Families Thames Valley East Sept/Oct 2018 Issue 98

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H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley East IN THIS ISSUE

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL RECRUITING NOW

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

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

please call Diana Page 01235 533362 07747 086518

Issue 98 September/October 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

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THE MARIST SCHOOL INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 2½ - 18

Senior Open Evening: Thursday 27 September Preparatory Open Morning: Friday 12 October Kings Rd, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PS 01344 624291 www.themarist.com

THE BEST ADVERT FOR THE MARIST SCHOOL IS A MARIST GIRL

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

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In this issue...

3-5 News & Information

EDUCATION

6-7 Education News

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

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

12 Helping Your Child Cope with Stress

We hope you’ve had a fantastic summer and enjoyed the outdoors in the sunshine. Now it’s time to cool off and get the kids back to school. You could be looking at schools for next year, so don’t forget our Schools’ Open Day Diary on page 8 and we have tips on how to make the most of your visit on page 6. You may want your children to try out a new club or class too, so check out our suggestions on pages 16-19.

13 Explore Learning Interview

Good luck to all new school starters!

8 Schools’ Open Days 10 Should You Help with Homework?

14 How Thinking Skills can Equip Your Child for the Future

New baby massage classes for your newborn 16-19 CLUBS AND CLASSES SPECIAL 21 AUTUMN FUN Go Wild this Autumn

22-26 WHAT’S ON

PARENTING

28 The Benefits of Boredom 29 Foraging with Kids

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: Nov/Dec 2018 due out: November 1, featuring: Festive Fun!

T: 01628 788058 copy/advertising deadline: Sept 28 Cover image: depositphotos.com

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

Mind Body and Baby, Maidenhead are launching new massage classes from September for parents to enjoy introducing massage to their newborns. These relaxed and friendly classes are very special as the majority of baby massage classes are for babies from 8 weeks.

Louise Prince, a mother of two, doula and trusted baby massage instructor, will be running these classes on Monday and Wednesdays at her home in Cox Green for parents of newborn babies and each class will have a different focus according to the baby’s development.

Louise’s classes aim to provide baby-led sessions where parents can share parenting tips, learn effective winding routines to help colic and most importantly, enjoy enhancing their bond through touch and massage with their baby. Babies with flat head syndrome, or prefer laying one side only, those who suffer with tummy troubles or have umbilical hernias have all benefitted from these classes.

HOWLAND TUTORS

Louise is particularly interested in supporting mothers post birth to feel empowered, confident and supported to be the best parent they can be. Her classes are designed with all this is mind. For more information or to book your place email info@mindbodyandbump.co.uk or call Louise on 07711 938 856 www.mindbodyandbump.co.uk or www.facebook.com/mindbodyandbaby

(MAIDENHEAD/MARLOW and WINDSOR/SLOUGH areas)

Expanding local agency

(established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers)

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

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

Find out more today: ASCOT 01344 206466 stagecoach.co.uk/ascot BRACKNELL 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknell BRACKNELL NORTH (Warfield) 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth

HENLEY AND MARLOW 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead WINDSOR 0845 293 7207 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor

®

Creative Courage For Life

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News & Info

Tumble Tots to open new venues offering more local classes this autumn

Boosting Children’s Self-esteem and Life Skills with Perform

Since it began in 1979, Tumble Tots has helped over 1.5 million children to develop their physical skills of balance, agility, climbing and coordination, whilst at the same time boosting their language and social skills. This Autumn, they are opening three new venues with classes now running in Bourne End, Holyport, Lane End, Stoke Poges and Marlow.

Local franchisee Helen Otto says “If we can start children on a healthy way of life early on, then it can become a habit for the rest of their lives. Exercise should be fun

Local Venues:

Perform uses drama, dance and singing to help all children achieve their true potential.

Perform Producer Karen says, “Classes are small with both a producer and a teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the producer spends time beforehand with each parent establishing their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.”

“Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents. I can pretty much guarantee that within 5 or 6 classes, they will run in without waving goodbye”.

Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today.

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 ALL SAINTS CHURCH HALL, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA. 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: 7-12s Saturdays 11.15am CLEWER YOUTH CENTRE, Clewer Parish Hall, Windsor, SL4 5EW Dance: 6-12s (Perform X) Mondays 5pm Drama: 4-7s Mondays 4pm, Tuesdays 4pm, Fridays 4pm. Drama: 7-12s Tuesdays 5pm, Fridays 5pm SUNNINGDALE VILLAGE HALL, Church Road, Sunningdale, SL5 0NJ Drama: 4-7s Mondays 4pm & 5pm DATCHET BAPTIST HALL, Datchet Baptist Church,62 London Road, Datchet, SL3 9JR. Drama: 4-7s Tuesdays 4pm; 7-12s Tuesdays 5pm St PETER’S CENTRE, 1 Thorney Lane North, Iver, SL0 9JU. Drama: 4-7s Tuesdays 4pm; 7-12s Tuesdays 5pm

and that’s exactly what Tumble Tots provides! Our classes combine excitement and challenge in a safe, caring environment. Our sessions use unique equipment and are run by specially trained staff, with a maximum of 6 tots per teacher.”

There are different classes for different ages and stages of development, starting from 6 months up to school age. Find out more at www.tumbletots.com/marlow or on Facebook @TumbleTotsMarlow.

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

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One Festival...

Two Weekends...

5000 Free Events

Only half of pre-school children being read to daily The number of toddlers being read to daily has dropped by 20% since 2013, according to recent research.

The annual ‘Understanding the Children’s Book Consumer survey’ from Nielsen Book Research found that while 69% of pre-school children were read to daily in 2013, that figure had now dropped to just 51%.

The study found parents complained of obstacles preventing them from reading to their children. Nearly a fifth said it was hard to find the energy at the end of the day, whilst 16% said their child would rather do other things. One in five parents don’t feel comfortable in bookshops, and nearly half are overwhelmed by the choice of children’s books.

The publisher Egmont, which co-funded the research, said the decline correlated with an increase of almost a fifth in the proportion of toddlers watching online video content daily, and warned that the “steep decline” in reading to young children “signalled a significant threat to child development, with potential long-term social impact.”

More info at www.egmont.co.uk

Spotlight on Family Health How many of us could benefit from having an easy to use tool-kit to help our families stay healthy and happy?

For the first time ever England’s biggest festival of heritage and culture will take place across two weekends in 2018.

Heritage Open Days, taking place 6th to 9th and 13th to 16th September, are an annual celebration of England’s architecture and culture, that allows visitors free access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, it brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England.

With a theme of ‘Extraordinary Women,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside. There are hundreds of activities for kids, including dressing up, woodland walks, and railway rides.

News & Info

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum

Best of all, every single event is FREE! For up to date information on events taking place near you, visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Back to School with Confidence Support your child’s transition to a new school, class or year group with APD-Life Coaching 4 kids who are running a Back to School Confidence Programme on the 1st, 2nd and 15th September at Burnham Park Hall, Windsor Road, Burnham, Bucks.

Children will learn: How to develop soaring self-esteem, how to be themselves and honour their uniqueness, how to develop unstoppable self-confidence, how to conquer the day-to-day ups and downs and create daily mastery, how to manage fear and understanding their impact on others.

APD-Life Coaching 4 kids is not just for children with challenges or problems. It is for those who we want to reach their fullest potential and is therefore, relevant for every child. Jean is a Certified WISDOM Coach.

WISDOM Coaching is a form of personal development. Think of it as leadership training for kids (Renaye Thornborrow, CEO Adventures in Wisdom). As well as the programme, you can contact Jean about coaching 4 kids generally.

Call Jean on 07872 017162 for a no cost assessment www.activepersonaldevelopment.co.uk

Up until 7 years ago, Tara Mehmet lived a very different life running a successful business in the music industry, the downside of which was high stress and little balance between work and family life. She became burnt out and disconnected from her family.

In search of better health and happiness, Tara discovered a simple yet powerfully effective system called Pranic Healing, which anyone can learn in just two days. Within only a few treatments she overcame crippling stress and regained physical and emotional strength.

Inspired, Tara learned the techniques herself to treat her family. She also teaches others how to help themselves and their loved ones heal from common ailments like coughs, colds, tummy aches and anxieties to create brighter futures through this transformational system. www.ukpranichealing.co.uk/tara-mehmet familiesonline.co.uk

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

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Education News St Piran’s share tips on how to make the most of a school Open Day Most schools will hold Open Days to enable as many parents as possible to see round the school. How they are run, who talks to you, who shows you round and so on will be different and will be determined, as much as anything, by the age range of the school.

Senior schools, for example, will do things very differently to primary/prep schools.

The most important contributors are the children you meet or who show you round.

They are your benchmark as they are the ‘product’ of the school. Generally they will be the older children – sixth formers, or Year 6 or 8 depending on the leaving age of primary/prep schools. Don’t be afraid to interrogate! I always advise asking ‘How …?’ questions. They need more careful answering than the ‘Why..?’, ‘What …?’ and ‘When ..?’ type

questions. ‘How does the school support you in your learning?; How does the school deal with bullying?; How do your teachers help you when you have a friendship problem?’ If you are visiting a number of schools, have three or four standard questions you ask of each school. That will help you to compare answers.

If you have been shown round by a member of staff or admissions officer on your first visit, ask to be shown round by children on your

next, or vice versa; don’t be afraid to ask! If they can’t accommodate that sort of request, it might raise some questions in your mind.

Try to look past the obvious showcasing; there will always be areas that are ‘off limits’ on Open Days! Ask about future plans and intentions of the school; ‘I am sure there are parts of the school you wouldn’t want to show parents on an Open Day! What are they and how are you looking to improve those parts of the school you are least happy about?’

At St Piran’s our children are proud to show prospective children and their families around the school. Our Open Mornings include talks by the headmaster, time with teachers and admissions staff and the opportunity to spend time with current pupils and their parents. We have a number of Open Mornings throughout the year at St Piran’s, both during the working day and at weekends giving a different perspective on our school.

For more information please call the registrar on 01628 594302.

LVS Ascot launches Junior School Diploma

The co-educational prep school in Maidenhead for children aged 3 to 11 years Small class sizes maximum of 18 children Outstanding facilities including:

LVS Ascot pupils will return to school in September ready to work towards a new, Junior School Diploma.

Each section of the diploma is linked to a pair of the LVS values and skills: curiosity and creativity, resilience and risk-taking, empathy and reflection, initiative and independence and collaboration and self-confidence.

The course will fully embed the values and skills into pupils’ way of life from Reception class right up to Year 6 so they can build character qualities and develop key life skills, with diplomas presented at the end of their final year before moving up to LVS Ascot senior school.

Many of the suggested criteria will be met through the school’s varied enrichment programme offered by staff during the school day, but pupils can also meet the requirements through specific projects. Criteria will include items such as learning to play an instrument, contributing to school council meetings and cooking a meal for their families.

Head of LVS Ascot Infant and Junior School Rachael Cox said: “Our aim is to deliver a unique and vibrant education that inspires young people to exceed their expectations. The Junior School Diploma will reinforce that and help develop our pupils”. www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk

Head of LVS Ascot Infant & Junior School, Rachael Cox sharing end of term Celebration Day with pupils

• All weather sports pitch • Large Science Laboratory • Newly equipped children’s kitchen • Indoor, heated swimming pool • Specialist subject teachers • Quality in-house catering department • Full range of extra-curricular activities

We look forward to welcoming you

01628 594300 www.stpirans.co.uk

Highfield Prep continues celebrations of its centenary year Highfield Prep offers first class education to girls from Nursery through to Year 6. Many of the girls go on to local Grammar and Independent Schools and the school offers 11+ tuition free of charge in Year 5. The school is celebrating its centenary year, based in the same location in the heart of Maidenhead since 1918. It is housed in a Victorian building with outstanding facilities such as the Discovery Science Room and the Eco-Garden. On Friday 8th June, many parents, staff and governors attended the Highfield Centenary Ball held at Dorney Lake. There was a live and silent auction on the night as well as a raffle and a total of over £13,700 was raised towards a new Highfield mini bus. The school has highly competitive fees, and offers wraparound care from 7.45am to 6.00pm. Bursaries are also available. www.highfieldprep.org

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

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Spotlight on Goyals Goyals in Maidenhead has been supplying uniforms to school children in the local area for over 50 years. Families catches up with owner Seema Goyal ahead of the new term How many uniforms do you typically sell over the summer?

We serve over 50,000 customers.

Our latest addition is BCA and we supply uniforms for all their various departments.

How has your business changed over the years?

Technology in the manufacturing has changed. Our uniforms are more eco friendly... yet cost effective. We have seen the business change and evolve throughout the years by keeping up to date with current market trends and by listening to our customers requirements, ensuring that we have provided them with a service that they expect. In addition, we have found that despite the surge of eCommerce purchases, our customers still like to come into our

School Uniform, Sportswear Custom Clothing Solutions & Workwear

shop with their children and enjoy the experience.

How do you find working with children?

I love the school visits. The best thing is when we receive a thank you card from the children themselves. So much thought and creativity goes into their cards and it makes all we do at Goyals worthwhile.

How do you think the regeneration will impact Maidenhead?

I think it’s a very exciting time for Maidenhead and the regeneration will bring more footfall into the town.

• School Uniforms for most schools in Maidenhead, Windsor, Slough & Burnham area • Complete Design, Embroidery, Screen printing & alteration services • Stockists of all official scouting and girlguiding organisations & dancewear • School Shoes - black & brown - Startrite and Asics

01628 639725 • sales@goyals.co.uk www.goyalmaidenhead.co.uk 28 Bridge Street, Maidenhead Berkshire, SL6 8BJ

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Schools’ Open Days Call to book your place now!

ClAIRES COURT is a private day school for young people aged 3 to 18 years, situated in three locations across Maidenhead. Friday 28 September - Open Morning all sites, Thursday 11 October - Senior Girls Open Afternoon, Tuesday 6 November - Open Morning all sites, Thursday 8 November – Senior Boys Open Afternoon. To book contact 01628 327700 www.clairescourt.com DAIR HOUSE SCHOOl, Bishops Blake, Beaconsfield Rd, Farnham Royal, SL2 3BY. Independent preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-11. Nursery Stay and Play Tuesday 25th September 1.30pm-2.30pm. Open Morning Thursday 11th October 10am-12pm.

Nursery Stay and Play Tuesday 20th November 1.30pm-2.30pm. 01753 643964 admissions@dairhouse.co.uk www.dairhouseschool.co.uk ETON END PREPARATORy DAy SCHOOl, 35 Eton Road, Datchet, SL3 9AX. Independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-11 years.

Open Day Friday 5th October 9.30am-2.30pm.

Alternatively personal tours are always welcome. 01753 541075 www.etonend.org GODSTOWE PREPARATORy SCHOOl, Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6PR for girls aged 7 to 13. There is also a Pre-Prep and Nursery for girls and boys aged 3 to 7.

Open Day Saturday 6th October 10am – 1pm.

Contact Mrs Annie Bird – Registrar.

01494 429006, registrar@godstowe.org www.godstowe.org

2018 Autumn Term HEATHFIElD SCHOOl ASCOT. Day boarding for girls aged 11-18. Open Days Saturday 13th October 2018, Saturday 9 March and Saturday 11 May 2019. 10am-12pm. There is also a Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 26 September 2018 6.30-8pm. To book please contact registrar@heathfieldschool.net www.heathfieldschool.net

Saturday 15th September 9.00am-12pm (Junior School, Senior School & Sixth Form), Sat 29th September (Senior School - Yr 10 GCSE Information), Sat 6th October (Sixth Form), Tues 9th October 9.00am-12pm (reception class only), Sat 17th November.

(Junior School, Senior School & Sixth).

Contact: lvs.ascot.sch.uk/open 01344 882770

HERRIES SCHOOl, Dean Lane, Cookham Dean. Co-ed preparatory school and nursery 3-11 years. Open Morning Thursday 20th September 9.30 - 11am. FREE Stay and Play Sessions for under 4s (must be accompanied by an adult), every Monday during term-time 10-11am preceded by an Enchanted dance class 9.30-10am, pay as you go, (free trial).

01628 483350 www.herries.org.uk

Instead of offering generic Open Days, MEADOWBROOk SCHOOl, Malt Hill, Warfield, RG42 6JQ offers tailor-made Open Days in the form of Informal Observation Visits, where parents get the undivided attention of the Head, watch real classes in action and chat naturally to children and staff. To book your visit call: 01344 890869 or email admin@meadowbrook.uk

HIGHFIElD PREPARATORy SCHOOl, 2 West Road, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 1PD. An Independent Preparatory School & Nursery for girls from 3-11 years. Open Events are: Friday 21st September from 9.30am or Saturday 24th November from 10am. Headteacher Tour Friday 12th October from 9.30am Open Evening Wednesday 28th November from 6pm. To book your place, please call the Registrar on 01628 624918 or email:office@highfieldprep.org www.highfieldprep.org lVS, London Rd, Berkshire, Winkfield Row, Ascot, SL5 8DR. Independent co-educational day school in Ascot. Open Mornings are

ST PIRAN’S SCHOOl, Gringer Hill, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 7LZ. Independent co-educational day school in Maidenhead for children aged rising 3 to 11 years old. Open Mornings are Saturday 13th October 9.45am-12pm and Friday 2nd November 9.15am-11am. Call 01628 594302 www.stpirans.co.uk THE ABBEy SCHOOl, 17 Kendrick Road, Reading, RG1 5DZ. Independent day school for girls aged 3-18 years. Senior School Open Evening Thursday 20 September 5.30pm.

Junior School Open Morning Friday 5 October 9.15am. Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 11 October 5.30pm. Senior School Open Morning Friday 12 October 9.15am.

Contact: schooloffice@theabbey.co.uk 0118 987 2256 www.theabbey.co.uk THE MARIST SCHOOl, Sunninghill, Ascot, SL5 7PS. Independent Catholic day school for girls aged 21⁄2 to 18. Senior Open Evening: Thursday 27 September, Sixth Form Information Evening: Thursday 11 October, Preparatory Open Morning: Friday 12 October. 01344 624291 www.themarist.com UPTON HOUSE, 115 St. Leonards Rd, Windsor, SL4 3DF. Independent co-educational EYFS, pre-preparatory and Girls’ preparatory school.

Girls 1-11 Boys 2-7. Open Morning Wednesday 10th October 9.30-11.30am registrar@uptonhouse.co.uk www.uptonhouse.org.uk Please ring the school to check the Open Day or Evening is still going ahead.

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Education

Should You Help with Homework?

When your children settle down to do homework, do you keep close tabs on them and routinely offer to help? Or is your approach more hand’s off?

R

esearchers from Finland have found that although most homework assistance aims at helping the child, one approach is much better at instilling persistence.

The study looked at children aged from 8 to 11 years and found that when parents offered opportunities for their child to work independently, that the child demonstrated an increased ability to work persistently on his or her school assignments when tested 12 months later.

However, when parents provided concrete assistance to their child, the less task-persistent

the child’s behaviour later became.

This in turn, made parents offer more and more help.

"One possible explanation is that when a parent gives a child the opportunity to do homework autonomously, this sends out a message that they believe in their child's skills and capabilities. This, in turn, makes the child believe in him or herself, and in his or her skills and capabilities," Associate Professor, Jaana Viljaranta from the University of Eastern Finland explained.

Similarly, concrete homework assistance - especially if not requested by a child - may send

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

out a message that a parent doesn't believe in their child's ability to do their homework.

When a parent offers the child an opportunity for autonomous working, the child will work persistently, which leads to better development of skills. If, however, a parent’s homework assistance involves plenty of concrete help, the child will work less persistently, leading to poorer development of skills.

It is important for parents to take their child’s needs into consideration when offering homework assistance. Of course, parents should offer concrete help when their child clearly needs it.

However, concrete help is not something that should be made automatically available in every situation – only when needed,” Viljaranta said. www.sciencedaily.com

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Education

Helping Your Child Cope with Stress

By Claire Winter Stress in primary school children has risen to worrying levels according to school leaders.

78% of school primary teachers in a recent survey reported a general increase in stress and anxiety among primary pupils.

A

openly discuss mental health. Katie Buckingham from the social enterprise, Altruist Enterprises (altruistuk.com) believes families should talk more about their problems. She believes the first step to combating this problem is to simply start a conversation.

ccording to the report by the website, Key, (www.thekeysupport.com), a national school support service, 27% of teachers surveyed attributed the increase in anxiety and stress to tests and 37% to social media. Thankfully MPs have finally acknowledged the adverse sideeffects of SATs and have proposed eliminating them for seven year olds by 2023. The government has also committed £300 million to improve young people’s mental health. Many educationalists argue that this is too little, far too late. With evidence of self-harm, eating disorders and stress being on the increase in schools, what should we as parents be doing to help our kids tfeel less stressed?

Here are Katie’s six tips (think APPLES) when you talk to your child: Approach casually: mention well-known celebs like Adele who openly discuss their issues Positivity: avoid negative language Patience: no one likes to be pressured Listen carefully: ask open-ended rather than leading questions Encourage your children to pursue things they love Support: seek extra help if you feel it’s needed.

Get Talking According to a poll run by Time to Change, 55% of families do not

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

Create a Healthy Routine Dr. Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director, and GP at Your Doctor (www.yourdoctor.co.uk) says that having a healthy routine can help combat stress, particularly when your child is making the transition to a new school or starting the new school year. Here’s what is important: Get Enough Sleep Sleep improves our memory, sharpens our attention span and helps us maintain a healthy weight.

Avoiding gadgets an hour before bed and doing more relaxing activities such as reading or having a bath can make all the difference to the quality of your child’s sleep.

Always Eat Breakfast Make sure your child starts the day with a nutritious and healthy meal to set them up for a full day. This will boost their energy and can also improve memory and decrease stress levels.

Check-in with your Child If your child seems stressed, for instance, if they are not sleeping well, not eating well, behaving more emotionally than usual or are less interactive or more clingy, you need to get them to talk and not bottle up their feelings and worries. Set aside a time when you and they are not too tired, like on the walk to school, or after you’ve eaten your evening meal and ask them how they are really feeling.

Exercise Getting regular exercise can reduce stress. Try to walk to school with your child, visit a playground or park on the way home or get out for a walk at the weekend. Encourage your child to participate in a sporting or physical activity which will build exercise into their schedule automatically.

Try Mindfulness Starting a new school, the beginning of the new school year and general worry can make all family members feel pressured.

Mindfulness and meditation can help children and parents alike.

There is a growing body of evidence that mindfulness can help improve concentration and self-awareness, and help us all manage and regulate difficult emotions. You can introduce your child to mindfulness via apps on your phone, like Headspace.

Anxiety and stress can be self-perpetuating, your child is anxious so only focusses on the things in their life that are causing them to feel stressed. Encourage them to have a positive outlook but also allow them to voice their fears.

If you help teach your child about resilience and how to cope with the tough times, as well as the good ones, you will be teaching them a great skill for life.

If you are concerned about your child, please make sure you seek help from a medical professional.

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Explore Learning Interview Explore Learning provides maths and English tuition to children aged 4 to 14, with 139 centres across the country.

Families caught up with an Explore Learning member: How long have you been going to Explore?

Emily joined over 3 years ago.

Why did you decide to join Explore?

To help raise Emily’s low self-esteem and to provide her with confidence in her learning and within herself.

How has Explore helped/ what impact has Explore had?

They have provided Emily with the tools to enable her to take pride in her work, whilst learning and gaining confidence. It has taught Emily how to prioritise her work whilst completing the work within the required timescales.

Who would you recommend Explore to?

We would recommend Explore to any parent/guardian or child of any school age and of any ability.

What advice would you give to other parents thinking about bringing their children to Explore?

Attend a ‘free’ trial session with your child at a convenient centre.

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Can you tell me what you think makes Explore Learning a unique tutoring service?

They have knowledgeable members of staff/tutors who really do care about the children and their on-going learning. Explore offers great ‘staff to children’ ratios, which enables each child to be able to ask for help where necessary.

How do Explore tutors support your child in their sessions?

The tutors make Emily feel welcome and are supportive, friendly, approachable and encouraging. Both good work and difficulties that Emily has overcome are praised.

What does Emily enjoy about her sessions at Explore Learning?

Emily has seen for herself the progress she has made at school, which can be attributed to the excellent learning at Explore. This has helped to boost Emily’s self-confidence and makes her eager to continue with her sessions.

How has Explore worked with you as a family/supported you as a family?

Explore has provided a safe learning environment. The regular parent’s meetings

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

and reports mean we can discuss progression and we can then set new goals for Emily.

How has Explore supported what your child is working on at school?

Since Explore, Emily’s confidence and work has improved significantly and is clearly evident from Emily’s school reports. Emily recently sat her SATS tests and her great results can be attributed to Explore, as they ensured Emily’s learning was set at the correct level and in line with the National Curriculum.

Emily has just commenced her first term at Senior School and Explore helped with the transition.

Get in touch with Explore Learning today by calling 033 0124 3802 to discuss your child’s need and book your free trial.

Alternatively, visit explorelearning.co.uk Nearest centres are Maidenhead and Slough.

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Education Special

How Thinking Skills Can Equip Your Child for the Future

By Dr David Walters

W

hat jobs will be available to my child when the time comes for them to enter the employment market? It’s a worry for every parent. Artificial Intelligence will ‘kill off’ five million jobs by 2020, according to some of the more alarmist headlines. While AI threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs in the retail and administration sectors, top professions such as the law and medicine are also set to be transformed by the ‘march of the robots’.

So how can we help our children to future-proof their skills?

In the world of education, the speed at which the robots are advancing has poured more fuel on to the debate about the value of learning by rote. Are schools, under enormous pressure from the government to deliver ever-better exam grades, responding by priming a generation of students simply to remember, recall and regurgitate facts just as the need for those skills is being usurped by Siri and Alexa?

Surely, if we want our children to succeed in a future where so many jobs will be dominated by automation, we should educate them with skills unique to human beings?

So, what are those uniquely human skills, and where can your child learn them? What do we as a species have going for us that the computers don’t - and are unlikely to for at least a while?

One of our most important is cognitive – or thinking – skills.

Back in the 1950s a US psychologist called Benjamin Bloom devised his now-famous hierarchy of thinking. This “pyramid of thought” classifies thinking according to six cognitive levels of complexity. It is increasingly relevant

today. According to Bloom’s hierarchy, the least complex (lower order) thinking skills such as recalling information form the base of the pyramid and the most complex (higher order) skills, such as creativity, sit at the peak.

Put simply, the higher up the pyramid you go, the safer you are from the rising tide of the machines.

Thinking Schools, at which these higher-order skills are taught, can be found all over the world, including in Dubai, Lithuania, Norway, New Zealand, Egypt, Nigeria and Thailand. In Malaysia, the government has looked to introduce the Thinking Schools model in 10,000 public schools.

In Britain, too, there is a new enthusiasm for schools where these skills form the basis of teaching. There is growing recognition that Thinking Schools drive the type of unique thinking skills and intelligent learning behaviours that we all need in an increasingly technological world. Much of education has shifted too far towards pure recall and regurgitation of fact.

But thinking skills are not an education programme; they are an attitude to learning.

In a Thinking School: • all members share a common language of learning • thinking strategies and tools are used across the curriculum and teachers and students have sound understanding of metacognition • all students are developing and demonstrating independent and co-operative learning skills • there are high levels of achievement and an excitement and enthusiasm for learning.

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

Typically, in a Thinking School you will see pupils working with ‘map’-like visual tools which help children to understand their thinking processes and ultimately to create, understand, problem-solve and persist with tasks rather than merely regurgitate answers.

Recent research has shown that attending an accredited Thinking School can improve pupils’ GCSE results by as much as a grade above what they were originally predicted.

Accredited Thinking Schools have been rigorously assessed by Exeter University’s Cognitive Education Development Unit to ensure that they meet strict criteria and a list of them can be found at http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/education/thi nkingschools/accreditation/accreditedschools Should your child not be at an accredited school, you can still access the Thinking Matters approach to education used by Thinking Schools. Cog-Ignition (www.cog-ignition.com) works directly with families and use ‘cognitive coaches’ who work one-to-one to develop the thinking skills, attitudes and interpersonal skills needed to succeed at school and far beyond.

We don’t have to think of machines purely as a threat. They are, after all, our creation. The key is to develop the intelligences and skills to get them to work for us!

Dr David Walters is Deputy Principal of a secondary school in the South West and Honorary Fellow, Exeter University Graduate School of Education. Thinking Matters works with schools all over the country which want to become Thinking Schools.

For further information, visit www.thinkingmatters.com

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

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

Visit:-

MaidenheadGymnas cs.uk

Or Telephone / Text

07 957 223 124

for details

Come and be part of the adventure!

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

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

to book your free trial, email Candy.

1

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

1

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

ACADEMIC TUITION Explore Learning are working hard to create a generation of fearless learners. They believe a child’s educational journey goes beyond acing a quick spelling test or getting to the top of the class for a term. It is about building long-lasting confidence that takes them through their entire life. Whether it’s through developing a ‘have a go attitude’, or knowing it’s ok to put their hand up without fear, or simply feeling excited about their next step, Explore Learning can help. It’s about nurturing a sense of pride, and a fearless attitude to learning for every child. Their tutors have one goal: to unlock a love of learning. Whether your child is with them to prepare for their 11-plus, raise attainment, or just grow in confidence, they’ll prepare an inspiring programme to help achieve their version of amazing. When children Explore, they excel. With centres in Maidenhead and Slough and nationwide offering maths and English tuition for children aged 414, discover fearless learning for your child today by calling 01483 447 414 to book your FREE Trial session. Alternatively visit www.explorelearning.co.uk Howland Tutors (Primary Maths and English, 11 +, GCSEs, AS and A Level). Location: homes of students or tutors in 20-mile radius of Marlow. 01628 477164; www.howlandtutors.co.uk Susan Daughtrey Education is a leading provider of 11+ Courses (for Year 4 and Year 5 students). They take a “technique-focused approach to learning for the 11+”, which means they actually teach your child how to approach the different types of 11+ questions and then follow this up with homework practice. Over 80% of their students are successful in the Berks and Bucks 11+ tests. The Slough classes are conducted by qualified, experienced and carefully selected teachers and all lessons are delivered to a detailed lesson plan using resources which have been prepared by Susan especially for the SDE 11+ Courses. They are now taking registrations for 2018-19 Year 4 and Year 5 11+ Courses. Call on 01753 780934, email office@sde11plus.com or visit www.sde11plus.com/courses/slough

ART & CRAFTS Amanda’s Art Classes (drawing, painting, collage and fun after school and in the holidays with artist Amanda Kavanagh). Ages: 6-12.

Location: north Ascot. Book termly.

Call: 01344 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or see www.amandasart.co.uk for further information.

Artspiration School of Drawing and Painting - well balanced fun, imaginative, instructional drawing and painting lessons by Teaching Artists for children (ages 5- 16 years) in the Maidenhead, Wokingham, Windsor, High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Bracknell, Marlow, Newbury, Basingstoke and Reading areas. Artspiration will inspire, motivate, guide and give your budding artists the skills required to express better visually. Call: 01628 634 418 / 0789 616 5819; www.artspiration.co.uk Busy Buttons Creative Studio is an Arts and Community Centre offering a broad range of creative courses namely 2D and 3D Art, Sculpting, Painting, Sewing, Illustration, Design for performance and theatre arts, animation, Fashion Design, Costume Making for 5 years upwards. The Centre also runs a teenage 'Makers Club' and 'Film Club'. Adults can start with the different levels in pattern-making, sewing, costume making or have private sessions. Based at 8-9 Windsor Yards, Windsor SL4 1TF, the studio offers courses, camps, activity days, events and workshops.

Details at www.busybuttons.org 07952 418212 / 0800 1018332 Candle-Making Workshops. Learn the skills to make your own candles using natural soy and beeswax.

Scheduled classes for adults but private parties for children and adults are also available. Dates: Saturday 15th September 2018, Saturday 27th October 2018, Saturday 17th November 2018, Saturday 8th December 2018, Monday 17th December 2018 - 10am - 1pm.

Wednesday 28th November 2018 7pm to 10pm. Conservatory Workshop, Marlow. £55 per person (£99 for 2 people), includes all the equipment and materials plus coffee/tea/soft drinks and cakes.

Email contact@candlebyevents.co.uk Tel: 01628 947224 www.candlebyevents.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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Clubs and Classes Special Hands-On Art Adventures in Old Windsor: creativity for all ages and abilities. Pop in anytime to decorate our wide range of ceramics with paint, decopatch or foam clay. Free Parking! For more details visit: www.handsonartadventures.co.uk or call Janet on 01753 206265 COOKERY (AND MORE) The Jelly Lounge workshops (cookery, slime club, yoga and more). Fun classes and workshops galore for pre-schoolers and fun for after school and in the holidays. They also have an all year round crèche for under 5’s and holiday camps with a different teacher led activity each day.

Check out their website or Facebook page for the latest goings on. Ages: all; Location: Windsor.

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

Beverley Glock Cookery School. Cookery classes and parties for children, teenagers and adults.

Call 01844 275692 or visit www.beverleyglock.com DANCE Blossom Ballet (18 months - 5 years) Playful, imaginative classes in central Windsor throughout the week and at weekends. Classes include ISTD Ballet and Tap. Classes commence from 10th September. FREE taster class for all

new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place lucy@blossomballet.com 07813 084283; www.blossomballet.com Hawthorne School of Dance (4 years +) Classes in central Windsor and Cox Green throughout the week. Classes include ISTD Ballet, Modern and Tap. Classes commence from 10th September.

FREE taster class for all new pupils. Contact Miss Lucy to reserve a place lucy@blossomballet.com 07813 084283; www.hawthorneschoolofdance.com JG Dance and Theatre College – ballet, jazz, acrobatics and tap for 2½-18 yrs in Chiltern Edge School, Woodley, Tilehurst, Henley, Bourne End and Twyford. After school classes run in Bourne End and Twyford. Tel: 01491 572000; email info@jgdance.co.uk or visit www.jgdance.co.uk for your free trial session Pat Steel School of Dance. Weekday classes in Maidenhead Leisure Centre and Saturdays at Altwood School, Maidenhead. Classes also in Holtspur, Penn Street Bourne End, Loudwater and Seer Green. Ballet, contemporary, street dance, modern and tap for 3yrs to adult. Call Candy Barker on 01494 673919 or email candy@patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk; www.patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk Twinkle Tots Dance. Enrol in classes online via our website. Venues: Windsor, Sunningdale, Burnham, Bracknell and Warfield. Classes:

Twinkle Tots Dance (Age 2-4), Budding Ballerinas (Age 4-5) RAD Ballet ( Age 5 up). www.twinkletotsdance.com Email: info@twinkletotsdance.com or call Maggie on: 07828 857061 GYMNASTICS Gymtots Pre-school gymnastics: walking to 3+, accompanied by an adult. 10:00 am Wednesday to Saturday. Advanced Class: 3-5 years, unaccompanied. 3:15 pm Wednesday and Friday.

Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead 07957 223124 www.MaidenheadGymnastics.uk Maidenhead Gymnastics Club Boys 4 – 8 years; Girls 4 – 13 years after school and Saturdays.

Location: Altwood School, Maidenhead, 07957 223124 www.MaidenheadGymnastics.uk Phoenix Gymnastics Club. Pre School Gym. Gym Cubs (18 months - 3 years) & Gym Bears (3-5 years). Recreational Gym, 5+ after school and Saturdays. PlayGym Birthday Parties for Under 5's and Holiday classes too. Location: Maidenhead Road, Windsor. 01628 778881 info@phoenixgym.co.uk www.phoenixgym.co.uk or find them on Facebook Marlow Gymnastics Club is a new fun recreational club run on Saturday mornings for children aged 5-9yrs based at Danesfield School continued on page 18

Whatever place your’e into

Operated by Places for People Leisure Ltd in partnership with Wycombe District Council

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

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Families Thames Valley East • 17

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Clubs and Classes Special in Marlow. Run by the owners of Hammersmith Gymnastics Club, ex international gymnasts Ashley and Sarah have over 35 years teaching children to adults. Please contact marlowgymnasticsclub@hotmail.com for more info.

The Little Gym Windsor: Gymnastics that celebrates every child’s success and builds real confidence.

Passionate, nurturing teachers.

Classes for boys and girls from 4 months to 12 years. Cartwheels have never been so much fun! Monday to Saturday. www.windsor.thelittlegym.eu; 01753 968 488; windsor@thelittlegym.eu; and Facebook. Contact us for your child’s trial visit!

Tumble Tots pre-school physical activity classes. Ages: 6 months to 5 years. Locations: Mondays in Bourne End, Tuesdays in Holyport, Wednesdays in Lane End, Thursdays in Stoke Poges and Fridays in Marlow.

Visit tumbletots.com/marlow for timetable and to book a trial class, or contact helen.otto@tumbletots.com 07709 496 876 HEALTH Mini First Aid: Baby & Child First Aid classes for parents, grandparents and carers are delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style and give you confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency. Covers Marlow, Henley, Slough, Windsor, Uxbridge and surrounding areas. Contact chloe@minifirstaid.co.uk HOCKEY Maidenhead Hockey Club. Age: 518. Location: Maidenhead & Bray Sports Club, High Street, Bray. www.maidenheadhc.org.uk

HORSES AND HORSE-RIDING Colts and Fillies Club at Ascot Racecourse. Free membership for racegoers under 17 who receive badge, binoculars, and Turf Talk newsletters every quarter, with clubs news and details of family days.

Members also get access to an exclusive viewing at the Parade Ring and a behind the scenes tour. www.coltsandfillies.co.uk Windsor Horse Rangers Voluntary Organisation teaches children about riding and looking after horses. They have a 4-5 year waiting list. Age: 8+.

Location: Forest Green Road, Fifield.

01628 636255. www.windsor-horserangers.org.uk MARTIAL ARTS Tiske Karate offer classes from 4+ years in the local area. Beginners special offer - four weeks FREE. Classes in Maidenhead run Sundays at 10am at The Magnet Leisure Centre. For more information call 07709 327274/ 01753 882012 or email tiske.karate@btconnect.com For classes at Charters Leisure Centre, Sunninghill (run Mondays 6pm) and The Thames Club, Staines (run Sundays at 11.45am) please contact seb.tiska@hotmail.com 07880 491278.

MASSAGE Mind Body Bump - Baby Massage Classes for newborn babies up to 8 months. Would you like to enhance your bond with your baby through massage and touch and learn effective winding techniques for colic and constipation? New classes starting September 10th from 1-3pm in Cox Green Maidenhead. £50 for 4 week course. Contact Louise Prince 07711 938 856 or info@mindbodyandbump.co.uk www.mindbodyandbump.co.uk www.facebook.com/mindbodyandbaby

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

MUSIC Hartbeeps. Magical multi-sensory music classes using innovative props, lighting effects, and puppetry to a backdrop of funky tunes, reworked nursery rhymes, and beautiful lullabies. Classes for babies from birth to sitting; sitting to walking; and walking to four years. For Ascot, Bracknell, and Caversham, email Rachel at rachel@hartbeeps.com. For Henley and Marlow, contact Kerraleigh on 07866 656366 or email kerraleigh@hartbeeps.com. For Windsor, Burnham, Maidenhead, Woodley, Earley, and Wokingham, contact Liz on 07985 935662 or email liz@hartbeeps.com Showstopper Babies is the Original Musical Theatre music and multi-sensory classes for babies from newborn up to walking. Classes run on Monday afternoons at St Peter's Church, Maidenhead and Friday mornings at Windsor Baptist Church. NEW toddler & preschool Musical Theatre classes are now running in Maidenhead.

Visit www.showstopperbabies.com for more information or call Mairi on 07885 150034 Stepping Notes Music School for the 2s to 8s structured programme of group musicianship classes for children. Ages: 2-8. Location: Jurgens Centre, 91 Harvest Road, Englefield Green. Nikhil Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes Stepping Notes Music School violin and cello lessons, string ensemble & piano musicianship classes. Ages: 6-18+. Location: Shepperton. Angela Dally, 01932 241196. www.dally.org.uk/steppingnotes Teddies Music Club: Teddies is energetic, lively and fun for grown-ups and children alike, with a singer and musician at every session.

Suitable for ages 0-5 years.

Locations include: Pinkneys Green Community Centre, Bourne Hill Cricket Club & Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead, Wesley Hall Methodist Church in Marlow and

The Gardener’s Hall on St Leonards Road Windsor and more. Contact 01628 671146 or 01628 639878 or email info@teddiesmusicclub.co.uk www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk MULTI SPORTS Maidenhead United Football Club.

Age: 3+. Location: York Road Maidenhead. www.social@maidenheadunitedfc.org Playball Windsor. Sport and movement development specialists for children aged 2-8 years old.

Super fun weekly classes develop your child’s fundamental ball and movement skills before having to specialise in a specific sport.

Curriculum is designed by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and teachers. Classes are small to ensure 1 on 1 attention.

Email: windsor@playballkids.com to book a free trial.

Maidenhead Rugby Union Football Club. Age: 5+. Location: Braywick Park Sports Ground. Maidenhead. www.maidenheadrfc.com Netball. Lots of local Netball clubs have a junior section and coaching.

Visit www.berkshirenetball.co.uk ORIENTEERING Berkshire Orienteers stages orienteering events across Berkshire for people of all orienteering abilities and ages. For more details visit www.bko.org.uk PERFORMING ARTS Mellor Performing Arts School in Burnham offers fun classes to tots through to adults. Amongst the many classes on offer are: Baby ballet, Cheerleading and Musical theatre. There really is something for everyone. Check the website www.mpaschool.co.uk to find your class today.

Perform - Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention.

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Clubs and Classes Special Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions.

Contact: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk Venues: Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Rd, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ. Drama: 4-7s Sat’s 9.30am; 7-12s Sat’s 11.15 Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead SL6 8AW. Drama: 4-7s Fri’s 4pm; 7-12s Fri’s 5pm All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA. Drama: 4-7s Mon’s 4pm, Thur’s 4pm & 5pm.

Drama: 7-12s Mon’s 5pm Christ Church C Of E Hall, Christchurch Rd, Virginia Water, GU25 4PX. Drama: 4-7s Sat’s 9.30am.

Drama: 7-12s Sat’s 11.15am Clewer Youth Centre, Clewer Parish Hall, Windsor, SL4 5EW Dance: 6-12s (Perform X) Mondays 5pm Drama: 4-7s Mon’s 4pm, Tue’s 4pm, Fri’s 4pm.

Drama: 7-12s Tues’s 5pm, Fridays 5pm Sunningdale Village Hall, Church Road, Sunningdale, SL5 0NJ Drama: 4-7s Mon’s 4pm & 5pm Datchet Baptist Hall, Datchet Baptist Church,62 London Road, Datchet, SL3 9JR. Drama: 4-7s Tue’s 4pm; 7-12s Tues’s 5pm St Peter’s Centre, 1 Thorney Lane North, Iver, SL0 9JU. Drama: 4-7s Tues’s 4pm; 7-12s Tues’s 5pm

Redroofs School for the Performing Arts: Full-Time Co-Educational Performing Arts School for Years 5-11, Sixth form for ages 16-18 years (BTEC Level 3 Extended), 1 Year Foundation Course for 18-19 years. Part-time & Weekend Schools for ages 18 months-18 years. Musical Theatre School, Special Gold Training Package for talented children, Young Performers Company, ISTD Tap and Modern Classes, RAD Ballet Classes and Creative Drama Classes. Little Star Performers Class for ages 6 months - 3 years. Adult Tap and Musical Theatre. Agency Representation in TV, Film and theatre for all pupils. Holiday courses, Professional Master Classes and Musical Theatre and Ballerina Parties. Locations: Bath Road, Maidenhead; School Lane, Littlewick Green and Novello Theatre Sunninghill, Nr. Ascot. Call 01628 674092 or go to www.redroofs.co.uk to see their full schedule. You can also find them on Facebook or email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk Sparky’s Drama. Performing Arts classes for all ages in Cookham. Boost your confidence, creativity and communication! Infants, Juniors and Teens classes in Acting (Stage & Camera), LAMDA and Musical Theatre. Pre-schoolers Drama with Phonics. Classes run by experienced teachers and industry professionals. To book your free trial, contact Amber 07889 311414 info@sparkysdrama.co.uk www.sparkysdrama.co.uk Stagecoach. Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

Ages: 4-18. For Maidenhead call 01628 281128; Ascot 01344 206466; Bracknell 01344 568658; Bracknell North: 0808 208 5134; High Wycombe, Henley and Marlow 01494 533 203; Windsor 0845 293 7207; www.stagecoach.co.uk SKIING / SNOWBOARDING Bracknell Ski Slope & Ice Rink. Skiing, Snowboarding and Skating lessons from 4+ for Tots skiers. Location: John Nike Leisure Centre, Bracknell. Rink: 01344 789000 Ski: 01344 789002. www.jnlbracknell.co.uk

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SWIMMING Aqua zone swimming lessons for adults and children stages 1-10. AquaZone Discovery Ducklings for pre-schoolers. Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead. Tel: 01628 685333. Windsor Leisure Centre, Stovell Road, Clewer Mead, Windsor.

Tel: 01753 778577.

Ezeeswim. Swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities. Learn to swim the eZee way.

Classes run in Holyport, Maidenhead during term-time and school holidays. Contact info@ezeeswim.co.uk 07766 258279 or visit www.ezeeswim.co.uk Seriously Fun Swimming Schools. Term time & school holiday swimming lessons with small classes for children aged 4 months to 12 years at the following venues: Teikyo Japanese School, Slough; St Piran’s School, Maidenhead; Burnham Beeches Hotel, Burnham; Manor Green School, Maidenhead; Maplewood School, High Wycombe; Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury. Call 01753 364 364 or book online at www.seriouslyfun.net Splash Academy, swimming lessons in Maidenhead, for children aged 3 years to adults.

6/8 children per class. Qualified ASA and DBS checked instructors. Lessons held at Manor Green School, Maidenhead and Newlands Girls School, Maidenhead. To book please call 07496735262 or email learn@splashmaidenhead.com www.splashmaidenhead.com

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.

TRAMPOLINING Looking for awesome activities to do with your kids this year? Jump In offers a huge amount of family fun with over 100 interconnected trampolines and activities such as the battle beam, foam pits, air bags, tumble tracks and more! Treat your kids straight from school, during term time you can come for a bounce and have some delicious pizza for just £8.95 anytime from 3:30-5:30pm, Mon-Fri. If you prefer a slightly later bounce, come down after 7pm Mon-thurs during term time and you can jump for just £6!

If you have slightly older kids that like hanging out with their mates, they run a disco night every Friday night from 8-10pm for just £10. Kids parties are also available. For more information visit: www.gojumpin.com, email hello@gojumpin.com or call 01926 356290 WATERSPORTS Liquid Leisure. The Kids' Cable Club runs Saturday and Sunday mornings between 9am and 11am. Beginner boat and 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 and a licensed café bar. New for 2018, the World’s first Ninja Warrior UK Aqua Park Course!

Visit www.liquidleisure.com, email info@liquidleisure.com or call 01753 542 500 Details correct at time of going to press: August 2018

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

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5.15

ON OFFER AT REDROOFS...

6

SATURDAY ALL DAY TRAINING SCHOOL The very best Musical Theatre Training at the School for Stars!

Ages 7-16+

GOLD TEAM TRAINING

Exceptional Musical Theatre Training and Masterclasses (by audition only) Ages 7-16+

DRAMA CLASSES AT REDROOFS

DANCE TRAINING PROGRAMME ISTD Tap, ISTD Ballet & Acro Training Evening (Grade 3-Intermediate)

DRAMA PROGRAMME Creative Drama, Audition Skills, Speech and Drama for Performance, Young Actors Programme, Little Professionals Acting Through Song FULL TIME CO EDUCATIONAL DAY SCHOOL Years 5-13+

PART TIME CLASSES Little Star Performers, Musical Theatre, ISTD Ballet, ISTD Tap, ISTD Modern, RAD Ballet, Acro, Audition Skills, Jazz Dance, Limber and Stretch, Street Dance, Gold Barre Dance Training Ages 1 - 16+

ADULT CLASSES Adult Tap, Jazz, Drama and Musical Theatre

LITTLE STAR PERFORMERS Musical Theatre Parent and Toddler Classes

SATURDAY ALL DAY TRAINING SCHOOL 11-4.15pm Spend the Day at the School for Stars: • Gold Team Training • Supervised Lunch • Musical Theatre Afternoon School OR

Dance Specialism Afternoon School Ages 7-16+

An Exceptional Drama training programme for young actors: Monday Creative Drama 4.15-5.15pm (ages 6-8 years) Tuesday Audition Skills 5.15-7.15pm (ages 10-15 years) Thursday Little Actors 4.30-5.15pm (ages 4-5 years) Little Actors 5.15-6.15pm (ages 6-8 years) Speech and Drama for Performance (ages 9-11+ years) Speech and Drama for Performance (ages 11-14+ years) Friday Little Professionals Acting Through Song 4.30-5.15pm (ages 6-8 years) Young Professionals Acting Through Song 5.15-6.15pm (ages 8-12 years) Creative Drama 6.15-7.45pm (ages 13 years)

Start your child'S redroofS Performing artS adventure | www.redroofs.co.uk REDROOFS AGENCY Ages 4-18+

26 Bath road, maidenhead, Sl6 4Jt and littlewick green, maidenhead Sl6 3Qy | tel: 01628 674092 | email: emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk

Stagecoach maidenhead unlock your childs’s potential Sing, dance, act

email: maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk Website: www.stagecoach.co.uk/Maidenhead Phone: 01628 281128 / 07871 530119

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Go Wild this Autumn!

By Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks Autumn; a time for playing in crisp, colourful leaves and raiding conker trees.

A time when fields are woven with glistening spiders’ webs on misty mornings and wild food is plentiful in the hedgerows and woods.

Just because summer’s over, there’s no need to abandon the great outdoors.

There’s a wealth of fun activities you and your children can enjoy as the temperatures start to cool. Here are just a few ideas: Make Leaf Mobiles Celebrate Autumn’s amazing colours by creating a brightly coloured mobile. You will need: twine, scissors, and a large needle.

Collect colourful fallen leaves, cones, wild nuts and seeds and a stick in the woods or the park.

Cut the twine into lengths of about 75cm/30in.

Tie a cone or an acorn to one end of each length of twine. Thread leaves and seeds along the twine.

Tie the leaf strings along a stick and hang your mobile up in the autumn sunshine.

Go Wild Foraging Discover wild foods in hedgerows and woods; look out for nettles, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, rosehips, hazelnuts, walnuts, crab apples and wild herbs. Gather some berries, nuts and leaves. Make sure you know what’s safe to eat though before you give your permission for your children to eat what they’ve collected!

Hold a Wild Bake-Off Challenge What can you make from wild foods and a few basic ingredients like flour, salt, milk, butter, sugar and eggs?

You will need: basic cooking equipment eg: a griddle, frying pan and Dutch oven (a cast iron cooking pot with lid), measuring cups, knives, spoons and a mixing bowl.

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Make a safe fire in a fire pan or pit or use a barbeque.

You could bake a delicious layer pancake with different fruit in each layer, including elderberries with sloes, crab apples with rosehips, and blackberries with damsons, all cooked with a little water and sugar.

Alternatively, a blackberry cake baked in a clay pot or wild herb bread cooked in a Dutch oven among the ashes.

Award prizes for taste, wild presentation and the most creative use of foraged foods!

Make Jam with Wild Fruit Collect some fruit on one of your walks and make some jam.

Weigh and wash the wild fruit and put it in a saucepan with a little water. Bring the fruit to the boil and add the same weight of sugar.

Simmer for about one hour or until it sets (does it form a jelly on a cold saucer?) Pour carefully into a warmed jar and put the lid on. Decorate a label with pictures of the fruits and invent a wild name for your jam. Cover the lid with a large leaf.

Outdoor Halloween For a real Halloween adventure, go to the woods, the park or into the garden after dark for a scary feast, made more festive with wild decorations!

Create: Pumpkin faces - no carving involved, just stick on wild materials with double sided tape or clay to make funny and scary faces.

Leafy decorations - cut coloured leaves into bat shapes and scary faces to decorate a witch’s hat or make leaf bunting.

Leafy lanterns – tie string around jars to make handles. Cut scary faces in colourful leaves and attach them to the jars with elastic bands.

Pumpkin lanterns - carve pumpkins into decorated lanterns and place them in a trail for your friends to follow.

Prepare a warming Halloween feast; cheesy baked potatoes and pumpkin soup, sausages

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

wrapped in chunks of bread, toffee apples or apple tarts, and sweet pumpkin pie.

Set up a Halloween mystery trail with a few scary surprises, perhaps a ghost in the trees and a spider’s web across the path?

Safety Tips • When foraging, take care to only collect safe edible fruits and seeds • Choose fruit bushes and trees away from roads • Make fires in a fire pan, a fire pit or a barbeque and always supervise children around fire and when cooking, as well as when using nightlights in lanterns and carving pumpkins

More about Going Wild Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks of Going Wild are on a mission to inspire everyone to spend more time outside discovering the wonders of the natural world. Their books are packed with practical ideas to tempt children and families away from screen-based entertainment and escape into the outdoors where the wild world will weave its magic upon them. These autumn activities are taken from their tenth book The Wild Year Book, Things to do Outdoors through the Seasons, published

by Frances Lincoln in July 2018.

For more information, visit www.goingwild.net

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What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

Weddings and Bells at Windor Castle on Saturdays in September

SEPTEMBER

Until Sunday September 30 CONQUER THE TOWER TOUR Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ 020 7766 7304. Climb the 200 steps to the top of the iconic Round Tower and enjoy breathtaking views. Adult £8.50, child £5.60 plus usual castle entry cost (free to Advantage Card holders). www.royalcollection.org.uk Saturdays in September WEDDINGS AND BELLS Windsor Castle, as above.

Learn about Windsor Castle's importance as the setting for royal weddings at special storytelling sessions in St George's Hall. All children attending the storytelling will receive a commemorative booklet about royal weddings at Windsor that includes a mini-picture trail to follow in St George's Chapel. 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm Saturdays in September 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 September VISIT ETON NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Eton College, South Meadow Lane, Eton

Enjoy the water at Slough Canal Festival, September 8 and 9

SL4 6DW. Housing the Thackeray Collection of British Birds and other collections with more than 15,000 specimens, donated from the nineteenth century onwards. 2.30 to 5pm. www.Etonnhm.com Every Sunday until November RUNNING DAY AT GREAT COCKCROW RAILWAY Hardwick Lane, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AD, 01932 565 474 Miniature train rides for 2 years and over. Every Sunday from 1.30pm till 5pm until October 29. The booking office closes at 4.45pm. www.cockcrow.co.uk Sunday September 2 to Sunday 30 RARE BREED MONTH Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX 01628 520 188 Learn and celebrate all about our rare breeds by completing the special trail to earn a treat! www.oddsfarm.co.uk Sunday September 2 ON LOCATION WALK Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. Explore one of the most popular film locations in the country to see locations from Harry Potter, James Bond and Robin Hood. Booking required. Afternoon two-hour walk.

Sunday September 2 BIG BAND CONCERTINI WITH BLAKES HEAVEN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF

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

Photo: Nicholas Dawkes

Gravity Grand Prix, in Cookham Dean September 9

01628 788997 Jazz, swing, pop and funk, TV themes, Latin and rock – all with a unique twist. Be inspired by sizzling saxes, screaming trumpets and soulful trombones whilst your little ones dance sing, wriggle or even sleep!

This is a standing event with some allocated seating £10 (£8 under 16s), Family and Friends (4 people) £32.

11.30am. www.norden.farm Sunday September 2 NORDEN FARM KITE FESTIVAL Boyn Grove park, Punt Hill. FREE event for the whole family 1-4pm. Get involved in a kite making workshop on Saturday 1st September at Norden farm 1130-1pm and 2-3.30pm or bring along your own homemade kite to fly.

Monday September 3 SALSA Tithe Barn, Hurley, Berkshire, 07518 727363 Fun and friendly salsa dancing classes in a beautiful setting in Hurley with a relaxed atmosphere. 8.15pm to 9pm. www.salsastyle.co.uk Wednesday September 5 to Sunday October 28 SPLASH, BUBBLES AND BALLOONS The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7QW 01344 354400 This bubbling and explosive show is not to be missed. Can we really make water disappear? Can we make a fire balloon?

Come and find out in this fun show it's a GAS! 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 exhibits. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisureservices/look-out Saturday September 8 and Sunday 9 SLOUGH CANAL FESTIVAL Bloom Park, Middlegreen Road, Langley. A wonderful weekend by the water! Two days of fantastic fun for all the family with free entry, free parking, free displays and performances in the main arena and much more. Full disability access to the site and allocated parking. www.slough.gov.uk Sunday September 9 GRAVITY GRAND PRIX Cookham Dean. The 12th year for the go-karting competition featuring imaginative karts, a great atmosphere and more than 2,000 spectators. Cheer on the racers and donate to Thames Valley Air Ambulance and local causes. https://sites.google.com/site/ggprix/home

Sunday September 9 HERITAGE OPEN DAY AT ROYAL HOLLOWAY RHUL, Egham Hill, Egham, TW20 0EX Visitors are welcome to explore the spectacular Grade I listed college, picture gallery, chapel, refurbished boiler house and extensive grounds.

The Founder's Building, founded by entrepreneur, Thomas Holloway and opened by Queen Victoria in 1886, is modelled on the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit Virginia Park, the former Holloway Sanatorium. Tickets must be collected from the information point in the Emily Wilding Davison Building at Royal Holloway www.heritageopendays.org.uk Monday September 10 onwards BABY MASSAGE Cox Green, Maidenhead, contact Louise Prince 07711 938 856 or info@mindbodyandbump.co.uk Classes for newborn babies up to eight months. Would you like to enhance your bond with your baby through massage and touch and learn effective winding techniques for colic and constipation? 1-3pm, £50 for four week course. www.mindbodyandbump.co.uk www.facebook.com/mindbodyandbaby Wednesday September 12 and Thursday September 13 SLIME THEMED TODDLER DAYS Toddler Days The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW 01344 354400 The science and nature centre’s activities include art and craft, play dough, face or hand painting and storytelling. On toddler days buy one drink and get another free to the same value. £6.80 per parent and toddler and an additional £1.55 for an extra toddler. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Thursday September 13 and Friday 14 HERITAGE OPEN DAYS AT CLIVEDEN Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069 Enjoy free entry to Cliveden’s impressive gardens and majestic woodlands.

Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls and royalty. For younger visitors, the Storybook Play Den encourages imaginations to run wild as you play amongst wooden carvings of favourite storybook characters whilst the 500 familiesonline.co.uk

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

What’s On

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

Meet the Tommies at COAM, September 15 and 16

Cirque Berserk at Theatre Royal Windsor September 18 to 22

Visit the family zoo day at Berkshire College of Agriculture, September 29

metres of winding paths in the Cliveden Maze make it a challenge for visitors of all ages to find the centre. www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/cliveden Saturday September 15 ETON COLLEGE COMMUNITY FAIR Visit the splendid setting of the school hall for a day of fundraising by the boys of Eton College and local charities. Attractions set to include live music, games, upmarket jumble sale and fantastic food stalls. 11am-4pm. www.etoncollege.com/EtonAction.aspx Saturday September 15 BUBBLE RUSH BCA College, Maidenhead. This 2.5 or 5k fun run with a difference sees bubble stations blast you from head-to-toe with coloured foam. You can walk, skip, run or even hop this colourful course and all funds raised will help Thames Hospice provide local people with quality of life, until the end of life.

Everyone who enters receives a T-shirt and medal.

Full price: Adults £25; Children (5-15 years) £10 Infants (4 years and under): Free (no medal or T-shirt).On the day: Adults £30; Children £15 Call 01753 842121 or visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/bubblerush Saturday September 15 and Sunday 16 WORLD WAR ONE - MEET THE TOMMIES Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB 01494 871117 Meet costumed World War One soldier re-enactors and find out what life would have been like for them. Listen to folk singers singing WWI folk songs and see a replica Airco DH2 plane. Visit the Museum’s Dig for Victory allotment and explore the 1940s post war prefab house. www.coam.org.uk Monday September 17 NATURE TOTS Woolley Firs Environmental Education centre, Cherry Garden Lane Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ 01628 829 574 Have fun

with your pre-school little ones in natural surroundings. Enjoy seasonal nature discovery, games, crafts and lots of fun! Story-time and drinks also included. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years (younger siblings welcome). 10am and 1pm for an hour and a half. Booking essential. www.bbowt.org.uk/events Monday September 17 PRANIC HEALING Personal Development Seminar. Ascot Heath Junior School, SL5 8PN 7.30-9.30pm. Pranic healing is one of the fastest growing complementary therapies in the world. Help your family achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally with one of their seminars. Also, Balancing Relationships Seminar Tuesday October 2 7-9pm Windsor. Self Development Level 1 Pranic Healing Wednesday October 17 and Thursday 18. Windsor Leisure Centre, SL4 5JB 079 7062 4088 tara@ukpranichealing.co.uk www.ukpranichealing.co.uk/tara-mehmet Tuesday September 18 to Saturday 22 CIRQUE BESERK Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL4 1PS 01753 853 888. Contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers and daredevil stuntmen. Featuring the world’s most hair-raising circus act - the legendary motorcycle ‘Globe of Death’. 7.30pm except Saturday, 2pm and 5pm, tickets from £15 with a 30-35% price reduction on most seats for children under the age of 16. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Wednesday September 19 YOUNG RANGERS WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, access by Forest Gate off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot, SL4 2BY Monthly

wildlife club for children aged 8 to 12 years. Explore and discover who and what lives in the park and forest. Become a nature detective to find out about birds, bats, deer, minibeasts and more! Action packed activities such as pond dipping, bug hunts, animal tracking, shelter building and bushcraft.

Drinks provided. 6-7.30pm. www.bbowt.org.uk Wednesday September 19 CLIVEDEN CRITTERS WORKSHOP Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069. Weekly workshop for pre-school children aged 2 to 4.5 years, with hands-on creative crafts, nature-focused activities and story-time. Each week has a different theme.

Children must be supervised by adults at all times.

10.30am to 11.30am. £5. Also September 26, October 3, 10 and 17 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Friday September 28 to Sunday 30 DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL4 1PS 01753 853 888. Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World in this interactive new show for all the family. Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus. Friday 2pm and 4.30pm, Saturday 10.30am and 1pm, Sunday 10.30am. Tickets from £15 www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

W

Learn to swim the eZee way

NE

· Swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities.

Saturday mornings - Danesfield School 5-7yr olds 9.30-10.30am 7-9yr olds 10.30-11.30am

For more information call Sarah on 07739 122464

email: marlowgymnasticsclub@hotmail.com

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· Term time and school holidays. · Classes running in Holyport, Maidenhead info@ezeeswim.co.uk www.ezeeswim.co.uk

07766 258279

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What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

Photo: Nicholas Dawkes

Princess Charming is at Norden Farm, September 30

Brick or Treat spooky fun at Legoland, October 18 to November 1

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Party is on October 6 (Henley Literary Festival)

Saturday September 29 FAMILY ZOO DAY BCA Animal Management centre, Burchetts Green Road, Burchett's Green, Maidenhead SL6 6QR 01628 824444. Admire the amazing array of species at the college including otters, skunks, snakes, frogs, meerkats and more. Look around the zoo and watch their keepers running educational talks, feeding displays and handling demonstrations. Tickets in advance for either the morning slot (9am – midday) or the afternoon slot (1pm to 4pm). Adult £8, children £5. Children under three - free. www.bca.ac.uk/events Saturday September 29 and Sunday 30 WILD ABOUT WOOL Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB 01494 871117 Have a go at different types of traditional knitting and crochet. Explore the museum buildings and discover different types of wool and help solve your knitting conundrums by talking to friendly experts. Suitable for all ages and levels, from beginners to experienced knitters. Plus there are all the historic buildings to explore www.coam.org.uk Saturday September 29 and Sunday 30 CARTERS STEAM FAIR The Green, Englefield Green, TW20 0NX. Carters Steam Fair. Saturday noon till 11pm; Sunday noon till 9pm. Beautiful vintage rides and attractions. Free firework display 9pm on Saturday.

Admission free. Dogs are welcome. Online discounts available in advance. www.carterssteamfair.co.uk Saturday September 29 to Sunday October 7 HENLEY LITERARY FESTIVAL 01491 575 948 Various venues With Pat-A-Cake fun for tinies to Michael Morpurgo talking about his book Magical Myths and Legends and the acclaimed author Judith Kerr in conversation, there’s plenty for children at the literary festival. Budding writers and illustrators can join author Josh Lacey and illustrator Garry Parsons for a fun-filled storytelling and live drawing session

for aspiring creative writers. Celebrate The Tiger Who Came to Tea’s 50th anniversary with a tea party full of fun-packed activities, mask-making and a very special visitor. www.Henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk Sunday September 30 PRINCESS CHARMING Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997. Some girls like football. Some boys like pink. Everyone likes a good story. Exploring gender stereotypes in a fun, questioning way, Princess Charming is a celebration of being exactly who you are. Cabaret performers explore what really matters about being a boy and being a girl with dances, songs and skits created with children, for children. Join in at the end as the next generation of cabaret stars take over the stage.

Suitable for ages 6 to 11 years. 11.30am to 2pm, £8-10. www.norden.farm

Saturday October 6 and Sunday 7 APPLE WEEKEND Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069 The popular celebration returns with apple-themed games, stories and harvest high-jinks held in Cliveden’s private Round Garden, an ancient apple orchard that once supplied the mansion house with produce. The event runs from 11am until 3pm and is free, usual admission charges to the estate apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday October 6 and Sunday 7 CARTERS STEAM FAIR The Green, Holyport Green, SL6 2JL All the fun of the fair. Free firework display 9pm on Saturday. Admission free. Dogs welcome but please keep them on the lead. Saturday 11am to 10pm. Online discounts. www.carterssteamfair.co.uk Saturday October 6 NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Nearly New Sale Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 1RG 0300 330 0700 Baby bargains, clothes and equipment. General admission 1pm. www.nct.org.uk Tuesday October 9 and Wednesday October 10 AT THE SEASIDE THEMED TODDLER DAY Toddler Days The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW 01344 354400 The science and nature centre’s activities include art and craft, play dough, face or hand painting and storytelling. On toddler days buy one drink and get another free to the same value. £6.80 per parent and toddler and an additional £1.55 for an extra toddler. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre Saturday October 13 and Sunday 14 FAMILY HARVEST FESTIVAL Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB 01494 871117. A unique opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and smells of harvest past, with the Museum’s restored 1947 threshing machine working hard to process the year’s wheat crop – as

OCTOBER

Thursday October 4 TEEN 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 young people 12 to 16 years. Spend time outdoors in the park and forest to discover who and what lives there. Budding naturalists can test their animal tracking, shelter building and bushcraft skills to learn more about the flora and fauna. 6-8pm. £5. www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Saturday October 4 BOURNE END JUNIOR CRAFT SHOW Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End, SL8 5SX Art and craft competition for young people aged 4 to 18 years. Free to enter, lovely prizes up for grabs. Open to spectators, refreshments available (small donation for library funds requested.) Full details on www.croalls2005.wixsite.com/bejuniorcraftshow

Performing Arts Classes

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

All Classes taught by DBS checked industry professionals

Book your fREE TRiAL

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

24 • 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.

Photo: Luminous Photography

Apple weekend at Cliveden, October 6 and 7

Windsor Resort for spook-tacular activities and fun to celebrate Halloween with the whole family! www.legoland.co.uk Saturday October 20 to Sunday October 28 WOODLAND WONDERS AUTUMN TRAIL Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. Have a wonderful woodland adventure on our popular half term trail. Aimed at children up to 12. Pick up a trail at the information point, bring a pencil.

Saturday October 20 to Sunday October 28 HALLOWEEN TRAIL Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069 The estate is home to ten species of bats, and it’s time for young explorers to join them. Children can swarm around the gardens, solving spooky challenges along the way, and finish up in the oldest part of the Cliveden estate, the mysterious ‘Bats Lair’. Runs daily from 10.30am to 2.30pm. This activity costs £3 per child, plus usual admission charges to the estate. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday October 20 to Sunday 28 HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX 01628 520188 Carve a pumpkin (small charge applies), take part in the fancy dress parades, follow the Ghastly

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

Take the Halloween trail at Cliveden, October 20-28

Ghost’s Trail to earn a treat and brave the Boo Barn… if you dare! Enjoy Halloween entertainment over half term and meet the cute farm animals. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Monday October 22 THE MUSICIANS OF BREMEN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997. A visually stunning adaptation of the Grimm’s fairy tale. A donkey, a cat, a cockerel and a dog are too old to be of any use to their masters, follow their adventures and their extraordinary friendships in this tumbling, musical adventure. With puppetry, movement and trapeze, all accompanied by live music. Ideal for ages 3 to 7 years. A highly visual show and non-verbal work for young and hearing impaired audiences. £10 (£8 under 16s), family

and friends (4 people) £32. 2pm and 4.30pm. www.norden.farm Monday October 22 to Saturday 27 FAMILY FUN AT THE HELL FIRE CAVES Church Lane, West Wycombe, HP14 3AH 01494 533739 Spooky games, colouring and fancy dress competitions (1.15pm Monday to Friday) in the courtyard. 11am to 5pm.

Most activities free. Entry fee applies if you want to enter the caves. www.hellfirecaves.co.uk Tuesday October 23 WOODLAND WONDERS Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre (access is via Forest Gate off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot, SL4 2BY).

Discover the secret names of trees in South Forest, follow the woodland trail and see how many tree species you can see and explore what's living

Be Amazed...The Look Out

Discovery Centre Science and discovery fun over 90 activities.

Splash, Bubbles and Balloons 15 September 28 October 2018

Shows run at weeken ds and school holidays.

Age 3+

TVESEPT18

long as the rain holds off. The Henton chapel will be home to a beautiful display of harvest produce, most of which has been grown in the Museum’s beautiful historic gardens.

Craft activities run 11am to 3pm, barbeque available. www.coam.org.uk Sunday October 14 MEET THE RANGER ON LOCATION Burnham Beeches Hawthorn Lane, Lord Mayors Drive, Burnham SL2 3TE. From Harry Potter to Robin Hood, one of the rangers will be near the café to talk about some of the films that have been shot here. 2pm to 3.30pm.

Monday October 15 and Tuesday 16 LITTLE BABY BUM Wycombe Swan Theatre St Marys Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE, 01494 514 444 Join Mia, Jacus, Twinkle and their Nursery Rhyme friends at the world premiere of a brand new live show. An online and digital TV sensation Little Baby Bum is the world’s largest educational YouTube channel with over 13m subscribers and 15 billion views. Step into the magical and colourful world. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Thursday October 18 to Thursday November 1 BRICK OR TREAT Legoland Windsor, Winkfield Road, SL4 4AY 0871 2222 001 Bring your little monsters to the LEGOLAND®

Bring in the harvest at COAM, October 13 and 14

Valid until 31/10/18

Open 10am - 5pm every day

*Terms and conditions apply.

The Look Out Discovery Centre

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

familiesonline.co.uk

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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

Families

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MORE

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Try a Spine Tingling alternative to Halloween at Woolley Firs, October 24

above & below the ground. Booking essential. Activities suitable for children 4-11 years, children must be accompanied at all times. Younger and older siblings are welcome to accompany. 10am to 2pm. £5. www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on Tuesday October 23 to Saturday 27 THE WIZARD OF OZ Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL4 1PS 01753 853 888. A cast of talented youngsters bring Dorothy’s story to the stage. After a tornado whisks away a young Kansas farm girl, Dorothy, to the magical land of OZ, she starts her quest to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who has the power to send her home.

Along the way she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion who help her on her journey. Featuring many of the songs from the famous MGM musical: Over the Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road and Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead. 7.30pm, matinees Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm. Tickets from £11 www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Wednesday October 24 SPINE-TINGLING ADVENTURE Woolley Firs Environmental Education centre, Cherry Garden Lane Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ 01628 829 574.

Wrap up and come to Woolley Firs for an alternative Halloween treat! Find out how to help your local hedgehogs. Plus make a pine cone hedgehog to take home with you.

Warm up with a hot drink after exploring our woodland. Booking essential. Activities are suitable for ages 4-10 years but younger/ older

Snow White Rose Red Bear Brown is at Norden Farm, October 25 and 26

siblings are welcome to accompany.

Children must be accompanied at all times please. 10am to 2pm, £4.

Thursday October 25 and Friday 26 SNOW WHITE, ROSE RED AND BEAR BROWN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997. Snow White and Rose Red are sisters, twins, best friends. When their quiet life is interrupted by a friendly bear a new chapter begins. Puppets, storytelling, original music and a fantastical fairytale forest. Suitable for ages 5+ years. Tickets are not required for children under 18 months who are happy to sit on laps. £10 (£8 under 16s), family and friends (4 people) £32.

11.30am and 2pm www.norden.farm Saturday October 27 PUMPKIN CARVING AND SPOOKY FUN. Halloween events Nicholsons Shopping Centre Maidenhead town centre, SL6 1LB, Pumpkin carving and spooky events (details to be confirmed, check website closer to event date). www.enjoymaidenhead.com Sunday October 28 MANE CHANCE CHARITY GALA Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL4 1PS 01753 853 888. Alistair MacGowan, Joe Pasquale, Kevin Cruise and Elio Pace bring their talents to a special show to raise funds for the Mane Chance Sanctuary for horses and their interaction with disabled and disadvantaged children and young adults. Top acts and great surprises.

7.30pm, tickets from £20 www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

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

The Musicians of Bremen, Norden Farm, October 22

FIREWORkS

Saturday October 20, Sunday 21, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 and other dates TBC LEGOLAND FIREWORKS Legoland Windsor, Winkfield Road, SL4 4AY 0871 2222 001. Be amazed by the splendid fireworks at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort! Book to avoid disappointment. Check website for times. Admission to the end of season fireworks is FREE to annual passholders but entry is subject to capacity www.legoland.co.uk Saturday November 3 FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR FAMILY RACEDAY Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX 0844 346 3000.

Family fun set for Ascot's first meeting of the new Jumps season. Racing is followed by one of the region's largest Fireworks spectaculars. Plus Whiteknuckle fairground rides and gentler rides available for the under 10s. Rides are free of charge until 4pm and after then cost £1 (in aid of local charities).

First race 12.40pm, fireworks begin at 6.30pm. Free entry for under 18s. www.ascot.co.uk Monday November 5 FIREWORKS NIGHT CELEBRATION Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, SL7 1GJ 01628 496800. Celebrate Bonfire Night in the stunning surroundings of the Crowne Plaza Marlow, with fireworks over the lake, live music and a selection of food and drink. Check website for times and prices. www.cpmarlow.co.uk Saturday November 10 MAGIC IN THE SKY Stone Meadow, Chalfont St Giles,

Bucks, HP8 4QA Gates open 5.45pm, bonfire lighting ceremony to music 6.15pm, musical fireworks display 7pm, 20 minute pyromusical display with a unique soundtrack and concert sound system. All proceeds to the local scouts/guides and associated groups.

Mulled wine, hot and cold drinks, ‘Bucks bangers’ and more available.

Ticket prices £8 adults, £4 children in advance, family tickets available. www.csg-scouts.org.uk/CSGFireworks As Families went to press, some locations had not confirmed dates of their Fireworks displays. Check the following websites for updates: • Datchet fireworks display http://datchetcc.com • Maidenhead United FC funfair and display www.linkfoundation.co.uk • Cookham Scouts Bonfire and Fireworks usually held at Grove Farm, Odney Lane, Cookham www.cookhamscouts.org.uk • The 50th Beaconsfield Round Table Fireworks will take place at Beaconsfield Rugby Club www.beaconsfieldfireworks.co.uk • Fireworks Upton Court Park, Slough, has more than 20 minutes of fireworks, a 60-foot real bonfire, food from around the world and a massive fun fair. www.slough.gov.uk

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Parenting

The Benefits of Boredom

By Gill Sims ‘I’m bored!’ How many times do we hear those words as parents? I have lost count of the number of times my precious moppets have whined over the years that they are ‘bored’ as they demanded some form of entertainment be provided (or at the very least that their electronics be returned after being confiscated yet again). But being bored is good for children; it’s part of childhood; it’s the catalyst to spark their imagination; it’s the pathway to creative play and to finding solutions to problems themselves.

B

etween work commitments and school, our time with our children is often limited and, of course, we want that time to be ‘quality time.’ However, by providing a constant carousel of activities, entertainments and days out, we are failing to teach them how to amuse themselves, to develop inner resources and be happy with their own company. It’s natural to want our children to have fun, enjoy their childhood and have happy memories to look back on, but in our quest to do that, sometimes we forget that some of their best memories will come from the things they learned, discovered, explored and sometimes struggled with themselves, not the things that were handed to them on a plate.

When my children have friends over, it’s always obvious which ones are used to boredom, and which ones are accustomed to a constant programme of events. My usual response to the plaintive wail of ‘I’m bored’ is ‘Only boring people get bored’ to which my

children roll their eyes and huff at me. The children whose parents are like me and allow them to be bored, soon start inventing games, building worlds and coming up with things to do, whereas those children who are used to being given a series of suggestions and things to do, struggle with the concept of being told to just ‘go and play!’ After a little while though, when no entertainment is forthcoming, most of them do get the hang of making up games, and using their imagination, instead of being directed through a series of crafts or activities. In some cases, they even declare being handed an old blanket and told to go and make a den, to have been ‘the best fun ever!’

My conviction about the benefits of boredom partly stems from fairly lazy parenting. I’m just not one those parents who enjoy spending hours making playdough creations (in fact, although my children have outgrown playdough, the very thought of the texture still makes me shudder). So I always encouraged my children to

play independently, whether that was building Lego, mooching round the garden, or spending hours sitting in a box that was variously a castle, a racing car and an aeroplane. They did have real toys too, but for some reason empty boxes were always extremely popular - perhaps my kids are part cat? But think back to your own childhood.

How much of it was spent with your parents organising you into activities, undertaking craft projects with you, or taking you on days out, and how much of it was spent complaining you were bored and being told to go and read a book, or find something to do? Mine certainly involved a great deal of boredom, that in turn led to imaginary worlds and people and that perhaps then led me to become a writer. Without a healthy dose of boredom, there is no incentive to learn to think for ourselves, or to change things to alleviate boredom!

Of course, I’m not suggesting that children don’t deserve some fun, special treats and parental input. Just that sometimes, it doesn’t hurt them to be bored. There are enough things we are made to feel guilty about as parents and our children occasionally being bored should definitely not be one of them!

If your child complains frequently of boredom, fill a jar with paper slips with tedious tasks written on them, like ‘tidy your room,’ ‘do the dusting,’ ‘weed a flowerbed,’ ‘sort out your sock drawer.” Any time someone complains of boredom, they have to pick a slip out randomly and complete the chore on it. When faced with this, it was astonishing how quickly my children found themselves something more interesting to do!

So, embrace boredom! Your cherubs will thank you for it one day. And even if they don’t appreciate what you are so selflessly doing for them now, you might get a tidy house with impeccably ordered sock drawers out of it!

Gill Sims is the bestselling author of Why Mummy Drinks, which spent a staggering 30 weeks in the Sunday Times Top 10 and was the bestselling debut hardback novel of 2017. Her second novel Why Mummy Swears was published in Hardback

by HarperCollins in July 2018 RRP £12.99.

Young Living essential oils and oil infused products for bath, beauty, baby and the home: free from toxic chemicals and not tested on animals.

For more info contact Julie Babis therosetreehouse@gmail.com www.facebook.com/rosetreehouse +33 6 33 00 73 03 +44 (0)7981 863720

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You don’t have to be a foodie to have noticed that foraging has become a ‘thing’ lately. Many restaurants and gastropubs now employ their own forager, an expert who knows where all the wild goodies grow, who has a specific brief to select the best wild ingredients leaves, blossoms, roots, shoots (and not forgetting fungi and coastal plants) to grace the plates of lucky diners.

Food like this, although wild and free, does not come cheap. You’re paying for the expertise of the forager, his or her knowledge of the land and its edible treasures, as well as hours of attention to making sure that each tiny leaf or flower is perfect.

Foraging with Kids...

It’s Not Just about the Plants!

By Adele Nozedar

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elieve me, I have nothing but admiration for the chefs and restaurants who employ foragers but foraging is not new.

Human beings and the plant world have had a relationship for thousands of years. Are you wearing cotton? It’s a plant. Do you ever take aspirin? Made from a plant. Do you like marshmallow? It was once a plant! The truth is that human beings always have been foragers and always will be.

I feel sorry for today’s children, since, like it or not, they are born into a world of screens. Children tend not to play outside in all weathers and at all hours as they used to. Kids still play together, but the nature of that play sadly errs towards the sedentary.

This is where foraging comes in.

It’s an activity for all ages that by definition can only take place outside. In noticing the common wild plants which surround us in our search for those that are edible, we connect easily and effortlessly with the real world, away from the lure of

screens for a few precious hours.

Over the past few years, I have taken out thousands of people on foraging expeditions but my favourite groups are ones with children. These are the walks that teach me the most. On one such walk a boy of about 5 insisted on leading the way. I said that was fine so long as he gave us a name for every plant he wanted to point out.

After meandering down a path a little way, we came to a nettle. The boy couldn’t quite remember the name but improvised beautifully, ‘Ladies and gentleman, this is a needle plant!’ he cried. And he was right; ‘nettle’ and ‘needle’ are closely related, and indeed, to ‘nettle’ also means to annoy – very appropriate!

Being able to single out an edible and tasty plant from what initially seems to be a sea of greenery is particularly empowering for kids, who love to show you their finds.

Think dandelions, wild garlic, elderberries, cleavers, sorrel, hairy bittercress. Keep it simple. Start in your garden or local park to see

what you can find. Once you start to look, it’s hard to stop.

But how to start foraging? Kids love equipment, and whilst you don’t need much, there are a few “props” that will help. Here they are, in no particular order: • Something in which to put your treasures - a basket, a cloth bag or even a tub will be fine. Avoid plastic since it makes plants ‘sweat.’

• Decent footwear • Wet weather protection, just in case • A magnifying glass, to look closely at your finds (it’s amazing how something as small as a daisy will look like another world when examined closely!) I prefer a small jeweller’s loup, which costs approximately £2.

• A good foraging book (guess which one!)

Start as close to home as possible. If you’ve a garden, great. If not, head for the nearest park or green area. Rather than searching for something specific, look around to see if there’s anything you

recognise. Remember that the plants you’re looking for can be so common that you don’t even notice them.

Above all, let the kids take the lead. If they want to run around and stop foraging for a while, that’s absolutely fine and all part of the plan! You might find that little and often is the way – forage on the walk to school, maybe. Above all, this experience is meant to be something that you and your kids are going to love for the rest of your lives so introduce it at a pace that suits you all.

Top Five Plants You’re Most Likely to Find All Year Round • Greater Plantain • Nettles • Dandelions (flowers in spring/summer, leaves all year round) • Chickweed • Hairy bitter cress

Adele Nozedar has recently published Foraging with Kids, a fun, informative and practical introduction for children and their grown ups to learn about foraging together. It is published by Watkins on 20 September, RRP £12.99.

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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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She Means Business...

Local mum Jen Wilson used her experience working in nurseries and as a nanny to set up her own business supplying childcare staff. Families talks to Jen about how she started out operating KiddyKare from her parents’ house and has grown it into a successful business covering Berkshire and the South East.

Who are you and where do you live?

My name is Jen Wilson. I live in the Maidenhead area with my husband and two fun and energetic boys. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, eating out and walking my chocolate Labrador, life is busy!!

Tell us a bit about the business?

I set up KiddyKare over 10 years ago from my parents’ house supplying childcare staff to nurseries on a temporary and permanent basis. The business quickly evolved covering Berkshire and the surrounding area and so we moved to an office in Maidenhead town centre, employing a proactive office team.

Ten years on the business and office team has grown, covering the South East and leading groups over the UK. We support families withn the Berkshire area with their search for a Nanny and have built up a great reputation within the area. We continue to supply childcare staff to single nurseries and nurseries within leading groups, After School Clubs, Holiday Clubs and Nannies to private families. KiddyKare has been set up following Safer Recruitment

guidelines and we are registered with the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) due to working within the childcare and recruitment sector I realised how important this is.

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

I trained as an NNEB Nursery Nurse and worked for over 15 years as a Nanny, Creche Manager, child carer within Nurseries and most recently as a Nursery Manager within a leading Nursery in Maidenhead. I enjoyed working in a variety of roles from family homes, day nurseries and within a Golf and Health and fitness club as a Creche Manager.

What inspired you to set up the business?

After over 15 years working within childcare I realised I had the relevant skills to work within the recruitment industry. I accepted a position with a national childcare agency and gained extensive recruitment experience, both in supporting staff to find suitable

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

positions and providing Nurseries with solutions to their staffing requirements. Then in 2007 KiddyKare was established and has grown from strength to strength….

What are your plans for the future?

I’d like to continue to provide a great service to our current customers and families to grow the business to a larger geographical area. The KiddyKare team are a committed and dedicated team, they have all worked within childcare in management or recruitment themselves so I have lots of ideas thrown my way!

What would your advice be to other business women?

Follow your dream and be open to the challenges you could face. If you see an opportunity don’t be fazed, it is so rewarding.

For more information contact KiddyKare on 01628 675 828 email jen@kiddykare.co.uk or visit www.kiddykare.co.uk

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...She Means Business Once children come along, many of us look for a new direction or career change that enables us to have more flexible working hours and allows us to spend precious time with our family. Having worked as a performer in the West End, local mum Mairi talks to Families about how she decided to combine her passion and experience in music and theatre, to create fun and engaging classes for children. it is more a career development than a complete change. I also still perform, with Showstopper Family Cabaret, and the comedy duo, Going South. I have definitely not closed the door to big shows either.

Who are you and where do you live?

My name is Mairi Bryan (stage name Cowieson) and I live in Maidenhead with my family.

Tell us a bit about the business?

Showstopper Babies is the original Musical Theatre music and sensory classes for babies. Especially created for new-born through until walking and currently successfully running in Maidenhead and Windsor, the classes provide a friendly vibrant atmosphere where babies giggle, learn and develop while parents also have lots of fun.

Original brand new and exciting songs mixed with well-known Musical Theatre Broadway hits, makes for a very different class with much to love.

I also run Showstopper Parties which offers singing, dance and drama parties for children of all ages.

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

I was performing in ‘Let The Right One In’, a chilling play at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue when I became pregnant with my first child. Before this I performed in many big West End Musicals including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, South Pacific and Starlight Express.

I have always taught alongside my performing career, from Head of Musical Theatre at Newcastle College to choreographing for the company West End In Schools and was running my successful Parties business. So I guess in some ways

What inspired you to set up the business?

I believe in bringing musical theatre to everyone. I started these classes after having my first child and my Birthmatters antinatal group inspired me. They knew I was a performer and ran Showstopper Parties and wanted me to sing with them and their babies. I really believe in the benefits of music, dance and drama, so it made sense to take my passion and apply it to a babies’ class. I know how beneficial structured music classes are; for the babies’ development, growth and enjoyment, for bonding between parent and baby, allowing mummies to get out of the house and meet new people. Also studies prove such structured classes can help to prevent and overcome postnatal depression*. I was passionate to create a class that was a bit different, that parents could enjoy as much as the babies.

Plus I love performing!

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to start classes in more areas with people working alongside me, allowing performing mummies like me to have another job they can do. Performing is hard once you have had a baby and going back to the antisocial hours and such long hours isn’t easy. I

would like to expand so I can offer them a way to still perform and engage and make a difference, bringing these unique, fun and engaging musical theatre classes to more new parents.

Showstopper Tots, a musical theatre class for toddler and pre-school age will be starting soon. These classes are designed to help with confidence, coordination, musicality, language and focus by engaging the tots using creative movement, original songs and a wonderful hand-made puppet theatre, to captivate the minds of the little ones and take them on a wonderful musical and theatrical experience each week.

What would your advice be to other business women?

Go out there and do it. Decide before you start what you want to achieve, see your goal and aim for that, even if you take a while to get there, know where you are headed.

Be careful with your ideas and protect yourself where possible.

And good luck!

For more information or to book a class, contact Mairi on 0788 515 0034 email: mairi@showstopperuk.com or visit www.showstopperbabies.com or www.showstopperuk.com Reference : *http://performancescience.ac.uk/ postnatalsinging

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