Families Thames Valley East May/June 2018 Issue 96

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley East IN THIS ISSUE

SUMMER CAMP SPECIAL Plus

WIN A DAY OUT AT LEGOLAND RECRUITING NOW

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

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

please call Diana Page

See page 10 for details.

Issue 96 May/June 2018

01235 533362 07747 086518

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

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In this issue...

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

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

3-6 News & Information

EDUCATION

7 Education News 8 STEM: Helping Children with the Fundamentals of Education 9 Does your Child Need a Tutor?

PARENTING

11 Making the Most of Parent’s Evening 12 Mindfulness Tips for Mums

SUMMER CAMPS

13-14 Summer Holiday Camps and Courses Guide 15-18 Local Summer Camps and Classes

Finally summer is on its way and if you’re anything like us I’m sure you’re looking forward to some warmer weather. If you’re starting to panic about how to keep your children entertained over the long summer holidays however, our camps and courses guide on pp.13-14 examines some of the different schemes available and we have some great suggestions for local camps and activities on pp.15-18. There’s also another chance to win a Family Day Out at The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort on p.20! Plus we take a look at how you can encourage your children to learn through their everyday activities on p.8. We wish you all a wonderful start to your summer and if you’re heading to Windsor on the 19th of May to join in the Royal Wedding celebrations, we hope you have a great time!

20 COMPETITIONS

21-25 WHAT’S ON 26 27 28 29

PARENTING

Anna at

How Much Does Gender Matter?

Sleep Baby, Sleep!

Getting the Balance Right Working and Children

Jonny runs events and the holiday club ‘Camp Adventure’ for The Magnet Leisure Centre and he is also part of kids entertainment duo: ‘Random and Rocks’.

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: July/August 2018 due out: June 25, featuring: Summer Holiday Fun

T: 01628 788058 copy/advertising deadline: May 25 Cover image: depositphotos.com

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

interviews Jonny Walker

Tell us more about your role at The Magnet?

Our aim is to make family entertainment accessible to most. Horrible Histories is one of our biggest shows which has sold 4000 tickets over 2 years. We are also finalising plans for our Christmas panto, which I can reveal will be ‘Cinderella’. Over the last year we have also realised that parents need a break too, hence the rise in popularity of shows like ‘The Take That Experience’.

What is Random and Rocks all about?

I used to be a holiday entertainer and when I moved back to the UK, I realised that people have to spend a lot of money just to see good fun, family entertainment. ‘Random and Rocks’ puts on a number of shows a year which address this. Children are entertained, while parents get to relax and have a drink!

When is your next performance?

We’re planning one in May/June. The theme is likely to be 'Random and Rocks goes Wild' where kids can see us tackle challenges, similar to ‘I’m a celebrity, get me out of here’.

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

What do you love most about your jobs?

Hearing people say: ‘that was a great show.’

Rumour has it you'll be doing your bit at The Maidenhead Festival this Summer? Is that correct?

Yes, this year I have volunteered to host at the festival for 2 days. I’m really happy to get stuck into community events like this.

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

®

Creative Courage For Life

familiesonline.co.uk

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

Families Thames Valley East • 3

News & Info

Odds Farm Park Celebrates 25 Years and Opens a New Water Attraction

Award-winning Mini First Aid has now launched 2 new classes across the Thames Valley Mini First Aid understand that many people have a genuine fear that their children would not know what to do if their grown up were suddenly taken seriously ill while they were alone with their child. Would your child know what to do?

At Mini First Aid Early Years, the aim is to teach children what to do if their grown up is ever poorly, how to dial 999 and how to put their grown up on to their side. Children are like sponges and it is possible to teach them from as young as 3 to learn their address and how to call the emergency services.

They also cover grazes, blood, head bumps, how to shout for help and how to dial 999 in a fun and imaginative way using a giant teddy, bump packs, lots of plasters and toy phones which the children love! The class ends with the story of Freddie from their Award winning book the ‘Mini Adventures of Freddie’, which helps the children to re-cap what has been learnt in class.

The Early Years class is aimed at children 3-7 years old and the Kids class from 8 – 11 years.

The Kids class is more advanced and focuses on first aid if there are no adults present, covering CPR and choking, as well as breaks and bleeds.

In June 2017 Mini First Aid received a Gold Award for Best Baby and Toddler Class from Loved by Parents. Chloe Hill has now launched these classes in the Thames Valley area and is going into schools across the region.

If you would like Mini First Aid to come to your school please email chloe@minifirstaid.co.uk or visit www.thamesvalley.minifirstaid.co.uk

Having welcomed over 4 million visitors through their doors since opening in 1993, local rare breeds farm attraction, Odds Farm Park celebrated their 25th Anniversary in March with lots of party games and extra fun for visitors. The park has evolved hugely since opening in 1993 when it opened for just seven months of the year with animal activities, an outdoor play area and picnic area. Now open 362 days per year, the Farm has invested heavily in producing an award-winning attraction with acres of outdoor adventure play, a giant Indoor play barn which includes the award-winning Marmalade’s tea room, seasonal events and of course, an increase in the ever-popular animal activities.

Foster Care Fortnight - You Can Make a Difference Foster Care Fortnight™ runs from 14 to 27 May and is the UK’s biggest foster carer awareness raising campaign delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network.

The campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers. It demonstrates that foster care transforms lives; - not just the lives of the young people who are fostered, but also those of foster carers and their families and friends.

Undoubtedly fostering is challenging but there are tremendous rewards including

making a positive difference to a vulnerable child or young person, opportunities to expand skills through training courses, the chance to develop relationships that can last a lifetime and generous financial incentives. The satisfaction and pride in helping a young person with difficulties develop into a rounded individual is the ultimate reward for the majority of foster carers.

For more information, visit www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/couldyoufoster

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

In addition, they have just opened a great new state-of-the-art water attraction – H2Odds! Featuring over 500 square metres of water play, H2Odds will represent the best in social and engaging play, with groups of children working together to move water through a series of pumps, channels, rivulets, wheels and gates. This unique network of waterways boasts 28 water-play features and over 80 metres of channels, streams and pools. www.oddsfarm.co.uk

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News & Info Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-12s 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 Fridays 5pm

New Times Table Test for Year 4 Pupils The government has announced plans to have all Year 4 pupils sit a compulsory times table test.

The test will be tried out in a sample of schools with it being made available on a voluntary basis to all schools across England from June 2019. It will become mandatory in June 2020.

The test has been described by the Government as a 5 minute “on-screen check” which is designed to help ensure children know the multiplication tables up to 12 off by heart and has been designed to avoid causing additional stress for children and teachers.

The Government has also said results from the check will not be published at school-level, and will not be used by Ofsted and others to force changes in schools.

Some teachers’ unions have expressed strong concerns about the introduction of another test being an unnecessary additional burden on schools.

Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential.

Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration.

The perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, CDs and videos that the children can play at home to keep the magic alive. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH HALL, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA. Dance: 6-12s (Perform X)Wednesdays 4pm and 5pm. Drama: 4-7s Mondays 4pm, Thursdays 4pm & 5pm.

Drama: 7-12s Mondays 5pm CHRIST CHURCH C OF E HALL, Christchurch Rd, Virginia Water, GU25 4PX. Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am. Drama: 712s 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: Tel: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try

My

Next Open Morning 8th June

For girls from 3 – 11 years. Located at the top of Castle Hill, Maidenhead.

Year 3 entry also available.

Connect

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

Families Thames Valley East • 5

News & Info The day was rounded off with the 2018 awards ceremony. Our warmest congratulations to the following winners:

Networking group host INSPIRE Conference and Awards The Business Girls Network hosted the 2nd INSPIRE Conference & Awards, at the beautiful Riverside Marquee in Bray on International Women's Day with almost 100 women attending.

From young sporting icons to entrepreneurs, school girls to award-winning forward thinkers, and women just starting their businesses to seasoned business owners. One of a number of inspiring

speakers, Georgia from Claires Court School, a young sporting icon, stood out as a true inspiration who demonstrated grit and determination far beyond her years. There was also an appearance from Vicki Psarias, founder of multi-award winning parenting and lifestyle blog, Honest Mum®, a great example of an ambitious, determined business woman who is waving a flag for mums in business.

• Business Girl of the Year - Janet from Apples to Zinc • Service of the Year - Caroline Christer from Hand Foot and Beauty Studio & Maidenhead Podiatry and Chiropractic Clinic • Creative Business Girl of the Year - Alison from Joshi was Janes • Best New Business - Clare from Totally Mutts Dog Grooming Services • Best Home Based Business - Rebecca from Hugo's Workshop • Most Inspiring & Active Business Girl - Chloe from Chloe Leibowitz - Inspiring Women • Business Girl Rising Star - Amanda from Shining Star Productions Performing Arts School • Business Girl Heart of the Community - Sarah from @MediaHub & Partners for Change Ethiopia • Community Business of the Year - Tabitha from Tuneless Choir Maidenhead & Light Mind • Young Woman of the Year - Georgia from Claires Court School

Royal Windsor Horse Show Royal Windsor Horse Show will be returning to the private grounds of Windsor Castle 9-13 May 2018, to celebrate the 75th birthday of the annual event which has seen Her Majesty The Queen, the Show’s Patron, attend every year since its creation in 1943. Leading British Dressage riders, Carl Hester MBE and Charlotte Dujardin CBE will join the competitive line-up at the Show this May. Charlotte and her nineyear-old Hanoverian mare Mount St John Freestyle, are anticipated to be Team GB medal contenders at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) this September and will be competing at Royal Windsor Horse Show as part of their road to WEG campaign. 2018 will see Windsor become a highlight of the Summer as the Royal Wedding is set to take place the weekend after the renowned equestrian event.

Visit www.rwhs.co.uk to find out more. Windsor residents should call the Windsor Information Centre on 01753 743589.

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.

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

familiesonline.co.uk

New release from Farquhar’s 11+ Vocabulary Flash Cards. Level 3 Challenging Vocabulary Market leaders Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards are pleased to announce a new addition to their range. The grammar school 11+ entrance exam is constantly evolving, with advanced vocabulary increasingly appearing in the exam, particularly in comprehension passages. This new Level 3 pack draws on feedback from a wide range of tutors and teachers about commonly confused or misunderstood words, and on the latest 11+ materials, to help students keep pace with the changes and excel in the exam.

This extension pack includes: • unusual and old-fashioned words, such as ambivalent, trifling, tirade . . .

• complex homophones like complacent/complaisant, elicit/illicit . . .

• commonly confused words such as trait/trite, perpetuate/perpetrate . . .

The cards are designed to build on the existing packs, which encourage children to develop a rich bank of vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms and compound words. Each card shows a target word with a childfriendly definition and a list of synonyms. A sprinkling of idioms have been added where appropriate, as another way to help tricky words “stick”.

Available as an individual pack or as part of a set.

For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Education News School Spotlight Headmistress, Rhian Thornton gives us her insight into Upton House School Founded over eighty years ago Upton House offers children a first-class education and an all-round positive experience from the age of two years old. With one eye on the school’s heritage we provide our pupils with the skills to be lifelong learners and prepare them for today’s continuing education.

Our recent ISI report rates us as “Excellent in all areas” and providing the best educational opportunities to every pupil.

This year our girls leave with places offered at Sir William Perkins’s School, Lady Eleanor Holles, Wellington College, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, St George’s Ascot, Wycombe Abbey, The Abbey School and Heathfield to mention a few. Many of these girls have been awarded scholarships and exhibitions. We are very proud of everything they have achieved.

Chris Muller, Head of Sir William Perkins said “Upton House girls are academically curious, lively and display a love of learning.”

Rachel Owens, Head of St George’s Weybridge said “Upton girls are very positive and always willing to throw themselves into all aspects of school life; their ‘can do’ attitude is one we really value here at St George’s.”

We love that we are a co-educational school and enjoy having our boys with us until they leave after Year 2. They also leave, often with scholarships, to their first choice of Prep School. Please do come and see for yourself. www.uptonhouse.org.uk

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

AE Publications have got 11+ exams covered AE Publications’ range of Testpacks are ideal for preparing your child for 11+ exams at home. By working through the practice papers within a Testpack, your child will familiarise themselves with the examination procedure and gain confidence in the process.

The practice papers and answer sheets are arranged to enable you to simulate an 11+ exam with your child at home. The answers are provided in a separate booklet within the Testpack folder, and a certificate of achievement is included in each Testpack as motivation for your child to progress.

Visit www.aepublications.co.uk to purchase a Testpack or browse AE Publications’ full range of 11+ exam preparation material.

Families Thames Valley East • 7

Education

STEM: Helping Children with the Fundamentals of Education

By Christopher Cederskog

It’s not easy being a parent. You want to do the best for your children, but sometimes it’s hard to work out what the best actually is. Education is one of those areas where advice is constantly changing.

I

f you are interested in helping your kids with the fundamentals of education there is an acronym which you should become aware of: STEM. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and it is fast becoming the core of the British and global education system. There is hardly a career which does not involve some element of STEM, from farming to neurosurgery, and it also plays a part in many everyday activities.

This is why it’s important our children can understand its key tenets.

As a parent, then, what can you do to help form the STEM of your child’s tree of knowledge?

I have always believed that learning should be fun and the popular perception is that the subjects of STEM are anything but. However, science, engineering and technology are particularly wellsuited to play and mathematics can be applied to virtually any day-today situation. It’s just a matter of identifying the right opportunities.

The next time you’re baking pastry together, let your child measure

out the ingredients and ask them questions: what does ‘half fat to flour’ mean? Let them work out, according to that rule, how much flour is needed if you’re using 100 grams of fat. Get them to count out how many pastry cases were made from that ratio, then work out how much more pastry it would take to double the number of cases, or how many pies each family member will get based on the current number. Talk about the ingredients, what they are and where they’ve come from.

The next time your child falls, take the chance to talk to them about gravity and discuss why they fell downwards rather than upwards! If they’ve grazed their knees, once the tears have stopped, chat a bit about biology – why is blood red, why do scabs form, how do cuts heal? If you don’t know the answers yourself, call on Doctor Google – he’s always there to help.

IAPS Preparatory Day School for Boys and Girls 3-11 When you’re out with your children, encourage scientific observations: when walking to the park, talk about why the leaves are green or why they fall in autumn.

See if your children can spot any mini-beasts and set them the challenge of learning about them when they get home. When at home, help bring out your child’s inner-engineer by encouraging them to put those endless MegaBlocks and LEGO bricks to work.

Every activity can be a learning opportunity without a child needing to identify it as such. Your job as a parent is to try to find ways to make the learning opportunity fun.

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

While I’m not saying that all education should be done by stealth, I am an advocate of learning through play. The lessons I most strongly remember from my childhood are those that were learned while I was having fun: the Van de Graaff generator sparking as much imagination as electricity; the recreation of the witches’ scene in Macbeth making Shakespeare seem relevant and interesting; the days in the garden, learning where food actually comes from and that there is a point to worms.

Children were born to learn and their brains are busy absorbing information from the second they leave the womb. If you can make your lessons fun, informal and an integral part of everyday life, then your little ones will learn by osmosis and you can sit back in the happy glow of a good job, well done.

Christopher Cederskog is MD of Wonder Workshop which teaches children coding through robotics and enables them to master critical thinking, problem solving, cause and effect, communication, and collaboration.

For more information, visit www.makewonder.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Does your Child Need a Tutor?

By Claire Winter

I

n the last decade, the number of children who have a tutor has increased by one third. At some point in their academic journey, it’s quite likely your child may need some additional support. This may be because you are preparing them for the 11 Plus, school entrance exams or because they are struggling in a particular subject.

A tutor is normally a teacher that will teach your child in a specific subject or exam technique. You can opt for 1:1 tutoring or tutoring in a small group or class. You can find a tutor via a tutoring agency, through your school or via online searches.

There are also online programmes and companies that offer a mixture of online and offline support.

Tutoring can be expensive and ranges from £20-50 an hour depending on the tutor and where you live. Tutoring via Skype can be cheaper and starts at around £15 per hour.

When Does a Child Benefit from Tutoring?

• If they have lost confidence and tutoring will help them boost their self-belief.

• If they are struggling with a particular subject, and their teacher has flagged it.

• If they need to improve their grades to pass an upcoming exam.

How to Find the Right Tutor?

Private Tutors Personal recommendation is always a good place to start. You can also ask at your school as some teachers tutor after school. If you are hiring a tutor privately, make sure they have a DBS check and have references too.

Also, check their qualifications and whether they have taught children in the same age range as yours. Make sure you meet them in person or via Skype and are comfortable your child is happy to work with them.

Rachael Sprague from tutor directory, www.tutorful.co.uk says “The key to finding the perfect tutor is to ask lots of questions! Don't just focus on their experience in education (although this is important), but ask about their lives and what makes them tick. This person will potentially be spending a familiesonline.co.uk

lot of time with your child, so it is important to make sure their personalities are compatible.”

Tutoring Agency This is a good option if you are short on time. An agency should do most of the hard work for you. They should find someone that fits your requirements and complete all the reference and safety checks needed.

Companies like Fleet Tutoring (www.fleet-tutors.co.uk), have a database of tutors in your area, from which you can choose. Will Veness who runs a tutoring agency (www.collegiatetutors.co.uk) says safety is paramount.

“Tuition agencies have a legal obligation to seek background checks from their tutors (called an Enhanced DBS Check). An Enhanced check searches the tutors’ criminal history for convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, and ensures the tutor isn’t on any barred lists. This is not an essential part of signing up to open-market tutoring sites, as they operate more like a search engine rather than a hands-on agency. This can lead to anyone being able to sign up as a tutor with a simple upload of a CV. Some websites do, however, at least highlight tutors who have received this important check, so parents should certainly keep an eye out for this when browsing tutors with them.”

We believe it is very much worth it to pay the agent's commission for t peace of mind, especially with the primary-age students. Furthermore, rigorous agencies will interview their candidates to ensure they are able to deliver a quality standard of tuition.

Local agencies are ideal (if available), as the administrators will know their tutors personally, and talk to the parents directly.”

Tutoring Companies There are various different national, regional and local companies offering tuition.

Explore Learning (www.explorelearning.co.uk) combines online tutoring at centres across the country with tutors on hand, who are available to help your child if they get stuck. There’s no need to book either, which is great if you need flexibility.

Others, like Kumon (www.kumon.co.uk) are more structured and teach via a curriculum in small groups. Their method of learning enables children to selflearn with instructor guidance.

At Susan Daughtrey Education (www.susandaughtreyeducation.com) the tutors work through detailed lesson plans and use mainly materials which have been written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed especially for the students. Only very limited published material is utilised in class. The company says: “All tutors are thoroughly trained by Susan and adopt a “technique-focused approach to teaching for the 11+” which has consistently generated a high success rate.”

Preparing for a Tutor Talk to your child’s teacher to get a heads up in the areas in which they need help. Show the tutor some examples of your child’s work, so they get a good picture of where they are academically. Ask your child t what they need extra support with.

They often jump at the chance to be helped with something they are stuck on. From the start be clear about whether the tutor will set homework and when they can give you

W M S w

feedback on your child’s progress.

A tutor should encourage your child’s love of learning beyond the classroom and give them confidence in subjects with which they are struggling.

Here is a handy checklist of questions to ask a potential tutor.

1. Are they CRB checked?

2. What are their qualifications?

3. Do they have references?

4. Do they have experience of the National Curriculum or the syllabus your child is working on?

5. Do they have resources that they share with pupils?

6. Are there any additional materials that you need to buy?

7. Do they have any success stories they could share?

8. When do you get updates on progress and what is the best way to contact them?

9. Do they have cancellation fees and how much notice do they need to cancel a session?

10. How many lessons do you need to commit to? Most tutors expect a commitment of 4 to 6 weeks as a minimum.

WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL Established in 1980

Where children are motivated to learn independently

A UNIQUE, AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI EDUCATION THROUGH THE SCHOOL & NURSERY o

WINDSOR MONTESSORI 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.

Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment.

• We also welcome

home school learners. www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

E

• Baby and toddler parent sessions to include four free settling in sessions, prior to start.

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 • 9

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

familiesonline.co.uk

Making the Most of Parent’s Evening

By Justina Gapper It’s almost impossible to ask questions at school drop-offs and pickups, so, for most parents, a consultation during Parent’s Evening is the only real opportunity for a proper chat with their child’s teacher(s). It’s therefore really important to maximise the time available in the one-to-one consultations and make sure you get all the information you need.

S

chools are required to hold at least one parents’ evening a year to enable parents to keep up-to-date with their child’s progress and forge good relationships with the school.

What to expect Whilst Parents’ Evenings will vary slightly in format from school to school and year to year, you should expect, at a minimum, to hear how your child is performing in numeracy and literacy against the expected levels for their age group. Much more information will be conveyed as your child gets older.

Consultations may also cover your child’s behaviour, levels of effort, and social and emotional development.

Talk to your child Take the time to speak to your child in advance of the evening. Find out if there is anything they’d like to discuss or understand more about. If they are younger you may want to ask them how they feel, and if there is anything specific they’d like you to ask.

Write it down This may sound obvious, but unless you want to risk discovering that all the questions or issues you wanted to raise have vanished from your head, then write them down in the run up to Parent’s Evening to make sure you cover them.

Listen If you do have specific questions, it’s best to let the teacher speak first so that they can cover everything they need. However, if you need clarification or your question is related to what

is being discussed at that moment, it is fine to ask. Remember to take the time to listen to the teachers' feedback.

The bigger picture Although academic performance is obviously important, there are many other aspects of your child’s school life that you may not know about, like social interactions, so don’t be afraid to ask about these too.

Don’t compare Try to not compare your child’s progress with his/her peers or siblings. The teacher will focus on how your child is achieving against expected levels for their age, so it isn’t useful to ask how their sibling/friend is doing in comparison. Keep in mind that children develop at different rates, particularly at this stage. Stay focussed on your child.

Deal with unexpected news productively You may hear something about your child that you are not expecting. If this is about a negative aspect of their behaviour or performance, this may be difficult to hear or accept. Try not to get aggressive or become defensive. A local teacher told me of a consultation during which a father refused to believe that his child was struggling with a specific learning area and became very accusatory and angry, insisting that the teacher’s perception was incorrect as his child “didn’t struggle at home.” If you do hear something unexpected, ask how you can work with your child to better support them.

Teachers may often have already prepared a response to this question in advance.

Focus on your child’s level of effort One teacher I spoke to recently reminded me not to underestimate the importance of effort.

This is as important as achievement as it reveals a lot about your child’s behaviour, character and motivation. How your child gets on with teachers and peers socially is also very important.

For a quick overview Ask about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. This will give you a good idea of their overall performance and help you identify the areas in which you should be offering more support at home.

What’s next?

It’s a good idea to ask the teacher how you can help to support your child outside of the classroom – ask for any tricks they may have to help you with this. Discuss whether there’s a way of keeping in touch regularly should any more questions arise – whether meeting at school pick up, or via email if you aren’t at the school often.

Write a summary of the consultation afterwards It’s great to have a written record of what was said to show other family members who weren’t there. However, do this at the end of the consultation and not during it. Otherwise you run the risk of missing something important that is being said.

Feedback Let your child know how the evening went – if they were there, discuss it with them. Were they happy with the outcome, and how are you going to address any issues raised? Working together on this is a great way to improve a child’s performance.

Justina Gapper is a Families reader and mum of 9 year old twins, Ruby and Sam.

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 • 11

Mindfulness Tips for Mums

By Melanie Lawson and Palma Michel As a mum of three children, who runs her own business and also donates time to the local community, I know that having a full life can be rewarding but also exhausting and not always that good for our mental health. For me, it can be the little everyday irritants that push me over the edge and I find mindfulness helpful in keeping my stress levels under control.

M

indfulness is about focusing on the moment and you can easily weave it in to your daily activities, without having to make time for it. It can be practised in many ways, from meditation through to painting. As a busy mum, the practices help me cope with everyday life.

Take a Breathing Break Whenever you feel you are having a challenging moment with your children, take a breathing break to calm down and clear your mind.

Take a few conscious inhalations through your nostrils, breathing in deeply all the way into your abdomen and exhaling as slowly as you possibly can.

Morning Shower The morning shower is a fantastic opportunity for a few minutes of

mindfulness. You are already taking this time out, so, instead of making mental to do lists, try to be fully present with your experience. Feel the water running down your back, smell the shampoo, give yourself a short scalp massage and gently soap your body. It won’t take any longer than your usual shower, but it allows you to have a few minutes of relaxation for yourself before the “storm.”

The Mindful To-Do-List It is easy to be overwhelmed by incessant to-do-lists that are full of “I should do” and “I have to” which are mostly unexamined claims stemming from our attempts to be perfect. Just sit with your list for a moment and question each item.

Would the world really come to an end if you were to remove a few things from it?

INFINITE PILATES • Contemporary & Classic • 1-2-1 or Group

07555 726288 • www.infinite-pilates.co.uk 12 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Mindful Eating When was the last time you really tasted and appreciated your food?

Start each meal with two to three mindful bites, smelling the food, looking at it and chewing it slowly.

You could also make this a family experience and ask everyone to use their senses to describe what they eat.

Mindful Walking Every time you walk outside with your children, leave your phone in your bag or at home and be present with the process of walking. Feel your feet touching the ground, notice the rays of sunshine on your face and the wind playing with your hair. Be present in the moment.

Say Yes To No Don’t say ‘yes’ to everything. In order to be able to continue giving, you need to be mindful of when you need refuelling and at what point your body needs to rest.

Sometimes resting is the most productive thing to do.

Count Your Blessings The mind always focuses on what’s next, without being fully able to appreciate and rejoice in what you have at any given time. Every morning or evening, think of or write down between three and five things that you appreciate and for which you are thankful (big things like a healthy child and small things

like a moment of quiet after everyone leaves the house).

One Thing at a Time Research clearly indicates that multi-taskers make more mistakes and take longer to complete everything they are doing. Instead of helping your children with their homework AND checking work emails at the same time, just do one of those things at a time. It will save time and make you happier!

Be Kind to Yourself You are just human, which means it is normal to forget something or, despite your best intentions, lose your temper with your child/partner. Accept that making mistakes is human and forgive yourself with kind words that you would use to comfort a friend in the same situation.

Melanie Lawson is a mother of three and has created her own brand of Omega 3 which she believes is one of the critical nutrients for mental health. For more information, visit www.barebiology.com Palma Michel is an executive coach and mindfulness teacher and the co-founder of Profuse29, which offers science-driven Mindfulness programmes for companies.

For more information, visit www.palmamichel.com

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Summer Camps

Summer Holiday Camps and Courses Guide

By Andrew Campbell

The long summer holiday break is a great opportunity for children to take part in organised activities, play schemes, workshops or day camps either within their local area on a daily or weekly basis or, increasingly, attend an American-style residential summer camp.

H

ere’s our guide to some of the options available, together with some advice on how to choose the right summer activity for your child.

Residential Camps These are independent holidays for unaccompanied children aged from 7 years and above. Children are supervised round the clock in a secure residential environment such as a boarding school. Group leaders usually take care of children’s pastoral and welfare needs whilst Instructors provide a programme of activities. Camps can offer specialist courses or a multi-activity programme. Unlike American summer camps, which due to longer school breaks and less holiday leave for working parents often provide a homefrom-home experience, residential camps in the UK usually involve just a 7 day break. However, if your budget can be stretched there are a large number of residential camps operating throughout Europe and North America which can offer your child additional cultural and linguist experiences.

Multi-Activity Day Camps These are non-residential full-day camps running in your local area.

They are for unaccompanied children from 3 years and above which usually run from Monday to Friday, offering a varied programme of sports or creative activities throughout the day. Typically familiesonline.co.uk

multi-activity day camps involve 4 to 6 activities per day, with each activity session lasting between 1 and 1 ½ hours. Often the sessions focus on ‘tasters’ or introductions to a range of activities such as performing arts and outdoor adventure.

Generally, children can attend for as many days as they wish, with a price discount for a full week’s attendance. Day camp arrival and departure times vary but the day usually starts between 9am and 10am and ends between 4 and 5pm. Many camps offer early drop off and late pick up options.

Sports/Activity Courses or Workshops Specialising in a specific sport or activity such as performing arts or art and craft, these courses are usually for children of 7 years and above. They generally operate for 2 to 3 hours per day, running for just one day or as a progressive course over 4 to 5 days. Sports courses are often led by qualified instructors/coaches or by local authority sports/leisure centres, specialist swim centres or riding schools. National governing body awards can sometimes be achieved. Performing arts workshops tend to be run by performing arts schools who also offer term time classes for children.

Holiday Play Schemes These offer non-residential full or part-day supervised childcare for

unaccompanied children from age 3 and above but are usually run by voluntary organisations or local authorities. Activities at play schemes may be specific, such as sports or art and craft, or involve a

range of different activities. Many play schemes run off-site trips to attractions such as museums or parks. In the main, they are provided for children living in the catchment area of the venue.

REDROOFS

SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ONSTAGE HOLIDAY WEEKS NOW IN THEIR 50TH YEAR! Redroofs, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, SL6 3QY for children aged 5-14+ REVOLTING CHILDREN WEEK Monday 24th - Friday 28th July for ages 6-13+

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH Monday 30th July - Friday 3rd August for ages 7-14+

STICK IT TO THE MAN Monday 6th - Friday 10th August for ages 7-14+

STICK MEN & MERMAIDS & BROOMSTICKS & SONG Monday 13th - Thursday 16th August for ages 5-10

MOANA, MERMAIDS AND MOWGLI MAGIC Monday 20th - Friday 24th August for ages 5-11+ The only Musical Theatre Course where children can enjoy a refreshing dip in a heated outdoor pool, beautiful country gardens and an on stage real theatre performance.

Wrap Around Care Available.

Call 01628 674092 • www.redroofs.co.uk or email: emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk

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Families Thames Valley East • 13

Summer Camps The Benefits of Summer Camps and Workshops Physical Activity Much of a child’s time at school is spent sitting behind a desk so spending the day running around, swimming, hiking, or playing sport gives children a great chance to get moving.

Develop Talents and Skills At some camps, children may be given the opportunity to learn skills and take part in activities they have not encountered before. Learning archery, painting or lacrosse may help children discover talents and interests they didn’t know they had.

Building Confidence Discovering these new talents and developing new skills will, in turn, help children to grow in confidence and self-esteem.

Learning Social Skills Engaging with children from different schools, different areas and ultimately different backgrounds, is a great way to build social skills and to make new friends.

Developing Independence Sometimes giving children the freedom to make decisions and plan their own time is a fantastic way for them to learn to be independent.

Leaving Technology Behind As fantastic as it is that we live in a world filled with TVs, mobile phones, lap tops and other devices, it is always great to encourage children to get outside for a good old-fashioned kick about and run around.

Enjoying the Outdoors Climbing trees, changing a bike wheel, or building an outdoor camp can help ensure your child does not miss out on the learning benefits to be gained from the great outdoors and enjoy adventures they would not otherwise experience.

Offering Role Models Often the instructors on summer camps provide a rare opportunity for a child to interact with an adult who is not part of the family unit or teacher. Their leader should be trained to care for them, offer them support and advice when needed, and always be there for them throughout their attendance.

Playing!

At summer camps children have the chance to just be children, away from the pressures of school, social media and the commercial world.

Will I be able to use Childcare Vouchers or claim Tax Credits?

You may be able to claim tax credits to help pay for your child's summer activities. If you pay for them to attend and if the activity provider is registered and regulated then you can claim as you would for an after-school club or childminder.

Parents enrolled in the Childcare Voucher scheme can also use their

vouchers to subsidise the cost of summer childcare options including camps and courses.

However, the provider must be registered and be prepared to accept vouchers. To check what help you could get with childcare costs, visit www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

How safe will your child be?

Most summer camps and courses are regulated by various independent bodies, or in some instances by government inspectorates such as Ofsted which monitors safety standards.

Levels of inspection vary according to the type of course or camp.

Day camps and play schemes offering full day care programmes for children under the age of 8 are legally required to register with their local authority. Registered providers are subject to inspection by government inspectorates such as Ofsted.

Sports/activity Courses will not generally be registered with the local authority unless they provide tuition for under 8s.

Horse riding centres are legally required to register with their local authority though.

Adventure activities run by any commercial organisation providing specific adventure activities (certain watersports, climbing, trekking and caving activities) are legally required to obtain a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). This body inspects and monitors safety standards. Information on these inspections is available to the public from the AALA. www.hse.gov.uk/aala

Residential Camps are not subject to legal registration unless they operate specific adventure activities or provide courses for under 8's. Providers who are members of the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA) are subject to an independent inspection scheme covering site safety, activity standards, staff qualifications and training, health and safety and emergency procedures. For more information, visit www.thebapa.org.uk Police Checks All registered day camps and plays schemes are required to get checks on specific staff. In England and Wales this is done via the Disclosure and Barring Service, and in Scotland via Disclosure Scotland. It is worth checking with the provider to see what their policy is in this area.

Staff Qualifications You may also want to check on staff qualifications. Most sports governing bodies have an official coaching scheme for instructors or leaders at various levels. It is a good idea to ask for further information on staff qualifications if the organisation does not explain its policy in its promotional material or on its website.

Before School, After School & Holiday clubs

Phone 0844 561 1606 Arts & crafts, sports, dance, drama, cinema, swimming, day trips…optional lunch & tea

Holiday, Breakfast & After School clubs 3 – 14yrs Holiday clubs > Highfield School, Maidenhead > Jumpin, Slough After school clubs > Courthouse > Oldfield > Furze Platt Schools > Holyport Scout Hut, Maidenhead Breakfast club > Pinkneys Green Centre > St. Peters Church, Maidenhead

Now taking bookings for Sept After School and Breakfast Clubs

Summer club dates 23rd July – 31st August 2018 Quality childcare from just £3.15 per hour E: info@wiseowlsclub.co.uk W: www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk

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

familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Camps

Holiday Camp Special If you’re starting to plan your summer holidays, we take a look at some of the best children’s camps, classes and activities available in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Some are already booking for the May Half-Term.

Amanda’s Art Classes for small groups of children aged 6–13. Amanda will be running May Half-Term and Summer art workshops in Ascot 10-12am and 2-4pm; call 01344 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or email a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk for further details. www.amandasart.co.uk Artspiration Teachers will be offering workshops for small groups this Summer.

Children will get to explore an array of Art and craft mediums and subjects. They can choose to enroll for workshops ranging from mosaics, print making, mod roc, pencil shading, water colours, soft pastels, charcoal etc. Day bookings and special classes for ages 12-16 years will also be introduced. For more details

go to www.artspiration.co.uk or email artspirationinfo@gmail.com Bray Lake Watersports are offering their ever-popular school holiday activities again this year. With a variety of 1, 2 and 5 day courses running weekdays from 9.30am-5pm your child can learn to kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, dinghy sail and windsurf. Work towards one sport alone or gain essential skills in a variety of sports. Courses are suitable for 8-15 years with sibling discounts available.

Course prices include wetsuits, buoyancy aids and 5-day courses include relevant RYA and BCU log-books and certificates. Day courses: £59, 5-day courses: £270 info@braylake.com 01628 638860; www.braylake.com

Busy Buttons Creative & Sporty Camp offers 3 -14 year olds fun with great learning outcomes, using digital and traditional media while model making sets, props, puppets, costumes, executing design concepts from 2D to 3D, besides learning to animate, sculpt, sew, paint, film and more while being tutored by experienced film and television professionals.

Educational day trips, competitions, team building and confidence boosting challenges, yoga, sports, nutrition, fitness and customised insights by professionals give children a diverse, whole experience. One 11 year old camp enthusiast says: "I enjoy Busy Buttons. It is the best holiday club I've been to in my whole life. I hope I come back soon because I've learnt so much."

The Ofsted Approved camp is held at Upton House School, Windsor from 29 May - 1 June (Half-Term) & from 9 July - 10 August (Summer) continued on page 16

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

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Families Thames Valley East • 15

Summer Camps followed by Activity Days after that.

Camp: 8:30am - 4pm (extended hours 8am - 6pm) Childcare vouchers accepted. RBWM Advantage Card discount and more.

'The Conscious Childcare Option', they are also an Arts Award Centre offering creative courses and educational programmes.

07952418212 / 0800 101 8332 www.busybuttons.org Delgado Tennis holidays are open to children aged 4+ and welcome all abilities. They run active sessions guaranteed to be lots of fun for all.

Holiday camps run at St Piran's school throughout the year during all holidays. May half term: May 29th 1st June. Summer holidays: 7 Weeks, starting wc 16th July - wc 27th August. Bookings are now open, contact 01628 487775 or visit the website: www.livingtennis.co.uk/stpirans holidaybooking Hands-On-Art Adventures in Old Windsor: creativity for all ages & abilities. Pop-in anytime to decorate our wide range of ceramics with paint, decopatch or foam clay. Plus Holiday Workshops: Canvas, Clay & Story + Potters Wheel Experiences.

Free Parking! For more details please contact Janet: Tel. 01753 206 265

email: office@hands-onart.co.uk www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk Heathfield Summer Camp for Girls invites girls aged 7 to 15 to join them for their top quality summer programme for girls in Ascot. In addition to a large range of racquet, field and pool sports, other activities include arts, crafts, photography, dance, drama, music, cookery, floristry, hair & beauty and yoga. Many activities are shared with international girls at their Summer School and each week Summer Campers do a show or exhibition for parents. Excellent

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

meals and snacks in breaks included. Day and boarding places available July 15th to August 11th. www.heathfieldsummerschool.co.uk Tel 01344 885197 or email: summerschool@heathfieldschool.net JDFD are running their Holiday Club ‘Step In Time’ in Marlow from 13th August. Take part in Fitness, Games, Musical Theatre, Dance of all styles and a huge variety of art and craft activities. The Creative Holiday week takes place at Marlow C of E Infants School and is open for participants aged 5–14. There are full and half day options available as well as the full week. At the heart of the company’s success are their skilled, talented and enthusiastic teachers.

The classes welcome all children and are very inclusive. You can also find them in many local schools under the leadership of Jane Douglass, a skilled Dance & Fitness Specialist.

Contact www.janedouglass.com to book.

JG Dance and Theatre College – ballet, jazz, acrobatics and tap for

2½-18 yrs. After school classes held in Chiltern Edge School, Woodley, Tilehurst, Marlow, Bourne End, Twyford and Saturday mornings in Henley. Tel: 01491 572000; email info@jgdance.co.uk or visit www.jgdance.co.uk for your free trial session.

Jump In Trampoline Park Slough and Wise Owls have teamed up to create fun filled Holiday Activity Camps from 9am-5pm during May half-term and the Summer holidays.

Running from Jump in trampoline arena, Slough. They provide challenging and fun activities for children aged 5-12 years old with a number of sports, play and craft activities. The children are cared for by their friendly, qualified and caring team. There will be 2 hours of jumping every day along with a variety of games and activities for all ages. Ofsted Approved. £25 for a whole day of supervised fun!

Childcare vouchers accepted.

Register and book via www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk

Bray Lake Watersports

Berkshires Premier Watersports Centre •SUP•Kayak•Canoe•Windsurf•Dinghy•Swim• •SUP•Kayak•Canoe•Windsurf•Dinghy•Swim•

Junior Courses

•All abilities catered for •Multi-sport courses •Sport specific courses •Booking available now •Ages 8-15 years old •Online booking system •Family memberships •Summer holidays & half terms Conveniently located just off the M4/M25 - Check out our facebook page or call for opening times

www.braylake.com info@braylake.com 01628 638860

Monkey Island Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 2EB familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Camps Liquid Leisure The kids Cable Club runs Saturday and Sunday mornings between 9am & 12pm. Beginner Boat & Cable Courses are suitable for first time waterskiers or wakeboarders from 5 years old. Set on a freshwater private lake, the waterpark also features an Aqua Park suitable for 6 years plus, beach area, open swimming (6 years plus) and a licensed café bar.

Visit: www.liquidleisure.com email: info@liquidleisure.com or call 01753 542 500.

The Little Gym Windsor, offers a chance for kids to burn energy, make friends and get creative this summer! Children have an endless supply of energy and a natural desire to conquer the world. So how can you harness that sense of wonderment and adventure in the summer holidays? The Little Gym Windsor offers an amazing variety of fun camps for three to 12 year olds. Daily summer camps combine gymnastics, sports, and arts and crafts to get your little one moving and unleash their creativity. Qualified instructors get them giggling as they learn, make new friends, and burn energy! Super Kid Quest Camps (3-8 years) run Monday to Friday mornings and Monday to Wednesday afternoons. Families are free to book just one or book every day of the summer! Skill Thrill camps (6-12 years) run on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Each camp is 3 hours long and lots of healthy snacks are provided. Book 4 and get your 5th camp free!

Members and non-members welcome. Visit www.windsor.thelittlegym.eu or phone 01753 968488 to book.

Longridge, Marlow holiday activities are for young people between the ages of 8 and 14 who are looking to explore some adventurous activities and get active during the school holidays. Four of our adventurous activities throughout the day and a packed lunch, all for just £40. Drop them off at 8.45am and pick them up at 5pm – booking available online or through the bookings team. They also offer residential Ultimate Sleepovers for your young person aged 10-14 to attend by themselves to build their independence and self respect. See website for more details. Longridge is also a recognised child care provider, so if you wish to pay using childcare vouchers then please contact our bookings team on bookings@alfcharity.org or 033 0303 0101.

Adventurelearning.org.uk Magnet Leisure Centre - Camp Adventure Holiday Activities entertain children age 5 -12 yrs with a large range of activities which enable them to try, learn & explore. No two days are the same. Their aim is for all children to have the best time possible in a safe & secure environment. Activities include - Reptile show, Pizza making, Chocolate party, Glow in the dark Roller disco, bouncy castles, circus skills, trampolining, scavenger hunts, cinema trips & much more. Please call 01628 685316 for more information or email jonny.walker@legacyleisure.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Perform are running a five day course: The Greatest Show on Earth. Dance, sing and join the fun this summer. Together with Phineas Barnum, we’ll be risking everything to put on a spectacular circus designed to show the public things they've never seen before.

In Perform’s five day course for 7-12 year olds, The Greatest Show On Earth, your child could rehearse and perform a specially written show combining uplifting songs, dazzling dancing and a heart-warming story. A production that every 7-12 would love to be a part of.

Date: 23 July - 27 July 10am - 3pm Venue: All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow, Bucks SL7 2AA Contact: Tel: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/summerfun

Phoenix Gymnastics Club will be holding their popular daily summer camps Summersaults throughout the holidays for 5-12 year olds, members and non members. Have fun and be taught gymnastics by their British Gymnastics qualified coaches and enjoy the experience in their fully equipped gym with sprung floor, beam, bars and vaults. Go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for all the information, email info@phoenixgym.co.uk or call 01628 778 881 to book a place Phoenix Trampoline Club will be holding their Just Bounce summer classes at East Berkshire College, Langley throughout the holidays.

Please go to www.phoenixgym.co.uk for all the information, email trampolining@phoenixgym.co.uk or call on 01628 778881 to find out more and book a place. Available for members and nonmembers continued on page 18

Living TENNIS offer • Private Lessons • Adult Group Coaching • Junior Coaching • Holiday Camps Venues throughout the Maidenhead area include the prestigious Bisham Abbey NSC, St Piran's School and The Magnet

www.livingtennis.co.uk info@livingtennis.co.uk 01628 487 775

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Families Thames Valley East • 17

Summer Camps Playball Camps in Windsor. Are you are looking for something active for your kids to do during the May halfterm and/or Summer holidays, why not consider Playball? An allencompassing sports holiday camp, full of fun-filled games, skills and drills. The camps cater for a mixture of ages from 3-8 and encourage social interaction and non-stop fun!

Camps start at 10am and run through to 1pm. Contact them at windsor@playballkids.com to find out more details or have look at their website: www.playballkids.com

Redroofs School for the Performing Arts is running onstage holiday weeks at their school in Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, SL6 3QY, for children aged 5-14+.

Revolting Children Week, Monday 24th - Friday 27th July for ages 613+ years. The Greatest Show on Earth, Monday 30th July - Friday 3rd August for ages 7-14+ years.

'Stick it to the Man' School of Rock, Monday 6th - Friday 10th August for ages 7-14+ years. Stick Men and Mermaids and Broomsticks and

To Advertise here call: 01628 788058 Jane Douglass Fitness & Dance Creative Holiday Club

‘Step in Time’ 13th - 17th August, 9.30am - 3.30pm Marlow C of E Infants School • Ages 5-14 Boys & Girls Join us for an inspiring & super fun week of fitness, games, arts & crafts, dance & musical theatre.

Full week, day rate and half day available.

01628 440109 www.janedouglass.co.uk

info@janedouglass.co.uk

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

Song, Monday 13th - Thursday 16th August for ages 5-10 years. Moana, Mermaids and Mowgli Magi, Monday 20th - Friday 24th August for ages 5-11+ years. The only Musical Theatre courses where children can enjoy a refreshing dip in a heated outdoor pool, beautiful gardens and an onstage real theatre experience. £245.00. Call 01628 674092; www.redroofs.co.uk or email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk Seriously Fun Swimming Schools are running school holiday 5 day intensive course swimming lessons at St Piran's School in Maidenhead and Aylesbury Grammar School in Aylesbury for children aged 3 to 12 years for just £75 per child. May Half-Term - Mon 28th May to Fri 1st June. Summer Holidays - Mon 30th July to Fri 3rd August. Book online at www.seriouslyfun.net or call 01753 364 364.

Stagecoach High Wycombe, Henley and Marlow will be holding holiday workshops at Wycombe High School, Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, from Monday 30th July - Friday 3rd August inclusive. A Show in a Week! (4-6yrs), 9.30am12.30pm, £95, sibling £80. This 5day workshop is perfect for budding young performers. A Show in a Week! (6-16yrs), 9.15am4.15pm, £50 deposit, £160, sibling £125. Make new friends, learn new skills and gain confidence.

Workshops are open to all. There are limited spaces available, so advisable to book now. www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe or email: highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk Twinkle Tots Ballet summer schools are being held again this summer at Sunningdale Village Hall, Church Rd, Sunningdale, Berks SL5 0NJ This year’s theme: Peter Rabbit and Friends. Join Miss Katherine for a fun filled week of dancing, suitable for age 2 and upwards. With a daily ballet class, Peter Rabbit themed arts and crafts, modern dance for the older group and then help create your own ballet show to perform on the Friday to friends and family! 2-4 year olds cost £40 for the week; 4 years + cost £70 for the week.

Online enrolments will open in May when dates are confirmed.

www.twinkletotsdance.com Tel: 07828 857061 or email: summerschool@twinkletotsdance. com Places are limited.

Wise Owls Club will be running at Highfield School, West Road, Maidenhead, from Monday 23rd July – Friday 31st August 2018.

Ofsted rated ‘Good’ and have a 5* food hygiene rating. The children are cared for by their friendly, qualified and caring team. Join them for a fun filled summer holiday. Junior Club for ages 3-7 lots of sports, free play, craft activities, baking, messy play and group activities with fun outings to places such as country parks, farms, indoor soft play, Gruffalo trail, bowling, crazy golf, cinema and also have visits to the club such as reptile man, princess/superhero parties, feathers and fur, basil farm and many more. Trips to local parks every day. Discovery Club for ages 7-14 lots of activities, sports, art and group games with fun outings to places such as Laser Quest, Coral Reef, cinema, crazy golf, sno-tubing, swimming, fruit picking, country parks, Jump In Trampoline Park and also visits to the club including Reptile Man, Chocolate Factory, drama workshop and space planetarium.

Trips to local park every day. A healthy snack, lunch and tea is an option for both clubs. Times: 9.00am-5.00pm, extended day 8am-6pm.

0844 561 1606.

They have also partnered up with Jump In Trampoline Park Slough and will be operating a holiday club with them. Bookings www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk Details correct at time of going to press (April 2018) but may be subject to change.

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Thames Valley East

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Families Thames Valley East • 19

Competitions and Offers with WIN A FAMILY DAY OUT AT THE LEGOLAND

®

Families has teamed up with the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and one lucky reader will win a set of family tickets for the park, where awesome awaits! ®

NEW for 2018 – Explore the spectacular new LEGO additions in the famous Miniland, experience the exciting 4D movie LEGO® NINJAGO® Master of the 4th Dimension, PLUS check out the awesome new digital LEGO Reef!

Miniland’s brand new LEGO sites include Miniland Explore the World, with recreations of the Taj Mahal, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Sydney Opera House, and the Forbidden City. Guests won’t want to miss Miniland USA either; a whole new area dedicated to the United States!

With over 55 rides, live shows and attractions LEGOLAND is an awesome day out for the whole family! www.LEGOLAND.co.uk For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question opposite and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk You can also enter by liking our Facebook page @FamiliesTVE and sharing our competition posts

WINDSOR RESORT!

What is new in Miniland at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort?

A Miniland Explore the Sea B Miniland Explore the World C Miniland Explore the Moon *T&Cs apply

Closing date for competition entries is June 22 LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, NINJAGO, the Minifigure, DUPLO and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2017 The LEGO Group *Prize Terms and Conditions: Win a family day out at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, including 2 adult and 2 child tickets.

• Only one entry per person. • Entrants must be aged 18 or over. • Entrants submitting the correct answer will be entered into a prize draw which will take place on 22 June 2017. • The winner will be selected at random. • Each prize consists of 2 adult and 2 child day tickets to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. • Any additional adults and/or children will be charged at the standard rate.

• If the winner elects to partake in any or all portions of his/her prize with fewer than four (4) guests, the prize will be awarded to the winner and any participating guest and any remainder of the prize will be forfeited and shall not be subject to further or alternative compensation. • The prize is for one day tickets only, and not 2 Day or Annual Passes. • Prizes must be used within the 2018 season from 9 March 2018 – 1 November 2018. • Prizes will be sent to winners by the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort by post.

• Any additional tickets you may wish to purchase can be booked in advance online at www.legoland.co.uk • If you are using these tickets to attend on an event day please ensure that you arrive early to guarantee entry. • When planning your visit, please

remember to take a look at our calendar for opening dates and times. We are closed on some Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the season. • Height restrictions apply on some rides. • The prize is subject to the attractions normal Terms and Conditions of Entry, which can be found at https://www.legoland.co.uk/tickets-and-passes/terms-and-conditions/park/ • The use of the prize is subject to availability and capacity restrictions. Not all attractions, shows and rides may be operational on the day of the visit. • Height, age and weight restrictions apply on some rides. • Prize consists only of one day entrance only; no other elements or expenses such as travel, car parking, meals and beverages, spending money or Q-Bot access to rides and attractions are included. All such expenses are the sole responsibility of the winner plus guests. • The promoter’s decision is final and binding.

No correspondence will be entered into. Unless otherwise stated the promoter is the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. • This prize cannot be taken in conjunction with any other promotion, offer, reward/loyalty program, 2 Day or Annual Pass, group booking, rail inclusive offer. • Competition entry is open to all UK residents except employees and the immediate family of the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. • There is no cash or alternative to the prizes stated, and the prizes are non-transferable.

WIN A COPY OF THE FIRST BOOK IN BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR ROB BIDDULPH’S FIRST EVER SERIES! The brand new series Dinosaur Juniors, follows a group of baby dinosaurs from the day they were hatched and Families has FIVE copies of the first book in the series, Happy Hatchday to giveaway to five young dinosaur fans!

Meet Otto, Winnie, Greg(osaurus) and all the other dinosaur juniors, as they experience life’s first ups and downs. With colourful, detailed artwork and Rob’s popular rhyming text, warmth and humour, Happy Hatchday is the perfect book for reading aloud.

For your chance to win a copy, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk What is the name of Rob’s brand new series?

A Dinosaur Babies B Dinosaur Juniors C Dinosaur Seniors Closing date for competition entries is June 22 www.robbiddulph.com

*T&Cs apply

*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.

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

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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.

Throughout May SCIENCE EXHIBITION The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7QW 01344 354400. More than 90 activities which children of all ages can enjoy and learn from: launch a hydrogen rocket, play with boats in the indoor stream or build a house with your friends. Science 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 Until Sunday July 15 GAME OF CLUES: MURDER MYSTERY Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069. Following last year's crime caper, we've created a brand new outdoor mystery for you and your family to solve. Suitable for children approximately 8+ Dogs on leads are welcome. Pick up the event from the information centre. 10.30am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturdays in May 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

Sundays in May 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. All the displays (more than 70 of them) date from 2000. The museum is open every Sunday afternoon from 2.30 to 5pm. www.etonnhm.com Saturdays in May - and during half term FAMILY SATURDAYS - WEDDING BELLES OF WINDSOR Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ In the month of Harry and Meghan’s marriage comes a celebration of royal weddings, past and present. Windsor Castle has been a beautiful backdrop for royal weddings over many centuries. Henry I was the first royal to marry here – almost 900 years ago! Join in an art workshop and create all the accessories you need for your own royal wedding.

Design a dazzling wedding tiara, ceremonial sword and much more. Free with standard entry ticket. 11am to 4pm. www.royalcollection.org.uk Saturdays in May PUSH THE BOAT OUT Datchet Water Sailing Club, Queen Mother Reservoir Horton Road, Horton Berkshire SL3 9NT 01753 683872 If you are looking at trying a new and fantastic

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

Valid until 31/06/18 *Terms and conditions apply.

Keepy Uppy at Norden Farm on May 30

sport, then sailing could be the one for you. The sailing club is running taster sessions every weekend through the month of May. Slots available from 10am to 4pm, £5.

Weekends in May ROWING BOATS AND MOTOR BOATS Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069 extension 121 to book. Relax and unwind as you row yourself along the Thames in a rowing or motor boat.

Fancy a punt on the River Thames?

Choose from a selection of boating options offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the river. Booking essential.

Gates open 10am, hire is from 11.30am to 4pm. Normal admission charges apply. Rowing boats ½ hour hire fee.

Tickets for river cruises can only be purchased at the Information Centre in

the main visitor car park. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Until Sunday May 20 BLUEBELLS AT CLIVEDEN Cliveden National Trust, as above. See a blanket of bluebells on a self-led trail around the estate. Nestled inside the woods at Cliveden estate, bluebells brighten up the historic forest.

The best displays are highlighted on a trail map for you to stroll through.

Booking not needed. Dogs on leads welcome. Pick up your trail sheet from the information centre. 10am-5pm.

Saturday May 5 to Monday 7 STUBBINGS HOUSE OPEN GARDEN Henley Road, Maidenhead SL6 6QL 01628 825454 Parkland garden next to the well-known garden nursery. Set around an 18th century house (not open), home to Queen Wilhelmina of

The Look Out Discovery Centre

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

FAMTVEMJ

MAY

Saddle up for Royal Windsor Horse Show, May 9 to 13

OPEN

10am - 5pm every day

A great family day out whatever the weather!

Families Upon Thames

The Little Mermaid is at the Theatre Royal Windsor May 8 to 12

Be Amazed...

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

familiesonline.co.uk

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

Families Thames Valley East • 21

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

Children Are Stinky at Norden Farm on May 28 Netherlands in WW2. Large lawn with ha-ha and woodland walks. Historic cedars and monkey puzzle trees and a 60-metre wall of wisteria should be blooming. Admission £4, children FREE. www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk Saturday May 5 HAVE A GO AT STEEL PANS Britwell Library, Britwell Centre, Wentworth Avenue, Slough SL2 2DT 01753 522869 As part of celebrating CityRead London - join SWIPE's steel pans and make some music. 1.30pm, FREE. www.slough.gov.uk/libraries/britwelllibrary.aspx Saturday May 5 BOARD GAMES SESSION Dedworth Library, Dedworth School, Smiths Lane SL4 5PE 01753 868733. Head to the library to play some of your favourite board games! No need to book. For more information contact dedworth.library@rbwm.gov.uk Children under eight years must be accompanied.

11am to noon. FREE Sunday May 6 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A RANGER Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE Join a two-hour stroll, find out if there’s a typical day for the rangers and enjoy beautiful Burnham Beeches.

Booking required.

Try your hand at playing the steel drums in Slough on May 5 and 30

Monday May 7 FAMILY FUN DAY EXTRAVAGANZA Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, SL4 5JJ, 01753 498400 The biggest family fun day of the year. For the first time the rides will be completely FREE including Dodgems, dragon coaster, funhouse, inflatables, pony rides, soft play and face painting.

Plus there’s the horse racing for the grown-ups. Entry is free for accompanied children, adult prices vary www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk Tuesday May 8 BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Mary St, High Wycombe HP11 2XE. A comedy night by day with soft flooring, toys, buggy parking and baby changing, so that your baby is happy and you can relax and be entertained by the funniest comedy stars in the UK! Doors 11.15am, Show 12.00pm. Please note: comics will be performing their usual adult material, which is why we have a 12 month age limit for our little laughers. Tickets £12.

For more info visit: www.byobcomedy.com Tuesday May 8 to Saturday 12 THE LITTLE MERMAID Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL4 1PS 01753 853 888 Spectacular circus and spellbinding songs combine in this extraordinary new adaptation from the award-winning Metta Theatre. Written

Upcoming Events

Lunchtime / weekday special Take advantage of our new Mon-Fri lunchtime offer. 2 courses for £19.95 or 3 courses for £24.95

Chef Jude Kereama from the 'Great British Menu' is joining us for a fabulous dinner. Wed 16th May

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Waltham Road, White Waltham, Berks, SL6 3SH e reservations@thebeehivewhitewaltham.com

T: 01628 822877 @thebeehivetweet

TheBeehive, White Waltham

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

It’s cake time at the Wolf Sanctuary on May 31

and directed by Poppy Burton-Morgan and designed by William Reynolds - the team that brought you the smash hit Jungle Book - with music by Matt Devereaux, and starring some of the world’s leading circus artists. A triumphant tale of love overcoming all. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Wednesday May 9 TOY LIBRARY Highview, 6 North Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PL Each Wednesday from 10amnoon, and on the first Sunday of each month from 3-5pm.

Wednesday May 9 to Sunday 13 ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW Windsor Castle, Home Park, SL4 6HX 0844 581 4960 A Shetland pony Grand National, a musical ride by the Queen’s Household Cavalry, mounted games, dressage and top level show jumping are just a few of the attractions at the show. Plus a large shopping village and plenty of refreshment stands. Residents with an Advantage card can enjoy free access to the Show on Windsor Wednesday, and discounts across the rest of the week. Book your Advantage card tickets with Windsor Information Centre either over the counter or by calling 01753 743589. www.rwhs.co.uk Thursday May 10 YOUNG RANGERS WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre (access is via Forest Gate off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot, SL4 2BY) Monthly wildlife club for 8-12yrs (one session repeats twice per month to allow for demand). 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.

Drinks provided. 6-7.30pm.

Friday May 11 NATURE TOTS WINDSOR GREAT PARK as above. A great opportunity to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session includes seasonal nature discovery, games, crafts and lots of fun! Story-time and drinks also included. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 18 months to 4 years (younger siblings welcome) Sessions at 10-11.30am.

Sessions also on Monday May 14. www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Booking essential for both events.

Saturday May 12 MARLOW MAY FAYRE Higginson Park, Marlow, SL7 2AE 01494 421821 This fun family event will feature a wide range of stalls, rides, games, live music and a real ale tent, all set in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the River Thames. At 3.30pm it’s the Family Duck Race with some fantastic prizes. 10am to 5pm. Entry is free.

Saturday May 12 and Sunday May 13 STEAM SPECTACULAR BY CARTERS STEAM FAIR Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead, SL6 6QD. Carters runs all the rides on steam-generated energy using showman's engines. Road run of vintage vehicles will be leaving the fair at 10am on Saturday to parade through Maidenhead. Dogs welcome on a lead.

Admission free. Saturday noon to 11pm; Sunday noon to 9pm. FREE fireworks 9pm Saturday.

Sunday May 13 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. 11.30am. £3 per person.

Lunch menu from £5. www.norden.farm Sunday May 13 MEET THE RANGER AND HIS REPTILES Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. One of the rangers will be near the café with some of the reptiles and amphibians that can be found on site. 2-3.30pm.

Sunday May 13 A WALK IN THE PARK TVAP’S SPRING WALK Windsor Great Park, leaving from Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green TW20 0UJ. Choose one of three routes: 2½ miles, 6 miles and 9 miles in the beautiful Great Park to raise money for the Taplowbased adventure playground for children and adults with disabilities. The paths are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

The registration marquee is on a lawn to the right of the main building from the car park side. All walkers will receive a map on the day and instructions including helpline phone numbers.

Please register in advance at www.tvap.co.uk and click through to the registration form or call 01628 628599. £5 per adult walker, under 16's FREE. Car parking is £2.50 per hour to a maximum of £10 per day. You are welcome to start your walks between 10am and 12pm, 9 mile walkers must begin by 11am.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

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

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

Feel sheepish at Odds Farm Park’s Young Farmers event, May 26 to June 3 Saturday May 19 ART AT RUNNYMEDE Windsor Road, Old Windsor, TW20 0AE Call 03442 491895. Join a guided walk to learn about the design and themes of the Runnymede memorials and the Jurors artwork. The guide will also bring you to Langham Ponds and explore Kipling's famous poem, The Reeds of Runnymede. Adult £10, child £5. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet at the noticeboard behind the tea-room. 2pm3.30pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymedeand-ankerwycke Saturday May 19 LET’S ROCK THE MOOR Cookham Moor, Cookham, Berks, SL6 9SF It’s the tenth birthday for the familyfriendly Eighties festival raising money for The Link Foundation. See Adam Ant, ABC, Billy Ocean, Heather Small, Midge Ure, Brother Beyond and Transvision Vamp’s Wendy James. Plus Sara Cox presents Just Can’t Get Enough 80s. A larger kids’ area including FREE circus workshops with the BigTopMania Circus, face painting, crafts, tricycles, Dave The Disco and more! Also included is The Sooty Show Live, Carters’ fairground, food and drinks stalls and a great party atmosphere. www.letsrockthemoor.com Saturday May 19 ANCIENT TREES Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. Old trees have some fantastic tales to tell...

Booking required. Afternoon event.

Sunday May 20 GALA NIGHT FOR ROSIE’S RAINBOW FUND Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000. A magical evening of Musical Theatre, Song and Dance in aid of a very special local children’s charity. Featuring a host of professional West End Artistes together with young performers from Redroofs School for the Performing Arts in Maidenhead and other local talent. All profits to Rosie’s Rainbow Fund supporting very sick and disabled children and their families. Tickets from £16.50. www.Wycombeswan.co.uk Monday May 21 and Friday 25 NATURE TOTS MAIDENHEAD Woolley Firs Environmental Education centre, Cherry Garden Lane Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ 01628 829 574 Come along to our parent and toddler group. A great opportunity each month for you and your pre-school little ones to have fun in

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Concertini with Rob Castell is at Norden Farm on June 1

natural surroundings. Each session will include activities such as bug-hunting, mud digging and mask-making. Games, story-time and refreshments also included. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 18 months - 4 years (younger siblings welcome).

Booking essential. Please wear clothing suitable for the weather. 9.30 – 11.30 (Mon & Fri) and 13.00 – 14.30 (Mon) www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Saturday May 26 WILDLIFE SAFARI Meet at The Duke of Wellington Pub, 27 High Street, Twyford, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 9AG Safaris leave every half hour to explore Loddon Nature Reserve and a wildlife trail dotted with fun activities tailored for families with children aged 5 -11. Booking required. There are some uneven paths which can be muddy, but are suitable for all terrain prams. Slots start from 10am to 12.30pm. £4 per child. www.bbowt.org.uk/events Saturday May 26 to Sunday June 3 WOODLAND WONDERS TRAIL Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE Popular half-term trail, aimed at children up to 12. Pick up a leaflet from the information point and guide yourself along the route.

Suggested donation £1. Bring a pencil.

Saturday May 26 to Sunday June 3 YOUNG FARMER’S GREAT ESCAPE Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX 01628 520 188 Calling all young farmers…don’t miss the return of sheep racing and sheep shearing plus lots of new traditional farming activities! The new water attraction will also be open. www.oddsfarm.co.uk/whats-on/specialevents Monday May 28 CHILDREN ARE STINKY Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Set in the 90s (with all your parents’ favourite tracks) this is a show full of circus and hilarity.

Lightning-fast hula hooping, daredevil balances, astounding strength and incredible acrobatics. 11.30am and 2pm. www.norden.farm MONDAY MAY 28 FAMILY FESTIVAL Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ In the month of Harry and Meghan’s marriage comes a family festival in the Moat Garden celebrating royal weddings, past and present. Take

Rufus Longbottom and The Space Rabbit is at Norden Farm, June 2

part in special wedding-themed storytelling sessions, picnic beneath the Round Tower and listen to live music throughout the day. Design a dazzling wedding tiara, ceremonial sword and much more. Free with standard entry ticket. 11am to 4pm. www.royalcollection.org.uk Monday May 28 JOHN F KENNEDY MEMORIAL WALK Runnymede National Trust, North Lodge, Old Windsor, TW20 0AE Call 0344 2491895 to book.

Celebrate the life and legacy of the famous American president John F. Kennedy on the 101st anniversary of his birth and discover why Runnymede has a memorial to him. 2-3.30pm, adult £10, child £6. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

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

Monday May 28 FAMILY ZOO DAY BCA Animal Management centre, Burchetts Green Road, Burchett's Green, Maidenhead SL6 6QR 01628 824444 Come and admire the amazing array of species at the college, including otters, skunks, snakes, frogs, meerkats and many more! Look around the zoo and watch their keepers running educational talks, feeding displays and handling demonstrations. Tickets must be bought in advance for either the morning slot (9am – midday) or the afternoon slot (1pm to 4pm). Adult £8, children £5.

Children under three - FREE. Also Saturday June 30 www.bca.ac.uk/events.

Tuesday May 29 BOOKSTORY Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 A story, about some books. In a library.

Families Thames Valley East • 23

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

MORE ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Pretty Muddy Kids comes to Windsor, on June 3 These are no ordinary books and this is no ordinary library. It’s Brian’s library: a wonderful, magical place where the books like to flutter their pages and let their shelves go. One day Brian changes and the library goes...quiet. 5+ yrs. £10 (£8 Under 16s), Family and Friends (4 people) £32. 11.30am. Also runs Friday June 29 at 2pm. www.norden.farm Wednesday May 30 KEEPY UPPY Norden Farm, as above. Joey loves football. Playing it, watching it, talking about it. He gets it from his mum - a footy fanatic! It’s cup final day and a chance for Joey to score a winning goal.

A play for the 2018 World Cup year, for football fans, non-football fans, children and families. With popping rhymes, fab footie moves, flicks and sidesteps underscored by toe tapping live music.

11.30am and 2pm Wednesday May 30 HAVE A GO AT STEEL PANS Cippenham Library Elmshott Lane, Slough SL1 5RB 01628 661745 As part of celebrating CityRead London - join SWIPE's steel pans and make some music. 1.30pm, FREE. www.slough.gov.uk/libraries/librarynews-and-events.aspx Thursday May 31 WOLVES BIRTHDAY CAKE Butlers Farm, Beenham, near Reading RG7 5NT 0118 9713330 Help decorate special cakes for the wolves to

01628 821145

Eton College’s gardens will open to the public on June 9

eat to celebrate their birthdays & then watch them wolf it down. £10 per person, Junior Member £8. 10.30am to 12.30pm. Places must be pre booked on 0118 971 3330. www.ukwolf.org Thursday May 31 FOUND Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, as opposite. Dive into a magical world of connections and movement. Two dancers adrift on their own islands enter a magical world where connections become visible. Sound waves ripple through bodies and children are invited to play. Found is an engaging, exploratory dance performance, with an invitation to play and participate. It looks at what connects us to each other and to what surrounds us 11.30am and 2pm. www.norden.farm

JUNE

Friday June 1 CONCERTINI WITH ROB CASTELL Norden Farm. Local musician Rob Castell brings an entertaining 45 minutes of original songs, musical theatre tunes and family favourites.

Little people can dance, sing and move around, whilst grown-ups and big kids can enjoy listening to live music in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Suitable for all ages. Rob is the resident

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

Do you have total SQUISHBOSH?

Fun party games with meaning

Call Pete on 07721 422554 or 01628 821145

e: squishbosh@basilandcrew.co.uk • www.basilandcrew.co.uk

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

songwriter and created the theme tune for CBBC’s BAFTA nominated Officially Amazing. 11.30am and 2pm.

Saturday June 2 RUFUS LONGBOTTOM AND THE SPACE RABBIT Norden Farm, Space Rabbit's planet is destroyed by a meteorite, sending her hurtling towards Earth. She lands outside a care home, frightened and alone. Inside is Rufus Longbottom.

He is an elderly gentleman itching for one last adventure. The unlikely pair go on a journey to the ends of the earth in search of a place to call home. 6+ years. 11.30am and 2pm Saturday June 2 HOLYPORT VILLAGE FAIR The Green, Holyport, Berkshire SL6 2JT Dog show, the tug-of-war and the beer race in the centre ring plus a traditional funfair with a carousel and various rides. The classic car show always draws a crowd with some beautiful vintage vehicles. Hog roast, barbecue, Indian delicacies from the Spice Hut, pancakes, tea, coffee, soft drinks and cakes. For adults there is a beer tent, Pimms’ stall and strawberries and Prosecco stall. 2pm to 6pm - after the Beer Race. www.holyportfair.org/entertainment Saturday June 2 RACE FOR LIFE Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, SL4 5JJ, 01753 498400 This is thousands of women uniting to raise cash for cancer research. Walk, jog or run. Raise valuable funds for research.

11am. £10 children £14.99 women .

Under 6 entry (girls and boys) free and no registration needed. https://Raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org Saturday June 2 to 30, Wednesdays and Saturdays only CLIVEDEN’S WOMEN Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069. See history come to life through the medium of acting.

Historical interpreters will take you on a journey of 'Cliveden's Women', telling their stories and sharing their achievements. Free with usual admission price, in conjuction with the outdoor exhibition this spring and summer celebrating inspiring women with a connection to Cliveden and their striking real-life stories. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

Learn bushcraft at COAM, June 16 and 17 Sunday June 3 PRETTY MUDDY KIDS Windsor Racecourse, as opposite.

Brilliant muddy obstacle course run by the Race for Life organisers. The perfectly flat course on a mixture of tarmac and grass travels between the Racetrack and the River Thames, before looping back to the Racecourse front lawn. £10 per child, 9.40am. https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org /node/10526 Monday June 4 to Wednesday 6 THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 Tall Stories returns, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this magical, musical adaptation.

Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups. Various showtimes including morning shows.

Running time: 55 mins, tickets £14. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Thursday June 6 TEEN RANGERS WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, Forest Gate off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot, SL4 2BY. Monthly wildlife club for young people 12 to 16 years. 68pm. £5. www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Saturday June 9 ETON COLLEGE OPEN GARDEN Eton College, High Street, Eton, Berkshire SL4 6DB A rare chance to visit a group of central college gardens surrounded by historic school buildings, including Luxmoore's garden on a small island in the Thames reached across two attractive bridges.

Also an opportunity to explore the fascinating Eton College Natural History Museum and a small group of other private gardens. Home-made teas served in the Fellows garden. 2pm to 5pm. Admission £5 adults, children FREE. www.ngs.org.uk Friday June 15 LORDS WOOD OPEN GARDEN Lords Wood, Marlow Common, Buckinghamshire SL7 2QS Explore the five-acre garden surrounding the house (not open) which contains sculpture and water features, extensive borders in varying styles, vegetable, flower and herb gardens, large water gardens and rockery. Home-made teas. Admission £4.50 for charity, children FREE. 11am to 4pm. www.ngs.org.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.

See dragonboat racing in Marlow, on June 17

Alice is in Wonderland at West Wycombe Park on June 23

Bookstory is at Norden Farm on May 29 and June 29

Saturday June 16, 23 and 30 MUSIC IN THE GROVE Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069 Enjoy live acoustic music in Cliveden's Ilex Grove, brought to you by jazz band Pocket Full of Swing. FREE, usual entry fees apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday June 16 and Sunday June 17 BUSHCRAFT WEEKEND Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4AB 01494 871117 An opportunity to take part in a number of Bushcraft activities and explore areas of the site which are not usually open to the public.

Have a go at shelter building in our woodland area, toast marshmallows over an open fire (small additional charge), learn historic fire lighting techniques and explore the site. Please note that all activities are subject to change and weather.

Museum opens 10am to 5pm, standard admission applies. www.coam.org.uk Sunday June 17 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. 11am. £3 per person. Lunch menu from £5. www.norden.farm Sunday June 17 MARLOW DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL River Thames, Higginson Park, Marlow SL7 2AE Take part or watch and soak up the atmosphere. There will be food stalls and plenty of picnic space with a great view of the colourful racing. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the fun. Limited car parking (fee applies) on the football field from 8am, the entrance is in Lower Pound Lane, off Pound Lane. Races from 9.30am. www.marlowtownregatta.org/schedule/marlowdragon-boat-festival

Sunday June 17 FATHER’S DAY AT TAPLOW HOUSE Berry Hill, Maidenhead SL6 0DA There's something for every dad at the hotel. Three-course lunch or afternoon tea with a gentleman's twist. www.taplowhouse.com Friday June 22 and Monday 25 NATURE TOTS MAIDENHEAD Woolley Firs Environmental Education centre, Cherry Garden Lane Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ 01628 829 574. A great opportunity each month for you and your pre-schoolers to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session will include activities such as bug-hunting, mud digging and maskmaking. Plus games, story-time and refreshments. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 18 months - 4 years (younger siblings welcome).

Booking essential. Please wear clothing suitable for the weather. 9.30–11.30am (Mon & Fri) and 13.00– 14.30 (Mon) www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Saturday June 23 ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND West Wycombe Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 3AJ 0344 249 1895. Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer as they present the classic tale of Alice down the rabbit hole. Join Alice as she stumbles into the magical world of Wonderland and meet a whole host of colourful characters. Presented in beautiful Victorian costume and alive with song, dance and original music. Doors open 5pm show starts at 6pm. Adult tickets £16, Child £10, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £46. www.seetickets.com Saturday June 23 LEARN ABOUT PLANTS Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE Learn to recognise some of the plants in the Beeches and find out what they were once used for on this two hour, gentle stroll. Booking required.

Saturday June 23 ENGLEFIELD GREEN VILLAGE FAIR The Green, Englefield Green, Surrey, Don’t miss the dancing dog performance, as well as some old favourites such as the children’s fairground rides, stalls, beer tent, cakes and arena events.

Thursday June 28 to Sunday July 1 WINDSOR CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW Home Park, King Edward VII Avenue, Windsor. Enjoy a summer's day out under the ramparts of Windsor Castle at the show often described as the summer ‘Crufts’.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Visitors, please use exhibitor's entrance on the side of the showground nearest to Windsor town centre. Car parking available, £10. Entry is FREE. www.windsordogshow.org.uk Saturday June 30 FAMILY ZOO DAY BCA Animal Management centre, Burchetts Green Road, Burchett's Green, Maidenhead SL6 6QR 01628 824444 Come and admire the amazing array of species including otters, skunks, snakes, frogs, meerkats and many more! Educational talks, feeding displays and handling demonstrations. Tickets for 9am to midday or the afternoon slot, 1pm to 4pm.

Adult £8, children £5. Children under three FREE. www.bca.ac.uk/event Sunday July 1 FAMILY FUN DAY FESTIVAL Royal Windsor Racecourse Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, SL4 5JJ, 01753 498400. Live music from 1D, Katy Perry & Pink tribute acts! As well as 7 races for the adults to enjoy, there will be a huge Free Funfair and inflatables for the kids. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk

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

Families Thames Valley East • 25

Parenting

How Much Does Gender Matter?

By Dr Lucy Maddox From the moment a baby is conceived, its sex is determined and it will be exposed to an entirely different menu of hormonal influences, both in utero and beyond. It’s the balance of different hormones - androgens (male hormones) and oestrogens and progesterones (female hormones) - which result in the differentiation of physical characteristics and genitalia between boys and girls.

S

ome people also use these sex differences to explain differences in behaviour. However, research suggests that the impact of sex differences on behaviour is massively exaggerated. Whilst it is tempting to attribute differences in behaviour between girls and boys to their biology, there is not good evidence to back this up. Christia Spears Brown, Professor at the University of Kentucky, studies sex differences. She says “Of course, behavioural differences do exist. Boys, as infants, are a little more active and a little more impulsive than girls and throw a ball with greater velocity and power. In childhood, boys have better body image than girls, and more confidence in their maths ability (although they don’t differ in actual maths ability). However, these differences may well be due to socialisation - to boys being encouraged to practise ball-throwing more and to girls picking up a message that “girls aren’t good at maths.”

If there aren’t major behavioural differences between boys and girls, then why do we think there are? We all have a natural tendency to see things that back up our existing beliefs: a confirmation bias. This makes it easy for us to see differences as related to biological sex, when they might just be individual differences in personality.

Importantly, society tends to train children from a very early age to behave in different ways depending on their biological sex. From birth, children are surrounded by messages from advertising, film and television and clothes and toys. There may well be differences in the way boys and girls behave, but they are often very likely to be influenced by what they have experienced as they grow.

Recognition of biological sex happens early.

Even by the age of 1 year, children begin to have the ability to distinguish between male and female faces if there are gender-related cues. By age 3, girls and boys have a sense of their own gender identity. Between 3 and 6 years old, children develop the idea of gender constancy - the idea that someone’s biological sex doesn’t change and that you can’t be both a girl and a boy.

Stereotypes about gender also form early: ideas about expected clothes, play and behaviour are already around before children reach age 6 years. One study showed boys tending to prefer assertive character traits and girls tending to value affiliative traits which enhance the ability to get on with others. The effects of these roots, laid down so very early on, probably in the messages boys and girls have been given, arguably manifest in typical

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

adult male and female styles of interaction at work and in relationships.

What can we do to help free children from gender constraints?

Professor Spears Brown thinks that there are three main things: • Make gender less relevant to everyday life, (e.g. no need to say “hello boys and girls” - just say “hello everyone”).

• Correct children and other adults when they fall into the trap of gender stereotypes, (e.g. how often do we praise girls for looking nice and praise boys for being strong?)

• Focus on buying children toys that foster the traits we want to encourage, rather than buying toys that are supposed to be for a particular sex.

It’s well worth thinking about our own ideas about gender, the scripts we have been given by our families and by society around us about what is “boy behaviour” and “girl behaviour.” If we can hold up our inherited beliefs to the light then there is some hope of us being able to challenge or champion them, to allow for curiosity about other cultures, families and ways of being. This might also create more space for our children to be able to do, say, feel and be what they are, whatever their biology.

For more on gender and other child development topics, Dr Lucy Maddox’s book “Blueprint: How Our Childhood Makes Us Who We Are” is available from Amazon at £14.99.

familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting

Sleep Baby, Sleep!

Whether you have a newborn, toddler or older child, sleep is vitally important for them. According to the National Sleep Foundation, lack of sleep can have an impact on a child’s mental and physical development. Claire Winter takes a look at some common sleep issues and how you can deal with them.

Routine is Key Former health visitor, parenting expert and author of ‘Happy Baby, Happy Family,’ Sarah Beeson, says establishing a bedtime routine is very important too.

“A key part of an evening routine is a milky supper or snack before bed. Do the same thing every night, a warm bath, a milky supper and try and avoid rough and tumble and playing, if mum or dad comes home at bedtime. Keep it calm and boring.”

Sarah also has lots of great practical advice on her website www.sarahbeeson.co.uk to help you get your baby to sleep.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Crying Once you have implemented a calm sleep routine and environment, Sarah says it is important to make sure you have emotional empathy for your baby when it comes to bedtime. “Recognise that your baby is an independent human being that has rights.

Sleep is part of that. Many people use the cryit-out method. A baby has equal rights to you and everyone else. You wouldn’t let an adult cry for hours and ignore their needs. Crying is the way the baby lets you know that it isn’t happy in some way. Use your own judgement.

If all their needs have been met, let them have a grumble/cry for five minutes or so, but persistent crying should be attended to.”

Trust Your Instincts

Night Waking

How to Help

Night waking is one of the most common sleep issues with which parents struggle from birth right the way through childhood, according to Sarah Ockwell-Smith, mother of four and author of the bestselling 'The Gentle Sleep Book' (Piatkus, 2015, £13.99).

Providing a good sleep environment is the best thing parents can do to aid their child's sleep, no matter the age of the child. Sarah says it is incredibly important to understand how the sleep environment impacts on their child's sleep physiology.

“Night waking, however, is normal and natural, not just for babies, toddlers and older children, but for adults too. Nobody 'sleeps through the night,' we all sleep in several cycles (90 minutes for adults and 45 minutes for babies).

Night waking tends to occur in the transition between one sleep cycle and the next. As adults, we can 'self-soothe' any problems that wake us when transitioning (e.g. if we're uncomfortable, in pain, cold, hot, thirsty or are struggling with anxiety or fear from a nightmare, we can fix the problem alone).

Babies and toddler are physiologically and psychologically incapable of self-soothing (you can't teach them to self-settle - you can only train them to not call out for you when they're in need), and so they wake fully much more frequently while transitioning between sleep cycles. The other big difference here is that as their sleep cycles are roughly half the length of ours, they wake a lot more frequently - up to 15 times every night!”

“For the best sleep, we need to sleep in a cool room (15-18 degrees centigrade), but be warm enough in that room with appropriate bedding.

For little ones, I always recommend special sleeping bags with fitted legs and open feet in 2.5 or 3 togs, like the ones made by Slumbersac. Next, you need a good level of humidity or moisture in the air. If the room is too dry (usually because of central heating), your child will wake with a dry throat and need to drink in the night. I always recommend a nightlight is kept on all night. However, any light that is blue, white, green, purple or pink inhibits the secretion of melatonin - the hormone of sleep. The only colour light that doesn't do this is red. So get hold of a red nightlight or a special 'low blue light' nightlight like the Lumie Bedbug. These tips aren't magic - babies and toddlers are meant to wake in the night and night-waking protects them from SIDS (cot death). However, they may help you to get a few extra hours sleep!”

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

In an age where there is so much parenting information, Sarah believes that mums and dads should trust their intuition more. “My key bit of advice around sleep is for parents to trust themselves and follow their hearts. There is so much advice out there that you feel you have to follow. No one knows your baby better than you. Do what works for you and your child.”

If you have persistent sleep issues with your baby or child, please seek advice from your doctor or health visitor.

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

Families Thames Valley East • 27

Parenting

Getting the Balance Right Rachel Bailey explores some of the challenges she faces as a mum of three.

B

eing a working mum often feels like a constant balancing act and not one I’m ever sure I get right. Before the twins turned three, we had a childminder two days a week – I dropped them off at 7.30am, ran round to breakfast club with my older son and then picked everyone up again at the end of the school day. Having just two days to do the majority of my work was tough and often required me to trade sleep in favour of a late night spent finishing things off (and sometimes even enlist help from the electronic babysitter), but I’d made the decision early on that I wanted the flexibility for work to fit in around my children and not the other way round (and am well aware I’m in a very fortunate position for this to even be an

option). It worked well for us, the twins had a childminder they loved and I still got to work and enjoy precious time with them during the week.

Since turning three in October however, our routine has changed again. They are now at pre-school five mornings a week, we’ve lost our beloved childminder and I have had to get used to working between the hours of 8.30am and 12.30pm every day (thanks to the lifesaver that is breakfast and lunch club). I must admit I’ve struggled.

I’m more productive when I have a longer stretch of time to get into a job - it takes me a while to get going! So now I’m constantly clock watching, running to pick up whilst sleep and household chores are still taking a back seat.

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

My biggest working challenge to date however, was the snow day we had back in March. I am very thankful to school and nursery for being one of the few to stay open on the Thursday – those teachers are heroes! – as was my son who was desperate not to miss World Book Day. However, as I’m sure many working mums can relate, the Friday was chaos in our household. It started off well, we were sledging by 830am and whilst the twins got cold fairly quickly, the café at the top of the hill was perfectly situated for a warming hot chocolate. Back at home, I helped with puzzles, took an interest in my older son’s new minecraft obsession, built a snowman outside and Lego inside.

Feeling smug that I’d ticked all the ‘fun mum’ boxes, after lunch I announced they’d all need to play amongst themselves for a couple of hours whilst I at least made a half-hearted attempt to get some work done. I set my laptop up on the dining table in full view of everyone, dealt fairly well with the expected interruptions and the twins’ incessant need to clamber up on my lap and then after what felt like the hundredth request to accompany them on a trip to the toilet, I uttered those regretful words ‘you can go on your own, I’ll

pop up and find you in a minute’.

After possibly 10 minutes of blissful peace (punctuated only by my daughter realising that if you leant on the carpet to do your colouring & applied enough pressure, the blue felt tip would come through onto the carpet), I realised the other 3 year old hadn’t resurfaced and upon going to investigate, found him smearing poo across the bathroom floor in an attempt to ‘helpfully’ clear up. Then, whilst busy antibacing the floor and simultaneously bathing said helpful child, his twin sister managed to somehow flood the downstairs toilet and according to my matter of fact seven year old, was in the process of cleaning it up with her toothbrush! By the time both incidents were dealt with, I’d attempted to wash the pen out of the carpet, as well as the bright blue kinetic sand which had been spilt in the playroom and dutifully walked across the carpet, practically every inch of our lounge carpet (that wasn’t blue) was covered in toys and I’d resigned myself to working my Friday night instead.

Hats off to any mums who did manage to get some work done with children off school. Snow days are definitely less fun as a grown up!

familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting

Working and Children

by Anna Collins

I think I might have underestimated how tricky it can be; being a working parent. I love my job and I love my kids, but boy can it be tricky juggling the two. I know so many mums (and Dads) out there all trying to do the same and let’s face it, these days many of us are trying to pay off our maxed-out mortgages designed for two salaries (not to mention the other bills). Here I tell of my own career/work juggling journey so far.

F

or me, it took a while to get baby number 1, which that meant I was stuck in a particular corporate office a lot longer than I intended. However, once the baby arrived I was lucky to enjoy a 13-month maternity leave with a fairly decent maternity pay. I managed to escape into a blissful world away from the office, nurturing the baby I’d long-awaited. I was a little shocked however at how quickly some of the other mums started looking at nurseries and planning their return.

As many Mums experience, maternity leave can go past at breakneck speed!

Later on, back at the ‘corporate’ my negotiations for a 4-day week failed miserably to be honest, although with a number of days holiday owed I managed to take Fridays off for a few months till I worked out the best plan! I think this is a common tactic. The transition back to work is always a strange one.

Sometimes it felt like nothing had changed and other days it felt like everything had changed!

In the end, I decided to leave without anything to go to as I didn’t want to work full time with children. What a scary thing to do too when you need the money. My strategy was to hope the stars would line up somehow!

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I always fancied working for myself and had started to put this message out there. By this stage James was 18 months old and at least I had found a nursery and knew the ropes.

That’s something that can take some time.

Leaving work a little early to queue down the M4 to get back for nursery pick up can be stressful! So anyway, working for myself, I figured, may give more flexibility in this respect.

I was probably very lucky, but a friend introduced me to a managing director who needed a marketing manager and were happy to take me on an open-ended contract for 3 days a week. Plus the commute would be easier and I could really work the hours that suited me. Blissful! Most of the time this went really well, however at times, of course, I found myself putting in a little extra for free on the days I wasn’t around. So easy to fall into when part-time.

Inevitably the ‘career’ hurdle of having baby number 2 came around. I knew this meant severing a good working contact which had lasted 2 years and there would be no guarantees of going back. Again, I loved my maternity leave with Joshua, albeit a different

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

kind of maternity leave with a 3-year-old to entertain too. Less feeding the baby in comfy coffee shops and more feeding in noisy soft play centres.

Josh was only 9 months old when I was offered another stint of contact work for an IT company. Josh was not a big sleeper in his first year, so I relied on copious amounts of coffee to get me through! I enjoyed the job, but still I felt that I was being called to more and more 8am starts in the city office, which meant more and more juggling with school and nursery pick-ups. The husband definitely had to help at one end of the day or the other as it was impossible to do both.

The opportunity to buy Families magazine for Thames Valley East came up and Rachel (my co-editor!) and I decided that this could work well with children. The flexibility is there and I get to do school pick up most of the time, however there is a lot of evening work and trying to figure out tax and accounts are new challenges that go with the territory! I do love it and feel lucky; but I do continue to learn a lot about working through the early years.

Balancing work and children is a complex journey which needs constant evaluation, review of childcare, pay, ability to get to sports day, the impact on your partner, the impact on your children, the impact on you and if you are doing something you want to do! It’s not easy, but many of us muddle through it finding ways to earn and bring up the kids.

Families Thames Valley East • 29

She Means Business...

Tamara and Rebekah are two friends who set up Summerlea Private Staff, a company that finds and matches nannies and household staff to families, in 2016. Here they tell us all about their business.

Where are you based? What is your background?

We have both lived in Berkshire for many years, and each of us has over a decade of experience recruiting nannies, and household staff for our own families. With six children between us, we fully appreciate the juggle of domestic bliss and work life.

Tell us a bit about the business?

At Summerlea we work hard to ensure we find nannies and household staff of high quality and appropriate experience for what people and families need now, and in the future. Our company culture is simple but effective: We listen to both employer and employee, focusing our attention not only on the skills required, but the match between them.

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

Rebekah has a design and sales background while Tamara worked in film representing screenwriters

and directors. Having children and moving out of London meant that we had to think out of the box to gain a better work/family balance – Summerlea Private Staff was born!

What inspired you to set up the business?

The inspiration for Summerlea came out of the frustrations we both faced to find reliable and appropriate help for our own needs. That and the realisation that

we could create a higher level of service than we ourselves experienced in this sector. We offer face to face sit down meetings for the families at home because we believe this is vital to understand family dynamics and personality matches.

What are your plans for the future?

We want to bring our ethos to a wider market and to bring Summerlea Private Staff to other parts of the UK – not just Berkshire.

Presently we are building relationships with estate agencies, baby services and different educational institutions and businesses. This has enabled us to offer our growing client and candidate databases other opportunities and information sources.

Creating quality time for all the family

At Summerlea we understand how important your little ones are and how precious your home is. We understand why you cannot start your day until you know they are in safe hands.

SERVICES WE OFFER

Nannies • Live in Staff • Housekeepers • Seasonal Childcare First Aid Courses • Payroll and Pensions • Enhanced DBS checks

www.summerlea.co.uk

01344 550 465 or email hello@summerlea.co.uk

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

To Advertise here call: 01628 788058

What would your advice be to other business women?

The most important element to starting a business is being passionate about the subject.

Thereafter, it is important to research the current market, to ensure no repetition or saturation.

If you think there is a gap in the market, follow your gut but do your homework. We carried out various research strategies, culminating in our business plan, went on relevant courses, studied our competitors and hired a good business coach. She proved invaluable, as she had been in this industry for almost 2 decades and was able to guide us through the pitfalls that may have tripped us up and caused financial consequences. Even when we didn’t think we were ready, she encouraged us to jump right in there is no substitute for making mistakes and learning from them.

Rebekah or Tamara can be reached on landline 01344 550465 or email with your contact details and they will call you back. hello@summerlea.co.uk www.summerlea.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

...She Means Business Local mum Maria, talks to Families about how her career changed direction after having children and how her business, The Miles Sparkle, is all about giving time back to busy parents whilst fitting around the demands of her own family life.

Who are you and where do you live?

My name is Maria Miles and I have lived within Maidenhead for over 10 years. I live with my husband, our twin daughters who are coming up for 10 and our little boy JJ, 3.

Tell us a bit about the business?

My company, The Miles Sparkle is an independent, local, one-stop-shop for all your party and gifting needs. My aim is to make party organising and bespoke gifting hassle free and affordable.

We offer: • unique filled party bags • party decorations and accessories • party games • party gift bundles • I can even set up on the day, leaving you to get ready & just enjoy the party!

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

After graduating and living in Bristol, I moved back to Berkshire and worked for a Global Professional Services Organisation. Post giving birth to our twin girls, I have enjoyed spending my time as a stay at home mum. A multiple birth, little family support and my husband having a demanding job was the driving force behind this decision to not return back to my job.

Having said this, I have found the shift from full-time working to becoming a stay at home mummy has been such a personally rewarding journey.

Now that my son will be starting pre-school, I have found a new challenge with The Miles Sparkle. I am doing something I really enjoy and am passionate about, that can also fit around our busy family life.

What inspired you to set up the business?

I have spent 10 years attending children’s parties as a guest and I have been the mummy

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flapping around as 30 kids run riot. So, I know from personal experience that organising and hosting a party is no piece of cake The cost of a child’s party can easily spiral out of control, if you don’t set a budget or have a plan of action. My decision was made – I was going to use my transferable organisational skills (sometimes military, if you ask my children) and my love of making all things pretty and start my own business with “affordability and uniqueness being my ethos".....The Miles Sparkle was born!

What are your plans for the future?

I want to build a brand that is known locally for quality, bespoke and affordable party planning & gifting. A brand that gives time back to families and reduces the stress out of organising events. A brand that continues to increase it’s customer base and continues to have a high review rating. A brand I can be proud of.

What would your advice be to other business women?

• Never lose sight of what makes you different from shopping on the high street.

• Never let anyone dull your sparkle • Don’t be afraid to be different. Always listen to your heart and focus on your customers For more information contact Maria on 07538 998611 or visit www.facebook.com/themilessparkle

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

Classifieds

Families Thames Valley East • 31

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