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Explore our gardens and discover another world

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hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens 2 Families Hampshire West

March/April 2022

CONTENTS

Welcome

Contact us

We’re really looking forward to spring here at Families and in preparation, here’s our Easter issue.

Editor: Rebecca Carr

With fuel bills rocketing, saving energy is on everyone’s mind.

Get the kids involved in cutting the cost and easing pressure on the environment – read our suggestions on how to do this.

T: 07789 882467 E: editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk

Advertising sales: Claire Clarricoates

Are you nervously waiting to find out the results of your school application? We have suggestions on what to do if you don’t get your first choice. Plus, find out more about Forest School learning.

T: 07812 218331 E: claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk

Also, it’s time to embrace going out and we have some great entertainment options and places to enjoy this March and April from our What’s On guide on page 12.

Next issue: May/June Booking deadline: 4 April To receive free copies of Families Hampshire West for your school, club, class or venue call or email us.

Readership of over 40,000 local parents, carers and teachers every issue. Published six times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Finally, we have lots of Doodlejamz to give away! Apply for this squishy, squashy, sensory – but mess-free - drawing toy for your child. And, if you haven’t signed up to receive our digital magazine and enjoy additional, interactive content, you can do this at familiesmag.co.uk/go to receive every issue free to your inbox.

Rebeccca Editor, Families Hampshire West

4 Education 6 Meet the Head 8 Parenting 9 Early Years 10 Environment 11 News 12 What’s On

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EDUCATION

Forest School for wellbeing

By Sarah Lawfull Nature is good for us, lockdowns in the UK have taught us this. In a survey related to the pandemic, eighty three percent of children said being in nature makes them happy.1 However, despite recommendations from early years experts that children need at least two hours of physical play outdoors every day, many barely get two hours a week.

Throughout the history of childhood there have been champions of learning with nature. A magnificent example is the Duke of Edinburgh scheme set up to build resilience in teenagers through physical challenge in wild spaces. Forest School is another champion of learning with nature and has been enjoyed by home-schooling parents and families with toddlers for many years now.

As a response to the pandemic, many more nurseries, schools and alternative provisions are turning to Forest School. Nature provides a multi-sensory environment for children. A woodland offers both a physical challenge and an opportunity to relax.

Since the mid–1990s, early years educators have championed this person-centred and play-based approach. Now, nature as a therapy has become a valid response to the stresses of the pandemic and mounting levels of mental ill-health because of its emotional and social benefits.

Good quality Forest School programmes are founded on key principles that give experience of all seasons and all weathers to encourage a connection to nature. Led by specially qualified leaders, Forest School empowers children to manage their own risks, minimising the ecological impact of their activities whilst learning to care for nature around them. It offers children and young people real problems to solve and time to think in a place of acceptance and belonging.

Setting up or finding a Forest School

The Forest School Association (www.forestschoolassociation. org) (FSA) is the professional body for the Forest School community in the UK and its members promote best practice and the provision of ‘Quality Forest School for All.’ The FSA has a directory of recognised providers who value and are committed to providing a Forest School that meets the ethos and principles agreed by the wider Forest School community.

Find this at www.bit.ly/ForestSchoolProviders Where it is hard to find a Forest School programme, parents and childminders are sometimes choosing to train as leaders themselves. The FSA website also has a list of endorsed trainers.

It’s important to find a trainer that gives ongoing support and provides access to a supportive learning community.

There are also local affiliated Forest School Association groups that welcome new members, meeting regularly to provide mutual support. These are a useful source of information if you are seeking a Forest School toddler group or want to find a school that provides Forest School as part of the mainstream curriculum. Find at www.bit.ly/ForestSchoolGroups

4 Families Hampshire West

A study by Liverpool University2 found that Forest School improved children’s levels of physical activity, happiness and sense of wellbeing. Through climbing trees safely, persevering to light a fire in the rain and cooking and sharing food, participants build confidence and understand and manage their own emotions.

Whilst Covid lockdowns stole the freedoms of many children, it gifted others with time in their gardens or nearest parks and the opportunity to use their bodies as they explored and connected with the natural world. Parents and teachers are seeing their children and teenagers becoming braver and empowered to learn from mistakes; they are regaining curiosity and learning to live well.

Sarah Lawfull is an Education Consultant, Coach, Forest School Trainer and Forest School Association Chair.

1. www.gov.uk/government/statistics/the-people-and-nature-survey-for-england-child-datawave-1-experimental-statistics/the-people-and-nature-survey-for-england-childrens-surveyexperimental-statistics 2. www.researchgate.net/publication/327801925_Exploring_Gender_Differences_within_Forest_ Schools_as_a_Physical_Activity_Intervention

Photos by Coco Jones.

Benefits for emotional health

Children engaged in woodland settings are more likely to interact and socialise as part of a group, as demonstrated by Forest School research.

‘You learn how to get along with people, good teamwork.

Working on things you could never normally do in school.’ (Year 8 student) This is particularly of value to children with varying emotional health, since the forest setting can help stabilise anger, which is linked to reduced physical and mental health, depression and increased antisocial behaviour .

‘It’s a school but different because there’s trees to climb. You have a lot more freedom at Forest School, you’re allowed to run a lot.’ (Year 4 student) Many children and young people struggle with the classroom environment and for those with emotional and social difficulties it can be especially hard.

‘All the children have had successes at Forest School and that helps to build their resilience in class where they often struggle.’

(Senior School Leader) March/April 2022

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

How important is spelling?

By Jemma Zoe Smith At a time when autocorrect is everywhere and very few situations call for handwriting, the question being debated is: does spelling matter?

As a dyslexic tutor, my answer does not fit squarely on one side of the fence. Spelling is a recognised core skill which helps with reading, processing and pronunciation. That said, should anyone be penalised for having important and novel ideas, simply because they struggle to write them down?

In UK primary schools, children are given regular spelling tests and spelling is tested at each stage of pupils’ lives. 11+ exams, SATs, GCSEs and even some job interviews require a writing task without spellcheck. So yes, spelling must matter because it is tested at so many points in the UK (although not so much in the USA). Fail to master spelling and it is harder to make it to top universities or careers.

Indeed, poor spelling skills can also impede you in love! In 2016, a survey of over five thousand people on online dating site Match.com found that over a third judged whether a potential date was suitable by their grasp of grammar.

Poor spelling can also impact business ratings, with a BBC article in 2011 stating that ‘a single spelling mistake can cut online sales in half.’

faced as ‘peace’ turns to ‘peach’ in press releases.

But let’s not come down too hard on spelling lest it discourage children from writing. I have seen students go from enthusiastic to disengaged learners after seeing their work returned with red rings around the misspelled words. For many, their ideas for stories, articles and debates stay locked in their heads, never written down for fear of over-zealous correction. We might be missing out on some amazing works - after all, Jane Austen is known for spelling scissors as ‘scissars’ and sofa as ‘sopha’. And her novels are considered literary classics!

So does spelling matter? Sort of. But it shouldn’t get in the way of encouraging children to write.

My solution? Spend longer on proof-reading, a skill that can help beyond the classroom. And, on that note, I’m off to proof-read this article.

While spell checking tools can be used, they raise a new issue.

When spell check corrects a word, it can also change the word to one different than intended, creating hundreds of ‘funniest autocorrect’ articles online but also leaving governments red

Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).

The Gregg Preparatory School

Learning to proofread While grammar and autocorrect tools can support writing, I believe there is a missing skill: proofreading. Something that I often work on with students is ‘hearing their inside voice’ reading their work. Being able to spot mistakes can help students to notice patterns in their own writing, identify grammar errors and lead them to understand hidden meanings in texts.

Reception Class Places available 2022

An independent prep school for boys and girls aged 4-11 years in the heart of the City of Southampton

The process of proofreading encourages children to slow down and consider making changes to their work, such as upgrading a word like ‘big’ to ‘enormous,’ allowing them to explore and use more advanced vocabulary. To produce crisp, clear copy, proofreading is the final part of the writing process and is as important as creating and revising text.

Meet the Head Coffee Morning 30th March 9.30-11.30am

Proofreading is a skill that many of us will need in the world of work, when sending emails and writing presentations. For the best, proof reading can be a job in its own right.

To practise proofreading, try www.twinkl.co.uk for age-banded proofreading packs and worksheets www.portlandproof.com for free online games.

17-19 Winn Road Southampton SO17 1EJ Tel: 023 8055 7352 office@thegreggprep.org www.thegreggprep.org Families Hampshire West 5

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EDUCATION

Meet the Head

Meet the Head Families chats with Jonny Timms, Head of Walhampton Independent Prep School in Lymington.

links with the wider community and an environmental understanding, our children will be better prepared to engage with the world beyond our gates - senior school and beyond.

What attracted you to Walhampton School?

Within moments of my first visit I knew that it was right. Here is a place where children and their experiences mattered more than anything else.

How do you help pupils who need extra academic support?

How do you think your students would describe you?

Our Learning Support Unit (LSU) is an integral part of the school with Learning Support classrooms located all around the site in amongst the other classrooms. We have a tiered approach to Learning Support depending on the needs of the child.

Teachers and TAs provide support in class with appropriate differentiation for those with learning difficulties.

Kind, fun and child-centred What do you think are the key skills that children should be mastering at the start of their school journey?

Developing a curious and enthusiastic nature, a good joiner-in; happy to talk about the things they are interested in; active every day; able to concentrate on something that fascinates them.

How would you describe the ethos of Walhampton School?

Walhampton has a deep rooted ethos of giving children a joyful childhood and we want to retain those traditional values whilst ensuring they are fully prepared for the unknown challenges and opportunities in the world of tomorrow.

What are the qualities of a great teacher?

It’s the ability to create the right environment for the children. The mood music – the cultural undertow – of a classroom that is humming with activity, with questioning, with exploration. There is some uncertainty about which person is the teacher and which person is the pupil, where pupils question their teachers. That might be quite a scary place for some schools to be, but we welcome that.

What does being a Head mean to you?

It represents the greatest opportunity I could wish for: working with others to guide young people into adolescence and enable them to contribute purposefully to the world in which they live. That said, I’m also clear sighted about the significant responsibility: I never forget that in the end we as a school are

Special feature

responsible for the welfare and happiness of other people’s children.

How do you think a Head can make a real difference to an individual pupil?

I really want children to know me as a teacher and not just a Head, and I know the pupils too. There is nothing more demoralising for a child than to think that someone is making decisions for them when they don’t know them or have no real interest in them as an individual. First and foremost, I am a teacher and passionate about it.

In what way is Walhampton different from other schools?

We are radical tradionalist educators. We seek to redefine how to offer an exceptional prep school education. Walhampton gives children the space, support and encouragement to explore their passions.

We continue to instil traditional values and develop core knowledge, but we are also focused on preparing generation alpha for a world where problem solvers and empathisers will be key. We don’t know what challenges and opportunities our children will face, but we can be certain they will need to be creative and resilient. Through enrichment opportunities, especially sailing and riding, curriculum innovation, effective

We work hard to ensure that everyone in the school celebrates every child’s successes. As a result, our children who receive learning support are confident and always make up a significant proportion of the leadership positions. In recent years our Head Boy and Head Girl positions have been awarded to children with learning difficulties.

What would you like to achieve over the next couple of years and beyond?

We will continue to put the child at the heart of everything and do it through the curriculum that we teach, making sure it’s pertinent and individual to our pupils’ different needs. I want Walhampton to be rightfully famous, regionally and nationally for what it has always done well, but also for what it seeks for the future. We have a role to play nationally in terms of influencing debate around the future of an exceptional and fully-rounded prep education.

If you weren’t Head of Walhampton School, what would you be?

A doctor.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher!

What is your real-life superpower?

I have a sixth sense.

What are you best known for?

Going for a run first thing in the morning.

Set within 100 acres of lawns, lakes and woodland on the edge of the New Forest, Walhampton gives children aged 2 to 13 the space, support and encouragement to explore their passions, spark their curiosity and achieve their best.

Discover more about day and boarding opportunities at an Open Morning on Friday 6 May, where you can meet the Head and find out about his vision for preparing young people for a rapidly changing world. To arrange a personal tour, email registrar@walhampton.com or visit www.walhampton.com.

6 Families Hampshire West

March/April 2022

EDUCATION

Help, we didn’t get our first choice school!

By Emma Lewry School allocation day is almost upon us. In England, secondary school places are announced on 1 March. Then, during April, those who have applied for a primary school place will find out their designated school.

Thankfully, almost ninety two percent of families are given their first-choice primary school and ninety eight percent get one of their listed preferences. In secondary, ninety six percent of students get one of their listed schools. But what about those who do not get their first choice or even any preferences? How can you deal with the fallout from not getting a choice you planned for? Here are three suggestions: Give the allocated option a chance If you do not know much about the school, get nosey on their website and give them a call see if you can visit. In many cases, second or third choice allocations turn out to be brilliant and families are really pleased with the decision. Give the school a chance, it might work for you!

Manage disappointment Sometimes the biggest issue is managing the disappointment you and your child might feel. Look after yourself and take some time to be sad, angry and frustrated; these are important and valid feelings. Communicating positively with your child is important if you can, so they don’t feel nervous about their new school.

Get on the waiting lists Plenty changes between the spring and September and there is still a good chance you can get a space at your first choice school or another you feel happier about. Depending on your local authority procedures, you may automatically go on a waiting list or you may need to request this with your local authority or directly with the school.

If you are still feeling unsure about the school options, there is time to look at other schools and request a change. Both starting school and moving to secondary are big events and you need to feel as happy about them as you can. There are also options to appeal; although this can be challenging, it may be worth a shot.

Again, your local authority website should explain the appeals process.

Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, former Headteacher and mum to two little girls. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk/links) which supports families to prepare for starting school through groups, courses and a school starters planner available from Amazon.

Open Morning Friday 6th May Discover our remarkable School set in a stunning woodland location on the edge of the New Forest.

We offer independent day, flexi and full-time boarding, for boys and girls aged 2-13.

Booking essential – contact the School Registrar: Telephone: 01590 613303 Email: registrar@walhampton.com WALHAMPTON SCHOOL, LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE SO41 5ZG.

March/April 2022

www.walhampton.com Families Hampshire West 7

PARENTING

Top apps every parent needs

By Ari Last It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of apps available in the App Store and give up before you’ve even started looking for something.

When it comes to parenting though, getting good apps on speed dial can really save time if you’re looking to keep the children entertained, connect with other like-minded parents, research childcare options or seek guidance on how to make family life just that little bit easier.

Here are some recommendations: Family Locator https://family-locator.com When older children or teenagers are out and about, keep track of their location with this app which keeps your family secure and connected, for extra peace of mind.

CBeebies www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies This staple app on any parent’s phone or tablet offers both educational games as well as classic cartoons for when you just need a break!

Mush www.letsmush.com The number one social app for mums to find friends who live nearby with kids the same age, arrange to meet up and get advice from parenting experts and peers.

The Wonder Weeks www.bit.ly/WonderWeeksApp A week-by-week guide to your baby’s development right through from pregnancy to after birth, showing how you can support and stimulate your little one.

Allrecipes Dinner Spinner https://dish.allrecipes.com/ mobile-apps A handy bank of recipes and cooking inspiration which keeps solving the ‘what can I make for dinner?’ question and keeps little bellies satisfied every evening.

Sound Sleeper www.soundsleeperapp.com Help your baby get off to sleep with this app’s collection of calming sounds.

Kidday www.kidday.com The easiest way to store your child’s photographs in one place, as well as share albums with friends and family.

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Bubble www.joinbubble.com The UK’s biggest ondemand childcare platform, with over 100,000 users and 5-star Trustpilot rating.

Find, book and pay local sitters or nannies who come recommended from their friends and other parents in their area.

OLIO www.olioex.com Here you can give away unwanted kids’ items to those in the local area, allowing you to help out a neighbour and reduce waste. You can also use the app to look for anything you might happen to need and save some pennies.

Ari Last is a parenting guru and founder of childcare app Bubble. For more information, visit www.joinbubble.com

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EARLY YEARS

Play for nurturing emotional intelligence

By Dr Anne Lane When my daughter was in her first year at nursery her favourite game was pretending to say goodbye to me. ‘Bye Mama, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later.’ ‘Oh no! You’re not going...’ I’d say after her, ‘I don’t want you to go!’ The more I sighed ‘Don’t go,’ the more she’d giggle and run off. Thus reassured, we were ready for our day.

Little moments of play like this helped my daughter process her separation from me at nursery from a space of safety and connection.

For a child, life can be full of emotional demands; from the strains of separation from you, to new friendships, periods of uncertainty and family changes.

in the world of play, they get to switch things around and feel empowered. They can explore and try different things. The play scenario can be ridiculous, funny, amusing - tense and tight emotions soften and ease.

As a parent and psychologist, one of the most effective and fun ways I have found to help children navigate experiences and the difficult emotions that come with these is through this process of play. Simple, giggly, repetitive play helps children develop a resilience and familiarity with situations which can dispel tension and anxiety.

Against this background of safety and security, your child can become more comfortable making suggestions and changing things, allowing their understanding of situations to develop.

They’re the boss, they call the shots and decide how a situation goes. From this place of safety, they revisit difficult experiences without feeling vulnerable or uncertain.

So how does play work?

In role playing and playing out different scenarios with them, your child comes to know you as someone who can understand and relate to their experience. They feel steady and secure.

Play is serious work for your child. The process of role-playing real scenarios allows them to reflect on their reactions and beliefs about a situation. They can steady their emotions and become more nuanced and agile in their reactions.

The most important aspect of play is that it feels safe. In the real world, things are unpredictable. People can be abrupt and cross and make your child feel vulnerable and uncertain. But

Dr Anne Lane is a clinical psychologist and author. Her new book Nurture Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence: 5 Steps to Help Your Child Cope with Big Emotions and Build Resilience is out now.

Top tips for playing

Play and tricky emotions

When you play with your child, focus less on conversation and more on acting things out and exploring. This focus away from language allows your child to relax and connect.

Role reversals are a fantastic way to help children feel safe and more in control around an area of anxiety.

Follow the laughter. When your child is laughing they are releasing fear and tension, enveloped in happiness with you.

Silliness, smiles and laughter are great indicators that play is working.

Let your child take the lead. If you can, get down to their level.

Prioritise your child feeling in control. If your child seems uncertain or pulls back then slow down, change things around.

Let them be the boss.

Be careful with tickling. Although a lot of children love tickling, the feeling of being tickled can be overwhelming and intense.

Instead prioritise play which creates real engagement and collaboration, as well as laughter.

Play doesn’t have to be big, take long or be over-planned.

Make it spontaneous and funny. Some of my children’s favourite games can involve me simply looking surprised or pretending to sleep on the sofa!

March/April 2022

You might role play being worried about something (for example, a teddy bear or a falling leaf). Your child gets to reflect on what it feels like to be anxious and to calm you.

Easing resistance or struggle: does your child become frustrated and resistant even around small things like brushing teeth or dressing?

Playing in a way that brings on giggles melts away these tired, stuck emotions. I’ve often pretended to scrub the floor and a child’s legs with the toothbrush. When they start giggling and the mood softens, you can say: ‘Here you go, let’s get those teeth brushed.’

Play can also help your child notice and reflect on a behaviour.

If your child is being mean to another, play ‘shaking out the meanies.’ The behaviour gets named but without shaming the child, tension shifts and a more collaborative, open way of relating replaces the power play.

Families Hampshire West 9

ENVIRONMENT

Involving children in saving power

By Angela Terry The climate crisis is hot news, energy prices are soaring and families are feeling the pain. With nearly a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions created by our homes, there’s no better time to instil good energy-saving habits in our children, help the environment and reduce energy bills. Luckily, there are many creative ways of doing this so you don’t need to resort to nagging. Here are some suggestions: Measure your household carbon footprint To put energy saving into context, find a free online calculator and measure your household carbon footprint. Start a family art project, drawing a big foot and recording the date and the number of tonnes of emissions generated by your household. As you work together to reduce your footprint, you can update your achievements periodically, getting your children to draw smaller and smaller feet. Display your feet in a row along a wall to chart your progress.

Get children to write the rules Go through each room in your house with the kids and ask them to pinpoint all the potential sources of wasted energy. Draw up a list together and agree a set of family rules that you’re all going to stick to, like switching off appliances that aren’t in use and keeping all curtains closed at night. Ownership of the rules should help motivate kids to follow them.

Rewards To help younger children stick to your rules, try a reward chart with stickers. If they stick to them for a week, you can then give them a special eco treat, like a bee hotel for the garden or a packet of sunflower seeds to plant together. Older children and teens are more likely to be motivated by money, so agree a small weekly financial reward. Given how much energy prices are increasing, this will still save you money overall.

Appoint monitors Allocate specific roles to each child. One could be the curtain monitor, ensuring all curtains are pulled shut at dusk, stopping extra energy seeping out of windows as the temperature drops.

Likewise, another child could be the thermostat monitor and check it isn’t set above nineteen degrees Celsius. Children can

also check that bedrooms and little-used rooms are not being heated unnecessarily by turning down their radiator valves.

Finally, a socket monitor could make sure all appliances not in use are switched off at the wall.

Time showers Make a game of it when it comes to cutting hot water usage by timing each other in the shower to see who can be the quickest – whilst still actually getting clean, of course!

Screen time Screen time limits can be one of the greatest sources of tension between parents and children. Building in an energy saving component can help. Explain to your children that the carbon footprint of our gadgets, the internet and the systems supporting them is nearly four percent of global emissions - greater than those from aviation. If they stick to agreed limits, offer to reward them with an outing to the park or a hot chocolate in a cafe.

Set an example One of the best things you can do, is role model ultra-efficient energy usage. Children are like sponges and imitate those they’re closest to. Make sure you do everything you’re asking them to do and ask them to remind you if you forget. They’ll love the sense of responsibility (and telling you what to do!).

Angela Terry is an environmental scientist and founder of One Home (www.onehome.org.uk), the UK’s first consumer climate action hub.

Draught hunting...

Smarten up your saving

Of course, you want to save energy but simultaneously make your home as insulated and cosy as possible. Encourage your children to come on a draught hunt with you, searching for any leaks around windows or doors. When you find some, enlist their help in a bit of easy DIY, sealing them with inexpensive rubber trim, available from most DIY shops. If cold air is seeping under the front door, do some ‘draught craft’ and make a snake draught excluder together. YouTube has lots of helpful tutorials.

A smart meter is a great visual tool. Once you’ve had one installed, use it to show your children when you’re using the most energy and how much it’s costing. Set targets to reduce your monthly usage and bills. Explain that just by turning down your thermostat by one degree saves an average of £80 per year. The ideal temperature is nineteen degrees Celsius.

Set targets and treat yourselves to a family games night or outing whenever you hit them.

10 Families Hampshire West

March/April 2022

News & Views

Plastic-free Red Nose Day! Red Nose Day 2022 will return on Friday 18 March and will feature a collection of the “wildest bunch” of character noses yet.

There will be eight characters to track down, including the colourful Cam the chameleon. All Noses will be 100% plastic free, making them green as well as red.

Red Nose Day is a campaign created by Comic Relief to help raise awareness of and put an end to child poverty. So why not buy some red noses and help raise money to keep children safe, healthy and educated?

As well as making a donation, you can find tips on creating your own fundraiser or planning a school fundraising event at www.rednoseday.com

Why are well fitted shoes are so important?

Did you know, it can take up to 18 years for the foot’s bones, muscles and ligaments to harden into adult form and be fully developed?

Properly fitted shoes play a vital role in helping to safeguard the healthy development of your child’s feet. Shoes which don’t fit properly can cause long term foot problems. Make sure you get your shoes fitted by an experienced fitter, who can make sure your child gets the best fit, support and growing room for their needs.

Poorly fitted shoes won’t wear as well so never settle for anything less than the perfect fit.

WJ French & Son is a multi-award winning footwear retailer in Southampton, which has been run by the same family for over 200 years. Their experienced shoe fitters are passionate about getting the correct fit and style of shoe for your child and to give you a stress-free personal shopping experience. Find out more at www.wjfrenchandson.co.uk

Participate in British Science Week British Science Week is a ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 11 to 20 March.

People from all over the UK take part in events and activities to develop their skills in these areas at a wide range of venues, such as community groups, cultural centres and museums.

A range of FREE activity packs and other resources suitable for all age groups can also be downloaded for fun family activities in the home.

To find a local event, visit www.britishscienceweek.org

Perform classes will build your child’s confidence Perform puts children’s social development at the heart of their weekly sessions for 4-7s and 7-12s. Using performing arts-based games and inspiring activities, their classes are designed to boost confidence, build concentration, develop communication skills and hone coordination – and are brimming with fun and laughter too.

Run by professionally trained actors, dancers and singers, classes are kept small to ensure individual attention, with regular progress reports provided. Fantastic termly resources – such as free apps, music downloads and dance videos - support each theme, meaning the fun continues at home.

The beaming smile you see when Annabelle finishes a class is so wonderful to see. She has grown in confidence and thoroughly enjoys it. – Katie Pashley Children can join at any point during the term and will still take part in the end of term performance.

Book a no-obligation FREE trial class at Southampton, Winchester, Lymington, Romsey and Chandler’s Ford at perform. org.uk/try. Families readers receive a £40 discount when booking before 31 March, just quote HW310322.

More about Perform’s weekly 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 co-ordination.

Local Perform classes

Book Today bit.ly/forestholidayclubs • • • • •

Age 4+ 8.30am - 4pm Ofsted Registered Social Distancing Childcare Vouchers & Sibling Discount

Woodland Holiday Clubs Join us for our forest school themed holiday club at Itchen Valley Country Park

March/April 2022

Spend time outside building dens, campfire cooking, playing games, & exploring the natural world!

www.youthoptions.co.uk

Chandler’s Ford: Chandlers Ford Methodist Church, SO53 2GJ Lymington: St Thomas Church Hall, SO41 9ND Romsey: United Abbey Reform Church, SO51 8EL Sarisbury Green: Sarisbury Green Community Centre, SO31 7AA Southampton: Highfield Church Centre, SO17 1RL Winchester: Holy Trinity Parish Church, SO23 8DG Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class, email enquiries@perform.org. uk or call 020 7255 9120.

Families Hampshire West 11

CLUBS & CLASSES

What's On

Fun for all the family

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more interactive content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go All listings correct at the time of going to print. Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and venues are open.

Until Sun 13 March Science Chefs Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ winchesterScienceCentre.org Find out what makes a chemical reaction. Explore the chemistry of snacks and how different foods supply your body with different amounts of energy.

Throughout March & April Superworm Trail Alice Holt, Farnham, GU10 4LS forestryengland.co.uk/ superworm Join Superworm and friends on their brand-new adventure at Alice Holt Forest. Discover the small but mighty creatures in the much-loved story and learn about the everyday heroic feats of minibeasts in the forest. Ages 3+.

Throughout March & April Bond in Motion - No Time To Die Exhibition Beaulieu National Motor Museum, SO42 7ZN beaulieu.co.uk Brand new exhibition: Bond in Motion – No Time To Die. Featuring nine iconic vehicles, gadgets and costumes from the latest 007 film. Plus, be amongst the first to see the No Time To Die folding-wing glider. The exhibition will be on show until November 2022.

Bond in Motion No Time To Die Exhibition at Beaulieu

hundreds of resident endangered and exotic animals, is sure to excite families.

Fri 1 to Sun 24 April Easter Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ hilliergardens A quizzical look at Easter fun!

Available from the ticket desk for £2.50. Plus garden admission.

Every Mon to Fri Bella Doodles Pre-School Classes Bella Crafts, Winchester, SO23 8AF or Fair Oak, SO50 7HD bellacrafts.co.uk Save the mess at home and come along to a crafty sessions for children aged 1 to 4 years.

Booking essential. 9.45am or 10.45am. £6.95 per child.

Wed 9 March Home Education Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ hilliergardens Fun, learning for home educated children in the beautiful Gardens.

Sessions will include hands-

on activities, games, crafts and learning. Ages 4-11. £7.50 per child.

Pre-book.

Sat 19 March to Sun 8 May Planet Protectors Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ winchesterScienceCentre.org See page 13 for details.

Fri 1 April to 4 Sept BRICKOSAURS! Evolution Marwell Zoo Winchester, SO21 1JH marwell.org.uk/brickosaursevolution An event featuring an allnew collection of 55 dinosaur sculptures. The interactive expedition is on display alongside

Sat 9 April Family Archaeology (Romans) Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ hilliergardens Join in at the purpose-built trench in the woods to get muddy and find hidden treasures from ages past. Ages 4-12. £16 per session (for 1 adult & 1 child), plus garden admission.

Sat 9 to Mon 11 April The Gruffalo Mast Mayflower Studios Southampton, SO14 7DU mayflowerstudios.org.uk Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages 3+.

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12 Families Hampshire West

There’s something for everyone at Exbury this spring. Kids will love the challenge of a new log trail made by gardeners from old oak, beech and Scot’s pine trees. They will be encouraged to walk from one end of the trail to the other without touching the ground, whilst learning about the different bark textures.

Exbury’s renowned steam railway will be celebrating its 21st anniversary during the year, visitors will receive a discount on gardens admission when they bring their canine best friends along to ‘Devoted to Dogs’ days and new nature tours will be helping everyone connect with Exbury’s varied wildlife.

All this with a backdrop of spring colours as their award winning collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias reach their peak. Exbury reopens on 19 March. www.exbury.co.uk March/April 2022

WHAT’S ON

Easter family fun at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Enjoy a day out at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens for all the family this spring with their Easter trail, pond dipping and other family events during the school holiday and weekends. Open daily, get ready to play and explore! Climb the fantastic treehouse, jump across the wobbly bridge, weave through the bamboo tunnels and lift off on the super snake swing. Search the woods for foraging pigs and spot the fish and ducks in the pond.

Spring is the perfect time to experience spring bulbs bursting into flower; magnolias, Japanese flowering cherries, azaleas and rhododendrons in their full glory.

There is free car parking, a gift shop, accessible pathways, two cafés, and a restaurant. Kids under 5 go free and ages 5-16 are only £3.60 (from April 2022 to March 2023).

Find out more at hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens

Planet Protectors at Winchester Science Centre Strike a pose! Grab your velour tracksuit and put on your tinted sunglasses. Winchester Science Centre continues its celebration of 20 years of science wow by taking visitors back to the ‘stylish’ days of 2002.

NEW EXHIBITION

Where marvellous days out are enjoyed together NEW FOREST HAMPSHIRE © 2021 Danjaq and MGM. NO TIME TO DIE,

BOOK NOW AT BEAULIEU.CO.UK

and related James Bond Indicia © 1962-2021 Danjaq and MGM. NO TIME TO DIE,

and related James Bond Trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq. All Rights Reserved.

Between Saturday 19 March and Sunday 8 May, including the Easter school holiday, visitors will be recruited to the Planet Protectors, a team of noughties eco-fashion warriors. Fun facts and explosive demos will bring to life how fashion can affect the climate. Visitors can also blast off into the Solar System in the Planetarium, get hands-on with the two floors of interactive exhibits and head outside into nature in Bio:Space.

And that’s not all.... There are two brand new shows ready to blast visitors off on an adventure in the Planetarium. Head off on an out-of-this-world family journey in the live show, Atmospheres. Every planet is unique, including our own.

For more information and to book tickets visit WinchesterScienceCentre.org

Enjoy motorsport from the driver’s seat this Easter The Race Centre in Chandler’s Ford offers an awesome experience for all the family.

This Easter, The Race Centre is holding their ever-popular School Holiday Specials. The events are heavily discounted for groups with ‘drivers’ aged 8 to 17 years.

Using their Track of the Month, drivers start with an entry-level car learning the circuit and controls. Drivers can then stick with that car, or upgrade to something more powerful and challenging. All drivers are on track together competing to be the quickest. All lap times go into a monthly leaderboard to make comparison between friends super easy. Parents are also able to join in at the discounted rate.

The Race Centre also offer exclusive venue hire for Junior Birthday Parties. Book online or call 023 8026 9927 for more information or visit www.theracecentre.co.uk March/April 2022

Families Hampshire West 13

WHAT’S ON Sat 9 to Sun 24 April Play Days: Games at the Museum Milestones Museum, Basingstoke RG22 6PG milestonesmuseum.org.uk Enjoy fun and games through the years at Milestones! Enjoy classic games from years past such as Pac-Man and much more.

Sat 9 to Mon 18 April Easter Fun with the National Trust Hinton Ampner, Alresford, SO24 0LA nationaltrust.org.uk Discover a family-friendly trail with fun activities for you to do along the way. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate egg at the end. 10am-4.15pm. £3 per person.

Sun 10 April Titanic 110 SeaCity Museum Southampton, SO14 7FY seacitymuseum.co.uk An event featuring LEGO® bricks.

Open space play, competitions, LEGO® displays, facepainting and much more. Pre-book tickets.

Tue 12, 19, Thu 14, 21 & Sat 16 April Pond Dipping Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ hilliergardens Come along for a quick dip and a swish in the Education Ponds.

Staff available to help. Ages 3+. £3 plus Garden admission.

Wed 13 April Boingy Bunny Wire Sculptures Southampton City Art Gallery, SO14 7LY wegottickets.com/event/531928 Create your very own funny bunny sculpture with springy legs ready for Easter. 5-12 years. 10.15am. £7.

Wed 13 April Family Walking Tour: Walking the Titanic Tudor House and Garden, SO14 2AD wegottickets.com/event/531916 Walk the sites and places of the Southampton’s Titanic story.

10.30am. £6.

Planet Protectors at Winchester Science Centre

Thu 14 April Play with Clay: Easter Hares Family Workshop Southampton City Art Gallery, SO14 7LY wegottickets.com/f/12675 Create your own clay bunny with your family in this creative clay session 5 years+. 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm. £7.50.

Thu 21 April Play with Papercutting: Springs Scenes Workshop Southampton City Art Gallery, SO14 7LY wegottickets.com/event/532221 Design and create your own stunning paper cut spring scene.

7 years+. 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm. £7.50.

Mon 18 to Wed 20 April The Tiger Who Came to Tea Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show. Packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! Ages 3+.

Fri 22 April Play with Tie Dye Family Workshop Southampton City Art Gallery, SO14 7LY wegottickets.com/event/532229 Experiment with different colours and techniques with fabulous results! 7 years+. 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm. £7.50.

Tue 19 April Green Man Wall Plaques – A Family Workshop Tudor House and Garden, SO14 2AD wegottickets.com/event/532051 Get creative in this clay session inspired by the mythical Green Man. 6 years+. 10.30am. £8.50.

Wed 20 & Thu 21 April Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever Mast Mayflower Studios Southampton, SO14 7DU mayflowerstudios.org.uk Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever!

Wed 20 April Wicker Man and Wish Jars Tudor House and Garden, SO14 2AD wegottickets.com/event/532221 Get crafty and Make Wicker Men wishes and Glowing lanterns ready for the Celtic festival of Beltane. 10.30am. £8.50.

Distributor Wanted Are you looking for some extra income? Do you have a few hours spare over 1 - 2 days every two months within school hours?

Families Magazine is looking for a distributor to deliver our magazine to local schools, nurseries and family attractions. If you live in the area, are reliable and trustworthy, have a car and would like to earn extra money, email Rebecca at editor@familieshampshirewest.uk for details.

Starting May 2022 14 Families Hampshire West

Sat 23 April Bushcraft: Natural Crafts Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Romsey, SO51 0QA hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ hilliergardens Join in at the woods and be creative with nature. Ages 4-12 years. £12.75 per child. Booking essential.

Fri 29 April to Sun 1 May BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair Beaulieu National Motor Museum, SO42 7ZN beaulieu.co.uk Set in the beautiful grounds of Beaulieu, this spring fair includes Beautiful Borders and The Hillier Experience packed with planting ideas, and stunning floral displays from top nurseries. Featuring the BBC Goodfood Market and entertainment. See online for ticket prices.

Sat 30 April to Sun 1 May The Smartest Giant in Town Theatre Royal Winchester Winchester, SO23 8SB theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk A musical adaptation of the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. This heartwarming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure. Sat 1pm, Sun 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm. Ages 2-8 years.

Don’t forget to say you saw these events in Families Hampshire West Magazine!

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March/April 2022

TRAVEL

Are staycations here to stay?

By Claire Winter

hotels and foreign locales may seem, I also love being in the UK. There are no stresses of air travel, you can have all the home comforts to hand and jet lag isn’t an issue.

Staycations are fast becoming part of family life and many families experienced holidaying in the UK for the first time during the last two years.

For many, myself included, it meant discovering a new love for Britain’s varied coastline, beautiful cities and countryside.

Over lockdown we realised that with a bit of imagination you can have a lot of fun.

We camped in our garden for four nights without returning to our house once.

But this was made easier as we have a motorhome in the driveway! We hunted for bugs, set camera traps for badgers and birds, made maps, did treasure hunts, built shelters and campfires and stargazed.’

Author and Coach, Eleanor Tweddell (www.eleanortweddell.com) lives in the Lake District with her husband and daughter, age 6. She’s on the fence about

While some families will continue to travel abroad, the uncertainty and increased costs will mean that many opt to stay in the UK in 2022 too.

staycations.

‘Staycations have been a bit hit and miss for us. We’ve tried the traditional B&B above a pub for a short getaway. It felt like a good idea, with the promise of a log fire, hearty meals and beautiful walks along a seafront. The reality was a stressed landlord, an unlit fire and walks that would’ve been good if the howling wind let up for a moment!

Our next trip was more considered.

We found a beautiful hotel with dinner included. The other trick was to make the journey to our destination part of the trip.

We planned a scenic route, stopping off at a farm shop for lunch. This set us up for a whole different experience. I’ll be keeping staycations in my holiday plans for the future.’

Staycation fan, presenter, adventurer and ambassador for Bailey of Bristol, Andy Torbet (www.andytorbet.com) lives in the Wye Valley with his wife Bex and their two lively sons ages 6 and 4.

‘I love staycations because I work away from home a lot and as glamorous as

SPRING ANAGRAM Unscramble the letters to find springtime things!

1. L S O M O B S

2. G S R P N I

R S E F W O L

3. T A E E S R

G S E G

4. G R B S D I N O

5. H S S I E N U N

When you’ve finished, unscramble the circled letters to spell a special message!

Answers: 1. Blossom 2. Spring Flowers 3. Easter Eggs 4. Birdsong 5. Sunshine. Message is: Get some fresh air March/April 2022

Summer holidays in the Alps with Chilly Powder The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green space and blue skies to set you up for the year - with plenty of fresh air to enjoy.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva, then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre from Chilly Powder. Although Morzine is most well known as a winter ski resort, most of the locals would tell you that the summer is just as amazing!

The skiing is incredible, but so are the fantastic year round activities on offer. Morzine is fantastic if you’re travelling with younger children as there are brilliant family friendly activities available and plenty of childcare options.

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit www.morzine-avoriaz.com Families Hampshire West 15

16 Families Hampshire West

March/April 2022