Families Hertfordshire September/October 2023 Print

Hello!

So the new school year rolls around again and your child is heading off to school with bright and shiny new uniform and gear and hopefully a big smile; leaving you with perhaps just a little time on your hands to delve into our great Education feature and explore how to support your child’s learning this year. Whatever stage your child is at you’ll find something of interest, including how to understand learning styles and 11+ preparation.

And it won’t be long before your child starts to get excited about half term and, in particular, Halloween, get inspired by our fab costume ideas.

And where do you stand on giving parenting advice to another parent? Our feature on page 12 discusses this interesting topic.

Look out for our fabulous True’s Mushroom House Playset giveaway. Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Dale Competition winners!

Classic Ibiza: Sarah Large; Rosie Shepherd. Bill’s restaurant: Ana MacLeod.

Tel: 07958284983

Editor: Dale Harry

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.

Help your local food banks

The charity BanktheFood has launched a free app to help people connect with their local community and donate high-priority goods to food banks.

With food prices skyrocketing and food banks struggling to meet growing demand an app is now available that could make a difference.

BanktheFood connects you with your local food bank. Whenever the food bank runs low on essentials, the app sends you a list of their most needed items. But that’s not all - the app also sends you an urgent list of needed items when you arrive at the local supermarket, so you can easily pick up a few extra items to donate before you even reach the checkout. Over 34,000 people are already using BanktheFood, helping 350 food banks in communities across the UK.

For an easy way to make a difference, consider giving BanktheFood a try.  More info: www.bankthefood.org

Planting forests together for a healthy future

The Children’s Forest is an initiative to reconnect children and their local communities with nature and plant forests for future generations.

The Children’s Forest brings together local landowners, Nature Educators and children from a school or community group to create a local forest.

If you can approach your local council or a local landowner to introduce Children’s Forest, this can be an excellent way to begin seeding a forest in your local area. Once there is a landowner who is keen to host a project, Children’s Forest can work to fit the pieces in place. Another option is to speak to your child’s headteacher and introduce them to the Children’s Forest.

Since its inception, the Children’s Forest has planted over 5,000 trees in 13 forests across the country involving groups of local children.

More info: www.childrensforest.earth

Get autumn-term ready with a free Perform class

Perform classes use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, the classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

From September, Perform 4-7 year olds will take to the skies with Phileas Fogg as they go on an amazing adventure Around the World. Whether walking like a wallaby in the outback or revealing the legends of the Egyptian pyramids, the new term will be filled with globetrotting fun!

Meanwhile, 7-12 year olds are going to the ball in a rags-to-riches rock show, Cinderella Rocks. This hilarious version of Cinderella features struggling band, The Ugglies, in their quest to top the charts with charming music mogul, Simon Prince.

With all abilities welcome, the children will work towards an end of term performance for family and friends. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

To try a free class in Broxbourne, Harpenden, Hertford, Hitchin, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, Royston, St Albans, or Welwyn Garden City go to www.perform.org.uk/try

Developing your child’s numeracy skills in Year 5 and 6

If your child is in year 5 or year 6, do you really know how well they are doing in maths? Well, AE Publications’ FREE online maths test will show you. The test covers all the main subject areas of the maths curriculum for this age group.

It is crucial that your child’s numeracy is strong enough for their transition to secondary school. Otherwise, they will struggle not only in maths but also in other subjects such as physics, chemistry, IT, and design technology, as they all require a good understanding of numerical elements.

AE Publications’ maths test comprises 30 questions, designed to give you accurate

information about the current level of your child’s maths ability. Depending on their performance, the result will also trigger recommendations and suggestions as to how AE Publications’ maths materials can help your child work to improve in year 5 or year 6.

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

To take AE Publications’ free online mathematics test for accurate information on your child’s ability, go to aepublications.co.uk

* There is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test and receive your child’s percentage score.

** An email address is required should you wish to view a full breakdown of the questions your child has answered, and to also receive further information, including a link to the explanation video and a coupon code to redeem against a free Maths Bonus Pack (includes a Times Tables Workbook 2 RRP £9.99) when purchasing an AE Publications KS2 Maths Year 5/6 Book Bundle.

goblin theatre present the

ballad of Rudy

tue 5 dec - sun 24 dec

Sing the blues with a Polar Bear, jam with the Puffins and beat-box with an Arctic Fox. It all happens at the North Pole Jazz Lounge. It’s gonna be coooool.

‘A classic Christmas tale with a jazzy twist...’Everything Theatre

Funny, warm and with a big heart, this show features live music, original songs and lots of imagination that is guaranteed to have children aged 5 and up mesmerised from start to finish.

AE Publications is passionate about children’s numeracy and helping them achieve their full potential

Celebrating different learning styles

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

Just as none of us look the same, everyone is born with tendencies towards certain learning styles when developing literacy, language and motor skills. Recognising your child’s learning style is important in understanding how they access their learning, particularly if they appear to be struggling in certain areas.

Visual learners rely on what they see. Encourage them to use visual aids, sit at the front of the class and write down or draw information.

Kinesthetic learners learn best through doing and moving. They benefit from using tools, acting out or role-playing new information and having freedom of movement.

Auditory learners learn best through hearing and listening. Engage in discussions about what they are learning, read stories out loud and repeat information.

Solitary learners absorb information independently of other people. Let them make notes and recite back, provide quiet learning spaces and give opportunities for sharing their learning. Verbal learners respond well to written or spoken words. Play word games, use rhymes, acronyms and mnemonics, read their writing aloud, encourage discussion and debate.

Logical learners use logic and structures in order to learn effectively. Provide problem-solving tasks, challenge them to work things out for themselves and have them verbalise ideas and answers.

Identifying your child’s learning style

Observe how your child naturally interacts with the world around them and also note weaknesses: what types of tasks do they find challenging?

Watch how your child expresses themselves. Children will be more expressive through their natural learning style. Auditory learners express themselves best through words whilst visual learners are more apt to reveal their emotions through facial expressions. Kinesthetic learners use more body language and may seem unable to stop themselves fidgeting.

Consider your child’s interests. These will likely reflect their learning styles. Auditory learners usually show an interest in music and sounds. Visual learners often have interests both in reading, watching TV and looking at interesting objects. With kinesthetic learners, look for an interest in physical activities.

See how your child solves problems. Children lean into their learning styles. Auditory learners tend to talk through and discuss possible solutions whilst visual learners use their eyes to solve problems. Kinesthetic learners will usually try to solve problems with their hands.

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

Being flexible around learning styles

As important as it is to understand and support your child with simple strategies to help them learn in the way that suits them best, it’s also helpful to encourage and embrace new ideas and a more flexible approach to their learning.

Recent research has concluded that teaching children to use one specific learning style over others may not be entirely beneficial within the classroom setting. Sticking to what you perceive as your preferred learning style can create limitations, giving a false belief that learning can only be managed in one particular way. The most important thing is for a child to have the time to self-reflect on how they learn best and to be encouraged to experiment with tackling problems from a variety of angles.

It is also important to note that over time a child’s learning styles can change as they develop and progress through their own personal growth and their educational journey. Every child is unique and learning style is just one part of the greater way that your child learns.

Why different learning styles?

While the information people receive might be the same, each of our brains processes information differently, influenced by several factors, one of which is learning style.

Your child’s tendencies and preferences for learning can be influenced by peers, cultures, age, their own experiences and available educational materials. What works for one child doesn’t necessarily work for the next.

Understanding the preferred styles of different learners can greatly impact their successes in the classroom as well as contributing to their own sense of personal development and achievement.

With the help of observant parents and teachers, children can benefit from understanding and engaging their natural tendencies. But, it is a rare child who solely works best with one style alone. By understanding and practising a range of different learning styles, a child will have a bigger ‘toolbox’ to call on, finding a combination that enhances their ability to understand, recall and use the information they learn.

11+ preparation tips

By Jemma Z Smith

If you have decided on selective secondary school education for your child and made your applications, the next step is entrance exam preparation.

The 11+ exam will almost certainly contain mathematics and English assessments as a minimum. Both of these will often contain questions on parts of the national curriculum your child has already covered in school. But not always. You may need to supplement their learning at home via online resources, targeted question books, past papers and online mock exams.

11+ preparation: more than maths and English

While English and maths make up the basis of most 11+ entrance exams, they are not the only exams that your child might sit. Some papers will contain a creative writing assessment. Some schools also test for reasoning ability. This can incorporate verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, critical and applied reasoning and spatial reasoning.

Many independent schools also call in applicants for interviews or assessment days where students tour the school and take part in various activities. A lot of this content is not taught in schools so preparation outside school hours is vital in order to make sure your child is as prepared as possible. Start early and have a timetable. You might consider tuition, group classes or intensive summer courses but it’s worth working on the preparation at home too.

11+: state grammars versus independent schools

There is no set rule as to what the 11+ will look like for entry to your school of choice. The only thing you can be relatively sure of is to expect a mathematical ability test and an English test as a minimum.

Many state grammar schools use multiple choice assessments from exam boards including GL, CSSE, SET and Future Stories. All state grammar schools within a local authority often have the same test.

Independent schools can design their own papers which may include non-multiple choice questions. Some schools have grouped together to form a ‘consortium’ where your child takes just one test to apply to a variety of schools eg The London Consortium.

Consult the websites of your chosen schools for details on what the exams will include.

It’s always a good idea to ask the schools that you’ve applied for to add you to their mailing lists, so that you will be across any changes that are made to their exam format.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice on the 11+ process, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

Before you start 11+ preparation

If you are new to the process, there are a few initial steps to take before you plunge into the world of 11+.

Firstly, research your area. In many parts of the UK, 11+ grammar schools do not exist, although there are a few schools around the country to which you can apply regardless of where you live.

Secondly, make sure that you are aware of the school registration dates: some of the dates to register with independent schools are over a year in advance.

Thirdly, be aware of the exam material. Schools do occasionally change what is included in their 11+ exams and you do not want to spend time preparing for an exam which is not going to be relevant for your target school.

Lastly, consider more than one school application. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: if your child doesn’t get offered a place at this one school and starts Year 7 in a non-selective school, it’s much harder to subsequently find them a selective school place.

• Do you know your child’s current mathematical ability?

• Is your child’s maths strong enough for their transition to secondary school? Take our free test to find out. aepublications.co.uk

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology. *

Does Ofsted reporting need to change?

By Ian Hartwright

When Berkshire head teacher Ruth Perry took her own life after her school was downgraded following an Ofsted inspection, emotive debate was fuelled on the mental health toll of inspections on school staff, with many organisations and individuals urging for fundamental changes to be introduced.

This may feel one step removed from parents and children’s schooling but one of Ofsted’s stated aims is to improve children’s education and lives by raising standards in schools. This aim inevitably becomes more difficult to achieve in instances where high-stakes Ofsted inspections drive up school workload and increase stress and ill-health among staff, in turn contributing to a growing recruitment and retention crisis.

How much importance should parents attach to inspection reports?

A University of Exeter survey recently found almost two-thirds of parents hadn’t looked at Ofsted reports when choosing a school. Parents usually prioritise factors like local reputation, distance and transport. But Ofsted inspection reports could be another useful resource if they were a more reliable measure of schools’ effectiveness.

The current Ofsted school grading system places enormous significance on one of four grades, ranging from Outstanding to Inadequate. These one word grades cannot reflect the complexities of school life. In addition, judgements can be inconsistent and fail to accurately identify the full range of strengths of a school alongside areas for improvement, balancing their relative importance. Undue weight can also

sometimes be given to individual conversations or evidence that is not representative of how a school operates.

Equally, Ofsted judgements may not properly reflect or take account of crucial factors like demographics, staffing levels and funding or the pressures placed on staff who are increasingly supporting pupils with issues in their lives following cuts to services like health and social care in many areas of the UK.

In addition, most schools do not receive additional support or resources to help them to improve on areas Ofsted claims need improvement. Frequent changes to inspection criteria and the high stakes associated with outcomes, increase workload for staff seeking to meet the latest requirements. This can detract from the priorities schools have identified to meet pupils’ immediate needs.

A root and branch review of inspection is desperately needed with systemic change beyond those changes to inspection processes and support for staff wellbeing announced in June.

Ian Hartwright is Head of Policy at the National Association of Head Teachers (www.naht.org.uk).

Ofsted grades and parent satisfaction

According to a recent study in the Journal of School Choice, Ofsted judgements can be years out of date and are not a strong indicator of pupils’ future academic performance. There are usually several years between inspections and the research found that inspection reports are typically three years old when parents make their choices.

Once differences in pupil intakes – including previous attainment and deprivation – are accounted for, future academic outcomes are similar across schools rated ‘inadequate,’ ‘requires improvement’ and ‘good’, the study concluded.

The research also found that a better Ofsted grade does not necessarily correlate to greater satisfaction among parents of future pupils or parental perceptions of better behaviour and correlates to only small differences in school attendance.

It concluded: ‘By and large, inspection reports are not particularly useful for parents choosing secondary schools…we recommend that parents think twice before paying more money for a house because it is near a ‘good school.’

Head teachers under pressure

School leaders’ union NAHT reports hearing from head teachers driven to leave the profession they love due to the pressure of high-stakes Ofsted inspections.

Senior leaders may spend months or even years on tenterhooks waiting for the call from Ofsted and then get less than half a day’s notice of their school’s inspection. Some head teachers report suffering from anxiety and panic attacks and even PTSD following inspections. Not only is this quite obviously harmful for those leaders but it is not in the best interests of their pupils either.

Government statistics show nearly a third of senior school leaders leave their post within five years of appointment, half of whom leave the state sector. The number of teacher vacancies doubled to two thousand three hundred between November 2020 and November 2022. Other government figures earlier this year found a quarter of teachers were considering leaving the sector for reasons other than retirement, with over two thirds citing pressure relating to pupil outcomes or inspection as a factor.

Halloween costume ideas

By Tamsin Ryan

Kids love an excuse to dress up and Halloween provides the perfect opportunity. However, forking out to buy a brand-new costume, which is likely to only be suitable for just one night of the year, can seem wasteful, both in terms of the cost and the impact on the planet. If you have young children, all the black costumes and skeletons can sometimes be a bit scary too, so something a bit more colourful may be in order. So, why not try something a little different this year?

If your kids are anything like my daughter, then they will probably have already managed to amass a selection of costumes at home, which means you have a great starting point. With a little creativity, many of them can be upcycled or modified to create the perfect Halloween outfit, without having to break the bank. The skills and equipment required are very limited, so most people should have what they need at home.

Spooky scientist

This costume started life as a doctor’s lab coat! I then found some test tubes, which we had from planting seeds on a previous visit to an RHS garden and filled them with water and food colouring. I also re-purposed one of my husband’s old lanyards from a conference he went to and used it to create a name badge. I’m sure many of you will also have a small pair of Harry Potter style glasses you could add for the final touch. Then finish it off with some spiky green hair! This costume was very simple to put together and only an ipad/ laptop and printer were necessary for the name badge.

Day of the Dead

This began with a pink princess dress and a Frozen cape, which I covered in faux flowers I had stashed at home and some little wooden skulls that I had bought a few years ago from Hobbycraft for Halloween. I then found a headband covered in flowers (from the days when I used to go to fancy dress parties) and added some little skull beads to it that I found on Amazon. The only equipment required for this transformation was a glue gun.

Freaky fairy

What was once a Tinkerbell fairy dress, became a fairy outfit with a difference. I covered the wings in cobwebs from last year’s Halloween decorations and covered the wings and the fairy dress in green (glow in the dark) spiders. I also made a matching wand, using a stick from the garden and some leftover ribbons, felt and jewels. You could always make the wand more sinister, depending on the age of your child and how spooky they want to go. Again, I used the glue gun for this creation, along with a knife for cutting out the star for the wand.

Hopefully this has given you a few ideas to get started with your Halloween transformations.

Tamsin Ryan offers more costume tips and ideas for Halloween games on her kids’ party ideas site at www.icecreamandjelly.com

Self-settling without the tears

By Stephanie Modell

The term ‘sleep training’ can have negative connotations but is often misunderstood. Foetuses sleep in utero with no learning involved. However, falling asleep in response to external cues, rather than internal biological cues, is a learned behaviour which you can influence.

Babies learn by association. If, within the first six months of life they have always been fed or rocked to sleep, this is what they will associate with going to sleep. When they wake during their many sleep cycles at night they may need this association to get them back to sleep.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeding or rocking to sleep if it’s working for you but if your baby is over six months old and you are struggling to sustain this throughout the night, you may wish to encourage some sleep independence.

Gradual retreat

Gradual retreat is my favoured method of helping a baby fall asleep. It’s a kind and responsive technique that doesn’t involve leaving your baby to cry. Before you begin, ensure your baby has an age-appropriate nap routine. There’s a fine line between a baby being over-tired or under-tired and both will make going to sleep challenging.

Establish a gentle wind down bedtime routine which will ideally include a bath. If you give the majority of the last feed of the day before the bath with just a top up after, you can break the association between feeding and sleeping.

Once your baby is ready for bed, do whatever you’d normally do to get them to sleep, which may be feeding, rocking or patting until they are sleepy but not fully asleep.

Settle them into their cot and keep a reassuring hand on them for a short time. Stand back and see what happens. Sometimes they’ll surprise you and fall asleep!

If they start to get upset, shush, pat, sing or whatever helps to calm them. If nothing works, pick them up, soothe until calm and then resettle them into their cot. Repeat as many times as necessary.

The goal is for them to achieve the last stage of falling to sleep on their own. By being consistent and doing the same thing at every sleep, your baby starts to learn that the cot is a safe place to be and trusts that you will respond to them.

Once you have made some progress and your baby is starting to associate their cot with sleep, you can start to gradually put them down when they are less and less drowsy.

The next step is to gradually cut down the interventions. If you’ve been shushing and patting, reduce it to just one or the other. Your goal is to be able to put your baby down awake, say ‘night night’ and leave them to happily fall asleep.

All babies are different; some will progress more quickly than others but, as this method does not involve leaving your baby to cry, you can use it at any age as you will always be responding to their needs.

Once your baby is self-settling at the start of the night they are less likely to wake during the night unless they are genuinely hungry.

The key points to remember are time, repetition and consistency. Happy sleeping!

Stephanie Modell is a sleep consultant, maternity nurse, mum to 25-year-old triplets and author of The Baby Sleep Guide (Summersdale). The new revised edition is available at www.bookshop.org

NHS 111 to offer paediatric advice

Before you begin

Is your baby in good health?

Do they have a daytime nap?

Have they had enough to eat and drink?

Do they have a regular, predictable bedtime routine?

Is their room dark? This is essential for the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.

White noise: if you live in a noisy location or have a busy household, it can be a helpful soundscape for peaceful sleep.

Is your baby too hot or too cold during the night? Both may cause night waking.

Parents and carers using NHS 111 online or by phone are to receive increased access to specialist paediatric advice for their children.

This will include support from an increased number of paediatric clinicians working in NHS 111 to help parents and carers manage their child’s illness at home or decide the best route for their care.

Some children will be referred directly to a same-day appointment with a specialist rather than attending A&E, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.

More info: www.england.nhs.uk/news

Is it ever okay to… give parenting advice to another parent?

By Ellie Malt

Where do you stand on giving parenting advice to another parent? Should you try to help or steer clear altogether and give them the space to find their own solutions? If you are minded to have your say, we’ve got some suggestions to reduce the risk of sounding like a know-it-all. Two mums give their, ahem… advice!

We all know at least one baby who slept easily and fed beautifully from week one. If you are lucky in that respect, it is particularly tempting to offer advice but please don’t think you’ve discovered some amazing secret for solving all the problems of another parent.

Jumping in with advice can be the opposite of helpful; it may sound like you think you know the situation better than the parents. In reality, you can’t know all the factors at play.

It’s easy to blame ‘parenting’ when often there are biological issues that lie behind struggles with feeding, sleeping and meltdowns, many of which may not emerge for years. For example, developmental delays, sensory issues, hearing loss, ADHD, autism, eczema, reflux and allergies are just a few of the many (and sometimes invisible) possibilities. And it can take years for parents to figure out causes or find solutions. During that time, it’s typical for parents to feel judged, so while offering advice to an already sleep-deprived parent might make you feel better, it’s more likely to make them feel worse.

Advice, particularly when it hasn’t been asked for, can often land when energy levels are already low, putting the onus on the parent to have to justify why what has worked for you just doesn’t work for their child.

Anna, mum of two boys, from Devon

How to pick the right moment?

Timing is key: no matter how good the advice, it’s a bad idea to suggest anything after a particularly difficult night or right in the middle of any meltdown.

It’s important to see how the advice is being received, so avoid sending an email/ text/WhatsApp or posting on social.

If in doubt, hold back. If someone shares a problem, chances are a non-judgmental listening ear and sympathy are actually more helpful than advice, however well-meant.

Getting advice at the right time and from the right people can be helpful. For example, when meeting up with other new mums to feed your baby and enjoy a coffee together, it seems natural to talk about what you’re going through and to compare experiences.

When you are all just figuring it out together, it feels less judgemental; more of a safe space in which to swap stories about small wins and epic fails. Just occasionally a golden nugget of advice will drop into your lap.

On the flipside, lots of parenting advice either won’t work for your particular situation or your child or it may be out of date. Granted, it can be irritating when advice is worded as if it’s a universal law applicable to everyone, therefore implying you are a ‘bad parent’ for not doing whatever it is. That said, it would be a shame to miss out on something useful just because of another person’s misplaced sense of conviction or poor timing.

I try to see advice as a potential tool rather than a rule and remind myself it’s in my power to be curious, to test and then reject or accept it. Even when the advice doesn’t work, ruling it out is one step closer to success. In this way I can see parenting as a process of constant refinements rather than a reflection on some kind of innate ability.

Sarah, mum of three, from Oxfordshire

What to share instead of advice?

Your own problems: in moderation. This helps the other parent feel less alone.

Things you are considering trying yourself but haven’t yet! So there’s no suggestion that you have the absolute answer. Useful gadgets/objects: keeps the focus on physical solutions rather than criticising actions.

Share your sources: mentioning helpful podcasts, books etc instead of offering specific advice (but only send a link if the person asks you to).

‘Jumping in with advice can be the opposite of helpful.’

‘Just occasionally a golden nugget will drop into your lap.’

What’s On

for all the family

If you would like to feature a listing in a future issue email

Places to Go

Time for Tea at St Albans Museum and Gallery – daily until 5 Nov

St Albans 01727 864 511

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Explore tea from leaf to cup including everything from how you boil your water to the best kind of cup or mug to use. 11am-5pm. FREE.

Baby and Toddler Exercise at British Schools Museum – Every Monday

Hitchin 01462 420144

www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

All types of exercise to allow your toddler to move, jump, shake and dance. FREE, drop-in at 10.45am.

Tweenie Tuesdays at The Marlowes – Every Tuesday

Hemel Hempstead

01442 413818

www.themarlowes.co.uk

Colour to your hearts content, with special weekly themes! The first session of each month includes a special mini disco and face painting. 10am-2pm, FREE.

Messy Play at British Schools Museum – Every Tuesday

Hitchin

01462 420144

www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

Babies and toddlers can explore, discover and create at their own pace, and your little one can get their hands (and everything else) on every oozy, crunchy, bubbly, interesting part of it. FREE, drop-in at 10.45am.

Splodgers Arts and Crafts at Hatfield House – Every Wednesday Hatfield

timeforsplodgers@gmail.com

Arts, Crafts and Messy-play sessions for under 5s. 10am-10.50am and 11am-11.50am. £5.50 per child, £3.50 sibling.

Storytelling at British Schools

Museum – Every Wednesday

Hitchin 01462 420144

www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

A half-hour session of amazing storytelling, music and puppets. FREE, drop in at 10.45am.

Gardening Club at British Schools Museum – Every Friday

Hitchin 01462 420144

www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

Gardening club for pre-school children, who get to tend and water

plants every week and see them grow. There’s music, snacks and themed games. £3 per week, drop-in at 11am.

Redbourn Classics Motor Show and Village Fete at Redbourn Common – 2 Sep St Albans 07719 553 067

www.redbournclassics.co.uk

The show will feature more than 300 classic vehicles, live music, great street food, a licensed bar, children’s funfair rides and a miniature railway. 12pm-5pm.

Family Fun Day at Hertfordshire Sports Village – 3 Sep Hatfield 01707 284466

www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk

Gather your friends and family or just go along and make new ones, in a FREE open day to try all the indoor facilities. 11am-4pm.

Fiat Abarth Club Hertfordshire at Hatfield House – 3 Sep Hatfield 01707 287000

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

View a wonderful collection of cars within the grounds of Hatfield Park. Visiting the vehicles on display will remain FREE of charge but a ticket is required to access the grounds. 11am-2pm.

Storytime at South Mill Arts – 5 Sep and 3 Oct

Bishop’s Stortford 01279 710200

www.southmillarts.co.uk

Enjoy a story and some colouring in the museum. Suitable for children aged 2.5 to 5 years. 10.30am, FREE.

John Lawson’s Circus at Royston Heath – 7-10 Sep

Baldock Road

www.johnlawsonscircus.co.uk

With an entirely human cast, featuring amazing new acts and exciting routines, this enthralling fun-filled show is a great family experience not to be missed.

DogFest at Knebworth House –9 & 10 Sep

Stevenage 01438 812661

www.knebworthhouse.com

Try your hand (or paw) at a variety of have-a-go activities, enter the fun dog show or take part in the Big Dog Walk, a group dog walk around Knebworth Park. Plus, there’s loads of stalls, festival food and drink. Under 5s go free.

Potato Shindig at Willows Activity Farm – 9 Sep to 1 Oct St Albans 0333 3312060

www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Get your dungarees on, it’s time to dig up your FREE bucket of potatoes at Willows Potato Patch.

Family Arts at The Broadway Gallery – 9 Sep and 14 Oct Letchworth 01462 476110

www.broadway-gallery.com

Take the little ones along on the Second Saturday of each month for fun family workshops led by local creatives. 10am-11am and 1pm-2pm. A ‘pay what you can’ event.

Hertford Farmers Market at Market Place – 9 Sep and 14 Oct

Hertford

www.gohertford.co.uk

The Farmers Market in Hertford takes place in Market Place on the second Saturday of every month and features produce from the local area. 8.30am-1pm.

The Enfield and District Veteran Vehicle Society at Hatfield House – 10 September Hatfield 01707 287000

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

The Society will be displaying a selection of their magnificent vehicles at Hatfield Park on Sunday 10th September. 11am to 2pm.

Heritage Day at Hertford Castle – 10 Sep

Hertford

www.hertford.gov.uk

Enjoy a full programme of entertainment such as fire breathing, falconry flying displays, storytelling and re-enactment battle scenes. 12pm to 4pm. FREE.

St Albans Farmers Market – 10 Sep and 8 Oct

St Albans www.enjoystalbans.com/listing/ farmers-market/

Expect to find local specialities, mouth-watering cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, top quality meat, freshly baked cakes, locally hand-crafted goods and more. 8am to 2pm.

Statty Funfair at Harpenden Common – 12-16 Sep Harpenden

www.harpenden.gov.uk

Thrilling rides, exciting stalls and much more! 12pm-9pm.

Harpenden Food and Drink Festival at Harpenden Common – 16 Sep Harpenden www.harpenden.gov.uk

A perfect opportunity for you, your family and friends, to enjoy some exceptional food and drinks in the wonderful Town Centre and Common. 12pm-6pm.

Firework Champions at Hatfield House – 16 Sep

Hatfield 01707 287000

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Three of the UK’s best firework companies compete against each other with a 10-minute firework display choreographed to music followed by a larger huge finale display that isn’t part of the competition. 4pm-10pm.

Petrolheadonism Live at Knebworth House – 16 and 17 Sep Stevenage 01438 812661

www.knebworthhouse.com

A must-see family spectacular. Bringing together over 1,000 cars, including some of the world’s most exclusive supercars, classics, Americana, highly modified vehicles and much more.

Harpenden Sustainability Market at Harpenden Common – 17 Sep

Harpenden

www.harpenden.gov.uk

The Sustainability Market welcomes eco-friendly stalls to Harpenden Common, helping you live a more sustainable life. 10am-3pm.

Harpenden Farmers Market – 24 Sep and 22 Oct

Harpenden

www.enjoystalbans.com/listing/ farmers-market/

Expect to find local specialities, mouth-watering cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, top quality meat, freshly baked cakes, locally hand-crafted goods and more. 10am to 2pm.

St Albans Feastival throughout City Centre – 24 Sep

St Albans

www.enjoystalbans.com

An afternoon of free foodie fun in the heart of St Albans, with a host of activities and entertainment for the whole family from 12pm-6pm.

St Albans Beer & Cider Festival at The Alban Arena – 27-30 Sep St Albans stalbansbf.org.uk

Hundreds of cask ales and craft beers, phenomenal street food, live music, special events, fun auctions and the ever-popular games zone!

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.

Tots Tales at Verulamium Museum

– 29 Sep and 27 Oct

St Albans 01727 751 810

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Enjoy a story, craft activities and a museum hunt, inspired by a popular story. Suitable for ages 2-4 years, 10.30am-11.30am and 1.15pm-2.15pm. £5 per child.

A is for Armadillo at Hertford Museum – 30 Sep to 4 Feb

Hertford 01992 582686

www.hertfordmuseum.org.uk

This exhibition will showcase natural history specimens depicting animals. Themes will include local and exotic wildlife, evolution and conservation. FREE.

Wolf Weekend at Paradise Wildlife Park – 30 Sep and 1 Oct

Broxbourne 01992 470490

www.pwpark.com

A unique opportunity that gives you an up-close encounter with the elusive animal. Enjoy exclusive merchandise, unique wolf-themed photo-ops whilst raising vital funds and awareness for the species.

Autumn Museum Trail at South Mill Arts – from 1 Oct

Bishop’s Stortford 01279 710200

www.southmillarts.co.uk

Celebrating World Apple Day in October, can you find the apples hiding in the museum and the objects whose first letters spell APPLE? Suitable for ages 5-10. FREE.

Willow 10K at Hatfield House – 8 Oct

Hatfield 01707 287000

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Willow’s annual 10K event is a great race for beginners and experienced runners or walkers going through the picturesque grounds of Hatfield House. Including a 5K race and 1.8km Family Fun Run. 10am.

East Herts Miniature Railway

Autumn Gala at Van Hage Garden Centre – 14 and 15 Oct

Great Amwell

www.ehmr.org.uk

Fancy a miniature train ride? Rides are £1 each and money raised goes to charity at this volunteer run family event.

Pumpkin Festival at Willows

Activity Farm – 14, 15 then 19 to 31

October

St Albans

0333 3312060

www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Pick your pumpkin from Willow’s Pumpkin Patch and enjoy a full programme of pumpkin-tastic fun!

Dinos after Dark at Paradise

Wildlife Park – 20th to 22nd

October and 27th to 29th October

Broxbourne

01992 470490

www.pwpark.com

Take a magical trip around our World of Dinosaurs and see the dinosaurs come to life by moonlight. 5.30pm8.30pm.

Spooky Halloween Fun on the Farm at Foxholes Farm– 21-29 Oct

Hertford 01992 552900

www.foxholesfarm.com

Fun, games and activities on the farm. Each paying child receives one free pumpkin. 10am-4pm.

Halloween themed Collage Crafts at Fletcher’s Lea, Ware Priory – 23 Oct

Ware 01920 460316

www.warepriory.co.uk/fletchers-lea/ Enjoy some fun Halloween crafts with your little ones. All ages welcome. 12-4pm Free, drop-in.

Halloween at Paradise Wildlife Park – 23-27 Oct

Broxbourne 01992 470490

www.pwpark.com

During October half term the whole park will be dressed for the spooky occasion. There will be multiple autumnal photo opportunities and if you’re lucky you might even see the animals enjoying some amazing pumpkin and Halloween themed enrichment.

Scarecrows at South Mill Arts –24-26 Oct

Bishop’s Stortford 01279 710200

www.southmillarts.co.uk

Celebrate harvest by making a jolly scarecrow. When he waves his arm the bird on his hat moves. Drop in between 10am and 2pm, £1 per child.

Half Term at Hertford Museum –24 to 26 Oct

Hertford 01992 582686

www.hertfordmuseum.org.uk

Join in with fun craft activities. Times TBC. Drop in, £3.50 per child. Free places available for children of lowincome families.

Lemur Weekend at Paradise Wildlife Park – 28 and 29 Oct

Broxbourne 01992 470490

www.pwpark.com

A fun-filled weekend with lemur themed games, merchandise as well as lemur themed treats!

Open Day Guided Tours at Hertford Castle – 29 Oct

Hertford

www.hertford.gov.uk

This FREE event will give you an insight into the historic Grade 1 listed building, with volunteers on hand to impart historical knowledge. Tours will operate every 30 mins from 12pm, with the last tour at 3.30pm.

Family Entertainment at Campus West Welwyn Garden City

www.campuswest.co.uk

Discover Welwyn Garden City’s premier family entertainment destination at Campus West. Enjoy movies, soft play, roller skating, bouncy castles, and Humphrey’s café lounge. Sign-up for Zebra Discount and enjoy up to 50% off.

Theatre

Dinosaur Adventure Live at Gordon Craig Theatre – 1 Sep Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre 01438 363200

www.gordon-craig.co.uk

This awe-inspiring interactive stage show captivates both young and young at heart, immersing audiences in the enthralling & realistic world of Dinosaurs. 2pm and 4.30pm.

Ministry of Science Live at The Radlett Centre – 9 Sep Radlett 01923 859291

www.radlettcentre.co.uk

A deep dive into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! 11am and 3pm.

Ministry of Science Live at The Eric Morecambe Centre – 10 Sep Harpenden 01582 767525

www.the-emc.co.uk

Dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! 2pm.

Children’s Pantomime Auditions at The Radlett Centre – 11 Sep Radlett 01923 859291

www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Want to be in our Beauty and the Beast Pantomime? If so, please register and go along to the auditions and you could be part of the December production.

Ben Garrod Presents Ultimate Dinosaurs at Old Town Hall – 24 Sep Hemel Hempstead

www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Get ready for an exciting prehistoric adventure as Ben talks you through the deadliest predators that ever roamed the planet. Ages 5+. 2pm.

The Gruffalo’s Child at The Radlett Centre – 27 to 29 Sep Radlett WD7 8HL 01923 859291

www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages 3+.

I Spy with my Little Eye at South Mill Arts – 30 Sep Bishop’s Stortford 01279 710200

www.southmillarts.co.uk

Based on the picture book by Steven Lee, Molly and Bingo the puppy are having a birthday party and, best of all, you’re invited! 2pm.

Steve Backshall’s Ocean at The Alban Arena – 12 Oct St Albans

www.alban-arena.co.uk

Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet – and a great way to learn more

about what we need to do to save our seas. 7pm.

Shark in the Park at Wyllyotts Theatre – 22 Oct

Potters Bar 01707 645005

www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

From the creative team behind ‘The Hairy Maclary show’ and ‘You Choose’, see all three of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ books live on Stage! 1pm and 3pm.

Splash Test Dummies at The Radlett Centre – 23 to 24 Oct Radlett 01923 859291

www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Rub-a-dub-dub, The Dummies are here with some splish splashing circus set to drown you in tears of laughter.

Cartoon Circus Live at South Mill Arts – 25 Oct Bishop’s Stortford 01279 710200

www.southmillarts.co.uk

A laughter-packed stage show Cartoon Circus Live combines the comedy of pantomime with the thrill of the circus. 1.30pm.

Milkshake! Live at Wyllyotts Theatre – 26 Oct

Potters Bar 01707 645005

www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

This brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet! 12pm and 3.30pm.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Old Town Hall – 27 Oct Hemel Hempstead

www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland follows Alice on her remarkable journey, from her fleeting encounters with the White Rabbit to her eventual showdown with the crazed Queen of Hearts. Ages 3+. 2pm.

Clubs, Classes and Camps

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes

Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Everyone Active Westminster Lodge

St Albans

www.everyoneactive.com

Basketball

A course led by a fully-qualified level 2 coach that is designed to teach the skills and techniques needed to play basketball in a safe and friendly environment. Every Thursday. 4.45pm-5.30pm: ages 7 to 11. 5.30pm to 6.15pm: ages 11+.

Gymnastics

Increase agility, flexibility, balance and coordination, while having fun and interacting with other children. Fridays and Saturdays. Ages 2.5 to 13 years.

Trampolining

Trampolining is a fun way to get moving in a fun environment. Qualified coaches will ensure a safe and friendly environment to enjoy the sport and give you a few pointers. Every Sunday. Ages 2.5 to 13 years.

Toddler Sense

Potters Bar

www.toddlersense.com An educational, interactive and developmental programme, which will help your toddler learn and develop important skills. Monday, Friday and Saturday.

Little Voices Performing Arts

Welwyn Garden City, Applecroft School littlevoices.org.uk/location/ welwyn-garden-city/

Little Voices offer multi-awardwinning performing arts lessons. Nurture your child’s confidence and help them reach their potential at these fun and engaging singing and drama lessons. Children benefit from LAMDA accredited training and small class sizes. Every Wednesday afternoon, for ages 4-18. Starting back up 6 September.

Baby College

Bishops Stortford, Hertford, Hoddesdon, St Albans, Potters Bar, Welwyn Garden City 07870 568506

www.babycollege.co.uk

Fun development classes for parents (or carers) and little ones and baby massage classes to learn a full body massage sequence in practical, welcoming sessions.

Waterbabies

Hemel Hempstead, Letchworth, St Albans, Stevenage www.waterbabies.co.uk Baby swimming skills are taught through song, play and repetition.

Tappytoes Children’s Dance Classes

Bushey, Hemel Hempstead 01279 718216

www.tappytoes.com

Children’s dance classes that will support your child’s early years development, improve your child’s coordination, motor skills and social skills. Suitable for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers from age 6 months and up.

Gwen Halam Dance Harpenden, Redbourn 07792309401

www.ghdance.com

Exciting pre-school dance classes for boys and girls from 18 months to 4 years. Choose a class where you can accompany your child and dance together, then watch their confidence grow as they venture into class alone. Call to book a free trial class call.

Little Kickers

Borehamwood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Potters Bar, Rickmansworth, Watford

www.littlekickers.co.uk

Teaching football in a fun, pressurefree environment, giving children a positive introduction to sport as a whole, not just football, so they’re more likely to stay healthy and active throughout their lives.

Barracudas Activity Day Camp

23 to 27 Oct

St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Welwyn Garden City 01480 467567

www.barracudas.co.uk

Barracudas Children’s Camps offer a safe and well organised programme for local kids to enjoy. With great facilities and a wide variety of organised activities.

Camp Beaumont – 23-27 Oct

Berkhamstead, St Albans, Watford 01603 851000

www.campbeaumont.co.uk

The multi-activity holiday day camps provide fun-filled, exhilarating experiences for 3–16-year-olds. From archery to swimming to abseiling, each unforgettable experience will enhance their wellbeing and revitalise them for their return to school.

Kings Camps – 23-27 Oct

St Albans 0114 2632160

www.kingscamps.org

A multi activity programme designed to get children active, have fun and learn together through a week of sports and games. Based at St Albans School.

Cascade Camps – 23-27 Oct

Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden 07395 087250

www.cascadecamps.com

Cascade Camps is a family run business with over 20 years’ experience running activity day camps, overnight camps, performing arts camps, adventure travel programs and sports camps for kids.

Junior Adventures Group

– 23-27 Oct

Potters Bar, Rickmansworth, Watford 0333 5771533

www.junioradventuresgroup.co.uk

Holiday club packed with diverse activities and challenges designed to help your children discover their potential, build friendships, and have a blast!

Razzamataz

Radlett 07456 868266

www.radlett.razzamataz.co.uk

Offering dance, drama and singing lessons for children aged 4–18 years, in a fun, fast paced, exciting and engaging environment at affordable prices.

Jigsaw Performing Arts

Bushey, Hemel Hempstead, Potters Bar, St Albans 0208 4474530

www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Drama, singing and dance classes for children aged 3-18.

Baby Sensory Wow Centre

Potters Bar

07837 935820

www.babysensory.com

A development class designed for babies from birth to 13 months, with instruments, baby signing, massage and exercise, sleep techniques, social playtime, action rhymes and songs. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Code Zone

Bishop’s Stortford 0333 090 5697

www.thecodezone.co.uk Each week this exciting termly coding club introduces children to the diverse world of coding through hands-on creative challenges and games. £12 per session, from ages 6 to 14+.

Baby Ballers

Bishops Stortford

07596345275

www.babyballers.com

Football and child development sporting activities for girls and boys. Ages from 16 months to 5 years.

Holiday Clubs

Re:play Holiday Club

St Albans 07913 323608. Replay is a fabulous holiday club for children 4 to 11 years old. Lots of fun activities and crafts, indoor and outdoor space. Run by an enthusiastic and caring team.

Holiday Art Camp at ArtShed

– 23-27 Oct

St Albans and Harpenden

www.shedloadsoffun.com Book one or more days of fun holiday camps with a different drawing and painting project each day. Ages 6-13.

FunFest Holiday Camp – 23-27 Oct

St Albans 07767 877198

www.fun-fest.co.uk An exciting range of holiday club activities, with sessions ranging from Mission Impossible and Sports Action to Cupcake Heaven and Crafty Creations.

Activate Camps – 23-27 Oct

Berkhamsted, Bushey, Harpenden 0121 227 4385

www.activatecamps.co.uk Sport & activity holiday camps for children aged 5-14.

Code Ninjas Holiday Club

– 23-27 Oct

Welwyn Garden City 01707 538112

www.codeninjas.co.uk

Kids learn to code in a fun, safe, and inspiring learning environment, with a game-based curriculum that they love. Based at Applecroft School.

Boxmoor Drama – 23-27 Oct

Boxmoor 01442 233456. Situated on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead, Boxmoor Arts Centre is dedicated to providing young people with access to creative opportunities, choice and excellence.

Kidzteens Football Academy

– 23-27 Oct

Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford Heath, Sawbridgeworth, Bury Green, Little Hadham. 07955 259030. Provides kids 7-10 & teens 11-13 a fun environment to train and improve their football skills with an experienced coach.

The Outdoors Project – 23-27 Oct St Albans 01727 530256

www.theoutdoorsproject.co.uk/stalbans

Kids can really get stuck into the most immersive and exciting activities.

Happy Days Holiday Club

- 23-27 Oct

Stevenage 07883 511319

www.leys.herts.sch.uk/parentsholiday-club.html Providing a friendly, fun and safe environment together with high-quality childcare for ages 3-13. 8am to 6pm.

Premier Education Holiday camps

– 23-27 Oct

Bushey, Cheshunt, Hitchin, St Albans, Stevenage, Tring and Welwyn

www.premier-education.com/ holiday-camps Getting kids active, introducing new and exciting activities and creating a fun-filled experience they will remember forever.

Rising Stars Wrap Around Holiday Clubs – 23-27 Oct

Hitchin, Stevenage, Bishops Stortford and Welwyn 01462 790152

www.risingstars-wraparound.co.uk Activities include trampolining, inflatables, team games and gymnastics as well as creative activities.

SuperCamps Holiday Club

- 23-27 Oct

Hertford, Hitchin and Rickmansworth 01235 467300

www.supercamps.co.uk Fun and diverse indoor and outdoor activities for children aged 4 to 14.

Other listings

The Youth Fairy Harpenden, St Abans, online www.theyouthfairy.com

A modern, solution focused approach to positive change for children and teens struggling with anxiety, stress, anger and low confidence. Various programmes available. Book a consultation with therapist Vanessa Olney, 07423 264531/ vanessa@ theyouthfairy.com

A MODERN, SOLUTION FOCUSED APPROACH TO POSITIVE CHANGE FOR CHILDREN & TEENS STRUGGLING WITH ANXIETY , STRESS , ANGER AND LOW CONFIDENCE

VANESSA OLNEY Therapist

Our therapy programmes include:

SMILE Programme

Can help with: Anxiety, stress, anger, low mood, excessive negativity, sleep problems, OCD, unwanted habits & confidence.

SPARKLE Programme

Can help with: Confidence, self esteem, performance mindset (exams, stage, sports), public speaking, resilience & motivation.

SCHOOL Programme

We can tailor programmes to impact positively on a variety of areas including: Attendance, behaviour, performance (exam, sport), engagement, retention, emotional resilience and general wellbeing.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY WITH ME, VANESSA OLNEY, THE YOUTH FAIRY HARPENDEN, ST ALBANS AND ONLINE

07423 264531 vanessa@theyouthfairy.com

TheYouthFairyHarpenden&StAlbans @TheYouthFairyUK

Priscilla Queen of the Disaster

Thurs 5th Oct 7.30pm • Tickets: £15

A heart-wrenching, side-splitting, laugh-and-crya-minute, one-woman comedy/drama show. An incredibly honest and frank true story about the realities of parenting, all told by mother and natural storyteller, Susie.

Shark in the Park

Sun 22nd Oct 1pm & 3pm

Tickets: £12.50, £40 Family of 4

Timothy Pope is looking through his telescopebut wait, is that a Shark, in the Park?! See all 3 of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ books live on stage!

Milkshake! Live

Thurs 26th Oct 12pm & 3.30pm

Tickets: £18, £17 child, £66 family of 4

Join Paddington, Daisy & Ollie, Milo, Noddy & more at Milkshake! Monkey’s Musical!