hide-and-seek is enough to get everyone laughing and chatting. Take a pedal boat out on a pond near you or plan a nature scavenger hunt. Kids also go free at lots of museums and attractions across the country; look out for annual memberships to save money across the year at your favourite spots.
The link between doing something creative and positive benefits for the brain is commonly accepted by scientists. Creative activities stimulate both sides of the brain and can even have a similar effect to meditation, reducing stress and helping you to become more mindful and ultimately, happier. Pottery painting is a fantastic way to channel your inner artist and lose yourself in colour and contour. Find your local pottery painting studio, grab your mum friends and make a night of it! Or book in for a memorable kids’ party.
Channel your inner Picasso Get creative in the kitchen
We all default to repeating the meals that we know won’t have the children sulking at the table, especially mid-week with homework, after-school activities and work pressures. But the weekend is the perfect excuse to dust off those old recipe books or search for some mouth-watering dishes online. If you fancy someone else making the decisions for you, companies like Hello Fresh, Gousto or Mindful Chef provide you with all the inspiration, instructions and ingredients to ensure that even the fussiest eaters are begging for seconds.
Gut health is a buzzword that’s here to stay. Scientists are discovering more and more about the link between a healthy gut (which contains trillions of tiny organisms called microbes) and good physical and mental health. Some foods are known to be particularly good for our guts, including sourdough bread which contains natural probiotics which support healthy digestion and the immune system. So, queuing for that Saturday-morning loaf along with your latte is totally justified. Or make your own with the kids! Prioritise your gut
Your family guide to
What's On
WINTER WALKS
Join Wallace and Gromit for the Ultimate Forest Walkies at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Throughout Jan & Feb Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company. Trail length is 3.5km. Pick up your Forest Walkies activity pack. £5. www.forestryengland.uk/ bedgebury/forest-walkies
Scotney Parkland Trail at Scotney Castle, TN3 8JN
Throughout Jan & Feb
Explore the historic parkland, take in views of Scotney Castle and discover key features of the Scotney estate. This trail is great for finding out about the history and secrets of this wooded estate in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ kent/scotney-castle
Knole Park Trail, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP
Throughout Jan & Feb
Experience the history and wildlife of Knole Park - Kent’s only remaining deer park, which has remained substantially unchanged since medieval times. Routes are suitable for a wide range of users including families with younger children. FREE. Opens at 10.30am. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ kent/knole
Wye Downs Walk, Ashford, TN25 5HE
Throughout Jan & Feb
The village is on a fording point of the Great Stour river and the
site of a Roman camp and a villa have been identified. By the time of the Saxons, Wye had become a royal manor. Many of the village buildings are medieval, although often concealed by more modern facades.
Coastal Trails on The Isle of Thanet
Throughout Jan & Feb
The rugged coastline of The Isle of Thanet offers spectacular views into chalk bays and far reaching seascapes. If you fancy scratching under the surface of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate pick up a self-guided leaflet from Margate’s Tourism Information Centre to see and discover intriguing tales.
Winter Family Trail at Emmetts Garden, TN14 6BA
Until Sun 9 Feb
Use your senses to uncover the beauty of nature this winter on the winter family garden trail at Emmetts Garden. Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre to begin your winter wander and collect a prize at the end. £2 per trail including prize. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ kent/emmetts-garden/events
Snowdrop Walk at Hever Castle, TN8 7NG
12 Feb-2 Mar
A walk in the gardens at this time will provide a welcome boost to flagging winter spirits. Wrap up warm and enjoy a self-led tour of the snowdrops. During your stroll you will also be able to learn interesting facts about snowdrops. www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/ snowdrops
Get involved with The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
Get your family involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and help monitor birdlife in the UK. With 1 in 4 birds in serious decline, it’s never been more important to monitor the UK’s bird populations.
It’s the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and over the past 45 years, volunteers from across the UK have helped the RSPB by tracking the birds living in their gardens and local green spaces.
Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 24 and 26 January. Challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.
To learn how to take part and how to spot garden birds with a handy free birdwatch guide, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
All listings are correct at the time of going to print.
DAYS OUT
Here’s our pick for some fun days out at local attractions that are open during the winter months.
Dover Castle
Castle Hill, Dover, CT16 1HU
Open weekends, 10am-4pm
Explore England’s mightiest fortress with this guide to an exciting day out at Dover Castle. Discover all the must-see sights and activities for an actionpacked visit. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/dover-castle
Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
Open from 12 Feb, 10am-4pm Discover magnificent awardwinning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds. www.hevercastle.co.uk
Leeds Castle Maidstone, ME17 1PL Open 10am-5pm
Explore and discover gardens, wildlife, history, thrilling experiences and peaceful escapes. www.eeds-castle.com
Quex Adventure Farm Park Birchington, CT7 0BH Open weekends and school holidays 9.30am to 5pm
Quex combine farmyard fun with exciting outdoor play. Experience the great outdoors and immerse yourself in the adventure with their interactive farm experiences. www.quexadventurefarmpark. com
Wildwood Kent
Herne Bay, CT6 7LQ Open Daily, 10am-4pm Home to over 200 fascinating British species. From majestic bears and enigmatic wolves to playful otters and arctic foxes, our park offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife in their natural habitats. Enjoy nature trails, animals, woodland, play areas, a cafe and more. www.wildwoodtrust.org
MUSEUMS & HISTORY
We’re lucky that here in Kent we have an abundance of interesting museums, historical sites and memorials to visit.
Canterbury Cathedral Canterbury, CT1 2EH
Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 11.30am-5pm Discover a day out 1,400 years in the making. The Cathedral offers a perfect day out for families of all ages, with plenty for your young explorers to discover. Kids go FREE until Dec 2025!
Maidstone Museum Maidstone, ME14 1LH Open from 12 Feb, 10am-4pm A FREE museum offering exhibitions, collections, workshops and more. www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
RAF Manston History Museum Ramsgate, CT12 5DF Open daily, Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat & Sun, 10am-4pm
Explore Kent’s aviation past and go back to over 100 years of the airfield site’s history through exhibitions and a Spitfire simulator! There is also LEGO displays, models and more. www.rafmanston.co.uk
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge Canterbury, CT1 2RA Tue to Sat 10am-5pm
Immerse yourself in history, heritage, art and culture. FREE but charges may apply for special exhibitions. www.canterburymuseums. co.uk/the-beaney
The Powell-Cotton Museum Birchington-on-Sea, CT7 0BH Open from 10 Feb, weekends & school holidays, 11am-3pm
Experience natural history, world culture, heritage and wellbeing. The museum permanently exhibits unique natural history collections in magnificent dioramas and world material culture objects from the african and asian continents. www.powell-cottonmuseum.org
FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN
Curious Stories: Exploring and Collecting at The Beaney, CT1 2RA
Until Sun 16 Mar
A family-friendly exhibition inviting visitors to make new connections to the Museum collection. Use The Beaney’s Explorers & Collectors gallery as inspiration, Curious Stories delves into the origins of the museum collections and questions how we present and share stories of objects today. FREE, £3 donation welcome. www.canterburymuseums. co.uk/events/curious-stories
Baking Buddies at The Alex, Faversham, ME13 8NZ Mon 12 & Tue 13 Feb
The ultimate baking adventure for kids! In this workshop, young chefs have a blast learning the basics of baking while making new friends. Ages 6-11. 4-5.30pm. www.thealex.org.uk
Muddy Good Fun at Quex Adventure Farm Park, CT7 0BH Sat 10-Sun 18 Feb
This half term, gear up the kids for a week of messy adventures, to swish, swash, splash, splosh and squelch their way through an exhilarating nature trail. www.quexadventurefarmpark. com/muddy-good-fun
Art Rebels at Turner Contemporary, Margate, CT9 1HG
Sat 15 & Sun 16 Feb
FREE, drop-in workshop using natural materials. you’ll get to walk out of the gallery with your unique piece of Anya Gallaccioinspired artwork. Under 12s. 2-4pm. turnercontemporary.org/whatson/art-rebels-nature-badges
Half Term History Makers at Dover Castle, CT16 1HU Sat 15-Sun 23 Feb
Join characters from the past for heritage-inspired hijinks and hands-on shenanigans at Dover Castle this half term. Book online and save 15%. 10am-4pm. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/whats-on/dover-castlehalf-term-history-makers2
Fun & Frolics at Kent Life, ME14 3AU
Sat 15-Sun 23 Feb
A packed programme of entertainment and plenty of animal encounters to enjoy! You can meet plenty of animals such
as pigs, sheep, ponies, goats and alpacas. Join in with the feeding sessions and see smaller animals in the Farmyard Friends area. www.kentlife.org.uk/event/ february-fun-frolics
Hibernate and Seek: February Half-Term Trail at Emmetts Garden, TN14 6BA
Sat 15-Sun 23 Feb
This half-term, discover which creatures at Emmetts Garden have been snoozing through winter and which ones have stayed wide awake! Explore the garden to spot hidden animals along the trail to claim your hibernation-happy prize! 10am-4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ kent/emmetts-garden/events
Eco Week at Hever Castle, TN8 7NG
Sat 15-Sun 23 Feb
This half term, Hever want to educate and inspire future generations to be more sustainable. They want to encourage the community to take part in this Eco Week event and to demonstrate their support for our planet. 10.30am-4.30pm. www.hevercastle.co.uk/whatson/eco-week
Jock’s Winter Wander Half Term Trail at Chartwell, TN16 1PS
Sat 15-Fri 28 Feb
When the 1927 blizzard transformed Chartwell into a winter wonderland, the Churchill family and their guests made the most of the freezing temperatures. Step back in time with Jock to join in the winter fun and games. Purchase a trail sheet at the Visitor Centre and follow the map to find the activity stations. Return to claim your prize. 10am-4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ kent/chartwell/events/13df8bfa39d2-4adb-a148-5037ce411442
See Bluey at Spa Valley Railway, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY Sat 22 Feb
Bluey will be appearing at Tunbridge Wells West station at intervals throughout the day –don’t forget to bring your camera! www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/ product.php/7465/see-bluey
Please say you saw these events in Families Kent magazine!
The Light Princess at Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury, CT2 7NB
Sat 25 Jan
A new musical with beautiful songs, interactive antics and an inspiring story of self-discovery. 11am, 2pm. Ages 4+. www.thegulbenkian.co.uk/events/ the-light-princess
Room on the Broom at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, DA1 1ED
Sat 1-Sun 2 Feb
Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 1.30pm, 4pm. www.trafalgartickets.com/ orchard-theatre-dartford/en-GB/ event/family/room-on-the-broomtickets
Comedy Club 4 Kids at The Alexander Centre, Faversham, ME13 8NZ
Sat 8 Feb
It’s a comedy club, right, but for kids. Also, any adults who enjoy a swear-free hour with the circuit’s best stand-ups and sketch acts. Non-patronising. 2pm. Ages 6+. www.thealex.org.uk/event/ comedy-club-4-kids
The Smartest Giant in Town at The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate, CT11 8DG
Sat 15-Sun 15 Feb
This heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical,
puppet-filled adventure. Little Angel Theatre’s previous bestselling adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s picture books include The Singing Mermaid and The Everywhere Bear. www.thegranvilletheatre.com/ whatson/smartest-giant-in-town
Room on the Broom at Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU
Tue 25-Thu 27 Feb
Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 1.30pm and 4pm. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/room-on-the-broom. html
BOOKING NOW
My First Ballet Swan Lake at The Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT 16-27 Apr
English National Ballet production which introduces the magic of ballet to children ages 3+. www.ballet.org.uk/myfirst ballet
WORD SEARCH
Find the names of these British birds in the grid. Then read the remaining unused letters in lines 7 to 11 from left to right to find a hidden message!
