Families Thames Valley East September - October 2016 Issue 86

Thames Valley East

FRE

E!

September/October 2016 - Issue 86

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 self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

please call Diana Page 01235 533362 07747 086518

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! plus CLUBS & CLASSES

01628 317558

...endless ideas for families of young children.

Packed with interesting features and fun things to do with the family in Maidenhead - Windsor - Marlow - Ascot - Slough - Egham

i n thi s

i s s ue

3 News & Information EDUCATION SPECIAL 6 Back to School - A survival guide 8 Early Years Education - the key benefits 10 How to support your year 7 child 12 Education News 16 Mum Hacks - a new book to help get you through the new term CLUBS AND CLASSES 18 Stretching your Children 19 Clubs Directory 25 Clubs and Classes News 27 What’s On 32 Tips on Choosing Fireworks 33 Don’t Worry be Happy - Natalie Trice says ‘live your dream’ 34 Children’s Parties - who to invite 35 Halloween Treats - Get Cooking 36 Book Reviews - Helping your child enjoy their homework 37 Treating Fever in Young Children 38 She Means Business 39 Classifieds www.familiesonline.co.uk T: 01628 627586 E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editor: Claire Winter circulation: 19,500 next issue: Nov/Dec 2016 due out: November 3, featuring: Festive Fun

Welcome to our bumper Education special (pages 6-17) and Clubs and Classes extravaganza (pages 18-26). Whether you have a child starting their first term or a tween transitioning to secondary school we have some great advice for you. Including some great #MumHacks from author Tanith Carey, plus some sage advice from our readers too (pages 16-17). We also want to wish Naomi Riches MBE good luck in her #165 challenge (read more below). I had the pleasure of meeting her in the summer and she is one of the most inspiring individuals I have ever met. Whatever you do, enjoy the new term and a bit of peace and quiet and we’ll be back with our festive issue in November!

Naomi Riches takes part in #165challenge Naomi Riches MBE, London 2012 Paralympic Champion and six-time World Champion rower, is preparing to take on her greatest challenge yet - rowing 165 miles non-stop in a single scull down the River Thames in 50 hours or less!

Families were lucky enough to hear her talk about the challenge in person at a Maidenhead Business Girls event in the summer.

The challenge starts on Saturday 17 September and will see Naomi rowing from Lechlade to Gravesend Royal Pier in an attempt to set a new Guiness World Record.

She is undertaking the challenge to raise money for her Patron charity IN-vision – an organisation dedicated to researching the eye condition Infantile Nystagmus, which she was diagnosed with at just eight weeks old. Naomi also hopes it will also be a way of encouraging people to celebrate ability over disability. Naomi recently talked to Maidenhead Business Girls Meet-Up about her challenge and they are urging local schools to get involved to help raise money.

At school, Naomi was bullied for being different. She says: “More than anything else in my life I wanted to be known as Naomi

Go Green for Halloween with the NSPCC

R

copy/advertising deadline: October 1 Cover Image: www.istockphoto.com

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Riches and not be defined by my disability. I want to be known for what I am able to do, not what I cannot do.”

Funds raised will be used to improve the patient pathway and support collaboration in Nystagmus Research Centres.

To see where she will be along the river or read more about her motivation and charitable aims, see www.thegreatthamesrow.org or to find out more about getting involved or doing some fundraising, please contact liz@invision.org.uk

The NSPCC is encouraging people to hold a spooky ‘Go Green’ event at their school, nursery or office this Halloween to raise

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

funds for to support work with children in the local community through their School Service. Whether you wear it, bake it, or sell it, anything goes as long as it is green!

The School Service allows the NSPCC to go into primary schools to speak directly to children and young people to help them understand abuse and give them the confidence and courage to speak out and seek help if they ever need it. For more details, see www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-cando/events/go-green-halloween

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

3

........News & Info........

Asian-style teaching programme may help UK kids

Perfect your public speaking with Cookham actress!

A new system for teaching maths used in Asia will sweep the nation, the Department for Education has said.

The Department has pledged £41 million for over 8,000 schools - half of all UK schools - to start to introduce Asianstyle maths tuition, called ‘Maths Mastery’.

Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong lead the world in maths performance, using the system and those using it have been shown to perform better than their peers.

The system means that teachers spend a lot of time on one topic to make sure that children understand it fully. They also discover how problems relate to their everyday life, so they are given context. The system was created by educational psychologists and specialists and the result is a sequence of lessons supported by high quality textbooks.

Maths Mastery gives children the ability to recognise patterns, see connections and to be able to visualise – the main ingredients of problem-solving. www.mathematicsmastery.org

Are you a nervous public speaker? Surveys tell us that talking to a crowd is one of the most feared things in life! Actress and Sparky’s drama coach, Amber Edlin, has helped many employees improve their presentation skills, be it for job interviews, promotions, presentations and pitches.

Amber has been working as a professional actress for 20 years, across theatre, film, TV, commercials and voiceovers. She set up Sparky’s Drama in 2013, offering performing arts classes locally, teaches LAMDA privately within schools and also offers corporate workshops and coaching for individuals. Most recently she has worked for Heston Blumenthal's teams at The Fat Duck.

Amber says: “Communication is such an important life skill, especially with developing technology, meaning we stare at mobile phones and computer screens. I thoroughly enjoy giving people of any age the techniques and confidence to speak and connect. I believe it to be a valuable skill, which could be life-changing.” For more details, see www.sparkysdrama.co.uk

Celebrate Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday!

• We will teach your child to swim • Pre-school children will participate in Forest School activities • We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum • We are competitively priced and accept all childcare vouchers • We have free on-site parking • We offer a free family complimentary health club membership for all full-time children

Nuffield Health Day Nursery - Stoke Poges

Wexham Street, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6NB

Tel: 01753 663996

Email: SouthBucks.Nursery@nuffieldhealth.com

BOOK NOW for advertising in our Nov/Dec 2016 issue Due out November 3 email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

September will see the biggest ever global celebration of Roald Dahl’s birthday, marking 100 years since his birth.

People can sign up to receive a downloadable party pack, so you can celebrate at home, at school, in the library or living room. There is bunting, stickers and templates to decorate, activity sheets and party games – or you could even host a Roald Dahl quiz – to see who is the biggest fan! From Roald Dahl films and singalongs to dressing up, all money raised will go to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which makes life better for seriously-ill children. Everything included is suitable for children aged 5 and

upwards. To join in with the worldwide celebrations and get your downloadable pack, go to: www.roalddahl.com/roalddahl/roald-dahl-100/party-packregistration.

LEARN TO TOUCH-TYPE AND SPELL YVONNE THOMAS (SpLd Tutor)

Performing Arts Classes Do you want to rebuild your confidence after taking a career break or find your ideal job?

Acting for Film & Theatre Musical Theatre • LAMDA Build Confidence, Have Fun & Learn Great Skills!

All Classes taught by DBS checked industry professionals

Book your FREE TRIAL

WWW.SPARKYSDRAMA.CO.UK Call Amber on 07889 311414 • info@sparkysdrama.co.uk

4

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

Are you struggling with work-life balance or unsure what direction you want your career to take?

Whatever your career challenge, √ida Coaching can help.

Visit: www.vidacoaching.co.uk Call Tanya on 07729 673 291 or Email tanya@vidacoaching.co.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Maidenhead after school clubs teaching multisensory touch-typing and structured spelling, to help students (including those with dyslexia and dyspraxia) gain a life skill, communicating ideas quicker; building confidence and self-esteem. £20/hour, small groups.

Holiday courses – see website.

www.dttts.co.uk • Tel: 07929 528642 E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

........News & Info........

Warning! The Kids clothes that are addictive!

Forget baby blue, pale pink and boring creams… Get the Scandi style that’s so ontrend with clothes that let children be children!

Polarn O. Pyret has over 40 years’ experience designing clothes specifically for children. The much loved brand started in Sweden in 1976 and has earned worldwide appeal for its fun and functional designs.

Many of the clothes are designed in vibrant colours and funky patterns (that kids love to wear!) and are made from the best quality fabrics so they are ideal to pass on to several new owners. Great for your pocket and the environment!

Don’t forget to use your exclusive Polarn O. Pyret 15% off discount code FAM15 to save on the latest Scandi styles! www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

New party package from SportsAble

Learn to read in just five weeks for free!

SportsAble, the grassroots Paralympic sports club based in Maidenhead, has released a children’s party package that offers children of all ages and abilities the chance to learn new skills and enjoy the freedom and fun that sport brings.

Select their favourite activity - or choose something challenging and new - and give them an engaging, fun and unique party that they will remember for a long time!

Under the guidance of SportsAble’s experienced coaches, kids can take aim at target sports like archery, boccia and kurling – or they can join forces in a pairs or team event, like wheelchair basketball or table tennis. There are three party spaces plus an outside terrace, green fields and playground to enjoy!

Come and try something totally different and have lots of happy party guests and - if available one of SportsAble’s Paralympians may be there to host a medal ceremony at the end! For more details, see www.sportsable.co.uk

Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive range of online reading lessons and e-books that teach children aged 3 to13 the literacy skills needed for a lifetime of reading success. Join more than 3.4 million users worldwide and claim your special 5-weeks free access today!

Over 91% of parents report a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading within weeks. The programme makes learning phonics, sight words and essential reading skills fun and your child can progress through the one-on-one lessons at their own pace.You can track their learning with detailed progress reports and assessments.

Take advantage of a no-obligation free access trial today. Simply register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/read8 * Free trial only available to new customers who sign up at the above address. Free trial offer ends 30th September 2016. Not applicable for schools.

Flash cards are the key to 11+ vocabulary success Learning challenging vocabulary for the 11+ test is easier if you have several techniques up your sleeve - flash cards are a way of adding some variety and fun at the same time. Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have been developed based on recognised 11+ material. With clear, child-friendly definitions, they are specifically designed for parents working with their child.

A great vocabulary is an asset for life, not just for the 11+: it’s extremely satisfying to see tricky vocabulary increasingly appear in your child’s

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

written work at school as their confidence grows, and to share an enjoyment of language with them.

Don’t just “do” vocabulary once a week repetition is the key to internalising new words.

Stick the flash cards up in the kitchen as ‘words of the week’; practise them on the go; challenge each other to sneak them into conversation; even act them out! www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

5

Education Special

BACK TO SCHOOL: A survival guide

By Georgina Rodgers

Get involved with your child’s learning

A

s September approaches, parents everywhere will be thinking about their child’s first day at school or first day back at school; whether they have the correct uniform and shoes that fit, who their new teacher is and so on. Once the first day is done and dusted, how can parents best support their children as they start school or enter the next year with new teachers and demands? We investigate how parents can help: Show an interest As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher.

Whilst most parents struggle to find time in their busy days, it is important to remember that children will achieve well at school when their family take an interest in what they are doing at school and get involved. Giving encouragement and showing appreciation of your child’s achievements, however small, will give them confidence and help them learn and inspire them to try their best.

Aim to keep abreast of what your child is learning at school, attend parent’s evenings and keep in touch with their teacher and talk to them if you are worried about anything, because they will want to help. Get involved in the school community, so talk to other parents about extra-curricular activities that your school might offer, attend fund-raising events and if you have time, volunteer to read with children or join your school’s parentteacher association (PTA).

Outside of school it is a chance for you to explore different interests; go to new places together, talk about books and television shows and learn together. If your child is tired after school and doesn’t want to talk, they are probably tired and hungry so make yourself available for talking later in the evening.

Early Years Foundation Stage The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) sets out learning and development stages for children as they grow from birth to five years. At this stage children’s development is divided into: Personal, social and emotional development; physical development; communication and language; expressive arts and design; literacy; mathematics; and understanding the world.

6

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

All the fun activities that you do at home with your child are important in supporting their learning and development and have a really long-lasting effect on your child’s learning. To help develop your child’s literacy skills, you could make up stories using new words, play games like asking your child if they can ‘j-u-m-p’ or ‘r-un’, or ask your child to act out a favourite story book together using puppets or toys. To develop their maths skills, sing number songs backwards, count the number of vegetables you need at the supermarket or count and sort out shapes that you have cut and coloured in together.

When it comes to understanding the world, talk about the things you see around you all the time. Fun games might involve having a pretend picnic for dollies, talking about and trying food from different countries or looking at old photographs of family members and talking about them. For further reading, see www.foundationyears.org.uk, developed by 4Children.

Key Stage 1 The National Curriculum is organised in blocks, known as Key Stages. Children in Years 1 and 2 (ages 5-7) follow Key Stage 1. This covers all core subjects for this age group, which include English, maths, science, design and technology, history and geography, art and design, music, PE, RE and computing. KS1 tests cover: Reading; grammar, punctuation and spelling; and maths.

Reading to and with your child is vital and research shows that this is the single most important thing you can do with your child, so try to set aside at least 20 minutes every day for some quality reading time. Encourage your child to enjoy books, so look for fiction or non-fiction on topics that interest your child and visit the library together. Talk about books, ask open-ended questions and make books easily accessible around your home. From cereal packets to road signs, look for words everywhere!

To help your child with maths, make it fun! Jigsaws, puzzles and games are a great start. Look at shapes around the house, let your child handle money and look for numbers on street signs and car registrations. Slightly older children will enjoy playing games that involve numbers, like card games and dominoes. For more helpful tips and resources, see www.atschool.co.uk It is at this time that your child will start to get some homework; probably a book to read. Make time to read the book every day together and try to instil good homework habits, like finding a quiet place to work and agreeing a time when your child works best.

Key Stage 2 The children in Years 3 and 4 (ages 7-10) follow Key Stage 2, which follows the same core subjects as KS1 with tests in the same subjects. As with KS1, whatever you do at home, try to make it as entertaining as possible!

It is important that even though your child can read, that you still take time to discuss books together and listen to them reading aloud. Let them read whatever they wish; be it comics, magazines, newspapers or poetry. Talk about your favourite authors and talk about the meaning of difficult words.

To help maths skills, do some cooking and weigh and measure ingredients out together, converting a recipe for a different number of people, work out distances and directions on maps or play card games, like sevens or cribbage. For more ideas for helping with maths at home, see www.mad4maths.com Listen, talk and encourage your child and the more enthusiasm for learning that you show them, the more engaged and excited they will be.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

7

Education Special

THE KEY BENEFITS OF EARLY YEARS EDUCATION Why nursery and pre-school matters!

W

hen children are small, they are like little sponges; they are learning new words, having new experiences and are beginning to form attitudes about themselves and the world in which they live at a rapid pace. Early learning helps children to be confident and curious about the world around them and will let them flourish and make the most out of their lives. This is why securing a successful start for your child is key for everyone: the child, the family, their school and ultimately, society as a whole.

Here Families talks to Joanna Leach, Headteacher at Highfield Prep School in Maidenhead, about why a good-quality education at this important stage of your child’s life will help to ensure they have positive attitudes to learning and give your child firm foundations upon which to base the rest of their education.

The importance of good staff and a safe environment Good quality education starts with the staff and the environment. When you are choosing a nursery or pre-school for your child, take time to ask the staff lots of questions and to get a feel for the environment. Early Years staff are trained in identifying areas where support is needed for each child so they can build programmes and activities around these, to help every individual develop. The HOWLAND TUTORS

(MAIDENHEAD/MARLOW and WINDSOR/SLOUGH areas)

Expanding local agency

(established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers)

Wednesday 21st September 2016

8

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

environment also plays a crucial part in the children’s learning. In order for any Early Year’s environment to be enabling, it is essential that all staff understand how children learn and the value of play and children’s independence. This plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.

When children feel emotionally safe and secure they are able to explore and find out about the place they are in and the things they can see, touch, manoeuvre or manipulate. This is described in terms of three aspects: The emotional environment; the outdoor environment; and the indoor environment.

These three aspects of the environment together make up the environment for play and learning in the EYFS. The Early Years Curriculum Learning is not just about Maths and English but it is about developing a child as a whole and should be based on the strengths and needs of each individual child.Young children should be supported in active learning through a few key areas: A balance of adultinitiated and child-initiated activities; encouraging social interaction by enabling children to work in a variety of groups with both children and adults; starting with the child’s own interests, needs and motives and giving them the opportunities to recall and discuss experiences and to represent them through art work; and role-play. Through these areas, children will learn life-long values, such as resilience, honesty, trust, independence and having the confidence to be able to give things a go and develop the best way of learning for them. Every child is unique and no two are ever the same!

Promotes education Parents will always be the most important influence on a child’s early life but by introducing them to an Early Year’s environment, they know that they are showing their children the importance of learning and having new experiences. During this time, your child will start on their educational journey where learning habits are formed and future life chances are determined.

It is important that children are ready for the next stage of school. It is vital that during this time, children’s curiosity and imagination have been fired up, they have the opportunity to shine and be proud and their individual talents are nurtured. All this provides children with the foundations for a love for life-long learning with eagerness and enthusiasm and confidence to have a go with the belief that they can succeed.

Highfield Preparatory School, the leading independent girls’ school in Maidenhead, offers a great start to the life of learning that we want our girls to enjoy. In the Nursery (3 and 4 year olds) and Reception classes (5 year olds) right through to Year 6 (11 year olds) the girls are taught to love learning and are inspired to achieve their very best. www.highfieldprep.org E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

9

Education Special

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR YEAR 7 CHILD Advice on making the transition to secondary school

S

tarting secondary school is an important milestone for any child and can feel like an exciting and daunting time for all the family! This is a time for your child to become more independent, have more choice and many more opportunities.

Here Families talks to Judy Bartkowiak, who runs a Kids Coaching practice in Burnham, helping children and young people to deal with issues around fear and anxiety, motivation and self-esteem.

Here she tells us some of the best ways you can support your Year 7 child as they move up to secondary school:

Understand social media and its challenges Your child will suddenly be amongst a very wide spectrum of social media users, from those who can’t live without it and who know the dangers very well, to those who have only just got their first mobile phone. Some parents will limit usage, some will check what’s being done on social media and others will let their child do what they like. This can be extremely confusing for your child. They may totally support your decision at home but they may have difficulty doing that amongst the peers who they are anxious to befriend. Just be aware that this is a very big deal for them.

Ultimately you won’t win. So the best thing is to make sure you understand social media and show them how to share privately, how to choose who to ‘friend’, how to report sites that are offensive and how to block ads.You need to know this information, it’s all online.

The same applies to the Xbox or PS for boys. This is how boys connect with their friends; it’s their equivalent of playing football in the park. Use parental controls to limit what websites they can access and make sure homework is done first. Ideally they keep their door open so you can glance in and check they’re playing sociably.

Set them up for independence There is a huge increase in what they have to take responsibility for and they will forget things. Focus on positive feedback for the things they remember and discuss strategies for remembering things.You can build their self-confidence by saying (in their hearing but not necessarily directly to them) how proud you are of how well they’re settling in. It’s important to them that you notice what they’re getting right.

Help them feel grounded They are now a small fish in a very big pond.

They want to be the same as everyone else. They want to fit in and not be noticed. So don’t emphasize what’s different now, focus instead on what’s the same. This will help them to feel grounded and solid as they venture into the unknown. There will be difficult days, teachers they don’t like and pupils they don’t get on with. Listen, nod and stay silent because they don’t want your opinion, they just want to know that it’s OK to feel rubbish sometimes. Tomorrow is another day.

Do not fight their battles for them!

It is no longer OK for you to fight their battles, do their homework, make friends for them and fix their problems. Gradually they are becoming adults. It isn’t going to happen overnight (although sometimes it might feel like it does!) so encourage them to overcome challenges themselves. They should be able to raise issues they experience at school with their teacher themselves. When they can’t do something, instead of doing it for them, (which simply confirms that they were right), ask what help they need. It may just be a word of encouragement or a bit more time. The role of rescuer is no longer appropriate and can actually undermine their ability to solve their own problems and it’s also not cool and that really matters.

Judy Bartkowiak can be contacted on 01628 660618 www.nlpfamily.com. She is running a 6-week NLP for Parents email course, starting from September 12, on how to overcome common issues for parents who have children ages 10-14 years, although the exercises can be applied to parenting children of any age.

10

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

11

Education News Dair House celebrate Deputy Head’s 20 years’ service (pictured at a Prefects’ lunch)

Heathfield pupil wins top Prize

The annual Speech Day at Dair House School in Farnham Royal, celebrated Deputy Head, Mrs Margaret Southerden’s 20 years of exemplary service to the school.

Mrs Southerden said how proud she was to have worked at Dair House. She explained that a particular highlight for her was when the school expanded to include

12

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

To find out more about Dair House, go to www.dairhouseschool.co.uk

An Ascot schoolgirl has been highly commended for her innovative concept designed to help dementia sufferers at a national technology awards for teenagers founded by the former Tomorrow’s World presenter Maggie Philbin.

Heathfield School Lower Sixth Former Millie Geddes, 17, beat off tough opposition from hundreds of teenagers across the UK to win through to the national final of the TeenTech Awards 2016.

The TeenTech Awards challenge youngsters aged between 11-18 years old to use technology to solve real-world problems by researching current markets and gleaning advice from industry experts.

To find out more, go to heathfieldschool.net

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

children from Nursery to Year 6 in 2010.

Headmaster Mr Wintle added: “Mrs Southerden has been central to the success of Dair House School and oversees the crucial values of good manners, kindness and caring for others.”

Education News New campus planned for Claires Court Popular independent school in Maidenhead, Claires Court, has announced further details of its new school campus.

The Ridgeway Project is an exciting proposal to unify Claires Court into a single campus, which will allow the school to cater for pupils from Early Years up to Sixth Form, all in one place.

Hugh Wilding, Administrative Principal said: “At present, the school is split over three sites and our current buildings are old and in need of renovation. Claires Court must secure a new campus if we are to continue providing the high quality education that Maidenhead demands. As well as a modern campus, the plans also include new sports pitches and a multisports pavilion, which are facilities we are keen to share with the local community.”

Claires Court plans to submit its application in the autumn term. More details of the proposals can be found on the school’s website www.clairescourt.com/our-new-campus.

New report says outdoor learning encourages joined-up thinking sports fields and hard courts but open spaces and woodland areas for our Forest School and other activities.”

The school has two trained Forest School Practitioners and Mrs Sweeney believes the Forest School ethos benefits all children. She explains: “The enhanced learning and independent thinking in every age group is evident from the pupil’s wonderful creations all constructed from natural materials, to the more permanent, carefully assembled bug hotel, almost as tall as our little people, built in our magical small woodland adjacent to the Nursery.

Each Thursday all our classes go out on rotation to explore the meadow and woodlands on our estate, no matter what the weather.”

The school plans to build a bespoke outdoor classroom, which children can use to further enhance their learning experience that being in nature provides.

A recent report at the University of Plymouth has highlighted the positive effect outdoor learning can have on a child’s development and the need to formally include it in the Curriculum – and many local education specialists agree.

Anne Sweeney, Headmistress at Coworth Flexlands School & Nursery, Telephone: 01628 627 586

praises the benefits of learning in nature.

She says: “Children of all ages can flourish in the freedom of outdoors and it is very easy to support classroom teaching with outdoor discovery and experiments through creating the right environment. We are blessed that Coworth Flexlands has 13 acres of grounds that encompass not only

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Visitors are welcome to see how outdoor exploration and classroom teaching outside helps to develop thinking skills and more independent learners. The school’s Open Morning is on Thursday 20 October, 9.30 to 11am or call the school on 01276 855707 for a private tour. Please see www.coworthflexlands.co.uk; @CoworthFlexSch

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

13

‘Gold Standard’ attained by Meadowbrook Montessori School

With a well-established tradition of offering genuinely child-centered and highly personalised education from 16 months to 11 years, Meadowbrook Montessori School has again retained full Montessori Accreditation for its ‘Gold Standard’ preprimary department.

To meet demand, the school has introduced another weekly Parent and Toddler session and is running waiting lists further up the school where only a few places remain.

Work on a new sports hall and canteen is due to start soon. Innovative standing

desks for primary students have been added to all classrooms, along with several other exciting additions to enhance the children’s learning experience - many of which have been selected by the children themselves!

The use of Positive Discipline© techniques, unique to Meadowbrook in the UK, remain highly successful. The next Saturday Parent Workshop in Raising Children Through Positive Discipline is 1st October 10am – 3pm. Non-Meadowbrook parents are very welcome to this and can book via the school’s website. www.meadowbrookmontessori.org

Eton End enjoys 80th birthday

14

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Trial of new educational resource developed by a Hurley school A new educational resource developed by Beech Lodge School is being trialled at seven local schools, including Furze Platt and Manor Green.

Fagus is a framework for emotional and social development, which can be used to establish a child’s current level of development, set appropriate goals and track progress. It was developed to help children struggling with social and emotional problems that were preventing their academic progress.

The system was designed by a team, lead

by Educational Psychologist Alastair Lidster.

The need for such a system arose at Beech Lodge School, which offers an alternative approach to learning and enables children whose needs are not being met by mainstream education, to flourish.

Daniela Shanly, Beech Lodge School Proprietor and Head of the Fagus Development Team says: “Children who have complex emotional and social development issues are frequently misunderstood and left isolated in the education system. The Fagus resource is designed to help teachers unlock these social and emotional barriers to enable academic progress. We are very much looking forward to working with many schools around the country and, in turn, enabling more children to embark on more fulfilling, functional and happy lives.”

Fagus is available to purchase at a cost of £660.00 plus an annual online license fee from £120 p/a. For more information go to www.fagus.org.uk

Eton End School celebrated its 80th anniversary during the summer term with a wide variety of successful events and activities.

The school also had an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, earlier in the year and was delighted to be found fully compliant with all the required regulations. The inspectors also reported on the school’s academic results, commenting: “In the years 2012 -2014, the results have been exceptional when compared against the national average for girls.”

The school is also looking forward to the next chapter in its history after deciding to offer boys the opportunity to continue their education at Eton End until the age of 11 from September 2017.

Parents and pupils have all responded to the news very positively. To find out more, go to www.etonend.org

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Education News

St Piran’s strives for excellence St Piran’s School in Maidenhead believe that the first part of your child’s educational career is fundamental, as it is during this time that they develop the skills, knowledge and values that will last a lifetime. The Nursery and School educates girls and boys from rising 3 to 11 years. From the first day, pupils are introduced to a range of thought-provoking, engrossing and hands-on activities and lessons.

St Piran’s was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2015 and was delighted to be awarded the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in all areas. Specialist teachers, excellent facilities and vibrant classrooms allow the school to offer children a full range of academic and extracurricular activities.

The school also has a modern Sports Centre, which has a Dance Studio, Music School, large Sports Hall and indoor Swimming Pool, an AllWeather Pitch and Sports Grounds.

Testimonial from a current parent: “St Piran’s is an extraordinary school. The school’s belief that every child can over achieve – whatever their level and in whatever they do, amazes me every day.”

For a copy of their prospectus or to arrange a tour contact their registrar Deena McLelland on 01628 594302 or visit www.stpirans.co.uk

Windsor independent school appoints new Headmistress Upton House School in Windsor says farewell to Mrs Madeleine Collins who is retiring after 17 very successful years as Headmistress. Her successor, Mrs Rhian Thornton, former Head of St Matthews in Cobham plans to continue to build upon Upton’s outstanding reputation for excellence in education.

The coming year will be as exciting as ever, with further celebrations of the school’s 80th Anniversary planned; a new fencing club to enjoy; interesting outings and a special visitor to welcome. To find out more go to www.uptonhouse.org.uk

Schools’ Noticeboard Independent Schools’ Open Days

rick Road, Reading.

THE ABBEY SCHOOL, 17 Kend 3-18. Junior School aged girls for ol scho day nt Independe 9.15am to 11am. ber, Octo 7 ay OPEN MORNING Frid 22 September, 5.30sday Thur ing Even Open ol Scho r Senio .co.uk 8.30pm. 0118 987 2256; www.theabbey D an independent CLAIRES COURT MAIDENHEA 4-11years, Maidenhead school for boys and girls. Junior Boys Mill Road East; The Ray , years 6 Thicket; Senior Boys 11-1 nursery 3-5 years, girls co-ed ery, Nurs and Form Sixth , Girls 8 years, 1 College 4-16 years, and co-ed sixth form16-1 sites Tuesday 27 all at Avenue. OPEN MORNINGS er, 9.30am to emb Nov 9 ay nesd Wed er, Septemb r Girls, Tuesday Senio OON 11.30am. OPEN AFTERN 01628 411472; m.

3.45p at talks Head ber.

Octo 18 www.clairescourt.com.

OOL, Chertsey Road, COWORTH FLEXLANDS SCH ry School & arato Prep nt ende Indep 8TE 4 Surrey, GU2 . OPEN years 3-11 girls and 3-7 Nursery for boys aged 2016, 9.30amber Octo 20 y rsda Thu G NIN MOR 11.00am. Register: tel: 01276 855707; hFlexSch www.coworthflexlands.co.uk, @Cowort , Beaconsfield Blake p’s Bisho , OOL SCH SE DAIR HOU nt school for ende indep An 3BY. Road, Farnham Royal, SL2 N MORNING OPE . years 3-11 aged girls and boys on. Call 01753 Thursday 13 October, 10am to 12no o.uk; use.c airho 643964 or email admissions@d .uk ol.co scho ouse www.dairh SCHOOL, 35 Eton ETON END PREPARATORY DAY ol for boys aged 3-7 scho day nt ende Indep het.

Datc , Road N DAY Friday 7 years and girls aged 3-11 years. OPE ely personal tours nativ Alter October, 9.30am to 2.30pm. .etonend.org. www 75; 5410 3 0175 . ome welc s are alway

Telephone: 01628 627 586

GODSTOWE PREPARATORY SCH OOL, Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe. Independent day and boarding school for boys aged 3-7 years and girls aged 313 years. OPEN DAY Saturday 8 October, 10.00am to 1.00pm. 01494 429006; www.godstowe.org HEATHFIELD SCHOOL, Ascot, day, weekly and full boarding for Girls aged 11-18. OPE N DAY Saturday 15 October, 10am to 12noon. To book please contact registrar@heathfieldschool.net; heath fieldschool.net HERRIES SCHOOL, Dean Lane, Coo kham Dean. Co-ed preparatory school and nursery, 3-11 years. OPEN MORNING Wednesday 21 Sept ember, 9.30am to 11.00am. Stay & Play sessions for unde r-4s (must be accompanied by an adult), every Mon day during term time, 9.30am to 11.00am. 01628 483350; www .herries.org.uk.

HIGHFIELD SCHOOL, West Road , Maidenhead.

Independent preparatory school for girls, aged 3-11years.

OPEN MORNING Wednesday 21 September, 9.30am11.30am, Friday 7 October, 9.30am to 11.30am. 01628 624918; www.highfieldprep.org ST PIRAN’S, Gringer Hill, Maidenhe ad. A Co-Educational Prep School for boys and girls aged rising 3–11 years. OPEN MORNINGS, Saturday 15 Octo ber, 10am-12pm and Friday 4 November, 9.15am-11am. 0162 8 594302; www.stpirans.co.uk MEADOWBROOK MONTESSOR I SCHOOL, Warfield.

Co-educational 18 months - 11 years OPEN DAY Monday 17 October. Pre-Primary School, Brac knell Road, Warfield. 18 months-5 years: 9:30 - 11:00am. Prim ary School, Malt Hill, Warfield. 5 - 12 years: 1:45 - 3:00pm.

Parents are welcome any time, if these dates are not suitable for you please call to make an individual appointment to view the school: 01344 890869 www.meadowbrookmontessori.org Please ring the school to check the Open Day or Evening is still going ahead.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

15

Education Special

MUM HACKS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE NEW SCHOOL TERM

Brace yourselves! After the long summer break, the new school term is finally here.

It’s always hectic but writer Tanith Carey has some great time-saving tips from her new book, 'Mum Hacks - Time-saving tips to calm the chaos of family life', which sets out to make it easier to keep your show on the road. Although the book contains hundreds of short-cuts, here are some of Tanith’s favourite tips: Before School Starts • Some parents have told me they find it calming to stitch all way round the name tags when they are sewing them onto their children’s new uniform. Fine, but if you are running out of time and still have a pile of kit to label, try this short-cut. Instead loop the name label around and then simply put several secure stitches at one end. It will take one minute instead of ten!

• It's that time of year when shoe shops are choc-full of parents buying their kids new shoes. If you’ve left it too late, to save yourself the queue, download a child’s foot chart off the internet and then order their shoes online.Your child’s foot will still need to be professionally measured every six months, but this is still a good option for emergencies.

During Term Time • As soon as term starts, take a photo of your child’s class-list so you always have an at-a-glance reference guide - and a parent to call if you are running late. Take a shot of your child's school timetable too.

• Are your sleepy heads making you late for school? Don’t waste precious time in the morning nagging. Just use some science and open the curtains. The natural light penetrates their eyelids and has been found to stimulate the brain to release the hormones that naturally wake them up. When the mornings get dark do the next best thing and turn on the light.

• Packed lunches can be a chore. So cut down the time you spend buttering and slicing bread. Roll fillings in soft flour or corn tortillas instead – or just make a hole in a pitta pockets and stuff with your child’s favourites.

• If you find your child keeps leaving their apple in their lunch box – and so is not getting their fruit at lunchtime - slice it up. Then to stop it turning brown, hold it together by putting a rubber band around it so it fits together and they can eat bit by bit.

• If you’re having a hectic morning, use the leftovers from dinner the night before – or even breakfast. Cold pizza is delicious as an occasional treat, and no less nutritious than a sandwich, if more fatladen. Sausages – including the vegetarian kind - are probably tastier cold. Mini pancakes, which don’t get eaten at breakfast can be surprisingly good – with some strawberries – as a dessert at lunch.

• Those few moments before you leave the house for the school run are often the most stressful time of the day for many parents.

Before term starts, train each child how to pull down their cuffs when they are putting on coats so their sleeves don’t get uncomfortably bunched up.

Mum Hacks: Timesaving tips to calm the chaos of family life, by Tanith Carey, published by Crimson, is available on Amazon and in good book shops, price £9.99.

16

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

The Families Thames Valley East team asked local parents from Bucks and Berkshire to give us their #MumHacks on facebook and twitter. Here are our top ten.

* I know this sounds crazy, a bit out there… but no TV on in the morning. Absolute game changer. Shelley, Maidenhead * I've never tried it but I'm tempted to let them sleep in their clothes in September as its so stressful getting them dressed.

Natalie, Marlow * Have all their uniforms laid out the night before, so they know where everything is and can get washed and dressed without shouting where's my shirt, skirt, shorts etc. Sam, Maidenhead * Make bread roll sarnies at the weekend for the week and then freeze them. Take one out each morning. Sally, Cookham * Ask them what they think will help. When it's their own idea, they're more likely to engage with it and be willing to tweak and reassess as term progresses. Judy, Burnham. * Buy five T-shirts and tunics/trousers as they will definitely come home caked in mud/board pens/food every day and then you won't need to do a mid-week wash. If you have a girl, buy cardigans instead of jumpers for the same reason.

Tracey on facebook. * If you have younger children, buy a scooter. It halves the time it takes to do the school run and (mostly) stops them pausing to pick up twigs, leaves etc. Rachel, Maidenhead. * Batch Cook meals during the holiday as an activity with your kids and freeze them for easy dinners in that first week of school. Sandra, Slough. * Make sure you arrange play dates with your child's new friends. It's good for the kids but it’s also good for you, especially if you don't get a chance to meet other mums at the school gates. Sophia, Windsor. * Get everyone (friends, family, neighbours) to support your kids reading. When you get a visitor, get them to listen to a couple of pages.Your child gets extra practice and praise and you don’t forget the reading ‘homework’. Linda, Langley

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

17

Clubs and Classes Extravaganza

STRETCHING YOUR CHILDREN- WHY CLUBS AND

CLASSES ARE GOOD FOR YOUR CHILD

Whether or not you think you may be raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the benefits of after school clubs. Whilst it may not be wise to have your little ones involved in different activities every night of the week, there’s no doubt that a few well-chosen clubs can be great for giving your child an insight into areas that the school curriculum doesn’t cover.

So, why are clubs so important?

Team sports like football, rugby, and netball are not only brilliant for keeping kids active but also helping them learn team work where they can begin to appreciate what’s good for the whole team, rather than just thinking of themselves.

Competitive sports are also great for learning difficult life lessons like being a gracious winner - and loser.

Meanwhile, learning a musical instrument is ideal for discovering the art of practice, patience and persistence. There is also evidence to say that learning music also

helps children learn languages more easily.

The list is endless. There are clubs for almost anything you can imagine.

However, new skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose is the fun factor!

5.15

Jazz. IST

ON OFFER AT REDROOFS FULL TIME CO ED DAY SCHOOL

PART TIME SCHOOL

Year 3 - Year 13 (Ages 7-18+)

Ages 3-adult

Academic education up to GCSE & 6th Form BTEC LEVEL 3 Ext alongside the best performing arts training.

Outstanding Saturday and after school classes in Performing Arts. Musical Theatre, Acting, RAD Ballet Jazz. ISTD tap, numerous performance opportunities.

FAST TRACK PERFORMING ARTS Ages 16-21

GOLD TEAM

Part time evening and elective daytime training package for students who wish to study part time at a professional level.

Suitable for all abilities.

Ages 6-18 West End workshops professional repertoire and performance learning from professional artistes

Experience Days and Workshops Ages 5-16 Fantastic courses and one day workshops are held at Redroofs throughout the year including: Billy Elliot Experience Day, So you want to be a Performer Audition Skills, October Half-Term 2-Day Workshop - The World's Worst Children, The Snowman & other Christmas Tales, Through the Wardrobe Door Experience Day and Step into the Secret Garden, Easter Highlight.

REDROOFS AGENCY Ages 4-18 Representing our talented children and providing TV Film and theatre opportunities for suitable pupils.

NEW FOR SEPTEMBER: FILM SCHOOL FOR AGES 10-14+

Day

Class

Monday

Gold Team

Monday

Gold Team

5.15-7.15pm 6 5.15-7.15pm

Tuesday

Little Star Performers

11.15-11.45am

6 months - 12 months

Tuesday

Musical Theatre

4.15-5.15pm

4-6 years

Time

Age 6-11 years 12-18 years

Tuesday

Musical Theatre

5.15-6.15pm

6-8 years

Tuesday

Creative Drama

4.15-5.15pm

6-8 years

Tuesday

Creative Drama

5.15-6.45pm

9-12 years

Tuesday

Drama

6.45-8.15pm

13-18 years

Wednesday

Fast Track P.A (15-21 years)

6.30-9pm

15-21 years

Thursday

Little Star Performers

11.15-11.45am

2-3 years

Thursday

Musical Theatre School

5-7.30pm

7-12 years

Friday

Little Star Performers

11.15-11.45am

1-2 years

Saturday

Little Stars Dance

9.15-10am

Saturday

Musical Theatre

9.15-10.15am

4-6 years 8+ years

3-4 years

Saturday

Grade 2 Ballet

8.40-9.40am

Saturday

Pre Primary Ballet

9.45-10.30am

4.5-5.5 years

Saturday

Grade 1 Ballet

10.30-11.15am

7+ years

Saturday

Primary Ballet

11.15-12

from 5.5 years

Saturday

Baby Ballet

12-12.45pm

3-4.5 years

Saturday

Musical Theatre School

10.45-1.15pm

6-8, 7-11’s & 12-18 years

Saturday

Drama School

10.30-1pm

13-18 years 6-8, 7-11’s & 12-18 years

Saturday

Musical Theatre School

1.45-4.15pm

Saturday

Grade 1 Tap

9-9.45am

5-7 years

Saturday

Grade 2 Tap

9.45-10.30am

7+ years

PART-TIME CLASSES AND EASTER SCHOOL NOW BOOKING ONLINE www.redroofs.co.uk/coursesandworkshops 26 Bath Road,Maidenhead,SL6 4JT and Littlewick Green, Maidenhead SL6 3QY

18

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

Tel 01628 674092 EMAIL emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk www.redroofs.co.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Clubs and Classes Extravaganza

Find the best class and club for your child in our brilliant yearly guide. When you call, don’t forget to say you saw it in Families Thames Valley East!

ACADEMIC TUITION Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for children aged 5–14 years, of all abilities. They get to know each child as an individual and help them to fall in love with learning. Their goal - to build confident, fearless learners who are hungry for knowledge. This summer they’ve encouraged children and parents to learn new skills together, showing off what they’ve achieved back at school this September.

Head online to find your local centre: explorelearning.co.uk and call 01483 447 414 to book your FREE Trial session today.

Fleet Tutors. National tutoring service provider with over 39 years’ experience in helping students of all ages and academic backgrounds with personalised tuition. Specialising in small group revision courses and one-to-one tuition in all academic subjects starting from school entry and Common Entrance right up to GCSE, A-level and university. Recommended by ‘The Good School’s Guide’. Find out more at www.fleet-tutors.co.uk, or email: clientsupport@fleet-tutors.co.uk or call 0845 644 5452.

Howland Tutors (Primary Maths and English, 11 +, GCSEs, AS and A2). Location: homes of students or tutors in 20-mile radius of Marlow.

01628 477164; www.howlandtutors.co.uk Moon Tuition prepares your child for 11+, 13+ success with a specific focus on your child’s

academic development and confidence. They have excellent Pass Rate in 11+, 13+ and provide both one-to-one and small size classes. Holiday intensive courses in Maths, English Verbal Reasoning and non Verbal Reasoning as well as complete preparation & proven strategies for achieving scholarship success in Academic, Music & Sports. Centres in Maidenhead, Langley, Windsor and High Wycombe (see website for more locations). Call: 07584 129188 or email enquiry@moontuition.co.uk; www.moontuition.co.uk ARCHERY Berkshire Archery Association. www.berkshirearchery.co.uk ART, CRAFTS & SEWING Amanda’s Art Classes (drawing, painting, collage and fun after school and in the holidays with artist Amanda Kavanagh). Ages: 6-12.

Location: north Ascot. Book termly. Call: 01344 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or see www.amandasart.co.uk for further information.

Art Adventures: Drawing Experiments Explore all the possibilities of playing with art materials to build up your drawing skills. Experiment with a wide range of drawing materials and exploring mark making. Suitable for ages 7+ years. Thur 15, 22 and 29 Sept. 4pm – 5.15pm. £30 per 3 week course. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org

Arts Award – Creative Crusaders: Use blogs, scrapbooks, pictures and reports to work towards the Trinity Arts Award. Discover how your interests relate to Norden Farm by investigating activities and careers. Workshops from visiting practitioners, live events and leadership projects can all be part of the experience. Terms are 10 weeks and awards can be achieved over one or more terms. Thursdays.

5.15pm – 6.45pm. School Year 7 – 13. £80 per term. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org Art classes for adults and kids. Professional art classes in Slough. For ages 5+- adults. Choose from a wide range of classes: painting, drawing, painting on silk, arts and crafts, calligraphy, food art, landscape, mosaic, pottery and ceramics.

There will also the opportunity to enter national and international art competitions. Twice a year they hold art exhibitions in the Slough area, where the best art works will be exhibited. For more information contact professional artist, Marinela Caldarus on 07501644537 or email info@artclassesgroup.com. www.artclassesgroup.com Artspiration School of Drawing and Painting well balanced fun, imaginative, instructional drawing and painting lessons by Teaching Artists for children (ages 5- 16 years) in the Maidenhead, Wokingham, Langley and Reading areas.

Artspiration will inspire, motivate, guide and give your budding artists the skills required to express better visually. Call: 01628 634 418/0789 616 5819; www.artspiration.co.uk

Come and be part of the adventure!

Weekdays at Windsor Leisure Centre and Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead and at the Beacon Centre, Saturdays at BCA (Berkshire College of Agriculture) Classes across all the major dance disciplines, including ballet, modern, tap and street dance, with fully teachers from one of the area’s bestloved and longest-established dance schools.

to book your free trial, email Candy.

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

19

Clubs and Classes Extravaganza Busy Buttons ‘Be Arty’ club Art & Illustration for 4-8 year olds, 8-11 year olds & 11- 15 year olds. ‘Sew Arty’ club. Sewing and textiles for 6 year olds to adults. ‘Behind The Scenes’ Animation and design course for 6 - 12 year olds & 11- 15 year olds. Location: Upton House School, St. Leonard’s Road, Windsor. Childcare Vouchers accepted, discounts available. Creative Holiday Camps during all school holidays. 07952 418212; www.busybuttons.org Candle-Making Workshops. Learn the skills to make your own candles using natural soy and beeswax. Ages: Scheduled classes for adults but private parties for children and adults also available. Dates: Sat 9th October, Sat 12th November, Thurs 24th November 10am - 1pm.

Location: Conservatory Workshop, Marlow, SL7 1QZ. Price: £49 per person (£89 for 2 people), includes all the equipment and materials plus coffee/tea/soft drinks and homemade cakes. Email info@candlebyparties.co.uk, Tel: 01628 947224 www.candlebyevents.co.uk Hands-on Art Adventures, Old Windsor: art, craft and ceramics classes for Adults & Children or just pop-in-and-paint pottery! Holiday Activities including the Potter's Wheel! For more details about our Birthday Parties, Hen Parties, Baby Showers and Corporate Teambuilding Events please see www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk or call 01753 206 265 Upcycled Dragonfly Mobile: Led by Caroline Crawford. Delve into the wonderful world of insects! Look at how an insect is made up then work with recycled materials and glass paint.

Create several individual dragonflies, suspending them as a beautiful mobile to take home and display. Suitable for ages 7 – 11 years. Sat 22 Oct | 10am - 3pm. £23 (plus £2 materials) Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org ATHLETICS British Athletics has lists of local clubs. See www.british-athletics.co.uk/clubs Maidenhead Junior Athletics Club (track and field sports and cross country). Ages: 7+. Saturday 9.30-11am at Braywick Park, Maidenhead www.maidenheadac.co.uk Slough Junior Athletics Club. Athletics and fundamental movement skills (run, jump, throw) coaching for 5-19 year olds at Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Pococks Lane, Eton. www.sjac.uk.com Windsor, Slough, Eton and Hounslow Athletics Club. Track & Field Athletics Age: 10+.

Location: Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Pococks Lane, Eton. www.wseh.info BOARD GAMES Maidenhead Junior Chess Club (play and tuition). Ages 5 - 18. Saturdays 9.30a.m. - 11.15a.m term time. Location: Claires Court Junior Boys School, Cannon Lane, Maidenhead. Cost £3 per week. Call Nigel Dennis on 01491 576052, email nigelwdennis@btinternet.com; maidenheadchess.btck.co.uk or nigelwdennis.wix.com/mysite RBWM Games Clubs. Play board games. Ascot Library last Sat of the month. Maidenhead Library every Sat 2-4pm. Windsor Library every sat 24pm. Call 01628 796969 for more details, email libraries@rbwm.gov.uk or visit www.rbwm.gov.uk COMPUTERS & MEDIA Digi Den: The digital arts club. Take advantage of our fantastic hardware, software and settings.

Have a go and have fun filming, podcasting, creating stop-motion animation, using green screen special effects and more! Suitable for all levels of experience. Tuesdays and Fridays. School

20

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

Year 7 – 13. 4.30pm – 6pm. £80 per term.

Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org COOKING Beverley Glock Cookery School. Cookery classes and parties for children, teenagers and adults. Call 01844 275692 or visit www.beverleyglock.com CRICKET Lots of local cricket clubs have a junior section and coaching.Visit the Berkshire Youth Cricket League website to search for local clubs and competitions in their directory. berkshireycl.playcricket.com DANCE Bellydancing Lessons. Want to get fit, have fun and feel fabulous? Love to celebrate those curves and femininity? Who wants to shake it like Shakira? Bellydancing lessons with Rachel Bennett School of Bellydance for Teens and Adults in Maidenhead, Windsor, and Wokingham.

Get your free online 10mins Bellydance workout at www.rachelbellydancer.com Blossom Ballet (18 months +) Classes in central Windsor, Maidenhead and Cox Green throughout the week and at weekends. Classes include ISTD Ballet, Modern, Tap, Acro, Street Dance and Cheerleading. Classes commence from 19th September. Free taster class for all new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place lucy@blossomballet.com. 07813084283; www.blossomballet.com Bollywood Dance: An energetic modern Indian dance style. These classes are a fusion of Indian and western styles with Latino and Arabic influences. All terms are 10 weeks long and suitable for all abilities. Tuesdays, 4.30pm – 5.30pm, Ages 6+ years. £67 per term. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org Dance Inspired - Street Dance & Contemporary Classes Ages 5-7 yrs, 7-10 yrs, 11yrs- upwards and Adults Street Fitness Classes.

Offering authentic Street Dance classes in Hip Hop, Break Dancing, Locking & House for all abilities as well holiday workshops. Based in Maidenhead, Windsor & Burnham, Contact Amy at enquiries@danceinspired.co.uk; www.danceinspired.co.uk Hawthorne School of Dance (4 years +) Classes in central Windsor, Maidenhead and Cox Green throughout the week and at weekends.

Classes include ISTD Ballet, Modern, Tap, Acro, Street Dance and Cheerleading. Free taster class for all new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place info@hawthorneschoolofdance 07813084283 JG Dance and Theatre College – ballet, jazz, acrobatics and tap for 2½-18 yrs in Chiltern Edge School, Woodley, Tilehurst, Henley, Marlow, Bourne End and Twyford, Tel: 01491 572000; www.jgdance.co.uk Kathak Dance: Experience the dance style from Northern India known for intricate footwork and fast pirouettes. With bells around your ankles and chance to perform in traditional costumes with jewellery! Saturdays. 10.30am – 11.30am. £73 per term. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org Little Wrigglers: A thrilling, energetic and creative dance class. Explore imaginative themes and adventures through dance, song and mime.

Suitable for ages 2+ years. Fridays, 10am – 10.45am, £6 | £4.50 siblings | £20 for block booking of 4 sessions. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead.

01628 682555 www.nordenfarm.or

Louise Parkes School of Dance. Ballet, tap/modern classes for children and teens. Adult ballet and jazz classes for beginners, returners and over 60s. All daytime and evening classes held in Marlow. Louise is a Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance. Call: 07785 774087; www.louiseparkesschoolofdance.com Pat Steel School of Dance. Weekday classes in Maidenhead, and Windsor Leisure Centres and Saturdays at Altwood School, Maidenhead. Classes also in Holtspur, Penn Street Bourne End, Loudwater and Seer Green. Ballet, street dance, modern and tap for 3yrs to adult. Call Candy Barker on 01494 673919 or email candy@patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk; www.patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk.

Perform X. Brand new dance classes in Windsor and Marlow for 6-12s. Brought to you by Perform, these unique street and hip hop classes are designed to allow children to explore and express themselves. For a free trial call 0207 255 9120 or visit perform.org/x.

Sanders Street specialises in street dance for ages 4-18. Learn new moves in a fun and friendly environment. It's a great way for students to build confidence and keep active. Both street dance and ballet classes are held weekly at venues across Maidenhead, Windsor, Cippenham and Bracknell.

For a FREE trial email info@sandersstreet.co.uk or visit www.sandersstreet.co.uk Sway Dance. Why not try exciting Street Dance and Cheerleading lessons with Sway Dance at the Magnet Leisure Centre? Get popping, locking and grooving at their high energy Street Dance classes or jumping, flipping and stunting in their action packed Cheerleading lessons! Street Dance; Tuesdays 4.15pm-5.00pm, age 5-10 years, & Cheerleading; Thursdays 4.30pm-6.00pm, age 5+years. Call the Centre on 01628 685333 for more information.

Tamra's Dance Classes (TDC) Commercial Street Dance Classes. Age: 3 year olds through to Teenagers. Location: The Marlow Club (classes open to Non-members) Call: 07766584946 or email: tamralind@yahoo.co.uk; www.tamradance.com Twinkle Tots Dance. Enrol in classes online via our website.Venues: Windsor, Sunningdale, Burnham, Bracknell and Warfield. Classes: Twinkle Tots Dance (Age 2-4), Budding Ballerinas (Age 45) RAD Ballet ( Age 5 up). www.twinkletotsdance.com, Email: info@twinkletotsdance.com, or call Maggie on: 07828 857061 Youth Dance: A lively fast paced class to a soundtrack of current music. This is contemporary dance smashed up and easy to learn! All terms are 10 weeks long and suitable for all abilities. Tuesdays, 9+ years. 5.45pm – 7pm. £67 per term. Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org FOOTBALL Little Kickers offers fun, football classes for 18 months to 7 year olds in a non-competitive environment. For Ascot, Slough, Windsor and Stoke Poges call 074121 66686 or e-mail sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk. For Maidenhead, Bourne End, Henley & Marlow call 01628 526584 or email bevans@littlekickers.co.uk. To enrol go to www.littlekickers.co.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Clubs and Classes Extravaganza FITNESS Go Figure offers a range of Pilates classes to suit all abilities and lifestyles. Classes include Pilates (all levels), Pregnancy Pilates, Buggy Classes and Mumilates. To find out more or to sign up for a class today visit. www.gofigure.org.uk or call Sarah 07938 588029 Let’s go Mummy Buggy Class! A fun exercise class which allows mummy and baby to exercise together. Suitable from 8 weeks to walking.

Location: Maidenhead. For further info visit www.gofigure.org.uk or call Sarah 07938 588029. gofigure.sarah@gmail.com GYMNASTICS Gymtots (pre-school gymnastics). Age: walking to 3+, accompanied by adult. Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead, 10:00 am Wednesday to Saturday. 07 957 223 124 / MaidenheadGymnastics.uk.

Gymtots (advanced class). Age: 3-5 years, unaccompanied. Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead at 3:15 pm, Wednesday and Friday. 07 957 223 124 / MaidenheadGymnastics.uk.

Maidenhead Gymnastics Club. Age: Boys 4 – 8 years; Girls 4 – 13 years. Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead, after school and Saturdays.

07 957 223 124 / MaidenheadGymnastics.uk Phoenix Gymnastics Club. Ages: Teenies gym 18 months - 3 years, Minis gym, 3-5 years, Recreational Gym, 5+. Under 5's PlayGym birthday parties and holiday classes too. Location: Maidenhead Road, Windsor. 01628 778881; www.phoenixgym.co.uk or find them on Facebook.

HOCKEY Maidenhead Hockey Club. Age: 5-18. Location: Maidenhead & Bray Sports Club, High Street, Bray. maidenheadhc.org.uk

HORSES AND HORSE-RIDING Colts and Fillies Club at Ascot Racecourse.

Free membership for racegoers under 17 who receive badge, binoculars, and Turf Talk newsletters every quarter, with clubs news and details of family days. Members also get access to an exclusive viewing at the Parade Ring and a behind the scenes tour. www.coltsandfillies.co.uk Windsor Horse Rangers Voluntary organisation that teaches children about riding and looking after horses. They have a 4-5 year waiting list. Age: 8+. Location: Forest Green Road, Fifield. 01628 636255. www.windsor-horse-rangers.org.uk MINDFULNESS Mindfulness for Children: Led by Lynne Wilkes.

Helping to improve concentration and learning.

The course teaches skills for coping with stress and anxiety. It helps children to feel happier and more fulfilled as they make their way in life.

Saturday 10 – 24 Sept and 29 Oct – 12 Nov. 11.45am – 12.45pm. £10 per session or £24 for 3 sessions Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org MUSIC Concertini: Live music concerts for children and their families. Each ‘Concertini’ features a different live musician or ensemble and is designed to introduce children to different styles of live music and musical instruments, to nurture a love of music and to provide an opportunity for parents and carers to listen to live music with their children in a relaxed community setting. Concerts are produced in an enjoyable way and are currently scheduled to take place in Cookham, Norden Farm in Maidenhead, Marlow, Bourne End and Twyford. To find out more or to buy tickets for upcoming Concertini’s visit www.concertini.co.uk

Hartbeeps and Babybeeps. Original multisensory music classes using song play, lighting effects, innovative props and puppetry. From birth to 4-year-olds. For Windsor, Burnham Datchet, Maidenhead, Woodley, Earley and Wokingham contact Liz on 07985 935662 or email liz@hartbeeps.com.

MAD Academy - Music-And-Dance classes using songs, rhythms, instruments, listening games and props for children from 3 months to 4 years at locations throughout the Families area. Education that’s high-octane and fun. They do Birthday Parties too! For Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley and Charvil call Emma on 07935 248749 or email emma.hester@madacademy.com. For Windsor, Ascot and Sunningdale call Kate on 01753 830162 or email kate.lawrence@madacademy.com. For Langley, Iver, Wraysbury & Staines call Rosie on 07746 922 648 or email rosie.bancil@madacademy.com; www.madacademy.com Stepping Notes Music School for the 2s to 8s (structured programme of group musicianship classes for children). Ages: 2-8. Location: Jurgens Centre, 91 Harvest Road, Englefield Green. Nikhil Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes Stepping Notes Violin School (individual lessons, violin ensemble & musicianship classes).

Ages: 6-18+. Location: Shepperton. Angela Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/violin.htm.

Taplow Choirs (four choirs, for young children, boys and girls). Ages: 7-19. Location: Taplow village centre. Turn up on Saturday in term time for children’s (10.00 am) and boy’s (11.15 am) choir.

Auditions for girls and youth. www.taplowchoirs.org.uk for info.

Marlow, Henley & High Wycombe ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage Find out more today: stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk 01494 533203

Telephone: 01628 627 586

™

Creative Courage For Life SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

®

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

21

Maidenhead Gymnas cs Club & Gymtots Gymnas cs based physical educa on for pre-school and school aged children at our gym within the grounds of Altwood School, Maidenhead.

Visit:-

MaidenheadGymnas cs.uk

Or Telephone / Text

07 957 223 124

for details

MUSIC SCHOOL FOR THE 2s TO 8s

Tuesday afternoons Jurgens Centre 91 Harvest Road Englefield Green Surrey

For further information, contact Nikhil Dally: 01932 241196 • www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes

22

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Clubs and Classes Extravaganza NATURE Braywick Nature Centre. Nature-based craft and activity sessions for children aged 4 -11 during the school holidays. Bushcraft and Bug Mania parties also available. Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead. Booking Essential. 01628 777440. www.groundwork.org.uk NETBALL Lots of local Netball clubs have a junior section and coaching.Visit www.berkshirenetball.co.uk ORIENTEERING Berkshire Orienteers stages orienteering events across Berkshire for people of all orienteering abilities and ages. For more details visit www.bko.org.uk PERFORMING ARTS COmotion Theatre School has launched a new school in Englefied Green. They provide foundation training in three central disciplines (singing, dancing and acting) in a fun, safe environment, for children age 6-18. They cover a wide range of styles and techniques and also put on shows every year, as they believe the only way a student can develop as a performer is to perform! Register for a FREE trial today at www.comotiontheatreschool.co.uk or call 07729214655 Mellor Performing Arts School in Burnham.

The school offers fun classes to tots through to adults. Amongst the many classes on offer are: Baby ballet, Cheerleading and Musical theatre.

There really is something for everyone. Check the website www.mpaschool.co.uk to find your class today!

Perform (weekly dance, drama and singing workshops). Ages: 4-7. Perform 7-12s. Locations: Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton, Twyford and Virginia Water. Free trial session.020 7255 9120. www.perform.org.uk/try Razzamatazz Marlow & Reading theatre school for ages 4-18. They offer a mix of street dance, musical theatre, pop singing and drama. For a free taster session for Marlow call 01628 854944 or email marlow@razzamataz.co.uk and for Reading call 0118 4050 060 or email Reading@razzamataz.co.uk; www.razzamataz.co.uk Redroofs Theatre School, Full-Time Performing Arts School for ages 9-16, (Co-ed academic and vocational school, years 5 to 11), Sixth form for ages 16-18 years (BTEC, A Level and teacher training) and 1 Year Foundation Course for 18-19 years (intensive training in performing arts). Part-time & Weekend Schools for ages 6 months-19. Musical Theatre School, Drama School, Dance School, Special Gold Training Package for talented children. New for September: Film School for ages 10-14+ and Little Star Performers for ages 6 months - 3. Agency Representation in TV, Film and theatre for all pupils. Holiday courses, Professional master classes and musical theatre parties. Locations: Bath Road, Maidenhead and School Lane, Littlewick Green and Novello Theatre Sunninghill, Nr. Ascot. Call 01628 674092 or go to www.redroofs.co.uk to see their full schedule.You can also find them on facebook.

Sparky’s Drama. Performing Arts classes for all ages in Cookham, Mondays & Wednesdays. Learn new skills, build confidence, socialize and have fun in a friendly environment! Classes run by experienced teachers and industry professionals.They cover everything in an actor’s toolkit from acting on camera, stage performances, games and improve., as well as singing and dance in Musical Theatre. Book your free trial: Call Amber 07889 311414 or Email: info@sparkysdrama.co.uk Stagecoach. Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

Ages: 4-18. Locations: the whole Families area. For

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Ascot call 01344 206466; Maidenhead 0118 9712870; Bracknell 01342 833380; Bracknell North: 0808 208 5134; High Wycombe, Henley and Marlow 01494 533 203; Windsor 0845 293 7207; www.stagecoach.co.uk Youth Theatre: Join the only youth drama group in Maidenhead which rehearses in a professional theatre! Each term you’ll create a show and perform in our studio or on the main stage, with lighting, sound and staging from Norden Farm’s technical crew. Terms 10 weeks long, no auditions, suitable for all abilities and end with a sharing or performance. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, times vary. Junior Youth Theatre - school years 2 – 6.Youth Theatre, school years 7 – 11.

Academy, school years 12+. £67 - £97 per term.

Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555; www.nordenfarm.org PRE-SCHOOL ACTIVITY CLASS Teddies Music Club: Teddies is energetic, lively and fun for grown-ups and children alike, with a singer and musician at every session. Suitable for ages 0-5 years. Wednesdays, 10am – 11am, £5 | £4 siblings Location: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 01628 682555 www.nordenfarm.org REMOTE CONTROL Slough RC Model Club. Ages: all, but junior members must be accompanied by a club official.

Location: Upton Court Park, Slough. www.srcmc.co.uk RUGBY For details of local rugby clubs go to www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/find-rugby/, which can do a postcode search.

Maidenhead Rugby Union Football Club.

Age: 5+. Location: Braywick Park Sports Ground.

Maidenhead. www.maidenheadrfc.com SCHOOL SUPPORT Touch-Type, Read and Spell with Yvonne Thomas SpLd Tutor, Maidenhead. After school clubs designed for all learning styles including dyslexia, dyspraxia. I teach muscle memory. This life skill used at speed improves school work, homework and exams. £20 per session. Call 07929 528642 or visit www.dttts.co.uk. Holiday courses are available.

The Reading Eggs programme has been created to help children aged 3-13 to learn to read and further develop those skills. The programme is all online and can be used on a computer, laptop and most tablets making it instantly attractive to children. For a 5 week free trial visit www.readingeggs.co.uk/read8 SKIING / SNOWBOARDING Bracknell Ski Slope & Ice Rink. Skiing lessons for 4+; Snowboarding for 9+; Skating lessons for 5+ Location: John Nike Leisure Centre, Bracknell.

Rink: 01344 789000 Ski: 01344 789002. www.jnlbracknell.co.uk SWIMMING Swimming Lessons for children and adults of all abilities. Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead. Tel: 01628 685333. Windsor Leisure Centre, Stovell Road, Clewer Mead, Windsor. Tel: 01753 778577. Includes unlimited swimming when you become a member.

Seriously FUN Swimming Schools. Age: Swim Babies (4-36 months), Juniors (3-12 years), Academy (+12 years). Locations: Teikyo Japanese School, Slough; St Piran’s School, Maidenhead; Burnham Beeches Hotel, Burnham; Manor Green School, Maidenhead; Thames Club, Staines; Maplewood School, High Wycombe; Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury. Call 01753 364 364 or book online at www.seriouslyfun.net Splash School, swimming lessons in Maidenhead, for children aged 3 years to adults. 6 children per class. Qualified ASA and CRB checked instructors.

Lessons held at Manor Green School, Maidenhead and Newlands Girls School, Maidenhead. To book please call 01628 317558 or email info@splashschool.co.uk; www.splashschool.co.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

TRAMPOLINING Jump In. Bunny Jump and Kangaroo Jump classes for toddlers (1-5), weekly, year-round. Location: 550 Dundee Road, Slough. For more info visit: www.gojumpin.com, call 01753 387080 or email: hello@gojumpin.com Jump In. Fitness classes for adults, weekly, yearround. Location: 550 Dundee Road, Slough. For more info visit: www.gojumpin.com, call 01753 387080 or email: hello@gojumpin.com Jump In. Teen nights & family nights, weekly, yearround. Location: 550 Dundee Road, Slough. For more info visit: www.gojumpin.com, call 01753 387080 or email: hello@gojumpin.com Rush Toddler Crèche & Play area. Sessions are held at Rush UK Trampoline Park, Coronation Road, High Wycombe for ages 0-4. Rush now offers a fantastic Toddler Play area for under-4’s alongside the trampoline courts to keep your little ones entertained during an open jumping session. In addition, they also offers Toddler Crèche sessions to give parents a break in their café or an opportunity to take part in a fitness class. These sessions are held in either the toddler play area or on the trampolines and are interactive sessions for under 4’s accompanied with Disney music, fun and games, and will include bouncing, tumbling, foam pit fun, soft play and much more! To find out more email: jump@rushuk.com or visit www.rushuk.com.

Rush Trampoline and Tumble. Classes are held at Rush UK Trampoline Park, Coronation Road, High Wycombe. Rush offers classes for every age and ability. Their fully qualified instructors will increase your confidence and teach you a variety of skills, tricks and flips on their trampolines and tumble lanes.Visit www.rushuk.com now for all the information you need or e-mail afterschool@rushuk.com.

Rush Freestyle. Classes are held at Rush UK Trampoline Park, Coronation Road, High Wycombe for children aged 5+. For the more adventurous, Rush has amazing Freestyle coaching available on a Monday and Wednesday. An industry professional will give you the confidence and skills you need to impress all your friends on the trampolines. From wall walking, to super cool flips you will be guided through three levels of Freestyle practice. To find out more information please e-mail afterschool@rushuk.com or visit their website www.rushuk.com Rush Junior Fitness. Classes are held at Rush UK Trampoline Park, Coronation Road, High Wycombe for children aged 6-17. What could be more fun than working out on the trampolines at Rush. Junior fitness sessions run weekly, during term-time (please note sessions only run when you have pre-booked your slot) An hour session, set to music, with one of their fantastic fitness instructors – it’s so much fun, you almost forget you are exercising! To find out more information please e-mail afterschool@rushuk.com or visit their website www.rushuk.com WATERSPORTS Liquid Leisure Aqua Park & Wakeboard Park.

The Kids Cable Club runs Saturday and Sunday mornings Between 9am & 11am. Beginner Boat & Cable Courses are suitable for first time waterskiers or wakeboarders from 5 years old.

Set on a freshwater private lake, the waterpark also features an Aqua Park suitable for 8 year +, beach area, open swimming (for 8 years plus) and a licensed café bar.Visit www.liquidleisure.com, email info@liquidleisure.com or call 01753 542 500 Details correct at time of going to press: August 2016.You can view this directory online at www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/east-berkshire/in-theknow/clubs-and-classes-directory-2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

23

Thames Valley East Advertise for as little as ÂŁ40 plus VAT. Call: 01628 627586

to book now

Blossom Ballet

A fun introduction to ballet for 2-4 year olds

For a FREE taster class or for further information

Register online at www.twinkletotsdance.com

please contact Lucy:

Classes in Sunningdale,Windsor, Warfield, Burnham and Bracknell

07813084283

RAD ballet grades from Age 5+

lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Why not try a themed birthday party for your son or daughter!

Blossom Ballet

is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

Classes throughout the week, including weekends, in Windsor, Bray and Maidenhead.

BEVERLEY GLOCK COOKERY SCHOOL

For Little Kickers classes in Maidenhead, Bourne End, Henley & Marlow. Call 01628 526 584 or email bevans@littlekickers.co.uk.

For Little Kickers classes at Ascot, Slough, Windsor and Stoke Poges call 07412 166 686 or email sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk

Cooking Classes Workshops Parties For children Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years. Local classes at a venue near you. Safe, friendly and fun!

Real Cooking Classes for adults

Call for Birthday Party entertainment information

www.littlekickers.co.uk

24

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

01844 275692 www.beverleyglock.com

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Clubs and Classes News Live concerts for families launch across the Thames Valley

Local performing arts school is expanding Stagecoach Henley, High Wycombe and Marlow is looking for students aged 4 to 18 years who love to sing, dance and act to join them for their new term in September.

Principal Clare Gosling reflects on what an amazing year it’s been. She has just come back from performing in France, where 111 of her Stagecoach students and families have been singing and dancing the dream at Disneyland Paris!

She is also celebrating an important anniversary: “This coming year will see my 10th year as principal, with 20 years of High Wycombe Stagecoach, and 30 years since the franchise was born, which means 2017 will be the biggest year at Stagecoach yet!”

The school has a new mid-week classes in central High Wycombe for 4-10 years and a new Further Stages class for 14-18 years in Henley meeting every Saturday morning, 10am-1pm.

Other highlights for the coming year include: Regional Performance at Wycombe Swan with 18 students performing; The hugely successful PAA exams; Performance opportunities at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London; Opportunities at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Plus their 10 year Spectacular anniversary show at the Wycombe Swan For more information or to book your 2-week trial, please contact Principal Clare Gosling on 01494 533203 or email henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk; www.stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow

Concertini provide live music concerts for children and their families in a relaxed setting and are holding events in Marlow, Bourne End, Cookham, Maidenhead and Twyford.

Concertini was launched during the Cookham Festival in May 2015 by local musician, music teacher and mum Julia Bentley Dawkes. Born into a musical family Julia knows how beneficial live music can be and is passionate about introducing it as early as possible. Each ‘Concertini’ features a different live musician or ensemble and is produced in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Children are encouraged to get up close to the instruments whilst adults can sit back and listen to live music in a relaxed community setting. To buy tickets for upcoming ‘Concertini’s’ visit www.concertini.co.uk

Redroofs launches new Film School

Action…Redroofs School for the Performing Arts is opening a new film school as part of their part-time syllabus this September. The class will be open to all keen young creatives and technical moviemakers, aged 10-13 (Junior Crew) and 14+ (Media School). Their weekly class (Wednesdays 5.30-7.30pm), workshops and courses aim to inspire teams of young media-interested students through practical filmmaking exercises, shooting, editing, script writing and much more.

Through their network industry contacts Redroofs will bring in current industry practitioners to lead hands-on workshops, talks and Q and A's.

This is a class for the wannabe filmmaker, the artist, the weaver of stories and those who want to learn something new and interesting. It may also be useful for a child who aspires to work in the creative industries.

During classes students operate professional cameras and use industry kit and terminology.

They will also get the chance to create, shoot and act in their films and work with real TV scripts.

Also new for the autumn term: Little Star Performers, week day classes for children aged 6 months to 3 years.

To find out more go to www.redroofs.co.uk

New Mum and Baby Class in Maidenhead Why not start the week with an exercise class that you can bring your baby along to? Let’s Go Mummy Buggy class is now being held on Monday and Friday mornings, 10.45 – 11:45am at Braywick Nature Reserve, Maidenhead.

Also new to the Go Figure schedule is Mumilattes, a postnatal Pilates class. This class is all about mum and retraining all your essential

core muscles and releasing the aches and pains of motherhood. Babies up to the age of crawling are very welcome. Classes are being held on Tuesday afternoons, 2-3pm, St Peters Church Hall, Furze Platt, Maidenhead.

To find out more, please go to www.gofigure.org.uk

Want to shake it like Shakira?

Get your free bellydance workout at www.rachelbellydancer.com

Windsor, Maidenhead, Twyford & Wokingham

Photo by Maani Vadgama

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

25

• Kids Art Clubs • Pottery Painting • Adult Art Classes & Workshops • Corporate Meetings & Events • Parties

REDROOFS

Little Star

Performers

Session Times Day

Time

Age group

Tuesdays

11.15-11.45am

6 months -1 year

Thursdays

11.15-11.45am

2-3 years

Fridays

11.15-11.45am

1-2 years

How do I book?

Please visit our website

www.redroofs.co.uk/little-star-performers

E: emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk | T: 01628 674092 www.redroofs.co.uk/little-star-performers Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4JT

26

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

What’s On

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

Visit Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens for Hertitage Open Days in September

Model Boat Regatta at Black Park, September 4

The Noteworthy Singers are at Norden Farm, September 11

SEPTEMBER

Ancient monuments, poets, musicians and World War II are an unexpected mix in an ancient woodland. Join a 2½ hour walk to discover how they are all connected.

Booking required. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-todo/green-spaces/burnham-beeches-and-stoke-common/ Until Saturday September 3 THE SUPERHERO SCIENCE SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Are you a superhero? Come and find out in this science show.

The engaging show looks at super strengths, invisibility, mind reading and has fun with science experiments and a little help from the audience. http://www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Tuesdays - Sunday, until Sunday September 4 BEACH AT THE FARM Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997.

Aloha at the arts clay in the sand. Join in craft or story telling sessions in the specially designed story den or try some indoor surfing courtesy of green screen technology!

Family films screened. 10am to 4pm. www.nordenfarm.org Sunday September 4 RUNNING DAY Great Cockcrow Railway, Hardwick Lane, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AD. 01932 565474. Miniature train rides for ages 2 years+. Open every Sunday until 30 October, from 1.30pm - 5pm. Booking office closes at 4:45pm. There are two different routes you can choose from, both departing

and returning to Hardwick Central Station. Journeys take about 15 to 20 minutes. Adult £4.50, Child £3.50, Family £13. www.cockcrow.co.uk Sunday September 4 MODEL BOAT REGATTA Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. Join the fun at the Annual Regatta held by Black Park Model Boat Club, there is even a chance to captain your own model boat. Free, but pay and display parking charges apply. No booking required. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page Sunday September 4 INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING IN THE DEN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Interactive storytelling in the magical story den, followed by a yummy Sunday lunch. Age guidance 4 to 7 years. Times vary, £3 per person. Lunch menu from £5.

Runs every other Sunday until mid-December. www.nordenfarm.org Sunday September 4 FAMILY FUN RUN AT MAIDENHEAD HALF MARATHON Maidenhead Town Centre, High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB. Children, adults or the whole family can take part together in this 1.5mile fun run, held on closed roads. Children under 9 years old must be accompanied by a registered paying adult. www.purplepatchrunning.com/index.php/maidenhead-halfmarathon

During September & October. DISCOVER SPECIAL SCULPTURES WITH PETE & POPPY. Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green TW20 0UU, 01784 485 400. Discover sculptures in the Savill Garden.

Plus make your mark on a giant public mural and create your own natural collage. Look out for their weekly photo competition taking place every week too. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk Friday September 2 and Saturday 3 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL6 0JA. Enjoy Shakespearean comedy at its best in the tranquillity of Cliveden's Water Garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Every Saturday PARKRUN at Braywick Park Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1UU. 01628 777440. A weekly, timed, free 5km run. Starts 9am. Register online before first run. www.parkrun.org.uk/maidenhead Saturday 3 September THE HISTORY OF BURNHAM BEECHES Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. 01753 647 358.

Be Amazed...The Look Out

Discovery Centre

THE ART GARDENS

Science and discovery fun over 90 activities.

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

Valid until 31/10/16 *Terms and conditions apply.

Art for everyone 1 September – 31 October

The Brilliant Brain Show

Join in with a fantas c range of arty ac vi es at The Savill Garden this autumn.

17 September 2016 - 3 January 2017 Shows run at weekends and school holidays. Age 3+

Why not make your mark on our giant public mural, show off your photography skills in our weekly compe on or create your own natural collage? With our fun ac vity worksheet and 60 eye-catching sculptures to explore, there’s plenty for everyone to do.

Free entry for children. Adult admission fees apply.

The Savill Garden Windsor Great Park TW20 0UJ 01784 485 400 windsorgreatpark.co.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

Open 10am - 5pm every day The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Families TVE

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

27

What’s On

28

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

Fashioning A Reign is at Windsor Castle from September 17

Walk round Ankerwyke, near Runnymede, Sunday September 18

See the heavy horses working at COAM, September 24 and 25

Tuesdays from September 6 to 27 September CHIDDLERS' HOUR The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, HP16 0AL. 01494 892192. Songs, storytelling, crafts & free play, 0-3yrs. 10am -11am. £3. www.roalddahl.com/museum Thursday September 8 and Friday 9 TODDLER DAY - AT THE SEASIDE The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Enjoy arts, crafts and dressing up at this special day for parents and toddlers. http://www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Friday September 9 TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 01753 511060. If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise! Bring a favourite cuddly toy and some delicious picnic treats and enjoy stories, fun and games in Black Park. £3 per child. Booking essential 11am.

Car parking fees also apply. www.buckscc.gov.uk Saturday September 10 HERITAGE OPEN DAY AT CLIVEDEN Taplow, SL6 0JA. Explore the woodland, the beautiful grounds, the Parterre, the Storybook Play Den with wooden carvings of favourite storybook characters and the Cliveden Maze. Free entry. www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/cliveden

Saturday September 10 MAIDENHEAD NIGHT MARKET Maidenhead Town Centre, High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB. Berkshire’s answer to Las Ramblas in Barcelona, with stalls, food and live entertainment.

There will be a bar from Smokey Joes, great street food from Eat On The High Street, a kids zone and other stalls.

The headline act will be Chico. www.enjoymaidenhead.com Saturday September 10 COMMUNITY & CRAFT MARKET Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End, SL8 5SX. 0845 2303232. Local produce & quality arts and crafts. 10am - 1pm. www.beccmark.co.uk Saturday September 10 MEET THE BEEKEEPERS Hughenden National Trust, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA. 01494 755573. Learn all about the fascinating honey giving creatures, purchase candles made from hive produce, plus kid's bee themed trail, Drop-in. 11am to 4pm. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Saturday September 10 and Sunday 11 CARTERS STEAM FAIR at Holyport Green, The Green, SL6 2JL. Beautiful old-fashioned fairground rides. With free fireworks at 9pm on Saturday. Admission free, dogs welcome. Saturday noon - 10.30pm, Sunday noon - 8pm. www.carterssteamfair.co.uk

Sunday September 11 IT'S SHOW TIME! WITH THE NOTEWORTHY VOCAL QUARTET Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. A relaxed family concert of top tunes where children aged 0 to 5 years can move around and interact with the music. Hits include favourites from The King and I, 42nd Street and Carousel. £10, £8 under 16s, Babies under 18 months free.11.30am. www.nordenfarm.org Sunday September 11 SHABBYTIQUE MEETS EAT ON THE STREET, Maidenhead Town Centre, High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB.Vintage stalls, street food and a great atmosphere. Live music as well. 11am 4pm.

Sunday September 11 HERITAGE OPEN DAY AT STOKE POGES MEMORIAL GARDENS Grays Monument, Church Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4NZ. Unique chance to join a guided walk of St Giles' Church, the Thomas Gray Monument and have tea at the exclusive Stoke Park Mansion (limited spaces). The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and starts at 2pm. Booking essential. Email: franzi.cheeseman@southbucks.gov.uk, www.heritageopendays.org.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

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

What’s On

Wondercrump Wildlife at The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, September 25

Back to Blackbrick is at Norden Farm on October 9

Fabulous Fungi at Runnymede NT, October 22

Sunday September 11 FUN DOG SHOW Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre, 8 East Common, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7AD. 01753 883759. Dog competitions and agility challenges as well as fun activities for the children.

Beer tent and barbecue available all afternoon. From 12 noon. £1 per entry. www.gxca.org.uk Monday September 12 PRE-SCHOOL CONCERTINI St Dunsten’s Church, Bourne End, SL8 5AR. Specifically designed for pre-schoolers and young children, this concert is all about inspiring children (and grown-ups) with live music in a relaxed and friendly environment. Melanie Martin – Viola.10.30 – 11.30am.

Ages 0-5. Adults £8.50, Child Free. www.concertini.co.uk Saturday September 17 and Sunday 18 1940’S WEEKEND Hughenden National Trust, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA. 01494 755573. See what Hughenden was like during the War, events will include re-enactors, performers, vehicles, costumes, stalls and much more.

10am - 5pm. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Saturday September 17 to January 2017 THE BRILLIANT BRAIN SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Hands-on science fun looking at imagination, optical illusions, memory senses and special brain games

How do our brains work? This show will reveal all...Please note, the show runs at weekends and school holidays, subject to audience numbers. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Saturday September 17 to January 8 2017 FASHIONING A REIGN Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ. Celebrating the 90th Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen through a display of fashionable dress through the decades of her reign and raiment. Magnificent evening gowns and elegant day ensembles worn at official events will be contrasted with fancy-dress costumes worn by the young Princess Elizabeth for wartime family pantomimes at the Castle. Adult £20, Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £18.20, Under 17 / Disabled £11.70, Under 5 Free, Family £51.70 (2 adults and 3 under 17s). www.royalcollection.org.uk Sunday September 18 GREAT BRITISH WALK: THE STORY OF ANKERWYCKE Ankerwyke, Magna Carta Lane, Near Wraysbury, TW19 5AG. 08442 491 895.

Learn about how Ankerwycke has changed through time, from fascinating stories of the Priory nuns and the ancient Yew and how the National Trust looks after it. 11am12.30pm/ £6 adult, £3 child. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede

Sunday September 25 WONDERCRUMP WILDLIFE The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, HP16 0AL. 01494 892192. Come and get crafty with the Wildlife Trust, and find out about the living landscapes around Buckinghamshire, all ages.11am - 4pm. Free for museum visitors. www.roalddahl.com/museum Sunday September 25 DUCKPOND MARKET Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090.Visit the Duckpond Artisan Market at Black Park Car Park on the last Sunday of every month. Browse the range of stalls selling locally made arts & crafts, gifts, vintage, homewares and clothing sold by our best local artists, crafters, food producers and ethical businesses. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page Saturday September 24 and Sunday 25 WORKING HEAVY HORSES Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. Meet the working heavy horses & learn about the importance of the heavy horse in traditional farming. 11am - 4pm. Adult £10, Child £6.50. www.coam.org.uk

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

29

What’s On

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

Halloween Festival at Odds Farm Park October 21-31

The Big Draw at Windsor Castle, October 22-30

Den Building by the Campfire at Black Park, October 25

OCTOBER

Saturday October 8 and Sunday 9 APPLE DAYS AND TASTINGS Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL6 0JA. There'll be tours of the Round Garden, apple pressing, apple-themed crafts for children and tastings.

11am - 3pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Sunday October 9 SHABBYTIQUE MEETS EAT ON THE STREET Maidenhead Town Centre, High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB Vintage stalls, street food and a great atmosphere. 11am-4pm.

Sunday October 9 BACK TO BLACKBRICK Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. A captivating story through love and memory, with live music. Cosmo keeps a promise to his grandad to go to Blackbrick. He finds a forgotten corner of a distant past. It is a past that his grandad has never talked about. A brand new adaptation of Sarah Moore Fitzgerald's beautiful novel about Alzheimer's and time travel. With a live original folk score. 2pm. www.nordenfarm.org Tuesday October 11 and Sunday 12 IN THE JUNGLE TODDLER DAY The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Go wild for October's themed activities for parents and toddlers from 10am - 4pm. Includes art and craft activities, story-telling and face or hand painting. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Saturday October 15 and Sunday 16 TRADITIONAL HARVEST FESTIVAL Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. Explore the sights, sounds & smells of harvest past with folk singers, family harvest crafts, traditional apple pressing & harvest displays.

11am - 4pm. www.coam.org.uk Saturday October 15 BABY FAIR Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Marys Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494 514444. Stalls, free children's activities, goody bags, exclusive Baby Fair offers, free workshops & taster sessions, tea room & more. 10am - 2pm. Free entry. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Saturday October 15 to Monday 31 BRICK OR TREAT Legoland, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY. 0871 2222 001. Bring your little monsters to the daily Halloween-themed activities. Some rides may close at

dusk (to give the ghouls some down time) but that still leaves a lot of spooky stuff open to enjoy. Dressing up encouraged! www.legoland.co.uk Friday October 21 to Monday 31 HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, HP10 0LX. 01628 520 188. Carve a Pumpkin & discover plenty more 'Tricks & Treats'! Plus join in with the Madness & Mayhem of the Crazy Entertainers!

10am - 5.30pm. Normal admission plus small charge for pumpkin. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Friday October 21 to Monday 31 WOODLAND WONDERS HALLOWEEN TRAIL Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE.Pick up a leaflet from the Information Point and guide yourself along this spooky Halloween themed trail. Aimed at children up to 12.

Bring a pencil. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-todo/green-spaces/burnham-beeches-and-stoke-common/ Sunday October 23 FABULOUS FUNGI Runnymede National Trust, Windsor Road, Old Windsor, SL4 2JL. 01784 432891. Join a local expert to learn about the weird and wonderful fungi of Coopers Hill Woods as they emerge for the autumn. Discover how to identify this often overlooked but vital component of our ecosystem. Booking essential. 11am1pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede Saturday October 22 to Sunday 30 WITCHES & WIZARDS Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL6 0JA. Every day in October Half-Term (11am-2.30pm). Estate opens 10am-5.30pm. Come dressed in your wildest wizard and witch outfit and learn how to whittle your own magic want (ages 4-11). £2 per child. Normal admission charges apply. 01628 605069; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Cliveden Monday October 24 to Friday 28 SPOOKY TRAIL Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. Follow the map and clues to find all the spooky clues hidden in Black Park.

10am - 3pm. Pick up your map from the Information point. Answer the quiz sheet and earn yourself a little treat! (max 2 treats per map) www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page

Every Tuesday in October. DISCOVER AUTUMN AT CLIVEDEN. Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL6 0JA. Enjoy a free guided tour and see the changing colour throughout the Gardens. Led by a member of their gardens team. These walks are very popular, so arrive early to ensure you secure a place. On a first come, first served basis. Please meet outside the Information Centre. Normal admission charges apply, advanced booking not needed. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturdays from October 1 to 15 & October Half Term THE BIG DRAW AT THE CASTLE Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ. Take part in this national celebration of art and drawing, and be inspired by the beautiful castle. Usual admission fees apply (free entry with Advantage Card). www.royalcollection.org.uk Saturday October 1 and Sunday 2 KNITTING WEEKEND Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. Meet the experts & have a go at different knitting methods, suitable for all ages & levels. 11am - 4pm. www.coam.org.uk Wednesday October 5 MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Marys Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE. 01494 514444. Entertaining, explosive & fun science show which comes with a hovercraft built on stage & a human cannon. Booking required. 6pm. Adult £16, Child £14, Family £56. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Thursday October 6 MACBETH: BLOOD WILL HAVE BLOOD Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997.

This one man adaptation takes us on a break-neck journey through the blood-soaked world of Macbeth.It uses razor sharp storytelling, a dramatic on screen world and a heart-stopping soundtrack.Young audiences (and their families) are offered a glimpse into life under Scotland’s tyrant King. Suitable for ages 9+ years. 1pm and 7pm. www.nordenfarm.org

Thames Valley East

editor@familiestveast.co.uk

01628 672586

30

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

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

Enjoy arts and crafts at Norden Farm over the October half term

The Tinderbox is at Norden Farm on October 26

Monday October 24 FILM WALK Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR, 0845 370 8090. Explore some of the locations from popular film and TV productions. Black Park has played host to a great number of major film, television and music productions over the years, including Harry Potter and James Bond.10am - 11.30am. Booking essential. £5 Adult, £3 Child. Well behaved dogs welcome. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page Monday October 24 SHARK IN THE PARK Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Join Timothy Pope (and his telescope!) on his exciting adventures. A fin-tastic family musical from the creative team behind The Hairy Maclary show. Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope but wait, is that a shark, in the park. Nick Sharratt is the award winning illustrator best known for working with Jacqueline Wilson and Julia Donaldson. All three of his Shark in the Park books come alive on stage! www.nordenfarm.org Monday October 24 to Friday 28 ARTS AND CRAFTS FOR HALF TERM Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Craft activities to keep the little ones entertained this half term. The crafts vary so you can create something new every day! Suitable for ages 5+ years. 10.15am. www.nordenfarm.org Friday October 21 to Monday 31 HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, 01494 755573. Explore Hughenden's Autumn trail and carve your very own jack-o-lantern, drop-in. 11am to 4pm / Child £3. Usual admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Tuesday October 25 to Saturday 29. ANNIE, Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames St, Windsor SL4 1PS. 01753 853888. Annie the musical is based on the strip cartoon ‘Little Orphan Annie’ who lives at the orphanage run by the sadistic Miss Hannigan and her quest to find her parents. Annie escapes the orphanage to an easier life outside during the Great Depression, where tomorrow is always brighter because of hope. When she is returned to the orphanage she escapes once again and her life is changed when she enters into the world of the Billionaire Daddy Warbucks. Tuesday Saturday 7.30pm. Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm. Ticket prices £11- £27. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Tuesday October 25 DEN BUILDING BY THE CAMPFIRE Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090.

Have a go at building your own den by the campfire in Black Park. When you're finished, enjoy toasted marshmallows and hot drinks in your own den! Meet at Black Park Visitor Information Point, Marshmallows and hot drinks provided. Booking essential. £16 per family, £3 per extra family member. Advance booking required. 10am to noon. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page Tuesday October 25 WOODLAND WONDERS - BUILD A BIRD FEEDER Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. 01753 647 358. Create your very own bird feeder to help the native and migrating birds in your garden this winter. For age 5 upwards. Suggested donation £2.

Booking required. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/burnhambeeches-and-stoke-common/ Tuesday October 25 LIVE MUSIC FOR FLUTE AND HARP Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. Live music concerts for families, performed in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Pieces are kept short and children can move around and interact with the music if they like. Quiet toys and colouring are available. Two sessions for different ages. 11.30am - Suitable for ages 0-5 years. 2pm - Suitable for ages 5+ years. Adults £10, Under 16s £8, Babies under 18 months – free, Family & Friends (4 people) £32. www.nordenfarm.org Wednesday October 26 AUTUMN WOODLAND PLAY Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. Join the Rangers for an hour of woodland fun and games in Black Pine’s Camp. Make sure you don’t wear your best clothes as you may get muddy! Parents must supervise. Choose from 3 time slots. 10am, 11.30am and 2pm, each last an hour. £5 per child. Advance booking required. Suitable for ages 4 to 10. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page Wednesday October 26 WOODLAND WONDERS - HALLOWEEN HIJINKS Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham Beeches Road, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. Halloween inspired fun and craft activities at the Information Point between 11am and 1pm. Aimed at children aged 4-12; suggested donation £2.

Booking required. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/burnhambeeches-and-stoke-common/ Wednesday October 26 THE TINDERBOX Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997. A roguish soldier acquires a magic tinderbox. It gives him the power to summon three extraordinary dogs to do his bidding. Join the soldier on a remarkable roller coaster adventure from rags to riches and back again! With rod puppets, shadow puppets, humanettes, glove puppets and animation. Suitable for ages 4+ www.nordenfarm.org

Telephone: 01628 627 586

What’s On

Spectacular fireworks at Legoland Windsor in October and November

Wednesday October 26 to Sunday 30 FAMILY FUN AT THE HELLFIRE CAVES, Church Lane, West Wycombe, HP14 3AH. 01494 533739. Hallowe'en fun in the courtyard including spooky games, colouring & fancy dress competitions at the atmospheric caves, small charge for face painting. 11am - 5pm. Free event but normal admission applies to enter the caves. www.hellfirecaves.co.uk Thursday October 27 and Friday 28 NEXT STEPS: DANCE INTENSIVE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF. 01628 788997.

Experience being an A-Troupe dancer in a real dance studio for two jam packed days.

Suitable for ages 9 – 12 years. No audition necessary. Led by Charlie Dixon. Work with a professional dancer to develop your technique in class, learn routines and create your own choreography. £75 (£65 Advantage Card) 10am. www.nordenfarm.org Thursday October 27 and Friday 28 RAPUNZEL Norden Farm, as Above. Charming adaptation. Poor Rapunzel spends her life in a tower with a wicked witch using her hair as a step ladder! An enchanting show based on the Grimm tale. £10, £8 under 16s. Suitable for ages 4+ years. 11.30am and 2pm. www.nordenfarm.org Friday October 28 KIDS' SPOOKY MINI DISCO Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Sl7 1GJ. 01628 496800. Fangtastic fun. Prize for spookiest fancy dress costume. With a DJ and entertainer, face painter and bouncy castle. Advance booking required. 4-7pm. £15 per ticket (age 3 to 12), including dinner box; Under-2s free, with no dinner box. www.cpmarlow.co.uk Friday October 28 HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorlands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB. Spooky walk, fire-breathers & witches, scary stories, trick or treat, BBQ, family crafts, fancy dress competition & more! 59pm. www.coam.org.uk Friday October 28 HALLOWEEN EVENING Great Cockcrow Railway, Hardwick Lane, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AD, 01932 565 474. Halloween train rides. Many passengers (and staff!) come dressed and made up for the occasion. Riding round in the dark is a totally different experience and can be quite scary, even for regular travellers!

4.30-8pm. www.cockcrow.co.uk Saturday October 29 HALLOWEEN EVENTS AT NICHOLSONS SHOPPING CENTRE Unit 53, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB. Pumpkin carving and spooky events (to be confirmed, check website). www.enjoymaidenhead.com Sunday October 30 HALLOWEEN KIDS PARTY at Jump In Trampoline Park, 550 Dundee Road, Slough, SL1 4LE. Make sure you dress up for Jump In’s spooky Halloween party. Booking essential. 0845 838 6214. www.gojumpin.com Sunday October 30 DUCKPOND MARKET Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DR. 0845 370 8090. An atmospheric outdoor artisan market in the magical setting of Black Park, showcasing an eclectic mix of stalls. www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page

FIREWORKS

Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday from October 14 to Saturday November 5 LEGOLAND FIREWORKS Legoland, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY. 0871 2222 001. Back by popular demand our spectacular 2016 LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Fireworks show with music and amazing themed effects. Arrive early and enjoy the Resort rides and attractions! www.legoland.co.uk Saturday October 28 HALLOWEEN RACEDAY AND FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX. 0844 346 3000. Exciting racing followed by one of the region's largest Fireworks Spectaculars and being Halloween be prepared for a few surprises too! The Plaza Lawns will come alive throughout the afternoon with free fairground rides until 4pm, and £1 per ride thereafter. All proceeds go to local charities. The day is a designated family day and entry is free for children under 18. www.ascot.co.uk Saturday November 5 THE LINK FOUNDATION FIREWORKS, Maidenhead United FC Ground,York Road, Maidenhead. Fantastic fireworks night for a great cause.

Fairground attractions and food. In support of the charity which helps local families. www.linkfoundation.co.uk/link-foundation-events Saturday November 5 FIREWORK NIGHT CELEBRATION Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, SL7 1GJ. 01628 496800. Celebrate Bonfire Night in the stunning surroundings of Crowne Plaza Marlow, with fireworks over the lake, live music and a selection of food and drink. £12.50 per adult; £5.50 per child. Family ticket - £30 (2 adults; 2 children). From 6.30pm. www.cpmarlow.co.uk/ Saturday November 5 BEACONSFIELD FIREWORKS 2016, Beaconsfield Cricket Club Wilton Park, HP9 2XD. Hog Roast, BBQ and hotdogs, Chinese and Indian Indian food, fully licensed beer tent, mulled wine, sparkler lights and wand stall. St Johns Ambulance, children's rides. Gates open at 6pm.

As Families went to press, some locations had not confirmed dates of their Fireworks displays go online to www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/east-berkshire/in-the-know/firework-displays-ineast-berkshire for more firework displays.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

31

BE SAFE WITH FIREWORKS!

As the Diwali Festival of Light and Bonfire Night fast approaches and with all the excitement of rockets and Catherine wheels among adults and kids alike, it can be easy to overlook the potential dangers of bonfire and firework celebrations.

Tips for choosing your fireworks

Don’t forget the sparklers!

Did you know: Fireworks can travel at speeds of 150 mph, the cruising speed of some biplanes!

Did you know: If three sparklers burn together they will do so at the same heat of a blowtorch used for joining metal and so it’s essential you follow a few guidelines for safe usage:

Make sure the fireworks you buy are meant for home use, are suitable for the size of your garden and are marked with British Standard number (BS 7114).

You should also: 1. Store fireworks in a metal box with a lid during the display 2. Use a torch for checking instructions 3. Use a taper for lighting fireworks 4. Have a bucket of water close to hand 5. Have a bucket or other container of soft earth to stick fireworks in 6. Use a board or other non-flammable rigid surface for flatbottomed fireworks 7. Use supports or launches for Catherine wheels or rockets

1. Find somewhere safe that is open, but not too windy 2. Remember to wear gloves so that you do not get burnt 3. Get an adult to light the sparkler whilst you are holding the base of the stick 4. Make sure that only one sparkler is lit at a time 5. Remember that when they are first ignited they give off a very bright and heated initial spark 6. Remember to hold the sparkler horizontally and as far away from your body and face as possible 7. Once you have had fun with the sparkler (try writing your name) and it is no longer burning, make sure you put it in a bucket filled with water 8. Never touch the end of the sparkler, even long after it has stopped burning Now that you’re clear on keeping your family safe; enjoy your Diwali celebrations on October 20th and Bonfire Night on 5th November!

ParentingSuccess Creating healthy habits for the whole family

Do you need support in becoming the best parent you can be?

Then we can help; ParentingSuccess support you to create the family you want.

We offer workshops throughout Surrey & Berkshire covering a range of different topics: positive discipline, confidence, raising independent children, teenagers and lots more.

We also work with schools & corporate.

Email: mette@parentingsuccesscoaching.com Call:07756 918126 Parentingsuccess Coaching @ParentSuccessCo Call:07756 918126 Visit: www.parentingsuccesscoaching.com Parentingsuccess Coaching @ParentSuccessCo Parentingsuccess Coaching @ParentSuccessCo VV

32

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

www.parentingsuccesscoaching.com

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Parenting

DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY

by Natalie Trice Life is short, so keep smiling!

By the time you read this, I will be living in Devon.

Yes, you read it right. We are moving from Marlow to a lovely village on the coast. A dream come true.

I’ve been writing for Families magazine for over three years and have absolutely loved it. I’ve gone from being a blogger to a published author with a son heading towards double digits and the other closer to having healthy hips after endless surgery.

Whilst our relocation is a life changing, positive step on our journey as a family of four, 2016 in general has been pretty surreal. There’s been a plethora of iconic celebrity deaths, a non-committal summer and of course, the referendum and appointment of a new, female Prime Minister. It seems to be a time of change and uncertainty and this has been reflected on the news and across social media streams. People are unsure about what the future holdst and what is ahead, not only them as individuals, but also for our nation.

During all of this turbulence I have continued to ‘embrace happy’ and w acknowledged that whilst not every day is good, there is a good in every day. Life is

short, you simply do not know what is round the corner and you have to make the most of everyday.

I know this is easy to say as I am packing and heading towards a simpler life by the beach, but I really do live my life by this motto. From endless homework and deadlines to the mummy mafia in Starbucks, life can be a challenge, but you have the power to live your own dream. I never thought I would be the mother of a child with a chronic condition. I didn’t really think I would ever have a professionally published book that was selling globally. I’ve worked for charities, but have my own, nope, I certainly didn’t think I would do that.

Our situation isn’t ideal. It is hard work and heartbreaking when you have a child

who is in and out of hospital and whose future in uncertain. But we’ve made it work. We have got through it together, as a team, and during that time we have worked towards living our dream. I can’t say that everyone is excited as us about our move but you can’t live your life to keep others happy.

We have been through enough as a family and we now we want to enjoy a life, and future, by the sea. We are going to buy a boat and go fishing. I want to try paddle boarding and do yoga on the beach. Fish and chips for tea on the sand after school seems like a fantastic idea, especially because there’s a pub a few doors along. A school on Dartmoor with a farm that is free from the 11-plus is so appealing. We are making the life we have, work for us.

We are living our dream.

I thank you for reading my column and encourage you to live your dream, too.

Natalie x Natalie is an author, blogger, freelance writer, as well as a mummy and wife. If she isn't writing you'll find her drinking coffee, reading Grazia and walking her dog by the sea in Devon. She's a lover of heels and dresses but will usually be found in trainers and gym gear doing the school run and juggling many plates. the-rebel-pebble.co.uk

o

W M S

WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL t Established in 1980

Newly ed open rly in ea 15 0 Nov 2

Where children are motivated to learn independently

WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL

w

Romney Lock Road, Home Park, WINDSOR SL4 6HX Tel: Email: Website:

01753 868 399 or 01344 844 592 menik@windsor-montessori.com o www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

E

w We provide care and Montessori education for infants and children – from 6 months to 6 years. o

We are open 50 weeks of the year.

You will find us in the stunningly renovated Crown Estate building in Old Windsor opposite the Windsor Farm Shop.

w Montessori education for 2 – 9 year olds

E o

Well resourced school, within a nurturing environment.

Windsor Montessori House of Children 4 Datchet Road, Old Windsor, SL42RQ For all enquiries: Tel: 01753 830 525 or 01344 844 592 Email: menik@windsor-montessori.com

In Case of Emergency Identification

Have you ever had that sinking feeling in a crowded public place that your child has wandered off?

Panic sets in because they have no ID on them and they don’t know your mobile number, especially when scared and upset?

If YOU OR YOUR CHILD has an Allergy • On any medication • Or have any medical conditions They should never leave home without proper Identification!

Website: www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk

Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment.

Orders can be placed ONLINE at www.iceid.co.uk or email Gila on info@iceid.co.uk

Windsor Montessori House of Children E Providing development for life

Telephone: 01628 627 586

In Case of Emergency Identification

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

33

Party Planning

CHILDREN’S PARTIES – SHOULD I INVITE THE WHOLE CLASS?

By Sally J Hall

When you’re hosting a party for your child you may not want to leave anyone out. That’s a lovely thought – but is it practical to invite your child’s entire class? We discuss the pros and cons.

Age matters The best rule for kids up to five or six years old is that you should invite the same number of children as their age, plus themselves.

This works well for a few reasons; parties for young children tend to involve family members such as aunts and uncles, grandparents and others. Add too many kids and your child will just be overwhelmed. It can be difficult to keep a lot of very young children entertained and also, many will come with a parent in tow, which means catering for them, too! So keep it small and manageable and make it clear to parents what expectations are; state the arrival and

at award winning Paralympic sports centre We offer: • Single or multisports parties with a difference!

• Qualified coaches and full event support • Paralympians in attendance to present medals • A unique and memorable experience for the kids and the parents too!

Get in touch today! • events@sportsable.co.uk • 01628 627 690 • www.sportsable.co.uk • reg charity: 1078742

Children's Parties at the School for West End Stars!

Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT

34

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

leaving times, say if you are happy for adults to stay and make sure you have plenty of help.

Who to invite?

When they’re a bit older, the pressure’s suddenly on to have bigger parties. Apart from the expense and the work of catering for all those children, there may be other issues at play.Your child may not want to invite all their fellow pupils. If this is the case, it is very difficult to invite the whole class but leave out one or two children.

There are ways to avoid this, however. If you have a boy who doesn’t mix much with girls, or has clashed with one person, you might consider a single-sex party.

It’s also perfectly acceptable to continue to give your child a number of friends they can invite. If you suggest ten, for example, they can invite their special friends and this will keep the party manageable. Ask your child to keep the party low key to avoid hurting the feelings of others and explain that if asked, your child can say that they were only allowed a certain number.

Budget One of the main things to consider is how much you can afford. If you want to take your child to a theme park, a restaurant or a similar event, it’s going to cost a lot more than sandwiches and cake at home, so this will naturally cut down on the number of children you invite. Work out first what’s affordable and then discuss who your child would like to invite.

When the whole class is invited For some birthdays, you may decide that you do indeed want the whole class to come. This works best if you are able to have the party in a hall or park, even your garden, rather than in your home.

And remember, if you invite the class, it’s unthinkable to leave out just two or three children, even if they and your child do not get on. Not only would your child be hurt if their entire class was going to a party and they were not invited (which will surely happen if you start this ball rolling) but things have a way of working out for themselves. If the invited child doesn’t like yours either, they may say to their parent that they don’t want to go and the problem is solved.

It’s also a good idea to consider investing in a hiring a party entertainer or booking a themed party or hall with organised activities when hosting for a lot of children. It will ensure the event is stress-free!

Whatever you decide, it’s important to make a plan and explain it carefully to your child and then stick to it. If you say their numbers are limited, don’t be convinced to adding more to the guest list, and if the whole class is invited make sure that’s what happens – the whole class!

Sally is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

HALLOWEEN TREATS Get Cooking The very talented Beverley Glock shares with Families how to make spooky Slime Crunchy. The perfect snack to share on Halloween night!

mix together.You may need to use your hands as the mixture is quite stiff.

3. Grease a square cake tin, line it with parchment and press the mixture evenly over the bottom of the tin.

4. Ask an adult to bake the base on the middle shelf. (AGA: Roasting oven with shelf on oven floor and plain cold shelf on second set of runners). Bake for 20 minutes (AGA 15 mins).

5. Ask an adult to remove the tin from the oven and leave to cool.

6. Beat the icing sugar and butter or margarine together with a wooden spoon, adding a little milk if the mixture is too thick (add the milk one teaspoonful at a time as it is very easy to add too much), Add the peppermint essence and food colouring to get a really nice grass green colour.

7. Pour the icing over the crunchy base and smooth over. Chill.

8. Break the dark or milk chocolate into pieces and ask an adult to melt this over a pan of barely simmering water. Once melted to pour the chocolate over the icing and return to the fridge to set stiff.

Cut into squares and eat. www.beverleyglock.com ©Beverley Glock 2016

Ingredients: for 16 biscuits • • • • • • • • • • • •

75g butter or margarine 60g dark chocolate chips 75g caster Sugar 150g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 3 x Weetabix Icing: 75g butter or margarine 300g icing sugar 3 tsp peppermint essence Green food colouring 300g dark or milk chocolate A little milk

How to make Slime Crunchy...

PLEASE WASH YOUR HANDS 1. Ask an adult to preheat the oven to 180c/gas 4. Place the butter or margarine and chocolate chips in a saucepan and ask an adult to supervise while you melt them either over a pan of just simmering water or in the microwave on medium heat in 10 second bursts. Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl, add the sugar and flour along with the baking powder.

2. Place the weetabix into a plastic bag, tie the top closed and use a rolling pin to bash up the biscuits. Tip these into the bowl and

We are a super-friendly Ofsted registered day nursery providing high quality childcare for babies from three-months-old to children up to the age of five set within the bright, modern surroundings of Windsor Leisure Centre.

Open for 51 weeks a year!

To find out more about our excellent new childcare facility and meet our team: Call: 01753 855543 • Email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk Visit: www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

35

Book Reviews

HOMEWORK HELP

By Claire Muffett-Reece

Help your child enjoy their homework with these must-have books to make studying fun!

DK Find Out! Ancient Rome Dorling Kindersley £5.99 History homework just got cooler with this amazing book, taking kids back in time to discover what life was like in Ancient Rome.

Discover what Romans put in their shopping basket and decode Roman numerals before going in to battle with the Gladiators. With beautiful photography, illustrations and key curriculum information, it’s packed with quizzes and fun facts on every aspect of Roman life.

Help with Homework English Essentials Igloo Books £3.99 Ideal for ages nine and up, this book – for key stage 2 – perfectly links school and homework.

Including spelling, grammar, punctuation, reading comprehension and writing, it’s the ideal tool for those still a tad wobbly when it comes to perfecting the English written language.

Ladybird I’m Ready… For Maths! Adding and Subtracting Ladybird Books £3.99 Perfect for boys and girls starting school, this bright, motivational sticker book covers the adding and subtracting concepts that children will be learning during Key Stage 1. From number bonds to 10, as well as counting using a number line to help, your child can use the combination of stickers and colourful activities to boost their learning in a fun, engaging way.

Usborne Coding for Beginners using Scratch Usborne Books £12.99 A new UK curriculum topic that is introduced in key stage 1, coding – is made easy with this stepby-step book. Showing children how to use code to create games and animations – from racing cars to virtual pets – it covers sprites, binary, debugging and more. Not sure what any of those terms mean? Get learning, too – this book is just as helpful for parents!

Claire is a freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard,The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others

Try before you buy!

01628 660 893

www.justoutdoortoys.co.uk

BIGGEST Display in the Thames Valley (just 5 mins from M4 J7) Abbey Rose Nursery, Nashdom Lane, Burnham SL1 8NJ

36

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Bumps ‘n’ Babes

HOW TO TREAT FEVER IN YOUNG CHILDREN

If your child has a fever his temperature will be higher than normal and he may appear flushed and sweaty. Although upsetting, a fever is not usually serious. However, in a small number of cases a high temperature is a symptom of a serious infection so it’s important to know what to do.

N

ormal body temperature is between 36°C and 37°C, but this can vary from child to child. A fever is a temperature that is higher than normal for your child.

You can usually tell if your child has a fever by feeling his forehead or you can use a thermometer. There are different types of thermometer available, so ask your pharmacist for advice on what type is most suitable for your family’s needs.

What is a fever?

Fever is one of the body’s ways of fighting off infection. The increase in body temperature is thought to help to kill the germs that are trying to infect the body.

The height of the fever doesn’t necessarily reflect the severity of the illness. It’s the general condition of your child that gives the best indication of how ill he is.

Reason for fevers Young children can become feverish for lots of reasons and very often the exact cause remains unknown. In some cases the cause is obvious, for example, it’s quite common for a child to have a slight fever for a day or two after immunisations.

Sometimes the cause can be as simple as the body getting too warm through wearing too many clothes or sleeping under too much bedding.

However, fever can also be a sign of illness so you should look for other signs of your child being unwell.

Common illnesses that can cause fevers • Colds • Flu • Sore throat

• Ear infection • Respiratory illness • Gastroenteritis • Tonsillitis • Urinary tract infections • Childhood illnesses such as whooping cough and chickenpox The signs of serious illness Very occasionally a fever, accompanied by other symptoms, is a sign of a more serious illness, such as meningitis. Always seek urgent medical advice if you concerned about your child’s health.

Signs that indicate that you should see your doctor urgently include: • Breathlessness • Severe vomiting • Rash • Floppiness • Drowsiness • Stiff neck • Fit or convulsion How to manage a fever If your child has a fever but is otherwise well, the important thing is to keep him comfortable and so medicine may not be needed.

There are a number of ways you can help your child: • Get him to drink plenty of cold fluids such as water or well-diluted fruit juice so that he doesn’t become dehydrated.

• Let him rest, but don’t keep him in bed unless he wants to be there.

• Give him light snacks, but don’t force him to eat if he’s not hungry.

• Keep the room where he is cool – around 18°C.

• Remove excess clothing and bedding and put him in light-weight clothing and use a light blanket for sleep.

• Don’t give your child a cold bath as this can make him shiver and may raise the core body temperature.

• Check on your child regularly if he is resting to make sure his condition hasn’t become worse.

Medication, such as liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen, should only be given if your child seems distressed by the fever or the illness that is causing it.

Give one type of medicine at a time and always follow the instructions on the pack regarding the correct dosage and frequency. Keep him away from nursery or playgroup when he has a fever because he may be infectious.

If your child continues to remain feverish, or his temperature rises to 40°C you should contact your GP or the GP out-of-hours service urgently.

Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information.Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Want to work for Families?

We are looking for online area managers to help run our website. Part-time home-based work opportunity.

No set-up costs involved and training will be given. Experience in sales, journalism, blogging or social media would be helpful.

Email your CV to

editor@familiestveast.co.uk Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

37

She Means Business...

Marketing expert sets up local networking and business support group Amanda Ayres set up a local networking group, Maidenhead Business Girls in Maidenhead, which has turned in to a great business that offers support and training for local businesswomen. Amanda is pictured here with Naomi Riches MBE, who spoke at the MBG Summer garden party. Naomi is a gold medallist and Paralympic rower who is trying to break the world record rowing down the river Thames in under 125 hours this September.

(Read more about it on page 3).

Who you are and where do you live?

My name is Amanda and I live close to Pinkneys Green in Maidenhead. I run Maidenhead Business Girls, the local community for women in business. In theory that is not my day job; I’m also a Marketing Consultant and have over 25 years of experience.

Why did you set up the group?

Actually I didn’t intend to set up MBG, it just happened! I was looking to outsource something and literally at that moment decided to set up a group locally dedicated just for business. It kind of evolved and happened naturally because of a combination of my experience both professionally and personally. I initially had no vision, no plan - I just did it! I have a track record of setting up online communities and I think having been through many life experiences, has certainly helped.

What did you use to do?

I have always been in Marketing and started off as an assistant sales and marketing coordinator for a subsidiary of BP when I was just 16. I am hugely creative and would loved to have been an art teacher!

What inspired you to set up the business?

Initially, I didn’t think of it as a business. There was clearly a need for the group because it has grown dramatically in the last two and a half years. It has evolved so much from informal meet-ups to a proper, fully-fledged business with membership, meet-ups and workshops. It works because its ‘real’. There are no airs and graces and many of us are facing the same challenges, juggling a career and home life. The women in the group really do support each other. I don’t think of it as a networking group. It is so much more. I have learnt that if you build relationships and get to know people, business just happens and friendships are also formed. It’s so amazing to see such a diverse mix of women from all walks of life and at different phases of their business journey, all coming together to support each other.

What are your plans for the future?

That’s a very big question! I will continue to do more of the same because it works but I am always looking for ways to find more opportunities and to bring something fresh and new to the group.

Lastly, what would be your advice to other business women?

To be you. Stay true to yourself. Go with your gut and keep going when you feel like giving up. Setting up a business is easy. Keeping a busy going is really hard. MBG really does help through those tricky times when you feel like giving up. Read more about MBG at: thebusinessgirlsnetwork.com

38

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk

Pet inspires children’s book Maidenhead Mum and entrepreneur Kiera Cohen used the inspiration of her family’s pet dog Tilly to turn it into to her first Children’s book, just proving that if you are determined, you can make your dream a reality!

Who you are and where do you live?

My name is Kiera Cohen and I live in Maidenhead with my husband and two children.

How did your children’s book come about?

I have always enjoyed reading stories to my two children and when we got our Yorkshire Terrier puppy, Tilly, I started making up stories about her! We loved the idea that we would leave the house each day and Tilly would go on an adventure while we were out. Tilly McAnilly was therefore born. This particular story, Tilly McAnilly and the Rock Pool Adventure, was inspired by our time spent looking for creatures in the rock pools of Cornwall.

We were fascinated with the life within each rock pool and would consequently use google to learn more about each creature we found. Did you know that starfish can regrow legs or that limpets are actually part of the snail family?

What did you use to do before you had children?

Before kids I used to work in the telecoms industry, although I studied for an Art History degree. I also set up my own website selling homewares and jewellery.

What inspired you to set up the business?

I had originally written the story of Tilly McAnilly two years ago and having sent it to two different publishers, I disappointingly didn't hear back from them.

Then a friend inspired me to go it alone.

Step by step, I started the process of publishing the book myself. I started with finding the most amazing illustrator, Maheen Sana, who literally could read my mind. I would put together a kind of photo collage, send it to her and she would make it into a fantastic illustration. From here, I went on to set up my own publishing company, Xap Media, through which I was able to publish Tilly McAnilly and the Rock Pool Adventure. It was not only exciting to learn about the publishing industry and, of course, set up my own independent publishers but I also found an amazing team of people that were able to help me achieve my dream.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan for Tilly to go on many more adventures. I have another two books in the pipeline, which will involve Tilly meeting more friends and will introduce children to more characters while teaching them some interesting facts. In the immediate future I have a number of book

readings and I'm excited to read my story to different children. My website has all the details of my readings at libraries and schools: TillyMcAnilly.com Lastly, what would be your advice to other business women?

It sounds a little clichéd but don't give up on your dream! If I had just accepted that no one wanted to publish my book then Tilly McAnilly would not be in print today. I'm so proud of what I have achieved, self-publishing has taught me so many skills. If you believe in what you want to do, you will achieve it and don't let rejection put you off, just let it make you more determined to do well.

Classifieds Professional Tuition: Provided by a qualified and dedicated tutor.

Choose from: 11 plus Verbal/ Non-Verbal Reasoning, Common Entrance Exam, GCSE, Sciences and much more.

Tel: 01628 637008 or 07887 936484

Telephone: 01628 627 586

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FAMILIES Thames Valley East

39