Families East Kent Magazine March/April issue

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East Kent IN THIS ISSUE

Rewarding good behaviour Tax-free childcare What’s on in March & April

RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

call Vicki King 07501 433 922

Issue 14 March/April 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent

East Kent Managing Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieseastkent.co.uk 07789 882 467 Advertising Amanda Biggs amanda@familiespublishing.co.uk 07835 848066 Next issue May/June Booking deadline 3 April Printed By Holbrooks Printers Ltd Cover image: Depositphotos Distributing 19,000 copies to: Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Broadstairs, Margate, Ramsgate, Deal, Dover, Folkestone and all the areas in between.

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Contents

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Stay in touch Families east kent magazine © Families East Kent 2020 Families East Kent is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families East Kent are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families East Kent. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families East Kent ; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

3. News & views

5. Are you up to speed on tax free childcare?

6. Encouraging reluctant readers 7. Why my daughter’s autism has made me a better person 8. Healthier Easter cookies 9. Kids’ corner activities

Distribution Information

10. Motivating good behaviour 11. Families reward chart

19,000 copies distributed every two months to parents and in East 12.

What’s oncarers in March & Kent April

Ashford I Canterbury I Herne Bay I Whitstable I Faversham I Margate I Ramsgate I Dover I Deal I Folkestone bution Information Where to find East Kent Magazine es distributed every two months to

Who do we distribute to?

d carers in East Kent

Childcare PreMargate I Ramsgate I Dover I Deal I Folkestone providers & Nurseries we distribute to?

Primary Schools & Junior Schools

3,500 copies

Schools & Infant Schools

Libraries & Children’s Centres

Thanet

Primary Schools & Junior Schools

Libraries & Children’s Centres

Canterbury

Activity groups & Leisure venues

Deal

2,000 copies

Activity groups & Leisure venues

13,000 copies

300 copies

Ashford

200 Dover Folkestone

copies

19,000 copies distributed across

13,000 300 200 East months copies copiesKent every two copies Postcodes we distribute CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, CT7, CT8, CT9, CT10, CT11, CT12, CT13, CT14, CT15, CT16, CT17, CT19, CT20, CT21, ME13, TN23, TN24, TN25, TN26, TN27, TN28, TN29, TN30 2CT18, Families East Kent

Deal

Total number of copies distributed Total number of drop points

19,000 104

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AshfordThe total number of copies distributed grows with

World-class learning by the sea St Lawrence College in Ramsgate has become Kent’s only High Performance Learning World Class School, one of only 14 schools globally to achieve this coveted accolade.

High Performance Learning (HPL) is an established teaching and learning framework that recognises that every pupil can be a high performer.

Head of the Junior School, Ellen Rowe, said: “Over the last two years the whole school, from Reception to Sixth Form, has embedded these principles in all aspects of school life from classrooms to hockey pitches and in discussions between pupils, teachers and parents. We are already seeing the positive impact with our pupils applying them to a range of learning and life experiences enabling them to be better learners and more successful people.”

It has also been a year of success for the Nursery at St Lawrence College - recently voted one of the Top 20 nurseries in the South East. Ellen Rowe continues, “We are delighted that our Nursery has won this prestigious award. Our Nursery combined with our fantastic Forest School provides a nurturing environment, perfectly balanced with plenty of fresh air, muddy knees and messy play.”

Register now for the special Nursery and Junior School event, Betsy & Friends Forest Funday on Wednesday 18 March from 9.30-11am.

There will be a chance to meet Betsy the School Dog, explore the Forest Trail, create some petal potions and get crafty in the mud kitchen.

For more information contact Lindsey Harris, Junior School Registrar, call 01843 572912 or visit www.slcuk.com

Term time and holiday activities at Active Life!

Active Life Leisure Centres have a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy during term time and the school holidays at thier centres in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Canterbury, and include pool activities, teen gym sessions, roller-skating, multi sport holiday camps and much more. Don’t forget to check out their affordable family membership options which provide great value. Visit www.activelifeltd.co.uk for more information.

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News & Views

New eBooks encourage children to eat vegetables Parents of fussy eaters can now access new free resources courtesy of the ‘See & Eat’ project, an initiative supported by the British Nutrition Foundation, to support parents in persuading their children to eat more vegetables.

Resources include 24 new eBooks which can be downloaded from the ‘See & Eat’ website. These have been developed based on past research which has shown that showing hard-copy picture books about vegetables to children helps to familiarise them with new food and ultimately, helps them to eat a wider variety.

The ‘See & Eat’ eBooks each tell the farm to fork journey of a different vegetable and can be personalised with pictures, videos and text.

To access eBooks, visit www.foodunfolded.com/seeandeat

Having fewer toys may be better You’ve probably suspected it – well, it may now have been confirmed!

Children who have too many toys are more easily distracted, and do not enjoy quality playtime, a new study suggests.

Researchers at the University of Toledo in Ohio, US, recruited 36 toddlers and invited them to play in a room for half an hour, with either four toys, or sixteen toys.

They found that youngsters were far more creative when they had fewer toys to play with. They also played with each for twice as long, thinking up more uses for each toy and lengthening and expanding their games.

The authors of the study conclude that parents, schools and nurseries should pack away most of their toys and just rotate a small number regularly, to encourage children to become more creative and improve their attention spans.

More info: www.sciencedirect.com

Families East Kent 3

News & views

Does your child love to get Muddy?

Set within beautiful grounds, Muddy Knees Nursery and Forest School is located within the grounds of Dover College Prep School, offering a spacious and stimulating environment for children from aged three.

Our Early Years staff are dedicated to the development of each child. Tailored activities capture the imagination of the children with each child’s learning journey is crafted through careful delivery of adult-led activities, which extend children’s interests.

Daily Letters and Sounds and maths challenges place a strong emphasis upon the development of key skills whilst ensuring that children’s creative opportunities are both plentiful.

Children enjoy the freedom to explore their environment, which is reinforced through our Forest School accreditation. Outdoor suits and wellington boots are essential – with adventures commonplace come rain or shine!

Don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself, email: admissions@dovercollege.org.uk or call 01304 24452

Therapy and online coaching in East Kent Sophie Burch is on a mission to help people in pregnancy, birth and parenting to feel calm, connected and in control. She works as a therapist and women’s coach in East Kent and online.

Having a child is a big, expensive deal that brings challenges for even the most sane, secure people in a society that is under more pressure than ever with less support than ever. As we see mental ill health stats on the rise, it’s more important now then ever to learn ways to cope with the challenges and manage the stress and pressure we are under so we can thrive and model positive coping skills to our children. A child’s developmental years are vital in establishing how they will cope with life when they are adults, so knowing how to support them and ourselves emotionally and psychologically is essential.

Sophie’s work ranges from group sessions in pregnancy and the first year with baby, to 1:1 in person or online sessions. Her therapy and coaching is person focused and she primarily offers nonjudgmental, compassionate space to feel heard and work through any issues that crop up. If you’re anxious, worried, stressed or afraid, contact sophie@themammacoach.com or visit www. themammacoach.com or www.burchtherapy.com

Discover National Parks this Spring Saturday 4 April marks the start of Discover National Parks Fortnight, a celebration aimed at inspiring people of all ages to explore outside and learn more about these special places.

There are fifteeen National Parks in the UK, spanning the length and breadth of the country. Ten in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland. National Parks protect almost 10% of England, 20% of Wales and 8% of Scotland.

The UK-wide celebration includes a wide range of events and activities running throughout the Easter holidays, including guided walks, geocaching and wildlife experiences at every park.

To find about more visit: www.nationalparks.uk/discover 4 Families East Kent

Invisible goodness wrapped up in fun Perform founder, Lucy Quick tells us more.

Perform classes are a bit like a pasta sauce that’s filled with hidden vegetables: kids think it’s really tasty and don’t realise that it’s full of healthy nutrition. I see our classes like this invisible goodness wrapped up in an hour of games, role-play, dance routines and songs. The children think they’re enjoying an hour of fun but they’re also being equipped with essential confidence-building social skills.

£40 Intro Discount Quote EK300420

We all want our children to be happy, feel confident enough to try new things and interact well with others.

Taking part in regular drama activities encourages confident and fluent speaking, boosts reading and writing abilities and enhances coordination and spatial awareness. Rescuing a mermaid from a pirate ship might seem like just imaginative improvisation for 6 year olds, but it’s teaching problem-solving and team-work too.

Early drama, dance and singing lessons changed my life and helped shape my vision for Perform - to deliver classes with a specific focus on developing a child’s confidence and social skills - not to create just another drama school.

Try a FREE no-obligation dance or drama class in Ashford,

Faversham or Folkestone, visit www.perform.org.uk/try and don’t forget to use code EK300420 to receive a £40 introductory discount when you book.

Participate in British Science Week British Science Week is a 10 day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 6 to 15 March.

The annual festival features fascinating, entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK, designed to appeal to families with children of all ages.

Your child can also enter the annual poster competition and/or download a series of FREE activity packs at www. britishscienceweek.org, filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school. The good news is these activities don’t require parents to have a science background or buy any expensive equipment. To find your local event or activity, visit www.sciencelive.net

Join the fight against plastic with the Great British Spring Clean 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 20 March to 13 April.

Run by charity Keep Britain Tidy, this initiative is the country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign and aims to get 600,000 #LitterHeroes out and about, cleaning up the environment on their doorstep.

It’s easy for families 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, register to take part and access resources including a how-to guide, visit www. keepbritaintidy.org/GBSpringClean familiesonline.co.uk

Early years

Are you up to speed on tax free childcare?

By Sarah-Jane Butler Tax-Free Childcare was introduced by the Government in April 2017 to replace Childcare Vouchers. At the same time, it also increased free childcare hours. Whereas previously, childcare vouchers were a benefit offered by employers and free childcare hours were simply provided by nurseries, there is now a registration process and an eligibility criteria for both.

Are you eligible?

Yes, If: •

Both parents are working (or a sole parent is working)

•

Both earn over £131 per week

•

Employed or self-employed

•

Live in England

•

You have at least one child aged 0-12 years old

No, If: •

Either Parent earns over £100,000 per annum

•

You are a two-parent household in which only one parent works

•

You are receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers through your employer

Tax-free childcare The Tax-free Childcare Scheme is similar to corporate childcare vouchers in that it helps parents with funding towards the cost of childcare. However, it is administered for parents by the government and not by employers.

Parents must open an online account and the Government will pay £2 for every £8 paid into the account by the parent up to a maximum of £2,000 every year (i.e. a Government contribution of up to £500 per quarter). Parents will then be able to pay their Ofsted registered childcare provider (nursery, childminder, nanny or holiday club) directly from this account provided the childcare provider is linked to that account through its Ofsted registration number.

The benefit of this new scheme is that it is calculated per child (not per parent), therefore those with more children and higher

childcare costs should be at an advantage. In addition, those that are self-employed, who were not previously entitled to join company schemes, are eligible under the new scheme.

Unfortunately, though, there are disadvantages too: namely that every three months you need to re-confirm eligibility for the scheme (which can be an administrative burden). The scheme is also ONLY available for children up to age 12 (compared to age 15 under the previous scheme) and, of course, parents must meet the eligibility criteria consistently throughout the year. This means that in the event of a bonus or commission, some parents may be taken above the eligibility maximum threshold of £100,000 per year or below the minimum of £131 per week in the event of unemployment or redundancy.

15 and 30 hours free childcare If parents meet the Tax-Free Childcare Eligibility criteria above, they are also entitled to additional 15 hours free (hence the name ‘30 hours free’ childcare) which is offered for 38 weeks a year (roughly in line with school terms). In order to apply for the additional 15 hours, parents need to register via the Childcare Choices website. It is essential to do this prior to the term in which they are entitled to the benefit. For example, if your child turns 3 in November, you will be entitled to the additional 15 hours from 1 January, therefore you must apply prior to 31 December. Again, every three months you will be asked to re-confirm your eligibility.

What next?

Firstly, parents should check their eligibility and entitlements for any of the offerings. It’s also important to fully understand the financial impact of such changes on your family.

Free hours

Due to funding issues, most nurseries are offering increased hours, but not necessarily the full 30. Nurseries cannot charge you extra fees for the additional hours, but they can structure their hours in a way that you are still liable to pay for certain attendance. Check the specific offering of any nursery in which you wish to enrol your child.

Considerations

If you are still in a childcare voucher scheme through your employer (because you were registered before 1 October 2018) you may wish to consider which scheme is right for you. You can find out more and check your eligibility at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

Many parents, particularly those with high earnings, will be better off sticking with their company childcare vouchers. However, there will be those who would benefit from the Government scheme. Check out the calculator www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator Sarah-Jane Butler is Founder and CEO of Parental Choice, a “one-stop shop” designed to help you find the perfect childcare solution for your family. For more information visit, www. parentalchoice.co.uk.

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Families East Kent 5

Parenting

Encouraging reluctant readers

By Tom Palmer Children must read. It’s good for them!

Unfortunately, that’s the last thing a child who doesn’t like reading wants to hear. They might think reading is boring.

They might have low confidence. They might even have an unidentified issue like dyslexia. Being told that reading is good for them just makes them feel worse.

My mum knew I hated reading. The more pressure she applied the more stubborn I was about it. I reacted to the pressure by defining myself as a non-reader and once I’d told myself that, I became even more entrenched. Then my mum changed tack. She did some things which made me want to read and to eventually call myself a reader.

Forget that loving reading is good for children. Make reading relate to something they already love.

Make a list of the things your child is passionate about. Do it now. Write down the five experiences, television shows, sports, interests that enthuse them. These are the things that are probably going to get your child into reading. For me it was football…and then football…

Start with their favourite television show. Television is seen as one of the enemies of reading. But it’s so good now, it’s sometimes hard to tear yourself away. It’s helpful then that a lot of shows have books linked to them. Search for an official book or biography of one of the main characters on the show’s website. Is there spin-off fiction? An annual? If enough people watch a show – say, like Strictly – then there’ll be a book.

Teachers and school librarians often know more about what a child might like to read than a parent. Talk to your child’s teacher or school librarian. They also know what books have worked for other children in the past. They’re experts.

Have a day out. Football. Cinema. Theme park. Zoo. Whatever you do, there will usually be books available. Gift shops at the end of museums or theme parks often have books or guides. Theatres and sports venues have programmes. For me, it was Leeds United match day magazines, but I accept they’re not to everyone’s taste!

Who does your child admire? A dancer? A singer? A sports person? Has that person written a book? There are more and more celebrities writing books. As a non-celebrity author I hate it, but, as a parent of an impressionable child, it’s great for you. Look the celeb’s name up on Amazon and see what’s out there. If you don’t want to buy it, then head to the library.

Get a magazine delivered. The idea of a magazine arriving for your child (and your child alone) can be exciting for them. I had Match magazine delivered when I was a kid. I couldn’t wait for Thursdays as a result.

Tom Palmer won the Ruth Rendell Award 2019 for his outstanding contribution to raising children’s literacy levels in the UK. He is the author of 45 books for children, many about football, rugby and WW1 and 2; yet he only became a reader at age 17, thanks to his mum and what she did to engage him with reading. For more information, visit www.tompalmer.co.uk

The secret to success is…

sharing your child’s reading journey Regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level.

Role models are not just famous people. Does your child have a coach, teacher, aunt or neighbour that they admire? For me it was my sister’s boyfriend: he gave me books. I read them because they were from him. Get your child’s role model to talk to them about books and recommend titles. A book from someone you look up to is more likely to get read.

You are your child’s number one role model. Let them see you reading what YOU want to read!

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t finish every book. I finish less than half the books I read. Borrow from the library and then your child can experiment without it costing money.

Books are not always best. Does your child have a favourite magazine? There are hundreds of magazines for kids available from supermarkets and high street newsagents. They cost a bit and there are far less words in them, but they’re a great way to get children reading. They’re colourful. They’re silly. They’re exciting.

6 Families East Kent

www.readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read familiesonline.co.uk

Why my daughter’s autism has made me a better person

Parenting

By Jane Constantine

that my negative state wouldn’t help me or her. I resolved to find out everything I could about autism.

I discovered a new determination to get Alexa all the help and support I could and that had to start with my husband and I - we had to step up and be ready to take on everything that this condition threw at us.

I joined groups; I listened to others; I made sure Alexa received intense speech therapy.

One of the best things I did was enrol on a Makaton sign language course. This has been fantastic in helping us communicate with Alexa and vice versa. Once we had an official diagnosis, we were also able to obtain an EHC, a legal document which ensures Alexa is supported in her schooling.

Today my daughter read We’re Going on a Bear Hunt all the way through, all by herself, without any help! I am bursting with pride.

Alexa is actually 10 years old, so you may question my pride in this. But until a few years ago, she could say very few words and couldn’t construct a sentence. She is of around 100,000 children in the UK today with autism spectrum disorder.

Watching your child develop and gain new skills is part of the joys of parenthood. Alexa was a beautiful little toddler, full of mischief and joy but when she didn’t achieve the expected milestones, I was understandably worried and confused.

When we started to attend the Stay and Play sessions at our local Sure Start centres.

Alexa would happily play with the toys and loved the puzzles and sensory activities but, at the end of the session, when the little ones would happily sit and listen to the storytelling session, Alexa would just wander off uninterested. She didn’t even seem aware that a story was being told.

Most of the toddlers around her age said words quite frequently and were pointing and communicating to their parents; we had a hard time getting Alexa to turn around when we called her name.

I consulted a paediatrician when Alexa was just over 2 years old. She was diagnosed with speech delay and we were asked to come back when she was 3 years old, if no further

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progress was made. A year later, we were back in her office.

My gut feeling was that something was wrong. Autism was casually mentioned but an assessment was needed. Looking back, we were fortunate that our referral came through in 9 months. That assessment can take a frustratingly long time - a friend of mine has recently waited 18 months to get a diagnosis for her son.

Now Alexa has no physical issues, her sensory issues have subsided and she has many more language and communication abilities. Most importantly she is a happy and healthy girl. Yes, she has autism and if I could take it away from her I would, but we have given her the best tools to help her manage.

She IS my perfect child and she has taught me so much. In particular, to be much more understanding of individuals with disabilities; that we are all different and that differences can and should be celebrated.

Within this time Alexa had started to say some words - bizarrely one of her first was “treasure chest,” not the typical “mummy” or “daddy” – but her progress wasn’t consistent.

She would say a word one week, but it could take three weeks before she would say another.

Finding out that your child is different and will go through life struggling is hard. I think it is perfectly normal for any parent to be in denial and to not want to hear this and I was guilty of this to a degree. Hearing Alexa’s diagnosis shattered all the happy expectations I had for her and I went through a period of grieving the “perfect” child I seemed to have lost.

Luckily, Alexa had started attending a preschool which some other children with autism attended and it had a specialist SEN group attached. This helped greatly. I went through a period of feeling sad and wondering what the future would hold for Alexa. After a few weeks, I had a chat with myself and realised

Families East Kent 7

Healthy eating

Healthier Easter Cookies These are easy to make, with plenty of opportunities for the kids to get involved with mashing, measuring and mixing.

They’re made healthier with the use of bananas and oats, but still offer the satisfying chocolate hit we all love!

Makes 12 I Prep Time: 10 minutes I Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients 2 bananas 3 tbsp honey 2 tbsp cocoa 150g rolled oats 80g chocolate mini eggs

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), 180°C fan, Gas Mark 6.

Line a couple of baking trays with baking paper.

2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl, then add the maple syrup and mix well.

3. Stir in the cocoa and oats until evenly combined.

4. Divide the mixture into 12 (about 2 level tablespoons each) and roll into balls. Place them on the baking trays.

5. Press a teaspoon into the centre of each cookie to create a nest shape.

6. Bake for 12 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.

7. Add a couple of chocolate mini eggs to the centre of each cookie.

You’ll find more great recipe ideas in Get Your Kids to Eat Anything

by Emily Leary (www.amummytoo. co.uk), published by Mitchell Beazley, RRP £16.99 and available online and in all good bookshops.

Free Magazines for your school, nursery, cafe, shop or club - just ask! editor@familieseastkent.co.uk or 07789 882467 East Kent

8 Families East Kent

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Kids corner

PICTURE CROSSWORD Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword?

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ANAGRAM

DOT TO DOT

Can you unscramble the letters to spell out the names of five popular book characters?

Join the dots to say hello to a fluffy springtime friend!

1. d i a t m l a 3 2

2. p e t h o r r a t y r

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3. k t e r a c y r e b a e

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When you’re done, unscramble the circled letters to spell a special message!

The answers are: 1. Matilda 2. Harry Potter 3. Tracey Beaker 4. Greg Heffley 5. Pippi Longstocking. Message is: Happy Reading familiesonline.co.uk

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Why not colour in when you’re done?

Families East Kent 9

Parenting

Motivating good behaviour

What’s the secret?

By Gabrielle Nash If you’re lucky enough to find bedtime a breeze, or have a co-operative child who eats all their vegetables, then you are indeed one of the fortunate and few. If you regularly find yourself battling bath times and lack of fruit intake and gentle (and not so gentle) admonishment of your child just doesn’t work, then it might be worth introducing a system to motivate good behaviour.

Reward-based systems like sticker charts are popular and effective tools because they’re positive. “It’s a straightforward concept” explains Dr Sarah Rose, a child psychologist at Staffordshire University “Children learn through association, so if a behaviour is associated with something nice happening they will be more likely to repeat that behaviour in future.”

However, every child is wired differently, so it’s important you think carefully about exactly what motivates your child. Reward charts can work well, as can marbles in a jar (or pasta in a pot).

The idea here is that your child earns marbles for completing a task or behaviour. Once the jar/pot is full they earn an activity or treat.

Your child’s age is also a factor. For toddlers a reward chart during potty training is great. A simple concept like “do a wee in the potty and you can have a sticker” is easy to understand. But anything more complicated and a toddler will struggle because they don’t fully understand the idea of consequence yet.

Once you’re using a reward chart, it’s important to be reliable and consistent. Ideally, you’d like your child to simply wish to behave well without needing the chart as motivation; the best way to encourage this is to combine the reward with plenty of praise.

Consider what it is reasonable to ask of them. This will be dependent on age, personality and energy levels. A tired child is considerably less cooperative.

Praise is essential. A child who feels good when praised, is encouraged to develop a desire to be “intrinsically” well behaved and need rewards less.

Focus on effort, when giving praise. Be immediate and be generous, combining your words with eye contact and a cuddle.

Whenever discussing your child’s good behaviour, never confuse them by also introducing a criticism or caveat.

So what about the bad behaviour? A child learns to repeat an action that gets the desired effect: attention from a parent. It could be that your child is behaving badly because they feel they need more of your time, so giving them plenty of attention when they are behaving well may alleviate negative behavior.

The once popular options of using either a “naughty step” or a “time-out” are no longer well thought of because they are based on punishment. When used judiciously, however, what those methods can still offer, is an opportunity for both parent and child to calm down before tantrums or tempers explode.

Finally, while motivating your child to behave well is important, children do need to be able to make mistakes without negative consequence. So if your child slips up now and then, gently point this out and encourage them to try again. Remember all children learn by observation too. So model good behaviour towards them and others whenever you can.

If you’re keen to use a reward chart, try using the Families colour-in animal chart on the opposite page!

Follow Gaby @thelondonishmum

Top Tips for making reward systems work Keep it specific. Pick a few areas that need work and make sure to explain to your child why they’re important.

For example, if your child struggles to go to bed without a fuss, try a reward chart for good behaviour at bedtime. Explain what that means for you (eg stay in bed) and why it’s important (eg if you don’t get plenty of rest, you won’t have the energy for more fun tomorrow).

Vintage inspired knitwear for the modern day baby and toddler

Be clear about your expectations. For example, if your child consistently behaves badly in public, on your next outing make it clear what the boundaries are for their behaviour: “I would like you to walk nicely on the pavement with me” or “I would like you to sit and read with me while we wait at the doctors.”

www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn

10 Families East Kent

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The Grrreat Colour-In Reward Chart STEP 1

he Real Animals! t t i s Vi

STEP 3

STEP 2

Name:

Tell your Explain Fill in daily child when to behaviour rewards your colour in the child will targets animals! receive

WIN Family Tickets for a day at a UK Zoo or Wildlife Park of your choice!

Tickets are valid for two adults and two children.

I will...

✹ ✹ ✹ ✹ ✹ ✹ ✹ Reward

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Competition Entry: Email an image of your child’s chart with a minimum of 3 rows of animals coloured in to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your child’s name, age, your postcode and up to 50 words from you or your child explaining how the chart has helped them achieve their targets.

You have until 30 June 2020 to enter.

Day 4

Email info@familiesmagazine.co.uk for extra copies of the chart!

When I have coloured in all my animals, we can enter the competition to go to the zoo!

Families East Kent 11

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What’s on

What’s on in March & April Your essential guide to family events compiled by Laura Vass. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. If you have events to share email them for consideration to editor@familieseastkent.co.uk

DIARY DATES Throughout March and April Lambing Days

Monkshill Farm Waterham, Faversham ME13 9EH The farm and farm shop are open every day between 10am and 4.30pm.

Visit anytime in March or April, during lambing season, to see the new-born lambs, and possibly even witness a birth. The farm expecting over 1000 lambs to be born this season.

Monday and Friday (term time) Toddler Group

Wildwood, Herne Bay CT6 7LQ The toddler group runs every Monday and Thursday between 10.30am and 12pm in the café. The group is free, although you must have paid to enter the site. Wildwood is a unique location, home to beautiful creatures native to Europe; you could combine your visit to the toddler group with a stroll around the site.

1 & 15 March Balance Bike Sessions

Canterbury Christ Church University Sports Centre, Canterbury CT1 1XS Running for one hour, this is a fantastic and fun environment for children to develop balance bike skills, with a focus on fundamental skills such as coordination, teamwork and balance.

Riders will take on BMX obstacles and develop key skills plus race others around our race circuit. Children can take their own bikes (helmets are mandatory), or they can try out some of the brand-new strider race bikes.

9.30am. £7pp + £3 for additional siblings.

1 & 15 March Nerf Battles (Dart Tag) Sessions

3 March Bach to Baby Concert

St Peter’s Methodist Church Canterbury CT1 2BE Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed classical concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your babes in tow.

7 March Nearly New Sale

St Mary’s Art Centre Sandwich CT13 9HN This nearly new sale is a great place to pick up baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and equipment for a fraction of the cost. The sale opens at 12 Families East Kent

and detailed knowledge of the scientific method.

7 March Family Film Frozen II: Singalong

14 March Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NB A special sing-along screening of this box-office hit especially for families.

The screening time is 11.30am. Join Elsa, Anna and Olaf and join in with all your favourite songs.

8 March Philharmonia Orchestra: Family Concert

The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS Join the orchestra for an exciting concert celebrating the Olympic spirit – the perfect way to get inspired for Tokyo 2020: cheer for the underdog, feel the thrill of a race, and share in the joy of triumph over adversity as you hear musical favourites from film and television, as well as timeless classics for symphony orchestra. Tickets £12 - £19.

8 March Peter and the Wolf

Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NB An hour-long concert for all the family.

University musicians and alumni come together to perform one of the great orchestral fairy tales, telling the story of Peter and his friends the bird, duck and cat, the grumpy grandfather and the big bad scary wolf! Tickets £5 - £8.

8 March Experience Ancient Cave Art

Revelation Ashford, TN23 1QG Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers is a theatrical and interactive experience, especially made for all the family to enjoy. It’s a thrilling story delivered through performance, games and creative play that explores Roald Dahl’s extraordinary stories, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG and The Twits along the way.

Tickets available from ticketweb.uk

14 March Trainmaster

Ash Village Hall, Ash, CT3 2BG Running three hour-long sessions

throughout the day, Trainmaster offers fun sessions that are perfect for little train enthusiasts. Filling the room with lots of track, trains, fancy dress, crafts and ride-on trains, there will be plenty to entertain any pre-schooler. Visit trainmaster.co.uk to book in.

15 March Stone Age Picnic

Samphire Hoe, Off A20 near Dover, CT17 9FL Starting at 10.30am from the Education Shelter, join a walk through Samphire Hoe to the beach, have a look in the rock pools for some Stone Age delicacies and have a go at Stone Age fire-lighting. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the fire. Marshmallows will be available for toasting too. Donations are very appreciated, although there is no charge to attend.

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Samphire Hoe, Off A20 near Dover, CT17 9FL Meeting at the Education Shelter at 2pm, people of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend this event to explore different ways of looking at cave art. Attendees can expect to put themselves in the place of cave artists from over 12,000 years ago to find out more. The session should last around 1.5 hours and is free, but donations are welcome.

14 March Mum 2 Mum Nearly New Sale

Spires Academy, Bredlands Lane, Sturry CT2 0HD Open from 10am until 12pm, this is a great place to grab a bargain! Nearly new and high-quality second-hand baby and children’s items available to purchase. There is a buggy park and baby changing facilities can be found on site too. Entrance is £2 per adult, children are free.

14 March Morgan and West - Unbelievable Science Theatre Royal, Margate CT9 1PW Captivating chemistry! Phenomenal physics! Bonkers biology! Expect explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment that gives their stage manager chills, all backed up by Morgan & West’s trademark wit, charm

A spring in your step made at Smallhythe Place Weave through a carpet of daffodils and bluebells flowing through the garden. Discover new exhibitions, catch a show in the Theatre and explore the nature trail with our Cadbury Easter Egg hunts. There is something for everyone.

© National Trust 2020. Registered Charity no. 205846.

Photography © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor.

Canterbury Christ Church University Sports Centre, Canterbury CT1 1XS This is fun packed event for children and adults to experience together. From hiding behind giant inflatable bunkers to using over 40 Nerf Guns, all players will love the fast-paced high intensity Nerf Battle games. Ages 6+. £7pp + £3 for additional family members.

10.30am and will close at 1pm. £1 for adults, children enter free.

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What’s on

29 March Paws for Pilgrims

The Bandstand, Deal, CT14 7EB Join hundreds of dog walkers as they embark on the popular 5km sponsored dog walk along the beautiful Deal coastline towards Walmer before returning. After the walk, why not enter your furry friend in some of the classes in the fun dog show; with ‘fastest sausage catcher’ and ‘dog most like its owner’ being popular choices. With refreshments and stalls to enjoy too, it’s a great day out for the whole family.

Events begin from 10.30am.

30 March Easter Fairy Garden Workshop

18 March Wildlife Walk

RSPB Dungeness Boulderwall Farm, Lydd TN29 9PN This walk is for everyone with a keen interest in wildlife! If the weather has been mild enough, you might see an early butterfly or bumblebee. March time also brings in early migrants to the country and is the last chance to spot our wintering birds such as the pintail, smew or firecrest before they head north again. Meeting time is 10.30am and the walk should finish around 12pm. Booking is essential. £7 per adult. £3.50 per child. 20% discount for RSPB members.

21 & 22 March Mother’s Day Weekend

Hever Castle and Gardens Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG Show your mum just how much you love her with a wonderful family day out to Hever Castle on Mother’s Day Weekend. The historic Castle and stunning gardens is the perfect place to say thank you and enjoy a family day out over the weekend.

22 March Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Godinton House and Gardens Ashford TN23 3BP For a relaxing Mother’s Day treat, head along to Godinton House and Gardens between 1pm and 5pm. Take a stroll amongst the beautiful daffodils and fritillaries before enjoying a delicious afternoon tea in the tearoom.

22 March Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Whitstable Castle and Gardens Whitstable CT5 2DY Treat your mum to an extra special Afternoon Tea this Mother’s Day at Whitstable Castle. This is a beautiful location to visit, with lovely gardens and excellent sea-views. You could even explore Whitstable’s unique selection of boutique shops afterwards.

You must book in advance if you wish to visit on this day.

22 March Mothering Sunday at the Railway

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, New Romney TN28 8PL Treat your mum this Mothering Sunday.

Not only will she be able to take a seat and travel along the line, being pulled by a world-famous steam locomotive, but she will also have an opportunity to drive the train. Mum’s ‘Drive a Train’ takes place at New Romney Station, where she can take control of the regulator and take the locomotive the outer stations limits, under the watchful eye and guidance of one of the experienced drivers.

27 March Mrs H and the Sing-along Band

Folkestone Quarterhouse Folkestone CT20 1BN Led by the charming and passionate Mrs H, the Sing-along Band bring their

unique family music to Folkestone with a line-up of musicians including members of Red Snapper, Beth Orton and The Leisure Society. Bring your voices, silly dances, a sprinkling of mischief and don’t hold back from joining in the fun! Suitable for ages 0-5.

27 March & 24 April Astronomy Viewing Sessions

Monkton Nature Reserve Monkton CT12 4LH The viewing session will start approximately one hour after sunset.

More precise details will be given nearer the time. You should wear suitable clothing for the evening, as it can be very cold. Please also wear sturdy footwear as the track leading to the observatories is uneven. Bring a torch. Children welcome, but they must be accompanied by a parent. Members enter free, £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

28 March Baby and Children’s Market

St Peter’s Church Hall Broadstairs CT10 2TR Lots of stalls bursting with top quality baby and children’s items from birth to 12 years. You will also find a small selection of unique businesses showcasing and selling their products and services. £1 entry per adult and children enter free. 10am-1pm.

Made in Ashford, My Tiny Little Studio, Ashford TN24 8RY In this 2-hour workshop you will be shown how to create your base for your garden and make a little sign.

You will then be able to choose from an abundance of fairy treasures and foraged finds to decorate and add Magic to your creation. This workshop is suitable ages 5+.

31 March – 4 April A Monster Calls

The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS From the critically-acclaimed bestseller, A Monster Calls offers a dazzling insight into love, life and healing.

31 March – 11 April Beauty and the Beast

Leas Cliff Hall, The Leas, Folkestone CT20 2DZ With a cast of local favourites, popular songs and a Beast with a roar loud enough to shake the leaves from the trees, this family favourite will delight audiences. This beloved familyfavourite will be a brilliant way to treat the little ones this Easter. Tickets start £18.

1 – 2 April The Bear

Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NB ‘The Bear’ is an unforgettable experience for the whole family and a perfect introduction to theatre for little people. Recommended for ages 3+.

Tickets £8 - £9.

4 – 5 April Kent Big Weekend

Various Locations To celebrate National Tourism Week, top attractions from around Kent offer free tickets to Kent residents to explore some of the exciting things on their doorstep!

4 – 5 April Wind in the Willows

Sarah Thorne Theatre Broadstairs CT10 2BN Broadstairs Dickens Players present Wind in The Willows. Kenneth Grahame’s classic in a new adaptation - with music, singing dormice and comedy weasels. Join Ratty, Mole, Toad and their friends for tales of the riverbank, the open road and the wild wood. Suitable for all ages.

4 – 5 and 7 – 13 April Day Out with Thomas

Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden TN30 6HE Join the Kent and East Sussex Railway for trainloads of fun and a day of 75th anniversary celebrations! Take a train ride with Thomas, meet the Fat Controller and join Sodor station Sweepers, Rusty and Dusty, in a birthday singalong. All visitors will enjoy a steam train ride to Rolvenden Station and have the opportunity to take part in other Thomas-themed activities throughout the day. All tickets must be pre-booked.

28 March Family Quiz

St Andrew’s Church Hall Whistable CT5 4LH Quiz rounds and games for all ages!

Starting at 5pm and running until approximately 6.30pm, teams can be made up of a maximum of 8 people. £5 per person, children under 12 go free. To book contact Jane.myhill@ btinternet.com

28 March & 11, 18 & 25 April Learn to Ride

Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF Aimed at children aged between 5 and 12, these sessions are perfect for those who have never ridden a bike before or those are ready to move on from stabilisers. £17.50 for one session or £45 for three sessions. Book sessions in advance by contacting the park at info@betteshangerparks.co.uk or call 01304 619227.

29 March Mr Men and Little Miss Stage Show

Theatre Royal, Margate CT9 1PW Starting at 2pm, you can see your favourite Mr Men and Little Miss characters leap from the page and onto the stage in this beautifully-crafted and hilarious stage show! Featuring Mr Bump, Little Miss Splendid, Mr Tickle and many more, Happyland bursts into life in a series of colourful and timeless stories told through puppetry and music. Tickets £10 children. £12 adults with discounted family tickets available.

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What’s on 4 – 19 April Lambing Open Days

to impress family and friends! The session will start at 10am prompt. All ingredients are included. Ages 8+.

Booking is required.

Hever Castle & Gardens

Broadlees Farm Dover CT15 5D Families can visit, hold a lamb and maybe even see one being born. No pregnant women will be permitted to enter the farm for their own safety.

Entrance is £5 for adults and £4 for children and seniors. Cash only. 1-4pm.

4 – 19 April Easter Adventure Quest

Dover Castle, Dover CT16 1HU Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday.

Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail around the castle. You can get questing every day of the school holidays. The quest costs £1 per child in addition to the usual admission fee.

5 April Open Farm Lambing Day

Romney Marsh Wools Aldington TN25 7BT There will be the opportunity to meet the lambs as well as find out more about the sheep and life on the farm.

There will be Kentish crafts, food and drink available on the day from some specially selected producers plus activities for children of all ages. 11am - 3pm. Free.

6 – 11 April The Storm Whale

The Studio, The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS Benji Davies’ tender and heartwarming children stories of friendship, love and courage are brought to life as one enchanting theatre show. This is perfect for children aged 4 and older.

Tickets £13.

9 – 11 April Oliver

The King’s Hall Theatre Herne Bay CT6 6BA Herne Bay Musical Theatre Society and Herne Bay Youth present all the musical favourites, this promises to be another production that is not to be missed! A great Easter holiday treat for all the family.

9 – 13 April Thanet Gang Show

Theatre Royal, Margate CT9 1PW Featuring young people from the local Scout and Guide groups, this show will show off their talents. This should be great fun for all the family, with no campfires in sight. Tickets are £8.

11 April Survival Adventure

Natural Pathways Bushcraft and Forest School Walder Chain Woods CT4 6NS Spending time in nature is vital for all children and to have a day learning valuable skills makes it even more fun.

Keep your young explorers busy in the woods as they discover how to make their own survival camp. Build debris shelters, build and light campfires and cook their survival grub...sausages and marshmallows of course. Suitable for ages 5-16. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

13 April Inflatable Fun Day

Pencester Gardens Dover CT16 This is a great day out for the family.

The bouncy castle arena will host 4 big bouncy castles! You can choose to pay to play for 10 minutes or pay to play all day with a wristband! In addition, you will be able to create an amazing sand art picture to take home and keep. You can also browse gift stalls, information stands and refreshments.

18 April Oh No, George!

Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NB Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Chris Haughton, this brand-new show for children age 3+ and their families uses acrobatics, slapstick comedy and live music to bring George’s chaotic and joyful escapades to life. Oh No, George! will be a delightful family treat. Tickets £8 - £9.

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4 – 19 April Easter Adventure Quest

Walmer Castle and Gardens Kingsdown Road, Walmer CT14 7LJ See description for Dover Castle above.

25 April Mum 2 Mum Nearly New Sale

Spires Academy, Sturry CT2 0HD Open from 10am until 12pm, this is a great place to grab a bargain! Nearly new and high quality second-hand baby and children’s items will be available for you to purchase. There is a buggy park and baby changing facilities. Entrance is £2 per adult, children are free.

EASTER EVENTS 28 March – 15 April Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt: Feathers and eggs

Knole House, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP Solve the clues to find the names of the birds, then collect the code letters and unscramble them to reveal the special word you need to claim your prize. Ages 3-11. Open from 11am-3pm daily. Other National Trust properties are hosting similar events through the Easter holidays. Check with individual sites for running dates.

28 March – 19 April The Easter Rabbit Strikes a Pose!

Penshurt Place, Tonbridge TN11 8DG The Easter Rabbit has been hopping through the gardens snapping selfies in its favourite spots! Using your photo album trail sheet as a guide, walk through the 11 acres of gardens and

see if you can find all the locations the Easter Rabbit used to strike a pose!

After your stroll through the gardens, visit The Old Coach House for some Spring and Easter themed crafts.

2 – 19 April Easter Family Fun

Hever Castle and Gardens Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG Hop through the beautiful grounds this Easter.

2 – 19 April Easter Fun

The Hop Farm Paddock Wood TN12 6PY A visit to the Hop Farm this Easter will be full of fun and adventure. With all the usual attractions, like jumping pillows, indoor and outdoor play areas, crazy golf and animal farm, plus you will be able to meet the beautiful Spring lambs and piglets, this is set to be a great day out. There will also be the opportunity to take part in egg-citing Easter trails.

3 April Kids Easter Baking Morning

Chequers Kitchen Cookery School Deal CT14 6RG As Easter is fast-approaching, the children will make simnel cake muffins, followed by the savoury dish: a Mediterranean puff pastry tart. There will be lots of cooking skills to learn and delicious results to take home

Hop into Easter fun at Hever Castle 2-19 April Family fun at Hever Castle & Gardens throughout the Easter holidays promises to put a spring in your step.

Hunt for the colourful carrots and the Hever bunny in our fun free Easter trail or take part in an Easter egg hunt in the grounds. Each child will receive a chocolate for completing the trail and a mini chocolate egg for each Easter egg they find.

Take part in an Easter themed trail in the Castle to learn about creatures that hatch and create an egg shaped decoration to hang on our Easter tree in our free craft activity.

As well as the Easter themed activities, a visit to Hever Castle in spring offers a great chance to explore the stunning gardens. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of spring blooms from daffodils to hyacinths, camellias and early tulips.

Visitors aged 7-14 can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets. It features three slides and two poles and lots of interactive elements including musical instruments, a maze and hidden boxes to find. Or the under 7s can enjoy the natural play area, Acorn Dell with its 2 metre high living willow structure, a giant sandpit, a mound with tunnels to clamber in and a climbing frame.

Visit www.hevercastle.co.uk for full details.

6 – 10 April Spring Week

Godinton House and Gardens Godinton Lane, Ashford TN23 3BP If you visit the gardens between 1pm and 4pm on these days, adults and children alike can take part in a number of activities. These will include garden trails and games, as well as indoor craft activities for you to take home. Adults £7, children £5.

7 – 10 April Kidz Riding Holiday

The 4 Gaits Riding School, Smarden TN27 8RQ Break the Easter Holiday up with this Kidz Camp! Your children will be kept as busy as ever with a mixture of fun activities both on and off the ponies!

There is the option to stay overnight or come and go each day; it is flexible to suit each child. Activities Include: Riding Lessons, Hacking, Lectures, Games on foot, Gymkhana, Showjumping, Polocrosse and a big dose of fun!

7 – 17 April Easter Family Fun: VE Day

Royal Engineers Museum Gillingham ME7 1UR Celebrate at the museum and create wooden bunting ready for your own celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Activities run from 11am to 3pm each day. Cost £2.50 in addition to standard admission prices.

9 & 15 April Cooking Holiday Club

Chequers Kitchen Cookery School, Golf Road, Deal CT14 6RG This is an opportunity for children aged 8 to 14 to spend the day cooking. They will have fun and learn skills for life.

They do not need to have experience or already feel confident in their cooking skills – they will be guided and supported so that they can enjoy the experience and absorb the skills they will practise. Booking is required.

10- 13 April Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt

Smallhythe Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG Get ready for a weekend of fun and discovery as you spot the first signs of spring at the amazing places the National Trust looks after. Become a nature detective, solve the clues and finish your adventure with a chocolate treat from Cadbury. 11am-3pm. £3.

10 April Easter Egg Hunt

Demelza Hospice Sittingbourne ME9 8DZ Head along to this annual Easter Egg Hunt. Help Cotton Tail find his friends in the glorious Demelza gardens and each child will receive a prize for completing the Easter Egg Hunt. There is limited availability so book early. £3 per child and 50p for accompanying adults.

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10 – 12 April Easter at Brogdale

Brogdale Farm Faversham ME13 8XZ Meet the baby animals, live hatching chicks and hunt for giant eggs in the orchards. Get your face painted and create some fantastic Easter crafts plus much, much more! You might even spot the Easter bunny hopping about.

10 – 12 April Farm Easter Egg Hunt and Trail

Little Fant Farm, Maidstone ME16 9LY The farm is hosting fun and games for all the family this Easter weekend.

Children can get involved with the Farm Easter Trail and Egg Hunt to find the Golden Ticket; they can also take part in Easter-themed children’s Crafts, as well as meeting the farm animals. Freshly baked food from the farm bakery will also be available to purchase.

10 – 13 April East Kent Railway Easter Weekend

East Kent Railway Shepherdswell CT15 7PD The East Kent Railway are offering rides on their heritage railway for £2 per person over Easter Weekend. With beautiful woodland, miniature railway, model railways and narrow gauge engines, in addition to the train rides, this is a great way to spend a day with the family.

10 – 13 April Easter Fun with the Junk Orchestra

Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1PL Join the Junk Orchestra at Leeds Castle for daily musical jamming sessions at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Create and play with instruments that have been cleverly constructed using bits of old rubbish. From colourful bunny ears to floral spring headbands, have a go at creating a fun and funky Easter hat

using card, paint and glitter. Round your visit off with an Easter trail through the grounds to win a chocolate reward.

10 – 13 April Spring into Easter

Kent Life, Lock Lane Maidstone ME14 3AU This Easter, join in with bottle feeding lambs or goat kids, as well as visiting the piglets or taking a ride around the farm. The big top will be running Easter shows throughout the school holidays, but on this weekend, you can also see the Easter bunny himself and take part in his special hunt! There will also be Easter bonnet making and a parade.

All the usual attractions like the indoor and outdoor play areas, and the cuddle corner, will also be available for visitors to enjoy.

11 April Easter Egg Hunt

Strode Park House, Herne CT6 7NE The Strode Park Foundation are once again hosting their Easter Eggtravaganza with lots for all the family to get involved with. Go along for twohours of egg-citing fun. The Easter Egg Hunt will start at 10.30am. It’s £4 per child (adults go free) and every child will get a prize for entering. In addition to the hunt, you will also be able to take part in the Easter Bonnet Competition – head along and make a bonnet on the day or get making at home beforehand and bring your entry to the event.

Judging will take place at 11.30am.

There will also be a bouncy castle, games, stalls and a breakfast BBQ.

11 April Family Workshop: Easter Hatchling Break Out

Block 67, 67 Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20 1JR Design an Easter hatchling and help it break out of its shell. Lydia Hibbert and her team at Young Animators Club

will help you use traditional animation techniques to bring your creature to life. Your film will be published on the Young Animators Club website for you to watch, share and download. Drop-in.

11 April Whitsparkle Easter Egg Hunt

The Library, High Street, Whitstable Head along and join the Whitsparkle bunnies on their annual Easter Egg Trail through the town! Meeting at the library, you can be part of the fun in this annual Whitstable event.

11 April Easter Activity Day

Singleton Environment Centre Singleton, Ashford TN23 5LW This free event runs from 10am-1pm.

Activities include an Easter bunny hunt, looking for lizards and other reptiles, an animal quiz, and making an Easter card.

12 April Easter Egg Hunt

Broome Park Hotel Canterbury CT4 6QX Spend Easter exploring the garden of England at Broome Park as you go on an Easter egg hunt full of treats! There will also be a Sunday lunch carvery and Easter bonnet competition for everyone to enter.

12 April Kids’ Easter Charity Disco

Unleashing Lives, The Queen’s Head Pub, Ashford TN23 3EN Head along to this Kids’ Easter Charity Disco Fundraiser event. Tickets are £4 per child this includes a free Easter egg for every child and a visit from the Easter bunny, as well as a disco and party games. The disco will be open from 2-4pm.

What’s on 12 – 13 April Easter Trail

Mount Ephraim Gardens Hernhill, Faversham ME13 9TX If you are looking for an egg-cellent family day out, head to Mount Ephraim Gardens for lots of fun this Easter bank holiday. In addition to hunting for giant Easter eggs along the trail, you can cuddle adorable animals like bunnies, guinea pigs and chicks, as well as join in hands-on crafts to make your own bunny ears or Easter bonnet. £7 adults and £2.50 for children. Under 4s free.

13 April Captain’s Garden Easter Open Day Deal Castle, Deal CT14 7BA Head along to Deal Castle for this public open day of the Captain’s Garden. This community space has recently been reopened and, with community effort, revitalised.

13 April Arts and Crafts Fair & Easter Egg Hunt

Whitstable Castle Whitstable CT5 2BW Take a walk to the castle this Easter Monday, to have a browse at a variety of local arts and craft and food stalls.

There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt in the gardens for children at a cost of £3 per child. The Orangery Tearoom will be open all day for light lunches, cream teas etc. Free Entry to the Fair.

21-26 April Tulip Celebrations

Hever Castle and Gardens Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG The Italian Garden at Hever Castle will play host to the largest of the tulip planting displays with a kaleidoscope of colours fanning down the length of the gardens. Normal admision applies.

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