Families Chiltern March/April 2023

Editor: Chrissie Wilson.

Call: 01296 586586, Email: editor@familieschiltern.com

Next issue: May/June 2023. Booking deadline: 1 April.

Congratulations to our competition winners: Issue 118, Nov/Dec 22- Family ticket to Cinderella at Wycome Swan: Helen King. Family ticket to

The seasons are turning and spring is around the corner. It’s not too soon to start making plans for those all-important egg hunts, Easter days out and holiday camps. Our What’s On guide has everything you need to fill up your diary.

It’s our early year’s special with great features on childcare and activity options for under 5’s.

Our Junior Reporters have been busy reviewing local places. Welcome to our new reporter, 5-year-old Andrea from Holmer Green.

Don’t miss our next issue, our 20-year Anniversary Special!

Enjoy,

Family fun at the Great Missenden Food Festival

Take a gastronomical journey around the world this Easter Bank Holiday at the Great Missenden Food Festival, the ultimate family foodie weekend.

There’s plenty of fun to keep children of all ages happy – visit the Story Time Corner or get adventurous on the Enchanted Garden Walk and Easter egg hunt.

Their free of charge Cookery School allows children to turn basic ingredients into tasty treats. With their aprons on, children can enjoy getting their hands messy and chomping on their own creations. There are thousands of free workshop spaces plus live music, pottery workshops, local producers, street food from around the globe, artisan bars, and children’s rides and slides. Best of all, children under 16 years old are free! The festival is on over four days, 7th to 10th April, 10am-5pm. < lovefoodevents.co.uk

Aladdin at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre: Joanna Lovell and the Einstein book set: Claire Steadman.

Great British Spring Clean is back!

Wherever you live, you and your family can make a difference to your local environment by sparing just a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean from 17th March to 2nd April.

Now in its eighth year, the event aims to encourage people across the country, from individual volunteers – dubbed #LitterHeroes by the charity – for people come together to clean up streets, parks, beaches and other public spaces.

It’s easy to get involved. Simply pledge to take part and either organise a litter-pick in your community or join an organised event. To find out more, join a local event and register to take part, visit: < bit.ly/KBTspringclean

Discover giant bugs made out of litter around Black Park in Wrexham. Explore the free Litter Bugs self-led trail from 17th March to 16th April. < bit.ly/litter-bugs

Parents cut back on pocket money

Children’s piggy banks are paying a price for the costof-living crisis after almost a third of parents cut back on pocket money during the last year.

The average amount that is going into the pockets of under 16s each week has dropped by 23% to £4.99 this year from £6.48 in 2021, according to research from the lender Halifax – the lowest amount since 2001.

In spite of a worsening economic climate, half of British parents said they were willing to sacrifice their own spending to maintain their children’s weekly funds including reducing leisure costs such as eating out as well as ‘treats’ such as designer items.

The most popular purchases using pocket money remain gaming and sweets, according to parents’ votes. Toys follow closely, as well as clothing, then hobbies such as books.

Get connected during British Science Week

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

Charlie and Chocolate Factory is the most popular children’s book

Roald Dahl has scooped the top three places in a list of the UK’s favourite children’s reads from the past eighty years. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, first published in 1964 and illustrated by Quentin Blake, tops the poll of two thousand parents of children ages 1 to 12 commissioned by the CILIP Carnegie Medal.

The BFG (1982) and Matilda (1988), both also illustrated by Blake, followed in second and third place respectively. The poll also revealed that the majority of parents read to their kids for an average of two hours per week and over eighty percent prefer print books to e-books. To view the Top 15, go to: < thebookseller.com/news

The Big Walk & Superhero Mile

The Big Walk is a fantastic family-friendly event on Saturday 22nd April. It attracts over 300 walkers each year and raises funds for Pace, an Aylesbury-based children’s charity, whose vision is to enable potential in children with neurodisabilities like cerebral palsy.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore our beautiful countryside as well as raise funds to help Pace provide life changing support to over 400 babies, children and young people who access their services each year. The event is open to all ages and abilities with a choice of four routes including: 18, 12 and 6 miles along the ancient Ridgeway and a Superhero Mile for families at the John Colet School in Wendover. The registration fee is £15 for The Big Walk or £5 for the Superhero Mile. It includes: a participant’s medal, water, snacks and support team. Sign up at: < thepacecentre.org

New online children’s physiotherapist directory

Parents wanting to locate a local children’s physiotherapist can now use an online directory launched by the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists. The majority of children’s physiotherapists work in the NHS. Your GP can advise about local services and make a referral, if appropriate. However, some parents choose to seek advice and treatment from an independent or private physiotherapist either instead of, or to supplement, NHS care.

Many children need support from a physiotherapist at some time during their childhood. This may be sought for advice and treatment relating to posture and movement or for acute injuries.

Discover Chesham’s Past

Are you and your family keen to discover the characters, buildings and stories of a historic Chilterns town? Chesham Museum has been working with artist, Livi Gosling, to share some of the secrets of Chesham’s past, with a new illustrated walking trail and quiz. It takes around an hour to complete and can be downloaded from Chesham Museum’s website, or a free copy can be collected from Chesham Library. Chesham Museum is currently an online museum, delivering lots of schools and community outreach work, pop-up exhibitions, talks and walks whilst they find new premises.

< cheshammuseum.org.uk

All qualified physiotherapists are regulated by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and children’s physiotherapists have additional expertise in child development and childhood conditions. They are specialist practitioners, with the right skill base and knowledge to deliver the best care for babies, children and young adults.

More info: < bit.ly/ findchildrenphysio

What’s new or free in 2023

To help you and your family get the best out of the year ahead, Claire Winter gives you the lowdown on exciting free events and new products for 2023.

The Young V&A (formerly the Museum of Childhood) will re-open in Bethnal Green, London this summer as a new national museum and creative powerhouse for children and young teens.

< vam.ac.uk/young

Days

New Zog Activity Trail is open at Wendover Woods and other Forestry England sites across the UK. There’s a free AR app you can download before you go, or you can collect a Trail Pack from the Information Centre for £4. < forestryengland.uk/zog

Go on a night-time adventure to look at constellations and galaxies at one of England’s growing range of dark sky experiences and festivals. 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park the UK’s largest and first International Dark Sky Park, which spans nearly 1,500 square km of Northumberland National Park, Kielder Water and Forest Park. < bit.ly/northdarksky

Explore the North Downs Art Trail on foot or bicycle to enjoy stunning views between Dover in Kent and Farnham in Surrey, where a series of sculptures work as benches or shelters. Choose from a range of downloadable, self-guided walking or cycling routes. < bit.ly/ndownsarttrail

Check out the all-British and all-electric Firefly Sports car for kids. It’s hoped the car will help educate youngsters about road safety and how future motor vehicles can be an environmental force for good. Try driving the Firefly Sport at Young Driver’s UK venues for £20. Book a lesson at: < youngdriver.com

All eyes will be on London with the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6 May. Plus, we get a new bank holiday on Monday 8 May to continue the celebrations. Expect lots of free royal-themed events, exhibitions and celebrations across the UK. < royal.uk

LEGO Friends® releases five new sets this year with diverse characters that better represent children. The new sets will be inclusive of various ethnicities, disabilities and neurodivergence and will feature characters with limb difference, Downs syndrome, anxiety, vitiligo and even pets with disabilities, including a blind dog and a dog with a wheelchair. < bit.ly/friendsdiverse

The new car sunshade from Shady® is the only car sunshade that allows you to wind down your car window. The sunshade blocks nearly all harmful UV rays and sticks firmly to the glass of the window. It’s perfect for any age and if you have a newborn, it has been specifically developed to nurture and stimulate vision and the optic nerves by incorporating high contrast, black-and-white, fun images whilst providing protection from sunlight.

Baboodle is a new baby equipment subscription platform, renting baby essentials to parents for as much time as they need. There are huge discounts on baby equipment and the scheme reduces the waste associated with baby equipment. Sign up and start saving at: < baboodle.co.uk

NEW

Days Out J u n i o r Reporters

Planet Ice

By Minnie from Gerrards Cross, aged 8.

This month, my family and I paid a visit to Planet Ice in Hemel Hempstead. We usually go skating at Christmas to the picturesque ice-skating rinks at the Natural History Museum or Windsor, but this year we didn’t manage to go (thanks to the flu!) so we decided to head to Planet Ice instead. If you are looking for a scenic skate with twinkling lights and snow topped Christmas trees, then this might not be the place for you. However, the rink itself was very spacious and had a fun party atmosphere with music playing and skaters of all abilities having fun on the ice.

My mummy booked online and when we got there, we queued to hire our skates - the queue was fast moving and we didn’t need to wait that long. My little sister Nancy was offered a skate aid to help her balance. It was in the shape of a comical looking penguin and she was very happy with it!

Discover Bucks Museum

Hi! I’m Lily and this month we visited the Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury. We have been before but as well as the usual displays, they now have a ‘Your Amazing Brain’ exhibition.

The people at the museum are very kind and helpful. We headed up the stairs and found loads of brain problems, puzzles and peculiar gadgets. I liked the upside-down face – when you turn it the right way, the eyes and mouth were still the wrong way! It was very clever. There were interactive games where you can feel what is inside the box and try and trace a picture using a mirror. It was all very fun

The Roald Dahl Museum

Hi, my name is Andrea and I am 5 years old. We went to the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden. When we went at Christmas time their theme was Matilda and I love Matilda! We went on a trail to find Amanda Thripp’s pigtails. They hid them in good hiding spaces. You will never find the last ones! My favourite thing was story telling. We heard Matilda. Did you know that Matilda was first a very very naughty girl? Roald Dahl didn’t like the story with Matilda

We gingerly crept out onto the ice. I found myself violently wobbling at first. However, we had a whole 90 minutes on the ice and my skills definitely progressed. My sisters and I played some fun games like timing how long it took us to skate round the whole rink, and we did all fall over – but the people who worked there were helping everyone up.

After an exhilarating skate, we went out for lunch; there are lots of places to choose from right next to Planet Ice. My daddy chose Prezzo, but I also noticed a Five Guys and McDonalds. We really enjoyed our morning at Planet Ice and it’s good to know that we don’t have to wait until Christmas time to go ice skating!

and I learnt lots of facts. Also at the museum is the Roald Dahl Gallery. I love it there because there is so much to do. My favourite part is the Fantastic Mr Fox tunnel with interesting artifacts and funky lights. My little brother liked that too and the microscope in the Giant Peach. There is a cool area for reading, with bean bags and books. The Museum is a great place to visit because there is always lots to see and do. It’s super fun and I can’t wait to go back.

very naughty so he threw it in the bin and he made Matilda nice. They have a dream jar from the BFG and if you talk into it, it will copy you and do a fart or burp! It’s very funny! You can also do some crafts and you can see which Roald Dahl character you are the same height as. I hope you go soon because it’s lots of fun!

With so many events this Easter, it’s hard to know which ones to choose! So here’s our pick of favourite family days out that will make for a really special Easter.

Easter Egg Hunts

Eggsplore Eggs Trail at Tring Natural History Museum. Put your egg-spotting skills to the test and see if you can spot all of the eggs hidden around the galleries. Age 5+ £1. From 1st to 17th April. nhm.ac.uk

Easter Egg Trails at National Trust. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family in the grounds. Cliveden: 31st March to 16th April. Hughenden & Stowe 1st to 16th April. Waddesdon: 29th March to 10th April. £3 per child, (includes a chocolate egg) plus admission charge. Pre-booking required at Waddesdon only. nationaltrust.org.uk.

Easter Egg hunt and workshop

Enjoy colouring, decorating and creative activities then off to the park to see what the Easter Bunny has left behind! 7th April at Colne Valley Visitor Centre, Denham. 10.30-11.30am, £8, booking required. colnevalleypark.org.uk

Easter Weekend

Explore the historic buildings at the Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St Giles and learn about some Easter traditions. Take part in the Easter trail, have a go at family crafts and see the baby lambs. There is 45-acres to explore including woodland and new adventure playground. Terrific Tuesdays are back on 4th and 11th April with themed family crafts and activities all included in the standard admission price! Book online. coam.org.uk

Get Crafty & Brainy

During the Easter holidays, join in Easter Craft Activities in the first week and Your Amazing Brain themed crafts in the second. There will be an Egg-cellent Easter Trail running throughout the holidays and don’t miss the Family Easter Event on Saturday 8th April. There’s still time to experience Your Amazing Brain exhibition which runs until 15th April. On 1st April, there’s a not-tobe-missed circus-themed evening event where scientists will amaze you with demonstrations and entertainment linked to the brain. discoverbucksmuseum.org

Eggcellent Shows at The Elgiva

Roly-Poly Bird Easter

Celebrate the brilliant birds and their glorious eggs in Roald Dahl’s books this Easter, from 1st to 16th April. Hunt for the eggs around the Museum, build a giant junk modelling nest, listen to storytelling from The Twits and The Enormous Crocodile, make a Roly-Poly bird pot out of clay or make your own brilliant bird tail feathers. Pick up a trail to explore the Museum and find out about the birds and animals that feature in Roald Dahl’s books. roalddahlmuseum.org

Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park

Families on the hunt for fun should hop along to Odds Farm Park, near Beaconsfield, to enjoy its annual Easter event, Spring into Easter

Visitors will be able to enjoy a choc-obloc programme of activities at the farm to keep little ones entertained during the Easter school holidays.

Children can meet the Easter Bunny, before hopping over to the Odds Farm Easter Garden for The Easter Scavenger Egg Hunt, with delicious chocolate treats for those who take part. Spring into Easter takes place between 1st and 16th April. Book tickets online: oddsfarm.co.uk

The Elgiva has some terrific family events coming up! Get your foam fingers at the ready for the stars of LDN Wrestling in their action-packed show on 12th March. On 6th April, welcome a musical adaptation of the beloved Jungle Book –funny, exciting and wildly entertaining! For an eggcellent show packed with craziness, magic, science and bubbles, check out Captain Calamity’s Easter SpEGGtacular on 11th April. Be part of An Awfully Big Adventure – open auditions for Peter Pan Jr, the terrific summer project packed with acting, singing, technical skills and more than a sprinkling of fairy dust on 29th April. elgiva.com

Step into Spring

Enjoy a wonderful trail around College Lake in Tring with all the family. Explore different habitats and take part in the nature challenges whilst finding out more about local wildlife. Step into Spring a self-guided trail takes 1-1.5 hours and explores the various habitats from woodlands to meadows as well as the wildlife garden. The trail runs 4th to 16th April. Pre-book tickets online at £4pp. bbowt.org.uk

For more Easter holiday activities, see What’s On from page 28

© National Trust-James Dobson

© National Trust-Chris Lacey

New

term teething problems What to do when childcare isn’t working?

No matter how much research goes into our choices, sometimes our childcare arrangements don’t work out as we hoped. For a variety of reasons, the nursery that your best friend raves about can turn out not to suit your child’s needs.

Sharon Betts offers great advice on what to do when childcare isn’t working as well as it should and how to find the right nursery for your child.

My daughter attended a nursery that many other families told me was great, mainly due to its close proximity to the station. This meant it was possible to get into the City by 9am (if you handed over your child at 8am on the dot!). But when our child was handed back to us at the end of the day, she was often covered in grime, had soiled clothing and was hurriedly given to us amongst an avalanche of other parents all arriving on the same train. This simply didn’t work for us.

Thankfully, there was available space at an alternative pre-school, with a slower, more gentle approach and, due to its location, there was less of a bun fight at drop off and pick up. Thankfully I was in a position to adapt my needs to what was available where others were more beholden to office hours and strict routine. I was also fortunate that my daughter was my second child. I already knew of most of the childcare options in my area and had the confidence as a parent to understand that change was required.

For first time parents, it may be challenging to get to the heart of what good quality care looks like for you. But, if the arrangement you have doesn’t feel right, you can rearrange your choices.

Choosing a new provider doesn’t necessarily mean starting from scratch, because having experienced care that you believe doesn’t suit your needs, you will be more aware of what is important to you and your family. By eliminating what you don’t want, you get closer to what will work.

Remember that young children are adaptable. Every day is a new learning experience for them, and change, when approached appropriately, can be an adventure and not a disruption.

Ultimately, childcare should deliver peace of mind and that is certainly achievable when you have an arrangement that’s right for you.

Nursery Checklist:

Know what you want. Make a list of what is important to you and what areas you are flexible about. Do you have strict hours to stick to? Does childcare need to be close to your home or place of work? How far away from home are you willing to travel? Does the location need to fit around your other commitments?

Check the Ofsted rating of providers by visiting their Ofsted page and reading all reports and letters past and present.

Do ask other parents about their experiences but know that their opinion is subjective to their own list of needs which may well be different to yours.

When you visit, make sure you see how the children interact with the staff and each other. A good provider will offer a calm environment where children feel free to be themselves, whether that is noisy or calm, inquisitive or introspective.

Go with your gut – sometimes a setting just feels right. If it fulfils your logistical criteria and you get a good feeling about it, trust your instincts!

News on Tax-Free Childcare

The Government has published its latest statistics for Tax-Free Childcare showing that half of all open accounts are not even used.

Whilst the new HMRC figures show more families opening accounts than previously, only fifty percent of open accounts are being used which means that thousands of families and children are missing out on money earmarked for childcare support. In addition, recent HMRC research estimates that less than half of eligible families are opening an account to claim the support. Tax credits and the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme can create savings of up to £2,000 per child for parents meeting the eligibility criteria. To register, search Tax-Free Childcare on: gov.uk.

In addition, children ages 3 and 4 in England are entitled to 30 hours of FREE childcare per week with an approved childcare provider for 38 weeks of the year (term-time). You may be able to get free childcare for 52 weeks if you use fewer than 30 hours per week. Whilst most nurseries offer these free hours, you do need to check and calculate if any additional costs like meals, nappies must be factored in. Find more info at: childcarechoices.gov.uk or gov.uk

Early Years 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 - 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. 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 (educationhotel.co.uk).

Independent School Open Days

Chesham Prep

Open Day: Friday 12 May.

Early Years Stay & Play: Wednesday 3 May. 9.45-11.00, (2 ½–4 yrs). Pre-register at: cheshamprep.co.uk/openday/

Gateway School & Preschool

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.

Saturday 4 March. Personal tours are available. To book, please call: 01494 867806 or visit: gatewayschool-bucks.co.uk/ admissions

Great Missenden, co-ed, ages 2-11yrs.

Heatherton

Stay & Play: Friday 10 March.

Amersham, Co-ed Nursery, Girls Prep, rising 3-11 years. Book online: heatherton.com

Lockers Park School

Open Morning: Saturday 18 March.

Early Years Stay & Play: 10 March, 9.30-11.00. Boxmoor, boys, 4–13 yrs. Visit lockerspark.co.uk to book.

Maltman’s Green School

Friday 10 May and Friday 19 May.

Book via their website: maltmansgreen.com or email: registrar@ maltmansgreen.com

Gerrards Cross, girls 2-11 yrs.

Pipers Corner School

Friday 28 April.

Book your time slot online: pipers.sc/visitpipers

Great Kingshill, 4km from High Wycombe, girls 4-18.

The Beacon

Friday 12 May, 9.00-11.00.

Amersham, Boys 3-13 yrs. Pre-booking required online: beaconschool.co.uk

Thorpe House

Wednesday 15 March, 9.00-11.00.

Book your place at: thorpehouse.co.uk

Gerrards Cross, boys 4-16 yrs.

Westbrook Hay: Friday 12 May, 10.00-12.00. Hemel Hempstead, 3-13 yrs. Book your place online: westbrookhay.co.uk

Screen-free rainy day activities

It’s important that children are tech-savvy but there is very little evidence that screentime contributes to a child’s cognitive ability. Screens are so appealing because of their continually changing content so any activities that we attempt at home with the kids need to be equally appealing to little hands, eyes and brains. Here are a few activities by Isabelle Fisher to entertain the kids that are easy to set up. You probably have most of what you need at home already.

Playdough

Immersive books

Reading to your kids is great but don’t limit the experience to sitting on the sofa. If the book is set in a cave, evict the vacuum cleaner from under the stairs and issue everyone with head torches! If you’re reading a desert adventure, create a Bedouin tent using some sheets and your clothes horse.

This is a versatile toy that’s so easy and cheap to make or buy. But if the smell and texture of big-branded playdough is something you’re not keen on, there are some wonderful options for soft and scented playdough that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Just check that the playdough has been UKCA tested.

Treasure hunt

Choose something to be the treasure, hide it and create a map for your kids to follow. Make it more interesting by having the map lead your little pirates to different locations where each location’s ‘treasure’ is a clue to the next location. To make the map more ‘authentic,’ scrunch up the paper and stain it with a damp teabag.

Baking

Baking shortbread and scones is simple enough for young bakers to try and hopefully they will taste great! Baking bread is also surprisingly simple, and you and your children can have lots of fun creating different animals out of the dough to then bake in the oven.

Art and craft

This doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Often keeping it simple is far better than creating something elaborate. Try making a paper boat and see how far it travels or create tealight holders out of old jam jars by gluing on pieces of tissue paper. These also make lovely family presents.

Easy science experiments

There are lots of easy science experiments that can be tried at home with household items. Encourage kids to ask questions & make predictions. Try making a lava lamp with water, food colouring and oil in a jar. Add an effervescent tablet and watch what happens!

Isabelle Fisher is co-founder of Little Hands Learning, an educational and eco-friendly subscription box for children ages 3 to 6. For more ideas, visit: littlehandslearning.co.uk/activities

Inspection found us

Excellence with kindness.

MALTMAN'S GR.EEN SCHOOL

Surviving separation anxiety

By Dorothy Lepkowska

It’s a common scenario, the toddler who actively resists being left with anyone else and struggles to separate from parents or loved ones. So, what can you do to make separating from your toddler easier?

Most children go through a phase of being overly attached to one, or both parents, at some point in their early years. The tears can make leaving them at nursery or with a childminder heart-breaking.

Kate Harding’s toddler would cling to her every morning when they arrived at nursery. Kate said, ‘she wasn’t upset when she woke up in the morning or even in the car as we drove to her early years setting. But once it was time for me to leave, it was the same every day. She would cling to my leg and literally have to be peeled off by one of the staff. Often I’d leave upset and in tears myself. On those days, no amount of reassurance from her key person that she was well and thriving would make me feel better.’

Important for resilience

Experts say that it’s completely normal for young children to go through what could be described as a clingy phase and it’s an important part of their development.

For many, anxiety at being separated from a parent begins at six to nine months. It’s around this time that babies become conscious that they are separate little beings and are not the same person as their parent.

For some, this clinginess can last for a couple of years or more and can get worse when they go to nursery or a childminder.

As difficult as it is to be separated from a crying, anxious child, it’s best not to avoid leaving them. Explaining why you need to be apart, saying goodbye, telling them when you will be back and reinforcing the positives of this, is all part of teaching your child how to be resilient.

Take a deep breath and walk away. Your child is in safe hands and will thrive, as they will discover for themselves over time.

Kate says: ‘I would tell my daughter that I had to go to work so we had money and remind her how much fun it would be to play with her friends. Often this did the trick.’

Dorothy Lepkowska is an award-winning journalist, author and freelance writer for the Early Years Alliance < eyalliance.org.uk. You can read more of her parenting features at: familycorner.co.uk

E: berryfields.nursery@childbase.com

Berryfields Day Nursery, 6 Nimrod Street, Aylesbury, HP18 1BB

T: 01296 424540

E: grasshoppers.aylesbury@childbase.com

Grasshoppers Day Nursery, 244 Wendover Road, Aylesbury, HP21 9PD

T: 01296 432004

E: willows.nursery@childbase.com

Willows Day Nursery, Mandeville Rd, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 8AL

Six reasons children switch off from learning (and how to re-engage them)

By Gail Hugman

Given eleven years of compulsory full-time schooling, it’s not surprising many children come across difficulties that affect their performance and ability to learn and some switch off learning altogether. The reasons for ‘switching off’ can be many and varied. Here are six of the most common I have come across, along with steps which can help children re-engage.

Boredom

It is not uncommon for parents to know intuitively that their child could do much better if they applied themselves. Children need three things to help them do this: to understand how schoolwork helps them develop skills, to know which goal to aim for next and to receive positive praise for small as well as big achievements.

Summer born

Summer born babies are the youngest in their class, which can mean up to eleven months’ less experience of life and development. Being in a group of children who are physically bigger and who know and can do more, can affect confidence and self-belief. Talking to your child about the age difference and what it means can help to keep them engaged.

Learning differences

Sometimes children switch off because they have an undiagnosed learning difference. They get by using coping strategies such as copying friends or telling you they ‘read better in their head,’ to hide their embarrassment. Trust your gut instinct if something doesn’t feel right.

Major events

Separation and divorce, bereavement, moving house, illness and the birth of a sibling all disrupt daily life. It takes three years to recover from a major stress event and we can sometimes forget this in the hurly burly. Having a chat to help settle your child’s mind about the event or remind them how much they’ve achieved or changed can help to ‘update’ their brain and refocus on moving forward.

Not knowing how or who to ask for help

A normally enthusiastic 7-year-old child had become reluctant to go to school and his work was starting to

suffer. His teacher and parent both noticed the change. When investigated, it turned out that the boy’s desk had been moved next to the window in class and he was cold! He didn’t know who to tell. Sometimes the most challenging issues have the simplest solutions. Ask your child what’s going on in school. Don’t overthink it; start simple.

Poor concentration

The possibilities for distraction from learning are numerous. Too much screen time can agitate young developing brains; not enough sleep; not understanding or liking a subject; being too hot, too cold, too hungry or chatting with a friend and missing instructions can all lead to concentration issues. It is more important than ever that your child can focus and concentrate well in the classroom.

How to help

Sit down with your child and ask them what they see as their strengths and what they are proud of, then tell them what you see they have achieved in the last year. Ask them what help they would wish for at school if you had a magic wand. By taking an interest and showing you care, this helps get the discussion started to tease out anything on their mind that you can help with.

Gail Hugman is the bestselling author of 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10. A children’s life coach, she owns and runs Human at Core (humanatcore.com), which helps parents motivate and engage their children through science-based, online personal development courses.

Helping boys manage the gender gap

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

A 2022 global report shows that boys are increasingly becoming left behind in education. Furthermore, recent school entry baseline assessments show over one million boys are already under-achieving by the time they enter Reception. So, what are the reasons behind this?

One key factor is that the male brain is wired to respond in external, rather than internal ways. This leaves boys at a disadvantage in the school environment where teaching focusses on the sedentary development of verbal skills, at the expense of active learning. A calm, controlled classroom is usually the teacher’s end goal, but boys tend to learn better by doing rather than sitting.

Both at home and at school, boys participate less in activities such as storytelling and nursery rhymes that support language and literacy development. Even playtime choices affect their development; whilst girls often use make believe and role play activities which further develop their language skills, boys generally choose more physical outlets.

The gender gap is further evidenced by the fact that boys make up around eighty per cent of pupils excluded from schools. They are often easily distracted and less likely to follow instructions.

What is being done to address this? Some approaches have been successful in developing specific strategies to raise boys’ attainment. These involve refining approaches

to learning and teaching by challenging stereotypical perceptions and making necessary changes to the curriculum. An excellent model which proves the theories about the different learning styles needed for successful boys’ education is the rapid emergence of Forest Schools. Here educators are seeing young boys excel when allowed to learn in the right environment, mixing physicality with academia. The benefits are limitless and encourage children of both sexes to learn in their own ways.

While it may not be possible to find or have access to the perfect learning environment, acknowledging that boys will mature later and have different learning needs and styles and giving them the encouragement and support they need, will help them progress through the school system. Encouragingly, once they are mature and by the time they finish school, the gender gap will have decreased with boys often outperforming their female counterparts at A-Level.

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

Supporting boys from an early age

Provide boys with physical outlets before, after and during school. Any outdoor activity can be a learning opportunity.

Value boys’ achievements to improve self-esteem.

Encourage their confidence by validating their strengths. Understand their strengths and interests. Find time for family activities, such as board games, baking and crafting, all of which provide excellent opportunities for conversation and chat.

Weave in time for reading for pleasure Let them choose books based on their interests. Make a variety of genres available including non-fiction and magazines. Give your son the responsibility of helping with simple chores.

Try not to compare. While we know that girls outperform boys up to GCSE, from thereon it becomes a far more even playing field. It is important to give boys time to mature. Try to find positive male role models or mentors. Often schools will run these schemes and they are a great benefit.

Kumon delivers proven academic success. Our expert Instructors will develop your child’s confidence and help them thrive at school. Book your Free Trial today!

Mrs Nicola Nicoll from Heatherton School

What would you say is the ethos behind the school’s educational approach?

Heatherton is well known for being like a big family, with a caring and supportive team who all want the best for the children and are prepared to go the extra mile. The ethos stems from our School values – aim high with integrity, be adventurous and serve others. We also highly value the essential partnership between School and Home and offer many opportunities throughout the year to meet with parents for learning, discussion and sharing.

You are co-ed in the nursery but from Reception are an all-girls school. What would you say the benefits of single-sex education are? There is much research that shows the academic benefits of a single-sex education but, colloquially, what we witness at Heatherton, is also the space and opportunity for every girl to build her confidence, self-esteem, self-belief, courage to not fear failure, bravery to try something new, to work at the level of her emotional maturity and to play freely in the playground. The girls have the space to do their very best.

You have a range of specialist teachers at Nursery level and upwards. What are the benefits of this? Our nursery benefits from being a ‘school nursery’ which means a share in all the resources at Heatherton, including our most important resource of teachers. Our specialist teachers are passionate

about their subject and this rubs off! For example, the nursery learn to sing in different languages with a linguist, paint with an artist, look at fossils with a scientist, play musical instruments with a musician, hammering and sawing with our caretaker, dance with a ballerina ... The children are starting their educational journey with us. Could you tell us a little more about what happens outside the classroom. What extra-curricular activities are on offer? Each member of staff offers a club, every term, and what this entails will depend upon their passions and interests or something they wish to learn too. Highlights include coding, Arabic, Lego building and other arts and crafts. There are huge amounts of music and sports activities too.

Every year group at Heatherton have a chance to go to our outdoor education space on our campus in Haresfoot where the girls learn leadership and team building skills using the climbing wall, zip wire, high ropes etc. Years 3 and 4 have a chance to sleep away from home for a night and then in Year 5 there is a week residential trip in the UK and in Year 6 a week in France.

How do you prepare the girls for life beyond Heatherton? We know from research that investing in your child’s education in the Early Years is paid back in life beyond school. At every stage of development, we have a range of educational experts who support and challenge the pupils to fulfil their potential and transition successfully into next schools of choice. Many of our girls choose to go to Grammar Schools,

many to Berkhamsted Girls’ Senior School or to another excellent school of choice. Equally importantly, we ensure Heatherton girls have the personal skills, values and experience to go on be a force for good.

You have a background as a science teacher and Head of Science at your previous schools. How important do you think it is to get girls interested in STEM subjects and careers? I believe it is incredibly important to have gender equality in all sectors so that the next steps taken are driven by a diverse, broad, creative and challenging thinking. As a girls’ school, it is important to break down gender stereotypes and ensure that our girls are exposed to inspiring role-models and have the self-belief to dream big. STEM is an area of great potential future excitement. In my view, understanding the world around us and ourselves is essential in global problem solving and creation for the future.

What has made you most proud since joining Heatherton? There have been so many moments that have made me very proud to be Head at Heatherton. However, if I had to pick one thing, it would be that the incredible Heatherton community spirit and care has endured through the pandemic. There are a very large number of adults and children who all care passionately about Heatherton and will work their socks off to make every School experience the very best it can be. It is a very special place and I love it!

Heatherton School will be holding a Stay & Play event on Friday 10 March. Find out more at: Heatherton.com

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.

Devise 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 be also used to revise a concept with which your child may be struggling. More and more schools are setting homework online and expect 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.

Clubs, Classes & Activities

Are you looking for a new activity for your children to try? Or perhaps they have a keen interest in music, sport or performing? Whatever their hobbies, we have a great choice of local clubs and classes to suit everyone.

When you call, please don’t forget to say you saw them in Families Chiltern magazine.

Weekend Multisports classes held at Dr Challoner’s High school.

Little Sporties: ages 4 & 5.

Primary Class: ages 6 - 11

Sports Leaders: ages 12 - 16. 18 sports a year plus weekly team building challenges. All enrolments include a two-week trial. Join today at: < multisports.co.uk

Through The Wardrobe

Fun, inclusive drama classes for ages 5-16yrs. Watch your child’s acting skills bloom and their confidence soar. Annual performances in professional theatres, top LAMDA exam results, agency representation. Classes Saturdays and Tuesdays in Chalfont St Peter.

E: info@through-the-wardrobe.com < through-the-wardrobe.com/learn

Berkhamsted Gymnastics

Berkhamsted

Gymnastics Club have spaces available in their fun, recreational gymnastics classes throughout the week for children aged 5+ with fully qualified British Gymnastics coaches. They are also running an gymnastic holiday camp over the Easter holidays.

E: membership@ berkhamstedgymnastics.co.uk < berkhamstedgymnastics.co.uk

At TISKA Karate, children and adults alike learn the essentials of etiquette, respect, self discipline, self awareness, confidence, fitness, and self-defence. Photograph of their youngest Black belt, 8 year old Tyler Yamamoto. Contact: office@tiska.com for further details of your 1 month free trial.

Monkey Music

Trapdoor Performing Arts

Acting classes with West End actors and TV professionals. Musical theatre and dance classes also on Saturdays. Act, dance and sing in separate classes for pre-school, infants, juniors and teens across all disciplines. Celebrating 100% pass rate in LAMDA and IDTA examinations year-on-year.

☎ 01494 876487

< trapdoordrama.com

Monkey Music Puddleducks

Award-winning Music classes, 3m-5yrs. Amersham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross & Marlow E: amersham@monkeymusic. co.uk ☎ 01494 716861

Aylesbury, Aston Clinton, Haddenham, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Tring, & Wendover. E: aylesbury@ monkeymusic.co.uk ☎ 01494 819138

Berkhamsted, Chesham, Hemel & Rickmansworth.

E: berkhamsted.rickmansworth@ monkeymusic.co.uk ☎ 01753 889481 < monkeymusic.co.uk

Carefully structured aqua-natal classes for mums-to-be and swimming lessons from birth to ten years in Aylesbury, Buckingham & Wendover.

Quote ‘Families’ for a FREE taster class. ☎ 01869 226223 < puddleducks.com

Football Icon Academy Perform

Football Icon Academy are running multi sports camps in the Easter holidays in Gerrards Cross. The camps are designed for children in Reception - Year 7, who want to take part in different activities and sports in the holidays. The camps run on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9am-3pm and they have early drop off options to help parents. To book: < footballicon.com/events

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes. Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.9 120 E: enquiries@p. uk/try

To book a FREE class visit: < perform.org.uk/try

Multisports

Tiska Karate

Apps and hacks to keep the family healthy

By Ellie Malt

Go social

Online communities based around health make it easier to suss out what is working for others. Sometimes you need more than just a prescription and deeper research can either put your mind at rest or offer more information. Facebook is a great place to start and many reputable medical charities, like Young Minds now have groups, often moderated by experts or clinicians and offering helplines.

Register with your GP’s online service

If you haven’t registered online yet, go for it because it’s so worth the initial hassle! Once registered, you can book appointments with a few clicks instead of waiting in line on the phone. Also, you can see all available times immediately and re-order repeat prescriptions in mere seconds.

Women’s health apps

We mothers are notorious for putting ourselves last and for tolerating the health issues once assumed to be a woman’s fate. A new wave of women’s health apps is banishing or improving monthly aches and pains and menopausal symptoms. Flow (flo.health.com) now has more than 200 million women using it to track their ovulation or periods. Can you imagine the man in your life suffering in silence? Neither should you.

Club living room

Going to an actual sports club seems like a luxury. But joining a class from your own living room is a solid option and certainly beats doing nothing. Things have moved on since Joe Wicks kicked off the pandemic, there are alternatives for every possible taste on The TruFit app (trufit.com) and it’s waaaay cheaper than gym membership.

Wearables

There’s a lot of hype but choose carefully and there will probably be a ‘wearable’ for you. From Fitbits to sleep trackers, physically attaching to something means there is no bunking off from your new healthy ritual. My kids respond well to low-tech reminders like stickers and post-its, but it’s fun to experiment.

Back to basics

While there are lots of online courses about individual conditions, there is perhaps no better way to be ready for emergencies than doing a general first aid course.

First Aid for Free (firstaidforfree.com) has a paediatric course online or Happy Hearts First Aid offer in-person (Beaconsfield) or online training sessions, (happyheartsfirstaid.com).

Would you or your child like to review local places for our readers? We are looking for enthusiastic parents and Junior Reporters who would like to contribute to this magazine.

Do you have a car and want to earn some extra money? We are also looking for reliable magazine distributors to drop off copies to local schools, nurseries and many other places every two months,

To apply, please email: editor@familieschiltern.com

Follow us

Confidence building fun with Perform

Spring is the perfect time of year to get those feelgood endorphins pumping and Perform’s new summer term themes are sure to 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. They don’t focus on creating perfect dancers or the next child stars. Instead, they put children’s social development at the heart of their 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; the only requirement is to be ready to have the best fun of the week!

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

Venues: Amersham, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, Tring and Wendover. Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 E: enquiries@perform.org.uk < perform.org.uk/try

Dr Steffen Decker explains why prevention is better than cure for children’s teeth

Prevention and intervention are better than cure when it comes to children’s teeth, says Dr Steffen Decker. By treating children from the age of four upwards, often with simple devices, many tooth alignment problems that are traditionally treated with extensive brace treatment at a later age can be reduced and, in most cases, avoided altogether. Dr Steffen, the owner of The Orthodontic Specialist Practice in Old Amersham, is a Specialist Orthodontist with a Masters in Lingual Orthodontics and is program director of an MSC in Dento-Facial Orthodontics. He is passionate about his work and has very strong opinions on why it’s so important to catch dental issues in children early. Here he explains why...

common in Switzerland, Scandinavia, Australia, Europe, and USA.

The American Orthodontic society recommends screening from the age of seven to intercept issues so we can help children to grow naturally. The whole concept behind early interceptive treatment is ‘growth’. Growth happens much before the age of 12 especially in the maxilla (upper arch). With orthodontic adjustments, such as braces, we can align a child’s bite and create a good foundation for teeth to grow and erupt naturally. I would urge parents to take their children to a specialist orthodontist at around six or seven years old to ascertain if their jaw and bite is aligned or even earlier if any issues are evident.

What is a typical treatment you provide for children?

Everything is changing in their life, and it is wonderful to be a part of this and it is just amazing what we can achieve to improve their smile and their confidence. For me it is also important to be respected in my specialised area. This is why I also enjoy teaching. I love sharing my expertise with my peers, to help them treat difficult malocclusion cases. It is extremely satisfying.

What would you say to parents reading this?

I can’t stress enough how important it is to have your children checked at an early age to see if any malocclusion is evident. It is so important to catch this at a young age as early intervention can make a huge impact on your child and how they grow in a natural way to have a beautiful smile.

Is there an ideal age for a child’s first consultation and why?

Orthodontics is for the treatment of malocclusion which can be crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite and poor relationship between upper and lower jaw. Bad alignment of the jaw can result in the teeth growing incorrectly (crooked, overcrowded etc). It's hereditary and is the result of size differences between the upper and lower jaw, or between the jaw and the teeth. Malocclusion literally means ‘bad bite’. It can also be linked to habits such as thumb sucking and breathing such as mouth breathing.

Early detection of malocclusion will decrease the length and severity of the treatment needed. Quite simply the earlier you treat malocclusion, the better the outcome.

In the UK the NHS will fund orthodontic procedures on children aged 12 to 18 and only then in certain cases. By the age of 12 a problem can have reached a much more serious stage and result in the necessity for a much more prolonged programme of treatment.

In Germany, for example, we can treat children at any age if malocclusion is evident. This early treatment is also very

Invisalign First is for early interventive, interceptive treatment of very young children. These braces are comfortable and are not noticeable when a child smiles so children are quite happy to have them and are even happier when they see the quick results from them.

Invisalign First is mainly to encourage growth in the correct way so that teeth erupt straight. They really are the perfect solution.

Invisalign Teen would be offered to older children. Again these are very discreet, making them perfect for image conscious teenagers, and can be monitored without regular monthly visits. Lingual braces are also an option for teenagers, they are a type of invisible brace which are fixed to the back, or lingual side, of the teeth, closer to the tongue.

What is your philosophy?

For me it is important that my patients feel totally comfortable here. We try to do everything for them to make them smile.

Between the ages of seven and 15 there are such beautiful changes taking place in children.

I have three young children and they each have Invisalign to help their growth and create beautiful smiles so it is not something they ever have to be self conscious of. They are all growing now with strong, functional and perfectly straight teeth.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION FOR YOUR CHILD TODAY. CALL 01494 372472

H o l i d ay C am p s EASTER

Sport Specific

Everyball Tennis Camps

Easter holidays tots, mini tennis and junior tennis camps run by Everyball Tennis. Learn to play, develop your game or sharpen your skills, all ages and standards. Indoor and outdoor facilities in case of wet weather.

Where: Halton Tennis Centre.

When: Daily during the holidays. Mini tots: 9-12pm, (£30/day). Junior Camps 9am-12pm and 1-4pm (£30.00 for half day or £55.00 for a full day, late pick-up at 5pm an option). Further discount for the full week.

To book: Call Mike James, Director or Tennis on: 07958 008312 or email: mikejames@everyball.net everyball.uk/page/holiday-camps

More than kick about with Football Icon Academy

This is not just a football camp, there is a variety of different sports and activities available each day. Each week must be purchased in a block to reach maximum enjoyment.

Where: Gerrards Cross.

When: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 9-3pm with early drop off option.

Ages: 5-11yrs. footballicon.com/events

Easter Gymnastics Camp

Berkhamsted Gymnastics Club are running a holiday club that will focus on gymnastics as well as plenty of games, team building and fitness activities. It’s a great way for kids to try gymnastics if they never have been before, or to hone their existing skills.

Where: Ashlyns School, Berkhamsted. When:  3rd-15th April 2023, half and full day sessions.

Cost: Half day £20 or full day £40. berkhamstedgymnastics.co.uk

They won’t be bored with Busy Living

There is plenty of fun in store at the Busy Living Holiday Camps. Build dens, learn new skills such as martial arts, off-site trips to the woods and make new friends.

Where: St Joseph’s in Chalfont St Peter and Green Ridge Academy in Aylesbury.

When: Daily during the holidays from 8am-6pm. Ages: 4-11yrs, (sibling discount is available).

To enquire: call 01494 702702 or email: info@busy-living.co.uk busy-living.co.uk

Performing Arts & Dance

Go wild in The Jungle Book

Take part in three days of drama, dance and singing with Perform this Easter holiday on a course based on The Jungle Book. Children will join Mowgli and friends as they journey deep into the jungle, meeting Baloo the bear, black panther Bagheera and hunt down ferocious Bengal tiger Shere Khan. Topped off with a fabulously colourful final show, it’s going to be the wildest holiday ever! Where: St Michael’s Church Hall, Beaconsfield. When: 12th-14th April, 10am-3pm. perform.org.uk/junglebook

West End Workshops

Join TTW this Easter for three exciting West End Workshops. Come for one, two or all three!  Where:  Chalfont St Peter.

When:  12th, 13th & 14th April.

Ages:   5-8yrs 9am-12pm and 9-12yrs 1pm-4pm.

Cost: £20 per workshop OR £50 for all three. through-the-wardrobe.com/holidays

Easter Residential Dance Course

A fantastic opportunity to experience life at Tring Park School on 10th to 14th April. For pupils ages 8-16 and boarders ages 9-16, it’s a great opportunity to experience a range of dance genres, taught by highly experienced industry professionals. Book online by 26th March: tringpark.com

Education

Code Ninjas will inspire young techies

Code Ninjas are running several awesome full day camps during the holidays. Subjects include: Code Your Own Robot in Minecraft®, LEGO® Python Engineers, and Become a YouTuber! Younger Ninjas can also get involved with special JR STEM Discoveries Camps.

Where: High Wycombe and Aylesbury.

Ages: 5+ yrs.

When: 9.30am to 3.30pm, (drop-off available from 9am.)

Cost: £65 per day (10% discount when booking 3 days or more). Ofsted registered – Code Ninjas accepts payments via Tax Free Childcare or Childcare Vouchers.

To book: Call 01494 623125 codeninjas.co.uk

Learn to Touch Type

This multi-sensory typing course teaches touch typing, incorporating reading and spelling through repetition. The self-paced programme can be customised to meet the needs of every student, from those who just want to learn to type faster to others that struggle with dyslexia, dyspraxia, hearing impairments or attention-based difficulties.

Where:  Gerrards Cross

When:  3rd to 6th April 2023, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Ages:  7+yrs

To book:  Call 07775 644007 or email: info@keytouchtyping.co.uk keytouchtyping.co.uk

11+ stress- leave it to the experts

Join Flying Start Tuition’s realistic 11+ Mock Test Experience Days during the Easter, May and summer holidays, with free tutorials for difficult questions and online learning zone access, running in Chesham, Little Chalfont and online. flyingstarttuition.co.uk

March

Wednesday 1 March

YOUR AMAZING BRAIN

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Discover how your amazing brain works in this exciting new hands-on exhibition. Museum open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Book online at: discoverbucksmuseum.org

TODDLER TAKEOVER

Rush Trampoline Park, High Wycombe. Term-time weekdays 10am-11am or 11am-12pm. Saturdays & Sundays: 9am (1hr). Toddler Takeover is for younger kids aged 4 and under only so they can jump to their hearts content, (an adult must jump with under 4’s). Rushuk.com

Thursday 2 March

STORYTIME

Beaconsfield Library. 10am-10.30am, drop-in, free. buckinghamshire.spydus.co.uk

Friday 3 March

DUPLO CLUB

Amersham Library. Weekly club (term time only) 10am-2pm, drop-in, free. buckinghamshire.spydus.co.uk

TINY TALK TIME Wycombe Museum. Stories, crafts and museum fun

for 2-5 yrs. 10.30am-11.15am, book online wycombemuseum.org.uk

Friday 3 to Saturday 4 March

TRING LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The Market Place, Tring. Discover the history of Tring and the local area. Open Fridays and Saturdays 10am-4pm, free. tringlocalhistorymuseum.org.uk

Saturday 4 March

MARLOW ARTISAN FOOD MARKET

The Causeway, Marlow. 10am-3pm. Also 18 March, 1 & 15 April transitionmarlow.org/home/market

ROALD DAHL GALLERY

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Hands-on discovery and amazing science inspired by Roald Dahl’s stories. Open Saturdays and Bucks school holidays. Book online: discoverbucksmuseum.org

SATURDAY STORYTIME

High Wycombe Library. 11.30am-12pm, 0-7 yrs, drop-in, free. buckinghamshire.spydus.co.uk

Sunday 5 March

ARTISAN MARKET

Great Missenden

The first Sunday of every month promoting food and drink businesses in the Chilterns. 10am-3pm. coopersmarkets.com

Monday 6 March

MINI MONDAYS

Iver Nature Reserve and Environmental Centre.

Enjoy time in nature: blow painting, play in the mud kitchen & make a paper kite.

10am-12pm, activities suitable for ages 2-5. £6.50 per session. Also 20 March. Book online: IverEnvironmentCentre.org

TODDLER TAKEOVER

Bekonscot Model Village, Beaconsfield. Pre-school friendly sessions, age-appropriate games, crafts and toys and a free cuppa for parents and carers.

10am-3pm, free with admission, term time only. Also, 13, 20 & 27 Mar. Bekonscot.co.uk

Tuesday 7 & Thursday 9 March

NATURE TOTS College Lake, nr Tring. Bring your pre-school little ones to explore the nature reserve and enjoy wildlife themed activities. 10.15am & 10.30am, 18 months to 4 years. Booking required, £7 per child. bbowt.org.uk

Wednesday 8 March

CHILTERNS WOMEN’S FESTIVAL Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden. Celebrate the working women of the Chilterns at an inspiring conference for International Women’s Day. Booking required at: chilternsaonb.org

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS OF NEURODIVERSE CHILDREN

Open Door, 360-364 High St, Berkhamsted. A support group for parents of neurodiverse children. 7pm-8.30pm, every second Wednesday of the month. Free but donations are welcome. opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk

Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 March

THE ADDAMS FAMILY Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky- it’s The Addams Family. Book online: elgiva.com

Saturday 11 March

ALL HANDS ON DECK

Iver Nature Reserve and Environmental Centre. Join in a day of volunteering with gardening and groundwork.

10am-2.30pm. Ages: 14+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). Also on 16 April. Booking required online: IverEnvironmentCentre.org

DISABILITY OPEN DAY

Thomley, Wormingham. Thomley offer regular days for disabled visitors and their families to come and play, meet new people and find support.

10am-3.30pm, booking required: thomley.org.uk

TRING FARMERS MARKET

The Market Place, Brook Street. 9am-12.30pm. Also 25 March plus 8 and 22 April. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

YOUNG RANGERS

College Lake, nr Tring.

A wildlife club for children aged 8-11 years who love nature and wildlife. 10.30am-12.30pm, 8-12yrs, £7, booking required: bbowt.org.uk

Compiled by Katie Taylor

Sunday 12 March

LDN WRESTLING

Elgiva Theatre, Chesham.

The Superstars of LDN Wrestling in rip-roaring action! A host of top American wrestling stars to the ring to face the very best of home-grown talent and fans’ favourites. 3pm. Book early for this popular event. Book online: elgvia.com

RENNIE GROVE DAFFODIL WALK

West Wycombe Park.

A family day out, stroll through the daffodils through to children’s entertainment and guided tours of the 18th century landscaped parklands. 10am-3pm, pre-book or buy tickets on the day, adults £5, children £3. renniegrove.org/daffodilwalk

Saturday 18 March

MOTHER’S DAY WELLBEING AND CREAM TEA

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury

Join an afternoon of pampering with a mindfulness coach followed by a delicious cream tea. 11am-3pm, families welcome. discoverbucksmuseum.org.uk

Sunday 19 March

MOTHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA

Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden. Treat mum to an elegant afternoon tea. 12pm-5pm, booking required, adult £35, child £17.50. Book online: missendenabbey.co.uk

MOTHER’S DAY CREAM TEA & TRAIN RIDE

Chinnor Railway, near Princes Risborough. Heritage train, all-day rover tickets. Departures: 10.45am, 1.10pm, 3.45pm. Special train ride price for Mums: £7, adults £14, child £5. Pre-book a boxed cream tea for £7.50 to reserve seats or ride all-day. chinnorrailway.co.uk

ARTISAN MARKET

The Broadway, Old Amersham. 10am-3pm, every 3rd Sun. Coopersmarkets.com

Friday 17 March to 16 April

LITTER BUGS TRAIL

Black Park Country Park, nr Wexham. Discover giant bugs made of litter around Black Park! bit.ly/litter-bugs

Saturday 25 March

TABLE TOP/JUMBLE SALE

Stokenchurch Dog Rescue. 10am-12pm, entry £1. Also on 29 April. stokenchurchdogrescue.org.uk

Wednesday 29 March to 10 April

EASTER ADVENTURES TRAIL Waddesdon Manor, nr Aylesbury. Easter trail, 10am-5pm, tickets must be pre-booked, £3 (one egg per trail) plus admission. waddesdon.org.uk

Thursday 30 March to 1 April

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street. Thu-Sat at 7:30. Sat at 2:30. Tickets from £26.13. Book online: atgtickets.com

Thursday 30 March

DISCOVER DUCKS PRE-SCHOOL SESSION

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. A fun play session for under 5’s. Create pictures with paper flowers and explore the museum garden & plant new flowers on a nature trail. The last Thursday of every month at 10am. Booking required, £5 per child. discoverbucksmuseum.org.uk

Friday 31 March to 16 April

EASTER EGG TRAIL

Cliveden National Trust, nr Maidenhead. Make your way along the trail and find natureinspired activities for the whole family in the grounds at Cliveden. The price of the trail is £3 per child (plus standard admission), includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg. nationaltrust.org.uk

Easter Holidays

Daily Holiday Activities

EYE SPY TRAIL

Chesham Museum have created a new illustrated walking trail and quiz. It takes around an hour to complete and is suitable for all ages. Download it from their website, or collect a copy from Chesham Library. cheshammuseum.org.uk

RUSH, HIGH WYCOMBE

Bounce off some energy and choose from the available jump sessions, open jump, toddler jump and play, soft play or SEN sessions. Seven days a week see website for opening times. Pre-booking advised at: rushuk.com

WHIZZ KIDZ

Why not head to Whizz Kidz in Thame for a fun hour or two? Large indoor soft play and entertainment centre that has everything you could want. Open seven days a week. whizzkiz-thame.co.uk

Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park

April

Daily activities: Saturday 1 to 16 April

EASTER EGG TRAILS

National Trust: Cliveden, Ascott, Hughenden, Stowe & Waddesdon. Activity stations on the trail. Normal admission applies plus £3 per trail, (includes a chocolate egg). Waddesdon trail ends earlier on 10 April & pre-booking required online for Waddesdon only. nationaltrust.org.uk

EGGSPLORE EGGS TRAIL

Tring Natural History Museum.

Put your egg-spotting skills to the test and see if you can spot all of the eggs hidden around the galleries. Daily, drop-in, age 5+ £1. nhm.ac.uk

ROLY-POLY BIRD EASTER

Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre, Great Missenden.

Celebrate the brilliant birds – and their glorious eggs - in Roald Dahl’s books this Easter. Hunt for the eggs around the Museum, build a giant junk modelling nest, listen to storytelling. Book online: roalddahlmuseum.org

SPRING INTO EASTER

Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Green. Families on the hunt for fun should hop along to Odds Farm Park to enjoy the annual Easter event. Daily from 10am-5.30pm. Book online: oddsfarm.co.uk

Saturday 1 April

MINIATURE RAILWAY

Ickenham Miniature Railway. Enjoy a train ride or come to watch. 12pm-5.30pm. idsme.co.uk

WINDOW ON THE BRAIN

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Roll up! Roll up! A circus-themed event to amaze and inspire you. 11+ years. 7pm, Booking required: discoverbucksmuseum.org

Sunday 2 April

EASTER AT DUNDRIDGE MANOR

St Leonards, Tring.

Easter Egg Trail, pony rides, Easter egg trail, crafts, & visit from the Easter Bunny. Fundraising event for Scannappeal. 11am-3pm, adults £6, £4 child. scannappeal.org.uk/events

Monday 3 to 15 April

EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Easter Craft Activities in the first week of the holidays and Your Amazing Brain themed crafts and activities in the second week. Enjoy an Easter egg trail every day over the holidays. discoverbucksmuseum.org

Monday 3 April

MINI MONDAYS

Iver Nature Reserve and Environmental Centre. Craft activities, trails, mud kitchen and stories. 10am-12pm, 2-5yrs, booking required, £6.50. colnevalleypark.org.uk

Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 April

CRACKING CASSIOWARIES

Tring Natural History Museum. Discover the cassowary and create your own egg to take home, age 5+, £2 tickets on the door. Also held on 11-13 April. nhm.ac.uk

Tuesday 4 April

FAMILY FUN DAY

Iver Nature Reserve & Environmental Centre. Trail, craft activities and more. 10am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4pm, age 3-10, £6/£8 (with workshop). Book online: iverEnvironmentCentre.org

TERRIFIC TUESDAY

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfonts St Giles. Themed family crafts and activities. 11am-3.30pm, Next Tuesday too. Pre-book your tickets online: coam.org.uk

Tuesday 4 to 16 April

STEP INTO SPRING FAMILY TRAIL

College Lake, nr Tring. Follow the family self-guided trail at College Lake to learn about signs of spring. 10.30am-3.30pm. Pre-booking advised: bowt.org.uk

Thursday 6 April

THE JUNGLE BOOK

Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. Fun, exciting and wildly entertaining, this original, larger-than-life musical will have you howling with laughter; the perfect treat for the whole family! Age 4+, book online: elgiva.com

Friday 7 April

EASTER EGG HUNT & WORKSHOP

Colne Valley Visitor Centre, Denham. Colouring, decorating and creative activities then off to the park to see what the Easter Bunny has left behind. 10.30am-11.30am, booking required. colnevalleypark.org.uk

Friday 7 to Monday 10 April

EASTER WEEKEND

Chiltern Open Air Museum, nr Chalfont St Giles. Explore the historic buildings and learn about some Easter traditions, take part in the Easter trail, have a go at family crafts and see the baby lambs. Prebook your tickets online: coam.org.uk

Saturday 8 April

FAMILY EASTER EVENT DAY

Discover Bucks Museum

Celebratory family event with an Easter show, Easter bonnet making and parade, balloon animals, meet the Easter bunny, crafts, games, trail, egg hunt and more! 10am-4pm, booking required at: discoverbucksmuseum.org

Monday 10 April

EASTER MONDAY

Chenies Manor, Chenies.

Fun day for all the family 2pm-5pm. House and gardens open. Book your tickets online: cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk

Tuesday 11 April

CAPTAIN CALAMITY EASTER SPEGGTACULAR

Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. Prepare to gasp, guffaw, giggle and groan as Captain Calamity brings more fun than you can bounce a belligerent bounding bunny at. 2.30pm, pre-book your tickets online: elgiva.com

POND EXPLORERS

College Lake, nr Tring.

Become a pond explorer and fall in love with the wonderful creatures who live in College Lake! 7+yrs. 10.30am-11.30am. Booking required: bbowt.org.uk

Wednesday 12 April

STORYTELLING WORKSHOP

National Paralympic Heritage Centre, Stoke Mandeville. 10am: 5-9yrs & 3pm: 10-13+ yrs, Booking required, suggested donation £2. paralympicheritage.org.uk

Tuesday 18 April

ELGIVA YOUTH THEATRE

Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. Tuesdays during term-time, various times elgiva.com

Saturday 22 April

THE SUPERHERO MILE

Register at Wendover Memorial Hall. Fun, family friendly event which is open to all ages and abilities. Dress as your favourite superhero (optional.) Register at 1.30, walk starts at 2pm.

THE BIG WALK:

Register at Wendover Memorial Hall. Choose from three routes 18miles, 12m or 6m Register in Wendover Hall. Help provide support to the 400 children and young people who access Pace services. Sign up here: thepacecentre.org

Sunday 23 April

VEGAN MARKET

High Street, High Wycombe. Featuring over 30 stalls, 10am-4pm, free. veganmarkets.co.uk

Saturday 29 April

PETER PAN JNR

Elgiva Theatre, Chesham.

Casting Day for The Elgiva Summer Project, 10am. elgiva.com

TUDOR WALK

Amersham Museum. This walk tells you about life in Amersham during Tudor times. Pre-book, adults £6, child free. amershammuseum.org

Sunday 30 April to Monday 1 May

MAY DAY MERRIMENT

Chiltern Open Air Museum, nr Chalfont St Giles. This May Day the Suffolk Free Company and Myal Pyper bring a vibrant and engaging taste of Elizabethan life and celebration. Pre-book your tickets online: coam.org.uk turd

Roly-Poly Bird Easter at The Roald Dahl Museum

At Thorpe House our aspirations push us to achieve higher. There is no such thing as failure, only a desire to learn and become the best version of ourselves.