Families Surrey East Sep/Oct 2018

FREE take me home

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Surrey East

IN THIS ISSUE Education Focus Clubs & Classes What’s on in September & October

Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

COULSDON & CATERHAM 0345 078 0805 stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon

OXTED 01883 708 158 stagecoach.co.uk/oxted

DORKING 0800 007 5482 stagecoach.co.uk/dorking

REDHILL 020 8686 0141 stagecoach.co.uk/redhill

LEATHERHEAD 020 8394 2244 stagecoach.co.uk/leatherhead

REIGATE 0800 007 5482 stagecoach.co.uk/reigate

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.

Issue 66 September/October 2018 familiesonline.co.uk

Creative Courage For Life

familiesonline.co.uk Families Surrey East

Give your child the best start in life Today I captured my own DNA… What did your daughter do at school today?

Why not bring her along to our next Open Event where we can guarantee there will be plenty to inspire her.

Please call 020 8260 7543 to find out more or to book a visit at a time to suit you.

Whole School Open Morning: Saturday 13 October 9.30am-12.30pm

A first-class education A superior, unrivalled experience       

www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

Independent Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years Children excel and reach their full academic potential Family-orientated, working in close partnership with parents Tailored provision for each pupil Wrap-around care available Wealth of extra-curricular activities and opportunities Set within beautiful grounds

warlinghamparkschool.com info@warlinghamparkschool.com 01883 626844

WHOLE SCHOOL

CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY SCHOOL IN REIGATE FOR AGES 11 TO 18

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2018

2018 OPEN MORNINGS (10.15am for 10.30am start)

Thursday 20th September Wednesday 3rd October Tuesday 6th November

Call us on 01737 761945 Email info@dunottarschool.com Visit www.dunottarschool.com

The Difference is Dunottar Dunottar School, High Trees Road, Reigate, RH2 7EL

2 Families Surrey East J11252 - Families Surrey QP SUMMER 18 - 87mm x 130mm.indd 1

NURSERY PREP SENIOR SIXTH FORM

www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk

01342 838153 familiesonline.co.uk

27/07/2018 09:48

News & Reviews Getting back to work after a career break

Surrey East

By Fay Wallis, Bright Sky HR Founder

Tel: 01923 239 664 Editor Tamar Pearson editor@familiessurreyeast.co.uk Design Rebecca Carr Printer Print Mates

If this is how you feel, the first thing you need to do is start building your confidence back up again. This will increase your chances of finding your next role and help stop you from accepting a role that isn’t right for you. It can be too tempting to accept a job that is a step down the career ladder, or won’t pay the salary that you deserve if your confidence isn’t where it needs to be.

22,500 copies printed 45,000 readers per issue Next issue November/December 2018 Booking deadline 5 October 2018

Editor’s note Autumn represents new beginnings as children start or progress in their academic years, and parents look at their back to work options. This issue is packed with advice to help you along the way in any new adventures that your family find yourselves in. We have not forgotten to have loads of fun along the way and have a jam-packed Halloween Spooktacular for you.

In this issue

Tamar xx

3. News & Views 5. Clubs & classes news 6. Clubs & classes directory 8. Eduation news 10. Education focus 11. Open day directory 12. What’s on in September & October 14. What’s on at the National Trust Families Surrey East 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 Surrey East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Surrey East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Surrey East; 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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Getting back to work after a break can feel daunting but it doesn’t have to be. A strange thing often happens when you step away from the workplace, you forget all of the skills and qualities that you have to offer an employer or worry that for some reason they have disappeared or stopped being relevant.

To start building your confidence up again remind yourself of your strengths. It’s likely that you will have been using lots of them while you’re on your break, as well as in your previous career.

Think back to achievements from when you were last in the workplace. What skills did you use?

Ask your friends and previous colleagues what they think you are best at. It can be easier for other people to identify them for you, as we tend to play down our strengths or not value them as much as we should.

When you have figured out your strengths, it’s time to get ready to confidently talk about them and other aspects of yourself. Write down a few sentences that describe who you are, what you are good at, what your career background is and the job you are looking for. Practise saying this out loud. The more you practise, the more confident you will feel when you start to talk to your friends, previous colleagues, recruiters and potential new employers about getting back to work.

Based in Banstead, Fay has always been fascinated by what motivates and helps people feel fulfilled and confident at work. She is CIPD qualified, has a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management, and is a Licensed Career Coach. To book your free 30-minute introductory call with Fay, please email fay@brightskyhr.com, or visit www.brightskyhr.com

Hopes Photography for Charity Local photographer, Oana has started a beautiful initiative supporting Bliss, the charity whose purpose is to give every baby born premature or sick in the UK the best chance of survival and quality of life.

It involves healthy, happy mums, raising awareness and funds for the not so fortunate ones, whose babies too often cross the rainbow bridge before they even get a chance to meet them. ‘‘My artistic view is to create and collect in this project as many portraits of future mums with bumps as I possibly can.

The portraits show future lucky and healthy mums in their last month of pregnancy, holding a heart shaped chalkboard where they write what their hope is for their baby’s life.’’

Participation is free, participants get the selected portrait for free and sharing or using the photo is encouraged. Hopes is promoted on social media too If you would like to participate, please visit: www.facebook.com/hopesphotographyforcharity/, or visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hopesphotographyforcharity to donate.

Families Surrey East 3

Go Gold in support of local brave children Momentum Children’s Charity is a local charity based in Kingston, that supports children with cancer and other serious illnesses and their families.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and they are asking everyone to Go Gold to honour the brave local children they look after. Host or organise a golden dress up to show your support! Ask all participants to dress in gold in exchange for a donation. You could organise a golden dress up day in the office, a golden mufti day at school, or a gold themed community eventYou could even offer a prize for the best golden dress.

Book your birth registration appointment online Have you recently had a child and want to register your baby’s birth? First you need to book a birth registration appointment. It’s quick and easy to do it online at a time convenient to you. The booking service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing you to browse available appointments for the most suitable time, at your preferred registry office.

Appointments can get booked fairly quickly so the sooner you get online, the better.

Please remember that you can only register a birth if you have made an appointment. Births must be registered within 42 days of the child being born.

To book a birth registration appointment or for more details visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/birth.

Jessica, who is 3 years old, is currently undergoing treatment for Leukaemia. Jessica and her family are supported by Niki, their dedicated Family Support Worker from Momentum Children’s Charity. Niki has been blown away by Jessica’s attitude: “Jessica is an absolute delight. She always has a smile on her face, despite contending with a gruelling treatment programme. Her personality is so infectious. She is so brave and so positive.

I have loved getting to know her and I have especially enjoyed the tea parties!”.

Show your support by going gold: www.moment-um.org/gogold

Fruit Juice with Breakfast Places Children at Higher Risk of Obesity Children who drink fruit juice with breakfast are more likely to become overweight or obese.

A study, led by the Medical University of Vienna, revealed that children who had orange or apple juice with their breakfast were 50% more likely to be overweight, while those who drank water saw their obesity risk fall by 40%.

It also found that skipping breakfast is linked to weight gain as it makes children more likely to snack during the day.

The study, published at the European Congress on Obesity in Vienna, questioned 652 children aged 13 on their breakfast habits and, while most types of food had no clear relationship with weight, those who drank fruit juice more than three times a week were 50 per cent more likely to be overweight or obese. More information at https://eco2018.easo.org

£500 cash grant for new parents September is officially the baby boom month of the year, with the most popular birth date confirmed to fall on the 26th of the month. And if you’re a new (or soon to be) parent, your weekly shop is likely to start looking rather different.

Dayspace is now open and available to hire With a number of different rooms available to hire, from a mirrored dance studio to a large basement area ideal for both parties and training purposes alike, Dayspace is a great new option for your next event.

Despite the likely influx of well-meaning hand me downs and knitted creations, the number of up-front costs facing new parents is difficult to avoid. Sure Start Maternity Grants are a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. The grants are available to people on certain incomerelated benefits who are expecting their first child or for those expecting a multiple birth and have children already. The new baby grant does not impact other benefits or tax credits and doesn’t have to be paid back.

Clear guidelines on how and when to claim can be found at www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternitygrant and a dedicated helpline is available for those needing help, call 0800 169 0140.

Dayspace has two centres for adults with a learning disability, one in Caterham and another in Reigate, which are well-equipped for a variety of activities. Bookings can be taken for some rooms during the working week and others after hours and at weekends.

The Festival of Fire is coming to Surrey

So, whether you are interested in hiring a space for an event such as a kid’s party, a fundraiser or a regular weekly activity, please contact Georgie or Hannah on 01883 349553 or info@ dayspace.org to discuss your requirements.

The main attraction of the event, the Fire Walk, consists of 4-5 metres of hot coal that brave participants will take on to raise money for The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. Walkers will receive full training and a briefing before taking on the challenge.

To advertise your business to over 45,000 parents living in East Surrey in our next issue call 01923 239 664 or email editor@familiessurreyeast.co.uk 4 Families Surrey East

Surrey’s hottest event, The Festival of Fire is coming to The Children’s Trust, Tadworth on 17 November. Fearless fundraisers are invited to sign up to take on the event’s hot coal walk while friends and family can cheer them on from the side-lines and enjoy the festival’s atmosphere.

Those watching their loved ones take on the challenge can enjoy a range of family attractions including live music, retro games, shopping stalls, refreshments, face painting and a free activity passport for children.

Festival of Fire opens at 6pm. Adult entry £5, child entry £2.50. Registration for the coal walk £25, minimum sponsorship is £125 (age restrictions apply). To register for the walk or to buy tickets to the festival www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/festival-of-fire

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Clubs & classes news

YMCA East Surrey holiday playschemes for children with disabilities YMCA East Surrey’s disability playschemes in Epsom got off to a brilliant start over the summer holidays.

The charity’s Yippee (age 5-11) and Yip4Youth (age 12-18) schemes are currently based at The Vale Primary School for school holidays and at Linden Bridge School on Saturdays during term-time supporting children with a wide range of disabilities and complex needs.

Over the summer holidays, children enjoyed water skiing, bowling and swimming and even got up close and personal with reptiles and snakes. “The YMCA staff are always friendly and pleased to see my daughter. The care is excellent, and she absolutely loves it here,” says one parent.

Boosting Children’s Selfesteem and Life Skills with Perform A common struggle shared by many children is lack of confidence. This can stop some children reaching their full potential.

Perform Drama, is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to help all children achieve their true potential – even those that are shy and reserved.

“Perform is NOT a stage school” stresses Perform Producer, Karen. “It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows. The real aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication.

“Classes are small with both a Producer and a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each parent establishing their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.”

Producers report back to parents after each class on the focus of the week and answer questions about the progress of individual children.

Book e your fre y a trial tod

“Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents. I can pretty much guarantee that within 5 or 6 classes, they will run in without waving goodbye” reports Karen.

For more information on your local classes in East Surrey, visit www.perform.org.uk

YMCA provides 39,000 hours of vibrant and fulfilling Shorts Breaks disability playschemes across East Surrey and West Sussex each year. Find out more at www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk.

The Reigate School of Ballet & Commercial Dance crowned Dance School of the Year 2018 The Reigate School of Ballet & Commercial Dance (RSB) are thrilled to have won the UK’s prestigious Dance School of the Year 2018 (Overall Winner). The Awards were founded by Anne Walker MBE to celebrate the achievements of theatre dance schools.

Dance schools across the UK were judged on their professionalism and business acumen as well as the personal development of all the staff.

RSB offers fun and engaging classes for children aged 18 months to adult in Reigate, Redhill & Dorking. We offer Ballet, Tots Dance/Theatre, Starlight Musical Theatre, Commercial Street, Modern, Tap, Contemporary, Acro & Adult Dance. Dance is for everyone, and we cater for children who want to dance once a week as a small hobby AND for those who want to go into the industry.

We have the perfect balance between and learning, and we offer 3 free trials as standard. Come and see us this September!

For more information about The Reigate School of Ballet & Commercial Dance call 01737 247795, or visit:www.reigateschoolofballet.com

Aquababies/Kiddies Surrey aim to gain water confidence Aquababies/Kiddies Surrey is one of the UK’s leading children’s swimming schools. We teach you how to teach your baby and toddler how to swim, as well as develop the swimming skills of older children up to the age of 10. Lessons are based on progressive exercises relating to the child’s stage of physical and social development, whilst also encouraging having fun and getting children to love being in the water! For babies, submersion is introduced in the first lesson, which opens the opportunity to progress with the baby’s own natural ability and to help them gain water confidence at their own pace.

Aquababies/Kiddies Surrey operate in Bagshot and Dorking. Courses run for 5 weeks, allowing for flexibility in how long you’d like to join. Email info.surrey@aquababiesglobal.com and quote the code FAMILIES25 for 25% off your 1st 5 week course. www.aquababiesglobal.com/surrey

The house that Jack built...

Book 5 places & get 10% off!

(with Will and Alyssa and Sam.)

Wild Play holiday clubs Easter and Summer holidays, all day Ages 5 and over, £38 per day Reigate, Esher, Great Bookham, Guildford

Winners of the UK’s

Activities may include: • Den building • Tracking and trailing • Survival skills • Story telling • Wild art • Killer frisbee • Craft skills For more details or to book a place visit

Read our article in this issue

www.reigateschoolofballet.com | 01737 247795 familiesonline.co.uk

ter’s “The first words out of my daugh I go mouth were ‘Best day ever, can nt.”

Brillia row?’ tomor again

wild-learning.net

Families Surrey East 5

“Yes! bubb

Clubs & classes Directory TODDLER & PRESCHOOL

LITTLE KICKERS Football skills classes for 18 months-7yrs. www.littlekickers.co.uk MAD ACADEMY Weekly music and movement classes for 3m-5yrs. www.madacademy.com

AQUABABIES/ KIDDIES SURREY Aquababies/Kiddies Surrey teach you how to teach your baby and toddler how to swim, as well as develop the swimming skills of older children up to the age of 10.

To book your place, email info. surrey@aquababiesglobal.com and quote the code FAMILIES25 for 25% off your 1st 5 week course. www.aquababiesglobal.com/ surrey BABY BALLET Baby Ballet is a fun award – winning preschool dance concept for boys and girls. www.babyballet.co.uk BUSYLIZZY REIGATE Family club with activities including Baby Picasso, Baby Boogie, Mums Bootcamp and yoga. www. busylizzyreigate.co.uk DIDDI DANCE Pre-school dance for boys and girls. 18 mths-5yrs. www.diddidance.com JO JINGLES Jo Jingles provides fun singing and movement classes which teach children to play percussion instruments expressively, sing songs and find the rhythm to move and dance. www.jojingles.com

Drama. Tel: 01737 763391 www.candcdanceschool.co.uk EAST SURREY DANCE Ballet, modern and tap classes for children of all ages. www.eastsurreydance.co.uk

MONKEY MUSIC Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies and young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is brilliant fun for children and adults too! Leatherhead and Dorking -Tina Parsons, 02084320811 www.monkeymusic.co.uk TINY TALK Baby signing, songs & sensory activities to develop communication skills. 0- 24 mths. www.tinytalk.co.uk RUGBY TOTS Have fun and learn rugby skills for ages 2-7yrs. www.rugbytots.co.uk

PERFORMING ARTS CATERHAM DANCE SCHOOL Fun, Enjoyable Ballroom and Latin dance classes for all ages from 3yrs upwards. www. caterhamdanceschool.co.uk C&C DANCE SCHOOL Redhill & Reigate C&C Dance School offers a wide range of classes in dance & drama for pupils aged 18 months to adults, including ISTD Graded examinations in Ballet, Modern & Tap and LAMDA Speech and

PERFORM WEEKLY DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING CLASSES FOR 4-12’S Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child development.

Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration.

Venues all across East Surrey.

Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Call 020 7255 9120, or visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today.

REIGATE SCHOOL OF BALLET & COMMERCIAL DANCE (RSB) Dance School of the Year 2018 RSB offers fun and engaging classes for children aged 18 months to adult in Reigate, Redhill & Dorking. RSB offer Ballet, Tots Dance/Theatre, Starlight Musical Theatre, Commercial Street, Modern, Tap, Contemporary, Acro & Adult Dance, and offer 3 free trials as standard. Tel: 01737 247795. www. reigateschoolofballet.com

STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS Stagecoach Performing Arts teach children and teenagers how to sing, dance and act, not only to perform on stage but also, more importantly, to perform better in life. Suitable for a range of abilities, Stagecoach offers the chance for kids to pursue a career in the performing arts or simply learn some new skills to share with family and friends.

Stagecoach Performing Arts nurtures the shy and apprehensive, until they find their

NORTHPARKFARM.CO.UK

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Group discounts for NCT members when 3+ people join together at the same time.

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feet and voice, whilst at the same time developing and channelling those with bundles of talent, confidence and energy. For more details visit www.stagecoach.co.uk STAR STEPPERS Dancing, singing & acting classes. www.star-steppers.com SURREY SCHOOL OF BALLET & PERFORMING ARTS Musical theatre, tap, ballet, disco, modern jazz, street dance. www. surreyschoolofperformingarts. co.uk ZAPPHIRE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap, Freestyle, Cheerleading and Musical Theatre. www.zapphireschoolofdance.co.uk

ARTS & CRAFTS BLOOMING CRAFTS Art & Craft studio with a range of courses incl. mosaic, scrapbooking, felting and decoupage. www.facebook.com/ bloomingcraftsredhill DINKY DOODLERS Arts and Crafts classes for 0-10yrs.

Term time and holiday courses. www.dinkydoodlers.co.uk DISH Ceramics workshops, baby impressions, pottery painting. www.dishreigate.com BLUEBELL STUDIOS Ceramics workshop holding clay play & pottery painting sessions www.bluebellstudio.com

SPORTS ANGELA’S SWIM SCHOOL Angela’s Swim School encourage people of all ages and abilities to learn to swim to a high standard. www.angelasswimschool.co.uk ANTI-GRAVITY Trampolining & Gymnastics classes Kindergym & trampolining 2+ yrs, Funfit & trampolining 4-7 yrs, Trampolining 4yrs-adult. www.ag-tc.co.uk

ATHLETIX KIDZ Reigate,Redhill and Tadworth.

All round athletics program for kids aged 2.5-7yrs. Learn running, jumping, throwing and more.

Tel: 0845 519 5591 www.athletixkidz.com FREDDIE FLINTOFF CRICKET ACADEMY Cricket camps for kids ages 5-16yrs. www. andrewflintoffcricketacademy. co.uk GIRLS ATTACK! Netball Fun Club & holiday workshops. Girls 6-11yrs. www.pitchero.com/clubs/ girlsattack LEATHERHEAD & DORKING GYM CLUB Pre-School classes 18mths–3yrs and 3-5yrs. Recreational gym classes and elite classes.

Term time and holidays. www. leatherhead-gymnastics.org.uk MAX FORCE Competition trampolining & double-mini trampolining, for development and squads. www. maxforce.co.uk MINI CRICKETS Fun intro to cricket. 3-8 yrs.

Term time + holiday courses. www.minicrickets.co.uk ORCHARD COTTAGE RIDING STABLES Children’s beginner lessons.

Holiday day/week courses. 5+yrs. www.abrs-info.org PEAK PERFORMANCE CHOI KWANG DO Kids classes for 4+yrs. Learn respect, social skills and confidence. All Year. www.ppckd.com POOL SCHOOLS Parent & Child 6m-4yrs; Group Lessons 4-14yrs. Term time plus holiday crash courses. Free swimming lessons for 4-6 years olds. www.poolschools.co.uk ROCKNROLLER DISCO Regular skating events in

Leatherhead & Westercroft. www.rocknrollerdisco.com

LANGUAGE CLASSES PETITE ÉCOLE DE REIGATE French school for native speakers, written and oral. Term time. www.petite-ecole-reigate.co.uk

SPRINGFIT GYMNASTICS & TRAMPOLINE CLUB Funfit 2+yrs; trampolining & gymnastics 4+yrs to adult.

Includes boys only & freestyle classes. www.springfit.org

SPANISH4KIDZ Spanish club for kids ages 0-11yrs, www.spanish4kidz.co.uk

ACADEMIC TUITION

SURREY TAEKWON-DO Taekwon-Do club at Dorking Sports Centre. www.surreytaekwondo.com TATSFIELD MARTIAL ARTS Kids judo classes from aged 5 & adult jujitsu class (15 yrs+). www.tatsfieldmartialarts.com

LEARN GROW CREATE Tuition for age 5-18 yrs, all abilities.

Focus on Maths and English. www.Learngrowcreate.com

MUSIC THE ROCK PROJECT Music lessons & group performance for 7-18yr olds. Learn guitar, drums and vocals. www.therockproject.com SURREY MUSIC HUB Find tutors for music and singing lessons around Surrey. Has a number of ensembles and music group to join. Also, info on how to hire an instrument. www.surreymusichub.com SURREY HILLS YOUNG VOICES & TRAINING CHOIR Children from all schools 8+yrs welcome. 6-7yrs for training choir.

Term time. www.surreyhills-choirs.co.uk

MATHSMASTERS Maths Masters offers affordable tuition opportunities to families who would like to give their child extra support with mathematics.

It mirrors the national curriculum, reinforces learning and provides additional practice for topics covered at school. It delivers a programme of work in an entertaining environment which removes all pressure from parents to enforce home study.

Tel: 0772 2869613 www.maths-masters.co.uk

TEACHING YOU HOW TO TEACH YOUR BABY HOW TO SWIM

AQUABABIES/ KIDDIES SURREY The Original and best Baby and Toddler Swimming course!

NOW TEACHING CHILDREN OF ALL AGES AT DORKING & BAGSHOT Book now at 07766 242572 info.surrey@aquababiesglobal.com www.aquababiesglobal.com/surrey for more info.

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Families Surrey East 7

Education news

Maths Masters students achieve SATS pass rate close to 100% Across the country 64% of children achieved the expected level in their Maths SATS, yet Maths Masters percentage pass rate was close to 100% this year. Co-Director Louise explains ‘Our success is a result of our approach to personal maths tuition. We are not in the business of selling worksheets, but of teaching and educating the whole child.’

Families across all 3 centres joined in what was the highlight of the year, where every child is rewarded for their effort in Maths Masters 4th annual Prize Giving to celebrate the children’s achievements. Co-Director Emma said, ‘Its magical seeing their faces light up when they collect their trophies.”

How after-school play could improve learning School-aged children seem to be getting homework much earlier than was once the case, and the general advice to encourage them to start it as soon as they can.

Getting home after 3.30 pm and immediately picking up pens and pencils will of course eliminate the last-minute panic on the morning it’s due Research carried out at the University of Illinois devided a group of 220 youths into 2 groups, one performing physical activity for 60 minutes a day after school (the FITKids initiative) and the other group not doing anything physical. Unsurprisingly the FITKids demonstrated an improvement in fitness levels but they also showed substantial increases in their ability to block out distractions and focus, as well as improvements in cognitive flexibility – the ability to switch between intellectual tasks while maintaining speed and accuracy. In contrast the less active group showed no improvement in fitness and recorded barely any cognitive benefits.

The more classes the FITKids attended, the greater the improvement in brain function and cognitive performance. The author, Charles Hillman, suggested the benefits could be attributed to the social interactions, stimulation and engagement the children were experiencing as much as the physical exercise.

So, isn’t this just common sense? Children need some time to let off steam after hours of sitting in a classroom.

If we want our children to be bright and eager to learn, perhaps we should take that well-meaning advice of not putting homework off with a pinch of salt and start encouraging our children to have 30-60 minutes of play after school.

Written by Angie Henry, Director of North Park Farm Activity Toys who supply top quality outdoor toys and play equipment for children, including a full range of outdoor climbing frames, swings, slides, playhouses, trampolines and a huge variety of garden toys as well as educational toys for schools and nurseries which include a wide range of sand and water tables. www.northparkfarm.co.uk 8 Families Surrey East

Parents and teachers alike have endorsed the rigorous preparation the children have received for their SATS exams, and times tables. The government guidelines propose Year 4 at which children should have mastered all their tables. Emma commented, ‘this has been our goal since opening in 2014 with many of our Year 2s already reaching this important milestone.’

For more information about Maths Masters, please visit www.maths-masters.co.uk

Croydon High School keeps on growing…

Croydon High School GDST is delighted to report growing interest reflected in numbers for both Reception and Year 7 for September 2018, alongside a healthy number of girls moving from Year 11 in to the Sixth Form, both from within the school and outside.

With a new Reception class opening to accommodate demand in the Junior School and a fourth form entry at Year 7 for the first time in some years, there is a real air of positivity in this all-through independent girls’ school.

Headmistress Emma Pattison begins her third year in post in September 2018, “I am very proud of the school’s history and most particularly of our ability to adapt to changing times, which we have done on numerous occasions over the last 144 years.

Our school mantra of Every girl, Every day, is something parents respond to very strongly.

For us as a school, it perfectly expresses our ambition to bring something inspirational and memorable to every girl’s school experience, on every day she is with us.”

For more information about Croydon High School GDST, visit www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

Curiosity Is Key to Early Childhood Success New research links curiosity levels in young children with later academic success.

Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed the reading and maths ability of 6,200 kindergarten children and found that the children of parents who reported their child’s behaviour as highly curious did the best at school, regardless of socioeconomic status. The results were consistent for both boys and girls.

The children’s reading and maths scores were consistently better the more curious they were. That was true even when the students weren’t very good at a self-control measure called “effortful control,” which tracks how attentive and persistent students are when completing tasks.

“Even if a child manifests low effortful control, higher curiosity may be associated with more optimal academic achievement,” the authors of the study wrote.

The study, published in the journal Pediatric Research said that that cultivating curiosity in children, especially in those from deprived backgrounds may be a valuable way of fostering academic achievement.

More info at www.nature.com familiesonline.co.uk

Are you looking for a Nursery or Reception place for your child? Come and join in the fun and learning in a family friendly school Essendene Lodge School is a small and well established Independent Co-educational Primary and Nursery School in the heart of Caterham, providing extremely high quality education for 3 to 11 year olds within a friendly, family environment.

We also provide wrap around care from 8 am to 6 pm as well as running an extensive range of activities during the school holidays.

If you would like to give your child a head start in their education, then we have some availability in our Early Years Department and take children from the term they turn three years old. The Early Years provides the strong foundations for learning and pupils move seamlessly to KS1 and then progress to KS2. We offer free stay and play sessions on Tuesday mornings 10am-11.30am.

Visit our website for more information at www.essendenelodge.co.uk or please phone the school office on 01883 348349 to arrange a visit! Mrs Ali, our Headteacher will be pleased to show you around and for you to see our school in action!

Giving Horses New Wings The School’s Equestrian Centre at Royal Alexandra and Albert School is home to eighteen riding ponies, but what many don’t know is that six of the Stables’ equine residents were rescued.

The team from the Stables first started getting involved with rescuing neglected ponies when they took in two horses that had been abandoned in a local field. In December 2017, they started to work with Redwings to give rescued horses a new home.

The horses are helping children at the School learn to ride and are even taking part in jumping competitions, including Felbridge and Hickstead. This is an incredible progression for the horses, some of which had never even been sat on before arriving at the Equestrian Centre.

For the young riders at the School, the experience of learning with rescue horses has also been very positive and rewarding. A member of the Stables team explained how, incredibly, the rescue horses seem to have much more patience with the children and are much kinder.

And, for that, the children love them.

For more information about Royal Alexandra and Albert School, visit www.raa-school.co.uk

Students work to National STEM Award for surviving Zombie Apocalypse Year 7 students at Dunottar School in Reigate, enjoyed three days off curriculum to work towards the British Science Association’s bronze CREST Award, which provides STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) enrichment opportunities to inspire and engage 5- to 19-year-olds.

Responding to a fictional scenario in which the world was in chaos and many Surrey residents were affected by an unknown pathogen that turned them into zombies, the Dunottar youngsters, some of the last survivors, were challenged to complete a range of tasks: DISASTER SURVIVAL: Using science and technology the children designed solutions to heat food with solar energy, make dirty water drinkable, and design a warm, safe shelter.

DOCTOR, DOCTOR: An unknown pathogen was ravaging Surrey and turning residence bloodthirsty, ambling beasts. Dunottar pupils were the last uninfected citizens, were tasked with decisions to make about how to save Surrey.

RESCUE MISSIONS: Pupils designed and built working rescue robots.

For more information about Dunottar School, please visit www.dunottarschool.com

Every year we help students to love thier maths!

Saturday 6th October 10am-12noon

After school maths tuition clubs for children aged 5 and above, weekly at Lower Kingswood, Redhill and Stoneleigh, Epsom.

Call 07743 898418 or visit our website to find out more & register your child «Still enrolling for SATS 2019« familiesonline.co.uk

www.maths-masters.co.uk Families Surrey East

Helping Your Child Avoid the Language Word Gap An Oxford University Press (OUP) report published in April revealed that both primary and secondary schools teachers are seeing an increasing number of children with a limited vocabulary – a word gap. Why the Word Gap Matters: Oxford Language Report found that without enough words a child will not only find it difficult to understand instructions at school, but also to play and communicate with others. Over 1,300 teachers surveyed reported that the word gap is not only affecting children’s achievements at school but also that it can have a damaging impact on self-esteem and a child’s ability to make friends.

In the report, OUP asked leading educational experts and teachers to offer their thoughts on the word gap and to share practical ideas on building children’s vocabulary and sparking their interest in learning new words. Here are just a few:

Not just Reading but Being Read To

In the OUP survey, 93% of primary school teachers said that a root cause of the word gap is that children aren’t spending enough time reading for pleasure. Reading is an important way for children to learn vocabulary as they are more likely to come across new words in books than they will in spoken language. Encourage your child by reading aloud and sharing picture books, traditional tales, or non-fiction books when they are young. Help them read as widely as possible as they develop their own reading skills. If you are looking for inspiration, you can find booklists for all ages/ interests at www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home.

There are multiple benefits to reading aloud to your child, even when they are able read fluently. In this way your child experiences books that they may not be able to read on their own yet and is exposed to new words

Encourage them to use the other words and sentences around it to try to work out the meaning. In the report, Why Closing the Word Gap Matters, teacher Janine Wooldridge suggests that older children reading on their own could be encouraged to write unknown words on a card bookmark for you to discuss and look up in a dictionary together later. Talk about other ways you could use the new word – give them some examples of sentences using that word and encourage them to think of their own sentences. that they probably wouldn’t find in their own reading. For a bit of variety, try listening to audiobooks together – great for long car journeys!

Talk about books – ask your child what they liked or didn’t like about a story. What was their favourite bit? How do they think a character felt at a certain point? You can even try asking them to re-tell the story using their own words.

Talk, Talk, Talk!

It goes without saying that parents talk to their children all the time. But research with very young children shows that if we use richer language, a child’s vocabulary can increase dramatically (e.g. instead of ‘Pick that up and bring it over here,’ say ‘Walk slowly to kitchen, pick up the fork carefully and return it to me’). Name and describe objects rather than falling back on pronouns (like ‘this’ and ‘that’). Try using alternative words for the same thing – instead of saying ‘It’s hot’, say ‘It’s scorching’ or ‘It’s blistering.’

Have Fun with Words

Create an excitement around discovering and talking about new words together. Tell your child that it’s fine not to know what a word means – we are all learning new words all the time.

When your child comes across a new word in a book encourage them to talk to you about what the word might mean.

You can find fun word activities and language games at www.oxfordowl.co.uk/ for-home.

Pick up the Dictionary

It’s helpful if your child has access to a dictionary and a thesaurus at the right level for them, written in language they can understand. A dictionary and thesaurus at home and at school are vital tools for developing and enriching children’s language and helping to improve their spelling. To choose the best dictionary or thesaurus for your child and help them with basic dictionary skills, you can visit the dictionary selector at www.oxfordowl.co.uk/ home/reading-owl/expert-help/choosingdictionaries

Check for Understanding

In the OUP report, educational psychologist Jean Gross (CBE) explains that she assessed children of all ages and abilities using a test that asked them to say what “on purpose” meant. Very few could do this, despite often hearing “You did that on purpose” at home and at school. Jean suggests that we should never assume that children know the meaning of even simple words. Make sure you check for understanding.

To read the full report, visit oxford.ly/ wordgap David Reedy explores this study in Why the Word Gap Matters: Oxford Language Report, page 14

Should You Help with Homework?

especially if not requested by a child - may send out a message that a parent doesn’t believe in their child’s ability to do their homework.

When your children settle down to do homework, do you keep close tabs on them and routinely offer to help? Or is your approach more hand’s off?

When a parent offers the child an opportunity for autonomous working, the child will work persistently, which leads to better development of skills. If, however, a parent’s homework assistance involves plenty of concrete help, the child will work less persistently, leading to poorer development of skills.

Researchers from Finland have found that although most homework assistance aims at helping the child, one approach is much better at instilling persistence.

The study looked at children aged from 8 to 11 years and found that when parents offered opportunities for their child to work independently that the child demonstrated an increased ability to work persistently on his or her school assignments when tested 12 months later.

However, when parents provided concrete assistance to their child, the less taskpersistent the child’s behaviour later became. This in turn, made parents offer 10 Families Surrey East

more and more help.

“One possible explanation is that when a parent gives a child the opportunity to do homework autonomously, this sends out a message that they believe in their child’s skills and capabilities. This, in turn, makes the child believe in him or herself, and in his or her skills and capabilities,” Associate Professor, Jaana Viljaranta from the University of Eastern Finland explained.

Similarly, concrete homework assistance -

It is important for parents to take their child’s needs into consideration when offering homework assistance. Of course, parents should offer concrete help when their child clearly needs it. However, concrete help is not something that should be made automatically available in every situation – only when needed,” Viljaranta said.

More info at www.sciencedaily.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Independent Schools Open Events – Autumn Term

Some open events require advance booking, so please call the school to check.

Aberdour School Burgh Heath, KT20 6AJ 01737 354119 www.aberdourschool.co.uk Open Morning Tues 2 Oct Banstead Prep Banstead, SM7 3RA 01737 363601 www.Bansteadprep.com Open Morning - Wed 19 Sep Open Morning Fri 12 Oct Belmont Prep School Holmbury St Mary, RH5 6LH 01306 730852 www.Belmont-school.org Open Morning Fri 21 Sep, 10am Caterham School Caterham, CR3 6YA 01883 343028 www.caterhamschool.co.uk Open events held in September.

Chinthurst School Tadworth, KT20 5AP 01737 812 011 www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Open Day Thurs 4 Oct, 10.30am City of London Freeman’s Ashstead Park, KT21 1ET 013 7282 2423 www.clfs.surrey.sch.uk Open Morning Fri 28 Sep, 9.30– 11.30am Open Day Sat 13 Oct, 10am–12.20pm Sixth Form Open Evening Thurs 20 Sep, 4.30–6.45pm

Croydon High School Croydon CR2 8YB 020 8260 7508 www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Whole School Open Day Sat 13 Oct, 9.30am - 12.30pm Sixth Form Open Evening Tues 16 Oct, 7-9pm Downsend School (Pre/Preps) Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom 01372 372311 www.downsend.co.uk Pre-Prep Schools Open Week Mon 1 – Fri 5 Oct, 9.30-11.30am Prep School Open Morning Sat 6 Oct, 9.15am - 12 noon Pre-Prep Schools Open Morning Fri 16 Nov, 9.30-11.30am Dunottar School Reigate, RH2 7EL 01737 761945 Co-educational independent day school. Pupils aged 11 – 18 years. www. dunottarschool.com Open Morning Thu 20 Sep, 10.15am Open Morning Wed 3 Oct, 10.15am Open Morning Tues 6 Nov, 10.15am Essendene Lodge Caterham, CR3 5PB 018 8334 8349 Co-education independent day school. Pupils aged 2 – 11 years. www.essendenelodge.co.uk Open Morning Sat 6 Oct, 10am-12noon The Hawthorns School Bletchingley, RH1 4QJ 01883 743048 www.hawthorns.com Open Day Sat 13 Oct

Hazelwood School Limpsfield, Oxted RH8 OQH 01883 733841 www.hazelwoodschool.co.uk Open Morning Fri 5 Oct, 9.30am - 12 noon

Reigate St Mary’s Reigate RH2 7RN 01737 244880 www.reigatestmarys.org Open Morning Wed 10 Oct, 10.30am 12 noon

Lingfield College Lingfield RH7 6PH 01342 838153 Co-educational independent inter-denominational school.

Pupils aged 2.5 -18 years www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk Open Morning Sat 29 Sep, 9.30am - 1pm Sixth Form Open Evening Thurs 11 Oct

Royal Alexandra & Albert School Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TD 01737 649000 Co-educational boarding school.

Pupils aged 7 – 18 years. www.raa-school.co.uk Open Morning Sat 22 Sept Sixth Form Please arrive by 9am.

Years 3 - 11 All welcome. Please arrive between 9am and 10am.

Manor House School & Nursery Leatherhead, KT23 4EN 013 7245 7077 www.manorhouseschool.org Open Morning Sat 6 Oct, 10am Micklefield School Reigate RH2 9DU 01737 224212 Co-education independent day school. Pupils aged 3-11 years. www.micklefieldschool.co.uk Drop in Morning Tues 9 Oct, 10am - 12noon Oakhyrst Grange Caterham CR3 6AF 018 8334 3344 www.oakhyrstgrangeschool.co.uk Open Morning Fri 12 Oct, 10am -12noon

St John’s Leatherhead, KT22 8SP 01372 373000 www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk Sixth Form Open Evening Tues 25 Sep, 5pm-6.30pm Whole School Open Evening Fri 28 Sep, 5pm – 7pm Whole School Open Evening Sat 29 Sep, 9am – 11am Discover Event (11+ and 13+) Tues 9 Oct, 9am – 10.45am Warlingham Park School Warlingham, CR6 9PB 01883 626844 Co-educational Prep school.

Pupils aged 2 – 11 years. www.warlinghamparkschool.com Open Morning - Fri 2 Nov, 9.30am – 11.30am

MICKLEFIELD SCHOOL

Co-Educational Independent Preparatory School Rising 3s - 11 Years Drop-in toddler group Tues, Weds, Thurs, term time 2pm - 3:00pm

OUTSTANDING

Micklefield School is a happy flourishing, Independent Preparatory School for boys and girls. We aim to create a family atmosphere that encourages each child to become confident, responsible and to develop their potential.

T: 01737 224212 E: admissions@micklefieldschool.co.uk www.micklefieldschool.co.uk Drop-in morning: 9th October 2018 10am - 12pm familiesonline.co.uk

Families Surrey East 11

What’s On

Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print ...and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families Surrey East Magazine!

Surrey Hills Wood Fair 6th & 7th October 10am – 5pm A great family day out with lots to see and do in beautiful woodland and meadows Come and experience an exciting day out for all the family. Children can enjoy zip wires, tree climbing, horse & cart rides, crafts, storytelling, games and animal attractions. Full of traditional rural charm, there are woodland walks, demonstrations, beautiful crafted woodland products and delicious local food and drink, all within the stunning landscape of the Surrey Hills. Friendly dogs welcome on leads.

Book ahead £7.50 in advance, £10 on the day, Children under 12 - Go free. Free Parking. Fish Pond Copse, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7DW www.surreyhillsenterprises. co.uk . Tickets also available from Guildford Tourist Information Centre 01483 444334. www. tickets.visitguildford.com Thurs sessions at Nower Wood Fri sessions at Newlands Corner Wild Tots with the Surrey Wildlife Centre, 10am-12 noon Surrey Wildlife Trust Unleash your tots on the great outdoors and join us for Forest School inspired adventures for ages 2-5. Book for 6 exciting weekly sessions and feed their imagination with bugs, mud, stories & exploring! Book online at: www. surreywildlifetrust.org/families Sat 15 Sep Wildflowers Hobbledown, Epsom, KT19 8PT A family friendly mini festival of sound and colour, with DJ and powdered paint throwing experience. www.hobbledown.com Sat 15 Sep Heritage Open Day Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS For one day only explore Churchill’s garden and studio free of charge as part of our annual Heritage Open Day celebrations. www.nationaltrust. org.uk

new baby & children’s stuff www.nct.org.uk Throughout October Autumn Colour Hever Castle and Gardens, TN8 7NG Enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot and spectacular autumn tints. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Sat 15 Sep, 2.30pm – 3.30pm Musical Play Group Leith Hill Place RH5 6LY A one-off musical play group with music, dance, singing, instruments for little ones at. NT members go free. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Tues 2 Oct Autumn Free Day RHS Garden Wisley, GU23 6QB Enjoy the glorious colours of autumn at RHS Garden Wisley completely free of charge. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

Sun 16 Sep, 10am –7pm Cheam Celebration of Food & Drink Cheam Park, SM3 8QS The largest food and drink event in surrey. www.cheamcelebration.co.uk

Fri 5- Sun 7 Oct WoodFest RHS Garden Wisely, GU23 6QB Admire traditional skills in a weekend-long celebration of the natural beauty of wood, including artisan woodcraft demonstrations, tree listening, horse logging. www/rhs.org.uk/wisley

Sun 16 Sep Run Reigate for the Children’s Trust Reigate Priory Park, RH2 7RL Set yourself and the family a challenge by running the Reigate Half Marathon, 10k or 5K for The Children’s Trust. www. thechildrenstrust.org.uk Sat 22 Sep, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm Nower Wood Autumn Open Day Meeting Point at Nower Wood, Leatherhead Go wild with your family and take part in free activities including pond dipping, fire lighting and other nature inspired activities. £5 per car. Booking essential at events@surreywt.org.uk. www. surreywildlifetrust.org Sat 29 Sep, 10am – 12noon Dorking NCT Nearly New Sale North Holmwood Village Hall Buy quality second hand and nearly new baby & children’s stuff www.nct.org.uk Sat 29 Sep Bumps2Babies Caterham United Reformed Church, Caterham CR3 6SX Nearly new sale selling good quality, second hand baby goods. www.bumps2babiessales.com

Sat 6 Oct– 6 May The Sun: Living with Our Star Science Museum, nearest tube S. Kensington Spectacular interactive experiences, unique artefacts and stunning imagery shed fresh light on humanity’s relationship with our closest star. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Sat 20 Oct Reigate Beekeepers Association Beekeeping and Honey Show Dorking Christian Centre in Church Street, RH4 1DW A showcase of the best in local honey, with demonstrations and hands-on activities for all. www.bbka.org.uk Sat 27 Oct Bumps2Babies Horley Hookwood Memorial Hall, Horley, RH6 0AZ Nearly new sale selling good quality, second hand baby goods. www.bumps2babiessales.com

HALF TERM HALLOWEEN FUN

Sat 29- Sun 30 Sep Birds of Prey RHS Garden Wisley, GU23 6QB See spectacular birds of prey take wing and demonstrate their breathtaking flying skills. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

20-28 Oct Room on the Broom’ Half Term Family Fun RHS Garden Wisely, GU23 6QB Join in October half term fun with spooky trails around the garden, creepy crafts and a variety of fun activities, including pumpkin carving. www/rhs.org.uk/wisley

Sun 30 Sep, 11am – 12.30pm Godalming & Cranleigh Autumn Nearly New Sale Godalming Borough Hall Buy quality second hand and nearly

Sat 20 Oct – 4 Nov Pumpkin Trail Venue Explore creepy Chartwell looking for petrifying pumpkins around the

In partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises, Denbies Wine Estate hosts Surrey’s own Fantastic Food Festival, Sat 15 – Sun 16 Sep Locals and visitors will experience a truly fantastic food festival at the heart of the stunning Surrey Hills. Conveniently located for an entertaining day for all the family and friends to celebrate the splendid array of wonderful food and drink from the Surrey Hills and beyond.

Children can explore Denbies estate and visit the pop-up rare breeds petting farm, enjoy a number of games, storytelling and face painting in the Kids Zone. Adults £6 / Children £3 / Under 5’s free

Halloween Half Term with Godstone Farm Come down for a day of eerie fun on the farm, dress up and take part in the fancy dress parade, mix a potion in the cauldron or get messy while creating slime in our creepy cave slime station.

With over 500 animals to see and huge play areas too you won’t want to leave, come on Saturday 27th October and stay later for an extra treat – Low Bangs Firework Fun! Book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information visit: www. godstonefarm.co.uk or call 01883 742546. garden this Hallowe’en. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 20 Oct - 28 Oct, 10.30am - 6pm Spooky Half Term Penshurst Place, TN11 8DG Unravel ridiculous riddles and rambunctious rhymes during our Halloween Garden Trail as we get our spook on once again! www.penshurstplace.com Sat 20 – 29 Oct Halloween Half Term fun Hever Castle & Gardens, TN8 7NG Treat the children to a spine-tingling programme of entertainment over the Half Term break with prizes for the best Halloween costumes.

Creepy craft workshops, awesome activities and a spooky trail to follow in the grounds. www.hevercastle.co.uk Mon 22 Oct – Fri 26 Oct, 11am – 4pm (Park open 10am to 4.30pm) Halloween Activity Week Birdworld, GU10 4LD Feel your hair stand on end and a shiver down your spine as you walk through the creepy corridors of Birdworld’s unique Halloween Grotto. Make specially themed arts and crafts, take part in face painting, follow a spooky activity trail and take a ride on the park’s Halloween Train Ride! www.birdworld.co.uk Mon 22 Oct, 11am-2.30pm Ancient Adventures Meet at Nower Wood, Leatherhead Lots of hands on activities including fire lighting, clay pot making and cave painting in the Stone Age, military manoeuvres with the Romans, a walk in the dark during a second World War air raid, spotting pheasants with the Victorians and a conservation task with a modern day Ranger! Booking essential email events@surreywt.org.uk. www.surreywildlifetrust.org

Visit: www.fantasticbritishfoodfestivals.com to book your tickets 12 Families Surrey East

familiesonline.co.uk

BONFIRE NIGHT & FIREWORKS DISPLAYS Sat 26 Oct Fireworks Night at the Children’s Trust, gates open 6pm Tadworth Court, KT20 5RU Come along and enjoy a spectacular night of fireworks within our beautiful mansion grounds. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk

Meet the Ravishing ravens at the British Wildlife Centre The British Wildlife Centre now has ravens on display. The largest member of the Corvid (crow) family, ravens can have a wingspan of up to nearly 5ft, and make the second largest, the crow, look positively dainty!

The Centre acquired two ravens as 4-week old hand-reared chicks. The Centre’s Head Keeper, Matt acted as surrogate parent, building a close bond with them.

For the first few weeks they took over his small office with demands for attention and food.

To some they may have a sinister appearance, but Matt reports that these curious and intelligent birds are gentle giants and like ‘chatting’.

When you next visit be sure to pop by and say ‘Hello’ to Huginn and Muninn (named after the talking ravens belonging to Norse God, Odin).

For more information on these beautiful birds please visit www. britishwildlifecentre.co.uk Fri 26 Oct, 5.30pm-7.30pm Creatures of the Night Meet at Nower Wood, Leatherhead We will carve a pumpkin then find out what really lurks in the woods at this time of year– we will be small mammal trapping, searching the pond with our torches for newts and using bat detectors to see if there are any bats still out and about in the woods around Halloween.Booking essential: events@surreywt.org. uk.www.surreywildlifetrust.org 27 Oct, 1.30pm, 2.15pm and 3pm Not-so Spooky Storytelling Penshurst Place, TN11 8DG Ideal for smaller scarers, our notso-spooky storytelling is a fantastic interactive. Dress for the occasion! www.penshurstplace.com

Sat 3 Nov Round Table Carshalton Fireworks Ruskin Road, SM5 3 London www.carshaltonfireworks.org.uk Fri 2 Nov Kingston Firework Display Kingsmeadow Fitness and Athletic Centre, KT1 3PB Gates open at 6.30pm. Display starts at 8.00pm – (Last entry at 7.45pm) www.kingstonrotaryclub.org.uk Fri 2 Nov, 7pm – 10pm Bonfire Coldarbour Village Coldharbour Cricket ground Torch-lit procession from The Plough, Bonfire and fireworks, bar and lots of good food. www.surreycommunity.info/ coldharbour/calendar Sat 3 & Mon 5 Nov Fireworks Displays Morden Park Sat 3 Nov & Wimbledon Park Mon 5 Nov Two musical, themed fireworks shows at each venue: 6.30pm First bonfire lit, 6.45pm First fireworks show. 8:15pm Second bonfire lit.

8.30pm Second fireworks show. www.merton.gov.uk Sat 3 Nov Epsom Fireworks Display and Funfair Hook Road Areana, Epsom www.epsomfireworks.com Sat 3 Nov Horley Bonfire & Fireworks Horley Lions Club Beginning at 7 (bonfire) & 7.30 (fireworks) tickets £5 Adult £5 Child £3 Family £15 (2 adults + 3 children) www.horleylions.org.uk/fireworks Sat 4 Nov Caterham Fireworks Westway Library, Caterham, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5TP Gates to the field open at 6pm, with the evening kicking off with a torchlight procession. The fire will be lit and the display from 7.15pm and there’ll be plenty of hot food, mulled wine and beer on offer. Tickets £5 (on the gate) or £4 in advance www.caterhamroundtable.co.uk

British Wildlife Centre Free-range red squirrels l Deer park Badgers l Otters l Owl display l Foxes l Wildcats & more l l

Over 40 different species on display

Open every weekend & during state school hols

Half term open: Sat 20 Oct - Sun 28 Oct

1 child FREE with this advert - save £8.50!

Valid to Sun 28 October 2018 with one full paying adult - No cash alternative One voucher per party - No photocopies - Not to be used with other offers (FSE 09-18)

We’re on the A22, Newchapel, nr Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF

01342 834658 www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

CHILDREN’S THEATRE Epsom Playhouse Epsom, KT18 5AL www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Sat 22 Sep There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly Come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales complete with a feast of sing along songs, colourful animal characters and heart-warming family fun.

Wed 24 Oct to Sat 27 Oct Sutton Theatre Company present Bugsy Malone Based on the 1976 hit film, STC are taking this dazzling musical comedy and handing it back to the adults, with life sized hoodlums, sleek female gangsters and sassy dancing girls.

Dorking Halls Dorking, RH5 1SG www.harlequintheatre.co.uk Sat 22 & Sun 23 Sep Bing Calling all Bingsters! Bing and his friends are coming to Dorking in the first ever Bing stage show!

Mon 22 & Tues 23 Oct The Tiger Who Came to Tea Following a smash-hit West End season, the tea-guzzling tiger is back on the road in this delightful family show.

The Hawth Crawley, RH10 6YZ www.hawth.co.uk Sat 8 Sep, 2pm Big Little Fish Family Rave Set sail with the award winning, world famous Big Fish Little Fish crew and their shipmates as they bring their pioneering family rave to The Hawth.

Wed 26 Sep, 1pm & 6.30pm Ministry of Science – Live Ministry of Science Live is not your ordinary science show – it comes with a bang. It comes with a whoosh.

WARNING! 100% Educational. 200% Entertaining. 300% Explosive. 400% Fun.

Wizards and Witches Week at Bocketts Farm 20– 28 October Enjoy a full packed programme of fun and freaky activities including a Quiz Trail, Creepy Craft Corner and Reptile Roadshow, where you’ll get the chance to meet awesome creepy crawlies up close! Plus, they’ll be hundreds of pumpkins on sale and amazing magic shows from the Wizard magician! Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing, and you can meet and feed all of the friendly farm animals too. With a large heated indoor play barn, trampolines, pedal go karts, young driver’s area and a jumping pillow, there’s plenty to keep the whole family amused, whatever the weather!

Open daily 10am – 5.30pm. www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Wed 10 Oct, 1.30pm A frog called Waonda Told through live action, puppetry, music and shadows this is a funny and touching story of love, loss and friendship.

Sat 27 Oct, 11am The Three Little Pigs Funny and warmhearted to make you squeal with laughter, bristling with puppets, live music and a garlicky French twist to the tale.

Sun 7 Oct, 12 noon & 3pm How to Hide a Lion Helen Stephen’s magical book, How to Hide a Lion, comes to life with playful humour, dazzling puppets and jazz.

Revel in traditional Christmas tales and celebrate the festive season this Christmas at Hever Castle and Gardens Castle rooms will be beautifully decorated and themed around traditional Christmas tales, with twinkling lights and welcoming log fires.

Discover the festive trail themed around Charles Dickens’ classic novel ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Ride the carousel and enjoy vintage fairground stalls, roast chestnuts and the chance to meet characters along the trail.

Meet Father Christmas in magical Grotto and complete your visit with relaxed Christmas shopping in the beautifully decorated Hever Castle shops.

For further information about Christmas activities, prices and booking Father Christmas visits, see hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on Families Surrey East 13

What’s On at The National Trust this Autumn

Runnymede Nr Old Windsor, SL4 2JL Tel: 01784 432436 Sat 29 Sep & Sat 27 Oct, 11am–1pm Fungi foray Take a fungus identification walk in the woods with a Runnymede ranger and a local fungi expert.

Sat 13 Oct– Sun 28 Oct, 10.30am–3.30pm Family tree trail Learn about some of our terrific trees as you explore Runnymede and win a small prize.

Tue 23 Oct, 11.30am–12pm Terrible Tuesdays Join us at the Magna Carta Memorial for a series of history talks featuring King John, Magna Carta and Runnymede.

Dapdune Wharf Wharf Rd, GU1 4RR Tel: 01784 432436 Morden Hall Park Morden, SM4 5JD Tel: 020 8545 6850 Sat 29 - Sun 30, Sep 11am-4pm Apple Fest Taste pressed apple juice, Merton apples, toffee apple cake and harvest goodies. Donations welcome.

Sun 7 Oct, 12pm-4pm Morden Hall Park Fun Palace Do you have a secret skill? Share yours and learn one from your neighbours at this vibrant community celebration. Free Thurs 25 – Sat 27 Oct, 11am-4pm Pumpkin carving Pick your pumpkin, create your crazy carving and light it with an LED tea light. £4/5 per small/medium pumpkin Every Fri - Sun in Oct and Nov, 10am-3pm Tremendous tree trail Discover the hidden and secret stories of trees. Make your own wooden medallion to take their powers with you. £2 per trail (craft included)

Hatchlands Park East Clandon, nr Guildford, GU4 7RT Tel: 01483 222482 Daily throughout September, 10am-5pm Hatchlands Bug trail See how many bugs you can spot on a trail through the parkland.

Normal admission applies.

Sun 16 Sep, 11am-4pm Hatchlands Dog Show Bring your four-legged friend and take part in in our friendly show and fun classes in the garden at Hatchlands Park. Normal admission applies + £2 per class.

Sat 21 – Sun 28 October Hallowe’en half-term Enjoy a spooky fun and pumpkin carving in the courtyard. Normal admission + £3 per pumpkin.

Winkworth Arboretum Godalming, GU8 4AD Tel: 01483 222482 Sun 16 Sep & Sat 20 Oct, 10.30am-12.30pm Fungi foray Join expert Sara Shepley for a fungi foray and learn how to identify the fungi growing around the Arboretum.

14 Families Surrey East

Sun 23 Sep, 10.30am-4pm AROC Southern Alfa Day Enjoy a display of Alfa Romeos, while sampling the delights of an Italian market in the meadow. NAA

Wed 12 Sep, 6.30pm – 9pm Bat and owl evening Discover the owls and bats that live along the River Wey.

Sat 22 Sep, 11am – 10pm Wey River Festival Boats will be moored around Dapdune Wharf for the weekend.

There will be lots of entertainment with stalls and activities, such as children’s crafts and activities, while you wait for the boats to appear, Guildford Astronomical Society will show you the night sky.

Thurs 4, 11, 14 & 25 Oct, 10am – 11am Wharf Weenies Story time, fun craft activities and a chance to run around outside all based around children’s stories.

Please come suitably dressed for being outdoors, and there will be some walking involved. 18 months plus.

Polesden Lacey Great Bookham, Dorking RH5 6BB Tel: 01372452048 Sat 20- Sun 28 Oct, 10am-3pm Half term Halloween trail Follow our spooky trail down Nun’s Walk, guided by Mrs Greville’s ghostly dogs. £3 per child, normal admission applies

www.nationaltrust.co.uk

Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher, KT10 9JG Tel: 01372 467806 Fri 14 Sep, 7.15-9.30pm Bat Walk Learn about the species of bats at Claremont and use bat detectors to hear the sounds they make.

Sun 16 Sep, 10.30am-4.30pm Huxley’s birds of prey See a wide variety of birds of prey including eagles, hawks and falcons.

Tue 18 Sep, 11am-12.30pm Life around and beyond the ha-ha Join our friendly guide Hilary and find out more about the ha-ha wall on this guided walk.

Mon 1 Oct, 10am Welcome back dogs Prizes will be awarded throughout the day for best dressed dog and first dog through the gate.

Tue 16 Oct, 11am-12.30pm Fruits, nuts and cones walk Join our guide Hilary and find out all about the berries and nuts that you can find around the garden.

Half-term halloween fun

Sat 20–Sun 28 Oct, 10am-4pm Half-term Hansel and Gretel trail Follow in the footsteps of Hansel and Gretel and help them to escape from the clutches of the wicked witch.

Mon 22, Tue 23, Wed 24 Oct, 11am-1pm Fairy tale crafts Get creative with some fairy tale crafts inspired by traditional gruesome storytelling.

Enjoy spooky trails and gooey pumpkin carving at Dapdune Wharf, Claremont Landscape Garden, Winkworth Arboretum, Polesden Lacey and Hatchlands Park this October half-term.

Thu 25 Oct, 11am-1pm Pumpkin carving Create a spooky pumpkin to take home, just in time for Halloween.

Please bring your own pumpkin.

Fri 26 Oct, 5-7pm Spooky walk Come to Claremont for a horrifying Halloween walk around the garden.

Join us this Halloween if you dare.

Call 0344 800 1895 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey #nationaltrust

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places in Surrey such as Claremont Landscape Garden, Hatchlands Park and Dapdune Wharf for ever, for everyone.

© National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\John Millar.

familiesonline.co.uk

Denbies A5 October Half Term Flyer - PRINT FILE.pdf

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Bocketts Farm Park 20th - 28th October 2018

WITCHES & WIZARDS WEEK ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT!

SPOOKY HOLIDAY FUN

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th October Monday 22 October M

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Tropical Creepy Crawly Roadshow.

Meet Snakes, Lizards, Mini-Beasts, Frogs for an inspiring Animal Encounter.

11.30am & 2.30pm £7.50 per child / Accompanying adults free of charge.

PLUS: A HEATED INDOOR PLAYBARN! PLENTY OF FUN,

Thursday 25 October

Halloween Fancy Dress Disco!

WHATEVER THE WEATHER!

10:30am, 1.30pm and 3.15pm Traditional children’s disco including party games & dancing. £7.50 per child / Accompanying adults free of charge.

Spooky Train Ride & Storytelling!* Dress-up in your best spooky costume for a vineyard train ride and storytelling.

10am, 11am & 12 noon £7.50 per child which includes a chocolate treat or £3 per adult which includes a hot drink. *Taking place on the outdoor Vineyard Train, warm clothing recommended.

Wednesday 24 October

Spooky Train Ride & Storytelling!* Dress-up in your best spooky costume for a vineyard train ride and storytelling.

10am, 11am & 12 noon £7.50 per child which includes a chocolate treat or £3 per adult which includes a hot drink. *Taking place on the outdoor Vineyard Train, warm clothing recommended.

Don’t Miss… Animal Handling, Goat Milking, Tractor Rides, Pony Rides, Go-Karting and Pig racing EVERYDAY! D AR AW WI NN ING !

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

Friday 26 October

Tuesday 23 October

Creepy crafts!

Reptile Roadshow!

Craft Activities available throughout the day from 11am until 3pm. Ranging from £1.75

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Wizards and Witches Quiz Trail!

Hundreds of pumpkins!

Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25.

#

SPECIAL

OFFER

£1 OFF full price farm entry per person* Valid from 1st September - 19th October 2018.

Only with this voucher (*maximum 5 people).

FM

In association with the Surrey Bat Group

Henfold Birds of Prey

11am until 3pm with a main display at 12.30pm. Free of charge.

Denbies Wine Estate Ltd London Road Dorking RH5 6AA T. 01306 876616 www.denbies.co.uk

Shopping

whatever weather the

The Belfry Shopping Centre in the heart of Redhill with a great mix of stores all under one roof.

Love keeping up to date with the Belfry? Follow us on social media!

Autumn at Nower Wood WHSmith Waterstones Clarks Toy Barnhaus Boots Superdrug Claire’s H.Samuel New Look Card Factory Dorothy Perkins Game JD Vision Express The Works PLUS MANY MORE

‘like’ us on Facebook /redhillbelfry follow us on Twitter @BelfryShopping

redhillbelfry.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

FREE OpEn Day 22nD SEpt Plus Ancient Adventures, Creatures of the Night, Day of the Dinosaurs and more!

Booking essential: surreywildlifetrust.org iss ’t m Don ots at T Wild lands New ner!

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Find us on the B2033 nr Leatherhead

Families Surrey East 15

september sat 15 - sun 16 surrey hills

denbies wine estate, london road, dorking, rh5 6aa

NOV 24 – DEC 9 (WED – SUN) DEC 10 – 24 (DAILY)

over 50 local surrey +

national food + drinks stalls

free cookery demos

wine tasting pop-up rare breeds farm live music

& childrens entertainment in partnership with

adults £6 / children £3 / under 5’s free advance tickets available from: fantasticfoodfestivals.com

1993-Christmas-Daytime-Ad-2018-Families-87x130-AW.indd 1

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Registering a birth?

It’s quick and easy to book your appointment online.

Visit: surreycc.gov.uk/birth to find a time that suits you 16 Families Surrey East

familiesonline.co.uk