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Issue 94 January/February 2018
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2 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
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In this issue...
3-5 News & Information 6 Clubs & Classes News
EDUCATION
7 The ‘New’ Buckinghamshire 11+ Tests 9 How Parents can Help Children with Exam Pressure 10 Education News
FAMILY HEALTH
11 Encouraging Your Daughter to Have a Positive Body Image 12 Health News 13 Boost your Mood with Food!
PARENTING
14 The Value of Pocket Money 15 How to Get Your Child Talking About Their Day
PLAN A PARTY
16 Good Party Etiquette: Is there such a thing? 17 Party games to try at home 18-21 Party News and Directory 22 TRAVEL - Travelling in pregnancy 23-26 WHAT’S ON 27 COMPETITIONS
28 PARENTING Winter Clubs & Classes 29 PRE-SCHOOL Ensuring Your Child is Happy at Nursery
30-31 SHE MEANS BUSINESS
www.familiesonline.co.uk E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editors: Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey circulation: 19,500 next issue: Mar/April 2018 due out: March 1, featuring: Under 5s special and Easter!
...endless ideas for families of young children in Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
........From the Editors........
Now we’ve said goodbye to another year and all the busyness of Christmas is behind us, here at Families we’re looking forward to what 2018 will bring. As always, our What’s on guide this issue has plenty of suggestions for things to keep you busy over the coming weeks. As it’s our health issue, we look at how to eat to boost your mood in the remaining winter months, as well as how to promote a positive body image. This issue also features our annual party guide with tips on party etiquette and games to try at home. Plus we take another look at the Bucks’ 11+ tests. Wishing all our readers a healthy and happy 2018! Love,
Let your child perform their way into the New Year with Stagecoach Performing Arts According to research provided by Stagecoach, children who engage in the arts are three times more likely to get a degree, 20 times more likely to vote in local and general elections and have increased cognitive abilities. Stagecoach Performing Arts offers quality training in Performing Arts for children aged 4-18. Early Stages classes (4-6) run for 90 minutes and develop performing skills through games, plays and lots of fun. Main School classes (7-18) run for 3 hours and focus on singing, dance and drama with industry professional teachers who are passionate about every child, whether they want to become the next West End star or learn a new skill whilst making lifelong friends. Visit www.stagecoach.co.uk to find a local class.
The Old Court (Artspace) Now Open Windsor’s new artspace for live music, creative events and community organisations. Following a short period of closure for refurbishment, The Firestation Arts Centre on St Leonard’s Road, Windsor re-opened in October under new management and with a new name – The Old Court. Martin Denny – Director of The Old Court said “We are very keen to build on the reputation as a vibrant arts centre at the heart of the community, for which the Firestation has become known. We will be introducing new ideas, and plan to attract the best up-andcoming bands, as well as continuing to provide an eclectic mix of music, drama, comedy and film.”
T: 01628 788058 copy/advertising deadline: February 1
A partnership with Windsor & Eton Brewery has been established and the venue open daily from 10am, is available for private hire and for use by local community arts organisations. For more information visit the website and social media channels. The Old Court, St Leonards Road, Windsor, SL4 3BL
Cover image: depositphotos.com
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Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4-18 year olds
Find out more today: ASCOT 01344 206466 stagecoach.co.uk/ascot BRACKNELL 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknell BRACKNELL NORTH (Warfield) 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth
HENLEY AND MARLOW 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead WINDSOR 0845 293 7207 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor
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Families Thames Valley East • 3
News & Info Relate opens new counselling room in Windsor Relate Mid Thames & Buckinghamshire has opened a new Windsor counselling room to meet the need for high quality, professional relationship counselling for local people, regardless of their ability to pay. RBWM Councillor Wisdom da Costa has donated £500 to help cover the rent of the room, which is at Apple Physiotherapy, in Osborne Road. Centre Director, Fiona Greenfield said: “In the last (financial) year we provided relationship counselling to 110 people living in Windsor and Eton. It is so important that we are able to welcome clients into a local, comfortable, relaxed environment. We are very grateful to Cllr Wisdom Da Costa for his generous donation. With no statutory funding for our vital service, we are totally dependent on donations from charitable organisations and from people who appreciate the value to the community of the work we do.” The discreet new venue for local couples, individuals and families will initially be open for 6 hours a week. Relate MTB’s team of highly
Spin a Tale during National Storytelling Week
qualified counsellors serve disadvantaged and vulnerable people, providing a high quality, reliable and confidential service for people who are feeling isolated and vulnerable. Although the charity requests a fee from clients who are in a position to pay, many are not and the balance of the cost of delivering skilled, expert counselling and support is met from Relate MTB’s Bursary Funding Scheme. For information visit www.relatemtb.co.uk or call in confidence on 01628 625320
To Advertise here call: 01628 788058 Thames Valley East
4 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
The first week of February marks National Storytelling Week, a chance to reflect on one of the oldest art forms in the world. We are all immersed in stories — from conversations retelling events in our lives, to watching our favourite television shows. Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling is vital for children’s academic success as it promotes narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs to be a good speaker and listener first. Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and adapting narratives can open doors to exciting new worlds — both real and imaginary. National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, schools, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes. The Society for Storytelling has lots of information as “the home of UK oral storytelling” and offers free packs for schools to download. To find a local event or to look through its extensive archive visit www.sfs.org.uk
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Salesforce Supermums is 1!
Make your New Year’s Resolution to support Windsor Food Share Windsor Food Share helps up to 45 families a week, providing 800 non-perishable food items. Demand is increasing but regular food donations are just not keeping up. The Project Manager, Sarah Howard, wants to encourage more people to give a regular item each week. She suggests making use of the Buy One Get One Free offers - keep one item for yourself and donate the other to Windsor FoodShare. You can drop off the item in the donation boxes at Tesco – Dedworth, Waitrose – Windsor Yards, or Windsor Churches. With the introduction of Universal Credits in Feburary there are concerns there will be a surge in demand, possibly by 30%, so regular supplies need to be boosted now. People are referred by appropriate professionals, such as CAB or schools, who issue vouchers usually for a four week period. If you know of someone who is going hungry tell them about Windsor Food Share. Just over half of all food parcels go to families with the majority of the rest reaching single people. To find out more visit www.windsorfoodshare.org.uk or contact Sarah on info@windsorfoodshare.org.uk
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Recent celebrations were held at Salesforce Towers, bringing together graduates with the charities who have benefitted from their support, as well as some inspirational speakers from Salesforce and The Sage Foundation. One Supermum, Gillian reported how the course helped her to find a new flexible career, tailored to her specialisms and experience. Follow news from the Programme on Facebook @Salesforcesupermums Salesforce Supermums are now looking for 10 more mums wanting to get back to work in flexible, well-paid and rewarding roles. In particular, they are looking for Mums in this area, who have backgrounds in Marketing/Sales, HR, Finance, IT etc. They have a number of local employers looking for part-time Salesforce staff. No experience of Salesforce is needed – just your business experience and commitment, and within 6 months you’ll be work ready. The next course is due to commence on Tuesday 27 February. Contact Debra@economicchange.co.uk to hear more about the Programme.
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News & Info
Stay and Play at The Abbey Bring your busy little bee to The Abbey Nursery to join in their fun ‘stay and play’ sessions. Held on the first Thursday of the month, the sessions offer you and your toddler a safe and stimulating environment to make friends and enjoy learning through play. Inspiring creative and imaginative play and encouraging your child’s natural curiosity is central to The Abbey’s learning ethos. Set in the University area of central Reading, children can explore the Nursery garden and play with a range of toys, dressing up clothes, science and role play equipment, as well as take part in activities such as art, cooking, music and movement as they find out about the theme for the month. Book now for the next Stay and Play sessions on Thursday 11 January and Thursday 1 February. Email stayandplay@theabbey.co.uk or visit www.theabbey.co.uk to find out more.
Families Thames Valley East • 5
Clubs and Classes News New Art School for Children in Marlow launches competition to win tuition for a term! Artspiration has opened a new art school in Marlow with classes starting on Thursdays from 4.30pm at Marlow Church of England School, Sandygate Road, Marlow, Bucks , SL7 3AZ Artspiration Art Schools were founded by Shalini Nayak Artist and Teacher. Starting in Berkshire 10 years ago, classes now run throughout the home counties with students going on to gain Art Scholarships and bursaries, but more importantly a love of art and confidence in their creative ability. To celebrate the new classes, Artspiration are running a competition for children ages 5 to 12 years with the chance of winning a terms worth of FREE tuition at one of the Marlow classes. To enter, all children have to do is create a piece of art, take a photograph, upload it, and send it to artspirationinfo@gmail.com along with their name, age and parents/guardians contact details. The theme for the artwork is WINTER and the closing date for the competition is Thursday 11 January Contact info@artspiration.co.uk or visit www.artspiration.co.uk for more information.
The Little Gym Launches in Windsor The Little Gym has opened in the heart of Windsor, transforming the old Chicago’s night club into a vibrant, colourful, nurturing and fun child development and gymnastics centre for families in Berkshire, Bucks and beyond. The Little Gym Windsor offers non-competitive gymnastics and child development classes for children aged from eight months to 12 years – all built on a world leading curriculum designed by child development experts and sports specialists. Classes at The Little Gym Windsor are designed to build children’s bodies, brains and social and emotional skills, encouraging children to love movement while nurturing critical life skills such as independence, confidence, self-esteem and adaptability. Matina Macintyre, co-owner, The Little Gym Windsor said “Gymnastics classes that are good for a child’s soul, not just their bodies – that’s our mission at The Little Gym Windsor. We want to help families give their children a foundation of physical, social and emotional skills that will last a lifetime. And we want children in our classes to feel loved and have fun while they master their first forward roll, cartwheel, somersault or flip. That’s when they learn best!” For more information visit www.windsor.thelittlegym.eu or call 01753 968 488.
Dance your way into 2108 with Jane Douglass Fitness and Dance
Our nurturing Parent and Child classes develop a strong foundation that lasts your little one a lifetime. Encourage their development while you both giggle and grin in the gym.
JDFD DANCE & FITNESS venues in Marlow & Maidenhead
Develop your child's creativity and confidence with a range of dance and fitness classes from ages 21⁄2 to 19 years. Visit the website for details Also Classes for Adults in Dance and Fitness
www.janedouglass.co.uk • info@janedouglass.co.uk
6 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
As JDFD settle into their 21st year in Marlow, 2018 looks set to be a busy year for pupils! Jane Douglass, who heads the team, is well known in Maidenhead and Windsor schools as the Dance Specialist for the School Sport Partnership. This year the annual Primary Dance Festival which Jane produces, will take place at the Magnet Leisure Centre on the 7 and 8 February. The festival includes 800 pupils from local schools as part of their PE Dance Provision. On 12 and 13 May, the dance club will perform their annual show at the Borlase theatre and in September they are set to open the Marlow carnival. JDFD’s recreational clubs take place in many schools across the Borough led by a team of experienced and enthusiastic teachers. Classes start from just 2 ½ with their Youth Moves Minis classes and there are even dance, fitness & yoga classes for the grown ups too! Email: info@janedouglass.co.uk www.janedouglass.co.uk
Boosting Children’s Self-esteem and Life Skills with Perform All children find some things difficult. Some hate speaking out in class, some struggle making friends, and others have so much energy they find it hard to concentrate. Perform is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to bring out every child's true potential. “Perform is NOT a stage school” stresses Perform Producer, Karen. “It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows. The real aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication. “Classes are small and have both a Producer and a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each parent to establish their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.” Producers report back to parents after each class on the focus of the week and answer questions about the progress of individual children. “Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents. I can pretty much guarantee that within 5 or 6 classes, they will run in without waving goodbye” reports Karen. To book a FREE TRIAL in Maidenhead, Marlow, Virginia Water and Windsor visit www.perform.org.uk/try
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Education
The ‘New’ Buckinghamshire 11+ Tests At the end of November 2017, The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) published some further information about changes to the Buckinghamshire 11+ tests which are to be provided by GL Assessment®. The new test papers will be used for the first time in September 2018. What are the key points to note about the new testing arrangements? • Children will sit two test papers in one day. There are 45-minutes of questions on each paper. • Test Paper 1 is a ‘verbal reasoning’ test comprising (i) ‘comprehension’ (ii) ‘technical English’ and (iii) ‘verbal reasoning’ questions. • Test Paper 2 is a ‘non-verbal reasoning’, ‘spatial reasoning’ and ‘maths’ test. • The tests are multiple choice with a question paper and separate multiple-choice answer sheet. • Each test paper has a weighting of 50%. Verbal reasoning (including comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning questions) carry half of the total marks, whereas Maths and NVR/spatial reasoning each attract one quarter of the total marks. • The tests will make use of audio administration and the test papers will contain separately timed sections – in that regard, similar to the old CEM® 11+ tests. Although further details about the tests are yet to be outlined by TBGS, Families spoke with a local tuition provider, Susan Daughtrey Education, on what they think the new test questions will look like: Verbal Reasoning (Test Paper 1) In our opinion, and based on tests provided by GL Assessment® (the new test provider) in other areas, the verbal reasoning test may comprise: • English comprehension • Cloze questions (GL Assessment® 11+ tests in Kent feature Cloze questions) • a proof reading exercise (passages of English text with spelling, punctuation and grammar errors where the child is required to identify each error)
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• The ‘21 types’ of verbal reasoning question which commonly feature on GL Assessment® verbal reasoning tests and which are all contained in Susan Daughtrey M.Ed’s Verbal Reasoning Technique and Practice books 1-4, Further Practice Exercises and Graded Test Papers 2 as well as tested in her series of four multiple-choice test paper packs. Non-Verbal Reasoning/Spatial Reasoning and Maths (Test Paper 2) In our opinion, Test Paper 2 may include: • Non-Verbal Reasoning questions testing any of the 9 types of NVR: Series, Matrices, Similarities, Odd One Out, Reflections, Rotations, Codes, Cubes/Nets and 3D. • Spatial Reasoning questions where the child is required to identify a simple object (such as a triangle) within a complex picture. • Maths questions testing a broad range of topics from the Key Stage 2 Maths syllabus (i.e the Maths the children complete in Years 4, 5 and 6 at school, although the questions are designed to be suitable for a child writing the test at the beginning of Year 6).
Is there any familiarisation material available? Official familiarisation material specifically for the new Bucks 11+ tests will not be released until the summer term. However, there is some generic familiarisation material available on the GL Assessment® website (which is referred to in the latest TBGS guidance), although this material has not been specifically prepared for September 2018 Bucks 11+ candidates. How should I prepare my child for the new tests? Until we see the Bucks-specific familiarisation material and have feedback from the September 2018 11+ candidates, it is advised to take a prudent ‘belt and braces’ approach to your child’s 11+.
Further information: preparation. Susan Daughtrey Education 11+ Year 5 students will continue to cover comprehension, cloze, vocabulary, the full Key Stage 2 Maths syllabus and all 9 types of NVR question. This year, to ensure students are fully prepared for the new 11+ exams, they are introducing to the course the ‘21 types’ of verbal reasoning questions and all the rules of spelling, punctuation, grammar. Time will also be spent studying ‘spatial reasoning’ questions. During the summer term, each child will practice new ‘GL-style’ practice tests in class which are being written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed especially for her September 2018 Bucks 11+ students. However, if your child is not attending the course, your child can sit up to five sets of new tests (10 tests in total) at their 11+ Mock Exam events, featured on their advert on page 8, and which are now available to reserve with an Early Booking Discount via the SDE 11+ website: www.sde11plus.com
Where can I find further information on the new tests? Official information can be found on TBGS website using the links below: www.thebucksgrammarschools.org /faqs www.thebucksgrammarschools.org /the-secondary-transfer-test Further information on the Secondary Transfer Testing process can be found at: www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/edu cation/schooladmissions/secondary-transfertesting-2019
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How Parents can Help Children with Exam Pressure By Claire Winter Children are facing an increasing amount of pressure when it comes to exams, whether its SATs, the 11+ or school entrance exams. Here’s how parents can help their children cope with the stress. Although SATs will eventually be phased out for younger children over the next five years, year 2 and year 6 pupils will still have to sit their SATs this May. Many children also have entrance exams for prep schools, private secondary schools and the 11+ to prepare for too. Expectations are Important Recent research shows that parents who place a high value on education and have high academic expectations can have a positive impact on children. However, there must be a high level of support. Children who don’t get this are more likely to struggle. They also need to learn how to build up resilience. We need to teach them how to cope with the highs and lows of life, and how to handle exams. Setbacks are not Failures Children are often well aware of what their parents think about failure. If they are taught that mistakes are opportunities to learn, they are more likely to develop a growth mindset. Using the word ‘yet’ is incredibly powerful and encourages the growth mindset. “I am not good at spelling yet.” When your child faces a setback remind them that the more they learn and try, the more their brains will grow. There are some great TED talks about the growth mindset, by Carol Dweck on YouTube.
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Find the Revision Techniques that Work for your Child Does your child remember best by what they see or hear, or do they learn by doing? Children may find learning easier if they know their learning style. There are lots of online quizzes, which children can do to find out whether they are visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learners. This may help them work out what revision style works best for them. Agree on a Plan Talk to your child about the schoolwork they need to do and devise a programme of revision and work that they can realistically achieve. Remember they will need additional support from you. Avoid Distractions Children can’t multi-task; revising with an iPad, mobile phone, television or XBox means they are not fully concentrating. The average person checks their phone over 80 times a day. If you set them up to study without outside distraction from the get-go, they will hopefully continue to revise this way when they go to secondary school. Take a Break Make sure your children still have hobbies, see their friends and have a life away from studying, exams and schoolwork. Educational specialist and children’s author Leysa Henderson, who taught Year 6 pupils for 15 years says, “We need to help children feel good about themselves when doing
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Education exams and not feel under pressure. I would recommend lots of creative and fun mental stimulation that isn't necessarily exam/content focussed. “It is important to give them space from content. Helping children to make links in life also encourages independent thinkers. Laughter is a fantastic stress reliever, so go out and play silly games with them. I always gave this advice to my pupils, and got extremely good results.” Sleep Matters Children ages 10 and 11 should be getting 9.5 hours of sleep a night, and this doesn’t really change when they become teenagers. Remove digital distractions from their rooms. Give them an alarm clock, so they don’t use their phone as an alarm. Set Them Up for the Future Sarah Brazenor, a tutor from Connective Learning (www.connective-learning.co.uk) says, “It’s really important as parents to help your child get through these first serious tests in the best possible way. Once they go to secondary school there will be more exams, and some schools are not very good at using motivational language, so learning coping strategies now can set them up for the future. “Find family mantras that work for you and your children. We have, “There’s no such thing as failure, just feedback.” We have to get things wrong to learn from them. It took the lighting pioneer Edison 1000 tries before he developed the light bulb. Without him continuing to learn by his “failures,” we’d all be sitting in the dark.”
Families Thames Valley East • 9
Education News The Abbey - at the forefront of girls’ education for 130 years Renowned as one of the top girls’ schools in the UK, The Abbey, Reading, offers an all-round education with opportunities for girls from Nursery to Sixth form. The school has a 130-year history at the forefront of women’s education and continues to empower girls to become outstanding women who contribute positively to the world.
Head, Rachel Dent, is a strong believer in the importance of inspiration, aspiration and balance in life. She says: “At The Abbey we invest passionately in identifying the skills that will prepare our students to lead happy and fulfilling lives in a rapidly changing world. Our educational philosophy brings together key attributes that we encourage students to recognise and develop. It drives deep connections which help pupils to think creatively about what they are learning on academic, social and pastoral levels. So studying a Shakespeare sonnet can combine reflection, inquiry, creativity and communication, while organising a charity event evokes caring, independence and open-mindedness. The development of all these attributes, including one of the most important – resilience – equips our girls to seize the opportunities that life puts before them with intelligence, enthusiasm and perspective.” To book your place at an Open Morning visit www.theabbey.co.uk. Junior School - Friday 2 February. Senior School – Friday 2 March.
Book a visit to Meadowbrook Montessori School Partnership with parents is key to Meadowbrook, a co-educational school for children aged 18 months to 11 years, and this is true from the very beginning. Rather than waiting for specific open days the school welcomes visitors at most times of the year. The Pre-Primary department is accredited by the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board (MEAB). The Montessori classroom is made up of a vertically aged group of rising 3 to 5 year olds and the curriculum places an emphasis on children becoming independent, responsible and self disciplined learners as they work at their own pace where freedom of choice within a stimulating prepared environment is key. If you would like more information about a Montessori education combined with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) where physical, personal and social development are key phone 01344 890869 email: admin@meadowbrook.uk www.meadowbrook.uk
Dair House raises £3647.75 for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service A big well done to Dair House School for taking part in a 54 mile cycle to Brighton last Autumn. Comprising of 14 cyclists, the group was a mixture of staff, parents and the headteacher, Mr TC Wintle. The group had a variety of cycling skills, a few eager beavers went on ahead but most of the group stayed as one, stopping for lunch 35 miles later. The first riders arrived after three and a half hours. All the cyclists made it to the top of Ditchling Beacon - a mile long climb to the top of the South Downs, despite a few scrapes and bruises. From there they cycled
downhill into Brighton and along the seafront and all picked up a medal. Congratulations all! Dair House is an independent preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. The school has an open morning on Tuesday 27 February, plus nursery drop in sessions on Wednesday 24th January, Tuesday 20th February and Tuesday 20th March. Contact Admissions on 01753 643964 or email admissions@dairhouse.co.uk www.dairhouseschool.co.uk
Explore Learning gets behind “more maths for everyone!” In November 2017, the government released their budget which stated they were committed to investing more money for maths teaching in schools. Whatever your political belief and aside from the debate, we can all get behind the chancellor’s sentiment of “more maths for everyone”. Helping the next generation to master maths concepts, be confident mathematicians and proud problem solvers is our responsibility as educators and parents. Charlotte Gater, Head of Education at Explore Learning added "This way we can help children to develop the skills needed, not only in so many jobs, but also to be financially healthy. Whilst listening to the budget speech, and the chancellor’s comments on how much the country spends on debt, it is clear that we need to teach children the importance of good financial management. Charlotte has put together some top tips to help you help your children have a good understanding of budgets: 1) Get them involved with shopping. Give them a budget to spend for the week and get them to meal plan. Encourage them to shop around different brands or supermarkets to see if they can get more for their money. 2) Teach them about interest rates. Does
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your child turn to the bank of Mum and Dad to borrow money? Give them some options. 1) They can either save up their pocket money or do jobs to earn the money. 2) You will give them the money upfront, but they then have to pay you back with interest. So, if they want £50 they have to give you £55 back over a set period of time. This way they will start to understand about the debt they could create by using loans. 3) Learn about pay. A great activity we do with our older members at Explore Learning is to get them to research how much they would get paid for their ideal job. They then have to see how far their monthly wages would go. Looking at tax, rent, bills etc gets them to see how much disposable income they would have! Let’s take the fear out of maths, relate it to real life situations and encourage children to get to grips with finances. More maths for everyone…yes please! Explore Learning is award-winning maths and English tuition for children aged four to 14, voted number one private tuition centre in the UK! We’re confident you’ll love it so why not call to book your FREE trial in Slough or Maidenhead today on 033 0124 3802 www.explorelearning.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Family Health “Don’t believe the narrow definition of beauty sold to you by the media. To confine beauty to purely physical properties means missing out on the great beauty that is all around us if we only seek it out.” Judi Craddock, Peppermint Style Remember That You Are Your Child’s Mirror Listening, empathising and validating your daughter’s feelings reflects back to her who she is. Doing this often will play a huge part in how she feels about herself.
Encouraging Your Daughter to Have a Positive Body Image By Lisa Parkes High self-esteem is your child’s passport to happiness in adult life. That’s why it’s important to show them how to love who they are and not what they look like. In a world where the media pressurises us to constantly look good, it is easy for our children, particularly our daughters, to feel “not good enough” purely based on their physical appearance.
Help Your Daughter Appreciate the Miracle of her Body Talk to her about the way her body magically serves her by allowing her to walk, breathe, feel, create and by the million other things she asks of it. Explain that, in return, she needs to treat it with care and respect by getting plenty of sleep, fuelling it with the right foods and treating it with tender loving care.
Extra Help Your Daughter Recognise and Appreciate True Beauty The celebrity world seems to lack positive role models for young girls who are growing up in an era where Miley Cyrus and twerking are hitting the headlines. As your daughter moves from Disney Princesses to becoming selfconscious about her appearance, buying her first bra, and having her first crush, how do you ensure that she appreciates her full beauty and is not unduly influenced by the shallow trappings of physical appearance? “She was beautiful, not like those girls in magazines. She was beautiful for the way she thought. She was beautiful for that sparkle in her eye when she spoke about something she loved. She was beautiful for her ability to make other people smile even when she was sad. No, she was not beautiful for something as temporary as her looks. She was beautiful, deep down to her soul.” F Scott Fitzgerald The media shows us women who are apparently ‘beautiful’ all the time. Experienced Body Confidence Coach, Judi Craddock, has recently redefined the search for beauty as follows. “You do not become beautiful by trying to be beautiful, but by finding the beauty that is already within you, and
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allowing that beauty to emerge.” I whole-heartedly agree with her view that our bodies are miracles and having a negative body image means we lack gratitude for everything that our bodies are capable of doing. After all, they are the physical shell that holds everything we are. So this is how to help your daughter like what she sees when she looks in the mirror: Celebrate Her Uniqueness Point out her loving qualities: her kindness, her smile, her thoughtfulness, her intelligence. You know what it is that you find beautiful about her soul. Tell her about this and tell her often. Explain that she is beautiful because she is unique – one of a kind. There is nobody else in the whole world like her and that is why she is perfect just as she is.
other people. Gently correct her if she is judgemental about her own physical appearance or that of others. Help Your Daughter Find a Positive Female Role Model Guide your daughter in the direction of female role models who are aligned with her values and qualities. I love Miranda Hart because I think she is a funny, intelligent and successful woman and that makes her beautiful to me, even though she is not a stereotypical beauty.
Lisa Parkes is a Children’s Coach based in Surrey. She is passionate about helping children become more resilient to life and runs regular workshops for those suffering from shyness, lack of confidence or low self-esteem. For more information and for Lisa’s FREE download which shows you how to pour more love into your family, visit www.lisaparkeslifecoaching.co.uk /love
Notice the Way You Talk about Your Own Body Use only positive language about your own body in front of your daughter and don’t put yourself down. Children don’t always listen but they are always watching. If you are unhappy with your own body, don’t express this in front of your daughter. In a plane crash, you have to put the oxygen mask on yourself so that you can help
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Families Thames Valley East • 11
Health News ‘Jump into Gymnastics’ Launches at Bisham Abbey this February Running in partnership with British Gymnastics, a brand-new gymnastics programme for 4-11-year olds is launching at Bisham. The popularity of the sport has soared since recent British Olympian success. From the course your child will benefit from structured learning from fully trained and DBS checked instructors, an awards scheme and improved balance and co-ordination. Gymnastics can also help with self-confidence, dedication and a whole host of other key life skills. Children can wear a t-shirt and shorts or leggings – something they’re comfortable in and bring a bottle of water. Book today through www.Bishamabbeynsc.co.uk to try one of their FREE taster sessions running on Thursday 15th February (3.45pm 4-7yrs and 5pm 8-11yrs) and Sunday 19th February (9am 4-7yrs). Courses start on Thursday 22nd February 2018 with two sessions 15.45 (4-7yrs) & 17.00 (8-11yrs) The first Sunday course will launch on 25th February 2018 9.00 (4-7yrs). Sessions are 1 hour. Courses cost £17.99 per month. To enrol contact Aaron Jewell 07738 894040 or email Aaron.Jewell@serco.com
Maidenhead Gymnas cs Club & Gymtots
Lack of Sleep Damaging for Children More than a third of primary school children are failing to get sufficient sleep, according to new research.
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
The study has linked poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism. The research, carried out by the University of Leeds has shown that despite the NHS recommendation of 10 hours, 36 per cent of primary age children get eight hours of sleep or less per night. Even more worryingly, 15 per cent get less than seven hours. The researchers found links between poor sleep and children having access to mobile phones or computer devices in their bedrooms. They said parents should consider removing technology from their children’s bedrooms and where parents are able to encourage children to not have technology in the bedroom at all, sleep outcomes are much better. Other factors contributing to poor sleep were poor parental sleep patterns and lack of routine. More information can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk
What happens in the body when we eat sugar? Carbohydrates are one of our most important energy sources and easier to turn into energy than other macronutrients (fats and protein). When we eat carbohydrates, enzymes in our mouth and intestines break them down into glucose. This happens quickly for simple carbs (e.g. refined sugars found in sweets and cakes) and takes longer for complex carbs (e.g. sweet potato and green vegetables). Glucose is then released into the blood stream and converted into energy with the help of insulin. Any excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver, ready to be released back into the bloodstream if needed (e.g. in between meals). The liver can only store a certain amount of glucose - excess accumulates as fat in the liver. Insulin helps to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood, but if it is overloaded it will stop working efficiently and that is when type 2 diabetes and obesity become a risk. So, opt for complex carbs, limit consumption of refined sugar and eat as much real food as possible! Helen Burgess is a qualified nutritionist and owner of Little Cooks Co, the UK's first healthy cooking kit for kids. She specialises in family and child nutrition and practices at Marlow Homeopathy 01628 476200. 12 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
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Family Health
Boost your Mood with Food! By Christine Bailey
Many people may feel sad or down during the winter months, when the days are shorter and temperatures drop. For some people, including children, this low mood can be ongoing.
T
he good news is that research reveals there’s a direct link between what we eat and how we feel, so changing our diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood. Fortunately, there are many foods and nutrients that can put a smile on your face and make you and your family feel great. Top up on Vitamin D Vitamin D is the reason we love the sunlight as this is the primary source for this essential nutrient. During the winter months it can be difficult to get sufficient amounts, so it's worth checking your levels (home spot skin prick tests are available online) and supplementing as needed. You can get vitamin D from oily fish, butter, eggs and mushrooms. Choose Healthy Fats Oily fish (e.g salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel) is one of the best foods for both your mood and brain health. It’s a great source of omega 3 fats which help optimize brain function and production of neurotransmitters, including feel good serotonin. Aim for 2 to 3 portions each week. Vegetarian sources of omega 3 fats include flaxseed, chia, pumpkin seeds and walnuts. Get Your Bs B vitamins are particularly important for brain health and mood. B12 makes you sleep better and feel more balanced. Good sources include shellfish, fish, beef, liver and eggs. Vegans should eat plenty of nutritional yeast and B12fortified products such as dairy free milks. Folate is another mood booster as it helps make our neurotransmitters affecting how we feel. Try spinach, kale, black beans, black-eyed peas and lentils. Yogurt and Kefir Probiotic rich foods like yoghurt and kefir are “a must” for a healthy brain. Packed with beneficial bacteria, researchers have found probiotics can help fight depression and anxiety. It is thought that bacteria may decrease familiesonline.co.uk
inflammation in the body and increase levels of tryptophan, the amino acid needed to make serotonin. Pump Up the Iron Iron is especially important for your child's brain development. Studies have shown that low iron affects cognitive function, energy levels and mood. Aim to include some lean red meat, dark chicken meat, duck, seafood, lentils and leafy greens. Balance Blood Sugar with Fibre Highs and lows in blood sugar through the day are a common reason for mood changes. Small children are particularly sensitive and typically require regular meals and snacks throughout the day. To keep blood sugar balanced always include: protein, healthy fats and slow releasing carbohydrates rich in fibre at each meal. Berries, vegetables, oats, beans, nuts and seeds are useful sources of fibre.
De-Stress with Magnesium When we feel stressed our bodies require sufficient magnesium which is often low in our diets. Magnesium helps you relax, helping to alleviate depression and anxiety. Find it in leafy greens, oats, salmon, beans, sunflower seeds and blackstrap molasses.
Include Tryptophan Rich Foods Tryptophan is an amino acid found in many foods which the body uses to make serotonin. Foods high in protein, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 which are also essential nutrients required to make serotonin contain large amounts of this amino acid. Good food sources include poultry, oats, banana, salmon, sesame seeds, dairy products and red meat. The best way to boost serotonin production is to include a little carbohydrate at the same time. So a banana with yoghurt would be a great mood boosting snack. Dark Chocolate Another reason to eat a little chocolate - just make sure it's the dark variety! There are over 300 naturally-occurring chemicals in chocolate, and some of them can affect the human brain via the release of particular neurotransmitters which affect how we think and feel. Phenylethylamine is sometimes called “the love drug”, because it arouses feelings similar to those that occur when in love. Tryptophan is also found in chocolate and causes the release of the feel good neurotransmitter serotonin. A recent study found that eating 40g of dark chocolate daily for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in highly stressed, anxious individuals. Researchers discovered that compounds in dark chocolate affected our beneficial gut bacteria which changed the metabolism of stress hormones reducing overall anxiety levels. Christine Bailey is a Nutritionist, Chef and author of a new book entitled 'The Brain Boost Diet Plan.’ www.amazon.co.uk/BrainBoost-Diet-Planoptimise/dp/1848993390
APRONS ON, SPOONS OUT, LET’S GET KIDS COOKING! The UK's first monthly cooking kit for kids! •
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Families Thames Valley East • 13
Parenting
The Value of Pocket Money Ever asked yourself when you should start giving your child pocket money, how much and under what circumstances? You are probably not alone.
A
ccording to the Money Advice Service, the annual Childwise Monitor report (Jan 2017) found boys aged between five and sixteen receive as much as £10.70 a week! There’s also some evidence that the gender pay gap starts much earlier than the workplace, with girls of the same age receiving 20% less at £8.50. Obviously amounts differ significantly according to age with the same report suggesting 5 to 10 year-olds are given an average of £7.30, while 11 to 16 year-olds pocket £22.90 – which is clearly skewed by the 15% of 13 to 16 year-olds who work part-time. Some children start receiving pocket money as young as the age of 3, with children who have older siblings tending to receive it earlier! Some parents develop a sliding scale for different ages of siblings; others give the same amount to all.
give pocket money for jobs such as looking after younger siblings, cleaning, washing dishes or vacuuming. However, many parents feel chores are something that should be done regardless. Perhaps it’s about offering a financial reward for those jobs that aren’t part of everyday family life, such as gardening or washing the car rather than washing up or setting the table for dinner.
The pocket money debate is a minefield. Pocket money can be seen as a great way to help start teaching the value of money, but should it be given regularly each week or should kids be expected to earn it through chores? The majority of parents seem to give pocket money as a reward, incentive or to reinforce good behaviour. “It’s an incentive for them to do things that they need encouragement to do” says one mum. Others
One mum of an 8 year old and 5 year old boy reports “My eldest has a good idea of how much is in his money box, but the younger one doesn’t have a clue.” However, another says that her 7 and 9 year old sons “have even been known to pool resources to buy something they both want and can share.”
Can pocket money really help children understand the value of money though? Most children just want “instant gratification” and spend their cash on sweets or cheap toys. Encouraging children to save up for something they really like teaches them about choices, value and consequences, although these can be hard concepts for younger children to grasp.
Pocket money can also help children to begin to understand the difference between saving at home in a piggy bank and earning interest by putting money into a savings account.
14 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
You certainly can’t underestimate your children’s understanding of the power of money, as one mum recently discovered with her 7 year old son. “He’s been getting £1 a week but has just negotiated an increase to £1.50!” she smiles. According to The Guardian reporting in 2016, UK parents could do better when it comes to educating their children about money. Only half (52%) say they discuss money matters regularly with their children. The average age at which they talk to them about saving is 9, yet children are often already receiving pocket money by then and they begin to form money habits by age 7. By Justina Gapper
familiesonline.co.uk
Parenting
How to Get Your Child Talking About Their Day By Sophia Heaton
We all want to hear about our child's day—what they did in the playground, who they sat with at lunch, whether they understood what was going on, and, most importantly, whether they had a "good" day.
S
o we frequently ask, "How was your day?" In response, we often get grunts and shrugged shoulders. As an alternative we try asking, "What did you do at school today?" This time you get the customary one-word answer: "Nothing." Rather than push harder for answers to your standard end-of-the-day questions, why not try some new conversation primers? Here are some tips for getting your child to open up when they come home. Ask Open-Ended Questions "How was school today?" is too vague and children need more specific questions to help them recall their day. Avoid questions that can be answered in one word, especially with a “yes” or “no.” Instead, try some open-ended questions like, “Tell me about what you played at break today?” or “I wonder what you had for lunch today?” Use their Art Work to Start Conversations A child’s art work can refer both to school activities or things of specific interest to your child. Take advantage of these masterpieces by asking open ended questions of your little artist and don’t forget to listen to the answers. Showing interest in their work can increase your child’s self-esteem, as well as provide vital emotional and mental links between school and home. Know their Timetable This way you can start talking about library day, sports or art class. “What kind of books did the librarian show you today?” or “Tell me about
the books that you chose?” Take the time to sit down and read the books with your child affirming their choice and encouraging them in their reading habits. Discuss what your child feels went right in the football match – or what went wrong! Model “Sharing” about your Day "I had a great day today. I talked to nanna about…" or "I met a new friend and we had coffee." It is important to share your interests, friends, challenges and joys with your kids so they see that communication modelled for them. Give Children Time to Unwind Whilst it may seem your child is brushing you off, they are likely to be tired and attempting to disengage from school business. Give them a snack for an energy boost and a run in the park before you get home. They’ve been hemmed in all day by walls and instructions and need to cut loose for a bit. They’ll be more inclined to give you a glimpse of their day once they’ve been fed and exercised!
Play Talking Games Playing the ‘sad and glad’ game will encourage your child to talk without feeling they are being bombarded by questions. At the dinner table everyone takes turns answering “I was glad today because…..” and “I was sad today because…..” You can extend it to “mad” too – what made you cross. This is a good way to open up discussions. Give your Child Special One-to-One Time This doesn’t mean special treats or hot chocolates but doing something together every day, just the two of you. It could be as simple as preparing a meal. These are times when easy conversations occur. Use 'reflective listening' This is a way of re-framing questions into statements that invite a response and depersonalise conversations. Instead of asking “Are you worried about your test?” you could say something like “Lots of kids your age get worried about tests.” This makes it easier for your child to reply. Be Ready and Available to Listen When your child wants to speak, stop and listen to them. Turn off the TV or put away the phone, look up and show that you are listening fully and you value what they have to say. Try Communicating without Words The best way to connect with your child may not necessarily be through talking. Talk is not how all kids express themselves: play is. Many children prefer to reconnect with a hug, by playing a game or even rough housing. Some are more physical than verbal, so you might ask them to give you thumbs up or thumbs down about their day instead of discussing it. Avoid Face-to-Face Interrogations You might do better in situations where you’re not face-to-face like in the car, as your child won’t feel put on the spot. Listen Before you Talk Let your child lead you into conversations on their own. Sometimes your child will drop hints without your asking, like “We planted seeds today!” or “Where’s the atlas? I need to find Antarctica.” These are perfect openings to talk together about their day.
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! Accepts 30 hours funding To find out more about our excellent childcare facility and meet our team: Call: 01753 855543 • Email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk Visit: www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk
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Families Thames Valley East • 15
Good Party Etiquette: Is there such a thing? By Andrew Campbell Whether you are throwing a party for your child or sending them off to their friend’s birthday celebration, finding your way around the do’s and don’ts of children’s birthday parties has become akin to navigating a war zone. Here we tackle a few of the thorny issues that seem to crop up every year:
Blossom Ballet For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy:
07813084283 lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com
Blossom Ballet
is about having lots of fun and making new friends. Classes throughout the week, including weekends, in Windsor, Bray and Maidenhead.
Who gets Invited? Your child has already been to three parties this year where the entire class was invited. However, the thought of 30 small people bouncing off the walls makes you break out in a sweat. Remember “entire class” parties are your choice – you don’t have to give them just to keep other parents happy. The reality is that children WILL be happy with a small gathering so long as it feels special to them. Give invites to just their best friends and family and you’ll find the whole experience a whole lot easier. Be Subtle about Invitations Who is and isn’t invited to a party is guaranteed to cause playground ructions, so be tactful. Unless you’re inviting the whole class, don’t start handing invitations out as the kids are lining up to go into school; you may end up
To Advertise in
being called in by the teacher who spent the first class consoling those not on the list. Be Sure to RSVP Planning a children’s party is stressful enough without having to chase people who haven’t replied. Replying promptly will earn you lots of gold stars with the party child’s parents, so just do it. Whatever you do, do NOT turn up on the day without RSVPing. Check Before you Take Siblings Don’t assume no one will mind if a younger or older sibling tags along. When the entertainer has a strict limit on numbers and the party parents have worked out exactly how many fairy cakes they need, added extras can cause a real headache. So make sure you check beforehand. Party Bags – really? All kids love to leave events with mementoes but if you really don’t fancy party bags, then why not have a piñata instead? Buy some cute but cheap paper bags, and then the children can stuff them with whatever they grabbed from the piñata themselves. Alternatively, reading or activity books can make a good ‘going home present’ and will probably last longer and ultimately give more enjoyment than cheap plastic items. Thank-you Notes? This is obviously a personal choice but it’s a nice thing to do with your child once the chaos of their birthday has faded. Taking some quiet time to remember what gifts your child received and who came to the party can be a really fun activity and assures your child doesn’t take the whole experience for granted. Give a Contact Number
call:
01628 788058
16 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
Before you hotfoot it out of the door, make sure the party host has your contact number. If your child starts throwing up over their playmates and you’re incommunicado then you can bet they won’t be invited next year. And if you're the host, make sure you get phone details from all parents or you may be stuck with overwrought Olivia for a LOT longer than you bargained for.
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Party Games to try at home
Plan a Party
By Rachel Bailey
f you're brave enough, having a DIY party at home can save you money on hall hiring costs & entertainment, not to mention the hassle of carting the cake & party food back and forth from the venue if you haven't opted for an all inclusive package. Over the years, we've tried a few different party options and this year I agreed to host a small select group of friends. With a small group it can be hard to know how many games will be needed as you'll get through them quicker and this is by no means an exclusive list, but here's our pick of the best party games ideas:
I
Malteser Game This can be quite tricky for smaller children. A bowl of maltesers is placed in the centre of the circle and a die is passed around. When a player rolls a six, they take a straw and attempt to suck the malteser out of the bowl and drop it into their own cup. Repeat until the next player rolls a six and the turn passes to them.
gloves, hat, scarf, knife and fork. A die is passed around the circle and the first person to roll a six attempts to put the items on and then cut the chocolate with the knife and fork (and eat it), whilst all the time the other players try to roll a six and take over their turn. Make it easier by introducing another number, or harder by starting off with the chocolate still wrapped!
Hot Potato Players form a circle and a ball is thrown from one player to the
Pass the Parcel I'm not 100% sure at what age you can play this without fixing it so everyone gets a turn to unwrap a layer! Etiquette these days seems to be that a small prize is hidden in each wrapping, but if you want to avoid too many sweets you could opt for other small prizes. A friend of mine who's well practiced at the DIY party, had whoopee cushions as prizes in between the paper one year! Everyone won one and then had great fun seeing who could make the loudest noise! Maybe have a few spares to hand in case some split though. Pin the Tail This proved to be a favourite at our party as everyone got quite competitive so it was played numerous times. It's a great game as you can adapt it to fit with your party theme (if you have one). Musical Games We opted for Musical Bumps (where everyone has to sit down on the floor when the music stops & the last person to do so is out) and Musical Statues (when the music stops the aim is not to be the last one to stand still). There’s also Musical Chairs where a chair is removed each round so that the person left without a seat is the one who is out.
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next. When the music stops, the player left holding the ball is out. Smelly Socks No idea what this game is really called, but it was named as above by the bunch of 6 year olds at our party. Players form a circle around a mountain of (clean!) single socks piled in the middle. Object is to put on as many socks as possible until the given time is up. Socks can be of varying sizes and worn on hands or feet. Allow enough for roughly 6 pairs per person. The Chocolate Game A large bar of chocolate is placed in the centre of a circle (ideally on a hard surface), along with a pair of
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Families Thames Valley East • 17
Party News Book a creative party with Busy Buttons! Does the sound of an all-inclusive creative birthday party make you want to pick up the phone and book now? Exclusively designed by Busy Buttons Creative Studio in the heart of Windsor, these parties are perfect for anyone looking for something a bit different. One happy Windsor mum reports: “Fantastic 6th Sewing Birthday Party at Busy Buttons Windsor!! All the children loved it and especially the Birthday girl :-) Thank you so much for creating such a lovely party... Beautiful decoration, yummy food, amazing workshops, a baby friendly space and a nice coffee corner for the parents!”
Busy Buttons offers a ‘no stress’ experience while boys and girls can create beautiful puppets, jewellery or sew and craft all sorts in their well equipped studio at Busy Buttons Design Centre CIC, 8-9 Windsor Yards, Windsor SL4 1TF. 5 – 25 year olds can further their creative learning by gaining an Arts Award certification in costumes, theatre arts, sewing, animation, art, illustration, filming, editing, puppet and prop making as part of their courses. For more information contact: busybuttonscreativestudio@gmail.com; 07952418212; www.busybuttons.org
Jump In Slough has refurb and launches two exciting themed party rooms Jump In Slough have been very busy refurbishing their trampoline park this winter and now it houses a new 6.4m drop slide, brand new bouncier trampolines and a newly designed café. As part of this they have also created two new and exciting party rooms that are now open for booking. The new Jungle Jam room will transport you to a world of animal adventure and the Glow Party room is a UV glow-in-the-dark spectacular, complete
with laser show. Jump In offers the very best in birthday celebrations, with bouncing fun, food, drink and everything you need including a host to make it run smoothly…. and they even clear up for you! Prices start from £150 for 10 jumpers. To find out more go to www.gojumpin.com/activities/birthday-parties
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes About: Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Dates: Wednesday 3rd January - Thursday 29th March Venues: Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Rd, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am; 7-12s Saturdays 11.15 Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead SL6 8AW Drama: 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Saturdays 5pm All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA Dance: 6-12s (Perform X) Wednesdays 4pm and 5pm. Dance: 4-7s Mondays 4pm, Thursdays 4pm & 5pm. Dance: 7-12s Mondays 5pm
18 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
Christ Church C of E Hall, Christchurch Rd, Virginia Water, GU25 4PX Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am. Drama: 7-12s Saturdays 11.15am Clewer Youth Centre, Clewer Parish Hall, Windsor, SL4 5EW Drama: 4-7s Mondays 5pm, Tuesdays 4pm, Fridays 4pm. Drama: 7-12s Tuesdays 5pm, Fridays 5pm Hilltop First School, Clewer Hill Rd, Windsor, SL4 4DW Dance: 6-12s (Perform X) Saturdays 11.15pm. Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try
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Party Directory
Ballet Parties Ballet themed birthday parties for 2 yrs up Ballet themed games and adventures Boys Peter Pan & Pirates parties available
Email: parties@twinkletotsdance.com
It’s Party Time... Our party directory has all the ingredients you need to cook up the perfect celebration for your child. You can choose from trampolining, arts and crafts, an animation party or hosting a musical theatre or pamper party and more! (when you ring please don’t forget to say you saw it in Families magazine). ARTSPIRATION SCHOOL OF DRAWING AND PAINTING offers Arty Birthday parties for children aged 5+. Parents & Children not only host a lovely party but also know that their party is making a real difference. All profits from the Arty Parties are sent to Artspiration's designated charity for that year. Parties range from Canvas Painting, Mosaic, Fabric Painting, Card Making and Recycled Art, to suit a wide range of interests, ages and budgets. For more information please visit www.artspiration.co.uk or email artspirationinfo@gmail.co.uk BASIL AND CREW Mobile Farm Bring a mini-mobile farmyard to your home or venue, complete with fencing and an assortment of animals, such as goats, sheep, ducks, chickens and Shetland ponies for your party. Involves pet handling, feeding and grooming. They also offer educational and fun school visits either with ‘full farm’ or ‘3 billy goat gruff’ day. Also great for nursing homes, special needs, fetes and fun days. 01628 821145 or 07721 422554; www.basilandcrew.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
www.twinkletotsdance.com
To Advertise here
call: 01628 788058
Throwing a party? Make it exclusive with a BUSY BUTTONS CREATIVE STUDIO, all-inclusive deluxe party specially designed for you and then select one of the fantastic themes of the season. The Design Studio offers a unique 'no worries' experience with creating puppets, painting, sewing, crafting, making jewellery and more at their conveniently located, well-equipped studio where many happy children leave beaming with their creations. All at Busy Buttons Design Centre CIC, 8-9 Windsor Yards, Windsor SL4 1TF. Bookings at busybuttonscreativestudio@gmail.com;
07952418212; www.busybuttons.org CANDLE BY PARTIES offer a wonderful opportunity to make hand-poured fragranced candles in individual melters, adding dyes and fragrance oils. As the candles are setting children decorate candle holders and packaging with paint, glitter and pretty gems. Children take home a party bag filled with all the lovely candles they have made. Parties also available for adults plus company parties and team building workshops. Tel: 07771 851435 or 01628 947224; www.candlebyparties.co.uk Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058
Families Thames Valley East • 19
Party Directory CHEEKY CHARLIES. One hour in the soft play area with one host and a visit from Cheeky Charlie, followed by use of a private room. Two options: Exclusive Hire for up to 30 children and Cheeky Time, or during public opening times for up to 20 children. Maximum age: 10. Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead. 01628 685338.
07812 440297 or ring Janet 07768 317625; www.flutterbyprobeauty.com
COURT GARDEN LEISURE COMPLEX. (Marlow) There’s NO mess, NO fuss and we do all the work whilst you, your child and their friends have all the fun. We have lots of different party options available to suit everyone! For further information call 01628 405 200.
The HANDS-ON ART STUDIO organises parties for groups of up to 20 guests, for all ages & occasions: children, families, Brownies/Cubs, Hens, corporate office or teambuilding & more. All-inclusive prices: materials & equipment, professional guidance & instruction, glazing & firing of pottery items and studio party decorations. Catering can also be arranged for a truly hassle-free experience. Printable invitations available on the website. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more - do call Janet for more details: 01753 206265; or please go to www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk and click on Parties.
COX GREEN LEISURE CENTRE. Bouncy Castle Parties for children aged 4-7 and Football Sports Parties for children age 6+ 01628 685311. FLUTTERBY PARTIES. Tailored to suit the wishes of boys and girls of all ages. 2 hours of fun with 3 party hosts. Traditional games, catwalks, dance shows, and prizes. They also do nail art, hair glitter and curls, colourful makeup, facepaint, temporary tattoos, hair colour sprays and much, much more. Dressing up box for under-5’s! Call Zowie on
GENEVIEVE’S GALLERY. Paint-a-plate parties for all ages. You can also bring your own drink and food. Call 01784 430516 or email: genevievesgallery@outlook.com; genevievesgallery.co.uk
JUMP IN TRAMPOLINE PARK. Want a jumpin, pumpin’, totally unique birthday party? Jump In offers the very best in birthday celebrations, with bouncing fun, food, drink, everything you need including a host to make it run
smoothly…. and we clear up for you! The park now has two incredible themed party rooms! the Jungle Jam room will transport you to a world of animal adventure and the Glow Party is their UV glow-in-the-dark spectacular complete with laser show. Parties start from £150 for 10 jumpers (including food & drink) and the birthday child goes free. To find out more go to www.gojumpin.com/activities/birthday-parties JUNGLE MANIA PARTIES are available from £10.50 per child. Burn off some energy exploring the brand new and improved centre at Jungle Mania Bourne End and then finish off with a party tea in one of the party rooms. With all food and drink provided and no clearing up to do, grown ups can relax too! Private hire is also available. For more information visit www.Junglemania.com or phone 01628 529128 LITTLE KICKERS. The pre-school soccer club runs one-hour football parties. The price includes football coaching, party games, medals and a trophy for the birthday boy/girl. For parties in Windsor, Slough & Ascot, call Sam on 07412 166686; www.littlekickers.co.uk LONGRIDGE. An outdoor activity centre based on the River Thames that provides actionpacked parties and Holiday Activity Days with water themes. Parties can include any of Longridge water or land activities, such as Raft Building, Climbing, Water Orbs, Laser Tag, Bell Boats and Kayaking. Call 033 0303 0101 or emai bookings@alfcharity.org. For a full list of Longridge activities visit the website www.alfvillages.org.uk THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE. The centre runs two hour parties (10-20 children) for 5-12 year olds. Party goers get to visit the exciting hands-on science and discovery exhibition with a member of staff and meet the mascot owl Eric. Party includes birthday party invitations and a present for the party child. The parties can be catered or self-catered. Cost per head: £7.60 (self-catering) and £12.25 (cold food). Go to www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/be for more information or phone 01344 354400.
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 Slough, Langley, Windsor and Stoke Poges call 07412 166 686 or email sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk
Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years. Local classes at a venue near you. Safe, friendly and fun!
Call for Birthday Party entertainment information
www.littlekickers.co.uk
20 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
MAD ACADEMY runs themed and/or traditional high energy, music and dance parties for children aged 1 to 6 years. The parties include songs, dances, games with props plus fantastic music, run by a party leader experienced in pre-school music classes. The grown-ups have fun too! For Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley & Charvil Call Emma on 07935 248749 or email emma.hester@madacademy.com. For Windsor, Ascot & Sunningdale Call Kate on 01753 830162 or email kate.lawrence@madacademy.com.
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Party Directory MAGNET LEISURE CENTRE run a variety of popular birthday parties to suit children of all ages and interests. Party food can also be arranged. Trained staff will ensure that your child and their friends will have a great time. Ask about the following activities: Football Fun, Multi-Sports, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Bouncy Castle, Roller Disco, Pirate Galleon Adventure, Go Karting, Water Walkerz on the water, Dart Tag Parties. Call 01628 685333 or visit www.leisurecentre.com ODDS FARM PARK. Wooburn Common, nr Beaconsfield, Parties include entry to the farm, hire of a fully decorated party room, food and party bags. After-school parties are also available. 01628 520188; www.oddsfarm.co.uk. PHOENIX GYMNASTICS. Under-5's PlayGym Parties. An hour's free play in the fully equipped gym with half an hour allowed for food for up to 30 children. Available on Sundays only and discounts available for members. Please call 01628 778881, email info@phoenixgym.co.uk or see the website www.phoenixgym.co.uk for more details.
festival stretch bands, colourful hair/wristbands and rings to choose from. If you’re after something different, their gorgeous miniature lab bottles with cork tops come filled with pixie dust or left empty for you to fill yourself. Packed in an organza bag, prices start at just £2.50 per bag with 3 items. Contact Claire on 07711 182858. thelittlecharmshop@hotmail.com or find The Little Charm Shop on Facebook Hire THE LITTLE GYM in Windsor exclusively for a birthday party away from the crowds. Children join fun teachers for a party full of imagination and adventure in the state of the art gym, while parents have the opportunity to catch up in the member’s lounge for a second fun celebration at no extra cost. Two parties in one! No noise, no fuss – just you, your little ones, your nibbles, and lots of fun for both grown ups and children. Contact The Little Gym Windsor at windsor@thelittlegym.eu or 01753 968 488.
PHOENIX TRAMPOLINE CLUB. Parties available on Saturday afternoons at East Berkshire College, Langley for 4-14 year olds. Limited to 8 children and room available for food afterwards. Please call 01628 778881 or email trampolining@phoenixgym.co.uk for more details. PLAYBALL PARTIES. Active, fun parties for 3-8 year olds centred around a variety of extremely fun sports based games and skills. Catering to your exact needs based on age and theme, sit back and relax as we guide your energetic party goers through a variety of imaginative fun games using our specialised equipment. Contact us: windsor@playballkids.com, 07488 581123 REDROOFS PARTIES. Their successful Luxury Musical Theatre & Ballerina Birthday Parties are run by a professional, experienced team, who provide a happy and motivating Musical Theatre Experience with a performance for parents. Themes include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MATILDA, CINDERELLA, ANNIE, BALLERINAS and more. There is a Magical Dressing Up Box for children for their performance. Beautiful themed room decoration and party bags available. Redroofs can provide an Elsa, Annie, Matilda, Cinderella, Beauty, Ballerina and Mary Poppins to perform with your Little Star Performer. Exclusive use of 2 state of the art, mirrored studios at Redroofs. For children ages 4-11 years. Redroofs also run the very best LITTLE STAR PERFORMER TODDLER BIRTHDAY PARTIES for children ages 2-4 years. To find out more email emayling@redroofsschool.co.uk or call 01628 674092. Easy online booking www.redroofs.co.uk/parties SQUISHBOSH, isn’t just a fun name it is a word made up of qualities that the party entertainers look for in the children at the party (aged 5-12), which then forms the basis of the awards at the end of every party. Squishbosh is a fun sports event but with a twist, it’s a mix between, Total Wipeout, It’s a Knockout and more original sports games. All games must be played outside. Call Pete on 07721 422554 or 01628 821145; www.basilandcrew.co.uk If you’re looking for party bags for girls, THE LITTLE CHARM SHOP have over 75 beautiful Tibetan silver charms (including unicorns and dolphins!) that they can attach onto a variety of colourful, pretty accessories. Their 16” silver or black cord necklaces are very popular too and there are also
01628 821145
TWINKLE TOTS. Fun birthday ballet parties for 2 yr olds up. Get the opportunity to dance with professional ballerinas. Ballet themed games and adventures. Themed parties tailored to your child's desires. Ballet themed party bags and even pointe shoe pinata's! Boys Peter Pan and Pirates parties also available. email parties@twinkletotsdance.com. Go online to look at testimonials and photos from previous customers; www.twinkletotsdance.com WINDSOR LEISURE CENTRE. Bouncy Castle parties 3-7 years. Various Sports Parties 6-12 years. Buffet food can be provided. Self-catering room hire £30. Wave Parties over-8s, swim/ hot meal max 25 children, £9.50 per head. Pool available for exclusive hire weekend evening between 6.308.15pm for 8 years+. 01753 778577 All details were correct when we went to print December 2017.
07721 422554
Bringing all the fun of the farm to your school, Home, Private Party, Family Funday or Fete, also providing beneficial therapeutic/sensory sessions for visits to Nursing Homes or Special Needs Activities.
Call Pete to discuss your requirements, and obtain prices e: farm@basilandcrew.co.uk • www.basilandcrew.co.uk
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Families Thames Valley East • 21
Parenting
Travelling in pregnancy If you’re looking to plan a final, relaxing getaway before your baby arrives and your priorities become leaving the house and getting more than 2 hours sleep rather than booking a holiday, Families has teamed up with Emma’s Diary to give you some tips on what’s safe and what is best to avoid. 1. Avoid destinations where malaria is endemic These include India, Africa and parts of South America. If you do have to travel to a country where malaria is common, talk to your GP first. Try to avoid countries where you will need vaccinations – although some are safe in pregnancy after 12 weeks, live vaccines are not. 2. Stay safe on the plane Pregnant women who fly are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and
pulmonary embolism (PE) which can be life threatening. Keep well hydrated, wear support stockings and get up and walk around at least once every hour to improve your circulation. Practise clenching your calf muscles by flexing your feet up and down 10 times every hour to boost circulation. Try to do this on any long car, bus or train journey too, as they also increase your risk of DVT. If you develop pain or swelling in your leg or have chest pains or shortness of breath after flying or a long journey seek urgent medical advice.
3. Take a photocopy of your medical notes with you Just in case you go into labour prematurely, pack your notes – they contain valuable information that will be needed by your healthcare professionals. It’s also important to know your blood group in case of an emergency. 4. Take care in the sun You’re more prone to dehydration when you’re pregnant because of an increase in blood volume, so make sure you drink lots of water and keep your feet up to stop your ankles swelling. Don’t forget to wear a sunscreen of factor 15 or above, a long sleeved t-shirt and a wide brimmed hat, and keep out of the sun at the hottest times of the day between 12pm and 3pm. 5. Check that your airline will let you fly Air travel can usually be undertaken until the 36th week of pregnancy, but after 28 weeks most airlines need a letter from your GP saying you are fit to fly. If you’ve had any health problems check with your GP that it’s all right for you to fly.
22 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
Make sure that your travel insurance is valid for pregnancy and that it covers a newborn in case the baby arrives early. 6. Avoid mosquito repellents containing DEET Look for a natural alternative such as citronella oil, wear protective clothing and use mosquito nets to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Don’t forget, once you’ve had your baby and you’ve both had a chance to settle into your new routine, travelling can still be a possibility. Children under two years old often fly for free on domestic flights and usually for around 10% of an adult fare on international flights. Always double check costs with the airline, but if you’re not fazed by carting around all the extra luggage that comes with a baby, it can sometimes be easier than travelling with a toddler! 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
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Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.
What’s On
Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.
Enjoy free entry to the Savill Garden this January and February
JANUARY
Tuesday January 2 to Saturday 6 JACK & JILL’S MAGIC BEANSTALK The Novello Theatre, 2 High St, Sunninghill, Ascot SL5 9NE 01344 620881 Pantomime written for the under 8s with no scary bits!. Bring your teddy to your first pantomime. 11am £8.50 www.ticketsource.co.uk/ meandmyteddychristmas Until Sunday January 7 FIRE AND LIGHTS SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW, 01344 354400 A show full of fantastic demonstrations to fire your imagination. Watch out for the tornado of fire! 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.15pm. Shows cost £1.95 per person, on top of your entry fee Until January 14 WINDSOR ON ICE Alexandra Gardens, Barry Avenue, SL4 3HY Go skating in style near the river in the covered main rink with an extra smaller open air ice rink. Ice Bar and Grill available plus a viewing area, cafe, dodgems and Father Christmas. www.windsoronice.com Until January 21 THE BFG IN PICTURES River and Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, Henley on Thames, RG9 1BF Everyone’s favourite giant comes to Henley in this magical exhibition of Quentin Blake’s illustrations. www.rrm.co.uk Until February 28 FREE ENTRY TO THE SAVILL GARDEN Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0UJ. Enjoy free entry to The Savill Garden throughout the month of January. Discover the winter beauty and beautiful scents of the landscaped garden. The winter beds provide intense pockets of perfume and colour during the crisper months. 10am to 4.30pm, parking charges apply. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk Saturdays in January CONSERVING THE CASTLE Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ Come to the Moat Room for art and craft activities inspired by the work that goes into maintaining the Castle as a royal home. On January 27, 'Meet the Experts: Conservation Day', where mini conservators can piece together a 3D vase. Free with standard entry ticket every 11am to 3pm. www.royalcollection.org.uk Saturdays in January STORYTIME AT MARLOW BOOKSHOP 22-26 Spittal St, Marlow SL7 1DB Enjoy a story at the town’s independent book store. 10-10.30am, ideal for babies and pre-schoolers. www.marlowbookshop.co.uk Saturdays in January ROLLER DISCO at Magnet Leisure Centre Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW Get your wheels on
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Paddington 2 pops into Norden Farm, January 5-7, 11-13 and 15
and whizz to the disco. There’s Scooter and Skate school from 3-4pm. Under sevens and beginners skate 4.15pm to 5.30pm, family skate 5.45pm to 7.30pm. Also February Saturdays. www.leisurecentre.com/magnet-leisurecentre Sundays in January VISIT ETON NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Eton College, South Meadow Lane, Eton SL4 6DW Housing the Thackeray Collection of British Birds and other collections with more than 15,000 specimens, donated from the nineteenth century onwards 2.30 to 5pm. http://etonnhm.com Thursdays in January AUTISM-FRIENDLY AFTER SCHOOL CLUB Riverside Primary School, Cookham Road, SL6 7JA. A safe and stimulating environment for children aged eight to 12 with different activities each week, 3.15-6pm. Club leaders are DBS checked and experienced. Termly booking required, £5 a session. www.standoutforautism.com Friday January 5 to Sunday 7 PADDINGTON 2 Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 The bear from Peru spreads joy and marmalade once more. Additional showings on 11, 12, 13 and 15 January. Check website for times www.norden.farm Saturday January 6 CHESS AND CRAFT CLUBS Burnham Library, Windsor Lane, Burnham , SL1 7HR Chess Club 2pm to 4pm, Kids Craft Club 2pm to 3.30pm. Sunday January 7 HIGHVIEW TOY LIBRARY Highview, 6 North Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1PL Enjoy play sessions at the library and borrow toys – for accompanied children. Wednesdays, 10am-12noon, first Sunday of month, 3pm-5pm. Every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from January 8 TODDLER TIME at Odds Farm Park Wooburn Common Road, HP10 0LX, 01628 520 188 Messy play, arts & crafts, music & singing and more. Sessions take place twice daily between 10.15-11am and 11.15am-noon in term time. Book in advance. Small extra charge per child applies. Places for each session must be booked in advance. Term-time. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Monday January 8 to February 28 NATIONAL TREASURES EXHIBITION Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605069 Indoor photography exhibition based on objects found in National Trust properties, from fine art photographer Ray Higginbottom. Usual admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
Tuesday January 9 STORYTELLING FOR UNDER FIVES Lightbox, The Lightbox Gallery and Museum, Chobham Road, Woking, GU214AA. Join us for some stories, rhymes and hands-on creative fun either in the Studio or around the gallery. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at Reception from 10.30am. Also January 20, February 6 and 20 February. 11-11.40am. Free entry, suggested donation £3. www.thelightbox.org.uk Thursday, January 11 to Saturday, January 13 DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road Twyford, RG10 9JA Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group present a lively show full of music, dancing, songs and corny jokes. Young Dick and his cat arrive in London to seek their fortune and try to help get rid of the dreaded King Rat and his entourage. www.twyrusdrama.org.uk
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Winter birds walk, from Dorney, January 13 Saturday January 13 WINTER BIRDS WALK Dorney Wetlands Car Park, Lake End Road, Dorney, SL4 6Q Head along the Jubilee River with Brian Crathorne, a local bird expert. You are welcome to bring binoculars and cameras if you have them. Walk easy but might be wet underfoot. 9.30-11.30am, suggested donation £3. www.bbowt.org.uk/events Thursday January 18 and Friday 19 SPACE-THEMED TODDLER DAYS The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7QW 01344 354400 Fun crafts, storytelling sessions and face painting for budding astronauts from 10am-4pm. £7 per adult with a child up to 5 years old. £1.60 per additional preschool child Until Saturday January 20 YUCKY YOU SHOW at The Look Out Discovery Centre as above. Find out why our bodies are yucky! How much hair do we lose in a
Families Thames Valley East • 23
What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman
Russian State Ballet visits the Wycombe Swan Theatre, January 18-21 day? Why does tartar form on your teeth? What causes you to burp? What happens to food when you eat it? Suitable for children age five and over, shows are at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3.15pm. Shows run at weekends and Bracknell school holidays, subject to minimum numbers. £1.95 per person in addition to the main entrance price to the hands-on science and nature exhibition. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/leisure-services/look-out Sunday January 14 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. Times vary, check website. £3 per person. Lunch menu from £5 www.norden.farm Wednesday January 17 MENTAL HEALTH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS Maidenhead Town Hall, St Ives Road SL6 1RF Session to look
Look up The BFG at the River and Rowing Museum until January 21
at the emotional health and wellbeing of children plus the root causes for mental health issues, spotting signs early and early service provision.4-7pm FREE. Email brighterberkshire@gmail.com with any questions. Thursday January 18 to Sunday 21 CINDERELLA/ SWAN LAKE/ ROMEO AND JULIET Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 Russian State Ballet brings three beautiful classical ballets to life. Check website for programme, times and prices. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Friday January 19 NATURE TOTS Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead. Great opportunity each month for pre-schoolers to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session will include activities such as bughunting, mud digging and mask-making. Games, story-time and refreshments also
Come and be part of the adventure! Weekdays at Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead and at the Beacon Centre, Saturdays at BCA, Maidenhead. Classes across all the major dance disciplines, including ballet, modern, tap and acro dance, with fully teachers from one of the area’s bestloved and longest-established dance schools.
to book your free trial, email Candy.
24 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
Visit the History on Wheels open day on January 28
included! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children aged 18 months to four years. 9.30-11.30am or 1-2.30pm. £5 per child. www.bbowt.org.uk Booking essential Friday January 19 MANAGING SCREEN TIME 10 Clarence Drive, Englefield Green TW20 0NL In this workshop for parents, Mette Theilmann discusses managing screen time in a practical and positive way for your family, creating a balance between screen time and other commitments. 10.30am to 12.30pm. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managingscreen-time-in-egham-tickets38940572300?aff=es2 Friday January 19 and Saturday 20 TINY TALK TIME: THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, HP13 6PX. Come along for stories, crafts and museum fun in this special time for two to four year olds. Sessions last 45 minutes and take place at 10.15am, 11.15am and 1.15pm.Saturday at 10.15am and 11.15am. Tickets £3. wycombemuseum.org.uk.gridhosted.co.uk Saturday January 20 to Saturday 27 PETER PAN by the Forum Players Bourne End Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Wooburn Green, Bourne End, SL8 5SX Forum Players present a fun-filled family pantomime. Tickets available from Bourne End Library or call 01628 523291. Adults £10, concessions £8, family ticket £32. www.forumplayers.com Wednesday, January 24 to Saturday, January 27 PANTO IN THE STONE AGE St Leonard’s Hall, Richings Park, Iver, Bucks, SL0 9DD It’s the year 10,000BC and the Mayoress of Sandstone Hills is celebrating her birthday. Granny Granite is baking the perfect birthday cake but the Chief of Police and his two constables have an evil scheme to ruin the day. When the Mayoress falls dangerously ill, Granny Granite, her son Flint and their pet dinosaur must find an antidote and save the day. The Richings Players present this hilarious pantomime. www.ticketsource.co.uk/richingsplayers Thursday January 25 YOUNG RANGERS Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, Windsor Great Park, Forest Gate (off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot) SL4 2BY Wildlife club for children aged eight to 12 years. Explore and discover who and what lives in the park and forest. Become a nature detective to find out about birds, bats, deer, minibeasts and more! Action packed activities such as pond dipping, bug hunts, animal tracking, shelter building and bushcraft. Refreshments provided. Booking essential. £5. Also February 8 and 22. 6pm to 7.30pm.
Sunday January 28 OPEN DAY – HISTORY ON WHEELS MUSEUM Longclose House, Common Road, Eton Wick, SL4 6QY, 01753 862637 Privately-funded, nonprofit making, family museum of vintage vehicles, plus NAAFI Cafe. Museum focus is on first and second World Wars. The cafe has table seating and breakfast bar which offering panoramic window views of Windsor Castle. Adults £7, children aged five to 16 £5, other concessions available www.historyonwheels.co.uk Friday January 26 PLAY DOUGH AND DUPLO Burnham Library, Windsor Lane, Burnham , SL1 7HR Fun with play dough modelling 9.30-11.30am. Build and fun with your toddler at Duplo Club, 11am to 12noon. FREE just turn up on the day www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/libraries Monday January 29 NATURE TOTS Windsor Great Park, Forest Gate (off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot) SL4 2BY Great opportunity each month for pre-schoolers to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session will include seasonal nature discovery, games, crafts and lots of fun! Story-time and drinks also included. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years (younger siblings welcome). 10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm. £5 per child. Also February 2. www.bbowt.org.uk
FEBRUARY
Early February to March SNOWDROP WALK Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL1 8NS Follow a walk around the estate to see the first signs of snowdrops. (Dates dependent on weather, check website and social media). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturdays in February BRING ON THE BATTLE Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ Discover Windsor Castle under siege by taking part in our art workshop and trying on costumes and armour on display. www.royalcollection.org.uk Thursday February 1 to Sunday 4 AWFUL AUNTIE Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 A giant owl, a tiny ghost, a brilliant heroine and a truly awful auntie. Take a wayward relation and check out this rollicking show, created from David Walliams novel by the award-winning producers of Gangsta Granny. Check website for programme and prices. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Thursday February 1 TEEN RANGERS Windsor Great Park, Forest Gate (off the
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What’s On
Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events. Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.
Bring on the Battle at Windsor Castle in February A332 between Windsor and Ascot) SL4 2BY Wildlife club for young people aged 12 to 16 years. Spend time outdoors in the park and forest to discover who and what lives there. Budding naturalists can test their animal tracking, shelter building and bushcraft skills to learn more about the flora and fauna of this very special place. Refreshments provided. 6-8pm. £5. www.bbowt.org.uk Friday February 2 and Saturday 3 TINY TALK TIME: THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 6PX. Stories, crafts and museum fun in this special time for two to four year olds. Sessions last 45 minutes and take place at 10.15am, 11.15am and 1.15pm.Saturday at 10.15am and 11.15am. Tickets £3. www.wycombemuseum.org.uk Thursday February 8 to Saturday 11 MONSTERSAURUS Theatre Royal Windsor 32 Thames St SL4 1PS 01753 853888 Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters, but he has a problem - now he has made them all, what is he going to do with them? This energetic show full of thrills, spills, magic and mayhem will delight the whole family – with original music and plenty of audience participation! A new show from the monstrously talented creators of Aliens Love Underpants www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Friday February 9 PAINTING FOR UNDER FIVES The Lightbox Gallery and Museum, Chobham Road, Woking, GU214AA Dress for mess and the gallery for some painting fun. All materials included. Advance booking required.11am to 11.45am. £4 per child. Accompanying adult goes free. www.thelightbox.org.uk Friday February 9 and Saturday 10 THE JUNGLE BOOK Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley on Thames, 01491 575698 Immersion Theatre’s wildest show yet, a brand new musical adaptation of family favourite by Rudyard Kipling. Filled with catchy music, audience interaction and the chance to meet the characters after the show. Funny, exciting and wildly entertaining, Tickets from £9 (child). www.kentontheatre.co.uk Sunday February 11 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 Sunday lunch. Times vary, check website. £3 per person. Lunch menu from £5 www.norden.farm
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Ferdinand the Bull is at Norden Farm, February 12-15
Monday February 12 to Thursday 15 FERDINAND Norden Farm as above. The charming animated film tells the story of a big bull with a giant heart. Mistaken for a dangerous beast, Ferdinand is captured and taken away from his family. But he is determined to return. Monday and Wednesday at 11.30am, Thursday 2pm. £7 adults, £5 under 16s www.norden.farm Monday February 12 to Friday February 16 ORIENTEERING Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL1 8NS Grab a map and navigate round the very first orienteering adventure in Cliveden’s woods. Child £2. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Monday February 12 to Friday 16 HIBERNATING HEDGEHOGS Hughenden NT, Valley Road, High Wycombe HP14 4LA 0344 249 1895 (booking required) Make a woodland creature in its own hibernation house. Come along and get crafting in Hughenden’s study-base. 10.30am-4pm, child £3. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Monday February 12 to Saturday 17 MEET THE HISTORIANS Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ Try on some armour from the castle’s amazing collection and meet the historical interpreters, who will be talking about medieval armour and weaponry. Free with standard entry ticket every 11am to 3pm. www.royalcollection.org.uk Monday February 12 to Friday 16 ZOOM INTO HALF TERM Activities including car rides Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0QN, 01932 857381. Children will discover the treasures in the collection and build self-confidence in a new and exciting environment. t www.brooklandsmuseum.com Monday February 12 to Friday 16 ARTS AND CRAFTS FOR HALF TERM Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Hour long craft activities to keep the little ones entertained this Half Term. Crafts vary so you can create something new every day! Suitable for ages five years and above. 10.30am, £5. www.norden.farm Tuesday February 13 to Friday 16 SPITFIRE SIMULATOR Maidenhead Heritage Centre, 18 Park Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1SL 01628 780555 Take flight and listen to the roar of the iconic Merlin engine. Travel back in time and become one of those famous Spitfire pilots of World War II, flying round the Isle of Wight, over Windsor Castle or over 21st century London. With the replica flight controls and wide screen. 8+ Plus interesting permanent exhibitions to browse. www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk Tuesday February 13 SING-ALONG-A BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE
Monstersaurus is at Theatre Royal Windsor, February 8-11
01494 512000 Sing along with Emma Watson, Ewan McGregor and Emma Thompson. The host warms up the audience, shows you how to use the famous Singalonga props bag, when to boo Gaston and of course judges the fancy dress competition! 2pm and 7pm. Tickets £16, children £12.50, family ticket offers available. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Tuesday February 13 and Wednesday 14 THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF AND OTHER FURRY TALES Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 A joyful, imaginative take on the fairytale favourite, it’s troll good. Do you really know what happened to the wolf and those three little pigs? What about Goldilocks – why was she walking in the woods? And as for the three Billy Goats Gruff, how did they really deal with that troll? All will be revealed in this beautiful show using puppets and props. 11.30am and 2pm. £8-10, group discounts. www.norden.farm Thursday February 15 MUSIC TO DANCE TO WITH MANOUCHE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts as above. The Family Concertini series continues so grab your tiny dancers and join in for fiery gypsy dances, curious klezmer and retro swing. With tunes you'll know, otherstyou won't, and some original material too. This versatile trio will take you everywhere from Buenos Aires to 1920s London and Paris. 11.30am and 2pm. £8-10, group discounts. www.norden.farm Thursday February 15 MORGAN AND WEST: MORE MAGIC FOR KIDS
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Morgan and West More Magic for Kids! South Street Arts Centre, South Street, Reading, RG1 4QU Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West are back on the road with a marvellous magic show full of crazy capers for the young, old, and everyone in-between. Captivating entertainment. Suitable for age five and over. 11.30am and 2pm, 60 minutes (no interval). Tickets £12, £9.50 concessions. www.readingarts.com/south-street Thursday February 15 and Friday 16 FAMILY BIRDWATCH Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, Windsor Great Park, Forest Gate (off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot) SL4 2BY As the season changes from winter to spring, wrap up warm and join us to find out what the birds who live in the park are doing. Borrow binoculars to see who you can spot in the trees and make a bird feeder to take home. Family event, ideal for children aged four to 11 years. Wellies and warm clothing recommended and there are picnic tables outside to use if you bring a picnic lunch. 10am to 2pm, £4 per child. www.bbowt.org.uk Friday February 16 and Saturday 17 LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD’S MUSICAL ADVENTURE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 A forest full of family fun and live music, this is a joyous new version of the classic fairy tale from the creative team behind the popular Hairy Maclary Show. 2+ 11.30am and 2pm. £10 (£8 concession), family & friends (four people) £32 www.norden.farm
WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL
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Established in 1980
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Where children are motivated to learn independently
A UNIQUE, AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI EDUCATION THROUGH THE SCHOOL & NURSERY
WINDSOR MONTESSORI o SCHOOL Recent Ofsted inspection:
WINDSOR MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN
OUTSTANDING in all areas NO 4 DATCHET ROAD
HOME PARK, ROMNEY LOCK ROAD, WINDSOR SL4 6HX
(OPPOSITE THE WINDSOR FARM SHOP)
OLD WINDSOR SL4 2RQ
01753 830525
01753 868399
• 6 months to 6 years.
• 2 years to 9 years. • 3 year nursery funded children accepted. • We also welcome home school learners. www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk
Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment.
• Baby and toddler parent sessions to include four free settling in sessions, prior to start. E
www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk
Out of school hours: 01344 844592 • E: menik@windsor-montessori.com
Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058
Families Thames Valley East • 25
MORE
What’s On
ONLINE
Compiled by Siobhan Newman
familiesonline.co.uk
Awful Auntie swoops into the Wycombe Swan, February 1-4 Friday February 16 BRAINIAC LIVE! Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 A breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful. Expect exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves and loads of live daredevil stunts! Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all of those things on stage that you’re too scared to do at home! 2pm. Tickets £19, concessions £2 off, family offer £61 (one adult, three children). www.wycombeswan.co.uk Sunday February 18 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION High Street, Maidenhead. Dragon dance and music to welcome the Year of the Dog which began on February 16. (Details TBC, check website nearer the time). www.enjoymaidenhead.com
The Three Billy Goats are at Norden Farm, February 13-14
Monday February 19 to Friday July 13 CLIVEDEN’S WOMEN EXHIBITION Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL1 8NS An outdoor exhibition celebrating inspirational women from the local community. Usual entry fee applies. Tuesday February 20 to Saturday 24 THE JUNGLE BOOK Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 An exciting new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic, The Jungle Book, comes to life in this colourful new show. A wild and fun tale of family, belonging and identity, this production is packed with music live on stage, new songs and brilliant storytelling. Times and prices vary. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Friday February 23 NATURE TOTS MAIDENHEAD Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane,
Morgan and West present More Magic for Kids on February 15
Maidenhead. Great opportunity each month for pre-schoolers to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session will include activities such as bug-hunting, mud digging and mask-making. Games, storytime and refreshments also included! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children aged 18 months 4 years. Also runs February 26. 9.3011.30am and 1-2.30.pm. £5 per child. www.bbowt.org.uk Booking essential. Saturday February 24 to Sunday July 15 GAME OF CLUES Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL1 8NS A new year, a new victim, a new killer. Following last year’s crime caper, here’s a brand new outdoor mystery game for you and your family to solve, available weekends. 8+ £5 per group. Usual entry fee applies. Saturday February 25 LOST AND FOUND South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell RG12
7PAS Little Blue Monster Productions present a delightful staging of Oliver Jeffers’ popular story. Once there was a boy and one day he found a penguin at his door. He didn’t know where it had come from or who it belonged to. The penguin looked sad and the boy thought it must be lost. So he decided to help it find its way home. This funny, charming tale of friendship is brought to life with puppetry, songs and music. 3+ 2pm, £11.50. www.southhillpark.org.uk Sunday February 26 OPEN DAY - HISTORY ON WHEELS The History on Wheels Museum, Longclose House, Common Road, Eton Wick, SL4 6QY, 01753 862637 Family museum of vintage vehicles, plus NAAFI Cafe with great views of Windsor Castle. Adults £7, children aged five to 16 £5, other concessions available. www.historyonwheels.co.uk
5.15
ON OFFER AT REDROOFS...
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GOLD TEAM Ages 6-16+ Due to the success of our Monday Gold Team, we are delighted to be launching BRAND NEW GOLD TEAMS ON SATURDAY. Our Exceptional Training Package for Talented Children. Repertoire Style Intensive Workshop Sessions delivered by our expert team and visiting West End Professionals. Huge performance opportunities.
PART TIME SCHOOL Outstanding Saturday and After School Classes in Performing Arts, Young Performers Company, Musical Theatre, Acting, RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, ISTD Modern and huge performance opportunities.
REDROOFS SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS
FULL TIME CO ED DAY SCHOOL Years 5-13+ Academic Education up to GCSE and 6th Form. BTEC Level 3 Extended alongside the best Performing Arts Training.
ADULT MUSICAL THEATRE Adult Musical Theatre and Tap Classes commence September 2017 and run on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
REDROOFS AGENCY Ages 4-18 Representing our Talented Children and providing TV, Film, and Theatre opportunities for suitable pupils.
GOLD BARRE - A BRAND NEW DANCE PROGRAMME Wednesday's 5.30-7pm Our brand new Gold Barre Dance Training will include jazz dance, barre and centre work, technical modern build up, core strength training, fitness and may include tap, contemporary and commercial. To find out more or to sign up for this incredible opportunity, please email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2018 For entry into Years 5-10 and 6th Form
www.redroofs.co.uk/ scholarshipsandbursaries For Taster Days, Open Mornings and Auditions, please email
emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk
STArT yOur ChILD'S rEDrOOFS PErFOrMINg ArTS ADVENTurE | www.redroofs.co.uk 26 Bath road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT and Littlewick green, Maidenhead SL6 3Qy | Tel: 01628 674092 | EMAIL: emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk
26 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
familiesonline.co.uk
Competitions and Offers with WIN A GREAT NEW PARTY
WIN 3 PRIVATE LESSONS WITH
EXPERIENCE AT JUMP IN TRAMPOLINE PARKS: SLOUGH
INFINITE PILATES
Jump In Trampoline Parks: Slough has been newly refurbished and now it’s your chance to win a brand new party experience for 10, worth over £150. The park has new U.V Glow or Rainforest party rooms and the park itself also now features a 6.4m drop slide, all new bouncier trampolines and a newly designed café. Parties include 1 hour jumping time, food & drink, grip socks, dedicated party host, set up and clean up! For more information visit www.gojumpin.com/slough or call them on 01926 356290 Good Luck! To enter the competition simply answer the following question and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk What does the new drop slide at the park measure?
Infinite Pilates is run by Karyn Miller-Hall a highly acclaimed Pilates instructor based in Marlow. What makes Infinite Pilates different is its approach using Contemporary, Classical and Spatial medicine techniques. Reformer and other equipment is used to help clients improve posture, core strength, flexibility and general well-being. Previous clients have included sports professionals and those rehabilitating after injury, through to those just wanting to improve their level of general well-being. Pilates is for beginners through to advanced level athletes....whatever level you are at!
Karyn offers bespoke Pilates sessions either 1-2-1 or in a group. For more information or to book with Karyn go to www.infinite-pilates.co.uk or phone 07555 726288 For your chance to win 3 Private sessions of pilates worth £180, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk What does Karyn teach? A) Yoga B) Dance C) Pilates
A) 6.4m B) 4.6m C) 7.2m Closing date for competition entries is 16 February 2018
Closing date for the competition is 23rd February 2018
Ts & Cs apply
Ts & Cs apply
INFINITE PILATES
*Competition Terms and Conditions: 1. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted 2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering 3. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt 4. All decisions of Families magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into 5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize 6. Only the winners’ details will be supplied to the Promoter of the competition 7. Families Magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition 8. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions 9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email address provided by the entrant. If the Promoter does not obtain a response from the winner within 21 days, we reserve the right to select another winner at random 10. Automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties will be disqualified 11. This competition is restricted to UK residents only.
Exceptional care for your child
Local Private Paediatrician
Clinics conveniently located in Chertsey Dr Sonali D’Cruz
MBBS FRCPCH BMI The Runnymede Hospital, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0RQ PA: Cathy Lewis 07729 677935 E: info@wellkids.co.uk www.wellkids.co.uk
Upcoming Events We are cooking a delicious Burns Supper and welcoming Jim Motherwell BEM, formerly the Queen’s Piper! 24 Jan 2018
Lunch time/Weekday special Take advantage of our new Mon-Fri lunch time offer. Get 2 courses for £19.95 or 3 courses for £24.95. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Waltham Road, White Waltham, Berks, SL6 3SH e reservations@thebeehivewhitewaltham.com
T: 01628 82 2 877 @thebeehivetweet
familiesonline.co.uk
Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058
TheBeehive, White Waltham
Families Thames Valley East • 27
Winter Clubs & Classes With the nights closing in and the temperature dropping, the idea of sending your child out onto the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track is not an attractive one. However, active after school activities offer children great developmental benefits including: Improved Academic Performance Research has found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds who participate in after-school clubs get better results at age 11 than their peers. Enhanced Socialisation Skills Making friends with children from outside their school allows children to broaden their social experience, whilst extra-curricular activities at school give children the chance to enjoy a different type of social experience with friends and other children in their class. Better Health and Fitness According to the National Association of Sport and Physical Education, kids aged 5-12 should exercise for at least 60 minutes each day, this figure shouldn’t be ignored just because it’s cold outside. Stress Relief Exercise helps to relieve stress built up by homework, exams and peer pressures. As parents, we are responsible for setting up opportunities for our children to keep active during winter months. Here are our ideas for keeping them on the go and you don’t have to force them (or you!) outside: Trampoline Clubs and Parks The UK now has over 190 trampoline parks and most offer kids a safe environment to cut loose as well as lessons and classes from as young as toddlers. Check out Jump In, Slough www.gojumpin.com Indoor Rock Climbing Also growing in popularity across the country. Even the NHS recommends it as an activity that g in 3 in r j o ea w s- Y to 1 no ar le 1 s Ye a b g e oy ly e l a *B E a r i l l b n t i u in w ay st
IAPS Preparatory Day School for Boys and girls 3-11
H ow hig h ca n y ou r chil d f ly? 35 Eton Road Datchet Berkshire SL3 9AX 01753 541075 • admin@etonend.org
www.etonend.org
provides unique physical and mental benefits whilst at the same time catering for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. To find a centre visit www.thebmc.co.uk Girl Guides and Scouting Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. They offer an antidote to the modern world with adventure at the heart of everything they do. From as young as 6, children can get involved in learning outdoor skills and undertaking leadership qualifications, as well as enjoying camps and residential experiences. However, waiting lists can be long so act quickly! To register interest visit www.girlguiding.org.uk or www.scouts.org.uk Ice Rinks/Snow Slopes Local snow slopes and ice rinks are great places to get kids active during the winter and offer kids the opportunity to try tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding, or get a pair of skates on. There are indoor and outdoor rinks and centres, depending on how you feel about braving the cold or damp weather. Indoor Sports You can access indoor classes for most outdoor sports such as football, cricket and tennis at leisure centres or school recreation halls. Likewise for toddlers and pre-schoolers, multi-sport and ball skills classes are often run inside during winter www.littlekickers.co.uk and www.playballkids.com both offer local classes. How Many is Too Much? Whilst clubs and classes are important for children, be careful how many activities you sign your child up for. Some require significant time commitment. For example, joining a swimming class can involve two or more
weekly training sessions, as well as competitions. Are you and your child up for that? What else will suffer or be sacrificed? If your child’s opportunity to have unstructured time for play will go by the wayside, then this is probably not a good thing. Children these days have much more structured lives than ever before and already often have less unstructured play time than previous generations. Research indicates that unstructured play with minimal adult supervision helps children to learn important social skills, use their imagination, concentrate and be more self-directed.
Fresh Air... If you do opt for indoor class and club options for your child during winter, try to get them some regular fresh air at weekends when time and weather permit. Consider heading to the countryside or a beach (even at the darkest time of year), where you can breathe different air and be closer to nature. You don’t have to organise a full itinerary and it doesn’t have to cost much either. Simple games like running races on a beach or climbing a tree can be exhilarating for children after a week cooped up at school, and being outside is both refreshing and invigorating for everyone and will improve everyone’s mood!
28 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
The National Trust offers loads of activities at their sites across the UK including treasure hunts, nature trails, and even horse rides. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden The Woodland Trust has great expanses of woodland which are ripe for families to explore and provide a great natural habitat for nature walks. Some are very ancient and provide a great historical backdrop of legend and myth. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk It’s also worth checking out The Wild Network which aims to get children back in touch with nature. www.thewildnetwork.com
familiesonline.co.uk
Ensuring Your Child is Happy at Nursery By Kristen Harding The process of introducing a child to a new caring environment can throw up a number of challenges. However, some can be prevented if your child’s nursery gets to know upfront what both you and your child need and want from the childcare arrangement. Before a child arrives at a new nursery, nursery staff should take time to fully understand your child’s home routine. In this way, potential issues can also be nipped in the bud early. Settling In This is a key part of the adjustment process. A change in environment can upset a child and parents are generally stressed and worried when their child is unsettled. For this reason, it’s vital that your chosen nursery takes time to help your child gently settle in. Communication between your child’s nursery and yourself is very important at this stage. You need to develop a trusting relationship with the staff and settle into the new arrangement just as much as your child does. In fact, it’s often parents that have most difficulty leaving a child behind in a new setting! However, communicating regularly and in as much detail as you need with the nursery setting can help ease your nervousness and worry. In turn, any insecurity your child is feeling will also lessen. Separation Anxiety Regardless of the time taken beforehand, separation anxiety is a natural and sometimes unavoidable part of leaving a child at a nursery. Generally, separation anxiety lessens over time but you can help by ensuring that nursery staff understand as much as possible about your child’s individual needs, how they behave when they are sad, anxious or upset and what helps calm them. This will ensure that your child’s nursery cares for your child in the very best way during this difficult period. Often the anxiety of a child lessens when his nursery assigns a key worker to him. By identifying one particular carer who is going to form a strong bond and connection with your child, he will have the stability of knowing there is an individual there that he can rely on. Eating Meal times at nursery are important and can have a real impact on the confidence and comfort of a young child. What your child is used to at home may differ greatly from what occurs in the nursery setting, whether it’s the food eaten or the way in which meals are consumed. When you visit your child’s nursery, try to do so at meal time occasionally. In a good setting, you will see nursery staff leading by example, engaging children with different food choices, helping them to learn about what they are
familiesonline.co.uk
eating and introducing new foods gradually. Meal times at nursery, as at home, should be unpressurised and enjoyable. Potty Training This is another key milestone in your child’s development and reaching it may throw up stumbling blocks! Again, it is important to remember that each child is different and so will begin to learn at a different point and progress at a different speed to other children. A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of peer pressure between parents or children! Don’t start potty training as your child is starting nursery. When you do decide to begin, ensure it’s not at a time of change or a stressful period at home. Share training methods with your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of approach. For instance, do you want nursery staff to ask your child if he would like to go or do you want them to sit him on the potty at specific times of day? Sleep It is important that home and nursery work together over nap times, as the needs of individual children differ. When a child starts at a nursery, the nursery should follow the child’s home routine before adapting it slowly to suit the nursery pattern. It’s then helpful if you try to prevent your child taking extra naps, as his routine is likely to be disrupted. If your child struggles to sleep at the nursery, a toy or blanket from home can provide comfort and help them drift off. Whilst challenges are bound to arise during your child’s time at nursery, most particularly at the beginning, these can generally be dealt with as long as there is good communication between you and your child’s setting.
Childcare & Early Years Recruitment Specialists
Nannies, Mothers helps, Housekeepers and Early years staff. Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. alice@tigerlilychildcare.co.uk 01628 785222 www.tigerlilychildcare.co.uk
Kristen Harding is a childcare expert at Tinies Childcare UK. For more information, visit www.tinies.com
Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058
Families Thames Valley East • 29
She Means Business... At Families we are really excited that Claire and Zita from Teddies have agreed to have a ‘She Means Business’ interview. We have often taken our own children to Teddies over the last few years and think it’s great that you can now buy their music videos for children to enjoy at home! 1. Who you are and where do you live? We are Claire Ross-Masson and Zita Newcome from Teddies! We both moved to Maidenhead with our young families and it has been a fantastic place to make friends and bring up our children. 2. Tell us a bit about the business? We run live music groups and on-line sessions for pre-school children. Parents, grandparents, child minders and nannies bring their small children to our 40 minute sessions where we sing our lively, funny, eclectic collection of action songs and nursery rhymes. Each group has a singer and musician to get everyone singing, dancing, playing percussion instruments and having a great time together. We started 25 years ago with a small group of friends. We now have a team of musicians and singers who help us run live music sessions in Maidenhead, Marlow, Windsor and Twyford every day of the week. We are now very excited to be launching online music videos for children to enjoy at home. We decided from the start that sessions should be drop in –(no termly booking) to make it as flexible and relaxed for parents as possible. We wanted to create a community singing group in a fun and friendly space, where people could come and make music with their little ones. We change the songs every three to four weeks and introduce new stories with our colourful visual aids and paintings.
We also provide coffee and biscuits before or after the sessions so that everyone can make friends – so there is a real social element to what we do. Along the way we have recorded and sold CDs, DVDs and now monthly online sessions to watch at home. In addition to this we have worked in preschools, schools, trained librarians and early years providers around the country to encourage them to use more music in their settings. We have also been involved in many Surestart projects. 3. What did you use to do? Did you change career to do this? Originally we both trained as artists. We met in our twenties and looked after each others children so that we could carry on painting. We have managed to continue painting and illustrating for Teddies and other clients . 4. What inspired you to set up the business? We wanted to create a singing club for our own music-crazy toddlers as there was
nothing much around at the time. As more and more families joined us, we realised what a hunger there was for people to come out and sing together. This was long before Gareth Malone popularised singing on TV and a new wave of community choirs started springing up everywhere as people rediscovered what fun it was. The more we observed what the children responded to and what stimulated them, the better we got. Just as important was keeping it fresh for the grown-ups and interesting. So the hunt was on, to find new tunes and unbury old ones that had got forgotten over the years to make our music making exciting and fun for everyone. 5. What are your plans for the future? Global domination!! We are going online to reach more people, to get them singing with their children. We want to share the incredible, rich heritage of children's songs and nursery rhymes we have collected and written over the past 25 years with the rest of the world! 6. What would your advice be to other business women? Follow your passion! You never know where it will lead. We've had the most incredible fun and have met so many wonderful people running Teddies and it’s still truly life enhancing! Visit www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk for details of Teddies’ live music sessions or to buy their new 30 minute music videos packed full of lively, funny action songs and rhymes and a drawing demo that you can download as a colouring picture. Teddies also has a lively facebook page for daily musical tips and fun. Contact them on Facebook or info@teddiesmusicclub.co.uk
30 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham
familiesonline.co.uk
...She Means Business Local mum Penny McCrabbe talks to Families about returning to work after having children Tell us about yourself and your children I am Penny. I live with my husband and our three children ages 3, 5 and 7. How have you found maternity leave? I really enjoyed each of my three maternity leaves (11 months for the first two and 15 months for the last). They were very different especially the last one when I had three children under school age. I really feel I made the most of the time but was ready to go back to work by the end. Where do you work? How many days? I am the Clinical Lead for a Community Therapy Services team in Oxfordshire. My team consists of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, rehab assistants and admin staff. It is a very rewarding job. We treat patients with a wide range of conditions in their own homes. One of our aims is to prevent them from being admitted to hospital. It is a demanding role with new challenges every day especially as the complexity of the cases we see has increased considerably. I work three days a week in a job share. How was going back to work? Every time I went back there were many changes to adjust to at work. The third time was the hardest as I had been off for 15 months and I
had the extra challenge of juggling three children instead of two! I was also doing a full time role in three days as my job share had left. It was a shock to the system! Having said that I enjoyed being back and found I felt much better mentally. How do you manage child care? We use a nursery for our youngest and the older two attend breakfast club and after school clubs on two of the days I work. On one of my days I finish early so I can pick them up at 3.20 and take them swimming. How do you manage to balance work and family life? I write lists and ensure I am ultra organised. I don't leave things until the last minute which helps reduce stress. I am constantly planning ahead. I had my Christmas
shopping done this year in October! I try not to work at home but often I find I have to work in the evenings to ensure when I get to work the next day that I am aware of what has gone on the previous day . I find this actually makes me more relaxed when I get to work as I feel fully prepared for the day ahead. I also run which helps give me head space. Even if it means getting up at the crack of dawn in the pouring rain when most people are still in bed I will do it most days. It is the only time all day I get to myself so is much valued. What tips do you have for working mums? Ensure you have some flexibility. You need to allow time for traffic jams, unwell children, sudden school closures and other unexpected events. Don't create a schedule with absolutely no breathing space. You will quickly become very stressed and tired. Ensure you get fresh air and exercise on the days you are not working. You will feel so much better mentally if you do this. Don't feel guilty about enlisting extra help. I pay a 15 year old for a few hours a week to help my older two children with reading and homework . I find it very hard to give each child one to one time so this is really helpful. Don't try and take on too much. You may have to say no to baking cakes for the nursery cake sale or to that PTA cheese and wine evening. It is a lovely idea to be a mum who can seemingly juggle everything but it is not sustainable and will soon leave you exhausted and will not benefit your children.
Mums Want More Flexible Working Opportunities According to a survey by Workingmums.co.uk almost three quarters of working mums identify flexible work as being crucial to getting more women into senior roles. The survey shows that mums feel flexible working is vital for them to manage work and family life and that 60% of those who work flexibly would like even more flexibility. So what can individuals do to help persuade their employers to agree to them working flexibly? Here are some tips: Think through what the job requires and whether the tasks you have to perform can be done at a different location ie from home, or at times outside of the standard working day. Take account of any additional costs or challenges this might involve and discuss them honestly. Give examples of the ways in which your work can be successfully carried out under any new working pattern you are proposing, and show that it will not harm the business. Point out any business advantages. Research some case studies, ideally in your sector that shows how the work pattern you are suggesting can be mutually beneficial to you and your employer. If managers are dubious, suggest a trial period. Have a compromise solution as a back-up. For more information and flexible work opportunities, visit www.workingmums.co.uk
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