Families Hertfordshire May/June 2022

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Issue 104 May/June 2022

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Inspiring school holiday adventures your child won’t want to miss

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CONTENTS

Contact Us Tel: 07958284983 Editor: Dale Harry Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk /FamiliesHerts

In This Issue 4 7 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20

News Education Father’s Day gifts Summer camps Kids’ parties Adventures at home Win a holiday Summer food Travel Outdoor Toys Adventures Outdoors Events Listing

Now taking registrations

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Welcome So much to look forward to in May and June, including two bank holidays, one of them extralong! Yippee!

Warm sunny days are on the horizon so start planning some family adventures in your local area and exploring the great outdoors again.

If you are looking at planning a break but want something that will truly be family-friendly, check out our ‘tried and tested’ suggestions.

If you have a little one who starts school in September, now is also the time to start thinking about preparation.

Find advice and resources in our Education section.

Finally, in this issue, we have lots of giveaways, including a family holiday and cuddly Care Bear companions for your child to fall in love. Don’t forget to apply!

Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

LOCKERS PARK “Lockers Park prepares boys for success in the modern world.” Tatler Schools Guide

FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

Join a Stay & Play Session Thursday 12 May, 9.30-11am T: 01707 392999 E: hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com Hertford Barns Day Nursery, Cole Green, Hertford, SG14 2NL T: 01582 792060 E: nurseryonthegreen.redbourn@childbase.com

Children and their parents are welcome to join a fun lesson and play time at Little Lockers (our Pre-Prep) and meet our Reception Teacher and Headmaster.

Visit lockerspark.co.uk to book.

Nursery on the Green, South Common, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7NG

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU www.childbasepartnership.com

Familiesonline.co.uk

Excellent results | Enthusiasm for life A purposefully small prep school for boys aged 4-13 | Boxmoor, Hertfordshire

May/June 3

NEWS

Go on a magical adventure with Perform’s Peter Pan course enjoys every minute as they work towards a showstopping performance to delight family and friends.

‘Freyja got so much out of those three days; it’s given her a lot of confidence in her ability to join in, make new friends With a sprinkle of and perform songs Perform fairy dust, a and dances. We team of skilled actors, were so proud of her,’ musicians and dancers said parent Emma will ensure your child Robinson.

Inspire your child’s imagination this summer with a unique drama, dance and singing holiday course.

In •July or August, your Childminders 4-10 old can fly • year Day Nurseries away to of Neverland • Out School Care with Peter Pan, Tinker • Pre-School Playgroups Bell and friends and much moreon … an unforgettable confidence-building adventure.

The Peter Pan summer course takes place in St Albans (Fleetville Junior School), from 1-5 August.

For more information on these classes, and to book, visit website

Try a class for free Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s run throughout the summer term and, with over 300 classes running each week, there’s sure to be a class near you. Venues: St Albans, Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City, Bishops Stortford, Broxbourne, Potters Bar, Cuffley (new!), Hertford, Hitchin, Letchworth, Borehamwood, Knebworth (new!), Radlett, Royston (new!)

Visit website to book a free trial session. 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk

Find childcare in Hertfordshire To find an Ofsted registered childcare provider near you and to enquire about spaces visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/childcaredirectory

ALL STAFF DBS CHECKED

HOLIDAY CLUB in St Albans!

EASTER HOLS : 4th -14th April OPEN ALL SUMMER 25th July – 2nd Sept COME JOIN US FOR ALL DAY FUN AND EXCITING ACTIVITIES!!

For All 4-11 year olds to Enjoy!!

Qualified & Experienced Staff Great Indoor & Outdoor spaces

Tel: 07913 323608 replay5905@ntlworld.com 4 May/June

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NEWS

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Shuttleworth On Sunday 5 June Shuttleworth will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a Jubilee Flying Circus Air Show.

From the moment you arrive, circus performers on the ground and in the air will leave you and your family with wide eyes and open mouths, whilst a circus skills workshop will teach your kids the ropes.

a symbol of the rich history captured within this stunning location. The day will also include a variety of activities in the Collection hangars, keeping the children (or the young at heart!) entertained.

The Jubilee Flying Circus is a truly unique day out and will be a memorable occasion for all the family to celebrate.

You’ll be able to experience the sensations of riding on-board a 1920s bus – whether it’s the sole surviving Charabus or the Wellingborough double-decker.

The beautiful Swiss Garden and the grand Shuttleworth House will be open to explore and are To book your tickets, visit website

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May/June 5 QP Families Herts - May.indd 1

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NEWS

Holiday fun at Camp Beaumont With the school holidays just around the corner, and the dilemma of childcare approaching, Camp Beaumont, the UK’s most experienced day camp provider, is on hand to provide your child with a fun-filled adventure at over 40 locations across the South-East.

With over 50 activities each week, not only will your child sharpen up their social skills, they can pursue new

interests too, develop new talents and unleash their creative side.

exclusive club-style teens programme for 12-16 year olds.

Camp Beaumont’s Activities range from award-winning multiAqua Olympics to activity adventure Superhero Academy, camps take place and each activity every school holiday, programme is tailored including May halfby age group, including term and summer. a nursery-style playtime programme for 3-4 year olds, a unique magic programme for 5-7 year olds, a thrilling active programme for 8-11 year olds and an

To book, visit website or call 01604 851 0000

LOOK FORWARD TO SAVOURING THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SCENTS OF SPRING, RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW. WE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU. THE PARK AND GARDENS ARE OPEN TO VISITORS NOW.

SPACE TO LIVE, WORK, MEET & RELAX

Explore the park & gardens

WWW.HATFIELDPARK.CO.UK

6 May/June

T:01707 287010

Indulge at the Stable Yard Shops & restaurant

E:VISITORS@HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

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EDUCATION

Times tables learning resources It really is true that multiplication tables are the bedrock of maths learning. Get your child up to speed with the following resources.

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Numberjacks Times Table App

Times Tables Flashcards

Learn times tables by singing about them!

FREE

Times table activities based on the CBeebies show. FREE

Rapid recall practice in the 1-12 times tables.

Ages 8-11. £6.99

Colour-coded Multiplication Square

The Times Table Adventure

Times Tables Heroes Board Game

Visual aid which helps spot patterns and learn tables. FREE

Times Tables Wall Chart Download and stick up where they’ll be seen often. FREE

Familiesonline.co.uk

Ideal for children who like video games like Minecraft. FREE

10 Minutes A Day Times Tables

Book featuring 10 minute games and tests.

Maximum fun, maximum effect. £14.99

Fun multiplication board game to prepare for Year 4 tables check. £11.75

Number Rumbler Card Game A family card game which practises times tables. £7.99

May/June 7

Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

EDUCATION

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Perfect company for your child’s adventures APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

Magazine

8 May/June

*while stocks last T&Cs apply Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Starting school resources

If you have a little one starting school in September, now is a good time to start gently preparing them for the big day.

Get Ready for School Activity Pack

Fun, wipe clean books in smart carry case. £9.70

Going to School

A great Usborne picture book introducing the school experience. £4.99

Teach Your Monster to Read

Fun, engaging game that practises essential reading skills. FREE Familiesonline.co.uk

Phonics Play

Website with phonics information, games and activities. FREE

My First Day at School Game

BBC Bitesize interactive game explaining what school may be like. FREE

Bud’s Number Game

Educational game to get your child started with numbers. FREE

Preparing Your Child for Starting School

Top tips booklet to help children with transition.

FREE

Teachers

Pupils explain what a teacher does and how to behave in class. FREE

Starting Primary School

Everything you need to get prepared, from home to classroom. FREE May/June 9

FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day gift suggestions

Is it sometimes difficult to know what to buy for dad? Here are our top picks.

Dad’s Shed Slate Sign

Handcrafted natural slate sign to mark out dad’s territory. £12.99

Docking Station Help dad keep all his things together – stylishly! £27.90

Supercar Driving Day

Get day in a race car!

Circuits UK-wide. From £39

Peppa Pig: My Burgon & Ball Billionaire Gardening Gloves Shortbread Truffles Daddy Board Book

These quality gloves are For dads with a sweet great for dads with green tooth - a little decadence. fingers. £17.99 £16

Bread Baking Club Gift Subscription

Your dad could be star baker with this 3-month gift subscription. £36 10 May/June

100 Things to Do with Dad Scratch Off Bucket List Poster 100 activities! £10.99

Something for dad to read with your little one. £4.49

Personalised Socks with your Child’s Drawing

Celebrate Father’s Day and your child’s artwork. £20 Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camps checklist

To help you book a summer camp or workshop and get your child ready.

What to wear

For cool weather, warm comfortable clothes including a jacket/coat and jumper/hoodie.

For sunny weather, suitable clothes and sun hat. Apply sun cream once before your child leaves the house.

Comfortable footwear.

General questions

What to take

Swimming costume and towel.

An apron or shirt for creative activities.

Refillable water bottle Packed lunch and snacks, if needed.

Rucksack (to carry everything).

Sun cream, if required.

Childcare questions

How many children are there on a camp?

What age group will my child be in?

Can my child be in the same group as their friend/sibling?

Do I need to provide lunch and snacks?

Do you provide sun cream?

Are you registered with Ofsted?

Questions about booking and costs

Get the best out of family life!

Is wraparound care available?

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Do you accept childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare?

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Can I make changes to my booking? What is the last date for changes?

Can I pay in instalments?

If there’s wraparound care, how much is it?

Will I pay extra if I’m delayed in collecting my child?

Are all activities included in the cost?

Will my child have a key worker?

IN THIS ISSUE

Activities Tips/Advice Days Out familiesonline.c o.uk

May/June 11

KIDS’ PARTIES

Party bag fillers

Want to avoid plastic tat but stuck for alternatives? Try these out for size.

Decopatch Mini Animal Kits

Make a cute animal mache shape with these gorgeous kits. £7.30

Colour-in Splat T-shirts

Doubles as a party activity! Wash and colour-in again. From £9.95

Sweetie Jewellery Activity Kit

Smiggle Party Colour Art Jar

Hello Bee Craft Kits

Pre-filled Thank You Party Cone

Make yummy jewellery & a craft jewellery box. £12.99

Art kit with rainbow markers, colouring sheets & graphite pencil. £9.20

Designed for children 3+, perfect for keeping little hands busy.

From £8

Colourful paper cones full of treats and including thank you note. £3.75

The Curious Caterpillar PreFilled Bags

Mini Sunflowers Growing Kit

Craft & Crumb Bake Kit Party Bags

Large variety of pre-filled bags for girls and boys.

From £1.90 12 May/June

Easy to grow mini sunflowers. Includes seeds, compost and activity sleeve. £6

Make, bake and decorate cookies and biscuits with these kits. From £4.50 Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Garden music festival

Go without electricity

Dig out your tent, drag out your blankets and cushions, power up the radio and set up camp. Spend the day listening to music in the comfort of your own garden. Homemade ribbon wristbands and VIP lanyards allow unlimited access to the snack cupboard, fruity mocktails and ultimately, the lavatory without needing to queue!

Challenging the family to go without electricity is great fun. It encourages you to get creative with your time and introduces the broader topic of eco-living: which small changes can be made at home? Activities for the day might include painting, poetry, games, bird watching, cooking over an open flame and sleeping outside.

Stargazing

Garden fete

Our favourite way to stargaze is in an old inflatable pool, patched with duct tape and filled with duvets! It keeps the chill out whilst we snuggle down and watch for the first star to appear amidst the myths and legends.

Village fetes are often a washout but you can schedule yours in when there’s glorious sunshine!

String up your bunting, bake some scones, set up a raffle and a lucky dip (from old goody bag items), provide an (unplugged) microphone for announcements, hold a pet show, even set up a Pimms’ tent (no judgement here).

Look out for the Big Bear, the Pegasus and Draco the dragon.

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 13

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Mini Olympics

Wildlife hunting

Our garden Olympics is an annual favourite. Open the games with a (tissue paper) Olympic flame and homemade hanging flags, followed by competitive rounds of egg and spoon, sack races, hula hooping, bean bag throwing and swing ball. Keep score on a chalkboard and finish with salt dough medals award ceremony.

Find out who you share your garden with, using a nature guide to help with identification.

Encourage some new residents with a log pile house for insects, feeders for birds, a compost heap for worms, upturned pots for frogs and a colourful flowerbed for bees and butterflies. Keep an illustrated journal of what you see.

Family heritage

Reading nook

Ask relatives about their own adventures, jotting them down as you go. If the weather is rubbish, this is the perfect excuse to scour old family albums full of photos of when they were young.

A reading nook is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Set up a den or a tepee, make it cosy inside and fill a basket with books.

And if the weather is kind, ask them to take you around their old haunts.

14 May/June

Make the most of little ones curled up in your lap for story time. Or even write your own story together.

Familiesonline.co.uk

GIVEAWAYS

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

Win a three or four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resort of your choice.

Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! Experience one of its fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast. Fall in love with a new type of holiday - where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. A holiday to create ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime.

Explore the New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes or Boston West in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex, Barmouth Bay in Wales, Mill Rythe on Hayling Island or Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight.

APPLY HERE by 18 June 2022. T&Cs apply.

Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway!

Turn your child’s imagination around!

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

Worth £34.99 each 5 available

APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE T&Cs apply

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*while stocks last T&Cs apply

May/June 15

FOOD

Cooling summer treats Get the kids involved in making these perfect treats for hot summer days.

Club tropicana ice cream cake

Watermelon & strawberry slushies

Vegan orange lollies

Easy strawberry ice cream

Quick banana ice cream

Fruity ice-lolly pens

Nutty caramel & choc sundaes

Frozen banana lollies

Raspberry lemonade slushies

16 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

TRAVEL

Vacation staycations It’s not always easy to know whether the holiday destination you’ve found online is truly family-friendly. Families asked the experts at Tested

by Tots for their tested and rated recommendations for your next break.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, New Forest

Excellent facilities, and service. Activities for all.

Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Charming and family-run On-site facilities.

Cherry Tree Farm Camping, North Devon

Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayrshire

Drayton Cottage, Isle of Wight Home from home, walk to beach, relaxing, secure garden, BBQ.

Forest Holidays, North Yorkshire

Beautiful cabins, peaceful, beach nearby.

Forest activities.

Ham Bottom, Somerset

Holiday Inn Kenilworth, Warwick

Park Plaza London Riverbank

Beautiful yet cosy.

Excellent facilities.

Self-catering lodges, with trampoline, slide, and climbing frame.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Great value & location to explore local attractions.

300m from beach, surf gear hire, food truck & more.

Features the capital’s first hotel room designed by families for families.

May/June 17

TOYS

It’s time to play outside!

If you’re looking for some entertaining garden activities for the summer, here are our recommendations.

Target Ball Game

Soft Archery Set

Wheelbarrow Set

Family garden game with giant inflatable Velcro target. All ages. £19.99

Soft, safe and durable, this set is great way for kids to discover a new hobby. Ages 8+. £39.99

Let budding gardeners develop their own green world. Ages 3+. £12

My First Giant Bubble Kit

Family Paddling Pool

Garden Tumble Tower

Youngsters will love these eco-friendly giant wooden wands.

Ages 3+. £21

Big enough for families to chill out together.

Ages 6+. £75

Great backyard game builds a tower over 3ft.

Ages 5+. £35.99

Ladybird Wheely Bug Ride-On

Wavy Kids Slide

Sandpit Picnic Table with Lid

Suitable for decking and driveways. Easy to ride!

Ages 1-3. £67.50 18 May/June

Outdoor classic offers a fast slide and 5.8ft of fun.

Ages 3+. £54.99

Keeps up to four children entertained for hours.

Ages 3+. £79.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTURES OUTDOORS

Family adventures outdoors We asked our friends the Meek family for some top picks from their book 100 Family Adventures. Here’s what they have come up with.

Sleep on a beach

Eat nettle soup

Build a bridge

Be lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves.

Surprisingly fresh and light!

Kids love the excitement of building a natural structure.

Go on a scooter safari

Venture behind a waterfall Connect to the power and awe of a waterfall.

Make a rope swing

Put some ‘natural’ back into the outdoor play experience.

Go on a forest night walk

Go coasteering

Don’t go with the flow

Borrow some extra scooters explore the local area.

Children will love the excitement of the forest at night.

Familiesonline.co.uk

A nature trail along a rocky coast. Scrambling, swimming and rock hopping.

Head ‘off piste’ - follow a stream in reverse!

May/June 19

What’s On

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 would like to feature a listing in a future issue email editor@familiesherts.co.uk

CAMP BEAUMONT

Visit Website Holiday camp fun for 3-16 year olds.

Camp Beaumont has ​been bringing joy to lots of children and young people since 1980.

Children have the time of their lives at the camps, which have a choice of over 30 activities per age group, from tennis to rocket building! The camps take place in St Albans and other school sites in Herts, London, and surrounding counties. For more information, visit campbeaumont.co.uk

PERFORM DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING CLASSES

Visit Website Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s run throughout the summer term and, with over 300 classes running each week, there’s sure to be a class near you. Venues: St Albans, Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City, Bishops Stortford, Broxbourne, Potters Bar, Cuffley (new class!), Hertford, Hitchin, Letchworth, Borehamwood, Knebworth (new!), Radlett, Royston (new!).

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a free trial session.

020 7255 9120 / enquiries@ perform.org.uk The Peter Pan summer course takes place in St Albans (Fleetville Junior School), from 1-5 August. For more information and to book visit www.perform.org.uk/peterpan

GWEN HALAM DANCE Visit Website Harpenden and Redbourn Exciting pre-school dance classes for boys and girls from 18 months to 4 years taking place in Harpenden

and Redbourn. Choose a class where you can accompany your child and dance together, then watch their confidence grow as they venture into class alone. To book a free trial class call 07792309401.

KMDT SELF DEFENCE CLASSES

St Albans, Hatfield KMDT is an all-inclusive, friendly club, encouraging families, juniors and adults to train together. Learn and train in the skills to keep you safe, including techniques to deter bullies. For ages 5 and above.

Call 07824883853 for more information or to book a free trial.

MIMIC STAGE SCHOOL Visit Website Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage Small and affordable performing arts school.

Excellent training in singing, acting and dancing by experienced teachers who are also industry professionals.

Children are supported and encouraged in their development. Small class sizes and high standards for ages 3-18. Free trial classes 23-27 May. Locations: Hampson Park Community Centre, Hampson Park, Stevenage SG1 5QU; Fairlands Primary School, Lower Hall, Pound Avenue, Stevenage SG1 3JA; Applecroft School, Applecroft Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6JZ.

bring along a picnic! Inflatables for children under 5 and children 5+. Location: The Active Dacorum Hub, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7BA (27 July, 11am-2pm); Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1DN (31 Aug, 11am-2pm); The Nap, Kings Langley, WD4 8ET (10 August, 11am-2pm). Sessions also in Tring and Berkhamsted.

For further information: @ActiveDacorum on Facebook or email active@dacorum.gov.uk

THE CAPTAIN CALAMITY ADVENTURES

Captain Calamity is moving into 96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, allowing family audiences to look forward to a year of Captain Calamity Adventures!

Each 55 minute show follows a fun interactive story punctuated with marvellous magic, brilliant bubbles, stupendous science, balloon baphoonery and lots more!

Show Dates: 1 May, 26 June, 25 September, 30 October, December 18. Find out more at: Website or call 01442454000.

INFLATABLE FUN IN THE SUN

Hemel Hempstead (27 July & 31 Aug), Kings Langley (10 Aug), Free inflatable fun coming to a park near you this Summer, why not make a day of it and

Many more listings in our print magazine – email editor@familiesherts.co.uk for a copy 20 May/June

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