Families London Surrey Borders May/June 23 DIGITAL issue

Come along and get creative, learn something new, access support or just relax with friends over a coffee.

Children’s activities include Robot Reg, Grandparents’ Stay and Play, Jingle Bugs, and yoga.

For information about our children’s activities please visit our website.

• Children’s activities

• Fitness classes

• Events

• Lunches

• Snack bar

• Room hire

reigate-banstead.gov.uk/community-centres communitycentres@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Welcome

Now the weather is getting better and the evenings longer, you can get the kids outside to play. We’ve provided some tempting activity ideas for outdoor fun. It’s also a great time for eating outside –from family barbeques to street parties. Check out our simple outdoor dining ideas. Meanwhile, if you’re planning some time under canvas this summer, you may be interested in our top picks for UK camping destinations.

And as we head towards the end of term, don’t forget Father’s Day or a thank you gift for your child’s teacher – we have plenty of ideas for you in this issue.

There are some great giveaways for you in this issue too, including your chance to win a holiday from Away Resorts, tonnes of Orchard Toy Little Shopping Lotto games and much more! Apply inside and also ensure you receive every issue of our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Bags

4 10 14 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 28

Competition winners from our January/ February issue

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

Brand New Nursery

Opening September 2023

for children aged 6 months to 4 years

7.15am to 6.00pm, 50 weeks of the year

Where children learn through play and adventure, wrapped in Hawthorns happiness, warmth and care

aged 6 months to 13 years

The Hawthorns is a thriving independent school in Bletchingley for girls & boys

What is the CPA approach in maths?

By Jemma Z Smith

CPA (concrete, pictorial, abstract) is a maths teaching approach that has grown in popularity in recent years. It involves using tangible objects for children to add, subtract, multiply or divide. They then progress to using pictorial representations of the objects and ultimately, abstract symbols.

This way of learning is one of the foundations of Singaporean maths, now being adopted in the UK.

Concrete

The tangible, ‘handling’ stage uses physical objects to solve problems. For example:

There are four buttons in the pot. Stanley has two buttons in his hand. How many buttons are there altogether?

In this problem, the children might first count out actual buttons before moving on to non-related objects such as counters.

Of course, almost anything can be used to help a child master this stage from pencils to plastic pots, to counting beans and coins. You don’t need to spend money on concrete resources to support learning.

Pictorial

The next step is for learners to move on to making their own representations.

Returning to the buttons example, these could be drawn as four circles on one part of the paper and two more on another part, representing the pot and the hand. Kids can then count each small circle, getting the same answer as with the buttons

Hape Nature Fun Detective Sets

Teacher gift ideas

It’s approaching the end of term again…here are some great ‘thank you’ gift ideas for your child’s teacher, both hand-crafted and shop-bought.

Make a photo frame

Simple, fun project. Requires three materials and a photo memento.

Make a terrarium

Terrariums of all shapes & sizes look great on a desk!

Make DIY hot chocolate bombs

Encased in chocolate & filled with mini marshmallows.

Make pebble class art

Decorate pebbles marking out members of your class and your teacher.

Teacher’s Tin

A novelty desk tidy for the teacher who likes to be organised. £11.79

School backpack charity gift

A charity gift your child’s teacher will love. £11 ActionAid

Keep Calm & Pretend coffee mug

Fun quality mug for the teacher who enjoys a joke. £9.45

Thank You Teacher chocolate gift box

For a teacher with a sweet tooth! £10

Personalised

Teacher’s Survival Kit

Fill with essentialstissues, paper clips, tea bags £7.87

Birdhurst Day Nursery

Birdhurst Day Nursery is run by Christian Family Concern, a registered Charity Founded in 1893.

At Birdhurst Day Nursery we care for children aged between 3 months – 5 years and follow the government’s Early Years Foundation stage curriculum, enabling every child to progress.

Our Christian values underpin our outlook, ethos and the care given to everyone that comes through our doors.

We offer:

• Open 51 weeks of the year (except bank holidays) 8am–6pm

• Child initiated learning encouraged

• Daily updates via Family App

• Large fully equipped garden with forest school area

• Sensory room

• Weekly extracurricular activities

• Fully qualified staff with regular training

• Freshly cooked meals prepared by our onsite Chef

Contact us on 020 8688 0251 www.christianfamilyconcern.org.uk

I am smart, funny, brave, kind, curious, unique, creative, energetic, honest, fearless, caring, surprising, determined, playful, musical and a loyal friend.

And that’s just today. I’m free to be wonderfully and wholeheartedly me.

Top children’s literature festivals

Children’s literature festivals are springing up all over the country and offer great entertainment for families. Here’s our selection.

Barnes Children’s Literature Festival

London’s largest festival. Big-name authors, shows & activities. 24-25 Jun

Appledore Book Festival (North Devon)

A dedicated children’s programme. 15-24 Sep

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Hundreds of events for families. 12-28 Aug

Cuckfield Children’s BookFest (Sussex)

Spectacular one day event with author ‘meets’ & talks. 7 Oct

Bath Children’s Literature Festival

Europe’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival.

29 Sep-8 Oct

llkley Literature Children’s Festival (Yorkshire)

Top authors, free dropin events, storytelling, workshops. Oct

Wokingham Children’s Book (Berkshire)

Festival with author

‘meets’ & talks. 15 Oct.

Hay Festival (Wales)

Extensive programme & section for toddlers & parents. 25 May-4 Jun

Great Malvern Festival of Stories (West Midlands)

Storytellers, authors, theatre. 24-29 Oct.

Developing independent learning

By Zuzu Jordan

How handwriting affects self-esteem

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

Big family celebrations occur when our children display independence by taking their first steps or riding their bike without stabilisers.

So how do we then help children develop independence in their learning?

READ MORE

Is

By Catherine Lynch

During the pandemic, school absence was understandably high with anxiety about sending children to school and many children absent with Covid 19. However, throughout the past year, problems with school attendance remain ongoing.

READ MORE

Kids who struggle with handwriting are often at a disadvantage in the high-paced classroom setting. According to the Dyspraxia Foundation, they are usually aware of their difficulty and their untidy writing can make them feel uncomfortable and frustrated.

READ MORE

Book a FREE summer term class with Perform

Summer term is here and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform.

Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform weekly classes round off the academic year with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

This term, ages 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger for an adventure with the Mermaids & Pirates. Meanwhile, ages 7-12s will enjoy a laugh-out-loud adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in The Dream. The curriculum has an emphasis on fun with free apps and videos to watch at home.

Classes are for all abilities and every child can try a FREE class in Caterham, Oxted, Purley, Reigate and Shirley. Book HERE.

Clubs & classes directory

Ashtead Ballet School

A nurturing environment where everyone is encouraged to discover their own potential. Ages 3+.

LONDON TKD

Epsom, Sutton, Caterham

An exciting children’s martial arts programme for ages 4-5s and 6-11s.

LIVE LOVE PERFORM

Reigate, Dorking, Brockham

Fresh and immersive dance classes, for ages 2+ with a unique ethos.

KSM School

Beginner to advanced levels from 3 yrs to adult. Lessons in piano, guitar, drums, violin, band and Kingswood Choir.

Perform Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for ages 4-7s and 7-12s. FREE trial class available.

Rugbytots

Rugby play programme offering dynamic weekly sessions which enable boys and girls.

SPD Tuition

Tailored teaching on a one-to-one basis, allowing each individual student to achieve their full potential.

LCA Stage Academy

Performance classes and workshops in singing, acting and dancing. Ages 3-18.

Tumbletots

A fun and progressive play programme designed to develop children’s balance, climbing and co-ordination.

The Lotus Practice

Now offering

ü Cranio-sacral therapy

ü Baby Massage Courses

ü Baby Yoga Courses

ü

Osteopathy

CranioSacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive handon technique that supports body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself. It is suitable for everyone from new-born to elderly.

) 07956442223

: thelotus@hotmail.co.uk

8 www.thelotuspractice.com

BALLET

Inspire - Develop - Nurture

A happy nurturing school where everyone is encouraged to reach their own potential. Classes from 3 years to adult.

‘After having tried other dance schools I can honestly say Maxine and her fellow teachers are amazing!

Ashtead Ballet School definitely stands out as one of the best.’

Mrs de Atouguia

Ashtead Ballet School www.ashteadballetschool.co.uk

ASHTEAD BALLET SCHOOL

T 07947 920343 E maxine@ashteadballetschool.co.uk

11+ Mock Tests

11+ Mock Tests

CEM

style 11+ Bexley Tests

Stage 1 - Mock Selective Eligibility Test

WALLINGTON Selective Eligibility Test (SET) & Stage 2

Orpington/Kent Grammar

Schools

Stage 2 Sutton Schools Mock Tests

Dates: 30/3/15 – Mon. pm 11/4/15 – Sat. am

Dates: 20/2/15 Fri Half Term 28/3/15 Saturday

Where:

Dates:

Dates: 18/2/15 Wed Half Term

Wed Easter Hols

Fri Half Term

– Sat. am

Wallington SM6

Saturday 3 June 9.30am to 11.30am Saturday 22 July 9.30am to 11.30am (ONLINE & IN PERSON)

Wed Half Term

Where: Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Place, Hurst Rd, Bexley DA5 3LH Time: 1.30pm – 3.45pm

Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Road, Orpington BR6 8PR

Where: Sutton SM3 or Wallington SM6

See the website for full address. See the website for full address.

Time: 9.30am - 1pm

Where: The Centre, Milton Rd, Wallington SM6 9RP

Fee: £22.50 per paper including detailed feedback and online software to practise.

Fee: From £45 for 2 papers including detailed feedback and access to all questions.

Fee: From £25 per paper feedback & FREE online tests.*

BOOK NOW

www.mocktestmasters.com

FEEDBACK includes

✔ ✔ Detailed report on your child’s Strengths & weaknesses

ü Ranked table of results

ü Your child’s strength and weaknesses report

✔Access to mock test questions & answers

üAccess to mock test questions & answers

✔ Your child’s answer papers returned

Ultimate Activity Summer Camps

Ultimate Activity Camps provide an inspiring programme of over forty stimulating and outstanding activities during the school holidays for children ages 4 to 14 to enjoy.

This summer holidays, these awardwinning camps, delivered by qualified and motivating staff will run at Micklefield School in Reigate, Sutton High School in Sutton and Manor House School in Leatherhead. Kids can enjoy a range of sports, games and craft activities each week.

Winner of the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence recognising businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience, Ultimate Activity Camps are all about making memories for children, through fresh air, fun and friendship.

Find our more and book HERE. Save £20 a week if you book a summer camp before 6 June!

Enjoy half term at Hever Castle & Gardens

Early summer fun at RHS Garden Wisley

Unleash your artistic side during May half term at Hever Castle & Gardens from 27 May to 4 June.

Become an artist for the day and depict the castle or gardens in any style, take part in a FREE art challenge or be inspired by the artists in the grounds. Meet actors portraying famous artists, Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo and join them on a journey through the grounds enjoying some challenges along the way. Finish your day by becoming a walking piece of art with a creative face paint (additional charge –weekends only).

While at Hever, enjoy the popular Water Maze, the thrilling Tudor Towers adventure playground, the natural Acorn Dell play area or, for an additional charge at weekends and school holidays, ‘Have-a-Go’ archery and boating on the lake.

Find out about Hever’s Home Front event on 24 and 25 June on page 31.

More info HERE

RHS Wisley is blazing a trail as a glorious garden of the future. During May half term, families can discover how fun and easy it is to plant and harvest vegetables and discover where our food comes from. Inspire the next generation of gardeners at RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science, discover the produce in the World Food Garden, explore the Exotic Garden and the tropical Glasshouse. More info HERE.

The Derby Family Festival

Experience racing’s most spectacular carnival in The Derby Family Festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse (Fri 2 & Sat 3 Jun). Watch history in the making from the ticketed enclosure on the world-famous Hill. In a new location for 2023, closer to the action on the racetrack, there will be all day entertainment, from tots to teens. Don’t miss the return of the Main Stage, a new food festival and selected free rides and activities. Under 12s free! Tickets from £20. More info HERE.

Eco family days out

Entertaining and inspiring places with a conscience that also offer bags of adventure for a family visit.

Bewilderwood

Environmentally-friendly adventure parks in Norfolk and Cheshire.

The Centre for Alternative Technology

Snowdonia, Wales. Interactive displays, ecodemonstrations & family activities.

Cornwall. Rainforests, Mediterranean zones & outdoor gardens.

The Living Rainforest Berkshire. Tropical rainforest adventure with plants & animals.

Award-winning indoor and outdoor adventure park in North Norfolk.

Award-winning family fun park in Gwynedd, Wales.

Essex. Ancient woodlands, arboretum & The Wild Wood play area.

Kent.

Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland & holds over 200 British animals in natural enclosures.

London.

Land train, nature play area, the Hive & the Children’s Garden.

Wildwood Trust

Greenwood Family Park

Kew Gardens

Pensthorpe

The Eden Project

Markshall Estate

Claim your FREE Little Shopping Lotto game NOW* Small in size but big in fun – perfect for both home and travel! APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&C’s apply

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

Win a four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resort of your choice.

Experience one of Away Resorts’ fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast, all within areas of natural beauty. Your accommodation will be off-thescale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. Jam-packed with activities, entertainment, fantastic facilities and events, every member of the family will be grinning from ear to ear.

Explore The New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes Appletree or Cleethorpes Pearl in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex or Golden Sands in North Wales –or perhaps somewhere else will take your fancy.

Full list of locations HERE.

APPLY HERE by 30 June 2023 T&Cs.

6 Available

Great gifts for the dad in your life

Don’t forget to show dad how much he’s appreciated on Father’s Day on Sunday, 18 June. Check out our gift suggestions for something he might like – all for £20 or less.

FOCO Moccasin slippers

Comfy suede slippers with your dad’s team logo. £15.

Reversible belt

Wardrobe versatility with this reversible black/tan belt. £20.

Dad’s Toblerone

Personalised Toblerone bar for a special treat. £17.

Stormtrooper decanter

For the Star Wars lover. Stores spirits, decants wine and serves. £19.99.

I Love My Daddy picture book

Spend special time with dad with this joyful, rhyming picture book. £6.64.

Tile Mate

Keeps track of Dad’s keys, wallet and phone. £15.99.

V&A Italian hot chocolate

Rich, mouth-watering hot chocolate from Italy in a keepsake arty tin. £10.

Hotel Chocolat Milk Chocolate Old Fossil

Smooth, mellow and from the prehistoric era (remind you of anyone?).

Personalised face cooking apron

Great for the cook who can’t get too much of himself! £19.99.

Creative garden play

Water

Plastic water bottle guns – use old squeezy detergent bottles for squirty fun.

Water balloon pinata - make with balloons, water, string and a stick.

DIY Slip n Slide - spread out a long tarp and apply hose for slippery, slidy fun. Ice play – freeze water overnight in empty cartons for building, sculpting and slipping.

Mix & stir

Leaf tea – infuse a variety of leaves from the garden in an old teapot or saucepan.

Cappuccino – help them carefully froth a muddy watery mix with a whisk.

Mud ice creams – use ice cream cones, dirt and flowers for decoration.

Garden perfume – using sealable bottles, add water and best smelling flowers and herbs.

Make a cheap & easy mud kitchen

Sand & mud

Mobile mud patch – convert your wheelbarrow into a mud pit. Natural sand pit – dig a shallow hole. Line using plastic with rock edging. Add sand.

Sand wall – attach old, upsidedown cartons and bottles with ends removed for pouring sand. Muddy car wash – get the toy cars really muddy, then wash them in a soapy water bucket.

Creative garden

Small world garden play –connect with the natural world with these imagination zones. Soil art – use an ancient method to make paint from the garden. Paint a mural – let imaginations flow using a washable chalk paint recipe.

Ice excavation – freeze interesting items inside blocks of ice for your children to release.

Transform an old chest of drawers into a kid’s kitchen using household junk.

STEM craft activities

Stimulate your child’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with these inspiring craft ideas.

Create salt dough fossils

Fun activity which shows kids how fossils are made.

Paper straw rockets

Experiment with propulsion and flight with these easy downloadable templates.

Gravity action art

A super-easy way of seeing science and art working together.

Magnetic slime

Discover how to create magnetism with this fun activity.

Paper building blocks

Simple craft demonstrating engineering with paper.

Fruit Solar System

A fruity way to grasp the planet sizes in our Solar System!

Invisible ink art

Fascinating art project where science plays a big role.

Make a volcano

A safe miniature eruption!

Robot Hands

Discover the mechanics of robotics and how everything works together.

Simple outdoor eating

Take your pick of these great recipes and create meals to eat outside which the family will love.

Roast chicken garden salad

Sweet & sticky chicken wings with classic slaw

Super easy Spanish tortilla

Quick grilled pizza

Lamb meatball pitta pockets

Salt & pepper tofu skewers

Vegetable tartlets

Roasted banana & cinnamon ice cream

Lemon sherbet ice

Tackling summer ailments

Summer is fun but it’s good to be prepared for the common ailments your child may suffer that are peculiar to the season. Here are our tips.

Sunburn

* Stay in shade from 11am to 3pm;

* Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses;

* Use at least factor 30 sunscreen;

* Reapply frequently.

Insect bites

Most improve within hours. * Remove the sting; * Wash affected area; * Apply cold compress to any swelling; * Avoid scratching/bursting any blisters.

Dehydration

Thirst/dark yellow, strong smelling wee, weeing less, lightheadedness, dry mouth, lips & tongue – if untreated, can become serious. * Give extra fluids gradually.

Eczema

Itchy, red, dry, cracked skin.

* Dress in thin cotton layers; * Use light cotton blankets or sheets; * Apply moisturising cream;

* Keep out of the heat.

Heat exhaustion

Dizziness/nausea/ headache/fast breathing or heartbeat. * Move to cool place; * Remove clothing; * Give sports drink/water; * Cool skin; * If still unwell after 30 minutes, call 999.

Tick bite

* Cover skin walking outdoors; * Use insect repellent;

* Check for ticks on clothes and skin;

* Remove quickly;

* If rash appears or child become unwell, see GP.

Affordable counselling at Wellbeing Therapy Hut

This Kingstonbased business that is all about making therapy affordable and accessible. You can choose from face-to-face sessions in its therapy space or online sessions from the comfort of your own environment.

eczema

Prices at The Wellbeing Therapy Hut start from as little as £18 and it has a team of counsellors trained to work with children ages 5+, teenagers, adults and couples.

Find out more HERE.

Top UK camp sites for families

Looking for a family-friendly camping experience? Take a look at our top picks.

Catgill Farm

Camping to glamping in Yorkshire Dales. Outside village of Bolton Abbey.

Burnbake

Woodland campsite/ luxury lodges in Dorset, close to coast & Corfe Castle.

Kelling Heath Holiday Park

Surrounded by Norfolk woodlands/trails, indoor/ outdoor pools, steam railway.

Sherwood Pines Campsite

Acres of Nottinghamshire woodland, walk to adventure playgrounds, Go Ape, bike hire.

Gwithian Farm

West Cornwall. Close to beach & pub, goats & guinea pigs to feed.

Glenmore Camping

On the shores of Loch Morlich, Scottish Highlands. Hiking, swimming, kayaking.

Fforest Fields

Set on family run farm in Wales; green hills, woodland trails, lakes.

Red Shoot Camping Park

Ideal base to explore New Forest, attractions nearby, family friendly pub.

Heathland Beach

Walk to Suffolk beaches. Heated pools, fishing lake, tennis, family restaurant.

Best travel games for kids

Perfect for stashing in a corner of the suitcase or car when you head away this summer!

Mixups

Compact card game for Snap or creating fantastical beasts.

Ages 4+. £5.94

Othello on the Move

Pint-sized version of this classic strategy game.

Ages 7+. £9.95.

Mini 4 in a Row

Classic game. All-in-one folding compact design. Ages 3+. £5.59

Articulate!

Compact version of this classic fast-talking description game.

Ages 6+. £10.19

Cluedo Grab & Go

All the thrills of the classic detective game in a mini set.

Ages 8+ £5.

Battleship Grab & Go

Compact, mobile version of the Battleship game. Ages 7+ £5.

Dino Dump

Speedy card game featuring kids’ faves: dinosaurs and poo!

Ages 6+. £9.99

100 PICS Riddles

Family Travel Card Game

Pocket sized, full of family-friendly brain teasers. Ages 6+. £6.99.

Rummikub Travel

Fast-paced game of tile manipulation. Ages 8+ £15.99.

Upcycling your child’s party

Be kind to the planet with these ideas from Ice Cream and Jelly

Party bags

Store shopping bags can make perfect gift/party bags. With a little imagination, crafty materials and glue, these branded shop bags can be transformed into unique, personalised bags. Or make your own: there are some easy video instructions on making a paper bag in the tutorials section on Instagram.

Tablecloth and napkins

Party bag

fillers

Make time to make these rather than buying new. Here are some ideas to get you started: scrunchies made from leftover fabric, painted rocks or shells found on the beach, bracelets made from beads from your local scrap store or crayons made from all your kids’ broken crayons.

Wrapping presents

Old bed sheets work well refashioned into tablecloths - paint, tie-dye or appliqué in order to tailor them to the party theme. It’s a great activity to get the kids involved in! If you already have a tablecloth, make placemats or a table runner from scrap fabrics to match the theme of your party.

There are many household items that you can use for wrapping gifts: magazine pages, old maps, pieces of sample wallpaper, your kids’ paintings or leftover packing paper. If you can sew, you could make a drawstring bag from leftover fabric scraps. Alternatively, reuse an old pillowcase or wrap with fabric, like the Japanese art of Furoshiki.