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New Year, New You Education
Issue 130 January/February 2024 familiesonline.co.uk
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Ages 8+ National Geographic Science Kit Bundles Giveaway
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Beyond the school system
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Supporting your child with SATS
11 What to expect from ICT at primary school 13 Speech, language and communication at school PARENTING
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From the editors... We hope the festive break went well for you all and now it’s that time of year where people talk of resolutions and new beginnings! Sometimes that can be a bit much, so instead we’ve added a twist and focused on getting the whole family a little bit healthier through the 12 months of the year. Turn to page 18 & 19 to find out how. Hopefully this spaces out the inspiration over the year ahead. In this issue you will also find articles looking at ‘Beyond the school system’
on page 8, ‘Speech, language and communication’ on page 13, ‘Work and the ADVERTISEMENT 14 Work and the single parentPROOF
single parent’ on page 14 plus ‘Helping children embrace the Please find below a beyond proof ofage your advertisement for the 15 Bedwetting five outdoors’ on page 23. Jan/Feb (No.Ultra 106) of Families TVE. 17 E2020 ARLYissue YEARS: processed foods, the dangers
Thames Valley East
We are lucky to have Stagecoach Maidenhead on our front
Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT coverespecially this issue with an image from one of their fabulous and alternatives shows! Stagecoach are expanding their school sessions in dates, telephone numbers and addresses. 18-19 NEW YEAR NEW YOU:
Any changes need totobeamade at thisfamily stage. 12 months healthier Any further amendments will be charged for.
Maidenhead, so do get in touch with them if you want to join up. T: 07867 514138 / 07753 414605
Anna & Rach Alternative sportseither for your Please contact us by return to amend or approve your 20 CLUBS AND CLASSES:
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21-22 WHAT’S ON 23 INTERVIEW: Helping Children embrace the great outdoors
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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.
Open 51 weeks a year – Accepts 30 hours funding – Highly trained team Come and look around today: Call: 01753 855543 or email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk
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MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk
WINDSOR AND LANGLEY 01932 988086 windsor@stagecoach.co.uk Creative Courage For Life®
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EDUCATION News Newsand & Views Information
Red Arrow Pilot Drops into Local School St George’s School announces new Head teacher St George’s School Windsor Castle, an award-winning Windsor prep school for children aged 3 to 13, has appointed Emma Károlyi as its new Head, effective September 2024. Currently the Head of the renowned Junior King’s School in Canterbury, which was this year shortlisted for the Independent Prep School of the Year award, Károlyi will bring with her a wealth of knowledge. Her varied career has seen her become a published author of educational resources, as well as gain extensive classroom experience both in the UK and abroad. Károlyi is also an accomplished musician, playing the viola, currently as a member of The King’s Orchestra.
Pupils at St Bernard’s Preparatory recently welcomed Squadron Leader Graeme Muscat, part of the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows team, who shared his own personal journey to becoming an aerobatic pilot. Pupils were spellbound from the start with Graeme telling how he trained in Russian and Farsi and that his success was down to being very determined and never taking no for an answer! His most memorable event to date has been flying in the flypast over London for the Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation. The children asked an array of questions ranging from how environmentally friendly the Red Arrows were to whether he was able to remove his mask to eat when flying at speed. Pupils also took part in a competition for the best paper aeroplane and presented tailfin designs to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Red Arrows next year. When asked by Headteacher Mrs Verma, what they had learnt, they answered that with hard work and determination they could fulfil their dreams. St. Bernard’s Preparatory School provides a stimulating education from nursery to Year 6 and was ranked 7th Best Prep School in the UK (Sunday Times Parent Power 2022). For more information or to book a visit www.stbernardsprep.org
Ian Canning, Chair of Governors, commented “We are thrilled to appoint Emma’’ and reported it was her ‘’genuine warmth and kindness and above all else, her like-minded desire to strive for the very best outcomes for our students’’ that won her the position. Károlyi commented: “It will be an honour to lead this wonderful and unique gem of a school, deeply steeped in history, heritage and music, and yet so forward-thinking and inclusive in its educational approach. On my visits to the school I have been deeply struck by the warmth and kindness that abounds and commitment and enthusiasm of the staff.” For more information or to book a visit www.stgwindsor.org
LEA NURSERY SCHOOL WE PLAY - WE LEARN- WE SUCCEED
01753 536492 EYFS Curriculum based education for children aged 2-4 • QTS qualified teachers • Funded 30 hour places • Funded places for 2 year olds • Both am and pm sessions available for 3-4 year olds
JOIN OUR FAMILY Wexham Rd, Slough SL2 5JW LeaNurserySchoolWexhamSlough www.lea-nursery.slough.sch.uk
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Prerna Shah stays hands on at Monkey Puzzle Maidenhead Monkey Puzzle Maidenhead, owned by Prerna Shah, benefits from her hands-on involvement every day. She actively supports the team, families and children, and fully believes this approach adds greatly to the nursery’s success. Prerna comments “Ensuring the nursery is well-equipped to provide a joyful and healthy environment for children to thrive is my main responsibility. This, in turn, offers peace of mind to our parents, assuring them that their children receive excellent care. My daily presence reflects my dedication to maintaining a nurturing space where both the team and the families feel supported and confident in the quality of care provided. At Monkey Puzzle Maidenhead, we prioritise creating an environment that fosters the growth and wellbeing of each child under our care.” manager@monkeypuzzlemaidenhead.co.uk 07762 252755
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Coworth Flexlands School is now fully co-educational Coworth Flexlands Prep School and Nursery has recently extended its co-educational provision. Previously it had been co-educational up to the age of 7 and girls only from 7 to 11. In September 2023 the school became fully co-educational so that more families can benefit from all that it has to offer. Nurturing Spirit and Inspiring Minds is at the heart of the School’s approach and it is a school where happiness gets results! In 2023 Coworth Flexlands received ‘Excellent in All Areas’, the highest possible award by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI); were a finalist in the Independent School of the Year Awards and were shortlisted again in September 2023. They were also IAPS Football and Judo Champions and received 93% distinctions in LAMDA. For more information or to book a visit: www.coworthflexlands.co.uk
Love lambing this February at Odds Farm Park Love is in the air down at Odds Farm Park this February half term as it gears up for its annual lambing event from 10 to 18 February. The 35 acre rare breeds farm, near Beaconsfield, has more than 25 ewes ready to give birth during the school holiday period. Louise Winslow, Assistant General Manager, says: “February half term sees the start of a very busy lambing season for us here at Odds Farm Park. We are expecting lambs to be born every day of the school holidays, and some visitors might even be lucky enough to witness newborn lambs take their first steps into the world.”
Boost your child’s confidence in 2024 with a FREE Perform class
Once the lambs have been born, they are moved with their mums to the Little Hooves Lamb Nursery where visitors will have the opportunity to learn all about lambing. You can also join in with Love & Lambs-themed craft activities, a scavenger trail and live entertainment shows every day during the half term holiday as well as all the usual activities Odds Farm has to offer. For more information or to book a visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk
The new year is a great time to start something new and Perform is offering every child a free trial class to help them shine this spring. With two brilliant new themes incorporating confidence-building fun, classes for 4-7 year olds will join a high-energy adventure to the Wild West while 7-12 year olds enjoy a dancefloor-filling adaptation of Snow White, in Killa Queen. Classes are packed with confidence-boosting games which focus on developing the 4 Cs - confidence, communication, coordination and concentration - using drama, dance and singing. At the end of each term, the children will take part in a show-stopping final performance for family and friends so you can see the progress they’ve made! Classes are for all abilities with no previous experience required and children are welcome to join at any point in the term. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a no-obligation FREE trial at one of the venues below: NEW North Ascot Community Centre, Fernbank Rd, 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 Rd, 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 Rd, Windsor SL4 4DW 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5.05pm Virginia Water Community Centre, 3 Beechmount Ave GU25 4EY 4-7s Mondays 4pm; 7-12s Mondays 5.05pm 4 Marlow Rd Youth and Community Centre SL6 7YR 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5.05pm www.perform.org.uk/try 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk
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EDUCATION News Newsand & Views Information
Don’t miss Maidenhead’s Big Read Weekend: 2-3 March
Introducing the Waterproofs and Wellies campaign The Outdoor Guide Foundation has the simple aim of making the outdoors accessible to all - and that starts with children. Nearly one third of primary school children in the UK come from families that are living below the poverty line. This means there is little money for household essentials, let alone for buying suitable clothing for outdoor play. Enter the Waterproof and Wellies campaign. Over the next five years, it aims to donate at least ten waterproof suits and wellies to all twenty thousand primary schools in the country. Why? Because time outside is vital and a startling statistic suggests prisoners get more time outside in an average week than a primary school age child. Waterproofs & Wellies has already donated kits to more than three hundred schools. With your support, the campaign can do much more.
Step Back in Time for an adventure through the ages with Maidenhead’s Big Read book festival! For one weekend only, experience the thrill of time travel with events for your family at Maidenhead Library. Along the way, meet Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown, discover what happened at White Waltham Airfield in World War II with author Iszi Lawrence, sail along The Nile in Ancient Egypt with Rob Lloyd Jones, and maybe even encounter a dinosaur with acclaimed local poet and author Simon Mole. Also joining the fun is Maidenhead’s Heritage Centre with artefacts for the children to handle and costumes for dressing up. All this and more will be at Maidenhead Library over the weekend of 2-3 March. Events are aimed at children aged 3 - 13, and thanks to Sponsors, they are all offered completely free of charge. More details and updates can be found at www.maidenheads-big-read.org.uk
To find out more and support the campaign, visit www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org
UK families missing out on a £2,000 childcare benefit Almost two-thirds of families do not claim the tax-free childcare to which they are entitled. It is estimated that 1.3 million families are eligible for up to £2,000 a year per child (or £4,000 for those with disabled children), through the tax-free childcare (TFC) scheme. Under this scheme, the government will add £2 to every £8 you pay your childcare provider but just 36% (470,000) of families claimed in June, according to the latest data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). To be eligible for the £2,000, each parent or carer, must be earning at least the minimum wage and not more than £100,000 and working 16 hours a week or more. For more information or to book a visit www.theguardian.co.uk 6
Get involved in Children’s Mental Health Week From 5 to 11 February, families across the UK are encouraged to take part in Children’s Mental Health Week organised by charity Place2Be. This year’s theme is My Voice Matters. My Voice Matters is about encouraging young people to use their voices, share what matters to them and encourage those around them to hear their voices. Evidence shows that empowering children and young people can have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. For example, children and young people who feel that their voices are heard - and that what they say makes a difference - have higher levels of selfefficacy and self-esteem. Find FREE resources for parents and carers and more information at www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk
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Education
Beyond the school system By Ana Fábrega It’s a fact that the traditional school system doesn’t suit everyone, yet many parents aren’t in a position to take their children out of school. The good news is that there are some fabulous learning opportunities available outside of the school system, which can be used to complement school learning. Consider these: Self-directed learning communities. Programmes like Kubrio (www.kubrio.com) bring kids together to share interests and design their own curriculums. Over one hundred classes cover coding, game design, art, writing and entrepreneurship.
Academy (www.khanacademy.org) offer amazing courses.
Forest Schools. Forest School programmes (www.forestschoolassociation.org) put kids at the centre of learning, connect them with each other and nature and challenge them to take responsibility and make meaning for themselves.
Foster a love of reading. Let kids read freely and widely. Let them skim through books and dive deep into what interests them: poems, comic books, non-fiction, magazines, cookbooks or even the same book over and over. Choice is the secret recipe for fostering a love of reading. Once they develop this, they will be able to teach themselves anything.
Team problem-solving. Synthesis School (www.synthesis. com) empowers kids to solve the world’s hardest problems. They compete in teams, debating ideas, testing tactics, communicating decisions, taking ownership and drawing out the best in each other.
Alternative schools. If you are thinking of a different school, consider alternatives such as Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia. For specific alternative schools, research Sora Schools (www.soraschools.com), Higher Ground (www.higherground. com) and Acton Academy (www.actonacademy.org).
Project-based learning. Programmes like Arduino (www.arduino.cc) cover chemistry, physics, electronics, coding and more. They ship all the components to your door, with online training and support to allow kids to learn by doing.
Microschools. Microschools are also wonderful options, like those available through Prenda (www.prenda.com) and other networks. To find a good one, look for mixed age groups, a childcentred curriculum and project-based learning.
Online STEAM classes. Many schools struggle to provide enough opportunity to explore science, tech, engineering, art and maths (STEAM subjects). Platforms like Brilliant (www.brilliant.org), Skillshare (www.skillshare.com) and Khan
Ana Lorena Fábrega is a teacher, turned edupreneur and author of The Learning Game: Teaching Kids to Think for Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning, available from www.bookshop.org
UptonHouse HouseSchool School Upton Upton House School Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is
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Education
Supporting your child with SATs By Jemma Z Smith By the end of their last academic year at primary school, children are usually very settled and are experiencing the privilege of being the oldest in the school. Then comes talk of SATs (Statutory Assessment Tests) which will happen in May. As a parent, it’s only natural to be concerned about your child’s academic progress and wellbeing. The key to helping your child succeed is to provide them with the right support, encouragement and a stress-free environment. The Key Stage 2 SATs are standardised tests in the UK for children in their final year of primary school. These assessments check their understanding of key areas in core subjects (mathematics, reading comprehension and spelling, punctuation and grammar). The purpose of these tests is to measure school performance and to assess your child’s progress. You might wonder whether it is necessary for your child to be impacted in a process partly designed to evaluate school performance. There are several reasons for this: first and foremost, the overall quality of education provided by a school significantly impacts your child’s learning experience. Moreover, SATs results can offer valuable insights into areas where the school might need to improve, benefiting both current and future students. Understanding the importance of SATs gives you the opportunity to advocate for your child’s success and make their transition to secondary education as smooth as possible.
Children should not be sitting mock SATs exams constantly in school as this can feel demoralising or stressful. However, they do need to see and experience a formal testing situation before the actual SATs exams, particularly if they have not been in one before. This can help to reduce the anxiety of the unknown. At home, have open and honest conversations with your child about SATs. Explain that these tests are not about passing or failing but about measuring their growth and understanding their areas of strength and improvement. Setting up a structured daily routine that includes time for homework, study and relaxation can also help. The KS2 SATs can be a source of anxiety both for parents and children but the right approach can help everyone navigate this period with confidence. The key is to reassure your child that you believe in their abilities and you are there to help them succeed. Remember, the most important thing is that your child tries their best. Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk
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ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL WINDSOR CASTLE
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Join us for an Open Morning on Saturday 23 March
Weekday Open Morning Friday 15th March, 9-11am
Book your place today at stgwindsor.org
Find out more at www.leightonpark.com/imagine-better A place where children ‘may find their happy ever after’
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Education
What to expect from ICT at primary school By Zuzu Jordan When managed well, technology can transform learning into an engaging and interactive experience. Yet technology now develops and changes so fast that parents may find it difficult to keep up with what their children are learning. Schools are constantly reviewing their ICT (Information Communication Technology) practice and policies in light of the forever evolving technological world. Additionally, the Covid home schooling experience made schools, parents and carers evaluate both the available tools and what children need in order to access learning, whatever the situation. At primary school, parents can expect their children to be taught ‘computer science’ in ICT lessons including coding, algorithms and writing programmes to improve the world around us. They will be encouraged to use technology and logical reasoning purposefully. The range of devices and software used to achieve this will vary from school to school. For instance, there are number of free online games which help children learn to code such as www.studio.code.org and www.scratch.mit.edu. With ICT integrated across the whole curriculum, children will be using some form of technology in most subjects. This may include using tablets, laptops, cameras and the internet. Teachers use SMART boards allowing children to directly interact with devices in lots of different ways. Students will use technology for research and presenting information. Schools buy software to help teach some of the curriculum; for instance, Duolingo to support modern foreign language lessons. Some standard tests are even administered online such as the multiplication check in Year 4. Schools and parents have a dual role in teaching children to be responsible users of communication and information platforms. Children learn about the benefits and uses of these platforms but the inherent risks involved in online activity is what receives most attention during ICT lessons. The online world is hard to control and monitor and can be very daunting for parents. All schools should hold an Online Safety Agreement Policy which outlines their plans to safeguard children online. This may tie in with their anti-bullying and child protection policies. Part of these policies involves families agreeing to clear expectations and boundaries. In schools,
pupils are explicitly taught to use technology safely and report any unacceptable behaviour. They are taught about privacy, protecting their online identity and knowing where and how to report anything disrespectful. In addition, teachers discuss the importance of critical thinking when children obtain information from the internet. Meanwhile, at home, we are now surrounded by multiple devices to monitor including phones, tablets, smart TVs, smartphones and speakers. Games consoles are increasingly connecting people to the online world too, with children as young as age 2 able to work these devices independently. It’s a great idea to devise your own family online safety agreement such as this one from Childnet (www.childnet.com) at www.bit.ly/OnlineFamilyAgreement It’s also important to set clear time limits on devices, check parental controls on websites and consider the location of the devices in your home. One thing that children fear the most is having devices taken away so encourage transparent communication between you and an atmosphere where they feel comfortable to tell you about anything that worries them. Other useful links for parents include NSPCC at www.bit.ly/ NSPCCOS and Think U Know (www.thinkuknow.co.uk). Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Facebook page Edumateuk.
FREE websites or apps T 01753 833 771 E mail@cotwmontessori.co.uk W cotwmontessori.co.uk
Education and play from 6 months to 5 years old within a caring and happy environment • 2½ - 5 year old classes • 18 months – 2½ year old toddler class • Baby, toddler and parent class St Mark’s Hall, Dedworth Road, Windsor SL4 4JS To arrange a visit telephone: Cheryl or Alexis 01753 833 771 familiesonline.co.uk
As a teacher and parent I highly recommend the following: White Rose Education 1 minute maths (www.bit.ly/1minute maths) is great for practising the four mathematical operations. BBC Touch Typing dance mat teaches touch typing in steps essential for navigating a keyboard. Topmarks (www.topmarks.co.uk ) has many interactive games for lots of subjects. Handy if you want visual representation in maths. BBC Bitesize - you can’t go wrong! It covers so many aspects of learning and is up to date.
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Herries Co-Ed Preparatory School & Nursery from ages 2 - 11 Cookham Dean, Berkshire
ISI INSPECTION REPORT ‘EXCELLENT’ in all areas
Apply now for Apply now for Reception September 2024 September 2024
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Join us for a tour and have a glimpse into an exciting day at Herries! Call 01628 483350 or email admissions@herries.org.uk www.herries.org.uk
“Small places can do big things” Joanna Year 5
OPEN MORNING Friday 15 March 9.45am to 12 noon Day and Boarding for Girls 11-18
heathfieldschool.net +44 (0) 1344 898343
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Education
Speech, language and communication at school By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble
A new report from the charity Listening to unheard children found that an estimated twenty percent of school age children are behind in talking and listening. There is an increase in children who can’t articulate their needs or how they feel or who struggle with sentence construction, sounds and vocabulary. Speech develops gradually in children and this can look different for everyone but difficulties may be deemed to be present when their skills are behind for their age group. Good speech, language and communication skills have a positive impact on confidence and self-esteem. Communication difficulties affect children in many ways. For some, their understanding of language is stronger than their speaking skills or vice versa. Not understanding the definition of words or concepts impacts their ability to follow instructions and make sense of what is happening around them. Children who struggle with understanding spoken language rely heavily on visual aids or clues from people around them to keep up with tasks. Those who find producing spoken language challenging may find it hard to make specific sounds or they may speak in a way that is cluttered and doesn’t appear to have much order. This can make it difficult for these children to express themselves in conversation, during lessons and when playing with peers, making some feel self-conscious and affecting their confidence.
Nurturing confident and capable futures. Our stunning new private clinic is now open in Sunninghill, Berkshire The Evolving Mind is a place where neurodivergent children and their parents can finally feel listened to. Our team of best-in-class specialists guide children and their parents through every step of the process. Together, we’ll develop a holistic approach from autism and ADHD diagnosis to ongoing treatment, that prepares your child for a confident and capable future.
For more information, please contact
01344 292 292 www.theevolvingmind.co.uk • info@theevolvingmind.co.uk Kingswick House, Kingswick Drive, Sunninghill, Berkshire SL5 7BH
Receptive language can also be problematic for some children with speech and language difficulties. For instance, understanding and processing what has been said to them. They may need instructions broken down into small chunks and visual cues to support what has been said verbally. It may be necessary for them to practise paying attention for gradually longer periods of time. Given the impact speech and language difficulties can have on children’s confidence, self-esteem and social skills, early intervention is important, as well as adaptations to their learning environment. If your child’s speech is behind for their age, it is important to seek advice from a speech and language therapist who can devise an appropriate support plan. Through interacting and playing using speech and language, a child or young person develops social skills and friendships that will last into adulthood and beyond. 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.
Supporting your child’s language development The following approaches will help support your child’s speech and language skills: Reduce background noise where you can by turning down the TV and radio; Sit at the same level as your child, so they can clearly see your face and encourage them to look at it when talking; Try to speak clearly, not too fast and use straightforward vocabulary; If your child makes mistakes when talking, repeat the words back to them correctly; Play sound games eg Eye-Spy or finding things that begin with specific phonic sounds; Practise clapping out the syllables in words eg dog is one clap, ta-ble is two claps and ba-na-na is three claps; Read together: books, poems and nursery rhymes. Look at picture books with words they can point to and say out loud; Play action and gesture games such as Simon Says…. Images ©Sarah Pimenta
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Parenting
Work and the single parent By Rebecca Cox Are you a single parent? How do you make working ‘work’ for you? Being solo head of a family household is no easy task. Yet roughly one in four families in the UK is headed by a single parent. Whether you’re entering solo parenthood through conscious decision, following an unexpected loss, a relationship breakdown or a change in circumstances, the roadblocks to success (and happiness) remain the same.
The main things to get sorted early are co-parenting plans (if relevant), childcare, legal considerations, finances and work. But how do you navigate a successful career as a single parent?
Flexible working means changing the way you work and can include working fewer hours, working compressed hours, working from home, changing your start and finish times or entering into a job share. You should state in your request if you are making the request due to childcare or in relation to the Equality Act (e.g. disability) if you are asking for flexible working to care for a child or disabled person. You should also include details about the impact on family life if it is turned down.’
Working hours
Know your rights
The first consideration is to be practical about the times you will physically be able to work, with childcare top of your agenda. If you have school-age children, the hours they are at school will likely be free for work (unless you have other caring commitments).
Beyond flexible working requests, it’s important to be aware not only of your working rights but of your right to support if you need it.
Being the carer and the provider, embodying both parents at once, means you have a lot of plates to juggle and little support to keep them in the air.
Beyond the school day, think about your extra childcare needs and possibilities for meeting them, to give you the best idea of how your working days could look. If your children are preschoolers, childcare costs will need to be weighed against potential earnings. Unfortunately, the numbers don’t always add up. Flexible working Once you know the hours available to you, with and without childcare costs attached, you’ll be in a better position to navigate how you’ll manage work within those hours. If you’ve gone from a two-parent household to going it alone or you’re a solo parent by choice, you may have a pressing need for more flexibility from your employer.
Working single parents should understand their right to parental leave, time off for dependants, protection from discrimination in the workplace and part-time workers’ regulations. Sometimes it is impossible to make the numbers add up, so understand your right to financial aid too. Use the online benefits calculator at www.gov.uk. And finally, don’t forget: parenting IS work. Unpaid work, yes, but it is one of the most important jobs on the planet and if your single parent status means that you have to deprioritise your career for a short period, there is no failing in that. Rebecca Cox is co-author with Zoë Desmond of a new book How To Be A Happy Single Parent (Little Brown Book Group) which offers advice to new single parents trying to navigate the working world as the solo head of a family. It is available from www.bookshop.org
Working Families charity says: ‘Any employee with twenty six weeks’ service can make a statutory flexible working request.
Maidenhead and Windsor e: maidenhead.windsor@monkeymusic.co.uk
T: 01494 819138
Tuesdays - Cox Green Community Centre, Maidenhead, SL6 3AX Thursdays - Maidenhead Community Centre, SL6 7HY Fridays - All Saint's Church Dedworth, Windsor, SL4 4JW Rock'n'Roll for babies Jiggety-Jig for 2&3 yr olds
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Parenting
Bedwetting beyond age five By Usha Patel Troubled by your child’s bedwetting? Help is at hand! ‘My nine-year-old is a very bright boy. He is popular at school and is ace at sports, especially skateboarding. However I still find his bed wet some mornings. His father is not happy - he thinks it is a sign of immaturity.’ This problem is more common in older children than you think. If you’re concerned about your child still wetting their bed, let me reassure you: you are not alone. But this is absolutely no one’s fault; not yours and certainly not your child’s. It really is something outside of their control. Parents usually breathe a sigh of relief at this point and ask me if there is any cure. Usually, the problem lies with the child’s physiological makeup, so I am always happy to tell parents that there is a solution. Reversing this problem is relatively straightforward and sometimes can take as little as three weeks. Why do children wet their bed at night? The problem of bedwetting is related to a child’s development before they are born, the birthing process and their early years. It is related to a primitive, unintegrated Spinal Galant reflex. As the name suggests, Spinal Galant is a spinal reflex. During the birthing process, it helps the unborn baby turn their head and body in a corkscrew motion down the birthing canal. Around nine months after birth, the reflex has served its purpose, matures and becomes part and parcel of the whole body’s movement.
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We call this its integrated state. It has not disappeared but, in fact, has become a building block for the next stage of the child’s development. However, if a child is delivered by C-section, for example, they do not engage this reflex and so the development stage is interrupted. This spinal reflex not integrating can be one of the biggest causes of bedwetting. Fortunately, this can be helped later in life by using techniques such as Masgatova Neuro-Motor-Sensory Reflex Integration. While it takes time to work fully, most children stop bedwetting after two to three weeks of therapeutic work. Your child can finally leave some of that low self-esteem behind and start to be their bright and sparkly selves again. Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist at Raviv Practice London. If you need advice on the techniques and therapies described in this article, you can contact Usha at www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk
How MNRI can help with bedwetting Masgatova Neuro-Motor-Sensory Reflex Integration (MNRI) is an evidence-based programme which has frequently been shown to have great results helping children integrate their Spinal Galent reflex. This, in turn, helps children with all manner of developmental problems, including bedwetting. MNRI is a series of physical exercises and stimuli delivered by a therapist based on an initial assessment of the child’s individual reflex responses. These exercises are designed to promote the functional use or integration of certain reflexes. They are usually done over six consecutive weeks in weekly sessions with the therapist, as well repeated daily at home. It can take between six months and two years for the problem reflexes to be fully integrated into normal body movement. However, parents can start to see improvements in their child much sooner. In most cases, severe problems, such as bedwetting, can stop as quickly as two or three weeks after starting reflex integration work.
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Early Years
Ultra-processed foods: the dangers and alternatives By Charlotte Stirling-Reed There has been a lot in the press recently about UPFs (ultra processed foods), especially related to what we feed our children. In an ideal world, most babies, toddlers and young children would eat meals cooked from scratch at home as the standard. This allows them to get used to fresh food and ingredients and a variety of tastes and flavours that are typical of your family meals. It also means that you know exactly what’s going into your young children’s bodies and how the dishes are made. In this way, it’s easier for you to have more control over the everyday diets of your children.
Sometimes have been made using high heat treatments to create longer shelf lives. This may reduce the vitamin and mineral content. What are the alternatives to UPFs?
However, on the other side of the coin, parenting is HARD and sometimes preparing freshly cooked meals for young children, up to three times a day, just isn’t achievable. That’s okay. It’s very much to be expected in our busy society and with more of us both working and raising children.
Firstly, think about UPFs as ‘every now and then’ foods for young children, where possible.
There really is nothing wrong with having the odd packaged snack, fruit pouch or pack of baby biscuits, so try not to get sucked into the ‘giving young children UPFs is terrible’ idea. However, what you should know is that offering them as regular options can be problematic because they:
Use fridge-raid meals. These are meals where you look in the fridge and make mini picnics out of all the foods that need using up. This both reduces prep time and food waste at the same time. I do this at least twice a week.
Don’t represent the balanced options necessary for snacks and meals; Are often high in sugar and/or calories but with little extra nutrients such as iron, protein, iodine or zinc, for example; Are often not very satiating so don’t sufficiently fill little ones at mealtimes, either leaving them hungry or eating more than what should be a ‘portion;’ Are often overly sweet to encourage little ones to accept them readily and want more. However, this doesn’t help babies and toddlers to explore and accept a wider variety of tastes; Sometimes have added, unnecessary ingredients such as sugar, salt, fillers and oils that aren’t needed and that you wouldn’t add when home cooking;
Make big batches of meals and snacks at home to portion freeze for weeks ahead.
Don’t be afraid of using pre-prepared options when you need the convenience, even if they are sweeter or have a little added salt. Team them up with extras which add more nutrients to the eating occasion. For example, if you’re offering crisps, add a tangerine and some hummus to dip them in. If you’re offering a baby pouch, try decanting the pouch, mashing in some lentils and spreading it on a piece of toast to create more of a meal. Charlotte is working in association with Stokke and their iconic Tripp Trapp chair (www.stokke.com), the chair that grows with the child. Her new book, How to Feed Your Family is out now. You can also find helpful downloadable resources for family feeding on her website at www.srnutrition.co.uk/ factsheets
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New Year, New You
Twelve months to
It’s the New Year! This is the perfect time for a reboot designed for the whole family. Get started w February Grow more veg & herbs
January Eat less meat Veganuary takes place every January. Having started in the UK in 2014, it now has global traction. If going vegan is a step too far for your family, how about Meatless Mondays? Even reducing red meat by a small amount can improve heart health. Try a half-and-half approach; instead of using just minced beef in recipes, replace half with beans, lentils or mushrooms. It increases the amount of fibre in your diet.
It might be looking a little bare out there but the frostbitten days of winter are coming to an end. What better time to visit the garden centre, shake out the gardening gloves and push some seeds into the soil. Assigning individual pots to the kids might encourage them to get more involved in growing their own veggies and herbs - and eating them!
March Bake healthier snacks
April Take up a sport together Biscuits and cakes are often the easiest snacks to reach for after school. With forward planning though, we can all do a little better. Homemade snacks don’t have to look or taste too different from shop-bought ones; by just by adding less refined white flour and more fibre you can improve gut health over the course of a year. For biscuits, try a bit less flour and a few more oats. With cakes and traybakes, using wholewheat flour is a great way to introduce more fibre, antioxidants and protein, along with tonnes of important nutrients like B vitamins, iron, magnesium and zinc.
Finding an active challenge you can enjoy as family, can be loads of fun and healthy. But finding something that works for every age is tricky. Ice skating and golf can be good levellers and appealing to older children. If nothing else comes to mind, swimming or cycling usually work for most; it’s all-round physical exercise and always seems to have an immediate and positive effect on appetite and sleep.
June Go dancing!
May Tackle anxiety At this time of year, school tests and exams can pile on extra pressure. Meditating regularly, even for a few minutes a day, can make a difference and there are lots of meditation apps designed for children, as well as adults. More effective than yoga, meditation is proven to reduce the reactivity of the brain in response to stress and a Harvard-based study in 2011 demonstrated that you can even reduce the size of the amygdala (the bit of the brain associated with the stress response) when you meditate for a longer period of time. 18
The days are long and the sunset casts a rosy glow… well hopefully! The festival season has arrived and it’s time to embrace the midsummer madness and go dancing. The health benefits of dance are impressive; cardio, weight-loss, strength, agility and balance are just the start. To top it all off, dancing brings joy and is a natural form of stress relief. Throw in some choreography and you’ve even got a workout for your memory too.
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New Year, New You
a healthier family
with our step-by-step guide and let every month take you closer to a happier, healthier, family life. August Drink more water
July Tech-free weekends Or, more realistically, just one day! As it gets brighter and sunnier, it’s much easier to come up with tempting outdoor alternatives and any reduction in screentime is likely to improve sleep and mental health. Consider device-free times or designated tech free zones at home. Are you keeping to your own weekly or daily limits? Revisit the rules, especially with older kids and discuss what a healthy balance looks like. Visual timers help some children keep screentime under control.
Yawn, we know this, yet we are probably still not drinking enough. Let’s just recap how essential it is for our health. The blood is ninety percent water so good hydration basically effects every single organ and cell in the body, from heart to brain to skin. How about trying a different strategy for each family member? For one child, a new water bottle. For another…. deploying the dark art of parental bribery. For yourself, water infused with lemon instead of a coffee.
September Enrol in a new class
October The vitamin refresh It’s a new academic year and there is no need to limit the anticipation and thrill of a new start to just the children in the family! There’s also no need to spend a penny. Start by visiting your local council website to find out about free short adult education courses. Or you could check out the online learning platform backed by The Open University called Future Learn (www.futurelearn.com). Most of their courses are also free.
Perhaps you’ve dished out vitamin C to head off colds, tried some probiotics for gut health or have been taking Omega 3 to improve focus? The chances are you probably have some unfinished bottles lying around in a cupboard somewhere. October is a good time to sort through what you already have and set your priorities for the winter ahead. The NHS recommends all children under age 6 (who are not being fed formula) should have vitamins A, C and D as daily supplements. Vitamin D is particularly important as winter approaches, as we get less sunshine.
November Switch to sugar alternatives
December Family cooking day Adding more spices to our diets benefits us by replacing sweetness with flavour. Other sugar alternatives, like agave or stevia, convert to glucose more slowly, helping improve our energy and health over time. Date sugar is made from dehydrated dates, retaining more of the fibre and vitamins than standard refined sugar. Monk fruit is a natural sweetener made from a Southeast Asian fruit. It’s increasingly available in health food shops and is many times sweeter than sugar, yet it has no calories or effect on blood sugar. familiesonline.co.uk
Help! It’s nearly Christmas again! This year, it might be a good idea to get some meals in the freezer before the holidays start and relatives descend. Dedicate a day to cooking as a family and let each member choose a healthy recipe. It’s great for teamwork and even better if you discover some new family favourites. Younger members can get to work on healthier versions of seasonal staples like mince pies or gingerbread men.
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19
Clubs & Classes
Alternative sports for your child to try By Andrew Campbell Whether your child is bored with the usual options or simply not interested in the conventional after-school and weekend sport activities, you might be able to entice them to get active, develop a new interest and meet other like-minded kids by considering one of these more left-field sports. Archery can captivate children’s interest with its blend of focus, precision and historical allure. It provides a sense of accomplishment as kids master the art of hitting targets with arrows. The sport encourages discipline, patience and fine motor skills, promoting mental and physical development. Archery also instils confidence, teamwork and respect for safety. Soft archery is now available as a safe and fun way to introduce the sport to young ones.
Cheerleading is growing in popularity as an alternative sport with over eighty nine thousand involved at recreational, competitive and elite level. Requiring a unique combination of gymnastics, dance and acrobatic stunts, it fosters physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and confidence. Competitions and events are held regularly at venues across the country and you are likely to find a club not too far away.
More info and local clubs at www.startarchery.co.uk
More info at www.ukca.org.uk
Padel tennis is an enticing sport for children due to its accessibility and engaging nature. It’s usually played in doubles on a smaller court enclosed by mesh or glass walls, making it easy for kids to keep the ball in play. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, emphasising hand-eye co-ordination, strategy and teamwork. Its social and active aspects make it a fun and appealing sport for children. More info and local clubs at www.lta.org.uk
Disc golf appeals to children due to its simplicity and accessibility. With just a frisbee, kids can enjoy outdoor fun, exercise and social interaction. It offers a sense of achievement, skill development and the opportunity to play in beautiful natural settings. Disc golf is inclusive, allowing kids of all ages and abilities to participate, making it an attractive and cost-effective choice. More info and local courses at www.discgolfuk.uk 20
Street dancing is a freestyle dance form that emerged from urban culture and is great for a child who loves to get down and boogie but is not attracted to traditional dance styles. Whilst fantastic for encouraging self-expression, creativity and self-confidence, it also promotes physical fitness and flexibility while teaching rhythm and coordination. A local dance school is sure to offer classes or you will find a dedicated street dance school nearby.
Fencing is ideal for children who struggle with team sports. Combining physical activity with mental strategy and discipline, it also promotes agility, balance and co-ordination, all while teaching focus and quick decision-making. Fencing enhances self-confidence and sportsmanship through oneon-one combat. It’s safe and emphasises protective gear and rules. Additionally, the sport encourages a sense of chivalry and respect, offering valuable life lessons alongside the physical benefits. Local clubs at www.britishfencing.com
Parkour (or Freerunning) harnesses kids’ instinctive love of jumping and throwing themselves around. It enhances strength, agility and spatial awareness, instilling self-confidence. It’s an athletic discipline which focusses on moving through urban environments using acrobatic techniques like vaulting, climbing and jumping. But it’s also popular at indoor settings such as leisure centres, gym clubs and trampoline parks.
Futsal is an exciting, fastpaced form of football. It’s played in a smaller, confined space, making it easier for kids to get involved and actively participate. The emphasis on ball control, quick passing and teamwork help develop soccer skills while encouraging social interaction. Futsal’s reduced physical demand and emphasis on fun make it an attractive choice, fostering a love for the sport from an early age.
More info at www.parkour.uk
More info at www.englandfootball.com
Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court with a low net. Pickleball is attractive to children because it’s easy to learn, offers immediate success and doesn’t require much physical strength. It fosters hand-eye co-ordination, social interaction, and physical activity. The sport’s adaptability and inclusive nature make it an appealing choice for children of various ages and skill levels. There are over two hundred and seventy pickleball courts in Britain. More info and local clubs at www. pickleballengland.org
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What’s On?
Event times and dates do change, please try and check that an event is still going ahead before you head out.
Ongoing UNTIL SUNDAY JANUARY 14 Aladdin Theatre Royal Windsor 32 Thames Street SL4 1PS www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/aladdin-23 MONDAYS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 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 MONDAYS IN JANUARY AND FEBRURARY 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 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
January MONDAY 1 AND THUR 4 TO SUN JANUARY 7 Great Kitchen Tours for Families Windsor Castle Combined castle and tour ticket available www.rct.uk/whatson MONDAY 8 AND MONDAY JANUARY 22 Mini Mondays Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB Theme: Trees in Winter Don’t forget to book car parking ticket 10am-12pm. 2-5 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-we-do/ event-listings
WEDNESDAY 10 TO SATURDAY JANUARY 13 A Christmas Carol Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BS Wed- Fri 7.30pm; Sat 2.30 and 7.30pm Expect dynamic physical theatre, innovative set design and original live music www.kentontheatre.co.uk/event/a-christmascarol SATURDAY JANUARY 13 Young and Teen Rangers Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Young Rangers 8-11 years; 10am-12pm Teen Rangers 11-17 years; 1-3pm Monthly club for nature enthusiasts. 10am Fri; 10am and 12.30pm Monday www.bbowt.org.uk/events THURSDAY 18 AND FRIDAY JANUARY 19 Toddler Days The Lookout Discovery Centre, Bracknell RG12 7QW Theme: Space https://bit.ly/47WiFmG SATURDAY JANUARY 20 David Gibb’s Family Juke Box The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP Live music for the whole family. £9. www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/ david-gibbs-family-jukebox
FRIDAY 26 AND MONDAY JANUARY 29 Nature Tots Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Pre-school fun outdoors 10am Fri, 10am and 12.30pm Monday www.bbowt.org.uk/events SATURDAY JANUARY 27 Young and Teen Rangers Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre SL4 2BY Young Rangers 8-11 years; 2-4pm Teen Rangers 11-17 years; 10am-12.30pm Monthly club for nature enthusiasts. 10am Fri; 10am and 12.30pm Monday www.bbowt.org.uk/events SATURDAY JANUARY 27 Comic Club with Neil Cameron The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP Age 12+. 1.30pm. Also on Sat Feb 24. www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/comicclub-2021-ages-12 SATURDAY JANUARY 27 Lucy Tells a Story The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP Early Years. 11am. £9 www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/lucyslets-tell-a-story
February
FRIDAY 19 AND MONDAY JANUARY 22 Nature Tots SATURDAY 3 AND SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4 Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre SL4 2BY Pre-school fun outdoors Luna Loves Library Day: The Musical 10am The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, www.bbowt.org.uk/eventsPlease find below a proof OX1of 1BPyour advertisement for the 11am and 2.30pm. Nov/Dec 2019 issue (No. 105) of Families TVE. www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/ SATURDAY JANUARY 20 luna-loves-library-day-the-musical Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially MONDAY 5 AND FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 SL6 4PF dates, telephone numbers and addresses. A fabulous, feelgood 70s and 80s disco for Nature Tots grown-ups, complete with dance floor. Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre SL4 2BY 8pm Pre-school outdoors Any changes need to be made at thisfun stage. www.nordenfarm.org 10am Any further amendments www.bbowt.org.uk/events will be charged for. TUESDAY 23 AND TUESDAY JANUARY 30 Please contact us by returnMONDAY either to amend or approve 5 AND MONDAY FEBRUARYyour 19 Story Creators: Poetry & Spoken Word advertisement. The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, Mini Mondays OX1 1BP Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver 4.30-6.30pm ages 12-16. SL0 0EB Also Feb 6 Theme: Snow www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on Don’t forget to book car parking ticket 10am-12pm. 2-5 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-we-do/ event-listings
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What’s On?
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.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7 Home Educators Field Day Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Self led activities around the reserve 4+ years https://bit.ly/47uC6TO
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 13 Snug and Grug Catch a Bug The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP 11am and 2.30pm showings www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/snugand-bug-catch-a-grub
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10 Young and Teen Rangers Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Young Rangers 8-11 years; 10am-12pm Teen Rangers 11-17 years; 1-3pm Monthly club for nature enthusiasts. 10am Fri; 10am and 12.30pm Monday www.bbowt.org.uk/events
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 13 The Great Big Dinosaur Show Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko bring poems raps and songs about prehistoric protagonists. 11.30am and 2pm www.nordenfarm.org
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10 Milkshake Live on Holiday Wycombe Swan, St Mary St, High Wycombe HP11 2XE Performances at 12pm and 3.30pm www.trafalgartickets.com/wycombeswan-theatre/en-GB/whats-on SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10 Suitcase stories The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP Tales, puppets and music! Early years. £9. 11am www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/ suitcase-stories SATURDAY 10 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18 Lambing Event Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX Free upon admission www.oddsfarm.co.uk SATURDAY 10 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18 Royal Patronages - 200 years of the RNLI Pug Yard Learning Centre, Windsor Castle Fun nautical and lifeboat themed activities Free upon admission www.rct.uk/whatson MONDAY FEBRUARY 12 Year of the Dragon The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP 11:00-12:30. 7+ Dance the dragon, play the gong, colouring and crafts www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on MONDAY 12 TO WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14 Love Bugs Family Trail Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre SL4 2BY 10am-2pm www.bbowt.org.uk/events MON 12, TUES 13 AND WED FEBRUARY 14 Story Explorers: Menacing Minibeasts The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP Age 8-12 www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/storyexplorers-menacing-minibeasts
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 13 Drop off Day Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB 10am-4pm 7-11 years Cost: £40 (£35 for additional sibling) www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-wedo/event-listings WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14 Choogh Choogh Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF All aboard for a delightful train journey through India in this family show 11.30am and 2pm www.nordenfarm.org WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14 Family Fun Day Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm 3-11 years www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-we-do/ event-listings WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14 Cardboard Sculpting The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP 2.30-4pm. 6+. Lead designer of the Brilli-ANT exhibition shows how to transform cardboard into a beautiful butterfly or a quirky cricket www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on WEDNESDAY 14 AND FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16 Natural Mystery Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ. Escape room activity based outdoors 8-12 years https://bit.ly/46AFew4 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15 Lego Master Builders Club The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP Lego workshop for children www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/ lego-master-builders-club THURSDAY 15 AND FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16 Peppa’s Cinema Party Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Film. 11.30am www.nordenfarm.org FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16 In the Dead of Night The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP Show about overcoming fears. For children. www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/in-thedead-of-night SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17 Science Museum - The Live Stage show Wycombe Swan, St Mary St,
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Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham
High Wycombe HP11 2XE Performances at 12.30pm and 4.30pm www.trafalgartickets.com/wycombe -swan-theatre/en-GB/whats-on
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17 David Gibb’s Family Juke Box The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP Live music for the whole family. £9. www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/david -gibbs-family-jukebox SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17 The Witches Sports Day The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP 2.30-3.30pm. 2+ Calling all Winnie and Wilbur fans! Join illustrator extraordinaire, Korky Paul www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17 Alice in Wonderland: A Magical Family Musical Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BS 1pm and 5pm www.kentontheatre.co.uk/event/alice-inwonderland THURSDAY 22 AND FRIDAY FEBRURARY 23 Toddler Days The Lookout Discovery Centre, Bracknell RG12 7QW Theme: Fairytales https://bit.ly/47WiFmG FRIDAY 23 AND MONDAY FEBRUARY 26 Nature Tots Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Pre-school fun outdoors 10am Fri; 10am and 12.30pm Monday www.bbowt.org.uk/events SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24 Lucy Tells a Story The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP Early Years. 11am. £9 www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/lucyslets-tell-a-story SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24 Young and Teen Rangers Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre SL4 2BY Young Rangers 8-11 years; 2-4pm Teen Rangers 11-17 years; 10am-12.30pm Monthly club for nature enthusiasts. 10am Fri; 10am and 12.30pm Monday www.bbowt.org.uk/events SATURDAY 24 AND SUNDAY FEBRUARY 25 Dear Zoo Wycombe Swan, St Mary St, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 1.30pm (Sat) 10.30am and 1.30pm (Sun) www.trafalgartickets.com/wycombeswan-theatre/en-GB/whats-on
Upcoming SATURDAY 2 AND SUNDAY MARCH 3 Maidenhead’s Big Read Maidenhead Library Theme: Set back in time www.maidenheads-big-read.org.uk SUNDAY MARCH 3 There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BS 50th anniversary production. 2.30pm www.kentontheatre.co.uk/event/there-wasan-old-lady-who-swallowed-a-fly
familiesonline.co.uk
Interview
Helping children embrace the great outdoors Gemma Hunt, children’s storyteller and long-time presenter of CBeebies show Swashbuckle, tells Families about her role as ambassador for The Waterproof and Wellies Project for The Outdoor Guide Foundation (www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org) and why she’s passionate about getting kids and families outside. Tell us about The Waterproof and Wellies Project?
purpose. Like going out to collect leaves or feathers for an art project or going on a litter pick.
We’re looking to raise £6m to provide ten sets of waterproof jackets, trousers and wellies to the twenty thousand state primary schools in the UK. Unfortunately around thirty percent of children do not own their own wellies. So having these sets in schools enables them to play outside in all weathers without ruining their shoes!
If we take her bike or scooter that usually stops the moans about her legs aching if we’ve walked too far! What advice would you give to families whose access to green spaces is limited? Make the most of the outdoor spaces you do have access to. Take outdoor games if there is no play area. If it’s rainy, put your waterproofs on and take a flask of hot chocolate and a big umbrella!
Why do you feel particularly passionate about this project? I long for children to enjoy the physical, mental and spiritual value of getting outdoors more. It’s so good for their appreciation of our great British countryside, wildlife and nature. I love to see my daughter play outside, climbing trees, investigating flowers and spotting insects, coming back with flushed cheeks and grubby knees! On occasion, we’ve ruined clothing or footwear as we haven’t had the right gear with us BUT we’ve been able to replace them. This isn’t possible for all families so to have the right outerwear to enjoy time outside together is essential. How do you think children’s experience of outdoor time today compares to yours as a child? I don’t think we get outside as much as we used to – there are so many inside distractions. It used to be a treat to run around outside, play games and let off steam. Now children seem to view it more as a punishment as they’d often prefer to stay indoors connected to electronics and Wi-Fi.
What has The Waterproof and Wellies Project achieved so far? Of course, we had more freedom to roam safely and I understand why we may not be so willing for our children to go out alone now but that is all the more reason to try and do so as a family. How much time do you spend outside with your family? Honestly, not as much as we should. We do walk to school or play in the garden every day and we like to take our daughter out on her bike. Luckily we live near the coast and great country parks like Betteshanger Park near Deal in Kent where we can walk, cycle and scoot. There’s also a great play area there and the most delicious café (I recommend the sweetcorn fritter burgers!). To motivate our daughter, we turn outside time into an adventure or give ourselves a
Since Covid, we have donated more than three thousand sets of waterproofs and wellies to UK schools. We need more support from businesses and individuals as we’re still a way off our target and there are more than three hundred schools on the waiting list who are desperate for the gear. You can see how you can support us at The Outdoor Guide Foundation website at www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org You’re also a writer. Tell us about your new book. My newest book is about helping children to express and deal with big feelings like anger, jealousy and frustration. I understand the power of imitative behaviour and wanted to write something that children could read (or have read to them) that would inspire them to better manage their behaviour. My favourite role model has been Jesus so I wanted to take some stories told by or about him and re-tell them from the perspective of a mixed race family like mine. My husband and daughter and my parents and I all appear in the stories. What motivated you to write it? I wanted to write a series of children’s books that represented our own mixed race family. I struggled to find good books for my daughter that depicted our family dynamic - so I wrote them! The first book is about encouraging children to be a good friend and is called See! Let’s Be A Good Friend; the newest one has five helpful short stories which explore emotions. It’s called See! Let’s Be ME and is available from www.bookshop.org
familiesonline.co.uk
editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 829761
Families Thames Valley East
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JUMP INTO A WORLD OF STORIES... www.storymuseum.org.uk
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2024 Jan Families magazine half page.indd 1
03/10/2023 15:37:55
Classes held Every Saturday 2.00 p.m. Maidenhead Club Furze Platt Leisure Centre 101 Furze Platt Road Maidenhead SL6 7NQ