IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk HalloweenAutumnEducationfun Free Action Heroes mini figure sets for kids APPLY INSIDE Magazine FREE Herts
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October2 Christmas all in! ...with Away Resorts *Price based on 2-nights in Comfort accommodation at Sandy Balls Holiday Village in December. Correct at time of print. Forest of Light, Sandy Balls 04 Nov - 31 Dec 04TattershallWinterfest,LakesNov-31Dec Family getaways from £66* Book today at awayresorts.co.uk or call 03333 634189 GIVE YOUR CHILD A HEAD START Raise your child’s energy levels, concentration and confidence whilst they gain invaluable life skills with lessons and courses at Gosling Sports Park. They can learn to flip, jump and twist with gymnastics or they can start working towards being the next Wimbledon champion with Tennis! Discover how to kick start your child’s development at better.org.uk/lessons Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398. GOSLING SPORTS PARK
Autumn can be a beautiful time of year for spending time outdoors so look for inspiration on where to enjoy some muddy walks around the UK when half term rolls around – presuming we have had some decent rain by then! We have tonnes of Action Heroes Sets to giveaway! Apply for these loveable mini toy sets for your child at familiesmag.co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer. * Dale Harry Tel: 07958284983 Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 3 CONTENTS
Dale Welcome Can you believe the kids are back at school already? It seems like just a moment since they were breaking up! We hope you had a fantastic summer. Starting or going back to school can be challenging for children (and parents) so check out our Education section for some great articles that will help, including what to do if your child hates school, the mysteries of phonics explained and advice for any parents who have a child suffering from panic attacks.
Editor:
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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.
4 News 7 Education 11 Parenting 12 Activities 14 Autumn 16 Halloween 20 What’s On 21 Giveaways
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4 • Childminders • Day Nurseries • Out of School Care • Pre-School Playgroups and much more … To find an Ofsted registered childcare provider near you and to enquire about spaces www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/childcaredirectoryvisit Find childcare Hertfordshirein Tel: 07913 replay5905@ntlworld.com323608 ALLCHECKEDDBSSTAFF HOLIDAY CLUB in t Albans! OPEN EVERY SCHOOL HOLIDAY For All 3.5 11 year o lds to enjoy!! Qualified & Experienced Staff Great Indoor & Outdoor spaces COME JOIN US FOR ALL DAY FUN AND EXCITING ACTIVITIES!! Based at St John Fisher Primary School NEWS Give Performboostaautumnthetermconfidencewith A common struggle shared by many children as they start school again after the summer break is a lack of confidence, and this can stop them reaching their full potential. Whether you’re looking for a confidence boost for your child or just a weekly dose of drama, dance and singing fun, Perform is back for the autumn term with two exciting productions for 4-7s and 7-12s. This term, Perform 4-7s will venture into The Magician’s Chamber for some confidencebuilding fun with Merlin the Wizard whilst 7-12s will work on a funky festive performance of Ebenezer, based on the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. The term runs from September to December and children are welcome to try a free class at any point. Venues in St Albans, Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City, Bishops Stortford and ToBroxbourne.bookafree no-obligation trial class visit visit the Perform website Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! Away Forfun.perfectattractionsawesomesurroundedwith character,eachcoastalWhetherpersonality.theirUKeachholidayofboastsResortsachoice21beautifulresorts,in outstandinglocations,withownstyleandyoudesireor country,resortisalivebylocalandforfamilymoreinfo visit website
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 Year 7 Open Evening: Year 7 Entry September 2023 Thursday 22nd September | 5:00 pm 7:00 pm Open morning tours available from 23rd September 21st October. To book please BARCLAYadmissions@barclay.futureacademies.orgcontact:ACADEMY,WALKERNROAD,STEVENAGE,HERTSSG1 3RB T: 01438 232221 Sixth Form Open Evening: Sixth Form Entry 2023 Tuesday 15th November | 5:00 pm 7:00 pm Book your open evening visit today www.barclay.futureacademies.orgat BARCLAYOPENACADEMYDAYS LAUREATE ACADEMY OPEN DAYS Year 7 Open Events: Year 7 Entry September 2023 Tuesday 20th September | 8:40 am 10:15 am Wednesday 21st September | 8:40 am 10:15 am Thursday 22nd September | 5:00 pm 7:15 pm Sixth Form Open Evening: Sixth Form Entry 2023 Thursday 13th October | 5:00 pm 7:00 pm LAUREATE ACADEMY, WARNERS END ROAD, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HP1 3DW T: 01442 404333 Book your visit today www.laureate.futureacademies.orgat LOCKERS PARK “Lockers Park prepares boys for success in the modern world.” Tatler Schools Guide Join a Stay & Play Session 30 September or 21 October, 9.30-11am 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. OPEN MORNING - Saturday 15 October Visit lockerspark.co.uk to book. Excellent results | Enthusiasm for life A purposefully small boarding prep school for boys aged 4-13 | Boxmoor, Hertfordshire Contact: 01442 256143 www.westbrookhay.co.uk London Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2RF An outstanding Independent Prep School for boys and girls aged 3-13 years Happiness, Confidence, Success OPEN MORNING Saturday 1st October, 2022 9:30am – 12:30pm
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October6 Magazine Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go Enter the Action Heroes universe!*whilestockslastStylesmayvaryT&CsapplyGet your FREE mini-figure set NOW* Mix & match body parts & worldsthemedbuildandCollectexpressionsfacialchange FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM 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. T: 01707 392999 E: hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com Hertford Barns Day Nursery, Cole Green, Hertford, SG14 2NL T: 01582 792060 E: @childbase.comnurseryonthegreen.redbourn Nursery on the Green, South Common, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7NG www.childbasepartnership.com registrationstakingNow WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 7 EDUCATION
New term teething troubles
The autumn term has begun and your child has returned to school. What kind of ‘teething troubles’ might you face over the next few months while your child copes with the changes that September brought with it? And how should you deal with them? My child is having trouble making friends Perhaps they’re in a different class or their closest friend has left the school and they’re struggling to adjust and find a new bestie or gang. Regardless, there are a couple of things you can do to boost your child’s friendships. Firstly, of course, talk to your child’s teacher and ask if there’s anyone they think your son or daughter might particularly gel with. Next up, invite them over for a playdate or arrange to meet them and their parent in the park. If confidence is an issue, role play approaching potential friends with your little one…take it in turns. My child can’t manage this year’s curriculum Primary school learning is much more of a double act these days, a partnership between parents and teachers. Again, go and have a chat with the teacher to try and understand your child’s level and find out what you can do to support your little one’s reading, writing or maths at home. This needn’t be anything formal, just reading a little more together or encouraging them to do some basic adding up when you’re at the shops or baking. For writing practice, could they write a post card to their grandparents or other relatives?
READ MORE Market your business with • We reach over 45,000 engaged readers each issue • Distribute from schools, tuition centres, libraries, leisure attractions and more • We have a high repeat booking rate, so advertising with us works trusted, influential, visible 07958284983 Herts
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8 EDUCATION Chapter books that encourage kindness The MovementSoup
By
By Davis
Holly Goldberg Sloan Age 10+ A Kind of Spark By ElleAgesMcNicoll8+ Lost By Ele AgesFountain11+ Five Ways to Make a Friend By Gillian Cross Ages 8+ The Elephant By PeterAgesCarnavas6+ Boy at the Back of the Class By Onjali Q. Rauf Ages 8+ Wonder By R. J. AgePalacio8+ Our friends at Parrot Street Book Club contribute their suggestions.
Age 8+ The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend By JionAgeSheibani6+ The Elephant in the Room
Ben
By Usha Patel
By John and Kyle Hattie your child struggle to open a packet of crisps? Like all motor function problems, this is indicative of something more significant, in this case a general problem with ‘hand grasp.’ who struggle with this usually struggle with other tasks like handwriting too. Hand grasp challenges in young children
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 9 EDUCATION What can parents and carers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum potential in school and in life? It all starts with talking - and lots of it – from the very early years onward. READ MORE Why education begins at home
READ MORE
Children
Does
Most children with special educational needs (SEN) go to a mainstream school, where there are both pupils with and without SEN. So, if your child has special educational needs, what type of support can you expect from their school and how do go about getting that support? READ MORE Getting school support for a child with SEN Contributed by Contact Unique T-shirts from Marlo & Cole! Magazine T&Cs apply FREE for your child APPLY HERE available10 2-3,Sizes3-4&4-5
Alien in the FactoryJam
Dragon Storm By Alastair DeschampsillustratedChisholm,byEricandBenMantle
By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
By Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh
Panda at the Door Written and illustrated by Sarah Horne
Morgan the Book Cat
The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
By David MacPhail, illustrated by MorganRichard Noodle the Doodle By Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara
Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 EDUCATION
There’s a Dog in My Brain
The Tindims of Rubbish Island By Sally illustratedGardner,byLydiaCorrey
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu
When your child is ready to move on from picture books, here are some wonderful first chapter books recommended by Parrot Street Book Club.
Road safety for kids of all ages
Toddlers
In this film for children ages 3 to 6, pupils dress up and learn how to cross the road safely using the Stop, Look, Listen, Think sequence.
In this film for ages 7 to 12, children discuss first solo journeys they’re looking forward to and older children share what their first journeys were like.
Children should not go out alone until they know and can use the Green Cross Code . Let your child make decisions with you, so they learn through practical action. Help your child plan safe walking routes. Encourage your child to talk about what they see on the roads and whether it’s safe.
Never let your child go near a road alone and always hold Showhands.children how pedestrians walk safely on the pavement and vehicles use the road. Point out safer crossing places and show how to use them. Reinforce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
First Journeys
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11 PARENTING
The number one rule is hand holding. If your child is likely to pull away use safety reins. Make sure your child walks on the INSIDE of the pavement away from traffic.
Introduce Stop, Look, Listen and Think. Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement.
Ages 7-11
Ages 5-7
The Green Cross Code Find a safe place to cross. STOP just before you get to the kerb. LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions. THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road. Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing. Stop, Look, Listen, Think
Baking shortbread and scones is simple enough for inexperienced bakers to try. Hopefully the end results will taste great and they will enjoy eating them too.
ACTIVITIES Screen-free rainy day activities
Baking
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October12
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
Children love to paint and getting messy is part of the fun! BUT the idea of the mess can fill many parents with dread. Instead of using poster paint, try using watercolour paints which are easier to clean up. To change things up, get the kids painting on coffee filters, a canvas or ice cubes. Painting There’s no doubt that playdough is a versatile toy. 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. Check that its been UKCA tested before buying. Playdough
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.
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.
Boosted books
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 creating tealight holders out of old jam jars by gluing on pieces of tissue paper. These also make lovely homemade presents for grandparents.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 13 ACTIVITIES
There are lots of easy science experiments that can be tried at home with household items and they encourage kids to ask questions, make predictions and understand the world around them. Try making a lava lamp with water, food colouring and oil in a jar. Add an effervescent tablet and watch what happens!
This is a fun way for kids to learn about design and teamwork. All you need is a piece of paper, some pens, some counters (maybe toy figures), some dice and some rules. Involve your children in working out what the game is about, how it works and decorate your board before playing! Design a board game Hide some treasure and then create a map for your kids to follow. Make it more interesting (and last longer) by having the map lead your little pirates to different locations where each location’s ‘treasure’ is a clue to the next location. For more authenticity, scrunch up the paper and stain it with a damp teabag.
Screen-free rainy day activities
Art and craft
Easy science experiments Treasure hunt
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October14 AUTUMN Enjoying autumn outside Get your kids outside and engaging with nature this autumn with these great activity options. Play Pooh sticksPick your NoughtsPlaypumpkinownnaturalandCrosses Forage for edibleswild Make friends with a bug Go orienteeringfamily Play conkers Have fun stickswithMake a potionmagic
Ham House and Garden Fun walking & activities in the gardens of a seventeenth century manor in Surrey.
Sutherland’sGrove From waterfalls to forest trails, a Scottish wonderland in West Argyll.
The great British countryside is full of stunning walks. Here are nine that are suitable for the whole family. So why not make a day of it?
Morden Hall Park
An outdoor oasis in London – escape the concrete jungle!
Explore the National Botanic Garden of Wales or CantrefFarm.Adventure Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens Try Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk or the Lost Spa trail.
Seven CountrySistersPark Miles of coastline in the South Downs National Park in East Sussex. Old Sarum Explore the walks around this Iron Age Hillfort in Wiltshire. Stowe countryside,Breathtakinglake and forest at Stowe in Bucks. Dogs on leads. BreconNationalBeaconsPark
Tegg’s CountryNosePark Follow The Gritstone Trail from Disley to Kidsgrove, through Tegg’s Nose in Cheshire.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 15 AUTUMN Family-friendly walks for autumn
RECIPE
These delicious hot chocolate sticks are perfect when you want a warming treat this Halloween. Kids can get creative topping them with their favourite chocolates, sprinkles or even cookies and then enjoy them by dunking in a hot cup of milk.
If you’re looking for something that’s Halloween-themed and easy to prepare with just one pot, this healthy pie is a perfect option. It’s a great way to get fish and hidden veg into your child’s diet too!
Making rice crispy treats is one of my favourite things to do with my son because he can do most of the job himself! It’s a fab no-bake recipe, you can use any cereal and the results are deliciously crispy and perfect for decoration.
Bake these delicious Halloween recipes from Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle. Watch her videos or click for recipe and ingredients.
RECIPE
RECIPE
Tuna fish pie (with pumpkin tops)
Halloween treats
HALLOWEEN
My son is obsessed with anything creepy and scary and these fun and super-easy snacks are some of his favourites. Your kids will love these delicious Creepy Crumpet Pizzas, Ghostly Peppers and Witches Brooms made from Cheese Strings!
RECIPE Hot chocolate sticks Spooky crispy treats Spooky snacks
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 17 Magazine Whatever age your children, we’d love you to tell us what’s happening in your world and about your childcare. In the autumn we’ll share parent stories about how things have changed, the different challenges and how we’re all making things work. Lot of things are changing in our lives and that includes our childcare needs and choices. Tell aboutus childcareyour Take our 5 minute survey Rising costs of living. New ways of working. Not ...theChangingChangingworking.jobs.location...listgoeson! £100£100£100£100 £100 x5 VouchersAmazon£100tobewon!
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October18 HALLOWEEN Halloween crafts the kids will love Time to get really spooooky…..get crafting in good time for Halloween! Paperspidersplate Pumpkin pinata Halloween bat Halloween box scene Easy paper ghostscraftGiant webs Halloween wreath Trick or bagsTreatRock Skulls
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 19 HALLOWEEN DIY Halloween costumes If you have time, a home-made Halloween costume can be much more individual than anything shop bought. Here are some great options, complete with instructions. The BFG Spider’s web Bull in a shopchina Pumpkinpaintface PirateThe Worst pillowcaseSkeletonWitch BatgirlJackfaceSkellingtonmakeup
Hitchin and Hertford: Sensory and creative dance classes specifically for those with suspected or diagnosed additional needs. Imagine and Move: suitable for children who need to improve their social skills and awareness of self and others (age guidance 3-6, £4). Magic Movers: Perfect for those who love to dance and express themselves! (age guidance 7+, £6.50). Call 07394 934911 for more information, or email info.imaginationarts@yahoo.com.
September / October20
ELEVENPLUSEXAMS Visit Website
ElevenPlusExams is the UK’s largest free advisory website for the 11+ and has been tutoring students for almost two decades. Since its inception, its goal has been to revolutionise preparation for selective school entrance exams by demystifying the processes of admission and by shedding light on how best to revise, practise and learn for these types of tests. Services include in-person and online 11+ tuition, practice books for exam preparation, a comprehensive Virtual Learning Environment for revision, in-person and online mock exams sat by thousands, and a lively online forum. For more information call 020 8204 5060, email elevenplusexams.co.uk,11plus@andsocials@ElevenPlusExams.
IMAGINATION DANCE
Familiesonline.co.uk
DIVINE YOGA Visit Website Yoga classes delivered by Divya Hindocha to children, families and schools, in Borehamwood, Kenton and elsewhere. Divya’s yoga empowers children to create a happy and positive mindset through mindful movement and creative games. Call 07791570222 or divineyoga143@gmail.comemail
KMDT SELF CLASSESDEFENCE
HALLOWEEN AT THE WOODMAN INN Visit Website Nuthampstead, Royston
EXPLORE LEARNING Visit Website
KIDS RECORDING PARTIES Visit Website Star in your own pop song, dance and video at One2One studios at The Oval, Stevenage. Enjoy a 2-hour party and professional audio and video recording. The best recording party experience in Hertfordshire! Prices start from only £235. For all ages. Contact 07985 441608 / one2onerecording.comsales@forfurtherdetails.
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
ADVENTURESOUTDOORS 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
BEEZEE BODIES (HEALTH) Visit Website Healthy lifestyle programmes for families that support in making healthier lifelong changes in diet and exercise that are suited to their real life. Fun, interactive and informative! Eligibility criteria apply. Sessions in Welwyn, Borehamwood, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Hoddesdon and Hitchin. To sign up, call 01707 248648.
The Woodman Inn will be showing Halloween movies and fun for the whole family this October (Saturday 29th). From midday, the marquee will be transformed into a movie theatre, showing a familyfriendly Halloween movie in a relaxed environment. Expect popcorn and pumpkins! But once the sun has set, the adults can watch a Halloween classic, complete with cocktails! The Woodman Inn serves delicious food and drink all day, sourced locally. For more details visit website.
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. Call 07824883853 or email info@kmdt.co.uk for more information or to book a free trial.
See your child progress and unlock a love of learning with Explore Learning. Awardwinning tuition in maths and English. Visit local centres or learn online. For tuition that goes beyond the grade, and with over 20 years’ experience, look no further than Explore Learning.
Many more listings in our print magazine – email editor@familiesherts.co.uk for a copyMany more listings in our print magazine – editor@familiesherts.co.uk for a copy
Familiesonline.co.uk September / October 21 Unique T-shirts from Marlo & Cole! Magazine T&Cs apply FREE for your child APPLY HERE available10 2-3,Sizes3-4&4-5 Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty! APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+ Magazine Enter the Action Heroes*whilestockslastStylesmayvaryT&CsapplyNOW*setfiguremini-FREEyourGetCollect and build themed universe!APPLYworldsHERE T&Cs apply Sneezy youwhatsneeze...pandamakeleavesandflowersThegiveaway!gamesPandatocando?T&Csapply Magazine available10 Suitable for agesAPPLY4+ HERE GIVEAWAYS
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October22 GIVEAWAYS *while stocks last T&Cs applyMagazine APPLY HERE *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply Enter the Action mini-figureGetuniverse!HeroesyourFREEsetNOW*CollectandbuildthemedworldsMix&matchbodyparts&changefacialexpressions
