Families Thames Valley East Magazine Sept/Oct 2019 Issue 104

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley East

IN THIS ISSUE

Back to School Special Presents...

RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

Mermaid Memories • Mermaid swim courses • Mermaid experiences • Mermaid parties • Meet a Mermaid

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

please call Diana Page

01235 533362 • 07747 086518

Mermaid Memories www. mermaidmemories.co.uk Splash Academy classes www.splashmaidenhead.com

Issue 104 September/October 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

2 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

In this issue...

3-5 News & Information

EDUCATION

6 Education News 7 What does it mean to develop a Growth Mindset in children?

8 Schools’ Open Days 10 Is good grammar important?

...endless ideas for families of young children in Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

........From the Editors........

So it’s that time of year again; back to school! Hope you managed to have a wonderful summer with the children, but are now ready and braced for the inevitable return to routine. You’ll find an Open Days Diary on page 8 if you need to start looking at an independent school for your child and there is a list of Clubs and Classes on pages 16-18 if you’d like them to experience something new this term. After the fun of the summer, don’t forget to look over our new look What’s On (pages 22-26) so that you as a family get to enjoy some fun events too this Autumn.

12 Future proofing our children’s skills 13 Tips for settling into the new school year

HOWLAND TUTORS

14 When to give your child a smartphone

(MAIDENHEAD/MARLOW and WINDSOR/SLOUGH areas)

16-18 CLUBS AND CLASSES SPECIAL 21 PARENTING Busting myths about ADHD 22-26 WHAT’S ON 28 PARENTING Fostering self-control 29 -30 SHE MEANS BUSINESS

Expanding local agency

(established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers)

Thames Valley East

To advertise here call: 01628 788058

offers individual tuition in twenty subjects including: all primary; Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Maths and Physics. Further tutors welcome Tel. (01628) 477164 www.howlandtutors.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editors: Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey circulation: 19,500 next issue: Nov/Dec 2019 due out: Oct 31, featuring: Festive Fun!

T: 01628 788058 Copy/advertising deadline: September 30 Cover image: depositphotos.com

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4-18 year olds

Find out more today: ASCOT 01344 206466 stagecoach.co.uk/ascot

HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe

BRACKNELL NORTH (Warfield) 01344 723123 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth

MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead

HENLEY AND MARLOW 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow

WINDSOR 01932 988086 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor

®

Creative Courage For Life

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Families Thames Valley East • 3

News & Info Bring Mini First Aid to your school and your home It’s fantastic news that the government will be adding first aid to the curriculum from 2020.

Mini First Aid is well underway teaching in schools and nurseries, but want to teach more children essential first aid as soon as possible and they need you to nominate your child’s school.

In a fun and interactive 30 minute session your pre-schooler or child up to Year 2 will learn

how to: practise calling for help, stop bleeding, treat head bumps, call 999 and put someone in the recovery position They also run 1 hour classes for older children from Year 3 – Year 6, designed to encourage them to think about the actions they would take in an emergency situation if no adults were present. In small groups, children learn life-saving techniques and the basics of emergency first aid through interactive and fun sessions. Both lessons are fun and interactive and the kids love it!

Please send chloe@minifirstaid.co.uk a brief email if you would like your school to teach First Aid and she will do the rest. www.thamesalley.minifirstaid.co.uk

Improving your Child’s Concentration Perform and parenting expert and child psychologist, Dr Claire Halsey offer their tips: Concentration is a vital life skill which develops from birth. Linked closely to brain development, it improves alongside a child’s memory and ability to organise their thoughts.

Set Up for Success Reduce big distractions: television, music and screen time make it difficult to listen and concentrate, so limit these to set times.

Make it Fun Make activities fun as your child is more likely to pay attention eg tidying up toys is less of a chore when you offer a tickle to the child who finishes first!

Keep Practising Games and activities can build concentration.

Choose turn-taking games like Snap or Picture

Dominoes or those with simple instructions.

Praise the Good Stuff Praise your child when they focus rather than highlighting when they don’t eg “Well done for sticking with that puzzle.”

Seek Advice A small number of children have difficulty paying attention no matter how hard they try.

Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions. If you’re still concerned, see your GP. More from Dr Claire Halsey at www.clairehalsey.com Perform offers concentration-boosting drama classes in Windsor, Maidenhead, Iver, Ascot and Marlow (see Clubs and Classes directory on pages 16-18). Try a FREE no-obligation class at www.perform.org.uk/try

OPEN DAYS SIXTH FORM

Wed 25 Sept 6.30pm to 8pm WHOLE SCHOOL

Sat 12 Oct 9.45am to 12 noon To book email registrar@heathfieldschool.net

EXCELLENT ISI inspection 2018

Boarding and Day for Girls 11-18

heathfieldschool.net | +44 (0) 1344 898343

4 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Mermaid Memories is launching in Maidenhead Splash Swimming Academy has some exciting news; they are adding to their standard swimming provision a fun mermaid experience called Mermaid Memories. These experiences will be run by their fully certified mermaid instructor (trained in Monofin and Tail safety).

They will be offering: a six week course called Mermaid Swim Courses and sessions will last for 45 minutes, Mermaid Experiences which will be one-off sessions lasting 1.5 hours, Mermaid Parties offering different packages for all ages and Meet a Mermaid which is an experience where you can meet a mermaid and have a photo taken with them.

Photography, certificates, Mermaid make-up and hair, training with tails/fins apply to all pool experiences. Vouchers, stickers, glitter and lots

Book Giveaway ‘The Happiness Habits Transformation’ In her book, Life and Confidence Coach, Michelle Reeves urges us to take time out (without feeling guilty!) to rebuild our daily routine into one that serves us. She takes us through 8 simple happiness habits which are designed to release you from negativity, boost self-esteem and enable you to plan out your biggest and most exciting goals. Michelle draws from personal experience, as well as research. Just a few chapters in, I had already adjusted my way of thinking to be one that was more positive and empowering; it’s definitely worth reminding yourself of the simple techniques which can achieve this.

The first 5 readers to email competitions@familiestveast.co.uk will be sent a signed copy of Michelle’s book. www.michellereevescoaching.com

News & Info of fun will also be available. Charlotte, the Swimming Development Manager commented, "Having run swimming lessons for 12 years, I am really excited to introduce this great concept to not just children, boys and girls but also adults, who love the idea of mermaids, dolphins, swimming and the love of water. It is a great next step for Splash Academy and I am really looking forward to bringing these experiences to the current swimming program."

The Academy will run the experiences at Newlands Girls School or Manor Green School, Maidenhead. If you would like to know more details contact Charlotte on 07496 735262 or find out more through www.mermaidmemories.co.uk

LONG CLOSE SCHOOL

OPEN MORNING S AT U R DAY 2 1 S E P T E M B E R AT 1 0 A M O R C O N TA C T U S F O R A P R I VAT E T O U R

WE AIM FOR HIGHER THINGS A thriving co-educational school for ages 2-16 Featured in the Sunday Times Parent Power list of the top 50 preparatory schools in the UK. 01753 520095 admissions@longcloseschool.co.uk www.longcloseschool.co.uk

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Families Thames Valley East • 5

Claires Court Athletes Bring Home 33 Medals And 1 National Record

Education News

An impressive day on the athletics track and field saw Claires Court girls and boys, aged between 8 and 16, come away with 23 gold medals, 2 silver and 8 bronze from the Independent Schools Association (ISA) National Athletics Championships, held on Wednesday 19 June. Claudia in Year 9 broke the national record for the discus with a stunning throw reaching 29.11 metres.

The event took place at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, and athletes from all over the country, who had qualified by coming first in their regional championships event, came together to compete for their respective regions. Claires Court pupils represented their region, London West, and contributed greatly to the team being crowned overall winners for all year groups. www.clairescourt.com

Spotlight on Englefield Green infant School & Nurseries Headteacher, Michelle McNamee, gives Families magazine an insight into Englefield Infant School, that seeks to develop the whole child.

“We provide a high quality education for the children in the Englefield Green area, using children’s interests to develop the curriculum to ensure they are engaged and motivated to learn.

The school is a two form entry Infant School, with Squirrels Nursery for 2-3 year olds and Acorns Nursery for 3-4 year olds. We offer vertically streamed Key Stage One classes where we promote collaborative learning for Years One and Two. Our aim is to develop your child so they become confident and independent learners. It is important to us that every child is known and recognised as an individual.”

The school also works closely with partners in education to ensure it is forward thinking and outward looking. To find out more visit one of their Open Days. Tuesday 1st October 1.30pm, Friday 4th October 10am or Thursday 7th November 9.30am. www.englefieldgreen.surrey.sch.uk/surrey/primary/englefield

Improve 11+ Vocabulary in a Flash If you are preparing your child for the 11+, building up your child’s vocabulary needs to be top of your list.

Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have been specifically created to develop the advanced vocabulary needed to underpin your child’s verbal reasoning skills, and ultimately help them succeed in the exam.

With clear, child-friendly definitions, they are designed to complement tutor sessions and help parents work with their child.

St Piran’s School announces Sebastian Sales as their new Headteacher Coming from his former role of Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance MultiAcademy Trust in Lightwater, Surrey, Sebastian Sales was in charge of five schools. This September, he takes over the headship of St Piran’s. Speaking on his appointment, he said: “I am thrilled by the opportunity to join St Piran’s. I am proud of the part I have played in establishing a MultiAcademy Trust and bringing the five schools together under one umbrella.

But what really excites me is the thought of getting back closer to the children and being creative in the classroom. I can’t wait to take over in September.”

Mr Sales is a keen sportsman who has played for England Schoolboys at football and represented Middlesex at tennis and cricket. He is also a talented musician. www.stpirans.co.uk

This comprehensive resource includes 6 different packs, each with 200 key words and over 1,000 synonyms: ● Levels 1, 2 and 3 provide the foundations of a broad vocabulary ● Opposites Level 1 and 2 focus on synonyms and antonyms ● The Compound pack helps children recognise the range of words which can be joined to form a new correctly spelt word, which may require a change of pronunciation or emphasis (these can be very hard to spot without practice)

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W

t

www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL

M

Established in 1980

S w

Where children are motivated to learn independently

A UNIQUE, AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI EDUCATION THROUGH THE SCHOOL & NURSERY

WINDSOR MONTESSORI o SCHOOL

WINDSOR MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN NO 4 DATCHET ROAD

Recent Ofsted inspection:

(OPPOSITE THE WINDSOR FARM SHOP)

OUTSTANDING in all areas

OLD WINDSOR SL4 2RQ

HOME PARK, ROMNEY LOCK ROAD, WINDSOR SL4 6HX

01753 830525 • 6 months to 6 years.

• Baby, toddler, parent session

01753 868399 • 2 years to 6 years.

• 30 hours limited spaces for RBWM children from Sept 19.

Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment.

to include ‘Music with Mummy’ with Fran Briscoe.

• We accept 15 hours funding

and limited 30 hours funding.

E

www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk

Out of school hours: 01344 844592 • E: menik@windsor-montessori.com

6 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Education

‘I can’t do it’ say’s Alfie unhappily. ‘No’…. replies the teacher….’remember Alfie, you can’t do it….YET’.

What does it mean to develop a Growth Mindset in children?

F

or years, Meadowbrook School in Warfield has taught children the power of ‘YET’. Serena Gunn, Meadowbrook’s Director of Education explains, ‘rather than intelligence being inherent or ‘fixed’ (which was once the common belief), we see it as something that can grow. It is possible to create conditions that enable every child to excel.’

The theory of Growth Mindset stems from the work of American professor of psychology, Carol Dwek. It was Dwek who coined the terms ‘fixed mindset’ and ‘growth mindset’ to describe each of the aforementioned learning and intelligence beliefs.

Despite being born inherently intelligent and curious about learning, we all know that once they begin school, many fall quickly into the realms of not being good enough. Like Alfie, expressions of ‘I can’t’ and ‘I’m not as clever as everybody else’ begin to emerge and the spiral of selfdoubt begins. ‘This is significant and potentially very damaging to children’s learning’, explains Serena ‘because, children will always DO better, when they FEEL better.

‘What makes children FEEL better?’

She continues, ‘a sense of achievement and the feeling that they get from knowing that they are capable of overcoming challenges’.

Developing a Growth Mindset, means teaching children that they are in charge of their learning.

Mistakes can be opportunities to learn and failure (First Attempt In Learning) a signal to have faith in familiesonline.co.uk

their abilities and to try again.

Children can be taught to see it as a challenge…..something they are determined to overcome!

Once a child has experienced the feeling of achievement, they really start to believe that their brains are capable of overcoming any new challenge it faces in learning and problem solving. This instils confidence in learning which in turn, improves performance.

However, remember effort means nothing if it is merely being used to try the same techniques that didn’t work for the child in the first place. Similarly, praise, albeit nice, is an external motivator that does little to change the mindset of a discouraged child.

‘You are capable, you can do it if you try this….you may not be able to do this yet but what could you do to succeed? Great…you made a mistake…now let’s see what we can learn from it!’

5. Teach children that there is more than one way to learn 6. Practice what you preach – children will copy your behaviour so model a Growth Mindset yourself.

Developing a Growth Mindset isn’t always easy, it’s just as important to learn from your own mistakes as it is for our children to learn from theirs.

For more information visit www.meadowbrook.uk or www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownup s/help-your-child-try-new-things

Below are some tips for following a Growth Mindset: 1. Help a struggling child to find different strategies that actually work. Brainstorm ideas with them rather than just telling them.

2. Remember to question how you have shown or taught a child to do something in the first place. A child cannot be expected to improve if they lack the skills / knowledge to help them to do so.

3. Let them struggle – a normal impulse is to step in and help, but research shows that allowing children to struggle a bit is actually beneficial. ‘Step in too quickly’ says Serena, and you are ‘taking away an opportunity for them to learn’.

Stepping back is different to abandoning though, so find a balance!

4. Use the Growth Mindset language and help children to recognise where they are going wrong e.g.

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 7

Schools’ Open Days Please ring the school to check the Open Day or Evening is still going ahead.

Claires Court is a private day school for young people aged 3 to 18 years, situated in three locations across Maidenhead. Open Morning (all school) - Friday 27 September, Senior Girls Open Afternoon Thursday 7 November, Senior Boys Open Evening Thursday 7 November, Sixth Form Open Evening - 12 November, Open Morning (all school) - Tuesday 19th November, Nursery Open Morning - Tuesday 3 December. Book through website: www.clairescourt.com/events or contact 01628 327700 registrar@clairescourt.com Coworth Flexlands School and Nursery, Chertsey Road, Chobham GU24 8TE. Independent Prep school for girls aged 2½ -11 and boys 2½-7 years.

Open Mornings: Wednesday 25th September, Thursday 17 October, Tue 12 November and Friday 29 November.

01276 855707 www.coworthflexlands.co.uk Eton End Preparatory Day School, 35 Eton Road Datchet. Independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. Open day Friday 4 October 9.30am-12.00pm. Headmistress’ welcome talk is at 9.45am. Alternatively personal tours are always welcome.

01753 541075 www.etonend.org

Godstowe Preparatory School, Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6PR for girls aged 7 to 13. There is also a Pre-Prep and Nursery for girls and boys aged 3 to 7. The next open day is Saturday 5th October. Contact Mrs Annie Bird – Registrar. 01494 429006, registrar@godstowe.org www.godstowe.org Heathfield School Ascot, Day boarding for girls aged 11-18. Open Days: Saturday 12th October 2019, Saturday 7 March and Saturday 2 May 2020.

9.45am-12pm. There is also a sixth form open evening on Wednesday 25 September 2019 6.30-8pm.

To book please contact registrar@heathfieldschool.net www.heathfieldschool.net Herries School, Dean Lane, Cookham Dean. Co-ed preparatory school and nursery 3-11 years. Open morning Thursday 26th September 9.30 - 11am.

FREE Stay and Play sessions for under 4s, every Monday during term-time 9.30am - 10.45am FREE fruit snacks for the children and coffee & tea for the adults.

01628 483350 www.herries.org.uk Highfield Preparatory School, 2 West Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PD. An Independent Preparatory School & Nursery for girls from 3-11 years. Open

8 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Events: Friday 27th September from 9.30am or Saturday 16th November from 10am. To book your place, please call the Registrar on 01628 624918 or email:office@highfieldprep.org. www.highfieldprep.org Long Close School, Upton Court Road, Slough, SL3 7LU. School in Action Mornings: Saturday 21 September at 10am, Friday 11th October at 09:30am and Friday 15th November at 09:30am.

Contact number: 01753 50095 or email: admissions@longcloseschool.co.uk www.longcloseschool.co.uk LVS, London Rd, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 8DR. Independent co-educational day school in Ascot. Open mornings: Saturday 21st September (All school), Sat 5th October (Sixth Form and Sixth Form Options Information), Tuesday 8th October (Reception only), Saturday 16th November (All school and GCSE options information). 01344 882770 www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk/book Instead of offering generic Open Days, Meadowbrook School, Malt Hill, Warfield RG42 6JQ offers tailor-made open days in the form of informal observation visits, where parents get the undivided attention of the Head, watch real classes in action and chat naturally to children and staff. To book your visit call: 01344 890869 or email admin@meadowbrook.uk

St Piran’s School, Gringer Hill, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 7LZ. Independent co-educational day school in Maidenhead for children aged rising 3 to 11 years old. Open mornings: Sat 12th October 9.45am-12pm and Friday 8th November 9.15am-11am.

Call 01628 594302 www.stpirans.co.uk The Abbey, 17 Kendrick Rd, Reading RG1 5DZ. Independent day school for girls aged 3-18. Senior School Open Evening Thu 19 Sept 5.30pm-8.30pm; Junior School Open Morning Fri 4 October 9.15am-11am; Sixth Form Open Evening Thu 10 October 5.30pm8.30pm; Senior School Open Morning Fri 11 Oct 9.15am-11.00am Contact: Junior School 0118 931 3111, Senior School 0118 987 2256, www.theabbey.co.uk The Marist School, Sunninghill, Ascot, SL5 7PS. Independent Catholic day school for girls aged 3 to 18. Senior Open Evening: Thursday 26th September, Preparatory Open Morning: Friday 18th October, Sixth Form Options Evening: Tuesday 22nd October. 01344 624291 www.themarist.com Upton House, 115 St. Leonards Rd, Windsor SL4 3DF. A progressive, independent co-educational Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep school, for boys and girls age 2-11 years. Open morning Wednesday 16th October 9.30-11.30am registrar@uptonhouse.co.uk 01753 862610 www.uptonhouse.org.uk

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Independent Prep School & Nursery Girls 21⁄2 -11 years and Boys 21⁄2 -7 years

Open Morning Wednesday 25 Sept Tuesday 12 Nov

| |

Valley End, Chobham, GU24 Near Windlesham, Sunningdale

Thursday 17 Oct Friday 29 Nov

and Virginia Water 01276 855707

www.coworthflexlands.co.uk

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Families Thames Valley East • 9

Is Good Grammar Important? By Andrew Campbell When you went to school, it’s possible you didn’t get much grammar instruction and as a result didn’t absorb its importance.

Alternatively, you may have had grammar drummed into you again and again, using a prescriptive rulebased approach which didn’t create an understanding of its significance or purpose.

Either way, you may feel that you don’t know much about grammar and may wonder if it is really an essential component of your child’s education or future.

The truth is that the use of correct grammar is important because it is the main feature within both our spoken and written communication that allows us to communicate our thoughts and ideas clearly and be understood.

Using incorrect grammar can lead to meaningless sentences and unclear messages, which in turn can lead to misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Even something as simple as a misplaced comma can completely change the meaning of a sentence. For example: "Let's eat Grandpa." versus "Let's eat, Grandpa."

Children who don’t develop a good grasp of grammar fall back on what they intuitively know about language; as a consequence they simply write like they speak.

Whereas, with a good understanding of the different

grammatical components of language, a child is able to express themselves clearly and establish good foundation skills for written documentation like school essays, job applications and creative writing in later years.

Grammar rules also help children develop the habit of thinking logically and clearly. They provide the building blocks for them to expand their vocabulary and understand and express themselves in longer, more interesting and more complex ways. When children increase their language complexity (with word endings, or longer/more complex sentences), they can express and understand more complicated ideas.

The rise of social media as a dominant form of communication amongst young people has given rise to much short-cutting of the English language. When sending texts or messages via Facebook or WhatsApp, simple sentences or fragments of sentences are the norm and it is unnecessary to use grammar. This short-cutting of language exposes children to a real risk of developing bad communication habits which could hold them back in the future.

More resources at: www.learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/grammar-vocabulary www.bbc.com/bitesize/topics/zhrrd2p www.theschoolrun.com/best-grammar-apps-for-kids

10 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Some Tips for Helping Your Child with Grammar Bring grammar to life by asking questions to find out what your child knows about grammar. Do they know what a noun is? If not, show your child some objects.

Explain that nouns are the names used for people, places and things.

You can do the same with verbs by acting out some actions such as 'jump', 'hop' and 'clap'.

Do simple crosswords with your child using a dictionary to help you. The dictionary tells you what type of word you have looked up (verb, adverb, pronoun, noun etc.), and you can share this with your child.

Play with punctuation. When you read, occasionally look at the punctuation and talk about what it is telling the reader to do. Show your child how a question mark tells you to raise your voice at the end of the sentence to indicate a question being asked.

Play 'i-spy' with the focus on looking for nouns (e.g. dad, bridge, tree, shop, apple). Tell your child that you are going to ask questions about the noun they have chosen.

For example, 'Is your noun green?'

'Can your noun fit in my hand?' In this way you introduce grammatical terminology in a fun way.

Model. When your child says something that is grammatically incorrect, model to them the correct way of saying it.

For older primary school children: Opposites. Help your child understand antonyms (opposites) by calling out words like hot, big, slow, and getting them to shout out the opposite. Alternatively, get your child to shout words that mean the same as the ones you’re calling out (synonyms).

Tense tents. Help your child understand verb tenses, by drawing some ‘tense tents’ on pieces of paper. Write down some verbs in their various tenses – present (play), past (played), future (will play) and get your child to move the verbs into the correct tent.

Sentence Challenge. Challenge your child to write sentences of more than 25 words that only contain one verb. This helps them to understand how to control a sentence, rather than overcomplicate it.

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www.etonend.org

#WeAreEtonEnd

Co-educational Preparatory Day School for children aged rising 3 – 11

I am

Eton End Open Day Friday 4 October 9.30am to 12 noon Headmistress’ welcome talk at 9.45am 35 Eton Road Datchet Berkshire SL3 9AX 01753 541075 • admin@etonend.org

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Families Thames Valley East • 11

Education

Future Proofing Our Children’s Skills by Upton House School

T

he Fourth Industrial Revolution has arrived and it’s becoming clear that a whole new world of work is emerging for our children. As educators, we must embrace the need for change in the way pupils learn and develop from the earliest stages, nurturing essential skills such as curiosity, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, resourcefulness and resilience.

While core subjects such as English, Maths and Science continue to be key, it is crucial that pupils are equipped to face the challenges of

today’s fast-paced technological generation and an ever more fluid workplace of the future – and it’s our responsibility to create adaptable, independent thinkers with a lifelong thirst for learning and increasing those all-important skill-sets.

The most effective way of doing this is by continually delivering invigorating IT, and ensuring its part right across every aspect of an absorbing, all-encompassing curriculum. Schools that keep abreast of rapidly evolving technology can provide a diverse

12 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

array across the internet-of-things and are leaps and bounds ahead of the game – from basic coding steps via Ozobots, Bee-Bots and Blue-Bots for the little ones to the integration of computing and digital skills across the entire curriculum through software such as Purple Mash. The world of education is evolving in so many exciting ways. Children are eager to engage, so a myriad of selfled learning opportunities is key as we teach them to analyse, plan, research, document and evaluate their work on a daily basis.

Marcia Strong, Head of Computing at Upton House, says: “We strive to interweave IT and Media naturally throughout the entire curriculum, ensuring it is as relevant and accessible as possible to our girls and boys throughout their daily learning.

We continually research and incorporate a variety of the latest software, apps and robotic tools so that everyone can benefit from coding and computer skills from nursery upwards, with something to inspire everyone. Many relish the opportunity to extend their learning and eagerly embrace technology aimed at secondary schools, for example BBC Micro:bits where our children love to create and express themselves digitally.

Pupils in Forms 3-6 enjoy coding and robotics, Microsoft packages, databases and digital music and filmmaking. We have the rare advantage of our own wonderful Green Screen, while weekly Media Studies sessions and a bank of iPads are invaluable as we continue to provide strong, foundational learning to prepare Upton boys and girls for their secondary schools, and ultimately for a world where they will be working digitally, flexibly and collaboratively.” www.uptonhouse.org.uk

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By Sarah West

Top Tips for Settling into the New School Year Be Positive Children may be feeling a real mix of emotions as they begin the new school year. They may be excited about going to school or they may be sad that the long summer holidays are over. Indeed, they may feel both. Try to be sympathetic to their feelings and give them space to express them, while at the same time being positive about learning and school. Be prepared to talk about what lies ahead. It helps children feel at ease and encourages them to share their thoughts and ask questions. By showing them you are interested in their learning, you are sending a strong message about the value you place on their education and aspirations for the future.

Be There for Them It’s completely normal to wonder how your child will get on at school in the coming year. Most children settle into the new school year relatively easily but it’s important to support them to be brave, try their best and help them develop the skills needed to cope with new situations and bounce back when things go wrong.

Encourage your child to talk about how they are feeling. For younger children, teach them about different emotions and how to recognise how others feel too.

To get the conversation started, there are lots of books you can get from the library about making friends and getting used to a new environment. For older children, whose feelings are likely to be more complex, show them you are ready to listen and support them whenever they need you.

Sometimes, things don’t go

It’s the beginning of a new school year and children up and down the country are embarking on the next (or even first) phase of their learning journey. Whether excited or nervous about what lies ahead, there is lots to think about so here are some top tips to help you start your children off on the right foot:

according to plan. Talk to your child about the ways they can behave when this happens, for instance, taking time out or knowing when and who to ask for help. Children cope better in different situations if they know there is support around them.

Get Involved Research shows that parental participation in a child’s education has a very positive impact on children academically, emotionally

and behaviourally. The good news is that there are lots of ways to get involved!

Think about joining the PTA or another parent group or perhaps volunteer to help out with reading in the classroom or to accompany children on school trips. Chat with other parents at the school gate or ask your child’s teacher about what opportunities are available. As your children move through primary school, gaining independence and confidence, talking to them about

their day and helping them to organise their PE kit and homework may not seem like a great contribution, but it shows your engagement and that you are there to support them.

Other ways to get involved could include becoming a governor or trustee of your school, responding to surveys in which you can share your views and opinions about school policies and initiatives. You could even take part in a project or task to help improve the school grounds or a classroom.

Remember learning doesn’t just happen in school. By getting your children involved in cooking, gardening, repairing and making things at home, as well as participating in a raft of other activities that you undertake in your daily lives, you are teaching them basic life skills which will stand them in good stead for the future and help them make sense of the world around them.

Enjoy Yourself!

Finally, schools bring communities together and provide families with the opportunity to make friends and socialise. By participating in your child’s education, no matter in what way or how much time you can devote, you will be supporting your child to achieve their potential, and most likely have some fun along the way.

Sarah West is from Parentkind, an organisation which promotes parental involvement in education. For more tips on how to get involved in your child’s learning and education, visit www.parentkind.org.uk

We are an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ nursery providing high quality day care for children from three months to five years. Set within bright, modern Windsor Leisure Centre, our setting includes a large toddler room, pre-school room, a new snuggly baby room, and spacious outdoor garden.

Open 51 weeks a year – Accepts 30 hours funding – Highly trained team Come and look around today: Call: 01753 855543 or email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

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Families Thames Valley East • 13

Education

When to Give Your Child a Smartphone?

By Andrew Campbell

It’s a question every parent will struggle with at some point: at what age should I get my child a smartphone?

A

nyone who has investigated this question will soon find there is no clear advice or research which provides a definitive age, but Families will endeavour to provide some useful guidance.

Mobiles can be helpful to keep in touch with your child, and can give you the peace of mind which comes with knowing they can reach you in an emergency. Of course, children can also do all sorts of amazing things online using devices; the internet can be creative, fun and educational.

However, by giving your child an internet-connected phone, you are handing them an incredibly powerful communication tool for which they may not be ready. Not only can they send messages, create images and send videos to friends but they’ll also be able to access websites and upload images and videos online. Having unfettered access to the internet exposes children to many risks including cyberbullying, online grooming and inappropriate content.

Many believe devices are also quickly changing the nature of childhood. Playing outdoors, spending time with friends, reading books and hanging out with family is being overtaken by hours of snap

chatting, instagramming, and catching up on You Tube.

In the US, a movement has sprung up among parents wanting to delay giving a child a smartphone until at least age 14 or 8th grade. Called Wait Until 8th, parents sign a pledge agreeing to delay giving their child a smartphone and it becomes active when 10 or more families sign in it from the same class at school. The pledge aims to provide a supportive network to parents who want to resist the the increasing societal pressure to provide their child with a smartphone.

According to internet safety experts the real question is not about the “right” age, but about whether your child is developmentally ready to have full access to the adult world and whether you have laid the groundwork to prepare them for healthy and responsible device use.

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of esafety organisation Internet Matters said: "Every child is different and

whether it be a sign of maturity or peace of mind; parents know intuitively what the right age is for their child to be given a smartphone."

However, it’s vital that you take steps to ensure you child is able to navigate the internet safely before they are given a smartphone.

These include: • Having open and honest conversations with your child about their online world. Finding out what they like doing and getting involved.

• Setting boundaries for their internet use, which include where and when they can use their devices and for how long.

• Setting up parental controls on your home broadband as well their devices.

• Using a child-friendly search engine and setting their user account to only follow sites which you've deemed safe.

• Checking age-limits on games, websites and apps, especially ones that have a social media element.

• Checking that online accounts are password protected and ensuring that your children are not putting out personal information online. If they do have a social media profile ensure they are only accepting requests from friends and request that you or someone you both trust follows them to keep abreast of their online activity.

In considering the move to a smartphone for your child it may help to consider the following options: • If you believe your child needs to be able to get in touch with you, Ofcom advises using a basic handset. These are still readily available • If you are keen to keep you’re your child’s internet access contained to the supervised home environment, then tablet-usage can be easier to monitor.

• If you think your kids are ready for their own smartphone, pick up a child-friendly model. For example, devices like the monqi allow parents to set limits on data, calls, screen time and disapprove a game or app, all remotely via a parental app.

For more reviews of child friendly smart phones visit www.internetmatters.org and for information on internet safety for children visit www.net-aware.org.uk

SPECIALIST TOUCH TYPE HOLIDAY COURSES TO SUIT ALL LEARNING STYLES Dedicated classroom in Maidenhead (near J8/9 of M4) • 3 hours tuition for 3 days - structured approach to develop muscle memory, accuracy and speed • 2 teachers / small class to promote rapid learning • Specialist skills to support all learners inc. Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia or Dyslexia • Specialised software which reinforces understanding of vocabulary and spelling • Keys introduced sequentially following a phonics program • Multi-sensory learning - students see, hear and type each word

YVONNE THOMAS • 07929 528642 • www.dttts.co.uk Cert Ed, SpLd Level 5, Literacy/Numeracy, ADD/ADHD Coach

14 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Open Events Term 2019

Dates for

Open Events and Tours are a fantas c way to see the school in ac on, to meet our Headteacher, Joanna Leach, and all our staff. For girls from 3 - 11 years.

Open Events 2019

9.30am

Saturday 16th November 2019 10.00am Tours

To book your place call 01628 624918 Or email

Connect

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Families Thames Valley East • 15

Clubs and Classes Special After school clubs can be a great way for your child to try out a new sport, find a hobby or discover a new skill. As well as the fun factor, clubs can also help build confidence and teach valuable lessons such as team work. Here are our suggestions for some to try in the local area. When you call, don’t forget to say you saw it in Families Thames Valley East!

ACADEMIC TUITION Howland Tutors Primary Maths and English, 11 +, GCSEs, AS and A Level. Location: homes of students or tutors in 20-mile radius of Marlow. 01628 477164; www.howlandtutors.co.uk Yvonne Thomas is a specialist teacher with 20 years experience, who runs courses in touch typing for children. Provides typing skills for life and develops literacy learning. Based Maidenhead.

07929 528642 www.dttts.co.uk ARTS & CRAFTS Amanda’s Art Classes drawing, painting, collage and fun after school and in the holidays with artist Amanda Kavanagh. Ages: 713. Location: north Ascot. Book termly. Call: 01344 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or see www.amandasart.co.uk for further information.

Busy Buttons Creative Studio is an Arts and Community Centre offering a broad range of creative courses namely 2D and 3D Art, Sculpting, Painting, Sewing, Illustration, Design for performance and theatre arts, Animation, Fashion Design, Costume Making for 5 years upwards. The Centre also runs a teenage 'Makers Club' and 'Film Club'. Adults can start with the different levels in patternmaking, sewing, costume making or have private sessions. Based at 8-9 Windsor Yards, Windsor SL4 1TF, the studio offers courses, camps, activity days, events and workshops. Details at www.busybuttons.org 07952 418212 / 0800 1018332 Hands-On Art Adventures in Old Windsor: creativity for all ages and abilities. Pop in anytime to decorate our wide range of ceramics with coloured glazes or foam clay. Free Parking! For more details visit: www.handsonartadventures.co.uk or call Janet on 01753 206265

DANCE Blossom Ballet (18 months - 4 years) Playful, imaginative classes in central Windsor throughout the week and at weekends. Classes include ISTD Ballet and Tap. Classes commence from 9th September. FREE taster class for all new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place lucy@blossomballet.com 07813 084283; www.blossomballet.com

Hawthorne School of Dance (4 years +) Classes in central Windsor throughout the week and at weekends. Classes include ISTD Ballet, Modern and Tap. Classes commence from 9th September.

FREE taster class for all new pupils.

Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place lucy@blossomballet.com 07813 084283; www.hawthorneschoolofdance.com Louise Parkes School of Dance offers ballet, tap, modern and jazz classes for children and adults of all ages from tiny tots to the over 60s. Classes are based at venues in Marlow.

Contact 07785 774087 or parkes.louise@gmail.com www.louiseparkesschoolofdance.co.uk Pat Steel School of Dance.

Weekday classes at Magnet Leisure Centre and Saturdays at BCA, Maidenhead. Classes also at the Beacon Centre, Beaconsfield.

Ballet, contemporary, street dance, modern and tap for 3yrs to adult.

Call Candy Barker on 01494 673919 or email candy@patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk www.patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk Twinkle Tots Dance. Enrol in classes online via our website.

Venues: Windsor, Cookham Dean, Sunningdale, Burnham, Bracknell and Warfield. Classes: Twinkle Tots Dance (Age 2-4), Budding Ballerinas (Age 4-5) RAD Ballet (Age 5 up). www.twinkletotsdance.com Email: info@twinkletotsdance.com or call Maggie on: 07828 857061

16 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

FOREST SCHOOL Under the Canopy Gerrards Cross.

Stay & Play for ages 4 and under (with accompanying responsible adult) Mondays and Wednesdays 10am – 11:30am, September 9th 11 Dec (exc half-term). Outdoor Learning and Free Play in Dukes Dell with drinks, a campfire and marshmallows. Twilight Forest School for ages 5+ Fridays 5pm6:45. September 13th - Friday 18th October. Forest School for age 4 + and Home Educated children.

Thursdays 9:30am-11:30am September 12th - 17th October. All Forest School activities are based in the woodland, dell and meadow and include crafting, learning to use tools, Bushcraft, cooking over an open fire (food provided) and plenty of games.

Contact: info@underthecanopy.org.uk 07971 406 671 www.underthecanopy.org.uk GYMNASTICS Phoenix Gymnastics Club. Pre School Gym. Gym Cubs (18 months - 3 years) & Gym Bears (35 years). Recreational Gym, 5+ after school and Saturdays.

PlayGym Birthday Parties for Under 9's and Holiday classes too.

Location: Maidenhead Road, Windsor. 01628 778881 info@phoenixgym.co.uk www.phoenixgym.co.uk or find them on Facebook The Little Gym Windsor.

Gymnastics that celebrates every child’s success and builds real confidence. Passionate, nurturing teachers. Classes for boys and girls from 4 months to 12 years.

Cartwheels have never been so much fun! Monday to Saturday. www.windsor.thelittlegym.eu 01753 968 488; windsor@thelittlegym.eu and Facebook. Contact us for your child’s trial visit!

HEALTH Mini First Aid: Baby & Child First Aid classes for parents,

grandparents and carers are delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style and give you confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency. Covers Marlow, Henley, Slough, Windsor, Uxbridge and surrounding areas. Contact chloe@minifirstaid.co.uk MARTIAL ARTS Tiska Karate offer classes from 4+ years in the local area. Beginners special offer - four weeks FREE. Classes in Maidenhead run Sundays at 9.45am at The Magnet Leisure Centre. For more information call 07709 327274 / 01753 882012 or email tiska.karate@btconnect.com MUSIC Showstopper Tots offers a unique blend of popular musical theatre show tunes and themes together with original songs, that let your tots experience the sights and sounds of the theatre. Drop in classes are available for 18 months - 4.5 years on Mondays from 3pm at St. Peter’s church hall in Maidenhead and Fridays from 9.30am at the loft studio Windsor Baptist Church. Showstopper Babies classes also run on Mondays and Fridays at these venues. Call 07885 150034 or email mairi@showstopperuk.com for more information. www.showstopperuk.com Stepping Notes Music School for the 2s to 8s run a structured programme of group musicianship classes for children ages 2-8 on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Location: Jurgens Centre, 91 Harvest Road, Englefield Green. Contact Nikhil Dally, 01932

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Clubs and Classes Special PERFORMANCE ARTS Ocean Youth Theatre Company. Drama sessions for 9-13 year olds. 90 minute sessions; explore the magic and the excitement of theatre with acting, drama, games, fun and performing. They’re all about developing confident, collaborative and creative young people. A great way to try out some theatre, have fun, make new friends and learn new skills. email youth@oceantheatre.com to book a free taster session.

Perform - Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer noobligation FREE trial sessions. 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk 241196. They also run violin and cello lessons, string ensemble & piano musicianship classes for ages 6-18+. Location: Shepperton. Contact Angela Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes MULTI SPORTS Absolutely Karting and Absolutely Laser, Maidenhead offer fun sessions for families. Look out for ‘Arrive and drive’ (age 8+) or get a team together and book a laser session (age 5+) www.absolutely-karting.co.uk/ www.absolutelylaser.co.uk 0300 3033548 Longridge, based in Marlow, offers both land and water-based adventurous activities for your child to try out. School, residential and personal itineraries available. www.adventurelearning.org.uk 033 0303 0101 Playball Windsor. Sport and movement development specialists for children aged 2-8 years old. Super fun weekly classes develop your child’s fundamental ball and movement skills before having to specialise in a specific sport.

Curriculum is designed by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and teachers. Classes are small to ensure 1 on 1 attention. Email: windsor@playballkids.com to book a free trial.

Venues: South Ascot Church Hall, Ascot, SL5 9DP (New venue) Drama: 4-7 Fri’s 4pm; 7-12 Fri’s 5pm Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Rd, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ. Drama: 4-7s Sat’s 9.30am; 7-12s Sat’s 11.15am Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead SL6 8AW. Drama: 4-7s Fri’s 4pm; 7-12s Fri’s 5pm All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA. Drama: 4-7s Mon’s 4pm, 7-12s Mon’s 5pm.

Clewer Youth Centre, Clewer Parish Hall, Windsor, SL4 5EW Dance: 6-12s (Perform X) Mondays 5pm Drama: 4-7s Mon’s 4pm, Fri’s 4pm.

Drama: 7-12s Fridays 5pm St Peter’s Centre, 1 Thorney Lane North, Iver, SL0 9JU. Drama: 4-7s Tues’s 4pm; 7-12s Tues’s 5pm Redroofs School for the Performing Arts: Full-Time Co-Educational Performing Arts School for Years 5-11. Outstanding Part-time & Weekend Schools for ages 18 months-16 years in Maidenhead, Windsor, Wokingham, Reading, Gerrards Cross and Mayfair. Musical Theatre School, Gold Team Elite Training Package for

talented children, ISTD Tap, ISTD Modern Classes, RAD and ISTD Ballet Classes, Speech & Drama, Acro, Tumbling and Tricks, Little Star Performers, Adult Tap and Musical Theatre.

Agency Representation in TV, Film and theatre for all pupils. Holiday courses, Professional Master Classes and Musical Theatre and Ballerina Parties.

Locations: Redroofs Maidenhead at Redroofs School, Redroofs Windsor at Theatre Royal Windsor, Redroofs Wokingham at Holme Grange School, Redroofs Reading at The Abbey School, Redroofs Gerrards Cross at Maltmans Green School, Redroofs Mayfair at Danceworks, Mayfair www.redroofs.co.uk You can also find them on Facebook or email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk 01628 674092 Stagecoach. Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance. Ages: 4-18.

For Maidenhead call 01628 281128; Ascot: 01344 206466; Bracknell North: 01344 723123; High Wycombe, Henley and Marlow: 01494 533 203; Windsor: 01932 988086; www.stagecoach.co.uk continued on p.18

Amanda‛s Art Classes

Drawing, Painting, Collage and Fun near Ascot

after School and Holidays for small groups of children ages 7-12

Adult Classes for beginners

Amanda Kavanagh B.A.Hons., P.G.Dip tel 01344 885086 mob 07968 824560

www.amandasart.co.uk a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk

Blossom Ballet For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy:

07813084283 lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Blossom Ballet

is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

Classes in Windsor throughout the week and at the weekends

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Families Thames Valley East • 17

Clubs and Classes Special SOFT PLAY AND WORKSHOPS The Jelly Lounge. Fun classes and workshops galore for preschoolers and after school. They also have an all year round crèche for under 5’s and holiday camps with a different teacher led activity each day. Check out their website or Facebook page for the latest goings on. Ages: all; Location: Windsor. Call: 01753 290 175 or visit www.thejellylounge.co.uk for further information.

Seriously Fun Swimming lessons.

Term time & school holiday lessons for children aged 3 to 12 years of all abilities at Aylesbury Grammar School (Aylesbury), Chiltern Wood School (High Wycombe), St Pirans School (Maidenhead), Thorpe House School (Gerrards Cross) and Teikyo Japanese School (Slough).

Only six children per class, Seriously Fun awards scheme and a water safety lesson every term.

Book online at www.seriouslyfun.net or call 01753 364364.

SWIMMING Court Garden Leisure Complex Swimming lessons. Swim England Stage classes and specialised Target groups with 4 in a class. Age 4 months to adult lessons plus Intensive Summer & Easter courses. Fully qualified Swim England experienced teachers. For more information contact : lousierichardson@pfpleisure.org

Splash Academy, swimming lessons in Maidenhead, for children aged 3 years to adults. 6/8 children per class. Qualified ASA and DBS checked instructors. Lessons held at Manor Green School, Maidenhead and Newlands Girls School, Maidenhead. To book please call 07496735262 or email learn@splashmaidenhead.com www.splashmaidenhead.com

WATERSPORTS

TRAMPOLINING ADVENTURE PARKS Looking for awesome activities to do with your kids this year? Jump In offers a huge amount of family fun with over 100 interconnected trampolines and activities such as the battle beam, a foam pit, big air bag, tumble track and more! Treat your kids straight from school, during term time you can come for a bounce and have some delicious pizza and a drink, for just £9.50 anytime from 4pm -8pm, Mon-Fri. (Last jump 6pm). If you prefer a slightly later bounce, come down at 6pm Mon-thurs during term time and take advantage of their sunset offer where you can jump for just £6 per person. If you have slightly older kids that like hanging out with their mates, come and hang out at the Friday night takeover from 7pm - 9pm for just £10. Kids parties are also available. www.gojumpin.com email hello@gojumpin.com or call 01926 356 290

Liquid Leisure is the World’s leading water sports and activity provider, with two locations in the South East of England. Both the Surrey and Windsor parks are set on beautiful freshwater lakes, with Aqua Parks being the largest attractions. Liquid Leisure Windsor is also home to the UK’s number one water sports facilities, with boat and cable wakeboarding, water skiing, slalom and kneeboarding. As well as an amazing Aqua Park, Liquid Leisure Surrey has a fantastic paddle water sports area with stand up paddleboarding available.

Website: www.liquidleisure.com Windsor Tel: 01753 542 500 Surrey Tel: 01932 761 555

Details correct at time of going to press: August 2019

CALL TO BOOK NOW Ballet, contemporary, tap/modern and jazz for children and adults of all ages from 3 years + to over 60s.

All daytime and evening classes held in Marlow.

For more information contact:

Louise Parkes on 07785 774087 www.louiseparkesschoolofdance.co.uk Louise is a Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance and a licensed Silver Swans® teacher.

18 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

For advertising in our Nov/Dec 2019 issue Featuring:

Festive Fun! Call: 01628 788058

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Come and be part of the adventure!

Weekdays at Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead and at the Beacon Centre, Saturdays at BCA, Maidenhead.

Classes across all the major dance disciplines, including ballet, modern, tap and acro dance, with fully teachers from one of the area’s bestloved and longest-established dance schools.

to book your free trial, email Candy.

09:16

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Families Thames Valley East • 19

Every day is Fun

at Poppies Come and see what makes our nurseries special!

Organic food provided Bourne End 01628 521522 Marlow 01628 487772

Beaconsfield 01494 677116 Old Windsor 01753 313030

Holmer Green 01494 716789 Maidenhead 01628 629716

www.poppiesdaynursery.com

20 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Parenting October is ADHD awareness month and Families takes up the baton to raise understanding about this debilitating condition.

Busting the Myths about ADHD By Tony Buckley

W

hen you think of ADHD, what comes to mind? Screaming children. Refusal to do schoolwork. Maybe even violence. But if your child is not displaying these symptoms, could they still be suffering from ADHD? The answer is “yes.”

Sensational symptoms like screaming, violence and refusal are those that provoke the most sympathy when a parent discusses their child with other parents, or the ones that look most interesting and are easiest to identify when portrayed in the media. They are real symptoms that real children with ADHD can (and often do) exhibit. But these aren’t the only symptoms someone with ADHD might have – they’re simply the symptoms that a parent or guardian are most likely to notice, as they affect people other than the person with the condition.

It’s important to understand that if a child is behaving in an unfocused or hyperactive way consistently then they may have ADHD. But, not all people with ADHD are unruly and unfocused. Simply believing that they are, can make it more difficult for those who display less “textbook” ADHD symptoms to get a diagnosis, as well as creating a damaging stereotype of children with the condition.

So What are the Other Symptoms of ADHD? ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects both adults and children. People with this condition will often experience symptoms such as impulsiveness, poor concentration, hyperactivity, poor organisational skills and being easily distracted.

But some will experience other symptoms, either as well as or instead of these more wellknown symptoms. Symptoms tend to change with age, and will be different for each person.

This is especially true if their symptoms don’t match those expected and recognised by society. Many people with ADHD will reach adulthood without even realising that they have the condition. Some adults may only find out that their symptoms are ADHD-related if their own child is diagnosed with it, and some symptoms become less obvious as a child matures and enters adulthood.

Many adults have no idea that their difficulty with social interactions or executive functions is a result of a hidden impairment, but, as parents, there are symptoms you can watch out for to find out if your child has the condition.

organised than they are. If a child has ADHD, you may find that they struggle to focus on the task at hand.

Multi-tasking is another thing that children with ADHD tend to struggle with and this can cause child and parents significant frustration.

Children with ADHD may feel under much more pressure than other children and feel that they need to be more active and work harder than others in order to keep up. Understandably this contributes significantly to their stress levels as they try to deal with all the tasks they need to complete.

Children with ADHD can find it hard to cope with this degree of stress and pressure and may act this out in a variety of ways, becoming angry, emotional, withdrawn, panicky, argumentative or displaying a range of other stress-induced behaviours.

Equally though, a child with ADHD may simply appear to be trying to focus very hard on their learning to get through the day and keep up with their classmates.

In neither of the above cases will a child with ADHD necessarily look like a child screaming and throwing things as portrayed in the media.

How Can Parents Recognise Symptoms of ADHD in their Children?

Children with ADHD will be impulsive. They’ll find it difficult to prioritise the various tasks and responsibilities that they need to deal with, and you may notice that their peers are more

A fun introduction to ballet for 2-4 year olds Register online at www.twinkletotsdance.com Classes in Sunningdale,Windsor, Warfield, Burnham and Bracknell RAD ballet grades from Age 5+ Why not try a themed birthday party for your son or daughter!

Where Can Parents Find Out More?

For more information about ADHD, check out this helpful guide from Need2Know books at www.need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/the -essential-guide-to-adhd It answers essential questions and guides parents and teachers step-by-step through the actions they need to take to support a child with ADHD. Use N2K25OFF for a 25% discount!

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Families Thames Valley East • 21

What’s on

September

Compiled by Anna Collins

Celebrations of Autumn, Cliveden, Oct 21 to Nov 3.

Mondays in September & October

EVENING SALSA CLASSES All Saints Church, Marlow www.salsastyle.co.uk Tuesdays in September and October

STORYTIME AT MARLOW BOOKSHOP 22-26 Spittal St, Marlow 10-10.30am, ideal for 0-4 year olds www.marlowbookshop.co.uk Wednesdays in September and October (term-time)

CLIVEDEN NATIONAL TRUST: CRITTERS WORKSHOP Weekly workshop for pre-school children aged 2 to 4.5 years. Creative crafts, nature-focused activities and story-time. 10.30am to 11.30am. £5 in addition to standard admission. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Sundays in September

THACKERAY COLLECTION OF BRITISH BIRDS Eton Natural History Museum 2.30 to 5pm. www.etonnhm.com Sundays in September and October

MINIATURE TRAIN RIDES AT GREAT COCKCROW RAILWAY Hardwick Lane, Lyne, Chertsey For 2 years+ From 1.30pm till 4.30pm (booking office shuts at 4.15pm) until October 27. www.cockcrow.co.uk

Sunday September 1

COMMUNITY KITE FESTIVAL Boyn Grove park, Punt Hill, Maidenhead.

Bring your own homemade kites.

Free family event. 1-4pm. www.norden.farm/events/community-kite-festival Sunday September 1

THE HISTORY OF BURNHAM BEECHES WALK To be held in the afternoon. Booking required. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk Sunday September 1

GRAVITY GRAND PRIX Cookham Dean. Go-karting competition featuring imaginative karts. Donate to Thames Valley Air Ambulance and local causes. 1-5pm Facebook: @ggprix Sunday September 2 to Sunday 30

RARE BREED MONTHS INC. TRAIL Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Saturday September 7 and Sunday 8

SLOUGH CANAL FESTIVAL Bloom Park, Langley. A wonderful weekend by the water with plenty of family fun. www.slough.gov.uk/leisure-parks-andevents/slough-canal-festival Thursday September 12 and Friday September 13

STICKY SLIME-THEMED TODDLER DAY Toddler Days The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell. £6.80 for a parent and toddler (£1.55 for an extra toddler) www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Sunday September 15

HERITAGE OPEN DAY AT ROYAL HOLLOWAY Royal Holloway University, Egham. Explore the spectacular Grade I listed college and extensive grounds. www.royalholloway.ac.uk/aboutus/events/heritage-open-day-1

Friday September 6 (also 9,13,16 September)

Catch POP at Norden Farm, Sept 27

NATURE TOTS Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Maidenhead, Fun with pre-schoolers in natural surroundings. 18 months to 4 years . £7. Booking essential. www.bbowt.org.uk/events

22 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

The Look Out Discovery Centre, Sep 21 to Nov 10

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What’s on

Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Tuesday September 17 or Wednesday September 18

YOUNG RANGERS - WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, access

by Forest Gate. Monthly wildlife club for children aged 8 to 12 years. 6-7.30pm. £5. www.bbowt.org.uk

Saturday September 28 or Sunday 29 September

The Noise Next Door on at Norden Farm

FAMILY HARVEST FESTIVAL Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles.

Explore the sights, sounds and smells of harvest past. Standard admission price. www.coam.org.uk Sunday 28 September or Sunday 27 October

Saturday September 21 to Sunday November 10

FIRE AND LIGHT SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell.

Runs weekends and Bracknell school hols. £1.95 per person, in addition to main entrance price. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisureservices/look-out Friday September 27

POP! - NORDEN FARM Come and visit Flo and Ebb as they take you on a bubbly, balloon-y bathtime adventure. Age 0-3. £12 for adult & child. www.norden.farm

SUNDAY STORIES - NORDEN FARM Interactive storytelling in the magical story den.

Age 4-7. £3.50 www.norden.farm Saturday September 28 and Sunday 29

CARTERS STEAM FAIR Englefield Green, Fair during day times with free firework display at 9pm on Saturday. www.carterssteamfair.co.uk Saturday September 28 to Sunday October 6

HENLEY LITERARY FESTIVAL An unmissable chance for children to come face-to-face with some of their favourite authors! www.Henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk

October Saturday October 5

Harvest Festival, Chiltern Open Air Museum

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BOURNE END JUNIOR CRAFT SHOW Bourne End Library. Art and craft competition for young people aged 4 to 18 years. Free to enter, open to spectators, refreshments available www.croalls2005.wixsite.com/bejuniorcraftshow

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Saturday October 5 and Sunday 6

CARTERS STEAM FAIR Holyport Green, Fair during day times with free firework display at 9pm on Saturday. www.carterssteamfair.co.uk Sunday October 6

NOISE NEXT DOOR AT SEA - NORDEN FARM Go on an adventure on the high seas!

Age 7+. £11 (£9 under 16) www.norden.farm

Families Thames Valley East • 23

What’s on

MORE ONLINE

Compiled by Anna Collins

familiesonline.co.uk Sunday October 6

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY MEMORY WALK Painshill, Cobham, Register through website www.memorywalk.org.uk

Saturday October 19

APPLE DAY - WOOLLEY FIRS Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Maidenhead, 11am-3pm. www.bbowt.org.uk/events

Monday October 7 or Friday October 11 Sunday October 20 to Sunday November 3

NATURE TOTS - WOOLLEY FIRS Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Maidenhead, Pre-schooler fun in natural surroundings. 18 months to 4 years. £7.

Booking essential. www.bbowt.org.uk/events Wednesday October 9 and Thursday October 10

Sunday Stories at Norden Farm, 28 Sept or 27 Oct

AT THE SEASIDE-THEMED TODDLER DAY Toddler Days The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell. £6.80 for a parent and toddler (£1.55 for an extra toddler) www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common. Carve a pumpkin (small charge) and take a Crafty Trick & Treat Walk. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Monday October 21 to Sunday November 3

CLIVEDEN NATIONAL TRUST: CELEBRATIONS OF AUTUMN Woodland walks, workshops, apple harvest and an exciting ‘not-so-creepy’ crawlies trail for children. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November

Friday October 11

NATURE TOTS - WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, access

by Forest Gate. Have fun with your pre-school little ones in natural surroundings. 18 months to 4 years . £7. Booking essential. www.bbowt.org.uk/events Saturday 12 October or Sunday 13

Painshill Memory Walk Alzheimers Society, Oct 6

WILD ABOUT WOOL Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles.

During WW1 men, women and children knitted for the troops. Talk to the experts about this traditional craft which dates back to the 11th century in Egypt. Standard admission price. www.coam.org.uk

WOODLAND WONDERS AUTUMN TRAIL Burnham Beeches. A woodland adventure for half term. Age 0-12. Pick up a trail at the information point, bring a pencil. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk Monday October 28

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL - WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, access

by Forest Gate. Age 4-11yrs. £4. Between 10am2pm. www.bbowt.org.uk Monday October 28

UNBELIEVABLE SCIENCE - NORDEN FARM Morgan & West explore captivating chemistry, phenomenal physics and bonkers biology in this science extravaganza! Age 6+. £11 (£9 under 16) www.norden.farm

Tuesday October 15 or Wednesday October 16 Monday October 28 to Sunday 3 November

YOUNG RANGERS - WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, access

by Forest Gate. Monthly wildlife club for children aged 8 to 12 years. 6-7.30pm. £5. www.bbowt.org.uk Thursday October 17 to Saturday November 2

Wild about Wool, Chiltern Open Air Museum, 12 or 13 Oct

BRICK OR TREAT Legoland, Windsor. Spook-tacular activities and fun to celebrate Halloween. www.legoland.co.uk/plan/events

24 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

SPOOKY FUN AT THE HELL FIRE CAVES Church Lane, West Wycombe. Spooky games, colouring and fancy dress competitions in the courtyard. Most activities free (Cave entry cost is separate). www.hellfirecaves.co.uk Tuesday October 29

TERRIFIC TUESDAY: AWESOME AUTUMN Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles.

Activities, games and crafts run 11am-3.30pm.

Standard admission price. www.coam.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on

Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Tuesday October 29 or Wednesday 30

RUMPELSTILTSKIN AND THE SNAIL OF DESTINY - NORDEN FARM Poor Polly Buckwheat is in a bit of a pickle! If she doesn’t turn a roomful of straw into gold by morning, the greedy King will turn a bit nasty. Age 4-11. £11 (£9 under 16) www.norden.farm

Thursday October 31

SPOOKY SINGALONG CONCERTINI - NORDEN FARM Bring the whole family and sing along to a Spooky 45 minutes of music from stage and screen.

Age 0-8 £11 (£9 under 16s) www.norden.farm Friday 1 November

Wednesday October 30 or Thursday October 31

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL - WOOLLEY FIRS Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Maidenhead, Age 4-11yrs. £4. Between 10am2pm. www.bbowt.org.uk

Unbelievable Science at Norden Farm, Oct 28

HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR EVENT Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles.

Spooky fun for all ages. New fire act and bon-fire included. Standard admission price. www.coam.org.uk

Spooky Singalong Concertini at Norden Farm, Nov 1

Terrific Tuesday at Chiltern Open Air Museum, Oct 29

5.15

IST 6

PROUDLY ANNOUNCING MUSICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCES FOR 2019/2020 Underneath the Lovely London Sky - A Mary Poppins inspired Musical Theatre Masterclass & Supper With the Stars at Danceworks, Mayfair Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th October 2019 Dancing Through Life - A Wickedly Wonderful Workshop at Danceworks, Mayfair Thursday 31st October 2019 Making Memories with CATS Masterclass and Make Up Tutorial at Redroofs, Maidenhead Sunday 24th November 2019 FROZEN 2 Themed Musical Theatre Day at Redroofs, Maidenhead Sunday 1st December 2019 Little Orphan Annie and Friends at Redroofs, Maidenhead Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th February 2020

ON OFFER AT REDROOFS...

MUSICAL THEATRE CLASSES GOLD TEAM TRAINING ISTD TAP AND MODERN RAD BALLET ACRO, TUMBLING AND TRICKS BABY BALLET LITTLE STAR PERFORMERS

START yOUR CHiLD'S REDROOfS PERfORmiNG ARTS ADvENTURE | www.redroofs.co.uk 26 Bath Road, maidenhead, SL6 4JT and Littlewick Green, maidenhead SL6 3Qy | Tel: 01628 674092 | EmAiL: emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk

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Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 25

FIREWORKS

What’s on

October 19, 20, 25 & Friday November 1, 2

LEGOLAND WINDSOR RESORT FIREWORKS Check website for times. Admission to the end of season fireworks is free to premium annual passholders (subject to capacity) www.legoland.co.uk/plan/events

Saturday November 9 MAGIC IN THE SKY Stone Meadow, Chalfont St Giles. Gates open 5.45pm.

Bonfire lighting ceremony, musical fireworks display.

All proceeds to the local scouts/guides and associated groups. Mulled wine, hot and cold drinks, ‘Bucks bangers’ and more available. www.csg-scouts.org.uk/CSGFireworks

Saturday November 2

Saturday November 2

FIREWORKS NIGHT CELEBRATION Crowne Plaza, Marlow. Celebrate Bonfire Night in the stunning surroundings of Crowne Plaza Marlow, with fireworks over the lake, live music and a selection of food and drink. www.cpmarlow.co.uk

MORE OPTIONS As Families went to press, some locations had not confirmed dates of their Fireworks displays. Check the following websites for updates: • Datchet fireworks display www.datchetcc.com • Maidenhead United FC funfair and display www.linkfoundation.co.uk • Cookham Scouts Bonfire and Fireworks usually held at Grove Farm, Odney Lane, Cookham www.cookhamscouts.org.uk • The 50th Beaconsfield Round Table Fireworks will take place at Beaconsfield Rugby Club www.beaconsfieldfireworks.co.uk • Fireworks Upton Court Park, Slough, has more than 20 minutes of fireworks, a 60-foot real bonfire, food from around the world and a massive fun fair. www.slough.gov.uk

Bring this voucher to get one free child with one full paying adult*.

FAMTVESEPT19

FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR FAMILY RACEDAY Ascot Racecourse. Racing is followed by one of the region's largest Fireworks spectaculars. There are also fairground rides which are free of charge until 4pm and after then cost £1 (in aid of local charities). Free entry for under 18s. www.ascot.co.uk

Valid until 31/12/19 *Terms and conditions apply.

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

26 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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ENROLLING NOW!

REDROOFS

The Look Out Discovery Centre

Celebrating Childhood since 1947

Proudly announcing:

• Science and Discovery Fun • Over 90 hands-on activities

Musical Theatre and Gold Team Training for children ages 3-14+

OPEN

10am - 5pm every day

at:

Be Amazed...

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

familiesonline.co.uk

FAMTVESEPT19

A great family day out whatever the weather!

Redroofs Maidenhead at Redroofs 26, Bath Road Redroofs Windsor at Theatre Royal, Windsor Redroofs Reading at The Abbey School Redroofs Gerrards Cross at Maltman's Green School Redroofs Mayfair at Danceworks, London Redroofs Wokingham at Holme Grange School Redroofs Ascot at The Novello Theatre

www.redroofs.co.uk • 01628 674092 info@redroofs.co.uk

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 27

Parenting believe they have been successful because of the effort they have made are more resilient and determined.

When you give child feedback, avoid praising innate traits eg “You’re such a clever girl!” Instead, praise their effort eg “You tried so hard to build that tower, well done!”

How much self-control does your child have and why is it important?

Can your child delay gratification, plan ahead and resist distractions?

Inhibit impulses? Bounce back from difficult emotions?

Fostering Self-Control in Young Children

By Linda Stone

O

bviously, a lot depends on your child's age; toddlers find selfcontrol difficult and restraint develops as they get older.

But there is a lot of individual variation too. Some children have more trouble regulating themselves, and they suffer for it.

Studies show that young children with poor self-control skills tend to make less academic progress and are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and aggressive behaviour problems. They are also at higher risk of poor health outcomes like obesity and drug dependency.

The good news is that studies also show that parents can have a major impact on teaching their children self-control.

Removing Temptations and Distractions It’s natural for most parents to automatically put away toys that might cause conflict during a play date or steer clear of the chocolate

aisle in the supermarket. Going further and asking your preschooler to help you remove temptations and distractions, gets them in the habit of identifying these temptations themselves. As they get older, they will be able to take active steps to avoid them when necessary.

Positive Disclipline Many researchers suspect that parenting styles have an influence on the development of self-control.

For instance, a study of American pre-schoolers1 found that kids were more likely to exhibit poor selfregulation skills if they had parents who agreed with statements like "I ignore my child’s bad behaviour" and "I give in to my child when he/she causes a commotion about something."

Interestingly, kids with parents who took an "obey me without question" approach weren't as badly behaved as were children with permissive parents. But they were still lacking in self-regulation skills.

Rewarding Self-Control You may have heard of the famous “marshmallow test" in which preschoolers were given the choice between eating one treat now or two treats later. The children who demonstrated the greatest capacity to wait ended up, in subsequent years, with better educational outcomes.

Interestingly though, later research2 has shown that young children will only learn that delaying gratification is rewarding if the rewards always happen. In other words, there is no point in suggesting to a pre-schooler that if he says “no” to one sweet, he can have two later, if, later, he doesn’t then receive two. Your child’s willingness to wait will depend on how much he trusts you to deliver what you’ve promised!

Going over the Rules Young children can struggle to remember when and how they are supposed to do things, for instance, “I must wait to be offered a biscuit, rather than helping myself.” So it’s helpful to remind them of our expectations. In experiments conducted in 2015, results showed that reminding children of “the rules” just before they do something is more effective than asking them to simply stop and think for a few seconds about how they should be behaving.

Praising Effort, Not Outcome Children need help to understand that effort shapes intelligence and that people are not simply born clever or talented. People who

28 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Playing Games Any time we ask children to play by the rules, we’re encouraging them to develop self-control. But some types of games are more challenging than others.

Studies3 have shown that games which involve following directions and in which the directions are then reversed (for instance, running when they hear a whistle and stopping when they hear a bell and then reversing this), are effective in raising the self-control of those children who struggle in this area.

Motivating Recognise that just because your pre-schooler can’t sit still while you read to him, it doesn’t mean he lacks self-control. Give him his toy cars to arrange and he demonstrates plenty of concentration and persistence. So he can sit and listen to you read, it’s just not interesting enough for him to do so. He needs motivating.

Discovering the right hooks to get children interested may require a lot of trial and error, observation, and flexibility, but it's worth it. In later life, your child will find it much easier to deal with mountains of homework, if they at least find bits of it interesting! *Sources 1 JT Piotrowski Investigating Correlates of Self-Regulation in Early Childhood 2013 2 Kidd C, Palmeri H, Aslin RN. 2013. Rational snacking: young children's decision-making on the marshmallow task is moderated by beliefs about environmental reliability.

Cognition. 126(1):109-14.

3 Tominey S and M McClelland Red Light, Purple Light: Findings From a Randomized Trial Using Circle Time Games to Improve Behavioral SelfRegulation in Preschool

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She Means Business Louise Araguez is the Founder and Business Owner of ‘Blooming Fabulous’, here she tells Families her business story...

Tell us a bit about yourself and where you are based?

Hi, I’m Louise, 51 years young and I have been married to Francis for 19 years. I have a 16-year-old son, Luca and a step-daughter Sophia who is 27. I have lived in Windsor for most of my life, but we recently moved to Cippenham to take on a huge renovation project. Oh and we have three cats!

Tell us a bit about the business?

Blooming Fabulous Flowers is an event prop hire business which I set up with Sophia just over a year ago. If you are having a baby shower, christening, confirmation celebration, birthday party, wedding or any special event then we have props which add the WOW factor to your occasion.

We have a range of props to hire such as flower walls, baby blocks, 4ft high illuminated letters & numbers, a prosecco wall plus the yummiest donut wall which can include up to 108 Krispy Kreme donuts. Our illuminated numbers surrounded by themed balloons are great for children’s parties.

As I am from a floristry background, fresh flowers also had to be part of the business and we’ve developed a premium hat box which comes in three sizes: large, medium and small. Our hat boxes are made using seasonal flowers straight out of Covent Garden Flower Market and can be any colour scheme you wish.

These are great as gifts and can be delivered anywhere in Berkshire and Bucks.

Customer service is at the heart of everything we do, we discuss your requirements, keep you updated every step of the way and we will deliver your brief on time and in full. The premium quality of our props is something we are extremely proud of. We are really flexible and always go the extra mile for our customers. We love making your event special and our attention to detail comes naturally.

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What did you use to do? Did you change career to do this?

For 25 years, I’ve worked in sales, marketing & events, representing some great brands. At the moment, I run the Blooming Fabulous Flowers alongside my career. Both Sophia and my husband are heavily involved in the installations and the social media side. Without their support, I couldn’t do what I do.

What inspired you to set up the business?

I’ve always been surrounded by flowers. From an early age, my Mum had her own successful floristry business in Windsor and I’ve been lucky to be involved in some stunning events throughout my career. Combining these two loves plus setting up a business which all of my family can be involved with, seemed a perfect combination. I absolutely love growing the business, coming up with new props and making people’s events memorable.

member of the Athena Network where I have made some great contacts and friends along the way who have been so supportive, they always know someone who can help with any challenges you might have.

Louise can be contacted on 07725 056521 or emailed bloomingfabulousflowers@gmail.com www.bloomingfabulousflowers.co.uk

What are your plans for the future?

I am always researching to see what trends are popping up in event world so we can offer these to our customers. We obviously have competitors out there but as long as we are coming up with new products and delivering outstanding customer service I believe we can continue to grow.

We are also working on some rather special personalised fresh flower hat boxes which is so exciting.

What would your advice be to other business women?

Do your research! Research your product, competitors and opportunities, I spent at least four months doing this, don’t be afraid to take on feedback and adjust along the way where needed. Only when I was 100% happy, I launched Blooming Fabulous Flowers.

Accept help where you can and network as much as possible. I’m a

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 29

She Means Business What would you say the biggest issue in dealing with a tweenager is?

Dealing with the disdainful looks and the eye rolling and “oh mother” comments and dealing with the technology they have and not really understanding how it all works.

Someone asked me on the radio this morning if I could explain Snapchat for the listeners who didn’t know what it was. I said, “I have no idea, you’ll need to find a young person to explain what it is!”

Why do you think your social media posts resonate with parents so much?

How a Parenting Blogger Became a Best-Selling Author Gill Sims started her blog as a joke with a friend in 2016. Her posts on her Peter and Jane Facebook page soon went viral as she and, most importantly, “judgy” dog chronicled the funny and chaotic realities of parenting. She is now a bestselling author who has written three books and Peter and Jane has over 400k followers. Her first book Why Mummy Drinks was a top ten Sunday bestseller for 31 weeks. Her latest book Why Mummy doesn’t give a ***k is out now.

Classifieds Ginny’s Jungle Parties and Animal Encounters

www.ginnysjungle.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ginnysjungle

Tel: 07971 838724 / 01628 522632

To Advertise in

call:

01628 788058

Claire Winter talks to Gill about her journey from blogger to best-selling author.

How did it all start?

I partly started the blog because I was fed up with the one-sided view many social media posts and blogs were giving about parenting.

Social media often shows a very curated portrayal of family life where nothing goes wrong and everyone looks perfect. I wanted to write a humorous blog to show the “not so perfect” side of parenting where mums swear and not every day goes to plan! I shared my posts with friends and they started going viral in July 2016. By September, Harper Collins had offered me a book deal. Writing a blog post is quite different from writing 100,000 words but I got there in the end!

What is the latest book about?

My latest book continues the story of Ellen and her precious moppets, Peter and Jane and her on-going attempts to be the best mother she can, but she is thwarted at every turn. No matter how hard she tries, Peter and Jane don’t seem to have the memo on how to be the best children they possibly can. They are just children – they cause chaos and ruin her life one way or another. They are also now older, so she is dealing with their teenage trials and tribulations.

30 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

I guess because it is the other side of parenting.

Social media has made it easier for people to show just the good bits. It is very easy to make it look like life is all pastel covered cupcakes and ‘making memories.’ Everybody has lovely days but they also have those not-so-lovely days. You may decide to do some baking and then your children smash six eggs and spill a kilo of sugar all over the kitchen floor and the dog eats it all and is horribly sick. Meanwhile, everyone else seems to be nailing it and doing better than you. It can be quite depressing; lots of people like to see that someone else is also having a rubbish day, so they know they are not the only one. When you’ve spent a fortune taking your kids on a wonderful day out to #makememories and all they want to do is go home and play Fortnite, you have to have humour. If you don’t laugh you may cry!

Your books and posts are fictional but how does your family feel about them?

They don’t mind, as they know my anecdotes and books are fiction. My daughter says Facebook is for old people and it’s the mum corner of the Internet. There’s nothing like children or pets to put you in your place! I once went to a book signing and most of the people who came just wanted to meet judgy dog. One lady called the organiser every day to check he was coming.

Gill Sims is the author of the successful parenting blog and Facebook site Peter and Jane, which has 400+k followers. You can get her latest book Mummy doesn’t give a ***k from all good bookstores. She is also touring the UK. To find out more go to www.gillsims.com/tour

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Classes held

Every Sunday at 9.45 am maidenhead Club The magnet Leisure Centre (Pearce Suite) Holmanleaze Berkshire SL6 8AW

No special clothing required.

Ladies, gentlemen and children welcome.

Families welcome minimum age 4 years.

Tel: 07709 327274 or 01753 882012 email: tiska.karate@btconnect.com

All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure and Barring Certificates

www.tiska.com

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Families Thames Valley East • 31

Families Thames Valley East is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Thames Valley East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Thames Valley East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.