Families Solent West Issue 44

Issue 44: January/ February 2015

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In this issue

The importance of vocabulary Learning holidays Organic food - just a fad or just fabulous?

Getting boys reading

Confidence Building Fun

Call 0845 400 1304 or visit perform.org.uk to find your nearest venue.

Try a Free Drama Class Families Solent West Magazine - information and events for parents with 0 - 12 year olds in Hampshire

January/ February 2015

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Dorset Business Opportunity Are you l

well organised? l hard working? l motivated? l looking for a new opportunity?

Families Dorset Magazine, part of the Families Magazines franchise, is available to buy and would be the perfect opporunity for you to run your own business.

24 and 25 Jan 9.30am - 3.30pm Visit sparsholt.ac.uk to buy tickets now Bring your family to meet our new arrivals, get hands on with lots of fun activities and enjoy refreshments from a great range of local caterers.

HEALTH WARNING: Women who are or may be pregnant should not attend this event.

01962 776441

sparsholt.ac.uk

If you are looking for a fun, creative and worthwhile business opportunity and want to work at home and do hours that fit around your family then a Families franchise could be for you.

No particular qualifications are needed but it does help if you are confident, express yourself well, know your way around a computer, can drive and live in or near to Dorset.

The Families group of magazines has been expanding since its very first issue in South West London in 1990. Everyone is friendly, helpful and advice and support are always available.

If you would like to discuss this unique opportunity call Sarah on 07876 761623 or email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

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Solent West Magazine Editor: Rebecca Carr 07789 882467 editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk

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Advertising: Claire Clarricoates 07789 882467 ads@familiessolentwest.co.uk Next issue: March/ April 2015 Booking deadline: 2 February 2015 40,000 readers per issue Printed by Bishops www.familiessolentwest.co.uk © Families Solent West 2015 Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to win a prize in a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the prize.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent West not its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for consequence.

Cover image: © Monsoon

@Familiessolentw

In this issue....

4

News & views

6

Organic food - a fad or just fabulous

7

Eat yourself pregnant!

8

Fussy eaters

9

Learning holidays

10

How to choose the best nursery

11

What to expect from your childs nusery

12

Getting boys reading

13

The importance of vocabulary

14

What's on in January & February

Facebook.com /Familiessolentwest

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10% discount for Families readers on orders placed during January & February Quote Families10 at the checkout

www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn January/ February 2015

0845 3133244 Tel: 08000 0000 000southhants@rugbytots.co.uk | yourname@rugbytots.tld www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

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News & views

News &Views

New Ante & Post Natal Pilates Classes New Mums and Mums to be can now benefit from specialist physio-led Pilates at goPhysio in Chandlers Ford. Under the expert instruction of a Physiotherapist, you will learn to exercise those important core muscles helping both prevent and manage common pregnancy related problems such as back pain, pelvic pain & SPD. After the birth, these classes can help your recovery and with regaining fitness, strength and tone.

Booking is essential. More information can be found at www.gophysiotherapy.co.uk or call 023 8025 3317.

Health & wellbeing from Pharmaton Vitality We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle. Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks? Pharmaton Vitality capsules are packed with vitamins, minerals and the unique Ginseng G115 that’s clinically proven to release fatique and aid mental and physical wellbeing.

Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials and studies.

Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules (licensed medicine), to feel the positive difference for the relief of fatigue.

Always read the label. Article supplied by Pharmaton Vitality.

Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Workshops Workshops for 4-8 year olds with Perform focus on helping to develop childrens confidence, co-ordination, communication and concentration skills. Perform will help give your child amazing social skills and the best fun. From January - April, Perform children aged 4 - 7 years will be exploring new lands on a colourful Jungle adventure.

They’ll meet the Cheetah with Ryvita, teach Boo the baby monkey to eat Banana Pie and learn to dance The Jungle Jive.

Perform's 7-12 year olds will be having fun with 'Hercules Beat' which is a modern adaptation of the Classic Greek Myth and explore the 12 labours of Hercules and his super strength and best of all, the children won't notice how much they are improving their social skills along the way.

Classes are held at St Thomas Church in Lymington on Mondays from 4-6pm and United Abbey Reform Church in ROMSEY on Tuesdays from 4-7pm. For more information go to www.perform.org.uk or to book a free trail session call the Perform team on 0845 400 4000 or email enquiries@perform.org.uk

**SPECIAL READER OFFER** Book a free trial session before 31st January 2015 and you will be entitled to a £30 discount. Just quote FAML100215

Homes needed for Hampshire children Hampshire County Council are looking for people who live in the county or surrounding areas to provide homes for Hampshire children who are unable to live with their birth families.

We are particularly looking for homes for older children, teenagers, siblings and children with disabilities or special needs. This could be through adoption, long or short term fostering, emergency placements, or providing regular respite breaks through the Family Link scheme. Please come along and find out more at our next drop in event between 10am – 2pm on Saturday 31 January at Merchistoun Hall in Horndean. There will be an opportunity to speak to some of our foster carers and adopters as well as finding out more about the children who need homes, the assessment process and the support and training offered by Hampshire County Council.

For further information call 0845 6035620 or visit the website: www.hants.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering

Free childcare to double The number of 2 year olds eligible for free childcare is to double this winter, as around 40% will now be entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week, up from 20% last year. ‘Giving a helping hand to families that need it most will mean thousands more children get a brighter start in life,’ said Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. ‘We are doubling the number of free childcare places for twoyear-olds. All parents need to do to check if they qualify is contact their local authority or childrens centre.’ Childcare and Education Minister Sam Gyimah added, ‘We know that good quality early education can make a huge difference in levelling the playing field and improving a child’s life chances. This free childcare entitlement gives children crucial support that could make all the difference to how well they do at school and beyond. Find out whether your child is eligible at www.gov.uk/freechildcare 4

January/ February 2015

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News & views

Put a spring in your step at Sparsholt College’s Lambing Weekend Mary had a little lamb – now Sparsholt College is having hundreds! To allow families to experience the natural wonder of birth and to learn about farming and shepherding, the College will be holding its annual Lambing Weekend on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January.

Shepherd John Garrett works with the sheep while the birthing takes place, assisted by Sparsholt College students. John also provides the viewing public with a running commentary and takes questions from the inquisitive onlookers. Lambing Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for children and adults alike to watch lambs being born and to enjoy a family day out.

There are lots of activities to take part in, including tractor and trailer rides, quizzes and puzzles, and craft activities. A variety of hot and cold food and drinks will be available to purchase. Tickets are available at sparsholt.ac.uk or on the gate on the day.

Childcare Minister, Same Giymah is encouraging more high fliers The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts is taking their fantastic performing arts experience to Savannah Beach Hotel in Barbados this year. In a unique collaboration with Virgin Holidays, children aged 4-16 will be able to sing, dance and act in PQA’s action packed workshops while you relax on the beach. ‘I’m really excited about working with Virgin Holidays on the launch of the PPQA at Savannah Beach in Barbados,’ said Pauline Quirke. ‘Both parties know more than anyone how important it is to offer fun activities for young people while they are on their holidays, and our fabulous workshops do exactly that. Families will go away with some brilliant holiday memories as the sessions not only build young peoples’ confidence, but they also bring out the performer in everyone whilst enjoying the sunshine!’

Workshops have been skilfully crafted by PQA’s creative team which includes an educational element tied into the colourful history of the Caribbean, regaling tales of everything from local pirates to the ghosts of Savannah Beach, and culminating in a performance of their very own PQA show. The classes are free of charge to children staying at Savannah Beach.

Find your nearest Pauline Quirke Academy at www.pqacademy.com or call 0845 6732 022

What will you and the kids be wearing on 27 March?

Save the date for Wear A Hat Day 2015 – the UK’s fun-filled, premier annual brain tumour awareness event helping support long-term research and saving lives. One of the UK’s best-loved national fundraising events is coming back for its sixth year running, on Friday 27 March.

Organised by Charity Brain Tumour Research, this year is offering a fun, fresh challenge: the Wear A Hat Day Awards! By asking families, children and schools across the UK to register and on March 27 join in the fun as the UK gets its hat on! www.wearahatday.org January/ February 2015

Recycling peoples' rubbish helps raise funds for UK pregnancy charity Southampton resident Jenny is collecting other peoples’ rubbish and helping to turn it into much needed for funds for UK Pregnancy Charity Count the Kicks.

Count the Kicks runs a recycling scheme across the UK collecting baby food pouches, Tassimo coffee pods, sweet biscuit wrappers, used stamps and printer ink cartridges, washing up liquid tops, spray trigger heads, cleaning wipe packets, plastic air fresheners and clothes and shoes. The recycled goods are turned into funds which go back to the charity.

Count The Kicks is one of the UK’s leading pregnancy charities which aims to drastically reduce the number of families that experience the tragedy of stillbirth in the UK which currently stands at 17 babies every day.

By educating expectant mums on the importance of monitoring their baby’s movements, the charity aim to help to cut this number by at least a third and help expectant mothers have more healthy pregnancies.

Jenny said: “I am a volunteer recycler for Count the Kicks, so I collect recycling regionally in the Southampton and Eastleigh area. Count the Kicks has recycling volunteers across the country and I really want to raise awareness of our scheme and encourage people to donate these items to us which would otherwise go to landfill, so that they can be recycled and the money can go to such a good cause.”

If you would like further information about Count The Kicks, or to donate items to Jenny, you can contact her by email: ctksouthampton@gmail.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/ctksouthampton www.countthekicks.org.uk

Entertain the children during February half term!

Exploremore4kids is an active event for accompanied primary school children, aged 4-11 during February half term. Combining professionally-run sports, craft, performing arts, cookery and storyboarding activities, it’s the perfect way to entertain the children during half term! It takes place on Thurs 19th February 2015 at the Saints Football Club in Southampton with stadium tours available.

Activities will be run by: Bella Crafts; Jing Wu Kids Martial Arts; and the John Hansard Gallery artist Joel Papps will be running Colour Charting workshops.

Inspired by the Tom Dale: Terminal Blue exhibition, your child will have an opportunity to develop a special chart of personality-matched colours. Other partners include Juggling Jake Circus Skills; Lemon & Soul Cookery School; Rock Out Music School; Solent Kite Flyers; and Stagecoach Performing Arts School. Binky Bear will also be running story-boarding sessions for younger visitors.

For information and to book please visit www.exploremore4kids.co.uk www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

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Family health

Organic food - just a fad or just fabulous?

Going organic can be more expensive, but is your family missing out on healthier, safer food?

problems at very low doses.

Pesticide levels in children plummet as soon as they begin eating an organic diet and if you wish to reduce your exposure to persistent and synthetic chemical pesticides and GMOs, organic food really is the only option.

Ask anyone about organic food and you will get a variety of answers. It means no insecticides, it’s expensive, no different from non-organic food, better for the environment. The wide variety of opinions is not surprising considering the vast and often conflicting information out there.

How can we be sure if buying organic food really is healthier for our family?

Nutrition levels The latest research, from Stanford University, found that organic produce isn't necessarily healthier than more conventional produce. Yet, previous studies have indicated nutrition levels can be up to 40% higher than non-organic food. In a review of 400 published papers comparing organic and nonorganic foods, the Soil Association Certification reported that organic crops were higher in essential minerals, phytonutrients, and vitamin C. A report recently published by Compassion in World Farming has concluded that meat from animals raised under higher welfare standards such as organic found that higher welfare meant lower levels of fat, including saturated fat, higher levels of Omega-3, and higher levels of antioxidants.

Whilst tests like these provide conflicting results, it is obvious that nutrients come from soil enriched through composting, cover cropping, and humus. These organic techniques create the flavour in the foods, and the proof can often be found in the taste.

Pesky pesticides Whereas no one necessarily expects organic food to be more nutritious, it is the question of harmful chemicals that make most of us start to pay attention. Pesticides are used to protect crops before and after harvest from infestation by pests and plant diseases. A possible consequence of their use is the presence of pesticide residues in

food. As would be expected the Stanford study found that organic produce carried 31% fewer pesticides, than in conventionally grown produce.

For conventionally grown produce, pesticide levels should be well within government established safety guidelines which are monitored through an official surveillance programme overseen by the Defra Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF). However, their latest report showed that from a selection of samples tested, 2% contained residues over the legal limit.

Debate also rages about whether these limits are really safe. Knowledge about the long term impact on the body of pesticides is not known, whereas we do know that pesticides used in the wrong way or wrong dose are harmful to people, wildlife and the environment. In addition, 20% of fruit and vegetables sold in supermarkets today contain more than one type of pesticide residue, and some initial studies have highlighted potential risks to the immune system or behavioural changes as a result of these pesticide mixtures. There is also growing concern about the presence in food of endocrine disrupting chemicals, those which can disrupt hormone levels. Again it is thought that these substances can cause

Nurturing the environment For many of us, including farmers, organic food is less about the absence of toxic and synthetic pesticides and more about the use of humane standards for animals, increasing biodiversity on farms and in nature, and fostering resilient and adaptable plants and soils that reduce our carbon footprint. Without any doubt organic food production helps the environment. Organic farms use less energy and produce less waste than non-organic farms, avoid any risk of soil contamination from pesticide use.

The effects of climate change are well reported and the UK has committed to cut climate change emissions 80% by 2050.

Buying organic products helps to support the climate-friendly farming, and whilst there is no quick way to get there, the small buying choices we make every day are a simple but powerful form of helping the environment The importance of the benefits of organic food varies from person to person. Eating chemically-assisted fruit and veg is not harmful in itself, but the value of organic grown produce with its positive impact on the environment, reduced pesticide residues and arguably greater nutrition is hard to ignore. Minimising exposure to harmful chemicals and maximising a nutritious and healthy environment has to be a great investment for your family.

Main sources www.soilassociation.org www.ciwf.org.uk/your_food www.foe.co.uk/sites/default/files/ downloads/pesticides_our_food.pdf www.pesticides.gov.uk

Going Organic - for those of us who worry about the extra cost of buying organic here is a quick guide to buying organic on a budget. ü Sign-up to an organic box scheme or shop at farmers' markets. Local, seasonal, organic and often good value for money. ü

Cook fresh fruit and veg from scratch

ü Avoid ready-made, over-packaged convenience foods which are often more expensive.

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ü Eat less meat or try lower cost cuts belly of pork, neck of lamb, even offal can provide tasty nutritious meals ü

Cook in bulk and make more with less

ü Make larger batches and use cheaper ingredients like tinned tomatoes or beans and pulses to bulk things out

ü Pick and choose your organic purchases. Avoid the most contaminated fruits and vegetables – grapes, tomatoes and packaged salads for instance - and you can reduce exposure to pesticides by up to 90%.

Sources: www.ewg.org/foodnews

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Eat yourself pregnant Forget faddy diets - Nutritionist Christine Bailey explains how to boost your chances of conceiving a healthy baby by optimising your intake of essential fertility nutrients.

sure your man gets plenty too as low levels are linked to reduced sperm count. Best foods include: pumpkin seeds, lean meat and poultry, shellfish particularly oysters.

My research and experience as a nutritionist has shown me that nutrient dense, unprocessed food (and supplements as necessary) forms the bedrock of getting your body baby-ready and of making healthy eggs and sperm. There is now much scientific evidence to indicate that micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) play a big role in getting pregnant – both naturally and through assisted conception – with deficiencies having significant effects on fertility for both men and women. It is for this reason I wrote my latest recipe book Eat Yourself Pregnant with fertility expert Zita West (www.christinebailey.co.uk).

Selenium & Vitamin E

Here are some of the top nutrients you and your partner need to give you the best chance of conceiving a healthy baby.

Folic Acid

Most of us will be aware of the role of folic acid in preventing spina bifida in your baby, so it is essential that you get plenty both before and during pregnancy. However folic acid together with other B vitamins (especially B12 and B6) are also vital for the production of genetic materials DNA and RNA, not only of the egg but also the sperm. Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables, avocado and asparagus. For B12 make sure you consume sufficient protein rich foods such as fish, meat, dairy products and eggs.

Zinc

Zinc has been widely studied in terms of fertility for both men and women. It is an essential component of genetic material and a zinc deficiency can lead to reduced fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. Make

Selenium and vitamin E are important antioxidant that helps to protect your body from damaging chemicals known as free radicals. It is therefore helpful for protecting the egg and also important for sperm formation. Munch on a handful of Brazil nuts a day to keep up your levels of selenium or snack on nuts and seeds for vitamin E.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

These essential fats have a profound effect on your hormones so don’t go on a low fat diet. Eat plenty of oily fish, flaxseed, walnuts and chia seeds. Sperm quality can be improved by having an optimum levels of these fats.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and studies show that vitamin C enhances sperm quality, protecting sperm and the DNA within it from damage. It may also improve motility of the sperm by preventing them from clumping together. Some of the best sources are citrus fruit, leafy green vegetables and berries.

Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A

Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant, which helps to protect egg and sperm DNA from damage, which can affect the quality of both the egg, and sperm. Foods such as sweet potato, butternut squash and green leaf vegetables are great sources. Vitamin A is a vital nutrient for the production of healthy eggs and mucosal tissue.

High doses in supplement form are not recommended during pregnancy.

Iodine

Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones and thus important for a women’s hormonal cycle control as well as for the development of the foetus. The best sources really are sea vegetables or try increasing your intake of fish, shellfish and eggs

Vitamin D

Low vitamin D deficiency is significant for male fertility, as it affects the motility of the sperm the sperm nucleus. It may also be associated with lower libido. Best source is sunlight but you can get some through oily fish, eggs and mushrooms.

Further information and healthy recipes to support fertility and a healthy pregnancy can be found in Eat Yourself Pregnant by Zita West and Christine Bailey (Nourish Books) www.christinebailey.co.uk

New Year New You: time to detox our lives?

Many of us wake up on January 1st feeling exhausted from Christmas, a little worse for wear from the night before and desperate for the kids to go back to school. But we also find ourselves scribbling lists of New Year’s resolutions – to get fit, lose weight, get stuck in to that pile of paperwork on the kitchen table and, often, to give our working lives a shake up too.

or to re-train in something that will get us leaping out of bed every morning!

From a new job or a whole new career, the world is your oyster as a working mum. If your hours are limited by the school run, setting up your own business or taking up a franchise can offer you the opportunity to do something you love while working flexible hours, and the options are limitless.

The New Year is not just about detox-ing our bodies – it can also be a time to detox our lives. In fact, January is a fantastic time for those of us with children in nursery or full time education for the first time to go back to work, start a new venture, set up our own business

You can choose anything from running a yoga franchise to teaching little ones dance or drama, from teaching Spanish to starting your own Families magazine!

January/ February 2015

Take a course, start a marketing business, design websites, set up a blog, open a café – it’s up to you.

There are plenty of websites out there to help you get started and find a new job, re-train, choose the right business, give you ideas, advise you on tax and even help you design your logo, so there’s no excuse not to get stuck in this New Year.

Take a look at: www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business www.workingmums.co.uk www.mumandcareer.co.uk www.mumandworking.co.uk www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

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Family health

Fussy eaters affects 9 out of 10 families A recent survey on fussy eating has found that over 80% of UK parents have children who are fussy eaters.

The research, commissioned by Abbott, has also shown that 69% of parents worry that their child is not getting the nutrition they need and a further 60% said their child’s fussy eating habits make them feel frustrated. The emotional impact of fussy eating on parents is significant, with 25% fretting that other people might think they are a bad parent and 27% worrying that their child might go hungry at school or at a friend’s house.

Fussy eating is a widespread issue in the UK, affecting many families and parents of fussy eaters will go to extreme lengths in order to get their children to eat well. Bribing children with dessert or sweets (34%), hiding vegetables in other foods (33%) and threatening to take away treats or fun activities (21%) were some of the most common tactics used by parents.

Netali Levi, a Clinical Psychologist works with children who are fussy

cooking and preparing food, gradually introducing new flavours and textures, and rewarding progress, it should be possible for you to navigate this tricky phase and get them back to healthy eating habits.”

For advice and tips on tackling fussy eating, download a unique 12-week “back on track” eating plan, developed

by Netali and a nutritionist. visit: www.fussyeaters.co.uk

eaters and their parents believes that “managing mealtimes to make them enjoyable, reducing stress (both yours and the child’s) and understanding your child’s hunger signals are all key to success”. Netali also advises that “It’s important to realise that there are some aspects of the situation where you may have less control. You need to find what works for you and your child but generally speaking, by involving them in the process of shopping,

Stick it o

The Healthy Lunchbox by Fiona Beckett, published by Grub Street, £6.99

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Learning holidays Of course a vacation is a time to laze around and do nothing; but they're also bursting with opportunities to find out something new, and chasing those chances could give you the most fun of all. Joanna Moorhead reports

"A learning holiday?" said one of my daughters, when I suggested we could combine going on vacation with supplementing her education. "Have you gone completely bonkers?"

I hadn't; but what I did realise, at that moment, was the folly of being upfront in my views about how holidays could be an opportunity to impart knowledge. The trick is never to mention it, and not under any circumstances to admit or volunteer that you are aiming to weave a thread of anything educational through your spring or summer break. But the truth is, holidays are one of the best learning opportunities a parent has - and finding out new things that complement what's happening in school can be a whole lot of fun when it's far from the classroom and a long way from home.

In terms of focus, there are two possibilities. Either pick up on a child's existing passion — for art, perhaps, or for aeroplanes or fashion or try to give them a new perspective on a subject they're finding difficult to engage with. In my own experience, I've always taken the former (easier) route; but I do sometimes think I should do more to help my kids with the parts of the curriculum they find hardest, and holidays could be the perfect time to do that. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Art

Children start learning about individual artists from nursery school. Pick an artist your child has talked about at school, or has seemed drawn to when you've looked at his/her work together. Easilyaccessible artists who use a lot of bright colours are ideal - think Van Gogh, Hockney, Georgia O'Keeffe.

It's easy to make any holiday artorientated, since art galleries are January/ February 2015

everywhere: but if you want, you can make it about more than just museums.

Try a trip to Arles in the south of France where you can see copies of Van Gogh's most famous paintings set up on permanent easels in the exact spot where he painted them, and dine at the Starry Night CafĂŠ; or have a trip to Cornwall and find the landscapes and fishing village scenes made famous by the Newlyn School. Or holiday in Pont-Aven in Brittany, once home to Paul Gaugin; or head for Italy and one of the numerous artists' trails there such as the Piero della Francesca trail in Tuscany.

Southampton Airport offers direct flights to 43 European destinations including France, the Netherlands and Germany.

Fly local and book your holidays straight from Southampton Airport for a quick family weekend break without the hasstle of getting to a London airport.

Science and nature

The simplest way to introduce nature into your holiday is to go for a walk in an undeveloped area, and to explore the green space around you. Look for bugs, birds, small animals and their habitats; if you're not very knowledgeable about these things yourself, head for a park or arboretum where there are trails and leaflets with advice on what to look out for.

Star gazing is another great way to weave science into your holiday. You can see the stars from your back garden on a clear night, but a camping holiday is often the key to the most impressive display of the constellations. Wetlands centres and natural history and science museums are more great ways to introduce the subject into your vacations in an exciting way.

Nestled in the breathtaking New Forest, Sandy Balls Holiday Village is perfect for families looking for a relaxing break or action packed adventure in the beautiful surroundings. Set in a 120-acre estate, our award-winning, five star holiday village offers accommodation to suit all budgets. Open all year, there are opulent woodland lodges, cosy caravans, camping pods and fully-serviced touring pitches available for weekend, mid-week or a longer stays. The village is a safe, friendly haven offering an idyllic setting to explore the outdoors with amazing walks,

bike trails and great onsite facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, activities programme featuring crafts, bug hunts and archery, entertainment, restaurant and pub.

Literacy

Literacy isn't just about books: taking your children to the places where the characters and authors are from, their favourite books will show them a whole new side to reading.

For younger children, theme parks such as Thomasland at Drayton Manor, www.draytonmanor.co.uk or Peppa Pig World, www.peppapigworld, both open at February half term and then from March, bring their characters to life in a new way and will prompt even more interest in the books.

Older children will enjoy a trip to Haworth in west Yorkshire, home of the Brontes Or head to the Jane Austen attractions locally in Hampshire, or to the Thomas Hardy museum in Dorset.

History

You can't go wrong with history: in fact, it's hard to have a holiday without it straying onto the margins even if you don't try. Castles, National Trust houses, museums, cathedrals, palaces; the world is heaving with history, and it only takes a tiny bit of imagination to put it into action on holiday. For something different, try taking your kids along to an event at an English Heritage or National Trust property designed to bring the history to life. Or join a child-friendly guided tour of a palace or cathedral - good guides will be full of interesting stories that spark the imagination of even the child who might think history is boring in school.

And don't forget to enjoy learning on holiday yourself! www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

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family might not work for another).

Things to consider: Staff and ethos See what the turnover of staff is (always a good indicator of happiness) and check their qualifications. The presence of older staff members brings added life experience and suggests that the nursery values its staff enough to pay for this. Check out the routines, such as what food they offer and when it’s served, or when and where the children can nap.

Choosing the best nursery

By Hannah Hunter.

For many parents, nurseries are the ideal choice for childcare. They offer working hours, with a lot of flexibility - you can choose hours to suit you, from a few half days to full working weeks. Nurseries give children the opportunity to socialise with groups of other children and adults. They can also give a reassuring continuity of care, with an assigned key worker. Your child may be at the same setting from babyhood, right until they start at school.

For some, finding the right nursery can be a difficult and stressful process. The first time you hand over full-time care of your precious offspring to someone else is always going to be emotional, so you want to be absolutely sure that you have made the right choice for all of you.

Project3_Layout 1 01/12/2014 17:38 Different types of nursery

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early as possible to find the best fit. www.gov.uk/find-nursery-school-place directs you to your local council’s website, which will list all Ofsted-checked registered childcare providers.

Your different options may include: Day Nurseries Great for working parents, as they are usually open from 8am-6pm Nursery Schools For older toddlers (usually about 2 and a half and up) these nurseries offer a more structured preparation for school Nursery classes in school Usually run for the year before reception, they have a similar structure to nursery schools, though often only run half-day sessions.

Montessori and Steiner nurseries Montessori philosophy informs how their schools are run, they are seen as the originators of child centred learning, and there is a focus on developing each child’s independence and skills.

Focusing on creative play, Steiner schools don’t believe in any formal teaching until the age of 6.

Read more here: www.familiesonline.co.uk/ LOCATIONS/Chiltern/Articles2/ Nursery-and-preschool/What-areall-the-different-types-of-nursery/ (language)/eng-GB

Your first visit www.Familiesonline.co.uk

Events info for here and across the UK 10 January/ February 2015

Make time to look around potential nurseries, well before you are going to need to use them. Read the Ofsted report (www.ofsted.gov.uk) and make a list of your priorities before you go. See if you can find out any first hand information from friends (though bear in mind what’s good for one

Cost Be realistic in how much you can pay. A perfect work-life balance doesn’t mean working more hours to pay for a ‘better’ nursery! Most nurseries have funded places for 3 to 5-year-olds, and your workplace may offer childcare vouchers, a tax-free way to pay. You may also be eligible for childcare tax credits, to find out more www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs The ‘feel’ of the place Going by gut instinct alone isn’t advisable, but if you don’t get a good feeling, it might not be the place for your child. Happy staff and children can make up for a lack of perfection in other areas. Look out for children’s work on the walls, and staff who actually play with the kids rather than stand around chatting.

Your child’s personality Is your child quiet and shy, or loud and outgoing? Do they love playing outdoors, or prefer indoor games? It seems obvious, but try to match the nursery to your child’s interests.

Your own needs!

There might be a wonderful nursery half an hour drive away from you, but consider how will both of your tiredness levels be after this daily journey - would you be better to find somewhere closer that is a good fit?

Equally the most convenient, say a workplace nursery, may not be the best for your child.

Useful links www.ndna.org.uk National Day Nurseries Association offer expert advice and information for parents looking for childcare.

The Family and Childcare Trust is a campaigning organisation with helpful information for parents. This site will help you find your local Family Information Service: http://findyourfis. familyandchildcaretrust.org/kb5/findyourfis/ home.page giving local information, advice and assistance to parents, carers and professionals on the range of children, family and young people's services. www.ofsted.gov.uk www.montessori.org.uk www.steinerwaldorf.org www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Early years education

What to expect from your childs nursery education and personal, social and emotional development. Any areas where they need extra help or support will be highlighted at this stage.

The next written assessment will come when your child is 5, usually at the end of their reception year, which is the last year they are classed as being in early years education. This will include assessment of skills such as writing their name, reading and talking about a favourite book, speaking to people your child is not so familiar with or their understanding of numbers. The school will give you a progress report including some of this information.

How will I know how my child is doing?

We’ve all heard about the importance of early years education. Apparently a child who has gone to pre-school has more chance of getting better exam results and ultimately earning higher wages, according to new research undertaken by academics at the Institute of Education.

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So you send your child to nursery, in the hope that it will improve their education prospects. But what are they actually going to do there all day? They’re not going to tell you! Teenagers struggle enough to recall what’s happened a few hours before, so you can’t expect detailed information from a 3-year-old.

It also covers the seven areas of learning and development. These are:

To give you some idea of what will happen, the Early Years Foundation Stage framework is a document that sets out the statutory welfare and developmental goals for children 5 years and under. It gives guidelines for safety and learning and development for all early years providers - all nurseries, child minders, playgroups, preschools and reception classes The EYFS explained The EYFS framework document can seem daunting, but it’s there to ensure that all children receive a suitable level of care.

It sets out the legal requirements that keep your child safe and promote their welfare. This includes: •

Basic checks, such as staff security checks

January/ February 2015

• •

• • • • • • •

Setting the number of children each member of staff can look after Ensuring the facilities and equipment are safe and suitable Checking the quality of the environment, e.g. recommending access to outdoor space

communication and language physical development personal, social and emotional development literacy mathematics understanding the world expressive arts and design

The activities they will do at nursery, to support their learning and development will be unique to your child’s needs. They will learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside. There is a requirement for ‘continuous provision’, which in layman’s terms means that there needs to be high quality resources and activities available all of the time, so your child can learn through play in lots of different ways.

Your child will have a ‘key person’ at nursery, pre-school or reception class, who is responsible for putting together information on how they are developing.

This person will be your main point of contact, and it’s important that you work together and communicate well.

Any worries about your child should be discussed with their key worker, and they will be able to build on what your child is learning at home.

Look at the full document www.gov.uk/government/ publications/early-yearsfoundation-stage-framework--2 For a detailed parent’s guide to the EYFS visit: www.foundationyears.org.uk/ files/2014/08/EYFS_Parents_ Guide-amended.pdf For more general advice visit: www.ndna.org.uk/parents

Assessment The EYFS also lays out guidelines for assessment of your child’s progress.

Soon after your child turns 2, you will get a written summary of how your child is progressing in communication and language, physical development www.familiessolentwest.co.uk 11

Education

Getting Boys Reading Research by Save the Children in the recently published ‘Read on Get on’ report shows that there are currently more boys unable to read well at the age of 11 than girls. Even though girls generally read better than boys internationally, the gap between boys and girls reading abilities in the UK is one of the widest in the developed world. In 2013, only 72% of boys were reading well by the age of 11 compared to 78% of girls.

Following the Save the Children report, the ‘Read on Get on’ Campaign was launched in September 2014 with the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds will leave primary school being able to read well by 2025. (Reading well is a ‘level 4’ at school, or in real life terms – it is being able to enjoy stories such as Treasure Island or Harry Potter, as well as confidently being able to enjoy reading in a wide range of subjects.)* We need to do more to get boys reading and more importantly - get them reading for pleasure. There is a virtuous circle between enjoying reading and being a good reader.

Developing a love of stories and books is crucial.

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The ideas and strategies below to get boys reading more can apply to girls as well.

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Read for at least 10 minutes a day with or to your children. Frequent short bursts are better than prolonged reading sessions. If it becomes as much a routine as putting on socks, then reluctant readers are less likely to complain

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Read anything. Boys are more likely to enjoy reading if they can choose their own reading material and read for a purpose. Try gadget, skateboard, golf or farming magazines, football programmes or sports biographies.

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Get dads reading in the home!

‘Read on Get on’ research shows that the impact of parents and in particular dads, has a huge positive impact on children’s reading. Children fall into reading habits based on what goes on in their home. If they never see their dad or older brother reading, they are much less likely to pick up a book themselves.

Get dads into schools! Many schools and organisations such as Beanstalk encourage volunteer readers to help with children’s reading. (There are details of how you can volunteer at www.readongeton.org.uk.) It’s not easy for working people to take time out to help with reading in school, but employers are being encouraged to get involved with ‘Read on Get on’ by forming partnerships with local schools and being more flexible with employees to allow them to volunteer to help with reading.

Boys are more likely to be embarrassed to read or be seen to enjoy reading than girls, as it is seen as un-cool. Boys need ‘cool’ role models, to be seen reading, to talk about books and to get involved in reading projects in schools. Get your son to write to sports personalities, celebrities or authors to see if they will visit their school. They might be quite receptive with an active campaign going on.

Integrate reading into everyday life as much as possible. Ask your son to help you read instructions, or get him to read out the recipe as you are cooking. When out shopping recently, I was heartened to see a dad and son who kept stopping, as the dad got

his son to read out various signs and captions in the department store.

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Time pressured parents need to rethink how they enjoy their time with boys. If you only end up with half an hour of one to one time with your son, then reading a book together should be given as much priority and time as kicking a ball in the back garden.

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If nothing else works – use incentives!

Being able to read well at the age of 11 is the keystone to a good start in life. Children need to ‘learn to read’ and then they ‘read to learn’. There is something we can all do to get involved with ‘Read on Get on’ and help reach the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds (especially boys) will read well by 2025.

I launched Reading Chest in 2010 when my own son started to learn to read. He found reading difficult and so it wasn’t long before he didn’t enjoy it. At the point when his school ran out of books because he hadn’t made enough progress to move up to the next colour band, I searched for appropriately levelled reading books that might inspire him and the idea of Reading Chest began.

Liz Walker, founder of Reading Chest.

Reading Chest is a through the post children’s book rental service for children, offering a huge range of reading schemes including many non-fiction titles. For more information and reading advice visit the website: www.readingchest.co.uk.

Read on Get on report, published by Save the Children, September, 2014.

Ed's Reading Room

** New Year Competition – Six of the best **

I’m Ed and here is my New Year book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online and from good bookstores. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

Email Ed telling him the title of your favourite ever book and stating your age, with Families Magazine in the subject line. The lucky winner will receive six fantastic books for their age. The closing date to enter is 18 January 2015. Email your entry to ed@edontheweb.com

For ages 7+ Terror Town by Marcus Sedgwick (Orion £6.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Elf Girl and Raven Boy, along with their friend Rat, are speeding across hills and fields on a magic flying carpet towards Terror Town. They have the Tears of the Moon but they must find the Singing Sword in order to save the world from the Goblin King. Zombies and werewolves are roaming the streets of Terror Town but there are also other scary things – and people – to contend with while attempting to complete their mission.

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January/ February 2015

Mountwood School for Ghosts by Toby Ibbotson (Macmillan £12.99) ED SAYS: ‘Ghosts aren’t what they used to be, according to one 473 year old teacher! So she and her spectral friends set up Mountwood School for Ghosts to promote excellence in haunting.

Two young humans Daniel and Charlotte meet the likeable ghost Percy and when they realise that problems in their neighbourhood (created by humans) are seemingly insuperable they enlist the help of the phantoms of Mountwood. www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Education

The importance of volcabulary who are read to every day tend to become five-year-olds who flourish in school.

The more parents talk to their children from birth to age three, the greater their children’s vocabulary, rate of vocabulary growth, and chances of success in school.

Extensive research shows that a person’s vocabulary level is the best single measure for predicting future occupational success.

The importance of vocabulary to a child’s ability to succeed in school and beyond is why English and verbal reasoning make up one half of the 11+ exams in many selective schools. Indeed, parents often find these prove to be the most difficult tests for their bright children, and it is usually for one reason only: vocabulary.

Research into learning vocabulary has given us some startling data: •

Gaps in vocabulary appear as early as age three, and widen thereafter.

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The extent of a child’s vocabulary at age five is so critical to the development of their perceiving, thinking, and understanding that it is used as a measure of these cognitive skills.

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The early language environment should include teaching nursery rhymes. Children who learn eight nursery rhymes in their first three years typically rise to the top rank of readers by age eight.

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Provide opportunities for play.

Physical play teaches the vocabulary of the body, of space and of motion.

Incorporate rhyme and song into physical play and vice versa.

Organised games teach the vocabulary of rules and fair play. Imaginative play with toys, or home storytelling or theatrics, increases the vocabulary of general knowledge, of other times and places, and of thought and emotion.

Spend time outdoors.Time spent with children outdoors – in varied locations and weather – can build vocabulary in nature, the physical world, commerce and society, even emotional states.

Museums, parks, fields, gardens, a walk to the chemist or newsagents – can give you both time for relaxed conversation, and exposure to various new and familiar things to talk about.

The top quarter of pupils know about 7,100 words by age seven, and add about three new ones each day. The bottom quarter have fewer than half as many words at that age – about 3,000; they acquire only about one word a day, so the gap continues to widen.

Early gaps in vocabulary and in language and communication skills are seldom made up in school.

Clearly, vocabulary acquisition must start early. Parents need not invest time or money in specialist training, equipment, or software. Indeed, some of the same research also reveals what parents can do to build vocabulary at home from an early age: •

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Provide a rich language environment.

January/ February 2015

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When reading to young children, engage them with questions and conversation. The vocabulary of most seven-year-olds is mainly oral. Most of this vocabulary is acquired at home and in the world, from being read to and from conversing with adults.

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Expose children to adult conversation whenever possible. Talk to them about events of the day and the realities of parents’ lives. Parents can increase children’s vocabularies by using less common words in helpful, instructive or explanatory ways in ordinary conversation. Such use defies the effects of poverty and is independent of the parents’ level of formal education.

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Ensure your children learn how to read. By school age, new vocabulary acquisition comes primarily from books. Children who read more have larger vocabularies. This correlation holds across a range of IQ scores and other measures of intellectual ability.

Allow your children plenty of time for quiet reading. The amount of reading and size of vocabulary correlate to greater general knowledge. The more children read, the more they know and the better they learn. Children who read more also read more efficiently.

The amount of reading done by the most reluctant reader in a year can be done by a keen reader in two days About the author Janet Sherlock, BA LLb, is a mother of two and author of The Code Detective Book, soon to be on sale in bookshops. She heads the programme development team of language acquisition specialists, mathematicians and professors at Leaders are Readers.

Call 01992 651 300 www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

Give your children and yourself the gift of daily reading. Read to your children for as little as ten minutes a day at a regular time – more depending on the children’s attention and interest. Much of the vocabulary gap correlating to socioeconomic status can be explained by parental behaviour: fewer than half of children from low income families are read to daily at age three; four out of five of the richest families read to their children daily. Three-year-olds www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

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What's on

What's on

@Familiessolentw

Facebook.com /Familiessolentwest

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 Solent West Magazine! Visit our website www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events.

Sparsholt College Lambing Days

Nicobobinus

Sparsholt College

Nature’s Child – Every Monday in February

Wildern Lane, Hedge End, Hampshire SO30 4EJ 2pm. Tickets £8 adults, £6 children or four tickets £24, five for £28. www.theberrytheatre.co.uk Box office 023 8065 2333 In a land where Dragons are locked in boiler rooms and mountains move like the oceans, Nicobobinus and his best friend Rosie embark on a wild adventure to cure him of a golden curse. Obstructed by kidnapping pirates and savage nine foot monks, will they find the cure in time or be forced to return to their home in Venice, changed forever?

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Spring Steam Gala

Westley Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2NF 9.30am - 3.30pm, adults £6, children (3-16) £3.50, family (2+2) £16, under 3's free Bring your family to meet our new arrivals, get hands on with lots of fun activities and enjoy refreshments from a great range of local caterers. Visit sparsholt.ac.uk to find out more and purchase tickets.

Nature’s Child – Every Monday in January

5, 9, 12, 19 & 26 January Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA 10am - 12noon, Price - £10 per child per session (includes admission for 1 adult) A morning session of outdoor learning of forest skills and bushcraft through play and wild experiences for young children ages 3 to 6 years. Booking is essential, call 01794 369318

Twiglets - Outdoor Parent & Pre-School Children

6 January - 10 February

Itchen Valley Country Park

12.30pm to 2.30pm 023 8047 5080 £36.00 per child age 3 / 4 years for 6 weekly sessions of 2 hours Campfires, dens, activities and stories in the woodland for 3 and 4 year olds with parents.

Sparsholt College Course Information Open Day 17 January

Sparsholt College

Westley Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2NF 10am - 3pm Meet our expert staff, tour our industry standard facilities and find out everything you need to know about being a student at Sparsholt. Visit sparsholt.ac.uk to find out more and pre-register.

14 January/ February 2015

2, 9 & 23 February

Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA 10am - 12noon, £10 per child per session (includes 1 adult).

A morning session of outdoor learning of forest skills and bushcraft through play and wild experiences for young children ages 3-6 years. Booking is essential, call 01794 369318

7 February

The Berry Theatre

13 - 15 February

Mid Hants Railway

I believe in Unicors

The Railway Station, Station Road, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG The spectacular Spring Steam Gala’s a dazzling display of steam powered magic! Giving you the opportunity to ride behind as many of the engines as possible over three days.

Adult £25, Child (aged 2-16) £13, Child under 2 free Family £63. www.watercressline.co.uk

Theatre Royal Winchester

Hands on half term

5 - 7 February

Jewry Street, Winchester, Hants SO23 8SB. Tickets £12, Family of 4 £40 Theatre Alibi presents I Believe in Unicorns. Tomas didn’t like books or stories. Stories were just for “Little Snotties”. He was happier clambering in the mountains like a goat or tobogganing with his Dad. That was until the Unicorn Lady came to town and reeled him in with her irresistible magic tales.

Robin’s Winter Adventure 7 February

Nuffield Theatre

University Road, Southampton, SO17 1TR 12pm, all tickets £6 A young boy's incredible journey with a feathered friend. But will facing his fears turn out to be the greatest adventure of all? An uplifting tale of change, bravery and friendship told with puppetry, poetry, music and magical design, for ages 4+.

14 – 22 February Beaulieu

John Montagu Building, Beaulieu Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN www.beaulieu.co.uk 10.30am – 4.30pm Pick up a pass book and collect stamps at each of our 'hands-on' activity stations. In the National Motor Museum, there is a rare opportunity to handle and learn about historical motoring objects at special ‘drop-in’ sessions. Take an up-close look at artefacts, early motoring clothing, photos and documents. Plus see over 250 vehicles on display, from the cars of the 30s/ 40s to the 70s and 80s.

Half Term Trail

14 - 22 February

Itchen Valley Country Park

023 8047 5080 £1.75 per trail pack Walk through the Park looking for the answers to the clues, complete the sheet and win a prize!

Lambing at Sparsholt College

24 and 25 January

Love Nature

14 – 22 February Marwell Wildlife

Thompsons Lane, Colden Common, Winchester Hampshire SO21 1JH www.marwell.org.uk 10am – 4pm This half term we’ll be celebrating nature. Join us and special guests for a week of family fun.

Build a tower

14 – 22 February

The Spinnaker Tower

Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TT 10am - 6pm, 023 9285 7520 www.spinnakertower.co.uk Take part in tower building activities 100 metres above Portsmouth Harbour, surrounded by the breath-taking views.

Recreate the Spinnaker Tower design or build your very own inspired creation, plus learn more about the Tower’s unique construction process. The year’s calendar will include a series of special events, offers and celebrations to toast the 10th birthday.

Half term fun on the Farm 16 - 20 February

Manor Farm Country Park

Pylands Lane, Bursledon, Southampton SO31 1BH 10am – 4pm Activities for children including farmhouse arts and crafts, Victorian School lessons, guided farmyard walk and ‘Meet the Animals.’ Plus a Welly trail in the Country Park. There will be a small charge (£2) and a prize for successfully completing the trail. www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

What's on

Family Bushcraft – Shrove Tuesday Cooking On the Fire

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Children’s Falconry Day

Goldilocks & the 3 Bears

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Theatre Royal Winchester

Nuffield Theatre

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

University Road, Southampton, SO17 1TR £12 or £42.00 for family of 4 A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be?

What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Following a smash-hit West End season, the tea-guzzling tiger is back on the road in this delightful family show, packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem...

Expect to be surprised! Suitable for ages 3+ and their families.

Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA 10am – 12noon and 2pm – 4pm, £55 for 1 adult and 1 child includes light refreshments, includes entry to the Gardens.

Meet wonderful Hawks, Falcons and Owls. The workshop is aimed at children who have a keen interest in birds of prey and the ancient art of falconry. An unforgettable chance to be up close to these magnificent top predators, seeing them flying free and having them flown to your gloved fist. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For ages 8 – 15 years. Booking is essential, call 01794 369318

17 February

The Tiger who came to tea at the Nuffield Theatre

Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA 10am - 12.30pm, £10 per child per session (includes 1 adult) Join us for an outdoor cooking session making tasty treats to celebrate Pancake Day. Suitable for ages 3 – 12 years. Booking is essential, call 01794 369318

17 – 21 February

19 February

Family Bushcraft – ‘Tree-mendous’ Trees 20 February

Entertainment during half term 19 February

Explore Kids at St Mary’s Stadium

Climb a Tree

18 February

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA The Big Tree Climbing Company, two highly skilled and friendly instructors can help all ages* reach new heights within an oak tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, while being securely attached in a harness at all times.

Suitable for 6+ years; length of session 55 minutes. Book online: www.hilliertreeclimbing. eventbrite.co.uk. Entries fees to the Gardens still apply.

Britannia Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 5FP www.exploremore4kids.co.uk Activities will be run by: Bella Crafts; Jing Wu Kids Martial Arts; and the John Hansard Gallery artist Joel Papps will be running Colour Charting workshops. Inspired by the Tom Dale: Terminal Blue exhibition, your child will have an opportunity to develop a special chart of personality-matched colours.

Red Ladder and DumbWise present

Nicobobinus

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA 10am - 12.30pm, Price £10 per child per session (includes admission for 1 adult) Join us in our woodland for a morning of storytelling and story making activities. During this session you will learn how to identify trees and learn about their importance in mythology and folklore – from ancient stories to modern day beliefs. Session concludes with marshmallows and hot chocolate around the fire.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for ages 3 – 12 years. Booking is essential, call 01794 369318

22 February

Jewry Street, Winchester, Hants SO23 8SB. Tickets £10, Family of 4 £34. 2+ The dazzling Stuff and Nonsense return with a thrilling adaptation of everyone’s favourite beary tale.

A brilliant mix of puppetry, music and mischievous moments.

The Cat in the Hat 28 February

The Berry Theatre

Wildern Lane, Hedge End, Hampshire SO30 4EJ 1pm and 3pm. Tickets £8 adults £6 children, four tickets for £24 or five for £28. www.theberrytheatre.co.uk Box office 023 8065 2333 From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home? The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children aged 3+

LOCAL FAMILY DAYS OUT

Saturday 7th February 2pm

“… enthrals like the best of the old stories” - The Sunday Times

Suitable for ages: 6 plus and their families

Paul Taylor-Mills presents

The Cat in the Hat

Saturday 28th February 1pm & 3pm

“a sharp, vibrant and deliciously daft story told beautifully and perfectly for children...”

- ****Broadway Baby

Suitable for ages: 3 plus and their families

Tickets: £8 / £6 children.

Special family offer: Four tickets for £24 / five tickets £28

023 8065 2333

January/ February 2015

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

Paultons Park

Home of Peppa Pig World Ower, Romsey, The New Forest Hampshire SO51 6AL www.paultonspark.co.uk

February Half Term Opening 15 February 10am – 5pm

Paultons Family Theme Park is a great value family day out with over 60 wonderful rides and attractions including big rides, small rides, play areas, entertainments and a collection of exotic birds and animals all set within 140 acres of the beautiful New Forest National Park. Paultons is of course also home to Peppa Pig World, with 7 amazing Peppa-themed rides!

Discounted tickets and official packaged short breaks are only available at the official website.

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

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Childcare experience Spare room Commitment

Drop in to find out more about adoption and fostering Merchistoun Hall | Murray Road | Horndean PO8 9LJ Saturday 31 January, 10am – 2pm

1922 - 2012

Be Outstanding www.charltonhouseschool.co.uk t: 023 8067 7575 55 Midanbury Lane, Bitterne Park, Southampton SO18 4HE

“Set within the 18 acres of St Mary’s College, Charlton House School & Nursery are ideally located for children to investigate the world around them in a safe and protected environment.”

Mrs D Owen, Headteacher.

• Excellent academic success • Small class sizes • Excellent pastoral care

Call your local Stagecoach Theatre Arts NOW:

s availab Place l

in tand s t u o An

Charlton House

Nursery

St. Mary’s College

g place to

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Southampton and Eastleigh 01962 771024 Winchester and Totton 01794 390601 Fareham and Hedge End 02380 465006

Charlton House

St. Mary’s College Preparatory Dept

Educating Girls & Boys age 3 - 16 in a caring Christian environment

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January/ February 2015

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk