Families Kent March/April 2023 PRINT issue

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Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieskent.co.uk 07789 882467

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

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© Families Kent 2023.

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In this issue

The seasons are turning and spring is just around the corner. So it’s time to stop hibernating and re-embrace the big outdoors!

Do you remember when you were young, all those blissful and adventure-filled days playing in the local neighbourhood with the other children that lived nearby? We have some interesting information on how you can offer your child the freedom of ‘playing out’ that our kids these days don’t enjoy.

Also in our Health section, we have some imaginative and healthy after school snack ideas for the kids.

You’ll find plenty of opportunities to get out and about locally if you take a look at our What’s On guide on pages 12-15. And it’s not too soon to start planning Easter egg hunts!

Finally, in this issue, we have Smoby Nature Playhouses to giveaway and you can apply inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Enjoy the issue!

Editor, Families Kent

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Local and educational news, plus Independent School open day listings.

How you can help with homework and how to stretch your child’s imagination.

Early years

Find

Distribution: Ashford, Faversham, Canterbury, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Ramsgate and Margate.

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We’ve got a round-up of events happening in March and April in Kent and lots of Easter activities.

Early Summer Days Out, Education, Holiday Clubs & Classes, Health, Parenting and much more!

Families chats with George Webster, the 22-year-old TV presenter, actor, dancer and ambassador for Mencap.

Spring confidence-building fun with Perform

Spring is the perfect time of year to get those feel-good endorphins pumping and Perform’s new summer term themes will get bodies moving and hearts singing. What’s more, your child can try a class for FREE!

Perform offers a different type of children’s drama class. It doesn’t focus on creating perfect dancers or the next child star. Instead, children’s social development is at the heart of its classes, using a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential.

Exciting termly themes keep young imaginations buzzing while small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention from experienced, professionally trained actors, dancers and singers. Classes are for children of all abilities and they can join at any point in the term; just be ready to have the best fun of the week!

This term, ages 4-7 will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger in Mermaids & Pirates, whilst ages 7–12 will take part in The Dream, an hilarious adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Local classes in Ashford, Bexley, Faversham, Hempstead, Kings Hill, Langton Green, Maidstone, Orpington, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Book a FREE class at www.perform.org.uk/try

More about Perform’s weekly classes

Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. Classes are designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try, email enquiries@perform. org.uk or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Ashford: St Mary’s Community Centre, TN24 9LH

Bexley: St John Fisher Catholic Church Hall, DA5 1AP

Faversham: West Faversham Community Centre, ME13 7RH

Hempstead: Hempstead Valley Community Centre, ME7 3PD

Kings Hill: Kings Hill Community Hall, ME19 4LG

Langton Green: Langton Green Village Hall, TN3 0JJ

Maidstone: St Pauls Church, ME14 2AN

Riverhead: Riverhead Village Hall, TN13 2EL

Sevenoaks: The Parish Church of St Luke, TN13 1XT

Tonbridge: St John’s Church Centre, TN11 9HT

Tunbridge Wells: Christ Church Centre, TN1 1UT

Get connected during British Science Week

British Science Week is a ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 10 to 19 March.

This year’s theme is ‘Connection.’ Nearly all innovations in science are built on connections between people and connections occur across all areas of science, including animals, the internet and even between human action and climate change.

During British Science week, people from all over the UK take part in events and activities to develop their skills in these areas at a wide range of venues, such as community groups, cultural centres and museums.

A range of FREE activity packs and other resources suitable for all age groups can also be downloaded for fun family activities in the home.

To find a local event, visit www.britishscienceweek.org

Enjoy Earth Day this April

Earth Day takes place on 22 April every year and is a time when environmental issues take centre stage.

Marked by millions around the world, Earth Day is an annual event designed to shine a light on the serious environmental problems we’re facing, from the climate crisis to air pollution and deforestation.

The first Earth Day took place in 1970 in the US to highlight the importance of clean air and water following a large oil spill in California. The event saw an astonishing twenty million people across the US taking to the streets – around ten percent of the country’s population at the time. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength is now the world’s largest civic event.

There are thousands of events taking place around the world. To find an event near you visit: www.bit.ly/ EarthDayEventsMap

Find out more at www.earthday.org

If you have some local news or events to share with our readers and would like to share it in our next issue, please email it to: editor@familieskentmagazine.co.uk by 1 April.

Independent School Open Days

Some open days require pre-booking. Please ensure you contact the school prior to attending or book online.

Ashford Prep School

Ashford, TN23 3DJ

01233 620493

www.ashfordschool.co.uk

Prep School: Sat 4 Mar

Senior School: Thu 23 Mar, Fri

21 Apr

Dover College Nursery & Prep Dover, CT17 9RH www.dovercollege.org.uk/ nursery-prep

01304205969

Sat 11 Mar

Dulwich Prep School Cranbrook, TN17 3NP

www.dulwichprepcranbrook.org

01580 712179

Call to book an individual tour.

Gads Hill School

Higham, Rochester, ME3 7PA www.gadshill.org/junior-school

01474 822366

Sat 4 Mar

Hilden Grange Preparatory School

Tonbridge, TN10 3BX

www.hildengrange.co.uk

01732 352706

Fri 10 Mar

Junior King’s Canterbury

Canterbury, CT2 0AY 01227 714000

www.junior-kings.co.uk

Pre-Prep: Fri 12 May

Whole School: Sat 13 May

Kent College Canterbury Junior School

Canterbury CT2 9AQ 01227 762436

www.kentcollege.com

Private tours available. Call admissions to book.

Kent College Pembury Prep Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4AX

www.kent-college.co.uk/prep

01892 822006

Private tours available. Call admissions to book.

King’s School Rochester

St Nicholas House, King Edward Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1UB 01634 888577

www.kings-rochester.co.uk

Yr 7: Mon 6 Mar

Reception: Tue 28 Mar

Marlborough House Prep School Cranbrook, TN18 4PY www.marlboroughhouseschool. co.uk

01580 753555

Wed 8 Mar

Northbourne Park School (Nursery & Prep-Prep)

Betteshanger, Deal, CT14 ONW 01304 611215

www.northbournepark.com

Sat 11 Mar, 9.30am-12.30pm

Radnor House Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks, TN14 6AE

www.radnor-sevenoaks.org

01959 564320

Prep: Sat 18 Mar

Rose Hill School - The Pre-Prep Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SY www.rosehillschool.co.uk/thepreprep

01892 525591

Fri 17 Mar, 9.30am

Russell House Preparatory School

Otford, Nr Seveanoks, TN14 5QU www.russellhouseschool.co.uk

01959 522352

Wed 8 Mar, 9.15am

Sevenoaks Preparstory School

Sevenoaks, TN15 OJU

www.theprep.org.uk

01732 762336

Year 7 & 8: Fri 10 Mar 11am-1pm

Solefield School Sevenoaks, TN13 1PH

01732 452142

www.solefieldschool.org

Sat 11 Mar, 9.30-11am

Sat 22 Apr, 9.30-11am

Spring Grove School Wye, TN25 5EZ

www.springgroveschool.co.uk

01233 812237

Sat 11 Mar

St. Andrews School Pre-School Rochester, , ME1 3BJ www.st-andrews.rochester.sch. uk

01634 843393

Private tours available. Call admissions to book.

St Edmunds Pre-Prep School Canterbury, CT2 8HU www.stedmunds.org.uk/preprep-school

01227 475600

Sat 4 March

St Faith’s Prep School

Ash, CT3 2HH

www.stfaithsprep.com

01304 813409

Sat 11 Mar

St Lawrence College Ramsgate, CT11 7AE

www.slcuk.com

01843 572931 I admissions@ slcuk.com

Early Years: Wed 15 Mar

Juniors: Sat 18 Mar

Sutton Valence Preparatory School Maidstone, ME17 3RF www.svs.org.uk

01622 845800

Fri 10 Mar

The New Beacon Prep School Sevenoaks, TN13 2PB www.newbeacon.org.uk

01732 452131

Fri 10 Mar 9.30-11.30am

Spring Grove’s new pre-prep building

Children in Reception and Year 2 at Spring Grove School in Wye had an exciting return to school at the start of the Spring term, with a move into the new Pre-Prep building.

The building is made up of two spacious and airy classrooms, with access to a covered, all-weather garden space. It sits alongside the school’s beautiful main house, which dates from the 17th century. The Pre-Prep Building has helped to further improve the provision for the Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils at Spring Grove. Children have now settled into their new rooms and are enjoying the space, new toys, interactive board and the toilets! This is what the children said:

‘I like that the new board has a pencil that wakes the board up automatically!’

‘I love everything but I really like the new bikes outside.’

‘I like the toilets, they’re really BIG! It smells really nice…like candy.’

Find out more at www.springgroveschool.co.uk

Stretching your child’s imagination

By Jemma Z Smith

Imagination is the ability to create mental images, thoughts or ideas. It helps us to generate new ideas, to think creatively and to consider possibilities that may not be rooted in current reality. Imagination can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and innovation.

Imagination is often associated with childhood and is an important aspect of child development. Children use their imaginations to create stories, games and other forms of play in which they explore their environment and learn about the world.

However, imagination isn’t only important in childhood. There are many jobs that rely on imagination and creative thinking. For example, imagination is used by the following professionals in the following ways:

Painters, sculptors, photographers - to create works of art;

Novelists, screenwriters and other writers - to create stories and characters;

Actors - to portray characters and bring stories to life;

Architects - to design buildings and other structures; Graphic designers - to create visual designs for websites, advertisements and other media;

Musicians - to compose music and create new sounds; Game designers - to create interactive games and virtual worlds;

Marketers - to come up with creative marketing campaigns and advertisements;

Teachers - to create engaging lesson plans and activities for their students;

Engineers - to design and build new products and systems.

Imagination takes many forms, including visual imagination to create mental images or pictures, verbal imagination in stories or ideas using words and musical imagination creating melodies and harmonies. It can also involve the use of all five senses, such as when someone imagines the taste, smell, or texture of a food they have never experienced.

By providing opportunities for children to use their imagination and encouraging them to be creative, parents can develop their creative thinking skills.

All imaginative play starts with an understanding of the world around us, so to help a child to use their imagination we must first introduce them to different experiences, from sensory experiences such as discovering new foods or smells, to listening to different accents and instruments. This exposure to the world allows your child to have a large mental ‘dressing up box’ to use when creating characters and scenarios for their imaginative play.

Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).

Activities to develop imagination

Encourage open-ended play. Playing with certain toys allows for open-ended exploration and creativity. Blocks, dolls and dressing-up clothes can all be used in a variety of ways, led by a child’s imagination.

Encourage storytelling. Parents can encourage children to create their own stories and characters, either through verbal storytelling, drawing or writing.

Encourage experimentation. Children use their imagination and creativity when trying new things and experimenting with different materials. For example, parents can provide children with art supplies, such as paint, clay or markers and encourage them to create their own projects.

Read together. Reading with children stretches their imagination and exposes them to new ideas and concepts. Encourage them to ask questions and make predictions while reading, to help stimulate their imagination.

Encourage role play. Role play is a fun way to use imagination, for instance, pretending to be a doctor with dolls and soft toys or pretending to be a chef while cooking dinner.

Homework: how you can help

By Zuzu Jordan

Homework is an important part of the learning process but many parents find it difficult to help their children with this for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s difficult to juggle work and find the optimum time when your child is most productive. Frequently parents feel that ‘the way they teach now’ isn’t how they were taught when they were school age.

Nevertheless, we all want to feel that we have done all we can to steer our children’s education in the right direction.

So what is homework?

Homework covers activities set by the class teacher, which vary from preparing for an upcoming topic, consolidating a lesson already taught or revising for a test. Your role at home is to help your child learn how to work independently, rather than endeavouring to ensure they get full marks.

Consider some of these techniques as a starting point towards a happier homework environment:

Ensure the space helps your child concentrate. A quiet room in the house with a table or desk is preferable. If this isn’t possible, libraries offer quiet spaces and most schools run a homework club. If you don’t have access to a computer or tablet, these are valuable free services.

Establish a routine. If your child works better in the morning when they are more alert, then consider doing some homework before school. This may require a complete change to your morning routine.

Devising a timetable with your child that shows the times for homework across the week can help them see what is expected each day.

All the kit at their fingertips. This is key to ensuring a smooth transition into getting the homework started. Searching for a pencil for half an hour will not help your child stay on track.

Technology can be a great tool. It helps with research and can also be used to revise a concept with which your child may be struggling. More and more schools are setting homework online and expecting children to use a unique login.

Teachers appreciate your input so do ask them for advice if homework is proving a sticking point.

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.

Maths toolbox

Visual and concrete resources boost learning, embed mathematical understanding and are widely used in schools. Providing familiar props at home will help children who are not yet ready to work out homework problems in their heads. Check you have the following: a number line, hundred square, dice, times tables chart, counters (eg milk bottle lids), protractor, weighing scales, tape measure, clocks (digital and analogue) and a place value chart. A lot of these resources already exist around the home, can be drawn or downloaded.

If you are willing to invest, Numicon, dienes and place value discs are good physical tools which give clear and concrete mathematical examples. Often used in primary school, there are many online resources showing how to use them.

Top Marks (www.topmarks.co.uk) has free online learning games which support classroom teaching across different age groups.

Numberblocks (BBC iPlayer) is an engaging, song-filled, animated series designed to help children remember key number facts.

BBC Teach (www.bbc.co.uk/teach) has helpful videos for specific topics, including maths.

Secrets of our first thousand days

By Professor Lucy Green & Professor Mark Hanson

Have you ever wondered why keeping healthy is so tough for some of us but seems easy for others? And why the so-called ‘non-communicable’ diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes still account for most deaths around the world, despite all the efforts of doctors and health care systems? Did you know that unconscious communication with your baby in the womb helps their body’s control systems develop for lifelong health?

An increasing number of medical experts would say that we are missing a fundamental clue to what makes us healthy. Our lifelong risk of chronic diseases can be established during our first thousand days, from conception until age two. This critical time affects how our bodies are put together and how we will respond to the world we will live in, with its stresses, need for exercise and good diet, adequate sleep and healthy behaviours.

The secrets of the first thousand days of our lives start from the moment of conception. Once the egg and sperm have fused, the very early embryo begins ‘tasting’ its environment. It detects

signals about the world from the mother’s hormones and the nutrients from the food she eats. These leave small ‘epigenic’ marks on the embryo’s DNA. It’s not just about the mother; the father’s sperm brings the egg its own marks too, affected by his diet and lifestyle. These change the instructions given by the inherited genes and can change how the unborn baby develops.

As the foetus grows it senses more signals from the mother’s lifestyle and nutrition. This is important because some organs developed before birth must serve us for a lifetime, like the muscle cells in our hearts and the filtering units in our kidneys. We even started practising breathing, albeit underwater, inside the womb and our lungs are sensitive to cues from our mother. Scientific advances reveal even more surprises; for example, that foetal brain electrical activity looks like adult sleep states. Could the foetus even be dreaming?

Children continue to respond to care and signals from the environment as they achieve major milestones before the age of 2, such as eating solid food, speaking their first words and taking first steps

Play n’ Grow Childcare

Play ‘n Grow Childcare offers a range of childcare options for ages 0 to 11. They offer nursery care at the Angel Centre (ages 0-5) and a Holiday Club for 2-11 year olds at Bishop Chavasse.

For more information email Sarah at playngrowchildcare@gmail.com

unaided. Some developments are less visible, like colonisation of the gut with bacteria, building an immune system based on ‘experience,’ or the changes in nerve cells and connections within the brain as they learn to recognise new faces and voices.

We are quite used to checking our children’s growth from the moment of birth. It is particularly important because poor foetal growth is associated with greater risk of non-communicable diseases later in life and small babies sometimes struggle to thrive. In addition, more young people than ever are overweight or obese and this risk of poor overall health can pass across generations too.

Knowing the secrets of development and how they can affect risks of ill-health later in life makes us think: if all parents were better prepared before pregnancy they would give the best first thousand days to the next generation. Our children won’t remember it or grow up to thank us but they’ll stay healthier.

Mark and Lucy, both at the University of Southampton, have spent decades researching the processes underlying human early development, which are now published in their new book What Makes a Person: Secrets of Our First 1,000 Days, available from www.bookshop.org

What makes a person

The achievements of biomedical research over recent decades have made it clear that while genes are the tools which our bodies use to develop, the plan of how we each develop and the use of the tools to do the job, is very flexible. The messages about life received from our parents sets the course of development.

What Makes a Person: Secrets of Our First 1,000 Days reveals less obvious and well-known scientific ‘secrets’ of development in the womb and early childhood.

Meet George Webster

Families chats with George Webster, the 22-year-old TV presenter, actor, dancer and ambassador for Mencap. George was catapulted into the public eye when he spoke about Down syndrome in his myth-busting video for BBC Bitesize. A trailblazer, he is now the first ever CBeebies presenter to have Down syndrome. In November 2022, George won a BAFTA (Children and Young People Awards) for Best Presenter.

Congratulations on winning your BAFTA! How do you feel about that achievement?

I feel really proud and really honoured to achieve the award for presenter. I work with so many brilliant people at CBeebies and I feel like things are starting to improve for people like me in the media industry.

Tell us about your journey to become a presenter on CBeebies.

I always loved acting, dancing and performing at school and since then one thing has led to another. While volunteering at Parkrun, Sky filmed me for a documentary and I then became a Mencap ambassador. When my BBC Bitesize video busting the five myths of Down syndrome got five million hits, CBeebies got in touch inviting me to be a guest presenter and now I’m a regular!

Who has been most supportive in helping you achieve your success?

My parents have been really supportive throughout my life and they always keep telling me ‘just be yourself.’ I always am and I want to say thank you to them for their love and support. Also, my support teachers at school, my friends,

the NHS and local charities. What advice would you give to encourage other youngsters who are facing challenges and want to pursue similar careers?

Be yourself and dream big. We can all dream big so don’t let anyone else decide for you as it’s your life. Get involved with local performing arts groups too.

What do you enjoy most about presenting?

I love everything about presenting at CBeebies! I’ve met loads of brilliant people and now we’re great friends. I also enjoy showing the viewers at home that people like me can be represented within the media and that ‘difference’ can inspire their kids’ lives. Their kids can have many role models, no matter who and what they are.

You’ve now written a picture book called This is ME! Tell us more.

This is ME! is about me, my friends and family when I was younger. It’s about celebrating differences no matter what we look like and who we are. It’s also about each person having their own glow inside that we all need to see.

The book illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to your rhyming words. How did the partnership come together?

My publisher, Scholastic Children’s Books, paired me with the wonderful illustrator, Tim Budgen. Working with him and my co-author, Claire Taylor, has been brilliant and a real collaborative effort.

What has been the best moment of your career so far?

There are so many! Working with CBeebies, writing a book, winning a BAFTA, being on Casualty, going to the premiere of S.A.M and dancing on stage with Talent Hub. Plus going to UDance National Finals to represent Yorkshire as the first inclusive dance group with Meshdance and watching my appearance on Strictly Come Dancing back on Christmas Day. You are ambassador for the charity Mencap, which works to improve the life of young people with learning difficulties. Tell us what this work means to you.

It means a lot to me as I have many friends with a learning disability and they’re all

brilliant. People like us exist and working with Mencap means our voices get heard. I want people to understand us more rather than be scared of us.

Where would you like to see your career heading in the future?

I’d love to do more presenting and acting work. I would love to be in Death in Paradise, EastEnders and Doctor Who. Or I could be the new James Bond - why not! Also, I’d love to compete on the main show of Strictly Come Dancing.

If you had to bust one myth about having Down syndrome, what would it be?

‘People with Down syndrome are always happy.’ This just isn’t true! We have a range of emotions like every living person has.

What do you do to relax?

I love going to the theatre or cinema, watching films and tv and listening to music. Oh, and thrashing my dad at FIFA!

GIVEAWAY!

Five signed copies of This is ME! picture book

Families has teamed up with BAFTA award-winning TV presenter, George Webster, CBeebies’ first presenter with Down syndrome, to o er five lucky children copies of George’s new book, This is ME!

This is ME! is a heartfelt and uplifting story that follows a little boy called George as he tells the reader all about who he is, his life and his experiences. George knows that having Down syndrome is an important part of him but it does not define him.

Featuring George’s real-life friends and family as well as a joyful cast of characters reflective of society and with bright and bold illustrations by best-selling illustrator, Tim Budgen, This is ME! celebrates uniqueness, being ourselves and how our di erences make us special.

or visit familiesmag.co.uk/go

Closing date: 21 April

Healthy after-school snack ideas

By Sarah Alder

It’s a familiar scene across the country at school pick up time. Children come running out of the classroom to greet you and instead of ‘hello’, it’s: ‘can I have a snack?’. So how do we satisfy their ravenous after-school hunger with healthy foods?

It’s good to have some quick and easy ideas to hand to avoid spending a fortune on packaged snacks.

Savoury

Fun bites

Fruity

Celery sticks filled with peanut butter and raisins or cream cheese and tomato are really yummy and can even be presented as a stack to make a Gruffalo log pile house!

Vegetable sticks (carrot, cucumber, pepper etc) are easy to prepare and work well with houmous. Or, for something a bit different, try bread sticks with a yoghurt-based dip or guacamole.

I’m a great fan of savoury muffins. These can be batch cooked and frozen. For a great courgette, spinach and cheese muffin recipe, head to https://bit.ly/ ktsavourymuffin

To ramp up the novelty factor, you can make a simple but tasty savoury mix and keep it in an airtight container for the kids to snack on throughout the week. There’s one at https://bit.ly/kttrailmix you can try. Or you can mix together some dried fruit and seeds if you don’t have much prep time.

Don’t forget healthy cereals which make a great snack especially if paired with some fruit and milk or yoghurt - think popped rice, Shreddies, Shredded Wheat or Cheerios. And then there’s the fun favourite – popcorn! Try popping your own and experimenting with flavours (think cinnamon, smoked paprika, Marmite butter…)

Top Tip

Think of snacks as mini meals which should ideally include a small amount of foods from different food groups to ensure your kids stay fuller for longer. This will reduce the demand for more snacks!

Not always a firm favourite with kids but fruit can be offered in different ways to keep it interesting. Think fruit salad, fruit kebabs, chopped apple, banana and grapes, berries and natural yoghurt (you can use frozen berries to save some money and to offer them all year round).

Fruit smoothies are really tasty and go down well with kids, whilst home-made fruit muffins don’t even feel like fruit! See https://bit.ly/ktsmoothie for recipe.

Carb Filled

Think oatcake with peanut butter or cheese, toasted fruit bread or even a fruity, low sugar flapjack - there’s a great recipe at https://bit.ly/ktflapjacks

You can also serve cheese with crackers or plain scones with cheese. Great for days when the kids really need to get their teeth into something….

Images, top row from left to right: celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins, savoury mix, fruit kebabs and natural yoghurt. Bottom row from left to right: courgette, spinach and cheese muffins, popcorn, fruity, low sugar flapjack.

Sarah Alder of Kitchen Titbits (www.kitchentitbits.co.uk) is a meal planning and family mealtimes mentor who works with parents to support fussy eaters. Visit her site for lots of tips and advice and to find out about her courses and workshops.

Playing outside

For the majority of today’s parents, the best childhood memories don’t involve expensive toys or organised activities. Instead, they remember the simple pleasures of playing and running around outside with their friends. Their strongest and fondest memories recall a magical sense of freedom and possibility.

There have been many studies into the benefits of free, unstructured outside play. Children playing together use their creativity and imagination to create games and invent rules; they learn how to collaborate, share, negotiate and resolve conflicts. They build resilience, independence and social confidence as they learn to navigate the world without adult interference. All valuable experiences as they grow into young adults.

Playing outside is also the natural, joyful way that children are physically active and develop running, balancing, skipping, climbing, jumping and even ball skills at their own pace. You don’t have to ‘make’ children do this; just look at a school playground at breaktime!

In the past, playing outside was the easy, free way that children got all these vital health and wellbeing benefits, every day. All it needed was safe spaces close to home: streets, patches of land, small parks children could get to. It didn’t need money, a car or an adult to take them.

Children’s health and community

Play streets have been spreading across the UK for over a decade now and the positive impact on children is backed by research: regular extra hours of physical activity, the opportunity to make friends with other neighbourhood children and picking up fun and useful skills such as skipping and riding bikes. In short, all the good benefits of playing out for health and wellbeing that many of us used to have.

Many streets which have been playing out regularly for several years have found that it’s not just the children who benefit; it can bring the whole street community together.

Get started with play streets

There are four steps involved with setting up a play street: Consult your neighbours. It’s clearly got to be something that they will either actively embrace or, at the very least, find acceptable.

Apply to your council for permission. Not all councils have policies to support play streets but they can often be persuaded if they can see that there is demand from residents. In these areas, why not start with a street party (for the Coronation perhaps), focus on low key space for play and then take it from there?

Effectively communicate what is happening to everyone on the street.

Release your kids to play out. On the day, volunteer stewards supervise the road closure so that residents who need to can still drive in and out and the disruption to neighbours is minimal. All the information and support you need to take this further is at www.playingout.net

Today things are very different. While screens and ‘lazy’ children or parents often get blamed, one of the biggest barriers is traffic. UK traffic volume has doubled since the 1980s and roads are now seen as ‘just for cars.’ Parental fears are justified, as the numbers of children being killed or injured on our roads is shocking and should be unacceptable in any society.

So what can parents do?

Gardens are safe but not everyone has one. Organised activities are great but not always possible and don’t replace the benefits of unstructured play.

Play streets are one way to reclaim some of the freedom children have lost. By temporarily stopping through traffic on a residential street, neighbours can open up a safe space for children to play together on their doorsteps.

In 2009, a group of Bristol parents closed their street to through traffic for a few hours to give their children some of the freedom they grew up with. Their council then agreed that this could happen every week. The idea began to spread and they set up Playing Out to support other parents and residents do the same. Look into setting up your own space at www.playingout.net

What's On

To promote your local event in the next issue, email the details to: editor@familieskent.co.uk.

All listings are correct at the time of going to print.

DIARY DATES

Mon to Fri, Term Time Only

Stay & Play Flip Out Ashford, TN24 8DH www.flipout.co.uk/locations/ ashford

Enjoy spending time with your little ones in dedicated toddler areas. 10am-3pm. Under 5s only. £7.

Every Mon, Term Time Only

Storytime in Knole’s bookshop Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Short stories and nursery rhymes 11–11.30am. Free. Under 5s.

Every Tue Stay & Play

Sunshine Children’s Centre, Maidstone, ME15 6TL www.facebook.com/maidstone childrenscentres

Sensory activities, outdoor play, messy play, crafts and more. 9.3011am. Ages 0-5. Free.

Every Wed

Playground (Creative Play for Babies)

Ashford Gateway Plus, TN23 1AS www.kent.gov.uk

Free weekly sessions for ages 0-24 months in libraries and early years settingst. Pre-book on 03000 413131.

Climbing Activities Parties SEN Sessions

Every Thu Term Time Only

ABC Toddler Group St James Church Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 2JZ Have fun with toys, crafts, singing and storytime. There is a £1 per adult charge, payable on the door.

Every Fri Baby Rhymetime Ashford Gateway Plus, TN23 1AS www.kent.gov.uk

Popular rhymes and songs for babies, toddlers and their parents or carers. 10-10.20am.

Every Sat Dedicated SEN Session Flip Out Ashford, TN24 8DH www.flipout.co.uk/locations/ ashford

The disco lights and music are turned down to create a calming, relaxing atmosphere. All ages. 9-10am. £8.50.

Every Sat Love Your Local Market

Bligh’s Meadow Shopping Centre, Sevenoaks TN13 1DA www.blighsmeadow.com Offering a range of local goods from breads to art and crafts stalls, Fun for all to explore and discover. 9am-4pm.

MARCH

Throughout Mar & Apr

Trainmaster

Venues across Kent

www.trainmaster.co.uk

Train lovers can visit for an hour of play. Refreshments available. Venues across Kent. See the website for an event near you.

Throughout Mar and Apr

Easter Egg Hunt

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk

An annual Easter Egg Trail around the picturesque Ightham Mote gardens. Pick up an Easter egg trail map and complete all ten activities to win a treat! 10am-4pm. NNA + £3.

Throughout Mar and Apr

Childrens Dodgeball Club

Baypoint Sports Club, Sandwich, CT13 9QL www.wearebaypoint.co.uk

Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge in this new club by Baypoint. A new dodgeball club for ages 5 to 11 from 5.30–6.15pm. First session is free. £3 a session.

Throughout Mar and Apr

Alpaca Trek Experience

Reuthe’s – The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks, TN15 OHB www.reuthes.com

An incredible one hour experience where you will meet the alpacas and go on a gentle walk through the historic ancient woodlands and gardens with an expert to guide you along the way. Up to 6 participants can take part in every trek.

Selected dates Mar and Apr

Babyccino Coffee Mornings

Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Buy a hot drink and get a free babyccino. Meet and chat with other parents. Toys/games for little ones. Free, but normal admission applies. 10am–12pm.

Until Sun 16 Apr

The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail

The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury, CT1 2RA www.canterburymuseums.co.uk/ the-beaney

In celebration of the anniversary of this classic book, go down the rabbit hole in this walkthrough experience of The Tale of Peter Rabbit™ With photo opportunities and activities to take part in. Closed on Mondays.

Sat 4 Mar

Drawing Workshop: How to Draw a Scribble Witch

The Little Green Bookshop, Herne Bay, CT6 5LH

The author Inky Willis will be reading from the books, answering questions and showing children how they can draw their very own Scribble Witch. Ages 7-9.

Sat 4 Mar

Illustration Workshop with Garry Parsons

The Little Green Bookshop, Herne Bay, CT6 5LH

Let imaginations and creativity grow in this drawing workshop hosted by Illustrator and artist Garry Parsons. 11am-12pm. Free. Ages 5-9.

Tue 14 Mar

Supporting Schemas: Developing Mini Scientists, Mathematicians & Architects KatieB Kids, Dartford, A2 6FF www.katiebkids.co.uk

Explore your child’s learning through this free family workshop. This workshop help your child’s inner motivation and strengthen your connection with your child, all through play. 7–8.30pm.

Sat 18–Sun 19 Mar

Mother’s Day Weekend at Hever Castle

Themed activities includes family photo booth and face painting. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Sun 19 Mar

CBeebies Party with more than Mascots

Ballin Maidstone, Maidstone, ME14 1SD

www.ballinmaidstone.com

A cool kid’s party packed with singalongs, dance routines, activities and a photo opportunity with some favourite characters.

Fri 24 Mar & Fri 21 Apr

Knole Fawns Toddler Group Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Learn the history and nature of Knole with crafts, games and stories. £5 per child. Ages 2-5.

Sat 25 to Sun 26 Mar

Lambing Weekend Hadlow College, TN11 0AL www.hadlow.ac.uk

Enjoy the rides, stalls and even meet lovely new-born lambs (available to book until Fri 24 Mar).

Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more interactive content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go

Fri 31 Mar and Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt

South Foreland Lighthouse, Dover, CT15 5NA

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Search for the clues around the grounds of the historic lighthouse, complete the activities at each of the 10 stations and once completed claim your chocolate egg. Easter trail entry is £3 per child.

Sat 1 to Mon 10 Apr

Bouncing Bunnies Easter Trail

Quex Adventure Farm Park, Birchington, CT70BH

www.quexadventurefarmpark.com

Meet special characters, an array of sweet treats and a whole day of Easter fun. Tickets include an Easter egg, bunny ears, access to Quex Adventure Farm Park facilities. Child £16.50 and adult £6.

Sat 1 to Thu 6 Apr & Tue 11 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Adventure Quest

Dover Castle, Dover, CT16 1HU www.english-heritage.org.uk

What better way to keep your kids entertained than a quest to find the missing Easter eggs. Chocolate prize available. Normal admission and £2 for completing the quest.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Spring into Easter

Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU www.kentlife.org.uk

Meet lambs, goats and many more farmyard friends. Enjoy a fun farm ride, animal feeding, owl flying demonstrations and make your own Easter gift. Pre-booking is essential.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Adventure

Walmer Castle and Gardens, Deal, CT14 7LJ www.english-heritage.org.uk

An egg-stravagent adventure waits for all. From hunting clues to playing traditional Easter games. Pick up a treat and certificate at the end of your adventure. Quest cost £2 in addition to the normal ticket price. 10am-5pm.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Fun at The Farm

The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6QF

www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Enjoy adventure play park, crazy golf getting up close to donkeys, llamas, alpacas, bunnies, ducks and more. Let kids go crazy on the Giant Jumping Pillows, indoor soft play and thrilling rides, plus Easter trails.

Sat 1 Apr to Sun 16 Apr

Easter at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

www.leeds-castle.com

An Easter adventure that all the family can enjoy. More info online.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Adventures: The Great Scotney Egg-stravaganza

Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Take part in ten fun games and activities such as ‘snakes and adders’, ‘newts and crosses’ and ‘hoppyscotch’ in the garden and win an Easter egg. 10am-4.30pm. £3.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Egg Trail

Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF

www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

Find hidden gems to claim chocolatey rewards and follow the carrots to meet a very special guest! For children aged 2 to 10 years. £10 per child, £3 per adult.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Family Fun

Hever Castle, TN8 7NG

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Hop around the grounds and help the Easter Bunny find their Easter eggs on a bunny quest. Get creative and decorate an Easter egg. Activities are included in normal admission price. 11am-5pm.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Trail

Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Giant eggs are waiting to be found in the parkland. Meet woodland friends,

Weald of Kent Country Craft Show

Visit the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show (29 Apr to 1 May), located within the striking landscape of Penshurst Place, Tonbridge.

With over 150 independent stall holders, explore large marquees bursting with handmade jewellery, homeware and décor, art, fashion and accessories, health and wellness products, artisan food and drink and more, lovingly created by specialist craftspeople.

Enjoy delicious gourmet street food from selected caterers whilst soaking up the stunning surroundings. The show also hosts a mix of enjoyable activities and entertainment – from laser clay shooting, a falconry display, live musicians and interactive workshops.

More info at www.thecraftshows.co.uk/wealdofkent2023

from owls to deers to butterflies and insects this Easter trail. Win a chocolate reward! £3 per trail.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Trail: Being Winston Chartwell Westerham, TN16 1PS www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore the beautiful gardens of Chartwell and learn a bit more about the life of Churchill. Involves painting activities, a fun land swimming race and receive a chocolate egg at the end. £3.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Adventure Quest

Home of Charles Darwin - Down House, Downe, BR6 7JT www.english-heritage.org.uk

A family-friendly interactive Easter trail. Hunt for eggs by solving clues and claim a chocolate reward and adventurer’s certificate. Also, exciting Easter games the whole family can enjoy. Easter quest tickets cost £2 + normal admission.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Cranbrook, TN17 2AB www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Get into the egg-hunting spirit, with a brilliant Easter egg hunt for all the family. Interactive activities and seasonal games. Trails are £3. 11am–4.30pm.

Sat 1 to Sun 16 Apr

Easter at the Dockyard

The Historic Dockyard, ME4 4TZ www.thedockyard.co.uk

Dozens of mystery eggs have been laid across the Dockyard. Follow the trail and solve the puzzle to access to the secret Kraken’s Lair.

Tue 4 Apr

Wild Classroom Family Cooking Workshop

Belmont House, Faversham, ME13 0HH

www.belmont-house.org

Spend quality family time together in this cooking workshop. 10am–1.30pm. £70 includes the registration of 2 adults and 2 children ages 4–15. Pre-book.

Tue 4 to Fri 14 Apr

Family Activities: First World War Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1UR

www.re-museum.co.uk

Bring history to life by handling First World War artefacts from the Museum’s collection. Activities included. £3 per activity per child. Regular admission price applies.

Wed 5 Apr

Easter Baskets

Rochester Community Hub, Rochester, ME1 1EW

www.medway.gov.uk/events

Get crafty at this Easter Craft Workshop. From 2.15–3.15pm. Ages 4 to 11. Free but pre-book.

Wed 5 Apr

Bouncing Bunnies

Walderslade Hook Meadow Library, Chatham, ME5 0TZ

www.medway.gov.uk/events

Grab your bunny ears and hop over to this art and craft event. Ages 4 to 11. Free but pre-book. 2.30–3.30pm.

Fri 7 to Sun 9 Apr

Easter Trail

Brogdale Collections, Faversham, ME13 8XZ

www.brogdalecollections.org

Take part in an Easter trail, follow the trail map and solve the hidden word quiz to collect a tasty treat at the end. Don’t forget to say hello to the Easter Bunny.

Fri 7 To Mon 10 Apr

Easter Escapades

Dover Castle, Dover, CT16 1HU

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Four days of Easter fun. Enjoy traditional games, activities, races and storytelling throughout the day. There is also an Easter Adventure Quest for just £2 which can be paid on arrival. 10am–4pm.

Fri 7 to Mon 10 Apr

Little Red Riding Hood’s Easter Train Ride

Spa Valley Railway, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY

www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Little Red Riding Hood tries to find the perfect Easter egg for Granny, can you help? Book online.

Easter family fun at Hever Castle

From 1 to 16 April, make some special family memories at Hever Castle. Help the Easter bunny find sweet treats as part of a quest around the grounds, get creative with the FREE egg decorating workshop and enjoy the very best of spring, including a dazzling display of spring blooms as you explore the stunning garden.

Children ages 7 to 14 can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets, featuring three slides, two poles and interactive elements. The under 7s can discover the natural play area, Acorn Dell with its two-metrehigh living willow structure, a giant sandpit and climbing frame, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Or why not challenge yourself not to get wet in the Water Maze.

More info at www.hevercastle.co.uk

Sat 8 Apr

Easter Children’s Party

Reuthe’s - The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks, TN15 OHB www.reuthes.com

Kids can go wild on the dance floor with friends and family at this Easter party. £3. 4-7pm.

Sat 8 Apr

Easter Activity Morning

Singleton Environment Centre Ashford, TN23 5LW www.singletonenvironmentcentre. org.uk

A great Easter-themed morning for families. From an Easter bunny hunt, animal quiz, making an easter hat and so much more. 10am–1pm.

Sat 8 & Sun 9 Apr

Truck Racing

Brands Hatch, DA3 8NG www.brandshatch.co.uk

Easter weekend fun with British Truck Racing and lots of family activities to enjoy. Tickets £25, children under 13 free. Book online for a discount.

Sun 10 Apr

ECOkids Easter Family Fun Green Farm: Spa, Retreats & Barn Ashford, TN26 1LT www.greenfarmkent.co.uk

Enjoy a morning of Easter fun. Meet new lambs on the farm, bunny hunt in the garden, weave your own Easter basket and enjoy woodlands games and crafts.

Sat 29 Apr to Mon 1 May

Maypole Dancing

Hever Castle, TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

Dance around the maypole with brightly coloured ribbons and watch a traditional May Day play.

Sat 29 Apr to Mon 1 May

Weald of Kent Country Craft Show Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG www.thecraftshows.co.uk/ wealdofkent2023

Artisan shopping, delicious food, workshops, entertainment, craft demonstrations, children’s rides and a feel-good atmosphere – the perfect bank holiday day out!

Gulbenkian Arts Centre, CT2 7NB

www.thegulbenkian.co.uk

Tue 7 to Thu 9 Mar

Matilda The Musical JR

A spectacular theatre show adapted from Roald Dahl’s much-loved children’s novel, Matilda.

Sun 12 to Sun 26 Mar & Sun 16 Apr

Creative Club: Family Film Fun Crafts

Creative workshop and a family film. 2-5pm. Ages 4-12.

Sun 19 Mar

Creative Club: The Skin We’re In Workshop These fun workshops for children make use of creative arts and explore or encourage many skills. Ages 4-12. £8.

Sun 19 to Mon 20 Mar

I Want My Hat Back Onstage tales based on Jon Klassen’s book trilogy. Ages 3-6.

Mon 17 to Tue 18 Apr

The Smeds and The Smoos Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, featuring music, laughs and interplanetary adventures.

Ages 3+.

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP www.trinitytheatre.net

Fri 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Mar

Storytime

A magical, interactive and imaginative story each week full of catchy songs and wonderful characters. Ages 6mths+.

Sat 1 Apr

Pinocchio

Pinocchio is carved on stage, brushes become a fox and the shadow of two saws transforms into a giant shark. Enjoy puppetry, shadows, illusion and especially composed music. Ages 4+.

Action-packed fun at Clip ‘n Climb

Clip ‘n Climb in Tonbridge is the perfect action-packed fun day for all the family to enjoy.

Where climbing meets theme park. Clip ‘n Climb is an indoor climbing arena for adults and kids ages 4+. The centre has 44 individual and multi climber wall challenges of varying design and difficulty. No climbing experience is necessary as a full safety briefing is given before you start. There is also a Little Rockers Toddler Session, fun walls for ages 2-4 and runs every Wednesday during term time at 10am and Rockstars, a four week climbing course targeted at 5-11 year olds. There’s also sessions for children with Autism and Special Educational Needs on Tuesdays (term time only). Plus Clip ‘n Climb is also a popular venue for kids’ parties.

More info at www.clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk

Wed 5 Apr

Goldilocks and The Three Bears

A hilarious, pantomine-style show filled with circus and speciality acts.

Thu 13 Apr

Mister Magnolia

Join Mister Magnolia on his wacky adventures, filled with colourful characters, live music, puppetry and audience interaction! 2pm.

The Alex, Faversham, ME13 8NZ www.thealex.org.uk

Sat 8 Apr

Animals!

An uplifting performance which celebrates the wildlife. 2pm. Ages 6+.

The King’s Hall, Herne Bay, CT6 6BA www.thekingshall.com

Thu 9 to Fri 10 Mar Room on The Broom

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story is live on stage.

Ages 3+.

Thu 13 to Sun 16 Apr

The Emperor’s Clothes

A new family musical based on the classic fairy tale, delivering catchy songs, fun characters, plenty of laughs and a few surprises!

The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone, ME14 1PL www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Wed 5 Apr

The Little Mermaid

Join Ariel; her father, King of the Seven Seas; Ursula, the evil sea witch and a whole host of fabulous characters in this brand-new song and dance filled adaptation.

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford DA1 1ED www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Sat 11 Mar

Family Day

A workshop of magical story time, theatre games, on-stage disco, face painting, fancy dress parade, competitions and much more! £10 per person (includes lunch box and drink). Ages 3-10.

Sun 9 Apr

Milkshake! Live

Join Monkey and his favourite Milkshake! friends and presenters in this fun-filled extravaganza for all.

Mon 17 Apr

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Top stand-up comedians plus a compere, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. For grownups plus 0-12 months.

Thu 27 to Sat 29 Apr

In the Night Garden Live

See all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with fullsize costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music.

EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School, TN9 1JP

www.emftheatre.com

Fri 24 to Sun 26 Mar

The Little Mermaid

Join Ariel; her father, King of the Seven Seas; Ursula, the evil sea witch and a whole host of fabulous characters in this brand-new song and dance filled adaptation.

The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury CT1 2AS Box Office: 01227 787787

www.marlowetheatre.com

Tue 21 to Sat 25 Mar

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty

With gorgeous sets, stunning costumes, impressive lighting and captivating storytelling this awardwinning show has dazzled audiences worldwide. Ages 5+.

Fri 31 Mar to Sun 2 Apr

Dinosaur World Live

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. Ages 3+.

The Brook Theatre, Chatham ME4 4SE

www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

Sat 1 Apr

Fireman Sam Live!

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis and Norman in an all singing, dancing, actionpacked show. Ages 3+.

The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ

www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Sun 12 Mar

Baby Broadway Family Concert

Sing along to songs from hit musicals and films with West End singers. Bubbles, puppets and dance moves make for an interactive family concert.

Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury, CT2 7JA

www.malthousetheatre.co.uk

Mon 10 Apr

I Spy With My Little Eye – The Party!

Molly and Bingo the puppy are having a birthday party, full of games, a treasure hunt and singalong songs. 60 minutes of fun and laughter for all.

I Spy With My Little Eye