Families Thames Valley East July/Aug issue

Thames Valley East

...endless ideas for families of young children in

®

Thames Valley East

From the editors...

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Brace yourself! School is out for the Summer! We have prepared and created all you need in one easy to find place; Families magazine - after using it to plan the summer, we even keep a copy in the car at the ready as most entries have an address and postcode ready to tap into your Sat Nav! In this issue you will find three pages of summer activities on pages 18 to 20 as well as three pages of What’s On listings on pages 21 to 23 plus we still have some childcare options should you need them on page 17.

Please find below a proof of your advertisement for the Jan/Feb 2020 issue (No. 106) of Families T VE.

Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially dates, telephone numbers and addresses.

Any changes need to be made at this stage

Read up on how to make the most of a family festival on page 16 and then why not use the summer to turn your child into a book worm? read page 13 for some tips! Finally, in case it’s relevant to you, take a look at ‘Helping your child with school transition on page 8, so you are ready for September.

We hope you have a wonderful summer.

Anna & Rach

Any further amendments will be charged for Please contact us by return either to amend or approve your advertisement

Thames Valley East

T: 07867 514138 / 07753 414605

E: editor@familiestveast.co.uk

Little People Media, 29 Furrow Way, Maidenhead SL6 3 NY

Next Issue: Sept / Oct 2023

Tel: 01628 829761 / 01628 788058

Circulation: 16,000

Cover image: depositphotos.com

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

We are an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding ’ nursery providing high quality day care for children from three months to five years. Set within bright, modern Windsor Leisure Centre, our setting includes a large toddler room, pre-school room, a new snuggly baby room, and spacious outdoor garden.

01753 855543 or email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

AND MARLOW 07539753718 henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk

MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk

Berkshire Performing Arts Students light up the West End in Her Majesty’s Theatre

Gifted students from the local Stagecoach Performing Arts

Maidenhead and Woking graced the iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre in April this year. As part of the show, the students performed a variety of renditions of world-famous songs and films, which included a Tarzan Medley from Maidenhead, alongside a combination of classics from Wham, Aretha Franklin, and Olivia Newton-John by Woking. These showcases build on the students’ creativity, courage and skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Stagecoach Maidenhead Principal Fay Austin said:

“The day was absolutely brilliant from start to finish. The kids were buzzing from the moment they stepped onto the coach to when they stepped out of that Stage Door to a sea of people applauding and cheering for them. These are the moments you cherish as a principal. Seeing your students have these wonderful experiences.”

The value of performing arts training extends far beyond the opportunities for professional performance features. Recent Stagecoach survey research highlighted the incredible positive impacts the arts have on children’s happiness and creativity, with 85% of children citing singing and dancing with their peers as a major contributing factor to their happiness. Almost half (41%) of the nation’s parents are concerned that their children are less happy growing up than their generation had been. Encouraging participation in the arts will have undeniable benefits for the wellbeing of both children and parents. Stagecoach Performing Arts is also thrilled to be celebrating its 35-year anniversary this year.

www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead or call 07871 530119.

New Head for Long Close School

Long Close, Slough’s leading independent co-ed school for boys and girls aged 2-16 years, have recently celebrated the arrival of their new Headteacher, Mr David Laird. Commenting on his new role, David said, “I am delighted to have been appointed to the position of Headteacher at Long Close School”.

He continues, “As an experienced headteacher, I am committed to ensuring the very best outcomes for children, both personally, socially, and academically. As a parent, I also understand that the greatest asset that we can give to our children is the gift of education… This is why parents have chosen Long Close School. It is for this reason that I will be relentless in the pursuit of seeking out and providing outstanding opportunities for our students.”

To find out more about Long Close School or book a tour, please visit – www.longcloseschool.co.uk

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Ready, Set, Read... The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The theme for this year is Ready, Set, Read! and is being delivered in partnership with national children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust and public libraries.

This year, the Challenge aims to keep children’s minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading.

The Challenge will launch in libraries in England on 24 June and continue through September.

More info: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Eton End Prep School redesign their classroom for optimal well-being

Aiming high Flying higher

Rising

We are taking admissions now –to visit our Nursery and School, call 01753 541075 or email registrar@etonend.org

Since joining the school last September, the Head, Rachael Cox has focused on wellbeing and mental health support for pupils. Here she outlines what the school has looked at so far, “We developed our Sunny Selves initiative several years ago and focus on the importance of enjoying solid sleep, fabulous food, a love of learning, real relationships and mindful moments and have recently added Weekend Walks, Saturday Socials and West End family theatre trips to the calendar. This offers families and staff the opportunity to spend time together in a way which builds our school community and enriches lives.”

She continues, “We have also looked at our classrooms and how they are set up. Research is telling educators that for children to take on new learning and to academically excel, we need to reduce their cognitive load and give their brains a chance to forge new connections and focus on core learning. That’s why, we are completely redesigning our classrooms to create a warm, comfortable environment that is inclusive and supportive of mental health and wellbeing. Soft chairs, sofas and beanbags will replace hard plastic; wall displays will be reduced, and work celebrated in a unique way through scrapbooks or frames on the wall. Round tables will support collaboration and interaction, replicating the world outside the school building that we are preparing our children to enter. Muted tones will help to reduce sensory overload and classrooms will all have an area where the children can relax, read, and self-Regulate”.

To see for yourself, you can arrange a visit through registrar@etonend.org.uk • www.etonend.org

British Museum launches free Young Friends scheme

Young Friends Membership from the British Museum is now available for all families across the UK to join for free.

The scheme invites young people with curious minds to become enthralled and inspired by history and archaeology. It provides the opportunity for the family to learn and get involved in a fun way, both at the museum and remotely.

Offering fun ways for the family to get involved with the Museum, both onsite and from the comfort of your own home, elements include: Bi-weekly emails packed full of activities such as trails, quizzes and craft activities; Details of family events across the museum; Pre-booking for the museum’s famous sleepovers; Digital copies of Remus magazine three times a year and access to the full archive.

Support for SEND children through IAS and how they can help

The Information, Advice and Support (IAS) Service for Windsor and Maidenhead provides a free and confidential service, provided at “arm’s length” from education, health and care providers. It offers impartial information, advice and support relating to special educational needs and disability (SEND).

The service is provided by a small team of fully trained staff who will provide you with the help that is right for you. This may include supporting you to work in partnership with your educational setting, answering your questions about SEN Support and Educational Health and Care (EHC) Plans, supporting you through an EHC Needs Assessment or Annual Review. They are also able to provide support around exclusions, appeals, explaining your options, rights and responsibilities and help in preparing for meetings to help you feel more confident to express your views. They also have a monthly newsletter and offer a monthly coffee morning.

Playing on a shoestring

Playday is the national day for play in the UK and will take place this year on Wednesday, 2 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children’s play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of play in children’s lives and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

This year’s theme focuses on the everyday low-cost or no-cost play adventures that children can enjoy at home, in settings and in our communities.

Play opportunities don’t need to involve expensive activities, costly toys, or trips to far-off destinations. It is often the simplest ideas, the free and found opportunities, which offer the most fun, and are the most developmentally beneficial for children and young people.

Providing care and education for ages 2-6 years within a nurturing environment. Ofsted Outstanding in all areas. FREE Montessori Education for funded 2-3 year olds

Established 1980 Individual visits available

We can provide 15 and 30 hours across all 5 days if required (6 hours a day).

Free Montessori Education for children aged 2-5 Baby Toddler & Parent Sessions available on Fridays at Windsor Montessori House of Children

We can provide 15 and 30 hours across all 5 days if required (6 hours a day).

Home Park, Romney Lock Road, Windsor SL4 6HX Tel: 01753 868399 OR 01344 844592

THE WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL

e.menik@windsor-montessori.com

Home Park, Romney Lock Road, Windsor, SL4 6HX Tel: 01753 868399 or 01344 844592

www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

Home Park, Romney Lock Road, Windsor SL4 6HX Tel: 01753 868399 OR 01344 844592

Email: menik@windsor-montessori.com

‘Be Yourself, Be Amazing’ A love of performing can develop key skills for life

The performing arts is a wide and vibrant industry including theatre, music, dance, film making and more. With its many facets, the performing arts can open up a world of possibility for young people to develop and grow in an environment that is safe and supportive. By providing a platform for creativity, fostering confidence, and promoting a sense of connectedness and community, the performing arts play a vital role in shaping the lives of young people.

Be Confident

Confidence is fundamental to a young person’s development; it enables them to have a go, try new things and succeed and fail in a safe environment. The performing arts naturally helps young people build confidence as they practice routines, perform in front of fellow students, family and friends, and receive and act on feedback. All this work culminating in the thrill of performing for an audience, with the knowledge that they have built the skills to create great work.

Be Creative

Of course, the performing arts are an outlet for creativity! Whether learning a dance routine, acting in a play, or pitching a film idea, the performing arts gives young people an opportunity to use their imagination and express themselves. Flexing their creative muscles allows young people to think outside the box and find creative solutions to problems they encounter in their work but also in their everyday lives.

Be Connected

There are very few industries that rely on teamwork as much as the performing arts. Whether they are rehearsing, performing, or filming, the performing arts allows young people to connect with others who share their passion. Connecting with their peers, young people form bonds, deepen their empathy, and develop compassion for the world around them.

At The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, we believe that the performing arts can have a huge, positive impact on the lives of young people. Every week, our students learn new skills and make new friends through our three core modules, Comedy & Drama, Film & Television and Musical Theatre. Through our ethos of ‘Be Yourself, Be Amazing’ our students have the confidence to put themselves out there, the creativity to think differently and the community to feel supported whilst doing so.

Try a free confidencebuilding class with Perform

Perform is a unique children’s drama school with a special emphasis on child development. Its classes use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by professional actors, singers and dancers, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination, and concentration and, each week, there is a focus on a different social skill.

The curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. With new themes starting in September, now is a great time to book a FREE trial class. Ages 4 to 7 will enjoy a trip Around the World in an adventure based on the story of Phileas Fogg, while ages 7 to 12 enjoy a modern rags-toriches rock version of Cinderella, in Cinderella Rocks.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today in:

NEW North Ascot Community Centre, Fernbank Road, Ascot, SL5 8LA

4-7s Saturdays 9.30am; 7-12s Saturdays 11.15am

St Peter’s Centre, 1 Thorney Lane North, Iver SL0 9JU

4-7s Tuesdays 4pm; 7-12s Tuesdays 5.05pm

Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Road, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ

4-7s Saturdays 9.30am; 7-12s Saturdays 11.15am

All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA

4-7s Mondays 4pm; 7-12s Mondays 5.05pm

Hilltop First School, Clewer Hill Road, Windsor SL4 4DW

4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5.05pm

Virginia Water Community Centre, 3 Beechmount Ave, Virginia Water GU25 4EY

4-7s Mondays 4pm; 7-12s Mondays 5.05pm

4 Marlow Road Youth and Community Centre SL6 7YR

4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5.05pm

Perform fun continues into the summer holidays - don’t miss the Perform in the Park summer festival of children’s theatre.

Co-Ed Reception Classes

From September 2023

Learning is brought to life outside the classroom

where Forest School sessions encourage exploration, problem-solving and selfdiscovery in our beautiful woodland setting.

Located in Maidenhead with coach services from Marlow, High Wycombe, the Chalfonts, Windsor and surrounding villages

Book your visit at www.clairescourt.com

Help your child with school transition

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

While moving to a new class or new school can be challenging for kids, most adapt to changes within the first few weeks as routines are established and new friendships formed. Preparation is a key component which can make a huge difference to the readiness of your child. At the same time, emotional resilience greatly helps children adapt to different environments, routines and social dynamics. So, how can parents support children through their journey of change and uncertainty?

Encourage open communication

Open communication is essential in helping children express their worries and concerns. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings and validate their emotions. Set aside dedicated time and spaces for these conversations. This can be as simple as the walk or drive home from school or over a snack at the end of the day.

Develop problem solving skills

Encourage your child to identify potential challenges and discuss possible solutions together. This will help them feel more prepared while developing their own problem-solving skills. Encourage your child to be open to new experiences, emphasising the importance of adaptability in overcoming challenges.

Model resilience

By modelling resilience you provide a powerful example for your child to follow, helping them develop the emotional strength needed to adapt to new experiences. Give examples of your own coping strategies, taking care to maintain a positive spin. Show

your child that change is a natural part of life and discuss the exciting opportunities that the new academic year will bring.

Emphasise the importance of self-care

Establish healthy routines including regular sleep, exercise and healthy eating. Encourage participation in a range of out of school activities that they enjoy. This will help them better manage their own stress and maintain a positive outlook during times of change.

Celebrate success

Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones during transition. Praising their ability to overcome challenges boosts confidence. Keep the open communication going so it becomes a habit. Children need to know you will always be behind them through and beyond their teens. Remain patient and understanding as each child’s experience is unique and developing emotional resilience takes time and practice.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Starting primary school Transition to secondary

Starting primary school can be an exciting yet daunting new chapter for you and your child. The most useful thing you can do is prepare them ahead of their first day:

Practise getting dressed, using the toilet, opening a lunchbox, using cutlery.

Play games which involve turn taking and social skills.

Help your child recognise their name so they can keep track of clothes and find their peg.

Acknowledge your own feelings and anxieties. This is the start of your child’s journey away from you and that can be challenging. Recognise this is normal but try to keep those emotions away from your child.

Talk about your child’s day, emphasising the positive but be ready to help them with any worries they might express. Make time to talk and listen.

Expect teething troubles and always speak to the teacher if you have particular concerns.

Moving up to secondary school is an exciting milestone involving significant changes. It’s a lot to go from being the oldest to the youngest, with much larger buildings, new teachers, subjects and classmates. To manage this rite of passage:

Talk to your child about how they are feeling and the differences that they will experience.

Focus on exciting opportunities eg new friends and activities. Encourage age-appropriate independence to prepare them for more responsibility.

Familiarity is a comfort. Look at the school website together, practise the journey, reach out to make new friends. Encourage preparation. If your child has all their equipment/ uniform/books ready every day this will help the school day run more smoothly.

Keep your own worries under wraps.

Discuss phone use and online safety. Set digital boundaries and stick to them regardless of peer pressure.

Jo Smith from The Marist

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role as Principal of The Marist School

I moved to leafy Berkshire with my husband, three daughters and our cockapoo, Lola, almost four years ago to take up my role as Principal of The Marist School. I love the variety a day in this all-girls Catholic school brings. I love working alongside our wonderful teachers and staff to help our students achieve their hopes and dreams.

How would you describe ‘The Marist’ ethos?

Our ethos is rooted in our Catholic heritage where a strong moral compass and a rounded character are as important as the A*s achieved by our students at A Level. The way of life here means that the happiness and laughter of real relationships combine with academic success. We work hard and we play hard. Our extensive trips which aid learning beyond the classroom, our Outdoor Learning, Co-Curricular Programme, and our Activity Week in the summer term are all testament to this.

What are the benefits of single-sex education?

There is so much external pressure on teenagers in today’s world and there are certainly strong modern-day arguments for an all-girls education. As many schools in the area move to co-ed, we remain one of the few all-girls throughschools from 2-18 years.

Throughout my career I have worked

in all-boys, all-girls and co-ed schools. The fundamental thing to note is that boys and girls are different; they will often learn differently, their wellbeing needs are different, and they even play differently. An all-girls environment offers expertise in girls’ education and wellbeing. There are no stereotypes holding back girls in The Marist. We enjoy rugby, cricket and football; we have Forest School and Outdoor Learning on our curriculum and Science and Maths are the most popular A Level subjects. We prepare our students to be equal in life beyond school.

We love to engage with local boys’ schools for social events but for learning, we remain resolutely all-girls because that is the best way for our students to be who they want to be. You see, when I have new developments to put in place or a situation to address, I have only one question: ‘What is best for the girls?’ As our parents will tell you, that brings a sharp focus to life at The Marist.

How has ‘The Marist’ evolved over the years and what have been the highlights?

Over the last few years, we have become increasingly innovative, with a focus on facilitating girls to leave their comfortzones. We have embraced different pedagogy to cater for all learning styles and we draw upon our fantastic woodland setting. It is not unusual to see campfires in our woods, Geography and Science experiments on our fields, and drama performances in our Walled

Garden. Our Co-Curricular Programme now offers over 100 clubs per week from Ice-skating and Paddleboarding, to Photography and Eco Club. In recent years, we have introduced Blended Learning ‘Marist style’ where touchscreen laptops enhance the traditional learning in classrooms.

As a school for children aged 2-18 years with four phases of education: Nursery, Prep, Senior and VI Form, we have grown exponentially as our reputation for excellence has taken flight.

Do you have any top tips for parents when they are considering a school for their child?

Visit schools to experience their intangible qualities. Whilst the glamour of facilities might capture your attention, look at the interactions between students and staff, both in the classrooms and in the playground. Look for smiles on children’s faces, genuine laughter and a love of learning. Ask the Head Teacher what they plan for the future of the school. But most importantly, trust your instinct. You know your child best so ask yourself if they would thrive in that environment. Envisage the young adult they would become when they leave that school and determine if this meets your hopes for your child.

Jo Smith joined The Marist School as Principal in 2019. Under her leadership, The Marist’s reputation as a down-to-earth, communityspirited environment where girls achieve academic success and leave as well-rounded individuals is growing from strength to strength. For more information enquries@themarist.com

Jo Smith Principal

Preventing summer brain drain

By Jemma Z Smith

Summer holidays are fabulous but all too often the return to school in September can come as a bit of a shock to the system. How do you spell that word again? What’s that fractions rule? The feeling of forgetting everything is really common (for adults too!).

Here are some fun activities you can do over the long summer break to keep everyone’s minds in tip top condition and just as sharp as in term time.

Times table bingo

This can be a really good way of practising your times tables. There are lots of free and downloadable resources out there but essentially all you need is paper, pencils and perhaps a times table square that you can refer to.

While you’re in the maths zone, try making up dice games. For example, start with three or more dice and set challenges: can you roll a number higher than… an even number, a prime number or a number in a certain times table. The possibilities are endless. Assign points to the winner and make it as competitive as you wish!

Kim’s game

This is a popular memory game that you can play anywhere. Find ten objects and place them on a tray or picnic blanket. Everyone has a good look, then all but one person closes their eyes and an item is silently removed. Can the kids remember what has been taken? For variation, cover the tray and everyone has to try to remember the whole list of ten objects.

Story stones

This is a lovely, artistic way of keeping the kids’ imaginations and creativity firing. Firstly, you need to go on a walk and find some smooth pebbles suitable for painting on. The idea is then that each stone is used to paint a different section of a story. Acrylic paint or permanent markers are the best to decorate stones. The kids can even act out the story later.

Lights, camera, action!

Feeling dramatic? Encourage the kids to become a news broadcaster for the day! They can take on the role of a character and choose something that they want to talk about. Will it be scary or funny? Who will be the interviewee, the director, camera person and lighting technician? Then, of course, they will need to prepare a timed script and practise speaking clearly in front of an attentive audience.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel, www.educationhotel.co.uk

Handling dog phobia and aggression

By Caroline Wilkinson

It is appropriate for children to be cautious around unfamiliar dogs but when caution becomes intense and interferes with daily activities, it can be classified as cynophobia or the fear of dogs.

This fear can be triggered by any negative experience with a dog, such as being bitten or chased or develop without any obvious cause; sometimes even from fictional situations if your child has a vivid imagination.

Parents can also pass on their own fears; for example, pulling back their child from approaching a new dog. While it’s a good idea to educate your child to be cautious around dogs, especially if they’re over-enthusiastic and wanting to greet every dog you meet, forcefully restricting your child’s movements could potentially increase their fear responses in the future.

The best way to help those kids who are keen to say ‘hello’ is teaching them to always ask the person walking the dog if it’s okay to approach; and then how to calmly greet a dog.

When a child has severe fears, for example, to the extent of not even being able to view images of dogs, it is worth considering professional help from a psychologist.

If the fear is at a lower level, borne of inexperience, seeking out a pet professional who works with kids and dogs is really helpful. A pet professional can guide your child towards a better understanding of dogs around them.

Canine body language is often misinterpreted. For instance, wagging tails don’t ALWAYS mean the dog is happy. Helping

children understand what a dog is trying to communicate can help them appreciate dogs as a species, instilling confidence when they see them.

Teaching children how to interact with dogs will help reduce the chance of a defensive response. For example, touching dogs on their chest or side of their body rather than their heads. It can also be helpful to give your child treats to throw towards a dog from a distance so both have time to consider if they want to say ‘hello’.

Cynophobia can be challenging to manage but with proper understanding and support, it can be overcome.

Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist and KAD (Kids Around Dogs) Trainer. As the Founder of digital pet coaching service Barket Place (www.barketplace.co.uk), Caroline has a passion for improving connections between human and hound, with a focus on relationships and reducing stress for canines living in a human world.

Turning your child into a bookworm

By Emma Shingleton

Is your youngster a reluctant reader? Despite tempting them with every type of book, do they still only read when they ‘have’ to and not for pleasure?

The long summer holidays are an ideal time to work with your child. Hopefully, they’ll soon be ditching their screens and curling up with an engrossing story book instead.

We all understand the importance of reading in a child’s development and teachers are always looking for ways to engage children in reading. If you can duplicate their efforts at home, that just might make all the difference. So let’s get started:

Create a reading den

Every home should have a reading corner or den; a place that is inviting and excites children. Choose a quiet spot and add some pillows, bean bags or cushions to curl up on. Perhaps you could put up some posters to get them in the mood for imaginative thinking. What about: Under the Sea, Rainbows, Castles, Transport, In the Jungle?

Use television subtitles

Put your child’s favourite programmes on with subtitles and no sound. Can they read along and understand what is happening?

Try karaoke with lyrics

Host karaoke sessions so that children are challenged to read and sing lyrics on the screen.

Learn a poem together

Why not learn a topical poem alongside your child: find one about holidays, the weather or beaches to fit the season!

Host a book ‘cafe’ play day

Put a range of books and reading materials on a table and encourage children to sample them and then discuss with one another.

Film yourself reading a story

Think of it as CBBC bedtime stories. Use your phone to film yourself reading a story and send in the video to your child’s teacher. If other parents do the same, the whole class can enjoy a story read by someone other than their teacher!

Use technology

Children can also listen to stories with different forms of technology depending on what you have available: a tablet, iPad and CD player are all options. If you have the budget and are feeling fancy, there are some fabulous story telling devices such as a Toniebox or Yoto player too. These are really child friendly and great for a range of ages.

Get the whole family involved

Children take pleasure in reading with younger or older children and this can have a great impact on children’s progress. If you have more than one child, encourage siblings to get involved by recommending and sharing the books they love.

And why not enjoy a book yourself? Leading by example and being seen reading for pleasure every day will encourage your child to do the same. Tell them what your book is about and why you are enjoying it.

Reading doesn’t have to be the traditional reading of a book in silence. Discuss what you read as a family.

When you read to your child, encourage them to think about characters and how they might be feeling, or how they themselves would react in a certain situation. Bring characters to life by asking questions throughout the day about how the children think a character would react. For example, when resolving a sibling dispute, you could ask how they think the wicked witch would solve the problem.

Emma Shingleton is a former primary school teacher who now writes for PlanBee (www.planbee.com) about issues affecting teachers, schools and pupils.

Provide a broad range of reading materials

Try to provide the broadest possible range of reading materials. This includes everything from recipe books to graphic novels, blogs and instructions, as well as traditional books. It matters far less what your child reads than whether they read: if a cereal box is what they enjoy, that’s fine. Once they’re reading for pleasure, they’ll move on to more traditional reading material.

Children enjoy reading about characters that they can relate to. Make sure to include picture books, and those that depict children from different family structures, cultures, religions and also physical abilities.

Friends and family may have books their children have enjoyed that they will be glad to pass on to you. Charity shops are also a fantastic source of very affordable reading material.

Make a habit of regular library visits. Most have comfortable seating corners where families sit and read before choosing more books to take home. And of course it means there’s a constant selection of new stories and fact books to discover - for free.

What led you from being a performer to writing your own stories? Has your acting career helped with the transition?

I only started writing because I was bored of the acting jobs I was getting and frustrated with the parts I was not being seen for. I figured I could continue moaning or take my career into my own hands. So, I wrote a one woman play which I produced and performed in. Touring that show helped with my career as an actor and kick-started my career as a writer. I was commissioned to write more plays for theatre and then the books came along. It feels like a happy accident as I never saw myself becoming a writer.

Being an actor definitely helps with writing as you are constantly analysing and working with stories, you know what works and what doesn’t. I don’t have a master’s in creative writing, but my director once told me “You have fifteen years as an actor working on hundreds of scripts. You probably have a greater understanding of story than someone who has studied creative writing for a year or two.” I don’t know if that’s true, but it helps when imposter syndrome rears its ugly head.

I am also constantly performing readings from my books. I wasn’t prepared for the level of performance that is involved with being a writer, so I am grateful for my performing background. Without it, I can imagine it being quite daunting.

Your young adult novels have won some very prestigious awards in publishing. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Here at Families, we believe books play an invaluable role in our lives. They’re the best form of escapism, they feed the imagination and sharing a book with a child at bedtime can be a lovely way to wind down together after a busy day. For younger children, they are also a great tool to help tackle tricky subjects and this month Rachel Bailey talks to author Manjeet Mann whose new book Whirly, Twirly Me is perfect for sharing with anyone struggling with big feelings.

I mine my own life for my ideas. Run, Rebel, my debut YA is inspired by my own teenage years. The Crossing by where I live now and my community projects, the people I work with and the politics of the place. My picture books are also inspired by my childhood. Small’s Big Dream came from my desire to be an actor and being told by a family member that people like ‘us’ (meaning, not rich) can’t be actors, that was a career only for the well off. I had a hard time regulating my emotions when I was younger which was the inspiration behind Whirly Twirly Me.

As the founder of Run the World, an organisation that helps empower women through sport and theatre, you are a very important voice. Who are your role models?

I have so many! Basically, if you’re a woman making a difference in your local community or on a global scale, you’re added to my long list of role models. It’s a list that is constantly growing and changing. My main goal in life has always been to make a difference and serve my community in some way. A huge inspiration behind Run The World were three remarkable women who have founded amazing not-for-profits and are making a huge difference to women and girls everywhere. Jessica Robson who founded Run Talk Run, Maria Neve who founded Fearless She and Stephanie Case who founded Free to Run. If I can do with Run The World what they have all done with their organisations, that will be my greatest achievement.

Whirly, Twirly Me is a great book to reassure little readers that it’s normal to experience lots of different feelings all at once. Is the desire to help children be their best selves and find their voice, what led you to writing children’s books?

Oh definitely. It’s why I write, regardless of form or age group. I think most writers hope that their stories will resonate, help or inspire someone somewhere. Story must always come first but hoping that what I create might help a reader is what keeps me going.

As an actress, playwright, screenwriter, director and author your days must be very full! How do you like to relax?

Ha! I often feel as though I should be working much harder than I do. I live by the sea and it’s my go to for relaxation. Long walks along the beach, lying back on the pebbles listening to my favourite tunes or swimming in the sea are great stress busters and source of inspiration.

Whirly, Twirly Me is out in paperback in August priced £7.99.

Instagram: @manjeet_k_mann

www.manjeetmann.com

WIN Families have a copy of both Manjeet’s picture books –Small’s Big Dream and Whirly, Twirly Me to give away!

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

What’s the title of Manjeet’s new picture book?

A Whirly, Twirly Me

B The Twirlywoos

C This is Me

Closing date for entries is 31 Aug 2023

Manjeet Mann

Getting the most out of family festivals

By Andrew Campbell

With the UK embracing child-friendly festivals, there’s no reason you, as parents, can’t re-experience elements of those carefree weekends of great music and tasty food of your youth.

With kids in tow, a festival visit will obviously be different to your child-free visits and to make the most of the experience and avoid the potential pitfalls, preparation is key.

Here are Families’ top tips:

Firstly, choose a family-friendly festival. Look for those that offer family-friendly activities and facilities, such as designated family camping areas, children’s entertainment and areas where families can relax and unwind. Many are now booked up for this summer so plan early for next year.

Plan ahead. Before you go, research the festival’s schedule and plan which performances you want to see. Make sure to take into account your child’s interests and energy levels.

Prepare for the weather. Bring appropriate clothing and gear for every type of weather and for the entire family. There is nothing more miserable than spending a weekend sweating in a coat or shivering in a t-shirt. Pack raincoats, waterproof boots and warm clothing, as well as t-shirts, shorts, sunscreen and hats in case of sunny weather.

Take provisions. Most festivals allow you to bring your own food and drinks, so pack a cooler with plenty of snacks and drinks for the entire family. This will save you money and give you more control over what your children are eating. Burgers for breakfast, lunch and dinner may get boring even for your kids!

Bring ear protection. Festivals can be loud, so make sure to bring ear protection for your children. You can buy earplugs or earmuffs that are specifically designed for little ones.

Prepare for bumps and cuts. Any festival should have a first aid tent but you need to be able to deal with minor cuts, grazes and blisters. Pack plasters, anti-bacterial gel, paracetamol, sting cream and any regular medication to last you and the kids for the whole festival.

Keep them hydrated. Dehydration is the top reason for needing medical treatment during festivals. So try to encourage your children to drink plenty of water. Watch for signs of dehydration like thirst or tiredness, headaches, dark or strong wee or weeing infrequently, dizziness or light headedness.

Get mobile. Festivals are typically very spread out which can challenge little legs. A little pull-along, foldable cart is great for moving both kids and your stuff around easily.

Artemis Studios, the Bracknell based children’s performing arts and education charity are running Musical theatre holiday clubs for ages 4-15 years during the summer holidays. Starting with an Enchanto theme 24-28 July and Seusical the Musical 21-25 August. Clubs run from 9.30am-4.30pm. £120 per week (£100 for members), £108 for siblings, prices include daily lunch and fruit snacks.

To book visit www.artemis-studios.co.uk

Claires Court School in Maidenhead offers a wide range of exciting holiday activities over the school holidays open to children from all schools. From arts and crafts to sports coaching, activities for this year include adventure club and kayaking on the river. For full details on dates, prices and details of the different options on offer please visit their website below. www.clairescourt.com/holiday-club

Delgado Tennis holiday camps are available at Braywick Leisure Centre and St Piran’s School to all children of all levels, aged 4+. Camp times are 9-12pm, 1-4pm or 8.20am-5pm. Discounts available when booking all 4 days. Braywick Summer holiday dates are: Mon 24 - Thu 27 July, Mon 31 July - Thu 3 August 2023, Mon 7 - Thu 10 August, Mon 14 - Thu 17 August, Mon 21 - Thu 24 August and Mon 28 - Thurs 31 August.

St Piran’s Summer holiday camps are: Mon 10 - Thu 13 July, Mon 17 - Thu 20 July, Mon 24 - Thu 27 July, Mon 31 July - Thu 3 August,

Camps, Classes & Activities

Mon 7 - Thu 10 August, Mon 14 - Thu 17 August, Mon 21 - Thu 24 August. www.delgadotennis.co.uk/book-now

Heathfield School in Ascot has been running its own Summer activities Camp for 30 years. As a girls only camp they ensure that they offer not only a full range of sports but also a lot of creative activities, including arts & crafts, cookery, dance, design, drama, flower craft and music. Every week girls put on a show or exhibition for their families to attend. They offer excellent lunches with a great choice of food plus drinks and snacks at breaks. As well as a full-day programme, there is also a breakfast option and late stay for day girls. Boarders enjoy a super fun evening programme with their international summer school girls; a great opportunity to make lifelong friends from overseas! Camps run Monday to Friday from Monday July 17 to Friday August 11. For more information email summerschool@heathfieldschool.net or visit their website www.heathfieldsummerschool.co.uk

Monkey Music runs award winning classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers in Maidenhead and Windsor. The curriculum has been written to support language, physical and social development through music, which has been proven to be instrumental in a child’s brain development. They are running summer workshops in the holidays for ages 1-6 yrs as well as for babies under a year. For more details and

to book visit: wwwapi.monkeymusic.co.uk/ Workshops+%26+Events

www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/maidenheadand-windsor

Moo Music offers fun and interactive weekly music sessions for 0-5 years and their parents, grandparents or carers. Sing, dance and play using a variety of props and instruments whilst also developing confidence, memory and coordination skills. Classes run in Maidenhead, Windsor and Slough. They are also running ‘Summer Specials’ during the holidays. Contact farmerhayley@moo-music.co.uk for more information or visit

www.moo-music.co.uk/areas/maw

Stagecoach where your children can make new friends, learn new skills and gain confidence in term-time classes for 4-18 year olds. During the holidays they also run one-week holiday workshops which focus on singing, dancing and acting skills which end in a performance for friends and family. For availability, age groups, dates and more information please check your local Stagecoach website:

www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead

www.stagecoach.co.uk/windsor (covers Langley too) www.stagecoach.co.uk/ascot www.stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth www.stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe

Details correct at time of going to press (June 2023) but may be subject to change.

If you are still after a camp for your child, we take another look at some of the options on offer locally. We can’t guarantee spaces on any of them as they do book up quickly but it’s worth a try.

PLAY PARKS/COUNTRY PARKS

If you want to get close to nature, plan a cycle or walk or have a picnic with the children without the worry of too much traffic, the following are all great suggestions for a day out.

Black Park, Denham country park and Langley park all offer adventure playgrounds and plenty of space to run around in or climb trees, as well as cafes for refreshments. https://countryparks.buckscc. gov.uk

Boulter’s Lock and Ray Mill Island, Maidenhead SL6 8PE. Visit the guinea pigs, climb trees, play on the wooden equipment (if you have younger children), or wander over the bridge to Taplow riverside.

Broomhall recreation ground, Sunningdale, Ascot SL5 0QS has a toddler friendly play area as well as more adventurous play equipment.

Clewer Memorial recreation ground, Dedworth SL4 5AZ is known to most as the ‘Pirate Park’. The large pirate ship in the sand is the main draw but the park also has the traditional play equipment.

Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst RG10 0TH. Much like Black park, there is a scenic walk round the lake, woodland to explore and an impressive adventure playground. www.dinton-pastures.co.uk

Dorney Reach, Reachers retreat, Meadow Way SL6 0DR hosts a play park, caged multisports area and zip wire.

Pinewood Activity Centre, Wokingham RG40 3AQ. Wooden adventure park, play

area for young children, woodland walks with carved woodland creatures to spot, exercise area, pond with dipping platform, picnic spaces and miniature train rides at certain times.

www.wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk/ pinewood-centre

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond TW9 3AE. Visit the Children’s Garden specifically designed for ages 2-12. Based in a natural setting the size of 40 tennis courts, children can explore all the things plants need to grow. www.kew.org/kew-gardens/ families

Savill Garden, Beautiful grounds and great adventure playpark for children due to open this summer. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/ en/activities/childrens-play-area

Stoner Park, Henley-upon-Thames RG9 6HF. Based at Stonor is Tumblestone Hollow - a lovely wooden kids adventure play park. www.stonor.com

Wargrave recreation ground and BMX track, RG10 8BJ. Enclosed playground great for the under 8s. Zip wire and climbing wall outside fenced area and bmx track in the field close by - great for bikes and scooters.

Wellington Country Park Beautifully rural yet easily accessible, the award-winning destination is the best place to spend your summer holiday for a fun-filled day. All of the Summer events at Welly Park are included in your admission fee. Challenge your family to a tennis match during their Spectacular Sports Weekend or test your juggling skills with circus skills at their Summer Fun Weekend. Walk with dinosaurs at the Big Dino Takeover and bounce away the bank holiday with Bouncy Castles in the Park. Perfect for children up to the age of 8 years old, spend family time together and make unforgettable memories. For more information and to book your tickets visit www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

Windsor Great Park, wander through the deer park, visit the 100 foot Totem Pole at Virginia Water lake, or clamber over the rocks by the copper horse at the top of The Long Walk. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk

SPLASH PARKS & WATER FUN

Braywick Leisure centre, SL6 1BN set on the edge of Braywick nature reserve, offers the perfect place for a family swim. www. leisurefocus.org.uk/our-centres/braywickleisure-centre

Cassiobury Park, Watford, WD18 7LG. Worth a visit though parking can be tricky. This hosts a splash pad, miniature railway and play park www.watford.gov.uk/cassioburypark

Locks Ride, Forest Road, Winkfield Row RG42 7NJ boasts a large open children’s beach themed play area together with a water splash area and a selection of outdoor gym equipment. There is normally a splashpad in operation from 11 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 5 pm in the summer months (but this will need to be checked before you head out there).

California Country Park, Off Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, RG40 4HT. Large paddling pool is usually opened up for the Summer holiday period (needs to be booked) and playpark has two distinct spaces – the Sensory Garden and the Wild Wood – as well as swings, hammocks and a large trampoline. www.dinton-pastures.co.uk/california

Caversham Lakes, Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 9RA offers a wide range of activities from stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, aqua park fun to beach fun. www.cavershamlakes.co.uk

The Summer holidays can feel like a long time to fill, so for those days when we are not working or have children attending holiday camps, we all need a good ‘go to’ list of things to do. As well as including our pick of the best ideas to entertain locally, we’ve looked a bit further afield too, but this is by no means an exhaustive list!

Wellington Country Park Big Dino Takeover

World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures

Coral Reef waterworld, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7JQ . Thrilling waterslides, an erupting volcano, a pirate ship and much more. www.everyoneactive.com/centre/ coral-reef-waterworld

Jocks Lane Park, Off Binfield Rd, Bracknell RG12 2BH has a splash pad that’s perfect for younger children as well as a play area, miniature golf, tennis and basket ball courts.

Liquid Leisure Windsor SL3 9HY, is home to the UK’s number one water sports facilities, with boat and cable wakeboarding, water skiing, slalom and kneeboarding, as well as an amazing Aqua Park. www.liquidleisure.com

Ruislip Lido, Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY. Build sandcastles, hunt for buried treasures, or splash in Ruislip Lido Splash Pad. Also miniature railway and woodland park walks www.ruisliplido.com

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Windsor Road, Englefield Green, Egham, TW20 0AE. These grounds include an enclosed play area and children’s amusements. Situated next to the Thames, it’s ideal for a picnic and a wander along the river. The paddling pool is usually open in the summer holidays.

Wycombe Lido, The Rye (off Bassetsbury Lane), High Wycombe, HP11 1QX. This historical Lido has been fully refurbished with a heated outdoor main pool, heated outdoor children’s pool plus grass and terraced sunbathing areas. www.fusion-lifestyle.com/ centres/wycombe-rye-lido

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

4 Kingdoms adventure park and family farm, Thatcham RG19 8JY www.4-kingdoms.co.uk

Animal Rangers, Holyport. Hands on experiences. www.animalrangers.co.uk

BCA Zoo, Burchetts Green SL6 6QR https://zoo.bca.ac.uk

Beale Park wildlife park and gardens, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NW. www.bealepark.org.uk

Beckonscot model village, Beaconsfield HP9 2PL www.bekonscot.co.uk

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PP. With new adventure play area. Clamber up rocks, cross bridges, hop over stepping stones, discover hidden chambers, whizz down zip lines and slither down slides as well as water play to enjoy www.blenheimpalace.com

Chessington World of Adventures

KT9 2NE Theme park and zoo. Recently opened is the new Jumanji themed land which boasts 3 new rides including Mandrill Mayhem, a shuttle rollercoaster with Chessington’s first inversion. Flip upside down at 42 miles per hour while dodging the hazards of the jungle and spiralling to the summit of the 55ft tall Jaguar Shrine before falling and braving the whole adventure backwards! Guests can also spend a night in one of six new World of Jumanji themed bedrooms at the Chessington Safari Hotel www.chessington.com/explore/theme-parkzoo/world-of-jumanji

Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, Maidenhead SL1 8NS. Explore the extensive woodlands, wander down to the river or enjoy the grounds. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cliveden There are plenty of great National Trust places to visit within an hour’s drive. Basildon Park, Grey’s Court, Hughenden, Stowe, The Vyne and Waddesdon are all favourites with us.

Cookham - Wildlife Way Min Zoo opened up in May this year. Do check their facebook page for opening times and details of animal encounters. www.facebook.com/wwminizoo

Hitcham Farm, Burnham SL1 7AE offers a selection of ice cream flavours made with the milk from their own cows. Follow them on Facebook @HItchamDairy

Hobbledown Adventure farm park and zoo, Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT www.hobbledown.com

Legoland Windsor resort, SL4 4AY New this summer the UK’s first LEGO Ferrari Build and Race which features three interactive zones for young racers to build, test and digitally scan their own LEGO Ferrari car to race. Pre booking your day visit to the park is advised. www.legoland.co.uk

Maidenhead Mini golf, SL6 1BN 18 holes of Dinosaur themed mini-golf. Located at Braywick Park in Maidenhead. Don’t forget to visit the dessert house on the way out too! https://maidenheadminigolf.co.uk

Odds Farm Park, HP10 0LX. Plenty of amazing outdoor adventures to be had and animals to meet. Look out for their summer ‘Festival of Fun’ running from July 22 to Sept 3 and enjoy discos, outdoor games, the H2Odds water play and an all important icecream! . www.oddsfarm.co.uk

The Lookout Discovery Centre, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. Visit The science exhibition with over 90 activities which children of all ages can enjoy and learn from. Also an extensive

outdoor playground. Look out for their great science shows too! Splash, Bubbles and Balloons is on from July 15 throughout the summer holidays - a science discovery show about water and air where kids can witness and interact with a plethora of fun experiments.

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisureservices/look-out-discovery-centre

The Story Museum, Oxford OX1 1BP. So many great events for kids to try here. The immersive exhibition, ‘Brilli-ANT: How someone small changed a big story’ is on until Spring 24. There are also other events to try over the summer; Look out for ‘Story Explorers: Fearsome Fruits and Venomous Plants’ and Story Explorers: ‘The Power of Puppets’, plus two Lego Master Builders sessions; 10 August: ‘The Great Outdoors’: expedition to Camp Lego 5+ and 17 August: ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’: the animals have escaped 8+ www.storymuseum.org.uk

Windsor Castle, SL4 1NJ. Entry is free with an advantage card www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

Windsor Duck Tours, 32 Thames Street SL4 1PS www.windsorducktours.co.uk

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS

Absolutely Karting, Maidenhead SL6 1AY www.absolutely-karting.co.uk/maidenhead Escape 3600, located within the Braywick leisure centre SL6 1BN www.escape3600.com

Escape Experience Windsor, SL4 1RH www.escapewindsor.co.uk

Extreme Motion, Alexandra Gardens

Windsor SL4 5HZ. Mini Golf, Cycle hire, Bungee Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Sky Trail High Ropes Course, Zorbing Balls, Bungee Trampoline. Follow them on Facebook @extrememotionwindsor

Go Ape, Black Park SL3 6DS.Treetop Adventure, Nets, Segways, Zip Lines and High Ropes www.goape.co.uk

Please do remember to check online for up-to-date information and do remember in most cases it’s advisable to book.

Odds Farm Festival of Fun

Where to visit Summer 2023

Snow Centre www.thesnowcentre.com

INDOOR VENUES

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Peter, HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Jump In trampoline park, Dundee Road, Slough SL1 4LE. Book sessions online www. gojumpin.com/locations/trampoline-parkslough

Jungle Mania, Bourne End SL8 5DT Book sessions online. www.jungle-mania.co.uk

Junior’s Cafe and Softplay, Ockwells Park, Maidenhead, SL6 3AA. Lovely soft play for toddlers and great coffee for all visitors. www.juniorscafe.co.uk/soft-play

Moss End Garden Village, near Bracknell RG42 6EJ. Feathers and Fur falconry centre, Top of the Pots pottery painting and on-site café Robyn’s Nest. www.mossendgardenvillage.co.uk

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF. Always has a great programme of events for all ages including Kite making workshops, art and craft sessions, storytelling, theatre week and Art week and much more. Also look out for the production of ‘ Snug and Grub Catch a Bug’ on July 29. Check website for uptodate listings www.norden.farm

Odeon Luxe, Maidenhead, SL6 1DY www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/maidenhead

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden, HP16 0AL www.roalddahl.com/museum

The River and Rowing Museum, Henley, RG9 1BF www.rrm.co.uk

The Theatre Royal Windsor, SL4 1PS www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

The Wycombe Swan, HP11 2XE Look out for ‘Winnie the Pooh’ and ‘Sarah and Duck’ this Summer. www.wycombeswan.co.uk

Visit a local library. The 2023 summer reading challenge is Sports - Ready, Set, Read! Partnering with the Youth Sport Trust, challenge champions include Beth Tweddle MBE, Rosie Jones, Dr Alex George, Radzi Chinyanganya, Ellie Robinson MBE and Sam Squiers www.summerreadingchallenge. org.uk

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

FAMILY DINING

Bardo Lounge, Maidenhead, SL6 1QJ. All day menu and great, casual dining for families right by Maidenhead waterways. www.thelounges.co.uk/bardo

Crocus at Dorney Court, Dorney, SL4 6QP. Beautiful plantery within an ancient walled garden and cafe with play area for young children. www.crocus.co.uk/dorney-court

Fernygrove Farm, Warfield RG42 6HN. Farm shop and coffee shop with lovely enclosed outside area where children can play. www.fernygrovefarm.co.uk

Knead, Trinity Place, St Ives Rd, Maidenhead SL6 1SG. www.knead.pizza

Masters, Cooper Court St. Ives Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1LF Darts, games and food. www.mastersmaidenhead.co.uk

Thames Hospice Cafe Bray Lake, Maidenhead SL6 2DN. The café by the Lake is open to the public for outdoor seating and takeaway service, every day from 9am to 5pm. You can also walk around the lake.

The Alma, 61 Springfield Road, Windsor SL4 3PP. Family pub with atmospheric outdoor space. www.thealmawindsor.com

The Bounty, Cock Marsh, Bourne End SL8 5RG. Quirky riverside pub with big enclosed space for children. Combine this with a riverside walk. Follow on Facebook @ thebounty1

The Jolly Farmer, Church Road, Cookham SL6 9PJ. This pub is well renowned for its great outdoor area where you are able to sit, drink and eat while your children play in their large enclosed safe play area. www.thejollyfarmerpub.co.uk

The Palmer Arms, Village Road, Dorney SL4 6QW. Their large family -friendly garden is a great place to eat and they have just added a children’s play area www.thepalmerarms.com

The Waterside, Fairwater Drive, Woodley RG5 3EZ. Backing on to South Lake, The Waterside’s large pub garden includes a children’s play area at one end. www.watersidewoodley.co.uk

Velolife cafes in Warren Row, RG10 8QS and new branches in Warfield RG10 8LH and Twyford RG10 9EE. Need a coffee and cake stop on a family bike ride? Visit Velolife for some cycling atmosphere!

TOP SPOTS TO VISIT ON A DAY OUT IN LONDON

Battersea Power station Chimney Lift takes you to the top of the North West chimney for unrivalled 360-degree views of London’s skyline https://lift109.co.uk

BBC Earth experience Travel the world and journey through the seven continents in this immersive experience at The Daikin Centre, Earl’s Court SW6 1TT

www.bbcearthexperience.com

Emirates Cable Car Book a One-way or round trip ticket from the Royal Docks or Greenwich Peninsula https://emiratesairline. gttickets.com/en/london

Free open air movie screenings in August. Merchant Square, Paddington W2 1JZ

www.merchantsquare.co.uk/event/merchantsquare-summer-movies

Monopoly life sized 213-215 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7PS www.monopolylifesized.com

Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk

Perform in the Park London’s festival of children’s theatre July 22 to August 28. Four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14 plus evening events for teens. Set in a pop-up tent in Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN, families can also enjoy the park with wide lawns and wonderful play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all-day café. Tickets start at £14.50. www.performinthepark.uk

Regent’s Park open air theatre NW1 4NU. www.openairtheatre.com

Scenes in the Square, WC2H 7DE Leicester Square’s interactive bronze statue trail. www.leicestersquare.london/scenes-in-thesquare

Science Museum Exhibition Rd, South Kensington SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com

The Slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E20 2AD 8+yrs Experience 12 twists, a 50m straight run and speeds of up to 15 miles per hour www.arcelormittalorbit.com/ whats-on/the-slide

The Twist Museum 248 Oxford Street W1C 1DH home of illusions www.twistmuseum.com

Tootbus Kids Tour A London bus tour specially for families. Departing from Charles II Street, London SW1Y 4QN www.tootbus.com

Please do remember to check online for up-to-date information and do remember in most cases it’s advisable to book.

Please email editor@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.

Ongoing

UNTIL SPRING 2024

BRILLI-ANT: HOW SOMEONE SMALL CHANGED A BIG STORY

The Story Museum 42 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP

Travel through anthill tunnels, searching for clues and stories! www.storymuseum.org.uk

UNTIL SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3

GEORGE AND THE DRAGON

Pug Yard Learning Centre, Windsor Castle SL4 1NJ

Free crafts and dragon hunt upon admission

MONDAYS IN JULY AND AUG

WELL BABY CLINIC

Riverside Children’s Centre, Maidenhead SL6 7JB

Also: Tuesdays: The Manor Family Hub, Windsor SL4 3HD

Thursdays: Datchet Children’s Centre, SL3 9EJ (SatNav SL3 9ER)

Fridays: Boyn Grove Library, Courthouse Road, Maidenhead, SL6

6JE

First Wednesday of the month: Ascot

Durning Library, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JF www.rbwm.afcinfo.org.uk

DAILY THROUGHOUT SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

BOAT HIRE FOR THE FAMILY

Dinton Pastures Activity Centre, Sandford Lane, Hurst RG10 0SU

Pedalos, Paddleboards, Canoes, Kayaks

www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/ activities/activities-for-families/boathire

MONDAYS IN JULY AND AUGUST

NURTURE GROUPS (BIRTH TO 12 MONTHS)

Riverside Children’s Centre, Maidenhead SL6 7JB

Also: Wednesdays: The Manor Family Hub, Windsor SL4 3HD

Fridays: Datchet Children’s Centre, SL3 9EJ (SatNav SL3 9ER) www.rbwm.afcinfo.org.uk

July

MONDAY 3 AND MONDAY JULY 17

MINI MONDAYS

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Theme: Taking time out Don’t forget to book car parking ticket 10am-12pm. 2-5 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/ what-we-do/event-listings

FRIDAY 7 AND MONDAY JULY 10

NATURE TOTS - WINDSOR

Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre

(access is via Forest Gate SL4 2BY) 10am-11.30am booking necessary. 18mnths-4yrs. www.bbowt.org.uk/events

FRIDAY 7, 14 AND JULY 21

FUNKY MONKEYS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Music and Movement for under 5s 11am www.norden.farm

FRIDAY 7, 14 AND JULY 21

BRING BABY CHOIR

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 12.30pm www.norden.farm

SATURDAY JULY 8

FI.FEST MUSIC FESTIVAL Forest Green Road, Fifield

Line up includes Scouting for Girls, The Feeling and Daft! www.fifest.co.uk

SATURDAY 22 AND SUNDAY JULY 23

MAIDENHEAD FESTIVAL

Kidwells park

Music, street food, fairground and more.

From 10am

SATURDAY JULY 22 TO SUNDAY SEPT 3

FESTIVAL OF FUN

Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Green HP10 0LX

Discos, outdoor summer games, H2Odds water play, ice cream and tons more fun this Summer. www.oddsfarm.co.uk

SATURDAY 22 AND SUNDAY JULY 23

MARVELLOUS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Dinton Pastures Coutry Park, Hurst RG10 0TH www.marvellousfestivals.com

SATURDAY JULY 22 TO MONDAY AUGUST 28

PERFORM IN THE PARK - LONDON’S FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN

Four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14 plus evening events for teens.

ADVERTISEMENT PROOF

Bring a picnic or enjoy the all-day café.

www.performinthepark.uk

SATURDAY JULY 8

T-SHIRT PRINTING

Please find below a proof of your adver tisement for the Januar y/Februar y 2017 issue (No. 88) of Families TVE.

SUNDAY JULY 23

RAVER TOTS OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially dates, telephone numbers and addresses.

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11am and 2pm www.norden.farm

Prospect Park, Reading RG30 2ND From 1pm www.ravertots.co.uk/event/ravertots-outdoor-festival-reading-2023

Tham

SATURDAY JULY 8

BURNHAM VILLAGE FETE

Any changes need to be made at this stage Any fur ther amendments will be charged for.

Burnham Park SL1 12pm

MONDAY JULY 24 TO FRIDAY AUG 18

Please contact us by return either to amend or approve your adver tisement.

SUNDAY JULY 9

PLAYDATE AT HENLEY FESTIVAL

Fun, shows and performances for the whole family https://henley-festival.co.uk/familysunday

SLOUGH HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND FOOD PROGRAMME

Slough Borough

T: 01628

E: editor 50 All Sa Berkshir

4 weeks of activities (arts/crafts/ circus skills/sport/music and nutrition education) Free for children who are eligible for free school meals or feel free to pay to join if not.

www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk (search Slough HAF Programme)

MUSIC CLASSES FOR THE 2s TO 8s Tuesday afternoons & Saturday mornings

TUESDAY JULY 25

EVENING FAMILY EXPLORERS

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Don’t forget to book car parking ticket

5-7.30pm. 3-10 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/ what-we-do/event-listings

TUESDAY 25 TO THURSDAY JULY 27

ARTS AND CRAFTS SESSIONS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 1.30pm 5-11 yrs www.norden.farm

TUESDAY 25 TO FRIDAY JULY 28

CIRCUS WEEK

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 10am-4pm 7-15yrs www.norden.farm

WEDNESDAY JULY 26

SUMMER OF FUN DAY

Warfield Memorial Ground RG42 6AG 11am-3pm www.warfieldparishcouncil.gov. uk/Warfield_Summer_Day_of_ Fun_25331.aspx

WEDNESDAY 26 TO FRIDAY JULY 28

THE LOST WORDS FAMILY TRAIL

Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre (access is via Forest Gate SL4 2BY) 10am-2pm booking necessary. www.bbowt.org.uk/events

THURSDAY JULY 27

THE WIZARD OF OZ: OUTDOOR THEATRE

Langley Park Country Park Billet Lane Iver SL0 0LS 5pm https://bit.ly/45sJSgu

THURSDAY 27 OR FRIDAY JULY 28

FAMILY FUN DAY

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Don’t forget to book car parking ticket

10am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4pm. 3-10 yrs

www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/ what-we-do/event-listings

FRIDAY JULY 28

STORYTELLING

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 12pm and 1.30pm 4-8yrs www.norden.farm

SATURDAY JULY 29

SNUG AND GRUB CATCH A BUG

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11.30am and 2pm 3-8yrs

www.norden.farm

SATURDAY JULY 29

THE WIZARD OF OZ: OUTDOOR THEATRE

Rupert House Playing Field, The Fairmile, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2JR 2pm

www.kentontheatre.co.uk/event/thekenton-at-rupert-house-the-wizard-ofoz

SATURDAY JULY 29

OUTDOOR CINEMA PARTY: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

Dinton Pastures Coutry Park, Hurst RG10 0TH

6pm

www.gocinemas.co.uk/events-1/ outdoor-cinema-party-the-greatestshowman

MONDAY JULY 31 TO FRIDAY AUGUST 4

WILD WEEK

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Five days of fun activities 10am-4pm daily. 7-11 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/whatwe-do/event-listings

MONDAY JULY 31 TO FRIDAY AUGUST 4

STORY EXPLORERS: FEARSOME FRUIT AND VENOMOUS PLANTS

The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP Workshop for 8-12 years. Book 1 day or all 5.

www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on

August

TUESDAY 1 AND WEDNESDAY AUGUST 2

PIGS AND BEARS DON’T COME IN PAIRS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11.30am and 2pm 3+yrs www.norden.farm

TUESDAY 1 & 22 AND FRIDAY 4, 11 AND AUGUST 18

STORYTELLING

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 12pm and 1.30pm 4-8yrs www.norden.farm

WEDNESDAY 2 TO THURSDAY AUGUST 24

ARTS AND CRAFTS SESSIONS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Runs Weds and Thurs (plus Tues 8 and 15) 1.30pm 5-11 yrs

www.norden.farm

THURSDAY AUGUST 3

BIRDS OF PREY

Crocus at Dorney Court, Court Ln SL4 6QP

10am-4pm

www.crocus.co.uk/dorney-court/events

THURSDAY AUGUST 3

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Woodland Cafe, Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Live music and audience interaction

6.30pm www.waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/alicein-wonderland-with-the-pantaloons

THURSDAY AUGUST 3

THE TALES OF PETER RABBIT & BENJAMIN BUNNY Stubbings Nursery, Henley Rd SL6 6QL www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events

THURSDAY 3 AND FRIDAY AUGUST 4

MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES FAMILY EVENT Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre

(access is via Forest Gate SL4 2BY) 10am-2pm booking necessary. Activities, games & wildlife crafts. www.bbowt.org.uk/events

THURSDAY 3 AND FRIDAY AUGUST 4

SARAH AND DUCK

Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE

Performances at 1.30pm and 4pm (Thursday)

Performances at 10.30am and 1.30pm (Friday) www.wycombeswan.co.uk

SATURDAY AUGUST 5

BRAYWICK NATURE FESTIVAL Hibbert Road SL6 1UU 12pm-4pm www.facebook.com/ events/624492726112632

SATURDAY AUGUST 5

NIGHT MARKET

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 6-9pm www.norden.farm

SATURDAY 5 AND SUNDAY AUGUST 6

SPECTACULAR SPORTS WEEKEND Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd RG7 1SP 9.30am-4.30pm www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/ whats-on/spectacular-sports-weekend

SATURDAY 5, FRIDAY 18 AND SATURDAY AUGUST 19

KITE MAKING WORKSHOPS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 2pm and 3.30pm www.norden.farm

MONDAY 7 TO FRIDAY AUGUST 11

STORY EXPLORERS: THE POWER OF PUPPETS

The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP

Workshop for 8-12 years. Book 1 day or all 5.

www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on

MONDAY 7 TO FRIDAY AUGUST 11

WILD WEEK

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Five days of fun activities 10am-4pm daily. 7-11 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/whatwe-do/event-listings

TUESDAY 8 TO FRIDAY AUGUST 11

ART WEEK

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11am-4pm 8-14yrs www.norden.farm

THURSDAY AUGUST 10

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Woodland Cafe, Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH 6.30pm www.waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/ wind-in-the-willows-with-quantumtheatre

THURSDAY 10 AND THURSDAY AUGUST 17

LEGO MASTER BUILDERS

The Story Museum 42 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP Aug 10: The Great Outdoors: expedition to Camp Lego 5+ Aug 17: A Walk on the Wild Side: the animals have escaped 8+ www.storymuseum.org.uk

SATURDAY AUGUST 12

PETER PAN AND CAPTAIN HOOK

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11.30am and 2pm 4+yrs www.norden.farm

SATURDAY AUGUST 12

PRINT A TOTE BEACH BAG

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 2pm 4+yrs www.norden.farm

SATURDAY AUGUST 12

HENLEY SUMMER FEST - BIG FAMILY DAY OUT Henley Showground, Marlow Rd RG9 3AS

From 12pm https://bit.ly/3o7vRUM

SATURDAY 12 AND SUNDAY AUGUST 13

SUMMER FUN WEEKEND

Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd RG7 1SP 9.30am-4.30pm www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/ whats-on/wellys-summer-funweekend

SUNDAY AUGUST 13

FAMILY FUN DAY

Desborough Park, Maidenhead SL6 2TR

MONDAY AUGUST 14

MINI MONDAYS

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Theme: What’s in our Allotments (make your own mini pizza!)

Don’t forget to book car parking ticket 10am-12pm. 2-5 yrs

www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/whatwe-do/event-listings

MONDAY 14 TO FRIDAY AUGUST 18

STORY SHAPERS - NEW SUMMER COURSES FOR AGES 12-16

The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP Book 1 day or all 5. www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on

TUESDAY 15 TO FRIDAY AUGUST 18

THEATRE WEEK

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 10am-4pm 8-14yrs www.norden.farm

TUESDAY 15 OR TUESDAY AUGUST 22 EVENING FAMILY EXPLORERS

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Don’t forget to book car parking ticket 5-7.30pm. 3-10 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/whatwe-do/event-listings

THURSDAY 17 OR FRIDAY AUGUST 18

FAMILY FUN DAY

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Don’t forget to book car parking ticket 10am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4pm. 3-10 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/whatwe-do/event-listings

THURSDAY 17 TO SATURDAY AUGUST 19

WELLY’S BIG DINO TAKEOVER

Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd RG7 1SP 9.30am-4.30pm www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/ whats-on/wellys-big-dinosaur-takeover

FRIDAY 18 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 20 REWIND SOUTH Henley-on-Thames https://south.rewindfestival.com

SATURDAY AUGUST 19

HURLEY REGATTA Mill Lane SL6 5ND www.hurleyregatta.co.uk

SATURDAY AUGUST 19

WIFI WARS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF

Live comedy game show - log in with your smartphone 2pm 6+ yrs; 7.30pm 12+yrs www.norden.farm

THURSDAY AUGUST 24

TODDLER’S MINIBEAST BOP

Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre

(access is via Forest Gate SL4 2BY) 10am-2pm booking necessary. Stories, trails & creative activities. www.bbowt.org.uk/events

THURSDAY 24 OR FRIDAY AUGUST 25

FAMILY FUN DAY

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Don’t forget to book car parking ticket 10am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4pm. 3-10 yrs

www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/whatwe-do/event-listings

MONDAY AUGUST 28

FAMILY FUN DAY AND CLASSIC CAR EVENT Oaken Grove Park, Maidenhead SL6 6EU

TUESDAY 29 AND WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30

WINNIE THE POOH - THE NEW MUSICAL STAGE ADAPTATION

Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE

Performances at 5pm (Tuesday) Performances at 11am and 2pm (Wednesday) www.wycombeswan.co.uk

THURSDAY AUGUST 31

ROBIN HOOD

Woodland Cafe, Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH

6.30pm

www.waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/ illyria-theatre-presents-robin-hood

Upcoming

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4

NORDEN FARM KITE FESTIVAL Boyn Grove Park, Punt Hill 12-4pm

www.norden.farm

4 days of fun, each week, for 4 weeks over the holidays. Including arts and crafts, circus-based activities, fencing, gymnastics, music, nutrition education, and a wide range of sports. All free for kids eligible for free school meals (you can also pay to join in the fun if you aren’t eligible).

For more information visit: www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk and search for “Slough HAF Programme”