FREE TAKE ME HOM
E
IN THIS ISSUE RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.
If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle
please call Vicki King 07501 433 922
Issue 30 January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk
Clubs & classes Early years special What’s on in January & February
familiesonline.co.uk Families Hampshire North
Hampshire North Issue 30 I Jan/Feb 2019
Managing Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk 07789 882 467 Advertising Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk What’s on listings compiled by Chloe Atkinson Next issue March/April 2019 Booking deadline 1 February 2019 Cover image: Kaile Meyers Photography Printed By Holbrooks Printers Ltd We Distribute 18,000 copies in Andover, Basingstoke, Fleet, Hook, Alton, Bordon and all the areas in between. If you would like copies for your establishment please contact us.
Contents 4. News & views
Published 6 times per year.
6. Choosing the right club or class 7. A guide to your local Stagecoach 8. Clubs & classes news 10. An inspector calls! 11. The importance of lullabies 14. What’s on in January & February
Go Ape Gruffalo sculptures Cafe Cycle hire
Call 0300 067 4448 forestryengland.uk Alice Holt Forest
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12. Nursery news
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© Families Hampshire North Magazine 2019 Families Hampshire North is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hampshire North are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hampshire North. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Hampshire North; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
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Helping you and your family find the right way forward www.phillips-law.co.uk 01256 460830 legal@phillips-law.co.uk Phillips Solicitors Ltd, Town Gate, 38 London Street, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 7NY familiesonline.co.uk
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A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF 3, 4 & 5 BEDROOM HOMES IN A STUNNING COUNTRY PARK SETTING VIEW OUR BEAUTIFUL SHOWHOMES - CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT Set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, this exciting development is surrounded by nature where luxury homes border a beautiful 82 acre country park. It’s a place where you can enjoy great shops & restaurants less than a mile away in the bustling town of Fleet or visit the brand new Hart Leisure Centre just a short stroll away. A place where excellent schools are conveniently located and where you can reach London in less than 40 minutes by train*.
3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £455,000** edenbrookvillage.co.uk
01252 757 557
Edenbrook Village, Hitches Lane, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 5DN Sales Suite and Showhomes open daily 10am-5pm
Computer generated image depicts streetscene and is indicative only. Photography depicts 3 bedroom Showhome at Edenbrook Village and is indicative only. *Source: www.nationalrail.co.uk. **Prices correct at time of going to press and subject to availability. Help to Buy is subject to the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) terms and conditions and is available on new build homes up to £600,000 to customers where the property represents their only residence. You will require a minimum deposit of 5%, a Homes and Communities Agency equity loan of 20% and a mortgage of 75%. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. CHECK THAT THESE MORTGAGES WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT SEEK INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE.
Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies familiesonline.co.uk
Families Hampshire North 3
News & Views
Stunning new family homes in a country park setting Edenbrook Village is a beautiful collection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom new homes of exceptional quality, conveniently located, just 2 miles from the centre of the sought after town of Fleet. Set on the edge of a stunning 82 acre Country Park and with fantastic links to London, Edenbrook Village is the perfect place to call home. The development is close to many schools rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Help to buy is available and 98% of their customers woudl recommend Berkeley Homes to their freinds or family.
Marwell Zoo to host a collection of giant LEGO® brick dinosaurs Marwell Zoo to become the first attraction in the world to host a collection of giant LEGO® brick dinosaurs. BRICKOSAURS, a prehistoric experience featuring a total of 50 life-sized sculptures built with LEGO bricks, is coming to the zoo in 2019. The interactive expedition created with more than two million bricks is sure to excite families, LEGO and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. A highlight includes the largest touring LEGO brick dinosaur model ever made – a whopping eight-metre T-Rex, plus be prepared for a few surprises! Bordon-based LEGO building company Bright Bricks say it will take their team of professional builders more than 10,000 hours to create the exclusive event. BRICKOSAURS will be on display from 5 April - 1 September 2019. Visitors will also be able to get hands on with a host of extra activities including trying their hand at making their own creations at BRICKOSAURS Basecamp, a free spotter’s guide and more. Visit www.marwell.org.uk
The Big Garden Birdwatch The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 26-28 January and is the largest wildlife survey in the world. To take part, you need to watch the birds in your garden or local park for just one hour at some point over the three days and report your results to the RSPB. You can request a free Big Garden Birdwatch pack from the RSPB which includes a bird identification chart and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden. To make it fun, challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park to look for birds, or spot birds in a new place. Visit www.rspb.org.uk for more information 4 Families Hampshire North
To book an appointment to view their stunning showhomes call 01252 756 863 or visit www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/ developments/hampshire/fleet/edenbrook-village
A fresh start for 2019 With the New Year many of us take stock and review our lives. Sadly for some, this can mean making a New Year’s resolution to get a divorce. If this is the case for you, your first port of call should be to get some legal advice from a family law solicitor. Phillips Solicitors will listen to your concerns and discuss your options, letting you know what your rights are, as well as those of your former partner. Their objective is to help you as quickly and effectively as possible with the best outcomes for you and your family. Whatever the issue you face this New Year, Phillips Solicitors can help you and your family find a way forward. To find out more about divorce or separation legal services or to arrange a meeting with one of their divorce solicitors, call Hayley Eachus on 01256 854633, email hayley.eachus@phillips-law.co.uk or visit www.phillips-law.co.uk/family
Looking for a new opportunity this year? 12 years ago Vicki was like any Mum who had just stepped into the world of motherhood, nervous excited and not really sure how she would be able to leave her daughter to go back to work. At this point, she decided to resign from her corporate position and think about what she really wanted to do. She still wanted to have the independence of earning her own income on her terms, and wanted control over her diary so she could choose when she worked. She came across a small advert for a home based opportunity that was offering the flexibility and income she wanted. Vicki now earns a full time income around her two children who are now 12 and 7 and is enjoying the benefits that would rival any blue-chip company in the city. More importantly, she has achieved success by helping other people (especially parents) to succeed, coaching the simple business model which has served the company for almost four decades and earned them the investor in people Gold status in the UK. For more information email Vickimking5@gmail.com or call 07501 433922.
Book online for February half term at 130 words Jubilee’s holiday clubs Jubilee’s holiday clubs for 5-11 year-olds, gives children the opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with old ones. Over the years we have welcomed hundreds of school children to Jubilee where we are advocates of free play, fun and adventures. Jubilee Cadets, our woodland based holiday club, gives children the freedom to play in the natural world whilst Jubilee Jets is an activity-based club with a fantastic range of games, sports and crafts on offer, both clubs are led by caring and energetic teams. You can choose a mix of both clubs throughout the holidays, for more information or to book, please visit www.jubileecadets.co.uk and www.jubileejets.co.uk. Join the adventure! familiesonline.co.uk
Ad Vitam Paramus - Preparing for life
Co-educational independent day and boarding school 3 months to 18 years
Open Day and Scholarships Day March 7 and 8 2019 To register please contact admissions@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Sherfield School, Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hook, Hampshire RG27 0HU +44 (0) 1256 884 800 www.sherfieldschool.co.uk
Your Child, Their Journey, Our Focus
A co-educational independent school (3 to 13 years) full of opportunity, offering an inspirational educational journey for a successful adult life
Open Morning Saturday 9th March - 10.00am 01252 405500 registrar@yateleymanor.com www.yateleymanor.com familiesonline.co.uk
Families Hampshire North 5
Clubs & classes
Choose the right club or class for your child Picking the right extra-curricular activities for your child can sometimes be overwhelming. There are a huge variety of sports and classes available now from coding to Mandarin, from street dance to circus skills, as well as more traditional sports. Here’s Claire Winter’s guide on how to choose the most appropriate club or class for your child. A good place to start is to ask your child what they are interested in. It’s likely that they will enjoy the activity if they have picked it themselves. My 11 year old twin girls have tried a wide variety of classes, which they enjoyed but didn’t want to continue. When I last asked them what they wanted to do, they said they wanted to join a running club. They now train two to three times a week and compete at least once a month. It’s a big commitment for the whole family but they absolutely love it.
Things to Consider:
Will your child enjoy the class/club?
If they enjoy something, whether it’s art, football, animation or French they are likely to look forward to training with their team or attending a class every week.
Try before you buy
Trial classes are a great way for them to experience something before you sign up for a term or group of classes. Many clubs and classes offer a free trial before you sign up.
Try a variety
Variety is the spice of life. If your schedule allows it, get your children to try a few different things on a trial basis. If they are not keen on trying something new, get them to go with a friend.
Can you commit?
Some activities involve early morning practice or games at the weekend. Can your family life and schedule accommodate the commitment needed? If your child plays sport competitively, it can often mean training daily or at least three times a week.
Think about cost
Some activities are more expensive than others. 1:1 tuition or private lessons are more costly, whereas classes and team sports tend to cost less. Guiding or Scouts is an inexpensive club to join, and it’s great for team building and trying a variety of different activities. Investigate this option ahead of time though, as there can be waiting lists.
How many?
How many activities are too many? This is really up to you but if you are tired of driving your children to all of their activities, it’s likely your child will be too; perhaps you are doing too much. Equally, if your children are bored at home and asking to be entertained, maybe it’s time to sign them up for something new. Again take the lead from your child. Some children thrive from lots of extra-curricular activities while others get overwhelmed and over-stimulated. Listen to them and adjust their schedule accordingly.
Why ball sports are important for children By Andrew Campbell
As children grow, learning how to play a variety of ball games is a great way of keeping fit, improving relationships and having fun. The remarkable thing about playing a ball game - from football and rugby to cricket, netball and rounders - is that your child can run for miles without even noticing, because their mind is focused on the action and not on the physical exertion. Confidence - If your child is shy, signing up for football, rugby or tennis classes can help bring them out of their shell and help them make new friends. Social skills - Playing ball sports can help your child to recognise the importance of working as a team and understand what it means to be competitive. And how to lose gracefully without throwing a temper tantrum or dissolving into floods of tears! Co-ordination and timing - Whether it’s throwing, catching, dribbling, or kicking, your child will develop important hand-eye coordination and timing skills which can help in other areas of their life. Eye-tracking skills are vital to reading, hand-eye co-ordination is required for handwriting and timing is involved even when crossing the road. Force - Knowing how much strength is needed to throw or kick is not easy as you may have observed if your child has picked up a ball and tried to throw it at something recently. Ball sports teach children how to apply the right amount of force at the right time. This helps them understand what levels of force are appropriate which can be essential in avoiding accidents. Every child is different - Don’t worry if your child isn’t a natural ball sports player. Coaches are trained to help children take small steps to learn the basic skills required in most ball games and to improve their confidence.
Across the globe, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes advance students beyond their school level. Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. Basingstoke North 01256 636233 Basingstoke South 01256 533234 kumon.co.uk Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.
6 Families Hampshire North
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Clubs & classes
A guide to your local
STAGECOACH Stagecoach Performing Arts schools in Hampshire encourage a ‘digital detox’ this winter. Budding young performers from Hampshire have enjoyed a jam-packed year full of exciting masterclasses and thrilling performances thanks to Stagecoach Performing Arts. Students from Stagecoach Andover, Basingstoke, Basingstoke West and Fleet have had the chance to participate in stand-out performances in London’s West End and at Disneyland Paris, with many students also taking part in a Guinness World Record attempt alongside 12,000 students worldwide. Stagecoach Performing Arts schools offer unique singing, dancing and acting classes which encourage children to grow in confidence and develop as individuals. January marks the start of a new term for Stagecoach Performing Arts, with schools across the country offering classes for a range of ages. Early Stages sessions cater for children aged four to six years and Main Stage classes are designed for six to 18 year-olds, with students enjoying unrivalled opportunities to sample a variety of musical and theatrical genres. As well as nurturing young talent in singing, dancing and acting, Stagecoach endeavours to instil students with Creative Courage for Life to empower children with the confidence to express themselves. What’s more, Stagecoach schools will encourage youngsters to ‘digitally detox’ this term, helping them to reduce the time spent on their screens, and instead keep active and make new friends at Stagecoach classes.
End venues, where students will be able to showcase their talents in front of an audience.”
The Spring Term at Stagecoach Performing Arts schools in Hampshire will give children in the local area a unique extra-curricular experience, when the performing arts are in decline in wider school curricula. By encouraging children to try a new hobby, enticing them away from their screens and inspiring them to learn new skills, Stagecoach gives students the confidence to flourish in all areas of their lives. CEO Sarah Kelly says, “The increased demand for performing arts in Hampshire reflects a desire amongst youngsters to express themselves creatively and develop new skills, away from the lure of screens. Stagecoach Basingstoke, Basingstoke West, Fleet and Andover have organised a number of exciting opportunities over the coming months, including providing LAMDA classes which will enable students to build UCAS points, and performances at iconic West
For more information about Stagecoach Schools in Hampshire visit: Stagecoach Andover: www.stagecoach.co.uk/andover Stagecoach Basingstoke: www.stagecoach.co.uk/basingstoke Stagecoach Basingstoke West: www.stagecoach.co.uk/basingstokewest Stagecoach Fleet: www.stagecoach.co.uk/fleet
About Stagecoach Stagecoach Performing Arts was founded in 1988 and continues to grow as the UK’s largest network of extra-curricular performing arts schools for children. One of the first extra-curricular children’s performing arts schools in the country, we aim to inspire our students, making a difference in their lives by teaching Creative Courage For Life®. With 300 Principals and 3,000 teachers worldwide, Stagecoach operates over 750 schools and has a presence in 9 countries including Canada, Germany, Malta, Spain, Gibraltar, Australia, South Africa, and China. Notable alumni are Emma Watson, Jamie Bell, Eleanor Tomlinson, Tuppence Middleton, Tom Fletcher, Dani Harmer, Josh Cuthbert, Danny Mac and Charlotte Jaconelli.
Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds
BASINGTOKE 01252410625 stagecoach.co.uk/basingstoke
BASINGSTOKE WEST 01252 810 256 stagecoach.co.uk/basingstokewest
ANDOVER 01264 365457 stagecoach.co.uk/andover
FLEET 01252 410 625 stagecoach.co.uk/fleet
Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
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Families Hampshire North 7
Clubs & classes
Clubs & classes news The Games
Winter
This February, SCL gives your little superstars a VIP pass to slopes with an exciting themed programme of winter sports activities and off-piste games! Their Ofsted registered, multiactivity, Club Energy will be made up of themed activities including a mountain landscape arts and crafts project, indoor curling and a bobsleigh time trial among many others. The FA chartered Soccer School will run at the same venues and your child can choose which they prefer on the day. SCL has 18 years’ industry experience and their passionate, caring team understand that every child has different interests. Their clubs are perfect for children aged 4-12 and run between 8am and 6pm. Prices start from £23.40. Earlybird discounts apply! Check the website for details. Visit www.wearescl.co.uk/holiday-clubs for more information and to book.
Kumon South Basingstoke offers a world class education for your child Kumon is the UK’s largest supplementary education provider, offering individualised maths and English programmes to help any child of any ability to progress and reach their potential. The unique Kumon Maths and English Programmes pursue the potential of each child by developing confident, independent learners through individualised, advanced study. Following a free assessment, students will start studying the programmes at a point that is specific to their needs and ability. The current age range of students at the centre is 4 to 14 years old. However, the centre welcomes children of all ages and abilities, whether they require further support to succeed academically or are seeking an additional challenge so they can fulfil their potential. South Basingstoke Kumon Centre has a team of highly trained assistants. Together, working towards maintaining an efficient and effective learning environment, support the students’ development academically and help build confidence and self-learning skills. Classes take place at St Andrews Methodist Church, Basingstoke, RG22 6ER to book a class or find out more call Jo on 01256 533234.
Swimming lessons at Basingstoke Aquadrome or Tadley Pool Have you ever gone to the seaside or on holiday and been on constant alert when your children go anywhere near the water or a swimming pool? Swimming is an essential life skill which enables you to enjoy your local pool, water parks, holiday destinations and it’s an excellent to be active and stay healthy.
Does your child need help with Maths?
Get them enrolled for swimming lessons at Basingstoke Aquadrome or Tadley Pool so that you can be more confident of their safety when they are able to swim independently.
There is a way to super-charge your child’s Maths confidence. Jade from Basingstoke was worried about her daughter: “Lola was finding maths quite tough, both at school and at home. In turn, her confidence was non-existent, meaning she struggled to enjoy maths activities. Since using Maths Club by Post, there has been a genuine shift in Lola’s attitude towards learning Maths and her confidence is flourishing! She loves receiving her maths packs! She particularly loves the games, and the sense of achievement she gets once she has completed them.”
Basingstoke Leisure swimming lessons memberships include free swimming outside of lessons so that children enjoy swimming and practice what they have learnt at no extra cost. Swimming lessons are £23 per month for a weekly 30min class and £31 for 60min classes for higher level swimmers.
If, like Jade, you are worried about your child’s Maths, see if a free pack from Maths Club by Post can help your child flourish too. Visit www.mathsclubbypost.co.uk
Visit basingstokeleisure.com or email Jan Osbourne at swimlessons.bstoke@serco.com
Raising confident children with Perform Sara has two children, Honor (8) and James (6) who have both been attending Perform classes since they were 4 years old. “I’ve always wanted my children to feel confident speaking in public and chatting to all sorts of people. I think these are essential life skills these days” says Sara. Sara was drawn to Perform because of its focus on developing confidence and self-esteem in a fun way. “It’s not a pushy stage school” she explains. “Each week, the classes focus on a topic like manners, making eye contact or introducing themselves, but this is wrapped up in a highly engaging way in the context of drama and songs.” “Since my children started attending Perform, other parents frequently remark on their confidence and how well they speak in school assemblies. I’m really impressed with how they chat to adults in places like shops and restaurants.” Classes at Perform are small with two teachers per class. “The teachers are professional actors with amazing energy and enthusiasm. They go out of their way to understand and engage every child” reports Sara.
Book a Free Trial Today!
Perform offers a FREE no-obligation dance or drama class in Basingstoke, Bramley, Fleet and Hook. Visit to perform.org.uk/try to book. 8 Families Hampshire North
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Learn a Life Skill
Swimming Lessons
at Basingstoke Aquadrome & Tadley Pool All our courses follow the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming with qualified instructors. S Contact us today to find out more! UDE INCL ITED M I UNL For full details of all facilities and activities available, visit: FREE
AY TODST N I O J OM JU
£23
FR
TH* MON PER
* ING M M SWI
www.basingstokeleisure.com
Basingstoke Aquadrome Worting Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG Tel: 01256 472 343 / BasingstokeAquadrome Tadley Swimming Pool New Road, Tadley, Hampshire, RG26 3LA Tel: 0118 9817818 / TadleyPool *Price quoted is for a 12 month contract on a direct debit scheme which includes unlimited free swimming. Other options available, see website for details. Terms and conditions apply.
SCL HOLIDAY CLUBS FOR 4 -12 YEAR OLDS FROM
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THIS FEBRUARY, SCL GIVES YOUR LITTLE SUPERSTARS A VIP PASS TO THE SLOPES WITH AN EXCITING THEMED PROGRAMME OF WINTER SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND OFF-PISTE GAMES!
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wearescl.co.uk/holiday-clubs - 0345 644 5747 *Offer expires 1st February 2019. For full terms and conditions please visit www.wearescl.co.uk/school-sport-activities-terms-conditions.
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Families Hampshire North 9
Early years
An inspector calls!
The role of an Ofsted Inspector in assessing a nursery setting with a child” says Sangeeta.” I’ll ask staff why they have chosen a particular activity and how it contributes to a child’s learning. “ Ofsted Inspectors also observe children and then question the Key Person responsible for those children about them. “If a child is upset, the Key Person should be able to tell me about the child’s circumstances, for instance, if they are new to the setting” says Sangeeta. “There should also be information about a child’s development, and planning for a child’s next steps.”
Whilst there are lots of important considerations when choosing a nursery or pre-school for your child, it’s unlikely you’ll make a final choice without at least a cursory glance at the setting’s Ofsted report. The acronym is one used frequently by parents but how many of us actually know what the acronym Ofsted actual stands for or how a nursery or pre-school gets its Ofsted rating? Sangeeta Gardiner has been an Inspector for The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) since it was set up in 1992 and has conducted well over 150 inspections of nurseries, pre-schools, and child-minders. Becoming and remaining an inspector requires rigorous, ongoing training and examinations, meaning that Ofsted Inspectors are very knowledgeable. One of the key things an Inspector examines is how a setting safeguards the children in its care. Inspectors check to make sure safeguarding policies are implemented, that staff have the relevant legal background checks, and have been properly recruited. “I’ll ask staff members how they got their jobs” reports Sangeeta. “Being a friend of a friend is simply not good enough. I also probe more deeply if I discover staff members have moved around a lot.”
So what happens if there are issues with teaching methods? A lot depends on whether the majority of staff are working positively, and, where there are staff who are performing less well, that the manager of the setting recognises this. “Part of the inspection is a joint observation with the manager” says Sangeeta. ”If a staff member has set up an activity that hasn’t worked well and the manager isn’t aware of this, that needs to be addressed. However, if the manager is aware and can support a staff member to improve their skills, then this provides good evidence that the nursery is working well towards improving its provision.” Sangeeta owns two settings in Greater London. How does she ensure they meet Ofsted’s high standards in her setting? Good communication and reflective practice are vital. As a team, each setting regularly fills out a self-evaluation form, so that everybody involved can reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and a clear direction can be formulated. Sangeeta is always aware of what is happening at each nursery, but also stresses that the quality of her managers and teachers is exceptional. “The managers of my settings are experienced and well-established members of the team, and have known many of the children and their families for a number of years.” You can find Ofsted Reports for settings in your local area online at www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk
Give your child a truly unique experience...
Checking safeguarding arrangements also involves monitoring how children enter and leave the setting and what provisions there are for visitors. “It’s also important that children are being taught how to keep themselves safe” comments Sangeeta. “For example, they need to know that it’s dangerous to walk while holding a pair of scissors.” Changes in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework place more emphasis on the importance of a child’s emotional security, so Inspectors also observe how confident and secure children feel in their environment and in their interactions with others. Early Year’s Education is all about learning through play but the word “teaching” is still used in the EYFS framework. Staff “teach” children about their world by asking them open ended questions. “I observe the language teachers use and how they’re interacting
Jubilee Gems Nursery Magical Childhood Memories
With a highly regarded reputation, Jubilee Gems Nursery provides exceptional care for children aged three months to five years of age during term time.
Over 60 acres of gardens, woodland & farm Highly skilled and caring team Freshly prepared food Funding available For more information visit:
www.jubileegems.co.uk School Road, Padworth RG7 4JA
10 Families Hampshire North
0118 983 4018
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Early years
The importance of lullabies By Laura Jane Foley Lullabies have been around for thousands of years. Musicologists believe the first lullabies were sung over 5000 years ago by the Babylonians. The fact that we’re still singing them today shows they certainly have longevity. Generations of parents have known that singing a lullaby to an infant has a lulling, calming effect. Across all times and languages, lullabies have the same soothing, hypnotic qualities. These are created by the use of repeated, simple one or two syllable words and repeating musical phrases which are easy to predict. Lullabies are necessarily easy to learn and sing. Infants need to recognise the familiar patterns of notes and words and parents need to be able to sing them without having any musical education or training. Traditionally lullabies were passed on through the generations from parent to child. Popular lullabies have stuck in the nation’s conscience due to the advent of recording, television and radio but there are hundreds of unknown lullabies which are just as beautiful and effective. However, recent research has uncovered that only 38% of parents sing to their child every day. Yet singing to your baby is just as important as reading to them. A singing voice has a greater calming effect than speech so singing has positive health and emotional benefits not to mention the numerous studies which show that listening to music improves children’s intelligence.
Here is my top 5 list of lullabies to get you started: Brahms’s Lullaby Whether you know it was composed by Johannes Brahms or not, this is the tune you’ll hum if someone asks you to sing a lullaby. Composed in 1868 it is the most famous and recognisable lullaby in the world thanks, in part, to highly successful recordings by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Originally written with German words (‘Guten Abend, Gut’ Nacht’) there are several English translations.
Cradle Song by William Byrd I discovered this sweet Renaissance lullaby in an obscure out of print music book. I then spent several weeks tracking down the words for the missing second verse. The words are completely charming; it begins “my sweet, little darling, my comfort and joy”. It’s a fairly short lullaby and has a beautiful melody. I think it deserves to be much better known.
Taylor Coleridge: “Sleep sweet babe! My cares beguiling, Mother sits beside thee smiling”. You can find recordings of all the above lullabies on YouTube. Laura-Jane Foley has also recorded lesser-known lullabies, classical songs and readings for her new album Songs For My Daughter released by the Lullaby Trust and available from Amazon or iTunes price £10.95.
OVERTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL
An Accredited Montessori for 2-7 year olds We offer a friendly, secure and happy learning environment to nurture and protect your young learners. Large outside garden offering a forest school environment along with Ballet, Sports, French, Cooking and Nature Walks.
CALL THE TEAM ON 01256 770 197 OR 07748 642 166 We look forward to hearing from you…… Term Time Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm St. Luke’s Hall, Winchester Street, Overton RG25 3HT
Dalmatian Cradle Song This traditional lullaby was originally a peasant’s song from Dalmatia (a region in Croatia). Its lilting melody is hauntingly beautiful. This lullaby tells a simple story about a father being away at sea. The chorus begins “Hush, my babe, my little one” and the “hush” sounds like the crashing waves of the sea. It’s calming and melodic.
Day Nursery & Pre-School
Cradle Song or ‘Wiegenlied’ by Franz Schubert This simple lullaby uses few notes and echoes the rocking motion of lulling a baby to sleep. It was made famous by the superstar Italian Tenor Luciano Pavarotti who regularly sang it at his concerts. Originally written in German, several English translations are available which include these pretty lyrics: “slumber, slumber, in sweet dreams reposing.”
A Cradle Song by Ralph Vaughan Williams This beautiful lullaby is more interesting musically than the Schubert song. It has no repetition and has a range of well over an octave which is unusual as most lullabies use the same notes repeated in a limited range. The beautiful soaring melody by this twentieth century composer is complemented by the words of Romantic poet Samuel familiesonline.co.uk
Purpose designed baby unit with it’s own outdoor play area and garden. Fully Registered with OFSTED Open 7am - 7pm 5 days a week; 51 weeks per year
Full & part time places available
Contact Us Call 01420 487000 Email: info@cygnetsdaynurseries.co.uk cygnetsdaynurseries.co.uk Hartwood House, High Street, Bordon, GU35 0AU
Families Hampshire North 11
Early years
Nursery news
Overton Montessori provide a happy, calm and friendly atmosphere for learning Overton Montessori provide a caring, safe and stimulating environment for their children. The areas of learning include Maths, Language, Sensorial, Practical Life and Culture all set in a wonderful spacious classroom. The environment extends into their outdoor classroom that provides many Montessori activities and a large area that children help to maintain throughout the year providing fruit, vegetables and plants.
Cygnets Day Nursery and Pre-School, Bordon - where children have fun learning Cygnets Day Nursery and Pre school is a purpose built day nursery for children ages 3 months - 5 yrs. Open 51 weeks a year from 7am - 7 pm, they are situated in an idyllic wooded setting with a large secure enclosed garden for children to play in all weathers. Cygnets provide stimulating environments that encourage children to learn, play and explore, ensuring that the nursery is a positive place to be. They encourage each child to try new things and praise their success. They also offer extra activities in French lessons, Rugby Tots sessions, cookery, music and movement. There is a purpose designed baby unit, online digital learning journals via eyLog, enabling parental participation in their child’s activities at nursery. Cygnets caters for children with special needs where possible. To find out more call 01420 487000 or visit cygnetsdaynurseries.co.uk
They also offer a wide range of other activities during the week including ballet, interactive story-telling, music, French and cooking and they enjoy celebrating many different festivals and cultures with the children throughout the year. The staff strive to give each child a happy, and nurturing introduction for their path in education. To find out more call 01256 770197 or visit www.the-childrens-house.co.uk
Tiny Tuskers and Tuskers Nursery at St Neot’s Preparatory School Tiny Tuskers and Tuskers Nursery provides an excellent, enriching and welcoming start for the youngest children at St Neot’s Preparatory School; a warm, successful school located in 70 acres of stunning woodland grounds. Children are offered a breadth of well planned activities, ensuring they have a supported and suitably challenging start to their schooling, in a nurturing and welcoming environment. They are encouraged to become independent thinkers, excited by the learning opportunities offered to them. A wide curriculum is provided, including weekly lessons in French, music, dance, swimming and tennis - in state of the art facilities. The superb grounds provide endless opportunities for outdoor learning and regular woodland walks, nurturing a respect and understanding for the world around us. For further information, or to register for their Early Years Open Morning on Friday 8th February at 9.30am, call 0118 9739650 or email: admissions@stneotsprep.co.uk.
Sherfield School and Nursery offer outstanding classrooms Sherfield School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school from 3 months-18 years. In a recent report their Outstanding Early Years and Nursery classrooms where praised for their excellent outdoor play areas and teaching that is tailored to individual needs. Throughout the Sherfield Nursery each child is given the opportunity to develop their academic, physical and social skills, supported and encouraged by designated carers that can liaise with parents to share their journey.
St Nicholas’ School woodland adventure Starting this term, St Nicholas’ School will be running fortnightly morning toddler forest group sessions in their 27 acre woodland. Come along with your wellingtons and coats for an adventure of storytime and play accompanied by hot chocolate and marshmallows for both children and adults. Call Katie on 01252 850121 (option 2) or e-mail registrar@st-nicholas.hants. sch.uk to find out more information. www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk 12 Families Hampshire North
The experienced staff have high expectations and focus on each child’s interests, development and next steps of learning, all made possible in this rich, stimulating and imaginative environment, both indoors and out. Early Years children at Sherfield School play each day in the beautiful grounds of the Victorian manor house. www.sherfieldschool.co.uk
Give your child a truly unique experience… With one of the most highly regarded reputations in West Berkshire, Jubilee provides the very best mix of learning, discovery and play for children from 3 months -5 years. At Jubilee children are given the opportunity to learn through hands on experiences, whether this be led by our forest school leaders in our private woodlands or with our farmers on Jubilee’s very own farm. Children are given the freedom to play in the natural environment and learn from the world around them. Jubilee is based in the rural village of Padworth located between Reading, Basingstoke and Newbury and is open 51 weeks of the year from 7.30am-6pm and Jubilee Gems, termtime nursery, West Berkshire, is open 7.30am-6pm. Call 0118 970 1600 or visit www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk for more details.
familiesonline.co.uk
Early years
Nannies and Childminders: the same or different? By Sarah-Jane Butler
Not So ‘Free Childcare’ Most parents are paying to access the government’s 30 hours ‘free’ childcare scheme, according to research for the Department of Education. The research confirms that 56% of parents are paying charges for additional items or activities when accessing the 30 hours offer. The majority of charges are for meals, snacks and other refreshments, while charges for special activities such as music, gym lessons or outings are less common, as are charges for consumables such as sun tan lotion. Almost half of parents said that they had seen restrictions placed on when they could use the hours or that they had to be taken at times specified by the provider. Additionally, the research found that 39% of providers reported a reduction in their profit due to the 30 hours scheme while 25% of providers said that they had moved from either making a profit to breaking even or even making a loss. More info at www.pre-school.org.uk/news
There is sometimes a perception that a nanny is superior to a child-minder. After all, a child-minder looks after your child alongside others in their home, whereas a nanny is personal to you, works in your home and, unless you have a nanny share, looks solely after your child and, often, your house as well. Child-minders must be Ofsted registered and have certain childcare qualifications. Some nannies may have higher level qualifications than child-minders, such as an NNEB Level 3 in Childcare or a Childcare Degree. However, many actually have no qualifications at all and, in some cases, little experience either. Unlike child-minders, nannies are not regulated and don’t have to be registered or have any qualifications. All a nanny needs in order to care for children is a DBS (formerly CRB) check and even that doesn’t have to be up to date. A good nanny agency will ensure that your nanny has the right qualifications and/or experience and is appropriately screened. However, the rise of internet search sites often drives parents to find a nanny online in order to avoid agency fees. Unsuitable nannies can therefore slip through the net and may be much cheaper than a childminder. Many parents also pay their nannies cash in hand without accounting to HMRC for
the tax and national insurance they owe, so the savings overall may seem substantial. Do remember though that not paying tax or NIC is illegal and can carry substantial penalties if discovered. Not only that, but it unfairly deprives your nanny of any state benefits in the future. If you decide to employ a nanny, do make sure she has the right skills, experience and/or qualifications. However much money you save, there is really no advantage in 1:1 care in your own home if the nanny you employ is inadequate or unsuited to the job. Sarah-Jane Butler is CEO and founder of Parental Choice, a one stop shop for advice and guidance on all your childcare needs, including payroll and employment contracts for nannies. Visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk for more information.
Improving the number foundations of PreSchoolers A leading child psychologist from Kingston University has produced a series of number games for nurseries and parents which are proven to boost the confidence and ability of pre-school children in maths in just 5 weeks.
Tigglets Montessori offer an enjoyable experience of early education Tigglets Montessori is a term-time sessional pre-school for children aged 2 1/2 - 5 years. Situated in Crondall village near Farnham, it is rated Outstanding by OFSTED. There is a high staff:child ratio with a combination of Montessori and QTS qualified staff. They recognise the importance of independent learning in a child’s early formative years and encourage all children to explore and develop into self motivated learners, in a safe, secure and stimulating environment. Visit www.tiggletsmontessori.co.uk for more details. familiesonline.co.uk
Dr Jo Van Herwegen created the games based on her research into the Approximate Number System (ANS), a mechanism used by the brain to differentiate between groups that have more or fewer items in them without counting. The ANS games are based on two foundations - estimation and matching approximate large amounts. “The activities we’ve developed are fun, rather than formal lesson plans, but they’re based on scientific evidence about the cornerstones of mathematical learning and how to nurture this in young children.” “It’s all about the child knowing which number is larger and which is smaller, but not to the exact number” Dr Van Herwegen explained. Her research showed that playing these specially-designed games for 10 minutes a day for 5 weeks improved young children’s number foundations, the essential building blocks needed for mathematics. This improvement was still apparent 6 months later, when the children had started formal education. To download the free games, visit www.kingston.ac.uk/research/research-showcase/ research-case-studies
Families Hampshire North 13
What’s on
What’s on Your essential guide to family events this January and February. 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.
Compiled by Chloe Atkinson Winchester Science Centre
JANUARY Until 7 January Fantastic Forces Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ Join Winchester Science Centre for an exciting science show jam-packed full of live demonstrations exploring the effects of different forces. £11 per person, including entry to the new Explorer:Space zone, upper exhibition floor, live science show and Invention Studio activities. Planetarium tickets sold separately. 5 January Dinosaurs in Viables Viables Community Centre Basingstoke, RG22 4JR There will be a selection of the role play village to include the vets surgery, construction site, cafe and baby nursery as well as the dinosaur toy shop. 10am – 11.15am. Children £6.50 (walking siblings £5). 6 January Learning to Grow Wyevale Garden Centres Various Centres Come along for an educational planting activity, and get your Little Diggers planting and learning. Suitable for ages 3+. 10.30am & 11.15am. Free. 10 January Robin Hood The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH Join Robin, Little John, Maid Marion and of course Friar Tuck as they take on some of their hardest challenges to date: A conniving king, a sinister sheriff and a downtrodden village of peasants who’s ‘get up and go’ has got up and gone. 7.30pm. From £15. 11 January NCT Babies Breastfeeding Dropin & Bumps and Babies Brookvale Village Hall Basingstoke, RG21 7RU Support and information for breastfeeding mothers 10am – 11.30. Free. Every Friday. 11 & 25 January Toy Library Alton Maltings Alton, GU34 1DT Take home toys, DVDs, games and puzzles for children aged 0-8 years, for as little as 30p! Relax and chat over a cuppa, meet new friends, while the children play with the preloved toys. 9.30 – 11.30am. From 12 January Geocaching: The Lost Toys The Vyne Basingstoke, RG24 9HL William Wiggett Chute’s children have been playing in the woods. Unfortunately, these young Victorian adventurers have managed to lose four of their toys along the way. Can you help the children find them again? To get started, all you need is a free account with geocaching.com/play 14 Families Hampshire North
23 January Home Educator Days: Geography River Fieldwork Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Undertake a day of river data collection using sites on the Oakhanger Stream and Wellhead Stream for comparison. The staff will guide you through the methods of data collection to explore river velocity, depth and deposited materials on the slip of slope. 11am–1pm & 2–4pm. £10 (1 child & 1 adult). Additional adults £3. Age 11+ 26 January The Big ENORMOUS Present The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH The Big ENORMOUS Present explores the pressures of fitting in, where we find happiness and how giving can sometimes feel as good as receiving. 11am. £8
and the official Geocaching® app or a GPS. Or, if you prefer something a bit less digital, you can pick up a map at Visitor Reception. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27 January Pirates and Mermaids: Science at Sea Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ Dive into the depths of the ocean at Winchester Science Centre as the team explore marine life, current issues affecting our oceans and what we can do to keep them healthy. Fancy dress encouraged! £11 per person, including entry to the new Explorer:Space zone, upper exhibition floor, live science show and Invention Studio activities. Planetarium tickets sold separately. 12 January & 9 February NCT Baby & Child First Aid Everest Community Academy Basingstoke, RG24 9UP NCT Baby First Aid courses, run in partnership with the British Red Cross, designed to build your confidence as a parent or carer in dealing with emergency situations. Email: firstaid.basingstoke@nct.org. uk. 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm. £20 per person. 16 January Home Educator Days: River Studies Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH A stimulating day of practical geography skills. Visit the river to explore river features and processes, calculate the velocity of the water, plot a cross section and find out what lives in this watery habitat. This session will require waterproofs and
wellies. 11am – 1pm & 2–4pm. £10 (1 child & 1 adult). Additional adults £3. Ages 7-11. 17 January Home Educator Days: Antarctic Explorers Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Why did explorers travel to Antarctica, what did they eat, what animals did they meet and what was it like to be there? This hands-on workshop. 11am–1pm & 2–4pm. £10 (1 child, 1 adult). Additional adults £3. Ages 7-11. 18 January Roller Disco The Harlington, Fleet, GU51 4BY Family friendly, fun, exciting and great exercise! 6-9pm, All ages £5 (including skate hire) on door purchase only. 18 January NCT Coffee & Chat Basingstoke, RG21 7RU A group for parents/carers of babies and children under 5. 10am –12pm, free entry. Every Friday. 18 & 19 January Jack the Lad The Lights, Andover, SP10 1AH Unity Christian Theatre presents their original tale of Jack the Lad. 7.30pm. Adults £7, children £5. 19 January Evening Orchard Wassail Chawton House, Alton, GU34 1SJ Join us for this magical night of merrymaking following the ancient tradition of the Orchard Wassail! 5–7pm. £15 adult; Children (6-16yrs) £10 (includes soup, roll and drink).
Penguin Trail Gilbert White & The Oates Collections Gilbert White & The Oates Collections will be going penguin crazy this half term! A set of Antarctic penguins have got lost in the gardens and it’s up to you to find them. You can also have a go on Tuesday 19th & Thursday 21st February at making your own penguin. All included in admission. On Monday 18th and Wednesday 20th why not build your own antarctic world with Lego, snow and dinosaurs. The sessions are only £6 and tickets can be bought from gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk.
27 January Band of the Royal Marines The Anvil and The Forge Basingstoke, RG21 7QR The concert will provide a wonderful two and a half hours of toe tapping, flag waving and sing-a-long opportunities for great entertainment. 3pm. From £24. 27 January Chandelle School of Dance The Haymarket Basingstoke, RG21 7NW A show filled with song, dance and laughter performed by members of the Chandelle Stage School. 5pm. Tickets from £12. 31 January – 1 February Sherfield School presents: Holes The Haymarket Basingstoke, RG21 7NW When he is wrongly convicted of stealing a charitable donation, Stanley Yelnats has to make a decision, go to jail or do his time at Camp Green Lake. Having chosen the camp, he finds it’s a brutal, desolate place, full of rattlesnakes and deadly yellow spotted lizards, where he has to spend his days digging holes in the baking Texan sun. 2.30pm. £12.
February 2 – 10 February (weekends) Destination Space Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ Experience a fantastic live science show all about satellites and a variety of hands-on space-themed activities to celebrate the UK space industry. £11 per person, including entry to the new Explorer:Space zone, upper exhibition floor, live science show and Invention Studio activities. 3 February Learning to Grow Wyevale Garden Centres Across the Region Come along for an educational planting activity, and get your Little Diggers planting and learning! Ages 3+. 10.30am & 11.15am. Free. 5 February Barnaby Bear’s Adventures at Sea The Anvil and The Forge Basingstoke, RG21 7QR Following the success of Barnaby’s previous journeys, this year sees him going on an adventure at sea. familiesonline.co.uk
What’s on There will be ships, desert islands and perhaps a chance meeting of a pirate captain. 4.30pm. Tickets £7. 6 February Legally Blonde – The Musical! Queen Mary’s College Basingstoke, RG21 3HF The plot tells the story of how Elle Woods, a sorority woman, wins the hearts and minds of her new colleagues as she meets the challenge of defending a celebrity client. 7pm (7pm & 1pm Saturday). Adults £11, children £7. 7-10 February Room on the Broom The Haymarket Basingstoke, RG21 7NW Join the witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 1.30pm (Fri, Sat & Sun 10.30am). £14.50. 8 February Toy Library Alton Maltings, Alton, GU34 1DT Take home toys, DVDs, games and puzzles for children aged 0-8 years, for as little as 30p! Relax and chat over a cuppa, meet new friends, while the children play with the preloved toys! 9.30 – 11.30am 9 February Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman The Anvil and The Forge Basingstoke, RG21 7QR Our live host will teach you a set of dance moves that will truly make you come alive. Then you can sit back and relax and sing and dance along to the lyrics on screen. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets £18 12 February The Wherwell Cockatrice The Anvil and The Forge Basingstoke, RG21 7QR Come and find out what a Cockatrice is, what havoc they created, who and what they ate... and who saved the day (oh noble knight!). 4.30pm. £7. 14 February Valentine’s Day Owls by Moonlight Hawk Conservancy Trust Andover, SP11 8DY Enjoy a magical evening where you and your loved one can marvel at the beautiful owls as they fly silently through the night sky. Tickets include a hot supper. 7pm. Adults £32.18, children £19.41 15 – 25 February The Science of Magic! Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ The perfect fun-filled day out for February half term. Discover the science behind the magic with a live science show packed full of exciting chemistry tricks and optical illusions, and enjoy magical, handson activities around the Centre. £11 per person, including entry to the new Explorer:Space zone, upper exhibition floor, live science show and Invention Studio activities. Planetarium tickets sold separately. 15 February Roller Disco The Harlington, Fleet, GU51 4BY Family friendly, fun, exciting and great exercise. 6-9pm, All ages £5 (including skate hire) on door purchase only.
familiesonline.co.uk
and explain the world around us. 9am – 4pm. Week cost: £165, day cost: £35.
Geocaching: The lost toys The Vyne From 12 January, the whole family can get stuck into Geocaching: The lost toys. Look out for four geocaches containing Victorian toys and a fun fact. To get started, all that’s needed is a free account with geocaching.com/play and the official Geocaching® app or a GPS. Free maps are also available on request at Visitor Reception. From 16 February in the house, all ages can Dress like a Victorian or find the guilty creepy-crawly on the Pesky pest trail. In the grounds, find ten Victorian children that used to live at The Vyne on the Victorian children’s trail. Hungry adventurers can refuel in the Brewhouse tea-room and if everyone’s been good, they can treat themselves in the shop. Geocaching: The lost toys and Dress like a Victorian are free activities. The Pesky pest trail and Victorian children’s trail are a suggested donation of £1 per trail sheet. Normal admission applies 16 – 24 February Penguin Trail Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Find the Antarctic penguins hidden in the grounds of the gardens. Free activity. Normal admission charges apply 16 & 17 February Snowdrop Weekend Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Enjoy a weekend of garden tours in the annual celebration of the snowdrop. Normal admission charges apply. From 16 February Pesky Pest Trail The Vyne Basingstoke, RG24 9HL On this creepy-crawly challenge, use what you learn about bugs to work out which one did it. Your task is to explore the house and learn about the different bugs that like to live there and see if you can work out which of these pesky pests has been feasting on the fabric shown on your activity sheet. Suggested donation £1 per trail sheet.
18 & 20 February Build an Antarctic World Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Create your own Antarctic landscape and base using LEGO, whilst learning about the creatures that lived there both past and present including dinosaurs! 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm. £10. 18 – 22 February Holiday Club with Bright Sparks Winchester Science Centre Winchester, SO21 1HZ A science-themed holiday club for children age 5 - 9 years. Up to 24 children will be able to enjoy an exciting daily programme of science-themed activities utilising the Centre, its surrounding green spaces and workshop rooms. Activities will include creating and running experiments, physical and mental games and challenges and arts-based activities to help explore
19 & 20 February Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom – Live on stage! The Anvil and The Forge Basingstoke, RG21 7QR Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family. £18. 19 & 21 February Penguin Crafts Gilbert White’s House Selborne, GU34 3JH Enjoy some penguin crafts, suitable for all the family. 10.30am – 2pm. Normal admission charges apply. 20 February Daytime games and fun on skates The Harlington, Fleet, GU51 4BY 2–6pm, All ages £5 (including skate hire) on door purchase only. 24 February National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Day Chawton House, Alton, GU34 1SJ 11am – 4.30pm. Tickets: £5; Children (Under 16) Free. Tickets to the house £5.
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ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk
From 16 February Victorian children’s trail The Vyne Basingstoke, RG24 9HL On this family trail through the gardens, see if you can find ten Victorian children that used to live at The Vyne. Pick up your trail sheet from Visitor Reception and look out for Martha Chute’s ten children in The Vyne’s gardens. Suggested donation £1 per trail sheet. From 16 February Dress like a Victorian The Vyne Basingstoke, RG24 9HL How would you have looked if you had been alive during the Victorian period? In the house, peruse our costume rail and pick yourself a Victorian outfit to try on. Please note those dressed as servants might be given work to do about the house. Free activity. 17 February Snowdrop Sunday Chawton House Alton, GU34 1SJ Visit the gardens to enjoy the snowdrops on the south lawn and in the wilderness, discover the walled garden and explore the grounds. 11am – 4.30pm. Tickets: £5; Children (Under 16) Free. (Tickets to the house £5).
Families Hampshire North 15
presents
Science of
Magic
Exploration and adventure at The Vyne Using the Geocaching® app from 12 January, the whole family can get stuck into Geocaching: The lost toys. Look for four geocaches containing Victorian toys and a fun fact. Normal admission applies.
February Half | 15shows - 25 February Extra activities andTerm live science every weekend, Call 01256 883858 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne #nationaltrust
When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places in London and the South East such as Sandham Memorial Chapel, The Chase and West Green House Garden for ever, for everyone.
© National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\John Millar.
Experience an exciting live science show and hands-on activities, free with admission. 25% on General Admission Book online in advance to save up to 25%
free with entry I Book online 3 days in advance and save
winchestersciencecentre.org 01962 863 791 01962 863791 www.winchestersciencecentre.org
St Nicholas’ School F L E E T
•
H A M P S H I R E
An independent day school for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-16
Senior Entrance Exams Fri 11th Jan 2019
Open Morning Sat 2nd March 2019 10am – 1pm
Sparking the
IMAGINATION
Families Hampshire North
@stnicholasschool @stnicholasfleet st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk 01252 850121 registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk familiesonline.co.uk
