2
In this issue:
From your Editor… Sorry to put a bit of a downer on the bright shiny New Year but ‘in the bleak midwinter’ is just about where we’re at! Hopefully, the publication of the first Families Herts issue of 2016 will bring you some New Year cheer! The New Year has started and so have the holiday adverts. We too have jumped on the bandwagon with a piece by Sally J. Hall about how to enjoy the benefits but avoid the pitfalls of sharing your holiday with another family. If, as many of us do, you are feeling the need to get a bit fitter and lose a few pounds there are lots of tips in the ‘New Year, New You’ section. Find out about the Moving Mums project, an initiative from the Herts Sports & Physical Activity Partnership that aims to encourage mothers to improve their fitness levels and have fun too. If you need advice about choosing the right nursery for your child the Nursery Feature is a must read with helpful guidance as well as information on our nursery advertisers. Until we meet again, enjoy the first weeks of this brand new year.
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. Email or call to request copies for your venue.
Shelley Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk
Say you saw it in
News & Views: 4 Nursery Feature: 6 Education: 12 New Year, New You: 14 Family Holidays: 16 What’s On: 17 Next Issue: Mar/Apr 2016 Copy deadline: 4th February
Image credit: monkeybusiness/depositphotos.com
3
News & Views New building for Kingshott School Parents, staff and pupils at Kingshott School, in St Ippolyts near Hitchin, were delighted at the opening of their new Prep School building last autumn. Named the Robinson building after Kingshott School’s respected Headmaster, Mr. Rowan-Robinson, who was Headmaster from 1959 to 1980, this brand new building provides the school with modern purpose built music, art, food technology and science classrooms as well as an ICT suite, changing rooms and a performing arts studio. Those who took a first tour of the building were excited by all they saw and the pupils and teachers were looking forward to using the new facilities. To find out more go to www.kingshottschool.com
The Herts Food and Drink Awards: have your say The Hertfordshire Food and Drink Awards (HFDA) are a chance for the public to nominate and to vote for their favourite purveyors of food and drink. This year's HFDA awards scheme sees the addition of categories for chains and franchises, such as Chain or Franchise Restaurant of the Year, as well as the ever popular Tea and Coffee shops category. So far, 87% of nominations have come from the public. Venues have the opportunity to enter themselves, or be nominated, in one of the 15 categories from Best Newcomer to Independent Butcher. Nominations close at 5pm on 22nd Feb 2016 and voting closes at 5pm on 25th April 2016.
To nominate your favourite, or to vote for those who have already been nominated, visit www.hfda.co.uk
Drama: helping to overcome shyness Having a shy child can sometimes be a concern for parents and raises questions, such as: will my child be able to mix easily with other children at school? will it be hard for them to make new friends? will their shyness hold them back? If a child can be helped to develop their social skills their confidence and self-esteem will grow and soon their shyness will be a thing of the past. Doing an activity that they really enjoy can work wonders and drama is an activity that is particularly effective at coaxing a shy child out of their shell. Drama skills provide lots of benefits: easier social interactions lead to making new friends; better vocal skills make speaking and performing in public situations, such as school assemblies, much less frightening. Visit www.dramaclasses.biz for some assistance in finding a local drama class. The site also has lots of general information about the performing arts.
Big Garden Birdwatch Raise a Grand for Brain Tumour Research Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet brain tumour research receives just 1% of the national spend on cancer research. It is the blood-brain barrier that stops most cancer drugs from treating brain tumours. Professor Geoff Pilkington, a pioneer in
l-r: Peter Egan (Actor) with Prof. Geoff Pilkington
4
blood-brain barrier research, along with other researchers in the field, is investigating the features of invading tumour cells so that new therapies can be developed to combat this disease. Research requires money, of course, which is where Brain Tumour Research (BTR) comes in. The charity has launched the Grand Challenge, a fundraising partnership with the Dr Hadwen Trust. The aim is to raise £180,000 to fund a three year research project into the blood brain barrier. You can help by pledging to raise a grand (£1,000) in whatever way you like. To find out more visit www.drhadwentrust.org/ grandchallenge If that is not for you, why not help by signing the BTR online petition? They need to have 100,000 signatures by 3rd February so that the issue of lack of funding for brain tumour research will be considered for debate in Parliament. Go to https://petition.parliament. uk/petitions/105560 to sign. It costs nothing and will do a huge amount of good.
Last year over half a million people took part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, spotting more than 8.5 million birds across the UK, and the organisers are hoping this year's watch will be a record-breaking event. This year's survey takes place on 30th and 31st January. To take part, simply spend one hour counting the birds in your garden or local park, and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time. The morning is the best time to look, when the birds are out and about feeding after a cold winter night. To sign up for a free Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 pack, go to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.
Stagecoach builds on its success in Herts January sees new Stagecoach Theatre Arts classes opening across Hertfordshire. Stagecoach Borehamwood is opening another Early Stages class for 4 – 6 year olds on Saturday mornings, and Stagecoach Potters Bar is opening new Main Stages classes on Fridays for 6 – 18 year olds, as well as an extra Early Stages class and new Mini Stages class for 2 – 4 year olds on Saturdays. Stagecoach Watford is starting a Mini Stages class on Saturdays. Stagecoach Welwyn-Hatfield is introducing new Main Stages and Early Stages classes on Saturday afternoons, plus Mini Stages on Saturday mornings. Stagecoach gives students essential life skills through classes in singing, acting and dance, allowing them to improve their confidence. Recently, students from Stagecoaches Borehamwood and Watford showcased their skills and wowed audiences at the Milton Keynes Theatre with a terrific performance. Stagecoach Watford Principal, Katherine Barry says: ‘It was fantastic seeing our pupils display their talents so confidently! All their hard work paid off and they experienced the thrill of performing for a huge crowd - they were so happy to be greeted by a standing ovation! ‘ Borehamwood Principal Beverly Hyman says: ‘It’s great to give our pupils opportunities to perform at such iconic venues. We’d like to invite everyone to come and give Stagecoach a try – children can do a two session trial to see if they like it.’ Stagecoach schools are part of a network of over 600 part-time theatre arts schools worldwide. Find your nearest at www.stagecoach.co.uk and see advert on page 3.
Explore inspiring tuition with a free trial session Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. With centres open seven days a week, Explore fits neatly into busy family life. As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.
St Albans Museum: Objects on Demand
Sandpit Theatre turns Fifteen This year is the 15th anniversary of the opening of The Sandpit Theatre in St. Albans. Being set on the same site as Sandringham School, the theatre has become the heart of the School and of the wider community it serves. It has seen performances of many different genres; from performing arts and lectures to award presentations and science demonstrations. The most recent addition to the Sandpit’s programme is the Little Digger’s Scheme offering events specifically for younger children. 2016 kicks off with Sandringham’s whole school production of Annie. The production includes all the catchy songs from the show: ‘Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’. Don’t miss Annie – you’ll love it! To find out more go to www.sandpittheatre.co.uk
Settle down by the Fireside The organisers of this year’s Fireside Festival (25th February until 6th March) have brought together shows from the Edinburgh Festival and London theatres so that they can offer a rich and diverse selection of performances to festival goers. For families, shows include: ‘Parent and Toddler’ tales with Marian Leeper and her story mat (a free event); ‘Aargh! Giants’ (for children of six and over); ‘Tales from the Rainforest’ (for children aged 7 and over) – all of which have been performed at The Southbank and the Soho Theatre. ‘The Tap Dancing Mermaid’ is an enchanting play for 3 year olds. There will be plenty of great comedy too, with George Egg, the anarchist cook, who prepares a three course meal using hotel room items including the trouser press! Plus, Joe Bone, with his alter ego Bruce Bane, in which he plays multiple characters in an hilarious and dark show about the gun-slinging Chicago detective. The comedian and mental health advocate, Ruby Wax, performs her one woman talk show to accompany her new book ‘Frazzled’, including a book signing. Performances take place at Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre. With most tickets priced from £5 - £15 it’s good value, live, local entertainment. To see the full programme and to book go to www.firesidefestival.org
Objects on Demand is a special event where the public will be able to choose historic objects from the museum’s collection by selecting from an ‘Argos-style’ catalogue. The event will take place at St Albans town hall during the Residents First Weekend on 23rd and 24th January from 10.30am – 4pm. Prior to the event a team of volunteers will select, research and photograph a variety of objects to create the catalogue. During the event visitors can request to see an object from the catalogue and the volunteers will show and talk about that object directly to the visitor. This is a unique event that will be fascinating and can best be described as ‘Argos’ meets ‘Antiques Roadshow’ - and it’s free! Find out more at www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk This event is part of Residents: Enjoy St Albans (www.enjoystalbans. com/residentsenjoy)
Say you saw it in
5
Nursery Feature
Choosing a nursery What you need to know when choosing a nursery or playgroup Many mums return to work after their maternity leave finishes and choose to leave their baby in a nursery. Even if you are a stay-athome mum or dad, it’s likely that when your child is between the ages of two and three years old you will want her to start at a playgroup or nursery school – for both her benefit and yours. But how do you choose the right nursery for your baby? You can usually get a list of local nurseries and playgroups from your local council, from your health visitor, local library, GP surgery or on the internet.
Speak with other mums about the nursery or playgroup you are most interested in, and go along and spend a morning at each group, together with your child. Gut instinct can be invaluable in these situations.
Things to consider when choosing a nursery: Are you and your child made to feel welcome and introduced to the nursery staff, helpers and perhaps to other children? Are you allowed to stay and watch at a time to suit you – not them?
6
Talk to the staff to find out their views on discipline, dealing with anxious children and free and structured play to see if their ideas are the same as yours. The ideal atmosphere at a nursery group should be busy and buzzing, but never out of control. Noisy children racing around or charging up and down on bikes and cars shows a clear lack of organisation. Another point to consider is whether boys and girls at the nursery are treated equally. Do boys get encouraged to do quiet, creative activities or do they run about in gangs and spend a lot of time on sit-on cars and toys? Are girls encouraged to do physical play and large toy activities? Do boys and girls play together? Both boys and girls need physical, energetic play, construction play and quite creative periods with adult attention. Try to visit a group while a singing or story time session is going on. Singing sessions should always be varied and fun with lots of action "The ideal atmosphere at a nursery group rhymes and should be busy and buzzing, but never percussion out of control" and have all the children enthusiastically joining in. Story time should also be something the children particularly enjoy. The story teller should be able to hold the children’s attention. Story time should not be used as an opportunity for helpers to take the children to the toilet or tidy up. If you like a particular nursery or playgroup, but feel they fall down in one or two areas, then speak with the supervisor. They may welcome your suggestions and be able to make changes to suit you and your child. If they don’t, then move on and find one that’s more in line with your requirements.
Check out the space itself. The room may be a bleak church hall but have the staff made it look lively and interesting? Does the nursery seem too crowded? Numbers are controlled by local authority regulations, and insurance policies, but some playgroups squeeze in extra children Is there somewhere for outdoors play on fine days? Are there books in a quiet corner where children can go and sit? Is there an interactive area, such as a nature table? Check out the toys, equipment and art materials on offer. Are the same toys put out in the same area every day? (this is why it’s a good idea to visit more than once on random, different days). Are there varied activities on offer (painting, sandpits, water play areas, Wendy house, play
dough, building bricks, puzzles, a dressing up box)? Are these accessible all the time? Do the children look excited and interested in the toys available? Does the climbing equipment look wellmaintained and is there a soft landing area? What about the staff? Are they listening and talking to the children? Are they calmly in control? Do they seem to be caring with the children? Do they notice aggressive or painfully shy children and get them to join in constructively? Do they spend more time chatting with each other than with the children?
Article supplied by Emma’s Diary Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information. Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk
Willows Farm Day Nursery Located at Willows Activity Farm, Willows Farm Day Nursery and Pre-School is truly Childcare in the Countryside! With a brand new extended baby room, they work closely with the families of these youngest children to mirror home routines to create a safe, secure and happy environment for relaxed rest times and stimulating baby play. Every day is packed with interesting and enjoyable activities which encourage curiosity, imagination and creativity. The structured educational play provided for toddlers ensures they seamlessly progress to the Pre-School so they are ready in their ability, experiences and social skills to move onto mainstream school. The partnership with children's families is a priority and the online learning journal allows close contact with a child’s development together with a key nominated person as a personal contact. To find out more call 01727 829535 or visit www.willowsfarmdaynursery.com to book a tour or attend an open day.
Say you saw it in
7
Nursery Feature Artisans Kindergarten At Artisans Kindergarten each child is cherished as an individual. Artisans Kindergarten provides a stimulating environment for 2-5 year olds. The Artisans approach combines the principles of Montessori education with the Early Years Foundation Stage. This maximizes a child's natural curiosity and desire to discover, preparing them for a happy education. Fully qualified Montessori and Primary teachers organise the activities and learning of the children who thrive with a broad range of experiences and activities suited to their individual needs and interests. Artisans is both child and parent friendly, with flexible times and approachable staff who are always happy to talk with parents. To find out more call 07787 535 135 or email info@artisans.uk.com
Year round fun at PlayPlus 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. They choose where, with whom and with what they wish to play. Ratios are very high ensuring children are safe and all their needs are met.
The staff team are all qualified and have been with PlayPlus for many years. Parents love the flexible approach to 'settling in', emergency 'supply' days, and adding on meals at short notice. Other benefits include: a choice of full year or term time registration plus 'school hours' care options. In addition to day-to-day activities, the children enjoy the termly visits from an animal education group and the annual outing to visit a farm. The large secure gardens are full of play equipment and offer a wonderful setting for adventure whilst encouraging physical activity and French lessons are also a bonus. To find out more call 01442 879762 or go to www.playpluskindergarten.co.uk. Alternatively, try the 'Parent and Toddler' mornings held weekly every Thursday – just pop in.
Riverbanks Nursery School For over 25 years, Riverbanks Nursery has been at the heart of the Harpenden community. In this time, their values have remained constant. All 2-5 year olds are welcomed into a warm and nurturing setting where they learn, grow, play and explore. Riverbanks offers a range of activities for children which help them to achieve the skills they need to move forward with confidence, covering all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage. To complement the full and active timetable children are also offered extra activities including Spanish, Dinky Dancers and Tatty Bumpkins yoga. Children are well supported and nurtured by highly motivated and skilled staff who work on a ratio of 1:4 across the nursery. All the Riverbanks staff and Early Years Teachers are continually improving and updating their skills.
8
To find out more call 01582 461608 or email enquiry@riverbanks.co.uk
How to apply online for a place at a Hertfordshire nursery school or class Parents of children born between 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013 can apply online for nursery places at Hertfordshire nursery schools and classes from Tuesday 9 February 2016. Parents who are considering private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers will need to find out more about the settings that interest them and apply direct to that nursery. Applying online for a school nursery place is a very straightforward process. The online service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week right up until the closing date. Applications can be changed any time until the closing date. You will have your own unique log in details and your information is fully protected and secure. All you need is an email account and internet access whether it is your home computer, at an internet cafÊ or at your local library. Many children’s centres also offer access. Parents must log in to the system on 26 April to view and accept and their nursery offer. Allocation emails will not be sent direct to parents.
Timetable for admissions to nursery schools and classes Apply online from: Tuesday 9 February 2016 Closing date: Friday 18 March 2016 Offer date: Tuesday 26 April 2016 Accept your place by:. Wednesday 4 May 2016 To find out more visit: www.hertsdirect.org/nurseryadmissions
Say you saw it in
9
Nursery Feature Batford Early Years Centre Batford Early Years Centre provides the highest quality education and childcare for children up to the age of 5. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, Batford Nursery School’s aim is to provide children with an outstanding early start to their education. It benefits from highly qualified, very experienced teachers and practitioners, bright airy buildings and a Forest School. Their lovely garden has an undulating grassy area, beautiful plants and spectacular mature trees. There is a covered pond where the children can watch tadpoles mature into frogs and newts, extensive climbing and balancing equipment, a mud kitchen, sandpit, covered veranda and much more. ‘Outstanding’ care and education from 8am to 6pm is provided by Skylarks which offers wrap-around care for children at Batford Nursery as well as full day care and 15 free hours. It is open term time and all school holidays, apart from Christmas. To find out more go to www.batfordearlyyearscentre.org.uk
Rudolf Steiner Nursery: where children have time At the Rudolf Steiner School’s Nursery the children are not rushed, over-stimulated or turned into mini-adults. The nursery programme is designed so that children aged 3-6, in mixed age groups, have space to develop the skills which will form the foundations for life-long learning. Within the beautiful gardens and delicate light-filled buildings the children sing, paint, draw and move to music. They listen to imaginative stories, create their own puppet shows and plays. They bake, grind flour and help prepare their daily organic snack. They enjoy tending the gardens, weaving and sewing. Of course, they love to play and the simple, natural, multi-functional materials provided for them help to support a range of rich and imaginative possibilities. The Steiner approach
to these special early years supports the development of each child’s self-confidence, their trust in the world and a strong sense of security. The next Rudolf Steiner whole school Open Morning is on Friday 29th January from 9.30am – 12noon. To find out more call 01923 262505 or go to www. rsskl.org
Abbott’s Hill Day Nursery & Pre-School
Positive Steps Day Nursery Children will receive a very positive welcome at Positive Steps Day Nursery in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead. Within its carefully designed rooms children learn through play and exploration in a happy, safe and stimulating environment. The many indoor and outdoor activities on offer are devised and delivered by fully qualified early years practitioners. Activities include: construction, physical games, crafts, sensory play, cooking, stories, role play, singing and ‘Tiny Mites’ music sessions. The pre-school room for children aged over three is led by a qualified teacher and, in addition to a range of activities, children also enjoy fun French lessons. The in-house cook prepares nutritious, homemade meals daily and the nursery has been awarded five stars by Dacorum Borough Council. The nursery is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and is open from 7.30am to 6.15 pm and offers childcare for babies and children up to five years all year round. During school holidays places for children up to seven years are offered. To find out more call 01442 266119 or email apsley@positivestepsnurseries.co.uk
10
At Abbot’s Hill Day Nursery & Pre-School, your child is at the heart of everything they do. In the purpose-built facilities, your child will be cared for in a safe and stimulating environment. Learning develops through play alongside more structured teaching introduced by Abbot’s Hill’s exemplary teaching staff, including Music, French, PE, Drama and Baby Ballet. There are sleeping facilities for rest time; and fresh, nutritious hot lunches and snacks are provided. From January, free 15 hours Nursery Government Funding will be available, and places can be booked from 2 days a week. The nursery is open from 7.30am – 6.30pm for 50 weeks a year. To arrange an individual tour at a time to suit you contact Jo Watkins, Nursery Manager on
01442 839103 or email nursery@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk. Or attend one of the Working Open Events to see the Day Nursery, Pre-School and Prep School in action (28 January, 10.30am-12pm; 24 February, 1.30pm-3pm). To book call the Registrar on 01442 839169 or email registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk. The next whole school Open Day is on Saturday 5 March, 10am – 12pm.
Berkhamsted Day Nursery The nursery years are a wonderful time and Berkhamsted Day Nursery, part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group, provides the perfect environment, situated in the tranquil and idyllic environment of Berkhamsted Pre-Prep site. They are open from 7.30am to 6.30pm, 50 weeks a year. Berkhamsted Day Nursery provides a welcoming atmosphere for children aged from five months to three years, enabling each individual to thrive and grow. As well as meeting all children’s care needs through delicious home cooked meals, excellent practitioners and fantastic facilities, they also offer the children the opportunity to participate in age related planned activities. These include Beats and Bops, Dinky Dancers and Spanish for the older children.
To find out more go to www.berkhamsteddaynusery.co.uk To arrange a visit call 01442 358276 The next Open Morning is on Friday 4 March from 9am – 12 noon. To book a place call Admissions on 01442 358001.
Say you saw it in
11
Education
There’s more to school than lessons By Liat Hughes Joshi
Education is about much more than what goes on in classrooms. Most schools offer a range of extracurricular activities bringing fun, education, sociability and a boost to confidence. How can your child capitalise on these opportunities? Choosing activities Follow his or her lead when deciding on classes. That said, it’s ok to point them towards something they might benefit from, such as drama for a shy child. Just don’t force a square peg into a round hole - taking up an activity they really don’t like, in the hope it’ll grow on them, can be counter-productive.
Encourage persistence Consider a rule that your child has to see the term you paid for out before they can give up a class they previously wanted to do – they might well change their mind back about quitting after a few more weeks!
How much is too much? There’s no set answer about how many activities are optimal – it varies for each child, based on tiredness, enthusiasm and their need for chill out time. If they seem tired, cut back.
Needs change over time Most reception children are exhausted from school for the first term or two, so keep things simple. Equally, once they start secondary, longer commutes, more homework and exam pressures might mean fewer activities too.
Relaxation time is vital Watch out for overscheduling – quiet contemplation, scope to be creative and relax is just as important as that second musical instrument or third sport.
If your child is struggling: particularly if he or she finds their class work difficult, it might be worth putting additional effort into building skills at home or with a tutor. Talk to their teacher about what help they need to focus on. Perhaps they can suggest fun but educational games, or workbooks. Tutoring can be expensive and you need to check the tutor’s credentials (because anyone can set up and call themselves a tutor) but one-to-one attention can have a remarkable impact on learning. Try tutorhunt.com to search for local tutors.
No child should struggle to master reading or writing!
Taking things to the next level: if your child is coping well with all that school throws at them and they’ve found their passion – be it gymnastics or music – you could contact local clubs and associations to see how they can take their talent to the next level, with matches/ performances or extra training. Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson). 12
Most reading and writing problems stem from children having to start learning these skills at too early an age. The ability to match sounds to letters (phonics) is largely handled by the left side of the brain. The left side of the brain (particularly in boys) is not developed enough to easily tackle this task, probably, until the child reaches 7-9 years of age. Therefore, starting to teach reading and writing formally at a much younger age may force a child to use the right side of their brain which means they are relying on sight memory to learn. As the right side of the brain sees the whole word as a picture, the child will tend to look at the first letter and last letter and then, once they have assessed the size and shape of the word, they will make a guess as to what it actually says. Some children can easily switch from reliance on the right hemisphere to the left as they develop and these move on to grasp phonics, but others will not be able to do this as they have not developed the proper pathway in the brain and it is these children that will struggle with their reading and writing. Centre4Excellence uses interventions and programmes to help children overcome these problems and reach their true potential. To find out more call Florence on 07919067343, email florence_gardam@ btconnect.com or visit www.c4x.org.uk
Schools Need Governors Do you know exactly what role Governors play in the life of a school? Could you imagine being a School Governor yourself?
What Governors do The Governing Body of a school is there to support the Head Teacher to run the school successfully. The Governors are consultants as well as critical friends to the Head Teacher. Having a mix of Governors, each of whom brings their own skills, knowledge and expertise to their role makes for an effective team who can actively support the Head Teacher. For example, with Head Teachers having to balance large budgets it can be useful to have a Governor who has business skills such as budget management, procurement, marketing and data analysis. School Governors are unpaid volunteers. They do not work at the school but they will attend meetings, read documents and, occasionally, write reports. A Governor will be someone who is interested in education and who believes that a good education can make a difference to a person's life. A rounded education and good qualifications are a young person’s currency for their future. The more currency they can bank the better, it will open up more choices and opportunities for them to succeed in life. By volunteering as a Governor you could be part of a team that will help children and young people to achieve that success. You do not have to have school age children or even to be a parent. Many people like to be Governors at schools close to where they live or work. Generally, meetings are held in the evening and each Governing Body is run to the needs of the school. To find out more or to apply call 01438 843082 or email lea.governors@hertsforlearning.co.uk or go to www.herts/direct.org/governors, www.hertsgovernors.org, www.sgoss.org.uk Alternatively, apply directly to the school of your choice by making contact with the Chair of Governors at the school you are interested in.
Say you saw it in
13
New Year, New You How to start a new exercise regime when you’re a busy mum By Sally J. Hall It seems as soon as Christmas Day is over, two types of advertisement start to appear on the television; the first are for holidays for the following summer, showing gorgeous people in tiny bikinis and trunks, cavorting across golden sands. The others – yes, you’ve guessed it. Weight loss. It’s no surprise that the fitness industry targets us just as we throw ourselves, groaning with overeating, onto the sofa for a few hours of feel-good films. Their research shows that most people start a new exercise regime in January, with a huge boost in gym memberships around that time. It seems there is something motivational in having a whole new year to look ahead to and many of us start of with great new resolutions – even if they fall by the wayside by March. Add to this the complication of being a busy mum – and when, for goodness; sake, are you going to find the time for a new fitness regime to shift those few pounds you put on over the Winter or to get the baby weight off? Don’t despair, we have a few great ideas.
Preparation is key Before you start any kind of exercise routine, check with your doctor (or midwife if you’re pregnant) that it’s OK. If you’ve recently given birth, wait until after your six week check-up. If you had a C-section or other complications, you might want to wait a while longer. Always start with stretches to warm your muscles and don’t overdo anything. If you start to hurt, it’s your body’s way of telling you to stop. Start with a small, short routine and gradually increase the time you spend and the intensity of your work-out.
Let’s swap Chances are your nearest and dearest may also be feeling the belt pinch. So talk through your desires for a little time to yourself to get a little fitter and suggest you swap. He has the kids while you go to the gym, for a swim, for a long walk in the woods – whichever you feel you like the most. Then do the same for him another day. If you’re single, could you and a friend swap exercise times?
Do what you like It may sound obvious but choose an activity you actually enjoy. If you join a spinning class, can’t keep up, end up red in the face and aching all over and dread going back, it’s not the right exercise for you. Try out a few different classes – everything from kick boxing to zumba is available these days, in gyms and church halls – and then pick the one you like the most. If you have joined a gym, you might find it works better to do a different thing each time. Try to include something that gets your heart racing, something stretchy and something that involves weights.
Kids come too Can’t palm the kids off onto a relative? Want to get a few more steps done this week? Take the kids with you. Go to a local park with scooters and bikes and baby in a pushchair and walk around the outside of the park, encouraging the kids to race you. Not only will you all get an oxygen boost, they will sleep really well that night.
Using baby If you are stuck at home quite a lot with a very young baby and don’t yet feel ready for the communal changing rooms, try some exercises at home. There are quite a few post-natal exercise DVDs now that start you off gently and most importantly, know how to support and strengthen your body as it returns to your pre-pregnancy shape. Pop in the DVD, do a few exercises and have your baby on a play mat next to you so that you’re still close. You can even use your baby to strengthen your arms by lifting her over and over – and she’ll love it too!
Quick bursts The time when your baby naps can be great for a quick burst – one of the hottest new fitness trends right now. Do push-ups against the wall or on your knees, use small weights to tighten arms (tins of beans work just as well), do squats and a few yoga poses for flexibility and strength in your core.
Three of the best post-baby fitness DVDs Pregnancy Health Yoga with Tara Lee DVD £14.99 A very comprehensive DVD that offers a choice of eight workout routines all suitable for pregnancy. It promises not just to strengthen your muscles but to give you more energy and help you relax too. It includes a birth visualisation by Dr Gowri Motha, the creator of the Gentle Birth Method too.
14
My Pre & Post Natal Workouts £34.99 Davina McCall You name the reason for exercise, Davina has made a DVD for it. But she really does know quite a bit about fitness during pregnancy and afterwards. In this DVD, Davina and her personal trainer Jackie Wren show you how to do a workout in two sections for before and after you have your baby. Well thought out and well presented.
Post Natal Pilates £9.99 Caroline Sandry Pilates is a powerful form of exercise that gives you great strength in your core, abdominal muscles and also has the muscle lengthening effects of yoga. This DVD offers safe and effective exercises designed to be used at different stages, from right after birth or as soon as you feel able. Stage one works on your pelvic floor and the muscles of the pelvis and abdomen. Stage two checks that those muscles are getting back to normal and then moves on to improving their strength and tone.
Moving Mums… at the school gates Fancy doing some exercise after dropping the kids off? Moving Mums is a perfect opportunity to make time for you; join in these informal and fun sessions whilst getting fit, feeling great and making new friends. Sessions are at a convenient time and place making it easy for you to get involved. All sessions are led by a qualified and friendly leader who welcomes everyone and will make sure everyone takes part at a level to suit them. There may also be a chance for a mum to train as a leader, so she can continue the session after the initial twelve week Moving Mums project comes to an end. There have already been some really successful sessions taking place. The picture shows some of the ladies from Park Street C of
E Primary School and Nursery, near St Albans. This group started in March last year with a qualified instructor leading the sessions. Now more than nine months later, the ladies are still going out every week with school mum Holly Brown (third from the right) leading the sessions. Holly took up the opportunity to qualify as a run leader and now leads the sessions. If you think this project would work at your school and you are keen to help that happen, contact Jane Parker at the Herts Sports & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) to express an interest for your school. Jane will then contact your school to arrange a planning meeting and allocate some funding to get Moving Mums started. Contact Jane Parker on 01707 283249 or email j.parker20@herts.ac.uk
Say you saw it in
Pilates Stretch Bands £8.10 Calmia Use these oversized stretch bands to give you resistance to help tighten abdominals, tone your arms and back and shoulders and slim your legs and behind. In three colours.
Dumbbells £5.05 Reebok Weighing from one to five kilos, these weights are ideal for banishing the bingo wings. Get pumping! They come in five colours – one colour for each weight.
15
Family Holidays
It Takes Two…Families Should you share a holiday with another family? By Sally J Hall
Us-time
It seems like a great idea when you and a friend are sharing a coffee, daydreaming about your next holiday and it turns out you both want to hire a Gite in France, a cottage in Cornwall or a Villa in Tuscany. So you decide that it might be fun to go away with both your families and share the cost of the holiday. So we’ve come up with some tips to make this a holiday to remember – not a nightmare.
As there are other grown-ups with you, this would be an ideal opportunity to have some time alone with your partner. Suggest that you take it in turns to look after all the children, for an afternoon or an evening, so that each couple can have some personal space.
A room of one’s own
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing… The first thing to consider is how well you know the other family. Whilst it might seem that you have lots in common with another person when you first meet them, you may find that actually, the things you enjoy are superficial and there are areas of their life you find difficult to cope with. Have you been to each others’ houses? If you’re a neat freak and they are the kind to ignore mould on the milk bottle – or the other way around – you’re probably not going to get along with each others’ standards of housekeeping. Do you know what their politics are? This can be very devisive if you find each others’ opinions difficult to swallow. And do your children get along? It would be terrible if all they do is argue while you’re away and you’ll end up taking sides and possibly falling out with the other parents.
All good friends Another very important thing is that your partners need to get on. And you need to get on as a foursome too, especially if it comes down to a dispute when the children are falling out or want to do different things. You’ll all, as grown-ups, need to be united and not cause more difficulties when deciding how to arrange your time. So decide to spend some time together in the run-up to the holiday – perhaps a whole day on a Saturday or a Sunday - and have the children on a
16
sleep-over at each others’ houses to iron out problems before you go.
Set the rules Before embarking on the trip, decide on some ground rules. You will need to set a budget and decide how you are going to share the price of the house but you will also have to decide on how to share costs once you are away. If you are self catering, it’s best to share everything equally (easy if your families are the same size, otherwise work it out proportionately). If one person wants something more expensive, however, that only they will use or eat – for example some special wine or food – suggest that they pay for that themselves. Talk this all through before you go, as the last thing you want is an argument at the supermarket check-out!
Doing the housework The chores will also have to be shared equally, so that nobody has to do all the cooking or all the washing up. It’s probably best if you decide to take it in turns and perhaps eat out a couple of times during the holiday so that you all get a break.
Speaking of space, when choosing a holiday house, make sure there is enough room for you all to have some personal space. Even the best of friends can end up getting on each others’ nerves at times, so if there is room for you all to find a corner, either in your bedroom or a living room, tensions should be averted. Letting the kids all sleep in the same room may backfire too, as they will be so excited that they may not get to sleep before the small hours. So while there may be some things to consider before you embark on a holiday with friends, there are many advantages. You can afford somewhere much nicer than you might otherwise have done, you can share chores and babysitting and you can forge lifelong friendships between both the adults and the children. With a little forethought, this will truly be a holiday to remember!
Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).
What's On We aim for accuracy but please ensure you check with the venue before you set out in case of changes.
EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS AT HALF TERM ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.cmra.org.uk St Albans Model Railway Exhibition 2016 16 Jan - 10am-5.30pm 17 Jan - 10am-4.30pm Over 25 working model railway layouts. Cost: Adult £8 (+ 2 children free). Additional children £4 each.
BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP Berkhamsted School, Doctor's Common Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 3DW 01442 358115 www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk BaseCamp 15-19 Feb - 9.30am-4.30pm. Holiday activities designed to develop children's sporting, artistic and social skills. Ages 3-5 or 5-11. Additional hours available. Cost: Day £32. Week £144
HERTFORDSHIRE SPORTS VILLAGE
MILL GREEN MILL & MUSEUM
de Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, AL10 9EU www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk February Half Term Activities 15-19 Feb Swimming, climbing or football plus multi activity day camps. Cost: Varies depending on session, activity and membership status
Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD 01707 357850 www.welhat.gov.uk/familyfun Clay Monster Model 18 Feb - 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 2.30pm Design and create your own monster model in clay. Cost: £3 per child Monster Mask 16 Feb - 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm Make a monster mask to scare your friends with! Cost: £3 per child Monster Puppet 17 Feb - 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 2.30pm Make your own monster moving puppet. Cost: £3 per child
HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE 231 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com Half-Term Activities 15-19 Feb Sailing, kayaking, archery, canoeing, fencing, bush craft, caving. No experience necessary. Cost: £15 per session or £120 for the week
LANGLEY TENNIS CLUB High Woodhall Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RW www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk Tennis and Racquets Camp 15-19 Feb - 9am-4pm For children and teens wanting to improve their standard of tennis and eye hand co-ordination while having fun. Includes other racquet sports such as table tennis, badminton and touch tennis. Players are separated into groups of similar age and ability to ensure they have a great experience. For ages 4-14. Additional hours also available. Cost: Per day £40. Per week £160
GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 01438 363200 www.gordon-craig.co.uk Mister Maker 20 Feb - 1.30pm, 4pm. 21 Feb - 10am, 1pm Join arts and craft hero, Mister Maker, for his first live theatre tour! Tickets: £14.50. Child £11. Family £43
GOSLING SPORTS PARK Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6XE 01707 331056 www.goslingsports.co.uk Go Kids Camp 15-19 Feb - 9am-3.30pm Multi-sport camps for ages 4-16 yrs. From trampolining to fencing, skiing, dodgeball, football & tennis. Early drop off and late pick up available. Cost: £25 per day (£20 members)
LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk How to…Draw 17 Feb - 10.30am-12noon If you can draw a triangle you can draw a chicken! This artist-led workshop takes you through the basics of drawing in a fun and creative way, with practical exercises in looking, feeling, mark-making and developing your own style. Booking required. Ages 7+. Cost: £6 per child How to…Colour 17 Feb - 10.30am-12noon Learn how to use colour in your artwork with artist Helen Palmer and her simple and fun approach to colour theory. Explore blending, layering and block colour through practical, creative exercises. All materials provided. Booking required. Ages 7+. Cost: £6 per child Family Fun 18 Feb - 12-3pm Make a policeman peg doll. Cost: £1 per child
Say you saw it in
PANSHANGER PARK Nr, Hertford, SG14 2TD www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Half Term Fun 16 Feb - 10am-1pm Children's activities including arts and crafts and nature challenges. No need to book. Free
ROYSTON & DISTRICT MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 5 Lower King Street, Royston, SG8 5AL www.roystonmuseum.org.uk Crafty Kids: Elves & Fairies 17 Feb - 10.30-12noon Craft yourself some beautiful fairy wings, a magic wand or an elf hat. Ages 4-10. Drop-in. Cost: £2 per child Crafty Kids: Ruthless Romans 20 Feb - 10.30-12noon Make your own replica roman sword and helmet. Ages 4-10. Drop-in Cost: £2 per child
THE ARK THEATRE The Civic Car Park, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1WA 020 8238 7252 www.thearktheatre.co.uk Peter Pan Fun Day 16 Feb - 10.30am-3pm Take part in a host of creative activities including Peter Pan themed arts & crafts, and fun drama games. Then enjoy Peter Pan the film on the big screen. Fancy dress optional but highly recommended. Ages 4-14. Cost: £12
THE RHODES ARTS Complex & Bishops Stortford Museum, 1-3 South Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 651746 www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk
17
What's On Count Duckula and The Jewels of Duckula 18 Feb - 2pm Children's TV Classic 'Count Duckula' live on stage for the first time. With songs, games and tons of fun. Tickets: £12, Conc. £10, Family £40
THE SANDPIT THEATRE Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX 01727 370067 x244 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk Annie! 21-23 Jan - 7.30pm (plus matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday) Family musical. Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan's orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search. Tickets: £10, Conc. £7.50
VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael's Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Meet Queen Boudicca 21 Feb - 2-4.30pm Meet this amazing queen in the Museum galleries. Children must be with an adult. Story telling sessions by Boudicca at 2.30 & 3.30pm. Free. Museum entry charge applies for non-residents Incredible Icarus 15 Feb - 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm Hear the thrilling story of Icarus and his escape from the labyrinth. Create an embellished picture of this amazing hero and make your own labyrinth game. Ages 6-11. Book & pay in advance. Cost: £6 (£5 for Young Friends) Paper Mosaics Craft Activity 15-19 Feb - 2-4pm Draw and colour a picture of your favourite Roman object and turn it into a fantastic mosaic. Ages 3-11 (with adult). Cost: £1.50 Museum entry charge applies for nonresidents Gruesome Gorgon 16 Feb - 10.30am-12.30pm, 2-4pm Find out about Medusa, a horrible gorgon who could turn people into stone just by looking at them. Make a Medusa mask and a Greek shield. Ages 6-11. Book & pay in advance. Cost: £6 (£5 for Young Friends) Museum entry charge applies for nonresidents Arion and the Dolphins 17 Feb - 10.30am-12.30pm, 2-4pm Listen to this Greek Myth and create a colourful dolphin mosaic to take home. Ages 6-11. Book & pay in advance. Cost: £6 (£5 for Young Friends) Museum entry charge applies for non-residents
18
Mystery Objects in the Galleries 16-18 Feb - 2-4pm Visit the museum's object handling table. Discover everyday items people used in Roman times. Ages 3+ (with adult). Museum entry charge applies for nonresidents
WELWYN ROMAN BATHS Welwyn Bypass, Welwyn, AL6 9FG www.welhat.gov.uk Centurion Zip-up Pencil Cases 15 Feb - 2-4pm Make a pencil case, complete with a Roman centurion figure to guard your pens and pencils! Ages 4+ (with adult). Cost: £3 per child. £3.50 standard admission applies for adults entering the bath house during their visit, children free.
WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 08701 299718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com February Frolics 13-21 Feb New born lambs plus a full programme of activities including Toddler Town, Woolly Jumpers Indoor Play Barn, fun fair rides and animal shows.
XC SKATE PARK Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4JS 01442 507193 / 01442 507100 www.thexc.co.uk Extreme Sports The XC, extreme sports facility, is perfect for kids who want to be active . The venue has a skate park, a 14m climbing wall, an organic indoor caving system plus bouldering and a challenging high ropes course, all under cover. Conact the venue for times and prices of sessions.
TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT FIRESIDE FESTIVAL Arts and Heritage Centre, The Old Town Hall, High Street, Baldock, SG7 6AR www.firesidefestival.org A unique storytelling festival that showcases the different styles that storytelling can take. There is a wide choice of different performances on offer for all and three performances specifically for children and their families. The Festival runs from 25 February until 6th March. Toddler Tales Coffee Morning with Marion Leeper 27 Feb – 10:30am Free
Arrgh, Giants! with Nell Phoenix 27 Feb – 3pm Tales from the Rainforest with TUUP 28 Feb – 3pm The Tap-Dancing Mermaid (Tessa Bide) 4 March – 4:30pm The Marion Leeper Toddler Tales Coffee Morning is Free. Tickets for all other performances cost £5 each or £15 (family of 4).
LITTLE HAY GOLF COMPLEX Box Lane, Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 0XT www.sportspace.co.uk Family Footgolf Daily from 5 Jan Weekdays 8am-6pm, Weekends 7am-6pm Play football on a golf course! You don't need any expert skills, technique or equipment – pop along, grab a ball and you're on your way! Most games are completed within the hour. Refreshments available at the on-site restaurant. Cost: £5. Seniors £3.50. Juniors £3. Family £12
BAG A BARGAIN LOTS FOR TOTS SALES Baby & Toddler Table Top Sale www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk A busy indoor table top sale for people that want to sell their second hand baby, toddler and children’s clothes toys and equipment, and those that want to buy them. For more information and to book a table go to the website. See advert on page 20. 24 Jan - 10am-12noon Ware Drill Hall, 17 Amwell End, Ware, SG12 9HP 20 Feb - 10am-12noon Onslow St Audrey’s Academy, Old Rectory Drive, Hartfield, AL10 8AB 6 March - 10am - 12noon Ware Drill Hall, 17 Amwell End, Ware, SG12 9HP 23 April - 10am - 12noon Onslow St Audrey’s Academy, Old Rectory Drive, Hartfield, Herts, AL10 8AB Costs: Buyers - Entry £1 Sellers - Tables £15 Entry price and table rental is the same for all venues.
CHILDREN'S THEATRE GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 01438 363200 www.gordon-craig.co.uk
Chinese New Year Extravaganza 25-26 Feb - 7.30pm Chinese performers show off amazing skills in acrobatics, juggling and martial arts. Tickets: £19
THE ARK THEATRE The Civic Car Park, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1WA 020 8238 7252 www.thearktheatre.co.uk How the Koala Learnt to Hug 28 Feb - 4pm Family musical based on the book by Steven Lee. Ages 3+. Tickets: £8. Conc £6. Family £25
THE MALTINGS ARTS THEATRE Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans, AL1 3HL 01727 844222 www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk Big Goldilocks and the Three Bears 16 Jan - 3pm Comical and interactive performance told through a 6ft tall book with pop ups and props appearing from the pages! Tickets: £6. Family £20
THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 4 Feb - 1.30pm, 4.30pm 5 Feb - 10.30am, 1.30pm Catchy songs, interactive scenes and hands-on adventure with a few surprises. Ages 3+. Tickets: £11 Mr Albert’s Big Finish! 6 Feb - 11am, 2pm Mr Albert's Theatre is about to close, but can it be saved? Musichall, magic and mayhem. Ages 5-11. Tickets: £8. Family £28
For more events during January and February visit www.familiesherts. co.uk and click the What’s On tab.
Say you saw it in
19
What's On
www.familiesherts.co.uk
Printed by Warners Midlands Plc, Bourne, Lincs., PE10 9PH. Families Herts is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families速 is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Herts are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every 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 any consequence.