Families Thames Valley East Magazine March/April 2020 Issue 107

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley East

Under 5s Special plus

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

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

Issue 107 March/April 2020

Come Swim with us Today...

• Mermaid Swim Courses • Mermaid Experiences • Mermaid Parties

Contact

07496 735263

swim@mermaidmemories.co.uk mermaidmemories.co.uk

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

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In this issue...

3-5 News & Information EDUCATION

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

...From the Editors...

6 Open Days 9 The value of open mornings 11 Encouraging reluctant readers

We’ve all made it to Spring! Hopefully we’ll get some lovely Easter weather and be able to get outside with the kids to get some long-awaited vitamin D!

UNDER 5s SPECIAL 13 Tax free childcare 14 When should babies start talking

To help you work out where to go, check out our Spring days out article on pages 17-19 as well as our Easter holiday camps special on pages 20-21.

15 Organised activity options for your child under 5 16 Motivating good behaviour: what’s the secret

As ever, What’s On also gives you a 5 page listing of all sorts of exciting kids and family activities throughout March and April! (see pages 22-26).

EASTER HOLIDAY FUN 17-19 Spring days out 20-21 Easter camps and activities helen@cookhamnanniesandsitters.com

22-26 WHAT’S ON 27 COMPETITIONS 28 FAMILIES’ BOOK CLUB 29 PARENTING Why it’s important to teach children to map read 30 TRAVEL Planning a holiday

www.familiesonline.co.uk E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editors: Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey circulation: 19,000 next issue: May/June 2020 due out: April 30, featuring: Holiday camps & activities

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

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

Cookham Nannies launches new venture

We hope you have lots of Easter fun and that the kids don’t end up with too much chocolate!

Cookham Nannies and Sitters is celebrating its 5th year and going strong. They continue to love placing the best nannies, housekeepers and babysitters throughout Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Their office is well placed to serve both counties with a number of clients in Beaconsfield, Marlow, Bourne End, Cookham, Maidenhead and Windsor.

Using an approach which puts customer service foremost and includes meeting the client to discuss what really matters to them, ensures a successful match and helps develop a genuine and open relationship. They understand that your new nanny, housekeeper or babysitter will take care of the most important people in your life and that trust is absolutely vital.

In March, the business is excited to be launching Teddington Nannies and Sitters — putting customer service right at the forefront of everything they do in South West London!

Visit their new website if you think they can help you! www.cookhamnanniesandsitters.com Contact helen@cookhamnanniesandsitters.com 01628 617617

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

MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead

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

WINDSOR 01932 988086 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor

HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe ®

Creative Courage For Life

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Families Thames Valley East • 3

News & Info

Summer in the Alps...

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit?

Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin

du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

For more information about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit www.morzineavoriaz.com/activites-de-plein-airete.html

The Little Welly Henley, back on the 6 and 7 June, announces new location and yet more fun!

We’re a big fan of family-fitness events here at Families and are therefore delighted to hear The Little Welly Henley is back for its sixth year.

It will be bringing new and exciting obstacles, a longer course, a new location in the Henley showground plus now you can camp!

The obstacle course will be a brand new route. New obstacles will include; the slip-andslide, the big tubes and the new climbing rig, to add to the old favourites; the foam run, climbing walls, ball cage and the Big Slide. Also new for 2020 there will be 5km and 10km family-friendly trail runs.

The Festival part of the event has even more outdoor experiences and fun for all the family to get stuck into. Music will be from local girl Steph Willis, the hilarious Flying Bazazi Brothers will be bringing endless energy and laughs with their new show, take a Leap of Faith from the top of a high tower and experience a landbased freefall experience, try out the UK’s first interactive mobile caving system and there are ponies to ride, trampolining and an inflatable section for the under fours. Make sure you book your tickets soon! www.thelittlewelly.co.uk/henley

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

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News & Info

Invisible goodness wrapped up in fun Perform founder, Lucy Quick tells us more.

Perform classes are a bit like a pasta sauce that’s filled with hidden vegetables: kids think it’s really tasty and don’t realise that it’s full of healthy nutrition. I see our classes like this - invisible goodness wrapped up in an hour of games, roleplay, dance routines and songs. The children think they’re enjoying an hour of fun but they’re also being equipped with essential confidencebuilding social skills.

We all want our children to be happy, feel confident enough to try new things and interact well with others. Taking part in regular drama activities encourages confident and fluent speaking, boosts reading and writing abilities and enhances coordination and spatial awareness.

Rescuing a mermaid from a pirate ship might seem like just imaginative improvisation for 6 year olds, but it's teaching problem-solving and teamwork too.

Early drama, dance and singing lessons changed my life and helped shape my vision for Perform - to deliver classes with a specific focus on developing a child’s confidence and social skills - not to create just another drama school.

Try a FREE no-obligation drama class in Ascot, Iver, Maidenhead, Marlow and Windsor PLUS quote TVE300420 for an introductory £40 discount when you book. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book.

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes Maidenhead SL6 4HZ. Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am; 7-12s Saturdays 11.15am Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead SL6 8AW. Drama: 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5pm All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA. Drama: 4-7s Mondays 4pm; 7-12s Mondays 5pm.

Kings Court First School, Ashbrook Road, Old Windsor SL4 2NE. Drama: 7-12s Mondays 5pm.

Clewer Youth Centre, Clewer Parish Hall, Windsor SL4 5EW. Drama: 4-7s Mondays 4pm & Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5pm.

Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially developed to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Go to perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class and quote TVE300420 for an introductory £40 discount when you book Venues: South Ascot Church Hall, Ascot SL5 9DP. Drama: 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5pm.

St Peter’s Centre, 1 Thorney Lane North, Iver SL0 9JU. Drama: 4-7s Tuesdays 4pm; 7-12s Tuesdays 5pm.

Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Road,

Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try

To advertise here call:

01628 788058

OPEN MORNING Thursday 7th May

Preparatory School for Boys, 3 to 13 Years - Old Windsor

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Families Thames Valley East • 5

Education

Schools’ Open Days Call to book your place now!

020 Spring Term 2 Claires Court For girls and boys from 3 to 18 years. See website for the division you are visiting Friday 6 March, Tuesday 28 April, Wednesday 10 June. 9.30am to 11.30am 01628 327710 registrar@clairescourt.com www.clairescourt.com Eton End 35 Eton Road, Datchet SL3 9AX Saturday 7 March and Saturday 16 May 10am-12pm 01753 541075 and for further dates www.etonend.org Godstowe Preparatory School and Nursery from 3 to 13 years. Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe HP13 6PR Wednesday 4 March (Early Years & Pre-Prep), Thursday 5 March (Main School, Years 3-8).

01494 429006 registrar@godstowe.org www.godstowe.org Heathfield School London Road, Ascot, SL5 8BQ Saturday 7 March and Saturday 2 May 9.45am to 12 noon registrar@heathfieldschool.net www.heathfieldschool.net Herries School co-ed preparatory school and nursery 3-11 years.

Dean Lane, Cookham Dean SL6 9BD Thursday 12 March 9.30 to 11.00am 01628 483350 admissions@herries.org.uk www.herries.org.uk/Open-Morning

Thames Valley East

CALL TO BOOK NOW For advertising in our May/June 2020 issue Featuring our:

Summer Camp Special!

Call: 01628 788058

Highfield Preparatory School 2 West Road, Maidenhead SL6 1PD Friday 15th May 9.30am start Wednesday 24th June 9.30am start (school offers private tours all academic year) 01628 624918 office@highfieldprep.org www.highfieldprep.org Long Close School Upton Court Road, Slough SL3 7LU Whole School: Saturday 7 March 10:00am Friday 20th March 9.30am admissions@longcloseschool.co.uk www.longcloseschool.co.uk

LVS Ascot Infant & Junior School London Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8DR Saturday 21 March (Infants, Juniors, Seniors, Sixth Form) 9.30 start Tuesday 28 April (Reception only) 9.30 start Saturday 16 May (Infants, Juniors, Seniors, Sixth Form) 9.30 start www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk, registrar@lvs.ascot.sch.uk, 01344 882770 www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk 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.

01344 890869 admin@meadowbrook.uk St. John’s Beaumont Priest Hill, Old Windsor, SL4 2JN Thursday 7 May 9.15am to 11.30am 01784 432428 www.sjbwindsor.uk St Piran’s School Co-educational nursery and prep school for children aged 3 to 11 years Gringer Hill, Maidenhead, SL6 7LZ Saturday 25 April 9.45-12pm Please contact Deena McLelland 01628 594302 registrar@stpirans.co.uk www.stpirans.co.uk The Marist School Kings Road, Sunninghill, Ascot, SL5 7PS Prep: Friday 1 May Senior: Thursday 7 May. Personal tours are also available.

9.15am – 11.15am 01344 624291 admissions@themarist.com www.themarist.com Upton House School Windsor 115 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor Berkshire SL4 3DF Saturday 14th March and Wednesday 6th May 9.30am – 11.30am. The school offers private tours all academic year. harrietbarnes@uptonhouse.org.uk 01753 862610 www.uptonhouse.org.uk Twitter/Social Media: @uptonhousesch #uptonhouseschool

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

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

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

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Education

Upton House School, Windsor looks at the value of open mornings

A

t a time when parents can enjoy a virtual school tour from the comfort of their own home, are Open Mornings a soon-to-be abandoned relic, or do they remain a vital date in the school calendar?

The stereotypes stick; paintbrushes out and gardens spruced before the hoards arrive, children on best behaviour and parents offered incentives in the shape of hastily branded marketing materials (mini rugby ball with the school logo on, anyone?) or fancy pastries.

Parents can easily be put off by the attention and this approach, unsure of what questions to ask and where to put their trust – not to mention their hard-earned cash.

But the truth of the matter is that when it’s done right, the Open Day has a critical place at the heart of forming that important relationship between prospective family and school. At Upton House, we grab the opportunity to share our love for our setting with future pupils and their families by showcasing our offering at its

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finest. Our aim for the day? That prospective families find our love for learning infectious and will want to be part of the Upton community.

As a busy day school in the centre of Windsor, Upton House has a lot of passing traffic. Our reputation is widely regarded and we champion an all-rounded education that sees pupils progress to their chosen senior schools with confidence, determination and a unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Do we see the value in an Open Morning? Yes we do . . .

An Open Morning isn’t simply a strategy to boost registrations. Instead, it’s an opportunity for our staff and pupils to focus on presenting the school to a new audience with pride. Let’s face it, completed registration forms don’t automatically lead to new starters - so we rely on our best assets to let the school shine - our staff, our current pupils and their families who create the feelgood ‘buzz’ of the school all on their own.

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

Yes, parents at an Open Morning may possibly enjoy a bacon sandwich but they’ll also benefit from meeting current pupils, engaged with their learning and taking part in all their normal extra-curricular activities. They will see areas of the school that are potentially off limits during normal tours and it’s a great time to check whether the buildings have clearly had a hastily applied coat of paint, or whether they are wellmaintained and cared for. Parents will often get to meet representatives from the PTA and enjoy inspiring talks from the Head and will be able to ask the Registrar the all-important questions relating to pupil numbers, leaver destinations and the application process.

It may be more comfortable to stay at home and tour a school online but the opportunity to meet your child’s future teachers and hear from current parents who have bought into the same education setting as you plan to is worth every step away from your sofa. www.uptonhouse.org.uk

Families Thames Valley East • 9

Excited to announce our opening on 7th January!

Based at Bray Lake on the Windsor Road, Little Muddy Me is a 'solely outdoor' preschool where children aged 2-5 can discover their natural surroundings in a nurturing, safe and secure environment. They will climb trees, use tools, swing on hammocks, play in the mud kitchen, hunt for bugs, cosy up and read in the tepee and cook on a camp fire.

For more information please email muddyme@littleme-preschool.co.uk 07900 396423 | www.muddyme-preschool.co.uk

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

TIMID STAR

SAD STAR

SCARED STAR

HAPPY STAR

ANGRY STAR

SURPRISED STAR

SILLY STAR

SLEEPY STAR

mobile: 07711 100533

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Education half the books I read. Borrow from the library and then your child can experiment without it costing money.

Books are not always best. Does your child have a favourite magazine? There are hundreds of magazines for kids available from supermarkets and high street newsagents. They cost a bit and there are far less words in them, but they’re a great way to get children reading. They’re colourful. They’re silly. They’re exciting.

Encouraging reluctant readers

By Tom Palmer

Children must read. It’s good for them!

U

nfortunately, that’s the last thing a child who doesn’t like reading wants to hear. They might think reading is boring. They might have low confidence. They might even have an unidentified issue like dyslexia. Being told that reading is good for them just makes them feel worse.

My mum knew I hated reading. The more pressure she applied the more stubborn I was about it. I reacted to the pressure by defining myself as a non-reader and once I’d told myself that, I became even more entrenched. Then my mum changed tack. She did some things which made me want to read and to eventually call myself a reader.

Forget that loving reading is good for children. Make reading relate to something they already love.

Make a list of the things your child is passionate about. Do it now.

Write down the five experiences, television shows, sports, interests that enthuse them. These are the things that are probably going to get your child into reading. For me it was football…and then football…

Start with their favourite television show. Television is seen as one of the enemies of reading. But it’s so good now, it’s sometimes hard to tear yourself away. It’s helpful then that a lot of shows have books linked to them. Search for an official book or biography of one of the main characters on the show’s website. Is there spin-off fiction? An familiesonline.co.uk

annual? If enough people watch a show – say, like Strictly – then there’ll be a book.

Teachers and school librarians often know more about what a child might like to read than a parent. Talk to your child’s teacher or school librarian. They also know what books have worked for other children in the past. They’re experts.

someone you look up to is more likely to get read.

You are your child’s number one role model. Let them see you reading what YOU want to read!

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t finish every book. I finish less than

Get a magazine delivered. The idea of a magazine arriving for your child (and your child alone) can be exciting for them. I had Match magazine delivered when I was a kid. I couldn’t wait for Thursdays as a result.

Tom Palmer won the Ruth Rendell Award 2019 for his outstanding contribution to raising children’s literacy levels in the UK. He is the author of 45 books for children, many about football, rugby and WW1 and 2; yet he only became a reader at age 17, thanks to his mum and what she did to engage him with reading. For more information, visit www.tompalmer.co.uk

Have a day out. Football. Cinema.

Theme park. Zoo. Whatever you do, there will usually be books available.

Gift shops at the end of museums or theme parks often have books or guides. Theatres and sports venues have programmes. For me, it was Leeds United match day magazines, but I accept they’re not to everyone’s taste!

Who does your child admire? A dancer? A singer? A sports person?

Has that person written a book?

There are more and more celebrities writing books. As a noncelebrity author I hate it, but, as a parent of an impressionable child, it’s great for you. Look the celeb’s name up on Amazon and see what’s out there. If you don’t want to buy it, then head to the library.

Role models are not just famous people. Does your child have a coach, teacher, aunt or neighbour that they admire? For me it was my sister’s boyfriend: he gave me books. I read them because they were from him. Get your child’s role model to talk to them about books and recommend titles. A book from Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 11

Nursery School

Farnham Royal Village Hall, Farnham Lane, Slough SL2 3AX

We cater for Children from 2-5 years old in a thriving educational setting We accept 15 and 30 hours funding Limited spaces for Summer and Autumn term

Book now - 01628 620013 info@wiseowlschildcare.co.uk | www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk

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W

WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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Established in 1980 w

Completely FREE 15 & 30 hour Montessori Education at Windsor Montessori School

WINDSOR MONTESSORI o SCHOOL

WINDSOR MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

Ofsted OUTSTANDING in all areas

NO 4 DATCHET ROAD (OPPOSITE THE WINDSOR FARM SHOP)

OPEN DAY:

OLD WINDSOR SL4 2RQ

18th February 9am-12.30pm

01753 830525

HOME PARK, ROMNEY LOCK ROAD, WINDSOR SL4 6HX

01753 868399 • 2 years to 6 years.

• Completely free 15 & 30 hour Montessori Education www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

• 6 months to 6 years.

• Baby, toddler, parent session

Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment.

to include ‘Music with Mummy’ with Fran Briscoe.

• We provide 15 and 30

E

hours funding

www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk

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

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

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Are you up to speed on tax free childcare? By Sarah-Jane Butler

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ax-Free Childcare was introduced by the Government in April 2017 to replace Childcare Vouchers. At the same time it also increased free childcare hours. Whereas previously, childcare vouchers were a benefit offered by employers and free childcare hours were simply provided by nurseries, there is now a registration process and an eligibility criteria for both.

Are you eligible?

Yes, IF: • Both parents are working (or a sole parent is working) • Both earn over £131 per week • Employed or self-employed • Live in England • You have at least one child aged 0-12 years old No, IF: • Either Parent earns over £100,000 per annum • You are a two-parent household in which only one parent works • You are receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers through your employer Tax-free childcare The Tax-free Childcare Scheme is similar to corporate childcare vouchers in that it helps parents with funding towards the cost of childcare. However, it is administered for parents by the government and not by employers.

Parents must open an online account and the Government will pay £2 for every £8 paid into the account by the parent up to a maximum of £2,000 every year (i.e. a Government contribution of up to £500 per quarter). Parents will then be able to pay their Ofsted registered childcare provider (nursery, childminder, nanny or holiday club) directly from this account provided the childcare provider is linked to that account through its Ofsted registration number.

The benefit of this new scheme is that it is calculated per child (not per parent), therefore those with more children and higher childcare costs should be at an advantage. In addition, those that are selfemployed, who were not previously entitled to join company

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schemes, are eligible under the new scheme.

Unfortunately, though, there are disadvantages too: namely that every three months you need to re-confirm eligibility for the scheme (which can be an administrative burden). The scheme is also ONLY available for children up to age 12 (compared to age 15 under the previous scheme) and, of course, parents must meet the eligibility criteria consistently throughout the year. This means that in the event of a bonus or commission, some parents may be taken above the eligibility maximum threshold of £100,000 per year or below the minimum of £131 per week in the event of unemployment or redundancy.

15 and 30 hours free childcare If parents meet the Tax Free Childcare Eligibility criteria above, they are also entitled to an additional 15 hours free (hence the name ‘30 hours free’ childcare) which is offered for 38 weeks a year (roughly in line with school terms). In order to apply for the additional 15 hours, parents need to register via the Childcare Choices website. It is essential to do this prior to the term in which they are entitled to the benefit. For example, if your child turns 3 in November, you will be entitled to the additional 15 hours from 1 January, therefore you must apply prior to 31 December. Again, every three months you will be asked to re-confirm your eligibility.

Considerations If you are still in a childcare voucher scheme through your employer (because you were registered before 1 October 2018) you may wish to consider which scheme is right for you. You can find out more and check your eligibility at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Under 5s

Many parents, particularly those with high earnings, will be better off sticking with their company childcare vouchers. However, there will be those who would benefit from the Government scheme.

Check out the calculator www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

Sarah-Jane Butler is Founder and CEO of Parental Choice, a ‘onestop shop’ designed to help you find the perfect childcare solution for your family. For more information, visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk.

What next?

Firstly, parents should check their eligibility and entitlements for any of the offerings. It’s also important to fully understand the financial impact of such changes on your family.

Free hours Due to funding issues, most nurseries are offering increased hours, but not necessarily the full 30. Nurseries cannot charge you extra fees for the additional hours, but they can structure their hours in a way that you are still liable to pay for certain attendance. Check the specific offering of any nursery in which you wish to enrol your child.

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

Families Thames Valley East • 13

Under 5s

Ideas to Encourage Talking

When should babies start talking?

By Andrew Campbell

During the first three years of life, a baby’s brain is developing rapidly which is why this period contains so many critical milestones for their speech development. Interestingly, much of your baby's speech development depends on your ‘baby talk’ skills as well as those of your baby!

T

he first ‘baby talk’ is non-verbal and happens soon after birth. Babies grimace, cry, and squirm to express a range of emotions and physical needs, from fear to hunger to frustration. It is important to listen to your baby’s different cries, work out what they mean and respond accordingly.

At the age of 3 months, you’ll notice your baby listening to your voice, watching your face as you talk, and turning towards other voices, sounds and music.

Before babies start talking, they are gathering information. That information eventually becomes the foundation of their first baby talk. And the best way for parents to help their babies make it to those first words – and thrive with language development in the months after – is to talk to them.

At around 6 months of age, you’ll hear your baby begin to babble and coo, as they play around with different sounds.

This ‘baby talk’ is happy, gentle, repetitive, singsong vocalisation sounds similar the world over, despite the language of a baby’s parents.

After 9 months of age, babies can say and understand a few basic words like ‘no’ and ‘bye-bye.’ They also may begin to use a wider range of consonant sounds and tones as they try out sounds and find their own voice. Babies may also be able to point to people, objects, and body parts you name for them. They repeat words or sounds they hear you say, like the last word in a sentence, but they often leave off endings or beginnings of words. For example, they may say ‘daw’ for ‘dog’ or ‘noonoo's’ for ‘noodles.’

Most babies say their first words sometime around their first birthday - possibly ‘mama’ and ‘dada.’ Now, importantly, they know what they are saying. They should also respond to or at least understand, if not obey - short, one-step requests like: ‘Please put that down.’

Over the next six months, your baby will start to use language in a more recognisable way and you may start to hear them talking.

You might find that initially only you and a few of your baby’s favourite people can make out what they’re saying though! By the age of 2 years, babies can string together short phrases of two to four words, such as ‘Mummy bye-

The more words children hear, the more they learn.

Here are some fun things to do together to encourage your baby’s speech and language development: Chat to your baby about the things you’re doing, even if you think they’re boring – for example, ‘Daddy’s vacuuming the carpet to get rid of the dust that makes you sneeze.’

Repeat your baby’s attempts at words to encourage a two-way conversation. For example, if she says ‘mama’ you could say ‘mama’ back to her. Build on your toddler’s words. For example, when baby says: ‘train,’ you say: ‘Yes, it’s a big red train.’

Show interest in your baby’s babbling and talking by smiling and looking him in the eye.

Respond to and talk about your baby’s interests. For example, if your baby starts playing with a toy train, you could say ‘Toot, toot.’

Read, tell stories, share songs and nursery rhymes with your baby.

Praise your baby’s efforts to talk. For example, if your baby points to a dog and names it, you could say: ‘Well done for pointing out the dog, Georgie!’

Infants all develop at a different pace, but if you're worried about your child's speech or language development, talk to your GP or health visitor. If necessary, they will refer your child to your local speech and language therapy department.

bye’ or ‘me milk.’ They're learning that words mean more than objects like ‘cup’ - they also mean abstract ideas like ‘mine.’

Over the course of the next year, your baby’s vocabulary expands rapidly, and ‘make-believe’ play spurs an understanding of symbolic and abstract language like ‘now,’ feelings like ‘sad,’ and spatial concepts like ‘in.’

More info: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-andbaby/helping-your-childs-speech www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/learning-talk-andcommunication-your-baby

We are an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ 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

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

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Organised activity options for your child under 5 By Gabrielle Nash

I

f you ask mums and dads about what activities they enjoyed with their children when they were very young, many will speak fondly of their favourite playgroup or class.

Such activities can become a lifeline for parents during those isolating and overwhelming first years and they’re essential when you’re desperate for some adult conversation. Of course, classes and groups are also a great opportunity for you to bond with your baby and give them early opportunities for socialization too.

Maybe you have already prebooked a weekly sensory, music or swimming class for your little one or perhaps you’re at home reading this with your baby or young toddler, thinking of ways to entertain them (and you) this week. Or maybe you’re finding it tough just getting out to the shops. However you’re feeling, there’s no doubt that getting yourself along to something social can be hugely beneficial for you and your child.

Sarah has one daughter, now aged almost 4, and speaks fondly of the classes they participated in: ‘I loved having a music class booked each week with my 18 month old. It was something to look forward to – she loved the music and I enjoyed meeting other mums and drinking a rare coffee while it was still hot!’

So, what’s the best way to find a class or group? You’ll regularly find local options in this magazine and, as well as your local mum friends, you can also ask the wider local parent community on social media – word of mouth is great for a recommendation. It’s worth

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checking out your local Children’s Centre and library for suggestions too – some of these may be free.

Next, which type of class or group should you go for? This may depend on the options available where you live, as well as on your budget.

Playgroup If your main aim is to get something regular in the diary that is easy, cheap and good for meeting other parents with similarly aged children, then your local church or community playgroup is a great option.

Playgroups are often central parts of a local community so if you’re new or unfamiliar to an area you can find local support both from those attending and those running the group.

important source of books and resources to a young child and highlighting the importance of reading.

Sensory or Music Though not free, sensory or music classes can be lots of fun for older babies and toddlers. They are a fantastic opportunity for little ones to make a noise with their voices and with instruments, move around creatively and explore a new environment, all conveniently facilitated by a professional. You get a much needed chance to sit back and watch your child having fun, without having to provide it yourself!

Under 5s Swimming or Gym If something a bit more physical appeals to you, then baby swimming or a gym/soft play-based class might be right for your child. Baby swimming can be a beautiful way to bond with your baby and a gymbased class is great way for very active toddlers and pre-schoolers to burn off energy, as well as develop their gross motor skills.

Classes for YOU Whilst it’s harder with a toddler, when you have a baby, there are many activities aimed at you which your baby can attend too. Whether it’s an outdoor exercise or yoga class or a baby friendly cinema showing, the change of environment is fun and stimulating for your baby too. You may even get to improve your fitness!

Any children’s group or class will support a child’s development: the routine, the opportunities for socialising and the experience of being in a new environment. So if it helps YOU get out of the house, share happy times with your child and get talking and meeting other parents in your situation, then nothing could be more worthwhile.

Follow Gaby @thelondonishmum

Library Most local libraries have a weekly story or rhyme time session. These are simple drop-in activities and chances to socialise that can form a regular part of your week. They are almost always free! A library activity is also a great way of introducing this

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Families Thames Valley East • 15

Under 5s

Motivating good behaviour: What’s the secret? By Gabrielle Nash motivates your child. Reward charts can work well, as can marbles in a jar (or pasta in a pot).

The idea here is that your child earns marbles for completing a task or behaviour. Once the jar/pot is full they earn an activity or treat.

Your child’s age is also a factor.

For toddlers a reward chart during

potty training is great. A simple concept like ‘do a wee in the potty and you can have a sticker’ is easy to understand. Anything more complicated and a toddler will struggle because they don’t fully understand the idea of consequence yet.

Once you’re using a reward chart, it’s important to be reliable and consistent. Ideally, you’d like your child to simply wish to behave well without needing the chart as motivation; the best way to encourage this is to combine the reward with plenty of praise.

Top tips for making reward systems work If you’re lucky enough to find bedtime a breeze, or have a cooperative child who eats all their vegetables, then you are indeed one of the fortunate and few. If you regularly find yourself battling bath times and lack of fruit intake and gentle (and not so gentle) admonishment of your child just doesn’t work, then it might be worth introducing a system to motivate good behaviour.

Reward-based systems like

sticker charts are popular and effective tools because they’re positive. ‘It’s a straightforward concept’ explains Dr Sarah Rose, a child psychologist at Staffordshire University ‘Children learn through association, so if a behaviour is associated with something nice happening they will be more likely to repeat that behaviour in future.’

However, every child is wired differently, so it’s important you think carefully about exactly what

Keep it specific. Pick a few areas that need work and make sure to explain to your child why they’re important.

For example, if your child struggles to go to bed without a fuss, try a reward chart for good behaviour at bedtime. Explain what that means for you (eg stay in bed) and why it’s important (eg if you don’t get plenty of rest, you won’t have the energy for more fun tomorrow).

Be clear about your expectations.

For example, if your child consistently behaves badly in public, on your next outing make it clear what the boundaries are for their behaviour: ‘I would like you to walk nicely on the pavement with me’ or ‘I would like you to sit and read with me while we wait at the doctors.’

Consider what it is reasonable to ask of them. This will be dependent on age, personality and energy levels. A tired child is considerably less cooperative.

Praise is essential. A child who feels good when praised, is encouraged to develop a desire to be ‘intrinsically’ well behaved and need rewards less.

Focus on effort, when giving praise. Be immediate and be generous, combining your words

with eye contact and a cuddle.

Whenever discussing your child’s good behaviour, never confuse them by also introducing a criticism or caveat.

So what about the bad behaviour?

A child learns to repeat an action that gets the desired effect: attention from a parent. It could be that your child is behaving badly because they feel they need more of your time, so giving them plenty of attention when they are behaving well may alleviate negative behavior. The once popular options of using either a ‘naughty step’ or a ‘time-out’ are no longer well thought of because they are based on punishment. When used judiciously, however, what those methods can still offer, is an opportunity for both parent and child to calm down before tantrums or tempers explode.

Finally, while motivating your child to behave well is important, children do need to be able to make mistakes without negative consequence. So if your child slips up now and then, gently point this out and encourage them to try again. Remember all children learn by observation too. Model good behaviour towards them and others whenever you can.

Follow Gaby @thelondonishmum Email us at info@familiesmagazine.co.uk to receive our free, printable Colour-in Animal Reward Chart.

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

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Easter Holiday Fun

Norden Farm Quest, Luminous Photography

It’s nearly Easter, so here’s our pick of some great activities the whole family can enjoy together over the holiday period! We cover everything from Easter egg hunts to exciting museum activities and cater for both the great outdoors and weather-proof fun.

Easter at the National Trust's Cliveden Spring offers the perfect time to head outdoors and explore nature at the National Trust's Cliveden near Maidenhead. Popular with families, features such as the storybook play area and giant Cliveden maze, have been designed especially with little ones in mind. From Friday 3 to Monday

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20 April, join the annual Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt through Cliveden's colourful spring-filled gardens on a fun family exploration. Whilst exploring the glorious grounds, you'll learn about all sorts of plants, animals and insects and earn your chocolatey Cadbury reward. The hunt is open from 10.30am until 2.30pm (10th-13th it runs until 3.30pm) and costs £3 per child.

Normal admission charges to Cliveden apply, but no advance booking is needed. As the hunt is available for 2 weeks, you can avoid the queues on Easter weekend and visit throughout the school holidays. For those with a head for heights why not take part in the tree climbing event taking place from Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 April. Challenge

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Spring Days Out yourself and your friends to see who can get the best view from up high. Booking for this event is required and is suitable for ages 6 and up. £22 per place. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden or call 01628 605609.

Prepare for adventure with Norden Farm’s Quest Navigate your way through creative adventures and fearlessly explore a land where imagination rules supreme! Quest is a fun packed fortnight of new experiences for children and families at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead, this Easter! Including family friendly shows, films and activity clubs - plus daily craft and storytelling. On Friday 10 April, get involved in a full day crammed with low cost Explore! workshops. Try something different, from robot making to x-ray spex comics. All workshops are £4.50 per person.

Booking essential. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Box Office: 01628 788997 www.nordenfarm.org

Families Thames Valley East • 17

Don’t forget to turn to our What’s On pages 22-26 for other Easter events too!

Odds Farm Park

Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park Daily from 4 to 19 April, spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park and prepare to strut and cluck your way to the opening of Chicken World – new for 2020! The egg-citing Egg Hunt and Trail will have you searching high and low to earn your sweet treat. Enjoy Special Shows with the Oddsocks Family,

get creative with Spring-themed arts, crafts and games and of course don’t forget to bring your wellies for the re-opening of H2Odds Water Play. Also new for 2020, join them at Marmalade’s Mini Rovers to take on the exciting new course. There will be plenty of new baby animals to meet too, with fluffy lambs, cute chicks, cheeky kid goats and more. It’s a

The Look Out Discovery Centre

fantastic, full day of fun for the whole family. Discover the Giant Indoor Playbarn, award-winning Marmalade’s Tearoom, acres of Outdoor Adventure Play and a full programme of animal activities and demonstrations.

Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For more information, including opening times and prices visitors should call 01628 520188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk Making the most of the outdoors If the weather is onside, the Easter holidays are the perfect time to get outside and explore the local area whilst running off those Easter eggs! There’s no shortage of

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

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

OPEN

10am - 5pm every day

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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

FAMTVEMAR20

A great family day out whatever the weather!

Be Amazed...

picturesque spots in the area, from Higginson park in Marlow, Black Park in Wexham and Ray Mill Island in Maidenhead to the Jubilee River and Windsor Great Park to name but a few. Dinton Pastures in Hurst, is a good place to visit for a walk round the lake and they usually run trails during the holidays to help get kids moving. They also boast an award winning playground and adventure golf. If you’re willing to do a little bit of travelling around, we are fortunate enough to live in an area with numerous National Trust properties, perfect for a family day out. Some of our favourites are Cliveden, Gray’s Court, Hugenden Manor, Basildon Park and the Vyne.

If you have older children who might need some persuading to go out walking, geocaching is a great way to incentivise an outdoor adventure. Billed as a ‘treasure hunt for the digital generation’ you can download a free app for your phone which enables you to locate small treasure boxes hidden outside. For more information, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/ what-is-geocaching-outdooradventure-for-kids For younger children, Kew Gardens are running a Gruffalo trail this Easter. Take a journey through the Arboretum where you will encounter Fox, Owl and Snake.

With a map and face-painted whiskers, children will discover the animals’ hiding spots, and interactive activities at each stop.

FAMTVEMAR20

Spring Days Out

Valid until 12/07/20 *Terms and conditions apply.

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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Don’t forget to turn to our What’s On pages 22-26 for other Easter events too!

Beat the weather with our pick of indoor options Museums are a great option for tricky weather. We now cover Families West London as well and have found some fantastic places to visit for our Thames Valley readers too! While the Natural History Museum and Science Museum are obvious favourites, there are many other options. From Saturday April 4 till Sunday 19 check out Family Mission: D-day Edition on board the HMS Belfast (SE1 2JH). Pick up a Kit Bag and learn about the crew who served on HMS Belfast during Operation Neptune in 1944. Find hidden messages, predict the weather for sailing, discover ship life and crack Morse code! Over the same Easter period check out Billy Brown Of London Town at The London Transport Museum (WC2E 7BB).

Explore the Museum this Easter as you hunt for Billy Brown! Pick up a hunt card at the Family Desk to help you track him down and decipher the clues to find out who he is and what his job is! Closer to home, we have The Chiltern Open

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Air Museum which focuses on historical buildings, a working farm, how people lived and hosts many family activities. There is also The Lookout Discovery Centre in Bracknell which houses some great activities, from water-play, brick-

Spring Days Out building and educational shows to interactive displays and experiments.

Want a bit of peace while the kids are occupied? Try Jump In trampoline park in Slough, The Jelly Lounge in Windsor, Busy

Buttons in Windsor or Phoenix Gym near Bray. These places really do help parents out and offer the best fun for kids, particularly during holiday periods! If you are lucky you may get a coffee, lunch or chat with your friends in too!

Norden Farm Quest, Luminous Photography

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Families Thames Valley East • 19

Easter Camps & Activities Signing up for a club or class can be a great way to learn a new skill and keep the kids entertained over the two week holiday. Whether they’re creative, sporty, or just need to burn off some energy, these clubs and classes offer something for everyone.

Don’t forget to say you saw it in Families when you ring!

AMANDA’S EASTER ART CLASSES www.amandasart.co.uk for small groups of children aged 8–14.

Amanda will be running two hour Easter Art Classes in Ascot. Call 0796 882 4560 or 01344 885086 or email a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk for further details BUSY BUTTONS’ Creative Wellbeing Camp for 3-14 year olds offers a range of entertaining sessions that promote well-being, fitness and mental stimulation. Spread over the week they include swimming, outdoor activities or visits to museums and areas of interest. These options are keyed with a creative project where the children learn life skills like design, sewing and art. ‘This is a very attractive proposition and supplies an experience unlike any other holiday club.’ affirms father of an 11year old student. Children can take advantage of learning, engaging, exploring, designing and making 3D Art, sports, team building, confidence boosting activities & more, making for a great educational & fun holiday camp (non-franchised) in the heart of Windsor. DBS checked staff. Siblings and RBWM Advantage Card discounts.

Busy Buttons CORE at Busy Buttons Design Centre, Windsor Yards SL4 1TF 6 - 17 April Book now at www.busybuttons.org/HolidayCamps ActivityDays busybuttonscreativestudio@gmail.co m / 07952 418212

COURT GARDEN LEISURE COMPLEX has Intensive Swimming courses running in the Easter holidays.

Intensive courses are a great way to boost your child’s swimming progress. From non-swimmers to the more advanced they allow the perfect opportunity to help improve water confidence, stroke technique or even practice certain skills to pass their next level. Contact their helpful team today to find out more 01628 405200 HANDS-ON ART ADVENTURES in Old Windsor will be running additional ‘Holiday Activities’ for a different age group each day: Foam Clay, Canvas Painting, Clay and Story Ceramics. And, of course, the Potter's Wheel is available each afternoon if you would like to learn how to ‘throw’ a pot. For full details please visit this page of their website: www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk/ kids-art-clay-pottery-classes/holiday call Janet on 01753 206265 or just pop in and paint a piece of pottery LONGRIDGE, Marlow holiday activities are for young people between the ages of 8 and 14 who are looking to explore some adventurous activities and get active during the school holidays. Four of their adventurous activities throughout the day and a packed lunch, all for just £40. Drop them off at 8.45am and pick them up at 5pm – booking available online or through the bookings team. Longridge is also a recognised child care provider, so if

you wish to pay using childcare vouchers then please contact their bookings team on bookings@adventurelearning.org.uk or 033 0303 0101. www.adventurelearning.org.uk PHOENIX GYMNASTICS CLUB is running Easter Gym! At Unit 1, Water Oakley Farm, Windsor Road, Windsor, SL4 5UJ during the Easter break.

Gymnastic sessions for children aged 5 to 12 years of age. Choose from a range of classes and clinics with fully qualified British Gymnastic coaches.

Children will have the opportunity to try Olympic gymnastic apparatus.

Price: £10-25 per session. Look out for PlayGym Plus too - an hour's gym play for 4-9 year olds. www.phoenixgym.co.uk PLAYBALL CAMPS IN WINDSOR Are you are looking for something active for your kids to do during the Easter school holidays? Why not consider Playball? Sports holiday camps, full of fun-filled games, skills and drills! The camps cater for a mixture of ages from 3-8 and encourage social interaction and non-stop fun! Camps start at 10:00 and run through to 13:00. Contact windsor@playballkids.com to find out more details or have look at their website: www.playballkids.com QUEST is a fun packed fortnight of new experiences for children and families at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts this Easter! Including family friendly shows, films and taster workshops - plus daily craft and

storytelling. Their three-day, activity clubs for children 8+ years include Make a Play in 3 Days; Next Steps: Dance Intensive; and Art Daze.

Booking essential. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Box Office / 01628 788997 / www.nordenfarm.org 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. Termly or 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 Windsor Baptist Church. Classes run over the Easter holidays (excluding Good Friday and Easter Monday ).

Showstopper Parties are also available.

Call 07885 150034 or email mairi@showstopperuk.com for more information. www.showstopperuk.com

Amanda‛s Art Classes

Drawing, Painting, Collage and Fun near Ascot

after School and Holidays for small groups of children ages 8-14

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

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

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Easter Camps & Activities THE JELLY LOUNGE FAMILY CLUB workshops, holiday camps and creche (cookery, arts & craft, slime, disco, messy play and more)…

Fun workshops and camps for all ages for the holidays. For under 4’s they offer a fabulous creche (all year round). Check out their website or Facebook page for the latest goings on. More than just a soft play. Ages: all; Location: Windsor.

Call: 01753 290 175 or visit www.thejellylounge.co.uk for further information.

STAGECOACH HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS. Make new friends, learn new skills and gain confidence during one-week holiday workshops which focus on singing, dancing and acting skills which end in a performance for friends and family.

Designed for 6 to 18 year olds and some areas tailor the workshop to kids aged 4-6. There are limited spaces available, so advisable to book soon. For availability, dates and more information please check your local Stagecoach website: www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead www.stagecoach.co.uk/windsor www.stagecoach.co.uk/ascot www.stagecoach.co.uk/henleyand marlow www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe STOKE PARK COUNTRY CLUB, SPA AND HOTEL has its Leadbetter Kids Golf Camp running during the Easter holidays where structured practice sessions are provided in the morning, followed by course play in the afternoon. Children do not need to be members. The Golf camp is

£65/day, £280/5 days, sibling discount available. For more info:golfacademy@stokepark.com call 01753 717184 Stoke Park are also running their Yummy Mummy Spa Retreats which include a 55 minute Back, Face and Scalp treatment, a Hot Drink and pastry and a place in the Crèche for your child whilst you enjoy the retreat. £110 (available 9am-1pm throughout March). For more info: reservations@stokepark.com call 01753 717172 www.stokepark.com THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR Journey ‘under the sea’ with Theatre Royal Windsor this Easter holiday as the TRW Easter School presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.! This amateur production will feature some of the finest youth talent from within the local community and is definitely not to be missed! Find out more about how you can get involved by visiting theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk or by emailing learning@theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk for further information.

THE LITTLE GYM WINDSOR runs Holiday Camps throughout the school holidays, rain or shine.

Themed sessions that change every week stimulate physical and motorskill development with games and gymnastics, all in the care of their qualified and dedicated team of instructors. Camps combine fun, sport, creative activities and learning to keep your kids active, entertained and laughing. All while carefully developing their minds, bodies and self-confidence. Don't worry if you have children of different ages – sessions cater to children from 3 to 12 years. Camps run as morning and afternoon sessions: 9.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Book now as camps at The Little Gym fill up fast!

Call on 01753 968 488 or email: windsor@thelittlegym.eu

JUMP IN AND WISE OWLS Holiday Camp operating Monday 6 to Friday 17 April from Jump In Trampoline Arena, Slough for children aged 5-14 years. Activities and at least 2 hours of Jump In fun! Open 9am - 5pm. £27.50 limited offer per day. Book now by visiting www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk YVONNE THOMAS is a specialist teacher with 20 years experience who runs holiday courses in touchtyping for children. Working memory booster techniques are used to help students improve recall and memorise the use of correct fingers.

Focus and self esteem are encouraged through this holistic approach. The programme Yvonne uses has clear simple screens and the different keys are introduced sequentially following a phonics programme. The programme also has a multi-sensory approach tailored to the pace of the learner.

Two teachers are present with a small group of students in a dedicated classroom, which promotes rapid learning. Contact Yvonne for Easter dates.

To book a course with Yvonne Thomas in Maidenhead call 07929 528642 or visit www.dttts.co.uk Details correct at time of going to press (February 2020) but may be subject to change.

WISE OWLS CLUB are running an Easter Holiday Club Monday 6 to Friday 17 April at Highfield School, Maidenhead for children aged 3-14 years. Lots of activities planned as well as outings. Times: 9.00am5.00pm, extended day 8am-6pm.

Optional hot meals. Limited offer of £27.99 per day. Book now by visiting www.wiseowlschildcare.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 • 21

What’s on

March Ongoing SCIENCE EXHIBITION The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell. More than 90 activities which children of all ages can learn from. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services/lookout/science-exhibition

Ongoing 50 THINGS TO DO AT CLIVEDEN BEFORE YOU ARE 125!

Cliveden National Trust, Taplow Activities and challenges for all ages to help you get the most out of your visit to Cliveden on the 125th birthday of the National Trust. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

Ongoing INDIA AND ME: A JOURNEY Basildon Park National Trust, Lower Basildon, Reading Audio-visual exhibition, looking at personal stories from the Reading Indian Centre. Suitable for children of all ages. Free but normal admission charges apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park

Ongoing THE GILDED GARDENS Cliveden National Trust, Taplow See Cliveden’s daffodils throughout the grounds and displayed in the Ferneries. Self-guided walking leaflet available. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

Compiled by Donna Lee Ongoing STAND OUT FOR AUTISM Various after school clubs, football, multi-sports, youth clubs and drama groups around Maidenhead. www.standoutforautism.com

Ongoing HISTORY OF MAIDENHEAD AND SPITFIRE SIMULATOR Maidenhead Heritage Centre, Maidenhead Take to the skies in the Spitfire Simulator! Dress up like a Roman gladiator, test your bridge building skills, investigate the children’s toy box, meet the resident Roman skeleton, Julius or view old photographs and videos of Maidenhead! Open 10am-4pm, Tuesdays Saturdays. General admission free. Spitfire exhibition prices from £2. www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk

Ongoing TEDDIES MUSIC CLUB Jump in to a live music and singing experience like no other. Various classes in Maidenhead, Marlow, Twyford and Windsor. www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk

Saturdays in March and April ROLLER DISCO Magnet Leisure Centre Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW Get your wheels on and whizz to the disco.

There’s Scooter and Skate school from 3-4pm.

Under sevens and beginners skate 4.15pm to 5.30pm, family skate 5.45pm to 7.30pm. www.leisurecentre.com/magnet-leisure-centre

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

Mondays in March and April EVENING SALSA CLASSES All Saints Church, Marlow www.salsastyle.co.uk

Mondays and Fridays in March and April LITTLE WRIGGLERS Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Energeti, creative dance class. Ages 2+ years. 10.15 11am. £6, £4.50 for siblings or £20 for 4 sessions a term. Some dates excluded (see web) www.norden.farm

Mondays in March and April MESSY MONSTERS Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead A chance for little ones and their grown ups to get messy exploring the world through sensory play and art activities. 6+months. www.norden.farm

Tuesdays in March and April STORYTIME AT MARLOW BOOKSHOP 22-26 Spittal St, Marlow SL7 1DB Enjoy a story at the town’s independent book store.

10-10.30am, ideal for babies and pre-schoolers. www.marlowbookshop.co.uk

Wednesdays throughout March and April HIGHVIEW TOY LIBRARY 6 North Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1PL Children with additional needs can enjoy play sessions and borrow toys. Wednesdays, 10am12noon. Also the first Sunday of the month, 3-5pm.

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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.

Thursdays and Fridays in March and April SIVANANDA YOGA WITH MARISA The Positivity Centre, Nashdom Lane, SL1 8NJ (Thurs 7-8.15pm) Burnham Hall, Burnham Park, SL1 7HR (Fri 12.30-1.30pm) All ages. £10 per class.

Breathe, stretch, tone and relax. Mixed ability. www.surrendertolove.co.uk

Ongoing in March MAGIC TABLE SESSIONS The Curve, Slough Interactive animations using light and sound.

Mondays 9.30am age 0 - 5 years.

Tuesdays 4.30pm ages 6 - 15 years.

Thursdays 3pm ages 16+ www.thecurveslough.com

Saturdays in March LEGO ROBOTICS AND BOARD GAMES Maidenhead Library, St Ives Road Play some of your favourite board games or build robots with Lego and electronics. No need to book.

Free event. www3.rbwm.gov.uk/info/200197/libraries/541/regula r_library_events/9

Saturdays in March STORYTELLING AND ART WORKSHOPS Windsor Castle Join Olivia Armstrong on 7th March for storytelling at 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm to celebrate World Book Day. Art workshops celebrating World Book Day running every Saturday in March. www.rct.uk/event/royal-storytime-world-book-dayevents-03-2020#/

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Tuesdays in March BALLET BEATS Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Pre school ballet classes. www.norden.farm

Sunday March 1 till Sunday April 19 WOODLAND ADVENTURE TRAIL Runnymede and Ankerwycke National Trust. Windsor Road, near Old Windsor, Surrey. Children’s trail leading through woods and meadows, exploring Runnymede’s woodland secrets. Suitable for all ages. £1 per trail www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede-and-ankerwycke

Friday March 6 CHILD MATTERS: FAMILY FIRST AID COURSE Christ Church URC Marlow, Oxford Road, Marlow.

10am-1pm. Learn how to cope with children’s first aid emergencies. Certificate and ‘Paediatric First Aid Made Easy’ manual provided on completion.

Refreshments provided. £30 or £25 each (if booking with a friend). www.procourses.co.uk/classrooms/126609?facilitato r_id=763

Friday March 6 till Sunday March 8 WORLD BOOK DAY WEEKEND Hughenden Manor National Trust, High Wycombe Storytelling and “Ten Little Bookworms” trail around the house. 11am - 4pm. Storytelling at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden

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Sleeping Beauty, Theatre Royal Windsor

Saturday March 7 till Sunday March 8 WORLD BOOK DAY Greys Court National Trust, near Henley-on-Thames.

Head to the shop and find the book-themed children’s trail. 10am - 5pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court

Sunday March 8 STORYTELLING IN THE DEN Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Interactive storytelling in the magical story den.

4-7yrs. £3.50, 11.30am. www.norden.farm

Sunday March 15 BIG DOG LITTLE DOG PARENT AND CHILD YOGA Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Yoga class for parents /carers and their children.

Class includes elements of acroyoga. Bring one yoga mat per pair and a blanket each. 10am - 11am. £15 per pair (1 adult and 1 child). 4 - 8 years, must be accompanied by an adult. www.norden.farm

Families Thames Valley East • 23

What’s on

Compiled by Donna Lee Sunday March 22 RANGER WALK: SIT AND STAY Basildon Park National Trust, Lower Basildon, Reading.

Join Leo the Ranger and his dog Buddy for a dog walk.

Breakfast sandwiches and dog treats after in the tearoom. Booking essential. 10.15am -12.00pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park

Saturday March 28 Mothers Day Concertini, Norden Farm

Monday March 16 till Saturday March 21 THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Theatre Royal, Windsor The Vienna Festival Ballet perform the classic fairytale set to Tchaikovsky. Performances at 7.30pm and 2.30pm. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Saturday March 21 BIRDS OF PREY Crocus at Dorney Court, Court Lane, Dorney Berkshire Birds of Prey experience. 10am - 4pm.

Event free. £2 to hold a bird. www.crocus.co.uk/dorney-court

Sunday March 22 MOTHER’S DAY SINGALONG CONCERTINI Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Family singalong concert with songs from stage and screen, including Mary Poppins, The Lion King and Frozen. www.norden.farm

MARCH DAWN CHORUS Cliveden National Trust, Taplow. Take a walk with our expert guide through Cliveden’s woods soaking up the birdsong, finishing with breakfast at the Conservatory Cafe 6am - 8.30am. Booking essential £25 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

April

Friday April 3 till Monday April 20 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Cliveden National Trust, Taplow Enjoy a Spring adventure while exploring the grounds and learn about all sorts of plants, animals and insects in nature. Earn a chocolatey reward!

Trails running from 10.30am - 2.30pm. £3 per child. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday April 4 till Sunday April 19 SPRING INTO EASTER AT ODDS FARM PARK Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX New for 2020 is Chicken World! Also, Egg Hunts, Special Shows, Lambing & the re-opening of H2Odds Water Play. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Saturday April 4 till Sunday April 19

Ongoing in April BLUEBELL WALK Cliveden National Trust, Taplow See a blanket of bluebells on a self-led trail around the estate. Check Bluebell Watch on the website for the best time to visit. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/a-seaof-bluebells Thursday April 2 BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Old Town Hall, High Wycombe The UK’s premier baby friendly comedy club, 12pm.

Tickets £11 (or £13 on the door). Groups of 8+ 10% discount. www.wycombeswan.co.uk

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

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Greys Court National Trust, Henley-on-Thames Easter Egg Hunt along with some Easter activities and spring walking and seasonal treats in the tearoom. Trails running from 10am until 3.30pm each day. £3 per child. Normal Admission charges apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court Saturday April 4 till Sunday April 19 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Hughenden Manor National Trust, High Wycombe Nature trail around the gardens. £3 per child.

10am - 4pm. Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years.

Normal Admission applies www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden

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.

Sunday April 5

Tuesday April 7

STORYTELLING IN THE DEN Norden Farm, Maidenhead Interactive storytelling in the magical story den.

4-7yrs. £3.50, 11.30am. www.norden.farm

DIDDY DUCKLINGS River and Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames Make a brood of ducklings from balsa wood, learn to dance the wonder waddle and find out how ducks communicate . 4 – 7 yrs. www.rrm.co.uk/whats-on

Monday April 6 CONCERTINI WITH YOLANDA BROWN Norden Farm, Maidenhead Star of Cbeebies Band Jam. Stay on afterwards to play the instruments . www.norden.farm Monday April 6 till Wednesday April 8 APRIL TREE CLIMBING Cliveden National Trust, Taplow Get back to nature by clambering through the trees on the Green Drive. Sessions run by The Great Big Tree Climbing Company. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Monday April 6 till Wednesday April 8 MAKE A PLAY IN THREE DAYS Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Create a play from scratch in just 3 days!

Suitable for ages 10+ years. www.norden.farm Tuesday April 7 CHILD MATTERS: JUNIOR FIRST AID COURSE Christ Church URC Marlow, Oxford Road, Marlow 10am-12noon. Perfect for 6-11yr olds – learn what to do in a first aid emergency. Flat Stan first aid booklet to keep + certificate. Refreshments provided. £25 or £20 each (if booking with a friend). www.procourses.co.uk/classrooms/131839?facilitato r_id=763

Thursday April 9 PLANTS AND POLLINATORS River and Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames Make a mobile and a seed ball 7 -11 yrs. www.rrm.co.uk/whats-on Thursday April 9

Make a Play in 3 Days at Norden Farm

Friday April 10 till Monday April 13

HANSEL AND GRETEL Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead An interactive and relaxed theatre experience with an enchanting woodland set, playful characters and poetic storytelling. www.norden.farm Friday April 10 till Monday April 13 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Runnymede and Ankerwycke National Trust, ` near Old Windsor. Traditional Easter Egg Hunt across the Runnymede meadows. 10.30am - 4pm. £3.50 per trail. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede-andankerwycke Friday April 10 QUEST FAMILY FEST EXPLORE DAY Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Discover new worlds with your family. Choose from over 40 different workshops from Circus to Samba Drumming. Collect points and prizes as you complete creative Quests. www.norden.farm

EASTER LAMBING Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles Meet the Oxford Down lambs born at the museum, along with family crafts, Easter trails and activities. www.coam.org.uk/whats-on/events Saturday April 11 THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Show combining comedy, magic and science with bubbles. www.norden.farm Monday April 13 till Friday April 17 THE GINGERBREAD MAN Norden Farm, Maidenhead Join the adventure of the deliciously smelling Gingerbread Man and meet the bravest biscuit of all times! A mix of puppetry, live action, music and stunning staging. www.norden.farm

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

Families Thames Valley East • 25

What’s on

Compiled by Donna Lee Wednesday April 15 till Friday April 17 NEXT STEPS DANCE INTENSIVE Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Experience being an A-Troupe dancer in a real dance studio for three jam packed days. Work with a professional dancer to develop your technique, learn routines and create your own choreography. Suitable for ages 8+ years. www.norden.farm

Saturday April 25 till Sunday April 26 ST GEORGE AND THE DRAGON Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St. Giles celebrate St George’s day with a weekend of knight and dragon inspired fun. Take part in a dragon trail and enjoy some dragon inspired crafts. www.coam.org.uk/whats-on/events Saturday April 25 and Sunday April 26

Thursday April 16

Tuesday April 14 TERRIFIC TUESDAY Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles.

Special themed family activities, games and crafts.

Activities run from 11am -3.30pm. Standard admission price applies. www.coam.org.uk/whats-on/events Tuesday April 14 till Thursday April 16 ART DAZE Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Immerse yourself in three whole days of arts and crafts. 10am - 4pm. £100 (£90 RBMW Advantage Card holders) 8+years www.norden.farm.com Wednesday April 15 till Saturday April 18 DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. Theatre Royal, Windsor Journey under the sea with the TRW Easter School’s production featuring the finest youth talent within the local community. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

BIRDS OF PREY River and Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames Make a day of it with these magnificent birds.

Art and craft activities, talks and ferret racing. www.rrm.co.uk/whats-on Monday April 20 ongoing till May BLUEBELL WALK Greys Court National Trust, Henley-on-Thames Enjoy a walk through Spinney Wood as the vibrant purple flowers come into bloom www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court Friday April 24 LITTLE BUGS TODDLER DAYS The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell Toddler Days run from 10am - 4pm. Extra activities such as arts & crafts, storytelling & face painting. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services/lookout/toddler-days Saturday April 25 APRIL DAWN CHORUS Cliveden National Trust, Taplow. Take a walk with our expert guide through Cliveden’s woods soaking up the birdsong, finishing with breakfast at the Conservatory Cafe 5.30am - 8.30am. Booking essential £25 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

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

MY FIRST BALLET: CINDERELLA Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe Perfect introduction to the magic of ballet. 3+. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Sunday April 26 RAVER TOTS Old Town Hall, High Wycombe. A chance for kids and parents to get on the dance floor and party together. Suitable for all ages.. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Sunday April 26 BLUEBELL WALK Runnymede and Ankerwycke National Trust, near Old Windsor. Guided tour of Coopers Hill Woods to discover the displays of bluebells. Adult £10, Children £5. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede-andankerwycke Sunday April 26 BIG DOG LITTLE DOG PARENT AND CHILD YOGA Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead Yoga class for parents /carers and their children.

Class includes elements of acroyoga. Bring one yoga mat per pair and a blanket each.

4 - 8 years, must be accompanied by an adult. www.norden.farm

familiesonline.co.uk

Competitions and Offers with WIN A Family & Friends ticket for 4

WIN a day at Odds Farm Park this Easter

people to see The Gingerbread Man during Quest Family Fest this Easter!

Quest Family Fest is the annual Easter holiday celebration at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead.

Navigate your way through creative adventures and fearlessly explore a land where imagination rules supreme!

Quest is a fun-packed fortnight of new experiences for children and families which includes family friendly shows and films and activity clubs. Plus daily craft and storytelling.

Visit www.nordenfarm.org for details.

One lucky reader will win a Family & Friends Ticket (for 4 people) for The Gingerbread Man at Norden Farm, running between Monday 13 – Friday 17 April at 11am and 2pm.

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk

Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park and prepare to strut and cluck your way to the opening of Chicken World too – new for 2020! The egg-citing Egg Hunt and Trail will have you searching high and low to earn your sweet treat! Enjoy Special Shows with the Oddsocks Family, get creative with Spring-themed Arts, Crafts and Games and of course don’t forget to bring your wellies for the re-opening of H2Odds Water Play. This and so much more fun to be had this Easter at Odds Farm Park.

Three lucky readers can win a Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for Easter at Odds Farm Park, which runs daily from 4 April – 19 April.

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk

Which school holiday does Quest Family Fest take place in?

Which of the following areas is new at Odds Farm Park this Easter?

A) Christmas

A) Chicken World

B) Easter

C) Summer

B) Egg World

C) Rabbit World

Closing date for competition entries is March 20 Closing date for competition entries is March 29 *T&Cs - Tickets subject to availability - Cannot be exchanged for any other event - No cash alternative. Further T&Cs apply as below

*T&Cs - Tickets subject to availability Cannot be exchanged for any other event - No cash alternative.

Further T&Cs apply as below

*Competition Terms and Conditions: 1. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted 2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering 3. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt 4. All decisions of Families magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into 5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize 6. Only the winners’ details will be supplied to the Promoter of the competition 7. Families Magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition 8. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions 9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email address provided by the entrant. If the Promoter does not obtain a response from the winner within 21 days, we reserve the right to select another winner at random 10. Automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties will be disqualified 11. This competition is restricted to UK residents only.

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

Families Thames Valley East • 27

Book Club For us at Families, cuddling up on the sofa and sharing a story with our children is one of our favourite parts of the day. Nurturing a love of books is a great way to bond as a family, encourage imagination and take time out to relax. This month we’re excited to share a new series for readers age 6+ that we’ve just discovered, written by prolific author Vivian French.

Rachel Bailey catches up with her about what it’s like to have such an active imagination and to celebrate the publication of the 2nd book in the Lottie Luna series, Families are giving away both books to one lucky reader!

Having written over 300 books you must be writing in your sleep!

Do you have a favourite/ most unusual place to write?

Not really. I mostly use my iPad for stories, and I can take that anywhere... I travel a lot, and trains are a great place to write.

Your books cover a whole range of ages. From picture books to teenage fiction and even nonfiction. That’s quite a talent, you must have an amazing imagination. Did you ever have an imaginary friend as a child?

Oh yes! I had several, much to the embarrassment of my long suffering family. My particular friend was a lion called Jesus, who came everywhere with me. My poor grandmother was mortified when we were going to church, and I stopped in the porch and said very loudly, ‘Lie down, Jesus! Wait for me here! You can’t come in.’

Did you always know you wanted to be an author and is there an age you particularly like writing for?

I never thought of being an author.

I always wanted to be an actor, or a long distance lorry driver, if the acting failed me... and I was an actor for quite a while. I loved it! I was working in children’s theatre; I guess it taught me a lot about what children like... and, even more importantly, what they don’t like.

The books didn’t happen until I was

in my 40s. I was story telling by then, and a wonderful children’s author called Diana Hendry suggested I tried writing.

An age I like writing for?

H’mmmm... the Lottie Luna age group is especially fun to write for.

Have you ever had to make up a story on the spot?

Oh yes! Especially when I was story telling. Sometimes in schools I work with an illustrator, and they and the children draw pictures... and I have to make up a story right then and there. And I make up stories for my youngest grandson if I’m baby sitting.

You’ve been awarded an MBE for your services to literature, literacy, illustration and the arts, and have also been the recipient of the Scottish Book Trust’s Outstanding Achievement Award. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Probably the Picture Hooks mentoring scheme, although that’s mostly due to the brilliance of my co-founder, Lucy Juckes.

Can you tell us a bit about your Picture Hooks mentoring scheme?

Lucy and I felt that there was a huge hole in the system for picture book illustrators who had graduated, and who wanted to move into the world of publishing but were at a loss as to what to do

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

about it. We decided offering five graduates nine months of mentoring by an established illustrator would be a way to help; luckily we have a vast book of contacts! At the end of the nine months the graduates and their mentors get to show their work at the National Gallery Of Scotland, and the exhibition then tours. We set the scheme up in 2012, and it’s gone from strength to strength... it runs biannually, so we’ll be exhibiting again in 2021.

What’s your favourite childhood book/author?

Oh help... so many! Hans Christian Andersen, Grimm, Alison Uttley, John Masefield, Lewis Carroll, Denys Watkins Pitchford, E Nesbit, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens but only if illustrated by Arthur Rackham... the list would be pages long. I discovered Dickens when I was about fourteen, and I’ve adored him ever since.

If I had to choose just one book it would be The Rose Fairy Book; I was given when I was nine. I’ve always loved it dearly, because the illustrations are by Vera Bock. I’ve still got my copy, and the pictures give me a tingle down my spine every time I open it.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

Not really. I really wish I’d already written the book I’ve just been contracted for.

Did you write books specifically for your daughters when they were growing up? Where do you get your inspiration from?

My daughters were quite old by the time I started writing, so I didn’t write for them. It was more for the child I’d have like to have been but wasn’t - and to tell stories. I do love stories.

You’ve travelled around the world touring and running writing workshops. What’s the most exotic place you’ve worked in?

Sri Lanka, maybe... or Oklahoma state. That really is exotic. I once went to a school where the head teacher had been kidnapped the day before, taken out to the desert, and tied to a cactus!

Lottie Luna and the Twilight Party is available from 5 March 2020 priced £6.99. www.vivianfrench.co.uk Instagram: @french.vivian Twitter: @fivekingdoms

have one copy of both Lottie Luna and the Twilight Party and Lottie Luna and the Bloom Garden to give away to one lucky reader!

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk

What is the name of Viv’s new book?

A Lottie Luna and the Twilight Garden B Lottie Luna and the Bloom Party C Lottie Luna and the Twilight Party Closing date for entries is 27 April

familiesonline.co.uk

I

n today’s technology focussed world, the ability to map read, navigate and successfully get from place to place, remains a vitally important skill to teach our children.

At its most fundamental level, map reading develops children’s spatial thinking skills, which in turn can deepen their knowledge of maths, science and technology.

Spatial thinking is something we use in many everyday situations, from rearranging a bookcase, to picturing situations in our ‘mind’s eye.’ It is the fundamental architecture which underpins our lifelong problemsolving skills.

It’s also a great excuse to get outdoors into the wilds and get back to basics with your child in natural or urban surroundings.

Stanfords, the largest map supplier in the world, reports that its sales figures in the last couple of years show that demand for physical maps is not waning. It seems that, as human beings, we prefer to plan our trips with a hard copy, making notes on it and keeping it as a treasured travel memento. Most significantly, a physical map can’t run out of battery power or be without signal in your hour of need!

Endurance adventurer and Ordnance Survey Get Outside Champion, Sean Conway, who has cycled, swum and run the length of Great Britain, is a lover of physical maps and has fond memories of learning how to map read as a child: ‘I remember being told how contour lines worked. It became a game to try and look for the steepest section of the map, and then go and find it.

If you could climb it, we would!’

Here are five top tips for firing your child’s imagination and getting them engaged with the learned skill of map reading: 1. Just as it’s important to know

familiesonline.co.uk

Why it’s important to teach children to map read

your left and right, it’s important to understand where north, east, south and west are on a map. You can remember them as: a. Naughty Elephants Squirt Water b. Nobody Ever Swallows Whales c. Never Eat Shredded Wheat 2. If your child is struggling to grasp contours, get them to draw concentric circles on one of their knuckles – when they reach their

finger, a hill appears!

3. Make directional and geographical vocabulary part of your dialogue with your children from a very early age, and whenever you are out and about together.

4. A great way to pass the time on a long family journey is to give your child a map and ask them to tick off the key symbols on the map as they spot them – eg pub, hospital, byway, footpath, wall, farm track.

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

This instantly turns any mundane journey into a treasure hunt!

5. Often as adults we become scared of maps because we think we won’t be able to decipher them.

But just have a go, make it fun and easy going – you might just learn something yourself whilst nurturing your child’s life-long love of adventure.

Map reading activities to try at home or away Get a map of your local area, holiday destination or grandparent’s house and get outside – open your eyes wide and take a look around!

1. What can you actually see around you? And what does it look like on your map when drawn from above?

2. Have you seen this map before?

Are maps flat or three dimensional?

Are there any features you can see?

3. Maps use pictures and symbols to explain features of a landscape/area rather than words. Can you locate the key? If you see a feature on the map you don’t recognise you can look it up on the key.

4. Can you decipher both the physical and human features on your map? Perhaps the park, beaches, forests and rivers or churches, factories, farms and harbours?

5. Make your own map – have a think about the important information you want to include, key physical or human features. Will you start and finish your journey in the same place?

If you get lost, your phone battery is flat or there’s no signal, you never know, some key map reading skills and abilities might just save your life.

Maps give us a wealth of information about our surroundings – they are a clever, valuable and perhaps irreplaceable 2D representation of our incredible 3D world.

Families Thames Valley East • 29

Travel

Planning a Holiday With the days getting longer and the evenings lighter, now is the perfect time to start thinking about booking that family holiday. Rachel Bailey takes a look at what to consider when making holiday plans.

Kids clubs Whilst holiday accommodation in this country may well offer activities for kids on site, most of these require parents to participate and be responsible for their own children. In contrast, holiday accommodation abroad can include childcare in the form of kids clubs, enabling parents to spend a little time relaxing in the sun enjoying time by themselves. It can still be a family holiday that you all enjoy together, but it also gives mum and dad the option to get a bit of time to relax too! Likewise, some places offer a babysitting service if you’re comfortable leaving your children for the evening.

What to look for in accomodation Does self-catering best suit your families needs? If you're abroad is all inclusive an easier option? Are you happy to stay in a hotel and if so will a family room work? Some family rooms have a separate kids area so it's a bit more manageable. We stayed in one recently where it almost felt like the kids had their own room, which was ideal! However, we have also experienced being confined to a hotel room when our eldest was 18 months old, us sitting in silence in the dark while we waited for him to fall asleep (or hiding out in the bathroom perched on the side of the bath with a glass of

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wine!). One particularly gorgeous sunny evening was spent in a motel in the Canadian Rockies with all the curtains closed balancing takeout on our knees instead of enjoying the beautiful views and the sunshine outside the next door restaurant!

Holidaying with grandparents Taking a holiday with extended family can help make the holiday feel like more of a break, especially if you have young children as there are more people on hand to help out. Don't assume they'll babysit, but if they're willing to do the odd night it's a great opportunity to enjoy an evening out. It also helps spread the cost making the holiday more affordable and it's a great opportunity for them to spend quality time with grandchildren in a relaxed setting away from all the busyness that takes over in our everyday lives. Just remember to manage expectations. It can be tricky trying to accommodate everyone's needs so you might want to have a discussion beforehand. Consider which things you all might want to do, whether you'll do everything together or factor in some time apart.

Site amenities Do you want things for the kids to do on site?

Would it help to have a pool? This is often a consideration if holidaying abroad, but many cottages in this country also have on site facilities such as pools, parks, soft play areas and tennis courts. Some farmstay cottages even have opportunities to feed the animals, tractor rides, nature walks etc. All these things can be great for those days when you don't feel like rushing around or when the weather's not on your side. In some cases the offering is so great you might struggle to get the kids to leave the site!

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

Location Having younger children myself, access to a beach, whether in this country or abroad, is pretty high on our list of priorities. We visited Cornwall back in February and they loved running from the waves, climbing on rocks, building sand castles, hunting in rock pools and writing in the sand - the list is endless. It's all free entertainment and gives them plenty of fresh air and scope to run around.

Likewise, if your kids are a bit older, a city break can be a great way to learn a bit more about different cultures or places and get them out of their comfort zone. I still remember going to Berlin with my dad when I was learning German at school. Holidays can be a great way to broaden children’s minds, it doesn’t all have to be about expensive trips to Disneyland!

Staycation v vacation abroad Sometimes it's as much hassle driving across the country as it is taking a plane but driving has its own advantages - you are less restricted on luggage, you have your own transport when you reach your destination and there are some fantastic places to holiday in this country. We love all that Devon and Cornwall have to offer but there's also the Lake District, Sussex coast, Norfolk, Suffolk, Dorset, Kent countryside, Isle of Wight, to name but a few. It's not always the cheaper option however and of course you can't guarantee the weather!

Or in the true meaning of a 'staycation' consider holidaying at home and doing a few day trips to nearby places instead. We are so close to London which has endless possibilities to choose from including museums, parks, trips down the river and a zoo.

Above all, remember this is your time to enjoy together as a family, so don’t stress if things don’t go quite as planned (as is often the case with young children!).

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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.