Families Thames Valley East Nov/Dec 22 digital magazine

FR EE

Thames Valley East

IN THIS ISSUE

Christmas Education

Free Christmas gifts for our readers!

Magazine

November/December 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY INSIDE

Familiesonline.co.uk November/December 1

Christmas gifts to give away!

Munchy Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate 1 available

Kids

Grown ups

Tinted Lip Balm Kits 3 available Empowering Grown ups Book Bundle 5 bundles

Nature Curious Activity Box Kids Annual Subscription

Confidence Booster Book Bundle 5 bundles

T&Cs apply 2 November/December

APPLY HERE

Magazine

Kids

Familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Welcome

In this issue

We have everything you’ll need for a perfect family Christmas in this issue, including the best Advent Calendars on offer, gifts for teachers for under £10, hacks to make everything go smoothly, green ideas and a green gift guide, DIY decorations for the kids to make and lots more. Plus if you fancy a festive UK family city break – which could double as a giftbuying opportunity – then investigate some of the cities that put on the best show in the lead up to the big day.

4 Saving energy

Meanwhile, life ticks on. If your child starts school in September 2023, it’s time to choose schools to put on your application and we have tips and advice for you.

5

Education

11 Advent calendars 12 Eco Christmas 14 Teacher gifts 17 Christmas recipes 18 Christmas hacks 21 Christmas decorations 22 Christmas crackers

23 Giveaways Finally, in this issue, we have Christmas gifts and tonnes of Weebles to giveaway! Apply for these adorable wiggly, wobbly mini-toys at familiesmag. Get in touch co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you Competition winners from our receive our digital magazine with lots more content July/August issue and goodies on offer.

Congratulations to all our winners.

You can find a list HERE

Start your wiggly, wobbly Weeble collection!

Get your FREE toy now!*

Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

November/December 3

Don’t be an energy VAMPIRE! Get your kids involved in saving energy this winter with this special downloadable kit from PlanBee. It will save you money and help the planet!

DON’T BE AN ENERGY VAMPIRE! Switch off the following electrical devices at the socket when you have finished using them:

Lamp

Phone charger

Computer

Games console

Television

Some appliances should not be turned off. DON’T TURN OFF your fridge, freezer or boiler, for example. If you are unsure, ask an adult.

Put these mini posters above any light switches in your classroom or home DON’T WASTE ENERGY!

BE ENERGY AWARE!

Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.

Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.

BE ENERGY AWARE!

DON’T WASTE ENERGY!

Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.

Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.

www.planbee.com

www.planbee.com

ENERGY SAVING IDEAS

Turn off the lights when you are not in the room and switch off unused devices at the socket.

Don’t leave the water running when you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands.

Instead of immediately putting the heating on, try wearing a jumper and thick socks first.

Take a short shower instead of a bath - you’ll save water as well as the energy needed to heat it.

Make a ‘no-cook’ meal once a week - create a dish that uses no energy to produce.

Have a ‘no energy’ family night - read together, tell stories, play board games etc.

www.planbee.com

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE

4 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Reasons to teach black British history

The parents’ guide to primary school

By Ilhan Rayen Awed

By Gabrielle Nash

Black British history is British history and so the teaching of it in schools across the UK is imperative. Why? Only when this is the case can every student understand and acknowledge the contributions that Black Britons have made to this country.

Has your child just started school? Are you discovering all sorts of unfamiliar school practices and processes as well as strange new terminology and acronyms to understand and get used to? If so, our guide will help you get to grips with these.

READ MORE

READ MORE

Understanding subtle forms of bullying

Free gifts!

For kids Confidence Booster Book

Bundles

Is your mental image of a bully someone who pushes your child over in the playground or steals their lunch? Or maybe you picture your child being pursued by bullies on their device? But what about more subtle types of bullying? How do you recognise these? And are they actually bullying?

READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk

Nature Curious Activity Box Annual Subscription Munchy Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE Magazine

November/December 5

Ages 2 - 5 years

7 Gayford Road, London W12 9BY

A family run nursery delivering outstanding education and childcare since 2001

BOOK AN OPEN DAY Call: 0208 811 1646 Email: admissions@steppingstonesw12.co.uk www.steppingstonesw12.co.uk Featured in Tatler Good Schools Guide

André Ma l ra u x Pri m a ry sc hoo l FROM 3 TO 11 A thriving bilingual environment for your children

Classes & activities in French & English International & dynamic school Spacious grounds & classrooms Childcare funding available

MEET US! OPEN HOUSE @ANDRÉ MALRAUX SCHOOL 10 & 25 November

“Pupils thrive academically and socially in a vibrant and purposeful learning environment.” OFSTED

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW @BATTERSEA 12 & 13 November

EALING 44 Laurie Road, London W7 1BL +44 (0)20 8578 3011 contact.malraux@lyceefrancais.org.uk

www.lyceefrancais.org.uk AM_pub_WF_10-2022.indd 6 November/December

1

05/10/2022 17:03:34 Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Best board games for learning It’s a great time to snuggle up inside with a board game. If you’re thinking of adding to your collection, here are some options that particularly enhance children’s learning.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way.

Ages 3-6. £19.99

Zingo Bingo

Develops language skills & self-regulation.

Ages 4+. £17

Carcassone

Develops planning, working memory, taking turns & prioritising. Ages 7+. £36.99.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Life on Earth memory and matching game

Great for encouraging focussed attention.

Ages 3+. £17.99

Spot it Junior!

Children learn to suppress their first impulse. Ages 4. £14.39

Melissa and Doug Sequence for Kids Involves taking turns, Suspend Junior Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills.

Ages 4+. £21.99

planning & prioritising.

Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25

Kingdomino

Rat-a-tat Cat

Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay.

Ages 8+. £22.35

Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49 November/December 7

Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years.

Self-esteem and happiness, we believe, are paramount to each child’s success and we pride ourselves on developing confident and happy children with a love of learning.

on a s s J 3r es oin d J sm ou an e n r ua t d r y ay 20 23

Call 01753 862610 or email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk

Kensington Wade is an award-winning, bilingual nursery and prep school in west London for children aged 3-11.

We offer an immersive English-Chinese education giving children complete fluency in both languages.

Our child-centred approach creates a happy, stimulating environment where all pupils can thrive.

Contact us to find out more: admissions@kensingtonwade.com 020 3096 2888 Kensington Wade, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 9ER | www.kensingtonwade.com 8 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Choosing the right primary school

By Gabrielle Nash If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications.

Exciting times!

Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important.

Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?

The catchment area School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice.

You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which Familiesonline.co.uk

you’re not in the catchment area.

You don’t want to waste one of your choices.

Practicalities are very important too. Is the location of the school convenient?

READ MORE

Free gifts!

For you

Tinted Lip Balm Kits

Empowering Book Bundles

Magazine

*while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE APPLY HERE November/December 9

FROM AGES 2 – 18 Learning is brought to life outside the classroom with swimming on site, chess, parkour, bushcraft and sports galore.

Book your visit at www.clairescourt.com RESPONSIBILITY 10 November/December

t

RESPECT

t

LOYALTY

t

INTEGRITY Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Top Advent Calendar Picks We give you the lowdown on some of our favourites for this Christmas season.

Smiggle Advent Calendar

RNLI Plasticine Advent Calendar

City Vehicles Advent Calendar Each door reveals a vehicle: police cars to double-decker buses. £25

25 days of surprises!

Includes mini notebook, highlighter & scented stationery. £20

Wooden Advent Calendar

The Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar

Magic Advent Calendar

Instructions & plasticine to make a festive model behind each window. £20

A reusable traditional calendar with 24 magnetic ornaments. £9.99

Swizzels Sweet Factory Calendar

Enjoy 24 days of sweetie favourites. £5.

11 November/December

A unique advent calendar with 24 different experiments. £29.95

Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection

Beautifully illustrated storybook behind each window. £19.99

Learn 24 new magic tricks in December & give a magic show! £19.99

Gourmet Popcorn Advent Calendar 24 daily packs of handmade gourmet popcorn with range of flavours. £30

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Get greener this Christmas Christmas trees

Don’t use artificial trees – they aren’t recyclable and will end up in landfill.

Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery.

Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year!

Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.

Eco alternatives

Use reusable, fabric crackers.

Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric.

Go for a real, fresh wreath made with seasonal, natural foliage.

Buy a reusable Advent Calendar. Fill with your own gifts.

Christmas dinner

Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need.

Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can.

Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours.

Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.

Christmas gifts

Consider second hand or refurbished items eg bikes, tech.

Try giving experiences such as theatre tickets or days out instead of gifts.

Buy reusable items like refillable water bottles and beeswax wraps.

Make your own decorations.

Buy consumables like food and toiletries as gifts.

Pot grown tree care

Christmas leftovers

Learn the difference between potted trees and container grown trees, which ones have the best chance of survival and how to care for them.

Four of Jamie’s tasty leftover recipes including turkey stew with leek & smoky bacon biscuit dumplings, bubble & squeak, smoky veggie chilli & hodgepodge pie.

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 12

CHRISTMAS

Eco Christmas gift guide Spread a bit of festive joy by being good to your family and the planet. These gifts for kids and adults will make everyone’s day without costing the earth.

Barekind bamboo Kabode Alphabet Nature Curious children’s bedding socks subscription boxes Explore British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets & nature prints. £20 per month.

Bright and colourful stocking filler helps save the endangered animal on them! £7.50

Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton bedding makes learning fun. £44.95

Play Kits subscription boxes

Bake at Home gingerbread people kit

DIY lip tint or cheek balm kit

Sustainable & organic kits support pre-school brain development.

From £80

Target wool blanket

Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres. £32 13 November/December

Home-delivered.

Delicious ready-made dough, cutter & recipe. £15

Halo water bottle Insulated, compact, lightweight, handbag & pocket-friendly.

Hydration on the move.

From £22

Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with gorgeous ingredients.

Plastic-free. £19.99

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Super-cosy, one-size, made from discarded cashmere jumpers. £24 Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Gifts for teachers for under a tenner Realised the kids break up soon and you haven’t chosen something for them to give as a gift? Here are some ideas that won’t break the budget.

‘Epic things to The Body Shop ‘Create your Own’ teach’ personalised notebook gift pouch

Personalised ‘Thank you’ bracelet

Fill the pouch with a selection of Body Shop goodies. £3

Add photos and teacher’s name for personalisation. £4.99

Apple-shaped bracelet with personalised message. £1.99

Terrific Teacher glasses case

Jamie Oliver’s DIY Christmas pudding gift jar

Milk chocolate trophy

Stylish gift for a teacher who wears glasses. £2.99

One4all gift card Can be used with 130+ brands in store and online. £10

Familiesonline.co.uk

Just buy the ingredients and the kids can make this themselves.

Award your teacher with a chocolate trophy. £10.

Personalised resin Personalised mug Remind them they’re coaster

Handmade resin teacher coaster with a name of your choice. £8.99

the best teacher on the planet! £9.99

November/December 14

This kind of Christmas comes but once in a lifetime. Whisk your family away to magical Lapland where you’ll meet Santa and his cheeky elves.

A CHRISTMAS LIKE NO OTHER

Christmas 2022 and 2023 on sale now Visit SantasLapland.com

half page 1.indd 1

29/09/2022 10:06

I

U

G

Q

I

N

Z

X

X

F

P

J

Y

O

U

L

N

B

T

A

X

Q

N

L

M

B

F

C

Q

L

X

I

C

E

F

I

S

H

I

N

G

E

D

I

V

H

N

E

A

N

Q

S

J

B

I

J

A

W

N

A

S

U

W

S

N

O

W

F

L

A

K

E

T

G

Z

N

N

S

T

N

D

U

Y

F

I

A

D

F

G

X

O

V

U

K

Z

O

E

R

F

A

L

D

B

E

C

W

E

Z

E

Y

O

W

H

E

G

N

W

Z

I

Z

H

M

S

M

G

Z

G

M

E

I

Z

S

Z

M

B

O

N

L

S

A

N

T

A

O

Q

N

K

T

B

G

C

K

E

K

T

G

C

P

M

B

K

D

A

H

R

K

T

I

Y

E

L

V

E

S

P

I

Y

E

L

W

E

X

G

O

Q

U

M

Y

A

X

Z

L

X

E

Z

Y

S

H

A

K

S

A

E

F

U

S

J

E

I

R

R

O

E

H

I

H

O

C

P

B

C

K

J

H

G

15 November/December

FESTIVE FUN WORD SEARCH Join the Great Search for Santa and experience so many magical adventures with Santa's Lapland, can you help us find them all in this word search?

Santa, Reindeer, Snowflake, Elves, Husky, Snowmobile, Ice Fishing, Sleigh, Snow Hockey You can experience all of this and more in Lapland, to find out more visit SantasLapland.com DOWNLOAD WORD SEARCH

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Festive family city breaks Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the best family friendly cities to explore with your little ones this Christmas.

Durham

Winchester

Norwich

A beautiful, picturesque city & a great Christmas Festival from 2-4 December.

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by German Christmas markets further afield.

Home to the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light!

Nottingham

Exeter

Kidderminster

Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!

Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes.

Exeter truly embraces Christmas!

Santa Trains to Arley take families to see their favourite characters in pantomime.

Glasgow

Cardiff

Belfast

Festivals, pantos and children’s classic concerts such as The Night Before Christmas.

16 November/December

Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.

Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big!

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Christmas treats to make with the kids Christmas gingerbread people

Christmas pudding Malteser cake

Have some fun in the kitchen with a classic gingerbread recipe your kids will love to make. Decorate your people using dried fruits, nuts and coconut for a healthier treat that tastes fantastic. The kids will particularly enjoy making their little people truly personal.

This sneaky cake is a bit of a trickster! It looks like a Christmas pudding but is, in fact, a delicious chocolate cake covered in Maltesers. Kids will love tricking others with this cake and, of course, they will also love the taste of this chocolate extravaganza!

R OYA L A L B E R T H A L L A N D B I R M I N G H A M R OYA L B A L L E T P R E S E N T

THE NUTCRACKER 28-31 DECEMBER 2022

“The biggest Nutcracker in London” LONDONIST

Familiesonline.co.uk

“...wonder and spectacle” THE TIMES

November/December 17

CHRISTMAS

Christmas hacks for parents In the run up Ignore the hype – don’t compare your family to every trend on social media.

Love your lists – getting things down on paper definitely helps you stay sane.

Delegate – don’t do everything.

Ask for help and get everyone involved.

Drop high stress rituals – families thrive on traditions but choose the ones most important to you.

Stick to routines - your child will find it reassuring.

Avoid back to back socialising and travel – try to arrange some visits after Christmas.

Hey Duggee – The Live Theatre Show is produced by Cuffe & Taylor and Kenny Wax Family Entertainment under license from BBC Studios

WED 14 DEC – SUN 8 JAN

020 3879 9555 southbankcentre.co.uk

18 November/December

Measure the height of your room before you choose a tree.

Nordmann Fir is a great choice as it does not drop its glossy dark needles and has a good shape.

Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.

Check daily and top up the water when the level drops.

Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.

Don’t let your tree dry out.

On the day HEY DUGGEE™ and character logos™ & © Studio AKA Ltd 2014, Licensed by BBC Studios. BBC logo™ & © BBC 1996.

ISN‘T IT TIME FOR ...

THE LIVE THEATRE SHOW

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

Not all at once - spread out gift-opening to keep Christmas morning manageable.

Turn present-giving into a game – everyone takes turns and must try to guess what it is before opening.

Avoid present chaos - wrap everyone’s Christmas gifts in different paper so you can recognise them.

Prioritise presence over presents – remember Christmas is really about time with your family.

Avoid overload – kids can get over stimulated so give them time to play quietly or rest.

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

More Christmas gift ideas Hot Wheels Car Plate

by Munchy Play

My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal

Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate.

Race cars around the Hot Wheels™ track, pull stunts and dodge obstacles past the finish line. Designed by a mum, the colourful blue and orange plate makes a fun gift for kids (ages 3+), fussy eaters, and car fans. £16.50.

Two new activity journals inspired by the numberone best-selling children’s mental health title You’re a Star by Poppy O’Neill. Books contain cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help children aged 7+ grow in confidence. £7.99 each.

Girls Support Girls Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity.

There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman – except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.

Familiesonline.co.uk

The Book for Badass Women The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes.

What is a badass woman?

Whatever the heck she wants to be!

Dive head first into advice on strengthening your selfconfidence, going after your goals and empowering other women. £9.99 November/December 19

BRAND NEW SOFT PLAY AND BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES

COMING SOON TO KENSINGTON

AT KENSINGTON LEISURE CENTRE Brand new soft play opening this summer for children aged 10 and under, plus exclusive birthday party packages will be available too.

Find out more at better.org.uk/kensington Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398.

20 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Have yourself a crafty Christmas There are so many great decorations and accessories that the kids can make – so make the most of the opportunity Christmas offers for them to really get creative with these videos and instructions!

DIY origami Christmas tree

Christmas fairy

Easy paper baubles

CBeebies snowman socks

Simple gingerbread house

Easy paper Christmas wreath

Easy DIY crackers

Victorian kissing ball

Paper snowman

21 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Let’s go crackers!

Do you fling a box of whatever’s closest to hand at the supermarket in your trolley with the mental note to research other options next year? If so, this is for you!

Racing pigs in blankets crackers

Make Your Own crackers

Nutcracker crackers

Joke, snap, hat & pullback racing pig + racetrack. £19.99

DIY colour in cracker kit. £14.50

Joke, hat, snap & handpainted tree decoration. £19.99

Who or what am I game crackers

Game cards, headbands & winners crown. £14.99

Giant popcorn cracker

Giant cracker & 6 salted caramel popcorn bags, hats and jokes. £16

Xylophone musical crackers

Bowling crackers

Recycled origami crackers

Bingo crackers

6 bowling pins, a ball and bowling alley. £12.54

Familiesonline.co.uk

Everything needed to make an origami shape. £17

Hat, snap, joke & xylophone piece. £30

Family friendly bingo game, paper hat & joke. £29 November/December 22

GIVEAWAYS

Free gifts!

For you

Tinted Lip Balm Kits

Free gifts!

For kids Confidence Booster Book

Bundles

Nature Curious Activity Box Annual Subscription

Empowering Book Bundles

Magazine

*while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE APPLY HERE

Munchy Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE Magazine

Start your wiggly, wobbly Weeble collection!

Get your FREE toy now!*

Magazine 23 November/December

APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk