Families Herts Jan-Feb 2014

FREE Issue No. 54 Jan/Feb 2014

Nursery Special News & Views Competitions What's On at Half-Term

Win a family ticket to

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

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From your Editor…

In this issue:

Welcome. Here we are back at the top of the year with twelve months ahead of us – what will it hold? One this is for sure there, will be six stonking issues of Families Herts coming your way!

We kick things off with our Nursery Special. When your children are very small the transition to nursery or playgroup is a major change for you and your child; our main feature article, by Joanna Moorhead, encourages you to trust your instincts when making this crucial decision. Her second piece is a thought provoking article covering the current debate about the best age at which children should start school. In addition, there is a piece from N S Care Ltd that offers valuable insights into what makes a good nursery and a good Early Years practitioner.

Feeling lucky? Then get 2014 off to a flying start by reading our three competitions on page 12 and then you can enter online at www.familiesherts.co.uk/comps.

The month of February is the low point of winter but our What’s On at Half-Term guide will give you boost. Go to www.familiesherts.co.uk to see our full What’s On listings.

Shelley

News & Views: 4 Nursery Feature: 6 Competitions: 12 What’s On: 13 What's On at Half-Term: 14 Mar/Apr deadline: 3rd February Next Issue: Childcare / Prep Schools

Front cover image by MariyaL from www.istockphoto.com

Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Get in touch to request copies for your venue.

Subscribe to get Families Herts by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email for a subscription form.

Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel/Fax: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk

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News & Views Mummy’s Maid Gets A Makeover Established three years ago, Mummy’s Maid has been described as “the world’s best kept secret” by its clients. To help busy families the company provides a range of high quality housekeeping, cleaning and childcare services with discretion and care.

Mummy’s Maid are thrilled to now unveil their new look and some great new services designed to help alleviate pressures in the home.

So what’s new? In addition to offering the basic housekeeping and cleaning packages, they have responded to client feed-back and are now also providing an extended range

of services for your loved ones. Whether you need childcare, one off childcare, companionship for an older person or support during an illness, there is a service that will match your needs.

If you need more specific help around the home such as a personal assistant, someone to organise workmen, help preparing for/ returning from holiday or have a new baby coming Mummy’s Maid can provide a dedicated, fully vetted, enhanced CRB checked individual to help.

Mummy’s Maid is very discreet and their staff and vehicles are unbranded. With no lengthy contracts or yearly membership fees, you can use their services as the need arises.

Call Mummy’s Maid for a free consultation the next time you need some help or want to delegate some of the more tedious chores.

To find out more call 0845 463 0075 or visit www.mummysmaid.co.uk

National Storytelling Week From 1st -8th February, schools, drama clubs and performance groups nationwide will hold events to celebrate the joy of storytelling. Now in its fourteenth year, National Storytelling Week has gone from strength to strength, and is expected to reach an audience of 17,000 people this year. Storytelling enriches lives everywhere: in nurseries, schools, community centres and theatres; and during the week there will be a host of storytelling events near you.

Find out more at www.sfs.org.uk/nationalstorytelling-week

Speaking Works Jude Millins, from St Albans, comes from a family of teachers therefore teaching is in her blood. Whilst living in Hong Kong she noticed that many people struggled to communicate with confidence; this observation, plus her drama and business background, led to her starting speech and drama workshops. Having now returned to the UK Jude is using her knowledge and love of her subject to do the same here. Speaking Works offers sessions which aim to teach life-long communication skills that children can start from 2½ years old.

Being able to stand up and speak in front of others is a life skill that requires selfconfidence but it is something that neither children nor adults get sufficient opportunity

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to develop. For children and young people learning through play is the key to building this confidence. When public speaking is associated with fun, speaking to a group at school, college or at work becomes an activity to relish rather than one that evokes sweaty palms.

In a typical session three year olds will make up and act out stories; five year olds will read poems and play games; seven year olds study verse and prose and perform improvisations. Older students rehearse Shakespeare monologues alongside modern pieces, practising for their gold medal in public speaking or acting; and adults will develop confidence in public speaking and communication.

To find out more call Jude on 07900 301 375 or go to www.speakingworks.co.uk

Egerton Rothesay A Positive Approach to Parenting School Makes a Difference At Egerton Rothesay School they want to deliver the best education for every child – whatever their needs – so that each one can achieve their full potential. The school caters for children with a variety of learning needs such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Speech & Language issues – or because they have more complex needs or are on the Autistic spectrum. As an inclusive school they welcome children with a wide range of abilities, from all faiths or none and from all cultures. Egerton Rothesay believe that learning should be both enjoyable and about preparing for life after school as well as exams. Learning and activities take place within a genuinely supportive framework and they offer exceptional pastoral care and whole-person development – all informed by a Christian foundation.

The next Open Days will be on 30th January and 6th March. See advert on page 15. For more details call the Registrar on 01442 877060.

Maria Little is a Life and Parenting Coach who runs Prospective Solutions she describes the benefits of parent coaching.

The start of a new year is a good time to reflect on what we want to improve in ourselves and in our lives.

As a parent my daily goal is to be a calm, happy and loving towards my children. I want to embrace parenthood and enjoy it, to bring my children up to be confident and creative people with their own dreams and goals.

I want parenting to be exciting and fun, but acknowledge that it can be a difficult task at times. A positive attitude, seeing things from a broader perspective, finding solutions and setting realistic goals for yourself and your children is the way forward.

Parent coaching offers the skills and techniques needed to cope with challenging situations. I work with parents enabling them to find their full 'parent potential' and thus bring out the best in their children. I have seen great results in parent-child conflicts through the use of simple coaching methods.

If you want to stay focused and calm around your children but haven't found the right tools parent coaching will help.

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Maria Little

Sometimes conflict between a person’s desires and values leads to underperformance.

Life coaching is a holistic process that has the power to bring a sense of balance and harmony to life. It concentrates on the person’s whole life and focuses on identifying achievable goals and making a plan to reach them.

To find out more call 07921666139 maria.little@prospectivesolutions.co.uk

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Nursery Feature

How to choose your child’s nursery It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know?

Joanna Moorhead shares some tips There are all sorts of different nurseries out there. Big ones, small ones; ones run by the local council, and ones run by independent companies. There are nurseries attached to primary schools, and there are stand-alone nurseries. When you start out looking for one, the plethora of what’s out there can make it all seem very daunting.

But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice. Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice.

Because the truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best, because it will mesh in with your own and your partner’s ideas about how to raise a child, and what matters most in his or her life.

All of which is why what you feel inside you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on.

Looking round To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or perhaps in the area where you work, if you’re thinking your child can be cared for at nursery while you work nearby). Comb through the nurseries in your area online; look at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising. Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies.

When you look round, don’t be too anxious about all the questions you need to ask or whether you’re going to miss something vital.

Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and take in the holistic sense of the place. Does it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced by what they’re telling you? Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most important person in your life, your child, here

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Listen to the voice

inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the

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‘correct’ choice.

Image courtesy of © nadezhda1906 - Fotolia.com

in the care of the people you’ve met? If the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have any doubts whatsoever about this most crucial thing, whether you’re confident about leaving your baby there, cross it off your list at once.

What are the most important things you’re looking for in a nursery?

Here are some things you need to think about: Food: how important is it to you that food is organic? Do you like the idea of nursery children eating alongside staff – ie, the family model –which some nurseries practice?

Outdoor play space: this varies hugely from nursery to nursery.

Think about how important outdoor play is to your child, and decide how much importance you’re going to attach to whether the nursery has a garden, how big it is, and how many activities take place in it Wifi: do you have worries about wifi and its potential impact on young children? If so, make sure you ask about whether there’s a wifi network at the nursery, and how extensive it is. See www.familiesonline.co.uk/ radiation For more stories on choosing a nursery see www.familiesonline.co.uk

Herts Nursery Applications Parents of children born between 1 September 2010 and 31 August 2011 can apply online for nursery places at Hertfordshire nursery schools and classes from Monday 10 February 2014. Parents should approach private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers direct for a place at these settings.

Applying online for a school nursery place: • is quick and easy to do • available 24 hours a day 7 days a week up until the closing date • you will have your own unique log in details • you can change your application right up until the closing date • your information is fully protected and secure Parents must log back into the application system on 30 April to view and accept and their nursery offer. Allocation emails will not be sent direct to parents.

All you need is an email account and internet access whether it is your home computer, at an internet café or at your local library. Many children’s centres also offer access.

Timetable for admissions to nursery schools and classes Apply online from: Monday 10 February 2014 Closing date: Friday 21 March 2014 Offer date: Tuesday 29 April 2014 Accept your place by: Wednesday 7 May 2014 Visit: www.hertsdirect.org/nurseryadmissions

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Nursery Feature

What’s the right age to start school?

by Joanna Moorhead According to a growing group of educationalists, thinkers, teachers and parents, the blight on the lives of young children is...school. Or at least, it’s too much school too soon.

The argument put forward by the Save Childhood Movement, which is running the ‘Too Much, Too Soon’ campaign in favour of waiting until children are six before they go to school, is that young children need the chance to play, and should not be shoehorned into ‘learning’ too early.

The campaigners say that in other parts of the world, early childhood is recognised as a valuable phase of development in its own right – whereas in Britain, it’s seen solely as preparation for school.

Misconceptions There’s a misconception in Britain, say the campaigners, that starting early with school means achieving more in the long term. But, they say, that’s not borne out by what happens in other countries. “Children who enter school at six or seven – after several years of high quality nursery education – consistently achieve better educational results as well as higher levels of wellbeing,” said 127 senior educational figures in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in September. “The success of the Scandinavian system suggests that many problems in English education – such as the widening gap in achievement between rich and poor, problems with boys’ literacy, and the ‘summerborns’ issue – could be addressed by fundamentally re-thinking our early years policies.”

The Too Much Too Soon campaign is calling for: *the early years to be re-established as a unique development stage in its own right *protection for the rights of young children to develop naturally *an end to baseline testing *a new emphasis on the importance of play For the Too Much Too Soon lobby, the emphasis on formal education from a young age is part of a mindset that sees testing and academic pressure as good for young people – whereas they believe it’s harmful rather than helpful. They point out, for example, that the nowimplemented Year One Phonics Screening Check in English primary schools is unnecessary and say there’s little correlation between the results of the phonics check and a child’s reading achievements at the

end of Year 2.

They point out, too, that prescriptions of Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have quadrupled in the last ten years, and many believe the drug is being used to ‘normalise’ behaviour that may partly have come from having too many expectations heaped on them at too young an age.

The Department for Education has hit back at the Too Much Too Soon campaign, saying it amounts to a call for dumbing down. A DfE spokesman says: “We need a system that aims to prepare pupils to solve hard problems in calculus or be a poet or engineer – a system freed from the grip of those who bleat bogus pop-psychology about ‘self image’, which is an excuse for not teaching poor children how to add up.”

Read more about the Too Much, Too Soon campaign at www.toomuchtoosoon.org

Year round fun at PlayPlus

Outdoor Child

At PlayPlus, babies and children receive excellent care by experienced staff in homely surroundings. With the exception of the Baby Unit, children are not separated by age and they choose where, with whom and with what they play. Ratios are very high ensuring children are safe and all their needs are met.

Our gardens are full of play equipment and offer a wonderful setting for adventure. Parents love our flexible approach to settling-in periods, the availability of emergency supply days, adding on tea or breakfast at short notice and offering either full year or term time registration In addition to our day-to-day activities, the year also saw termly visits from an animal education group bringing reptiles and small mammals for the children to learn about; physical education and French lessons and a summer family walk and picnic. We ended 2013 with a festive open day, giving parents the opportunity to chat to our staff and our French tutor, while the children made Christmas crafts and visited Father Christmas.

For more information call 01442 879762 or go to www.playpluskindergarten.co.uk

Outdoor Child have opened their new Ofsted registered nursery, offering pioneering outdoor based nursery, holiday and parent and child provision. With one nursery in the centre of Harpenden and another in Gustard Wood, Wheathampstead, Outdoor Child is flying the flag for natural childhood.

The nursery is a mainly outdoor based provision providing a new approach to childcare that focuses on outdoor play and learning. This approach originates from Scandinavia and it centres on child directed development within a natural organic environment.

At Outdoor Child children will receive all the support they need to facilitate their development using an holistic approach, while still ensuring the child is learning in their way at their own pace. Children have the time to play and explore and are able to engage in activities, such as den building, that encourage team work, communication and planning skills as well as tree climbing, nature walks, seasonal learning and many more natural activities.

Outdoor child is taking bookings for 2014 nursery intake, and offers 15 hours government funding and accepts childcare vouchers for their nursery and holiday provision.

To find out more call 01582 855054 or email theden@outdoor-child.com

Link with mental health

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Could you be an Early Years practitioner?

As long term experienced tutors and Early Years practitioners ourselves, we have seen a range of inspiring and stimulating early years settings and schools as well as childminders.

From our perspective, the key factors that make a good nursery include simple but important things such as: are the children challenged appropriately, are the activities varied and stimulating as well as inclusive and age appropriate, are the outdoor areas utilised or the outdoors brought in? Does the establishment reflect the children’s work that is displayed or is it adult produced? Is it a language rich environment where the adults engage with the children and value their opinions? Are the children actually busy with child led activities promoting independence and plenty of choice?

Good Early Years practitioners are those who are resourceful, motivated and dynamic and who ‘buy-in’ to the teaching and learning through child led play. They need to be dedicated and certainly flexible and energetic to keep up with the daily demands of individual children and working closely with parents and carers. They need to be able to spend considerable amounts of time with groups of children, being sensitive when children are challenging! They need to be professional – this is an important, all consuming, career whereby the practitioner is continually learning and updating themselves.

Good early years’ workers are those with open

communication and genuineness who are also able to reflect on the work they are doing with the children and who can think creatively.

Early Years practitioners need to have a commitment to safeguarding children and be able to actively listen and observe and assess children within current frameworks.

Moving into a career in childcare is very rewarding and certainly diverse. There are numerous avenues for progression and many opportunities in different settings. This can include supporting in schools, working in private day care, children’s centres, hospitals and hospital play specialists, playwork, childminding, nannying, community provision and charities and Early Years teachers. Being a good nursery worker can lead to other avenues such as teaching and being involved in the lifelong learning sector as well as working in outreach with children and families in the community or working as a health visitor assistant. It’s certainly a rewarding and enriching career that makes a difference!

This article is supplied by Nulli Secundus Ltd, who specialise in apprenticeships, bespoke training, employment recruitment and careers advice for the childcare sector.

They provide flexible support and training based on individual needs and cover all areas in Hertfordshire. Email Hertfordshire@ nscare.co.uk or call 01462 455858

Beechwood Park Montessori Nursery Our recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate found that Beechwood Park Montessori Nursery is a magical place where “The provision for the children is outstanding”. Our caring and fully-qualified staff make this a place of both structure and

carefree play. The atmosphere buzzes with calm application and children having fun. We have an extensive, secure garden and make the most of every opportunity to get out into the Montessori outdoor classroom.

Parts of our classrooms are devoted to Montessori activities such as making bubbles, sharing water out equally into vases or bathing the baby dolls. We also meet all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

Each child’s progress is individually monitored to ensure that they are reaching their full potential in all areas of their development.

Please come and look around, particularly for places for next year – we love to have visitors and September 2014 will be here before you can catch your breath. Current parents are always welcome to visit too. With a little bit of notice, you can be shown round by your own child so they can share with you all the lovely things they have been doing.

Call 01582 840333 or visit www.beechwoodpark.net

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Nursery Feature Muddy Puddles & Doodle Caboodle Muddy Puddles Day Nursery, in Potten End is now independent, having formerly been a franchise. Catering for children aged three months to five years, the nursery occupies three converted barns. The existing staff and management team are still in place but now have a fresh identity and a revived enthusiasm.

Adele Thomson, Director said “although we have a different name and brand, we want to ensure that parents considering us know that we are an established nursery offering a high level of care.” Co-director, Janine Purr, added “we offer a stimulating environment where children learn, develop and build friendships encouraged and supported by our team.”

Muddy Puddles’ ethos is all about having ‘good, clean, fun’, and they have now built a relationship with party company Doodle Caboodle. The Doodle Caboodle Playbarn based in one of the Muddy Puddles’ barns is an ‘exclusive’ weekend party venue for children aged six and below.

Emma Parkins, co-owner, said “The Playbarn appeals to parents because they don’t have to share the facilities during the party. Our nursery location means that all the facilities are specifically for young children.”

Sonya Aris, Co-owner, added “we have two inflatables, soft play, a ball pool and lots of toys to keep little hands and minds entertained.” Plus, either Sonya or Emma will always be on hand during your party.

For more information: Muddy Puddles: Janine Purr – 07950 651918 www.muddypuddlesnurseries.co.uk Doodle Caboodle: Sonya Aris – 07806 792936 www.doodlecaboodle.co.uk

© mickyso - Fotolia.com

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Competitions

To enter go to www.familiesherts.co.uk/comps

Win a family ticket to experience Rye-Assic Adventure Park It is now one year since Rye-Assic Adventure Park opened at Rye House Kart Raceway – come and celebrate our first birthday!

Rye-Assic Adventure Park is a year-round attraction that has been designed especially for 0-9 year olds. The one-acre outdoor and indoor adventure play area brings prehistoric creatures from the Cretaceous Period, 144 million years ago, to life with sight and sound as a backdrop to a collection of new rides and games in six activity zones. Giants of the past featured include Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus and the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex all in full life-size splendour.

The park, designed to preserve the natural habitat of today's creatures as well, is at Rye House, just north of Junction 25 of the M25 and the A10 by-pass. It is five minutes from Rye House Station on the Hertford East line direct from London’s Liverpool Street Station.

Dare to visit us, you won’t believe your eyes!

Rye-Assic Adventure Park are also offering Families Herts readers a 2-for-1 promotion on children’s entry fee. Cut out the voucher from the advert on page 13 to take advantage of this great offer.

For more information call 01992 460 895 ext 1 or go to www.ryeassicadventurepark. co.uk. Closing date: 28th February

Win a ‘Now That’s What I Call Disney’ CD

Now That’s What I Call Disney unites the familiar compilation brand 'Now' with the family favourite 'Disney'. Together they bring you the best loved songs from your favourite

Disney films including: ‘Bare Necessities' (The Jungle Book), 'You’ve Got a Friend in Me' (Toy Story), 'When You Wish Upon a Star' (Pinocchio), 'Circle of Life' (The Lion King), ‘Kiss the Girl’ (The Little Mermaid), ‘Colours of the Wind’ (Pocahontas), ‘That’s How You Know’ (Enchanted), ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ (Mary Poppins), 'Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat' (TheAristocats) and many more. This is a CD that the whole family can enjoy with eightyeight timeless tracks that are loved by young and old. With three CDs plus a bonus fourth CD with Christmas songs (something to keep for Christmas 2014!) it’s a must for every collection. There are 3 DCs to be won.

Check out the recently launched NOW Music TV channel available on Sky 378 and FreeSat 512.

Closing date: 28th February

Win a Mr Stink DVD Mr Stink, based on David Walliams’ bestselling book, is a heart-warming family comedy with a nose-clenching twist. Chloe sees Mr Stink every day, but she's never spoken to him, which isn't surprising, because he's a tramp, and he stinks. When it looks like Mr Stink might be driven out of town, Chloe hides her unusual friend and his stinky dog Duchess in her garden shed. As Chloe struggles to make sure no one sniffs out Mr Stink, she also has to cope with an overbearing Mum, her poor Dad who has a secret of his own, her perfect younger sister Annabelle and the nasty girls who make her life miserable at

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school. It also turns out that there is more to Mr Stink than meets the eye... or nose.

The DVD includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with David Walliams.

There are 5 Mr Stink DVDs to be won.

RRP: £13.99 Closing date: 28th February

What's On

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What’s On at Half-Term Always check details with the activity provider or event venue before setting out incase changes have been made.

AUDLEY END HOUSE AND GARDENS Off London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JF 0870 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk Everything but the Squeak Week!

17-21 Feb – 11am-4pm Watch Mrs Crocombe - Audley End's cook - prepare traditional Victorian recipes. £13.40. Conc £12.10. 5-15 yrs £8. Family £34.80. Includes entry to house & grounds. English Heritage Members free BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP Castle Campus, Castle Street Berkhamsted, HP4 2BB 01442 358115 enquiries@ berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk Mini BASECAMP 17-21 Feb - 9.30am-1pm / 1pm-4.30pm An arts and crafts based course with the option of joining the Multi Activity camp for swimming each morning.

Children booking the AM and PM courses should bring a packed lunch. Ages 3-5 yrs £15.25 per session, £68.50 p/ w.

Multi Activity Course 17-21 Feb - 9.30am-4.30pm A varied daily programme that includes: a fun one hour daily water-based session for swimmers and non-swimmers, sporting activities, arts and crafts and visits to local attractions.

Ages: 4-11Yrs. £30.50 per day.

Optional wraparound care from 7.30am to 6.30pm - £5 per hour.

Book before 10th Jan 2014 for 5% early booking discount.

BISHOP’S STORTFORD MUSEUM 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG 01279 651746 www.rhodesbishopsstortford. org.uk Sealed With Love – Children’s Workshop 15 Feb – 11am & 2pm Create a Victorian valentines card & envelope. Make your own clay seal. £5 BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS 01462 420144 www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk Dancing for Fun 19 Fe+b – 10am-12noon Maypole dancing & English country dancing for children 6+.

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Singing games for younger ones.

Book in advance. £3 per child including light refreshments. An adult (free admission) must accompany children Be Creative with Science!

20 Feb – 10.30am-1pm. Drop in Science-based family activity day. 5 yrs+. £4 per child. An adult (free admission) must accompany children GOSLING SPORTS PARK Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6XE 01707 384303 bookings@goslingsports.co.uk www.goslingsports.co.uk GO-Kids Holiday Camp Mon-Fri 9am-3.30pm every school holiday Multi-activity camp.

3 yrs+.

See website for prices HAWTHORNE THEATRE Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk Kidnapped 16 Feb – 1.30 & 5pm A re-telling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story.

Ages 6+.

Tickets: £15. Senior/ Student/ Child £12. Zebra Card £10 Wow! This Show is Magic!

18 Feb – 2.30pm A show jam-packed with illusions, surprises & laughter.

Aimed at families (young toddlers may find the show loud in places).

Tickets: £12 Old MacDonald Had a Farm 20 Feb – 2.30pm Old MacDonald’s animals have gone missing! Help a friendly scientist and his amazing time machine get them back.

Tickets: £9.50. Senior/ Student/ Child £8.50. Family £32 HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org Spirit of the Wild 15 Feb – 10.30am-3.30pm Wonder at an array of amazing creatures from around the world!

Timed entry slots allocated on the day, first come first served.

FREE. Donations welcome Excellent Explorers 18-20 Feb – 10.30am-3.30pm.

Drop in, last entry 3pm Family craft activities £1.50 per child

World of Wallace – Alfred Russel Wallace and his Life in the Field Until 22 Feb. Tues-Sat – 10am-5pm See beautiful natural history specimens. Discover how Wallace pioneered the theory of natural selection. FREE HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com Annual Junior Membership £5 Half-Term Activities 17-21 Feb – 9.30am-12noon & 1-3.30pm 9-18 yrs. No experience necessary. Activities include Fencing, Climbing, Bush Craft, Canoeing, Caving, Archery. £25 half day. £50 full day (£23/ £46 if booked online) Introduction to BCU Paddlesport 17 Feb – 9.30am-4pm 9-18 yrs. No experience needed.

Canoe, kayak & bell boat. £46 Beginners Sailing 17 &18 Feb – 9.30am-4pm Two-day course for 9-18 yrs. £85 LEE VALLEY ATHLETICS CENTRE Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AR 020 8344 7230 visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics Star Track 8-12 yrs: 17-21 Feb – 10am-2pm 6-8 yrs: 18-20 Feb – 2.30-5pm Holiday courses offering expert tuition in a range of athletics skills.

8-12 yrs: £62. 6-8 yrs: £27 British Masters Championships 16 Feb – 10am-6pm Spectators FREE LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF 01992 892781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk/go/ farms Opening Weekend at the Farms 15 & 16 Feb – 10am-5pm See who's in the stables and plodding around the paddocks.

Animal handing sessions. £8.50. Conc/Child £7. Under 2s free LEIGHTON BUZZARD RAILWAY Pages Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TN 01525 373888 www.buzzrail.co.uk 16, 19 & 23 Feb 25 min round trip to Leedon (diesel train).

Different fares apply for Feb services, see website for details

LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk Family Fun Thurs during school holidays – 12-3pm Drop in for fun family crafts.

FREE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AT TRING The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman Street, Tring HP3 6AP 020 7942 6171 www.nhm.ac.uk/tring Specimen Handling Workshop: Attack and Defence, the Deadly Side of the Natural World 17, 19 & 21 Feb – 10.15-11am, 11-11.45am, 2.30-3.15pm, 3.154pm Predator or prey? See how both exist in the natural world and learn some of their survival tricks. All ages. £1.50 Make a Bird Feeder 18 & 20 Feb – 10.15-10.45am, 11-11.30am, 2.30-3pm, 3.153.45pm Most suitable for children aged 5+. £2.50 PERFORM 0845 400 1272 www.perform.org.uk 17-19 Feb – 10am-12noon Fleetville Junior School, 228 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 4LW 17-19 Feb – 2.30-4.30pm Christ Church Vision Hall, Watling Street, Radlett WD7 7JJ 4-8 yrs. Drama, dance & singing workshops. Battle with the White Witch, cheer on Aslan the Lion and discover the wonders of Narnia! £95 (£85.50 if booked before 1 Feb) THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM AND STORY CENTRE 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 0AL 01494 892192 www.roalddahlmuseum.org Tues-Fri – 10am-5pm (also open Mon in Bucks school holidays) Sat & Sun – 11am-5pm £6.60. Conc £4.40. 5-18 yrs £4.40. Under 5s free. Family £21 Booking advised for events.

Museum entry charges apply.

Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

James' Icky-Poo Insects 15 Feb – 12-2pm 6 yrs+. Make one of James’ insect friends. £2.50

Crodswoggling Cress Heads 16 Feb – 12-2pm 6 yrs+. Listen to extracts of The Twits. Create a cress head to grow hair like Mr Twit’s. £2.50 Rhyming Oompa Loompa Puppets 17 Feb – 10.30am-12noon 5 yrs+. Create two Oompa Loompa stick puppets. Listen to Oompa Loompa rhymes. £2 A Funny Thing Happened 17 & 21 Feb – 1.30-3pm 5 yrs+. Readings from Poet in Residence, Paul Lyalls. Then create your own rhyme. £3 Roly Poly Puppets 18 Feb – 10.30am, 12, 2 & 3.30pm 6 yrs+. Make a string puppet from egg cartons. £2.50 Splendiferous Animals 19 Feb – 10.30am, 12, 2 & 3.30pm 6 yrs+. Decorate Plaster of Paris animals. £2.50 Diddly Dream Pots 20 Feb – 10.30am, 12, 2 & 3.30pm 6 yrs+. Make a clay treasure pot. £3 Fantabulous Fox and BFG Ears 21 Feb – 10.30am & 12noon 4 yrs+. Make some character ears on a headband. £2 Pencil Toppers 22 Feb – 12-2pm 5 yrs+. Turn a pencil into a Roald Dahl character. £2 Wondercrump Wildlife 23 Feb All ages. Find out about the living landscapes around Bucks, the inspiration for many of Dahl’s books.

Free for Museum visitors THE WESTON AUDITORIUM University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield AL10 9EU 01707 281127 www.herts.ac.uk/ artsandgalleries Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play 15 Feb – 11am, 1.30 & 3.45pm Everyone's favourite brother and sister. 3 yrs+.

Tickets: £12. Child £10 The Croods (U) 22 Feb – 10am (FilmCRAFT workshop: 3D models). 11am (screening)7 yrs+.

Film: £2.50 per child (up to 2 adults free). Workshop: £3.50 per child (children only)

ROLLERCITY Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.rollercity.co.uk Booking advised.

Holiday Skates 1-2.30pm & 3-4.30pm Contact for prices SPORTSPACE BERKHAMSTED Lagley Meadow, Douglas Gardens, Berkhamsted HP4 3QQ 01442 507100 www.sportspace.co.uk Go Fence 18 or 20 Feb – 1-2pm 8-10 yrs. Try an amazing sport with age-specific equipment. £7.30. Members £5.50 Winter Warriors 18 Feb – 1-4pm 8-12 yrs. A new fun boot camp style activity which includes a fitness workout, pool inflatable session & refreshments. All fitness levels welcome – it’s for fun! £9.50. Members £7.70 SPORTSPACE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Park Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1JS 01442 507100 www.sportspace.co.uk Sportspace Musketeers 17, 19 or 21 Feb – 11.30am- 2pm 8-12 yrs. Introduction to modern pentathlon including fencing, shooting, running & swimming.

Per session: £17.80. Members £16. Special price for all 3 sessions: £35.40. Members £30 Squash Workshop 18 Feb – 10am-12noon 7-12 yrs. Learn to play squash with simple rules and tuition. £10.05. Members £8.25 Winter Warriors 19 Feb – 1-4pm 8-12 yrs. A new fun boot camp style activity which includes a fitness workout, pool inflatable session & refreshments. All fitness levels welcome – it’s for fun! £9.50. Members £7.70 WATERWORKS CENTRE NATURE RESERVE Lammas Road (off Lea Bridge Road), Leyton, London E10 7QB 020 8988 7566 visitleevalley.org.uk Survival Skills 15 Feb – 11am-1pm Learn skills such as gathering; cooking; building shelters.

Children must be 8+ and with an adult. Booking required. FREE WILD CHILD 0845 371 7099 www.wildchildactivities.com 7-12 yrs. No experience needed. £20 per session

Wild Fencing St Albans Girls School (STAGS) 18 Feb – 10am-12noon Skateboard School Beaumont School, St Albans 19 Feb – 10am-12noon Archery in Action St Albans Girls School (STAGS) 20 Feb – 10am-12noon WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com February Frolics 15-23 Feb. Daily – 10am-5.30pm Hundreds of lambs will be born in the Lambing Marquee! Plus a full programme of activities including Toddler Town, Woolly Jumpers Indoor Play Barn, funfair rides & animal shows.

Adult £12.50. Child £13.50

Small Ads Parties

Tutors

WREST PARK Silsoe, Luton MK45 4HR 0870 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk 15-23 Feb – 11am-4pm Time Traveller Trail Travel through time & solve clues to win a prize! £8.80. Conc £7.90. 5-15 yrs £5.30. Family £22.90. Includes entry to house & grounds.

English Heritage Members free

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