Families Thames Valley West Sept/Oct 2019

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley West

RECRUITING NOW IN THIS ISSUE

Back to School Special!

Choosing the right school It’s time for nursery School open day listings Autumn and Halloween days out

Issue 103 September/October 2019

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...endless ideas for families of young children in Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire Families® Thames Valley West • Issue 103 • September/October 2019 Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

In this issue...

4-6

News and Views

7

Realising my business dream

8

Open Days

10

Education news

11

The Oratory School

Hello from the Edit or...

12-13 How to choose the right school 14

Developing a growth mindset

16

It’s time for nursery

17

When to give your child a smartphone

18

Tackling rugby as a family

19

Trying a new club or class

20

Waterside Holiday Park Review

21

Clubs and classes news

22-23 Clubs and classes directory 24

Busting the myths about ADHD

25

Does my baby have ADHD?

26-28 What’s On 29

Prioritising outdoor play

30

Helping your child enjoy happy friendships

31

Halloween cooking.

Don’t miss these great offers • FREE taster session at Stepping Out, see page 4 • 20 FREE taster sessions at Best Life Basics, see page 6 • FREE trial classes at Perform, BilinguaSing, diddi Dance and Berzerk Productions, see page 21 • One FREE child with one full paying adult at The Look Out Discovery Centre, see page 28 Find us on Facebook and Instagram

The summer holidays seem like a distant blur and back to school time is upon us! Our education special includes an extensive list of school open days, and a number of features to help you choose the right school, support your child as they start nursery and encourage healthy friendships.

To advertise: If you are reading this, so are your customers! We can help you reach an audience of over 47,000 parents in Reading, Henley, Newbury, Wokingham, Bracknell and West Berkshire. Give us a call on 07968 711937 or drop us a line at editor@familiestvw.co.uk to find out how we can help support your family friendly business!

The Families team Editor: Rachel Jones Designed by: Ridgeway Press Ltd, 01256 300 420 www.ridgewaypress.co.uk Next issue: November/December – Festive Fun! Pantomimes, Where’s Santa

It's also the time of year that many will be looking at starting a new club or class – as well as our feature exploring the benefits, we have a directory packed with excellent options locally to you.

Booking deadline: 1 October.

Don't forget to check out our What's On guide for autumn days out, including Halloween and fireworks fun. For more ideas of things to do in your area – plus news and competitions – please do follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We always welcome your feedback – drop me a line at editor@familiestvw.co.uk with any suggestions for content you'd love to read, or to learn more about promoting your business with us to 47,000 parents.

Rachel.

Thames Valley West

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Families Thames Valley West 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 West 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 West. 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.

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Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West • 3

News & Views Children’s clothes to treasure A West Berkshire children’s clothes designer is the latest winner of our Facebook competition to celebrate the local family-friendly businesses that our followers love. Happy Hedgehog Designs hand-makes beautiful traditional clothing that withstands the test of time. Liz Spencer is at the helm, when she is not busy co-running pre-school music classes, Little Quavers, in Thatcham.

Liz says: “I have happy childhood memories of my Mum making me clothes, and I began sewing properly once my five children were older. It has always amazed me how a fairly uninspiring piece of flat cloth can be transformed into something beautiful. There is a fabulous range of fabrics available now, and I particularly enjoy working with natural materials.”

Consumers are starting to move away from mass-produced garments towards fewer, quality pieces and the Happy Hedgehog ethos fits perfectly. “Although my items are likely to be more expensive than those you could buy in a big store or supermarket, they will be unique and will last a lot longer”, adds Liz. “I only use quality fabrics and hope that my clothes can be passed on to siblings.”

Liz promotes her business over Facebook, Instagram and an Etsy store, and custom makes items for children that do not fit standard sizes or who prefer a certain fabric.

Over the next few months, she is hoping to set up a Facebook group for parents to sell on their preloved handmade items.

Find Liz on Facebook @Happyhedgehogdesigns.

Don’t forget to follow Families Thames Valley West on social media. Facebook: @FamiliesThamesValleyWest and Instagram: @familiestvw

4 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Making the case for family learning The Family Learning Festival, which runs from 19 October to 3 November, is a national celebration to inspire a love of learning in family life.

Organisations across the UK, including schools, libraries, museums, children centres and galleries will be staging a range of free creative family learning activities.

This year's festival theme is ‘Future Families’. Organisers will be running activities to encourage families to become earthy explorers, digital discoverers or wellbeing warriors!

Organisers of the festival, the lifelong learning charity, Campaign for Learning, believes learning that takes place in the family and home should be valued as much as learning that takes place in school classrooms and formal education. The family is where we learn important life skills and positive attitudes to learning, which enable us to become confident, motivated lifelong learners.

To find a local event, visit familylearningfestival.com

Local Heritage Open Days Heritage Open Days is celebrating its 25th anniversary and it will be the biggest and most diverse to date.

Running from 13 to 22 September, this annual celebration of England's history and culture, allows visitors FREE access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Nationwide there will be hundreds of FREE interactive activities for children, including dressing up, crafting, woodland walks and railway rides. With a theme of ‘People Power,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities than ever to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside.

Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, the celebration brings together

thousands of organisations and properties across England.

Local events include exclusive access to areas of Shaw House in Newbury; a three-stop walking tour of some of Thatcham’s most historically significant buildings; lacemaking in Wokingham library; and behind-the-scenes tours of the Museum of English Rural Life in Reading. heritageopendays.org.uk

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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West • 5

Nursery celebrates its graduates in style

News & Views A dose of good sense on kids’ meds Full-time Mum, Sarah Smith, took a leap into the unknown when she set about realising her dream of inventing an innovative medicine storage timer. After a long process of research, development and testing, Medi-Redi was born. We asked Sarah, who lives with her two children in Arborfield near Wokingham, how she did it: What is Medi-Redi?

Medi-Redi is the first medicine storage timer, designed specifically for children’s bottles, sachets and blister packets. It keeps the medicines safe and is easily programmable so you can see what medicine to give, when and how much. From my research – as well as my own experience – it can be confusing for parents to keep track, especially when two or more carers are sharing the load.

How did you go about developing the product?

I spent a long time on research, speaking to health professionals and parents at play groups. This helped me to hone the finished design, which includes a night light and safety warnings to prevent duplicating medicine. It is pre-programmed with the most common medicine for the usual childhood ailments, and allows parents to alternate between paracetamol and ibuprofen for example.

What was involved with creating a finished design?

After creating initial designs, I came across a university professor who made the 3D prototype for free. Through Wokingham Council, I made contact with the Growth Hub, which provides support for new business ideas. They were a godsend, helping with my allimportant business plan and forecast so

I could become ‘investor ready’ and secure funding from three investors.

How did you get Medi-Redi on the shelf?

It is a challenging time for retailers and has never been harder to get a product on the shelf, but I managed to secure a deal with a pharmacy chain.

Medi-Redi is also available to buy from my website and on Amazon.

What have been the highlights so far?

Securing the investment, which made it possible to go into production. Holding that first production sample in my hands was a real ‘pinch yourself’ moment. I love the feedback I receive from parents who have called it a ‘genius product’ and that ‘it takes the worry out of trying to remember’.

What next for the business?

I am looking for more investment as well as marketing and sales expertise. I am also developing new versions of the product, including a version for adults and elderly people.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Never be afraid to ask for help. I’ve been amazed by how generous, kind and enthusiastic people have been, and their support has grown my confidence enormously. Visualise your goal, keep moving towards it and don’t stop. Do take time to reflect on how far you’ve come. It will take longer than you think and there will be obstacles, but don’t regret anything as you learn from your mistakes – it’s called experience. medi-redi.com

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6 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

A West Berkshire nursery sent off its ‘graduates’ in style last term, with over 500 children and their families attending. The annual event run by Jubilee Day and Jubilee Gems nurseries in Padworth is an opportunity for parents and practitioners to celebrate all that the children have achieved as they leave for school.

The graduation ceremony was complete with caps, gowns, official photographs and goodie bags. It was followed by a celebratory picnic and family fun day with stalls, activities, a circus skills entertainer and ice cream van.

Before embarking on their journey to school, the children went on to enjoy a dedicated outdoor learning program at Jubilee – Summer School, designed to bridge the gap between nursery and school.

Children continued to learn, play and enjoy special themed weeks, including visits from the Emergency

Services, Forest School, science week, and learning to ride bicycles.

Lesley Thompson, Senior Nursery Manager says: “We hope, alongside parents, we have provided some truly unique, magical moments and memories during the time we have had the privilege of caring for the children. They leave us as confident, independent young learners and are very well prepared for the next stage of their lifelong learning journey.”

Picky eaters ‘grow up healthy’ Picky eating in toddlers is a welldocumented phase when children don’t want to try new foods and/or show very strong preferences. It can create much worry for parents, and has created a whole market for advice, guidance and tools to encourage young children to try lots of new tastes and textures.

But researchers from the University of Bristol using data from a study of children between the ages

of seven to 17 have found that instead of being harmed by their diets, children who had been picky eaters at age three were growing normally as adolescents with a healthy height and weight.

The researchers claim the study shows that even children who are picky as pre-schoolers usually eat well enough over time to ensure they grow properly.

More info: bristol.ac.uk/news

‘Make climate change a core subject’ A petition launched by four Oxford school girls calling for lessons on climate change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures.

The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to increase the next generation’s understanding of the global issue.

They claim they have “barely learned about the climate crisis at

school, even though it’s supposed to be part of geography and science.”

According to the petition: “Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and it must be a part of our education if our generation is to understand it and help us to combat its effects. That’s why we want climate change to be made a core part of the national curriculum.”

More info: change.org

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the fish in a lake. They will also learn how to look after a pony and all that goes with it.

What other variations do you offer?

We also run full and half-day holiday camps where children can try longer hacks, bare back riding as well as arts and crafts and country skills like planting and foraging. Birthday parties are also popular, during which the children spend an hour with a pony.

Realising my business dream Karan Dawson had a high-flying job in the city with all the benefits. But she was determined to move to the countryside when her daughter started school, and today runs the innovative Little Pony Club set in 17 idyllic acres at Waltham St Lawrence, between Reading and Maidenhead.

What motivated you to start your business?

We were looking for somewhere for our daughter to ride and discovered that there were no options that gave her the opportunity to interact and build relationships with the horses. I had set up an executive coaching business but also wanted to do something with the double benefit of getting children outdoors while also giving teenagers their first job. The Little Pony Club achieves both ambitions.

How big has it grown?

The Little Pony Club employs more than 40 people over a wide age range, including a

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number of teenagers. Our newcomers all have to undergo safeguarding checks because our priority is safety. They then shadow someone with more experience over a trial period. They will learn things like first aid as part of their training and also how to care for Shetland ponies.

What is different about the Little Pony Club?

The key thing is that we are not just a riding school. We also teach children about ponies and to enjoy being out in the countryside. We might, for example, take them on little hacks, pointing out birds and butterflies, and naming

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

What have been the challenges?

The first one for me was learning how to do practical things like creating a spreadsheet or presentation. I always previously had an amazing PA to do all those key jobs.

What is your advice to others setting up in business?

Don’t underestimate the importance of customer service – your success will depend upon it. It is also really important when it’s your own business to take the time to stand back and reassess what you are doing.

What are the most satisfying aspects?

Seeing children benefit from the opportunities we can offer them. It is true of all children but especially those who have disabilities. We had one five-year-old who couldn’t walk when he came here. Riding helped to give him core strength, and the difference in his physical ability and confidence is astounding.

Families Thames Valley West • 7

Whole school OPEN MORNING: Sat 21 Sept 9am-12pm. Year 7 entry open morning: Sat 12 Oct HORRIS HILL, Newbury (boarding and day preparatory school for boys 7-13 years) 01635 40594 horrishill.com OPEN MORNING: Sat 12 Oct 10am

BRACKNELL AND ASCOT LVS ASCOT (co-ed day and boarding, 418yrs), 01344 882 770, lvs.ascot-sch.uk OPEN MORNING infant and junior school: Sat 21 Sept 9.30am-12pm OPEN MORNING senior school and sixth form: Sat 21 Sept 10am-12pm OPEN MORNING sixth form: Sat 5 Oct 10am-12pm LAMBROOK SCHOOL, Ascot (co-ed day & boarding 3-13yrs), 01344 882 717, lambrookschool.co.uk OPEN MORNING: Sat 14 Sept THE MARIST SCHOOLS, Ascot (independent Catholic girls school, 21/2 – 18yrs), 01344 624 291, themaristschools.com OPEN EVENING senior phase: Thu 26 Sept 5.30-8pm OPEN MORNING prep phase: Fri 18 Oct 9.15-11.15am

WOKINGHAM

Independent School Open Days Autumn Term 2019 651218 cranfordhouse.net Whole school OPEN MORNING: Sat 5 Oct 9.30am-12pm

READING OXFORDSHIRE MOULSFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent boys day & boarding school 4-13yrs) 01491 651 438, moulsford.com OPEN MORNING: Fri 20 Sept 10am-12pm OPEN AFTERNOON: Fri 20 Sept 1pm-3pm OPEN MORNING: Sat 21 Sept 9am-12pm SHIPLAKE COLLEGE (independent boarding and day school for boys 11-18 and girls 16-18) 0118 940 2455, shiplake.org.uk Sixth form OPEN MORNING: Sat 21 Sept 9am-12pm Whole school open morning: Sat 9 Nov 9.15am-12pm THE ORATORY SCHOOL (independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 11-18), 01491 683 500, oratory.co.uk OPEN MORNING: Sat 28 Sept 9.30am-12.30pm THE ORATORY PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2-13), 0118 984 4511, oratoryprep.co.uk OPEN MORNING: Sat 28 Sept 10am-12.30pm CRANFORD HOUSE (a non-selective independent day school for girls aged 3 to 16 and boys aged 3 to 11) 01491

THE ABBEY (independent day school for girls aged 3-18), Junior School 0118 931 3111, Senior School 0118 987 2256, theabbey.co.uk Senior school OPEN EVENING: Thu 19 Sept 5.30-8.30pm Junior school open morning: Fri 4 Oct 9.15-11am Sixth form OPEN EVENING: Thu 10 Oct 5.30-8.30pm Senior school OPEN MORNING: Fri 11 Oct 9.15-11am READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL (independent boys day school 1118yrs), 0118 944 1005, rbcsc.org.uk General OPEN MORNING: Sat 5 Oct 9.30am-12.30pm Sixth form OPEN EVENING: Tue 15 Oct 5-7.30pm LEIGHTON PARK SCHOOL (independent co-ed day and boarding 11-18yrs), 0118 987 9608, leightonpark.com Annual OPEN MORNING: Sat 28 Sept 9-11am Weekday OPEN MORNING: Tues 8 Oct 9.15-11.15am. Weekday OPEN MORNING: Tues 5 Nov 9.15-11.15am OPEN MORNING: Tue 5 Nov 9.15am Taster day for Year 6 students: Tues 12 Nov ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (independent co-ed day school 3-18yrs), 0118 966

New primary school in Shinfield Alder Grove Church of England Primary School will be opening in September 2020. The school will have a 26-place nursery and is on the edge of Shinfield Village. We will be holding several open events: • • • • • •

Fri 13 Sept 1pm Mon 23 Sept 9.30am Fri 18 Oct 9.30am Thurs 7 Nov 9.30am Wed 4 Dec 1pm Friday 10 Jan 9.30am

Web: aldergroveprimary.org Email: admissions@aldergroveprimary.org Tel: 07876 082 697

8 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

1000, sjcr.org.uk Early years OPEN MORNING: Wed 18 Sept 9.30-11am Senior open morning: Wed 18 Sept 10.30am-12pm. Early years OPEN MORNING: Thu 3 Oct 9.30-11am Senior open morning: Thu 3 Oct 10.30am-12pm. Early years OPEN MORNING: Tue 19 Nov 9.30-11am Senior OPEN MORNING: Tue 19 Nov 10.30am-12pm QUEEN ANNE’S CAVERSHAM (independent girls day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 918 7300, qas.org.uk OPEN MORNING: Sat 14 Sept 9.30-11.30am. Sixth Form OPEN EVENING: Thurs 19 Sept from 5.45pm OPEN MORNING: Fri 15 Nov 9.3011.30am DOLPHIN SCHOOL (independent day school and nursery for boys and girls 313 years) 0118 934 1277 dolphinschool.com OPEN MORNING: Fri 27 Sept 9am

SOUTH OF READING CROSFIELDS SCHOOL (independent co-ed day school 3-13yrs), 0118 987 1810, crosfields.com OPEN MORNING: Fri 27 Sept 9am WAVERLEY SCHOOL (independent prep school and day nursery for boys and girls 3 months -11yrs), 0118 973 1121, waverleyschool.co.uk OPEN MORNING: Fri 11 Oct 9.30-11.30am, Head’s welcome speech at 9.45am.

EAGLE HOUSE SCHOOL (independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-13 in Sandhurst), 01344 772 134, eaglehouseschool.com OPEN MORNING: Sat 5 Oct 10am HOLME GRANGE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day school 316yrs), 0118 978 1566, holmegrange.org OPEN MORNING: Sat 14 Sept 9.30am12pm

WEST BERKSHIRE BROCKHURST & MARLSTON HOUSE SCHOOL, Hermitage (independent boys (Brockhurst) and girls (Marlston House) day and boarding prep school 3-13), 01635 200 293, brockmarl.org.uk OPEN MORNING: 12 Oct 10.30am12pm PANGBOURNE COLLEGE (independent co-ed day and boarding school 1118yrs), 0118 984 2101, pangbourne.com

LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 978 4175, luckleyhouseschool.org OPEN MORNING: Sat 28 Sept 9am.

REDDAM HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day & boarding school 3-18yrs), 0118 974 8300, reddamhouse.org.uk OPEN MORNING: Sat 21 Sept 9.30am12pm MEADOWBROOK SCHOOL (independent co-ed primary school for ages 4–11), 01344 890869 meadowbrook.uk Meadowbrook School in Warfield offers tailor-made open days in the form of informal observation visits, where parents receive the undivided attention of the Head, watch real classes in action and chat naturally to children and staff. To book your visit call: 01344 890869 or email admin@meadowbrook.uk

State schools show their strengths State primary schools across our area will also be busy with open days this term. Here are just a few of those that are coming up.

ALDER GROVE CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL, Shinfield, 07876 082 697, aldergroveprimary.org (opening Sept 2020) Fri 13 Sept 1pm, Mon 23 Sept 9.30am, Fri 18 Oct 9.30am, Thurs 7 Nov 9.30am, Wed 4 Dec 1pm, Fri 10 Jan 9.30am BEENHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL, 01189 713397, beenhamschool.co.uk Wed 18 Sept, Tues 22 Oct and Wed 13 Nov – all 9am-12pm EARLEY ST PETER’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL, (nursery and primary) 0118 9261657, earley-stpeters.wokingham.sch.uk Wed 6 Nov, Thurs 5 Dec, Thurs 9 Jan – all from 9.15-10am.

WOODEN HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL, Bracknell, 01344 421117, woodenhill.bracknell-forest.sch.uk Tues 24 Sept, Thurs 7 Nov, Mon 2 Dec, Wed 8 Jan – all from 9.3011.30am.

YATTENDON CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL, 01635 201397, yattendonschool.co.uk Wed 16 Oct 9.30-11.30am, with a talk from Head at 10.30am.

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Families Thames Valley West • 9

Continuity is key for Cranford House

Education Views A friend indeed at Moulsford past five years, the loss has gone quickly from moderate to severe and now profound. He contacted Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a national charity that trains dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds while also providing emotional support and companionship. He was eventually matched with cocker spaniel hearing dog, Jovi.

Everyone knows that a dog can be a man’s best friend. But in the case of Graham Sage, his pooch is also teacher’s pet.

A teacher at Moulsford Prep School, Graham began to lose his hearing in his teens, but over the

Jovi now goes to school every day to help Graham in the classroom, as well as providing invaluable assistance in his daily life. Pupils love having Jovi around and his presence has led to the school raising a staggering £20,000 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in less than a year.

Moulsford’s Cranford House School is on course to welcome its first sixth form intake for September 2020.

With a history stretching back 87 years, the school is aiming to cement its reputation as a superb all-through option, giving parents the chance to educate their children within the same setting right the way from nursery school through to A-level.

peaks and troughs that school changes can bring. It also creates the family feel for which the school is renowned, ensuring that children of all ages feel able to confidently explore, question and experiment with a real sense of security.”

It is an approach that is widely applauded as the ideal way in which to ensure that children grow and learn in a consistent environment.

Says the school: “This continuity can be key to ensuring that boys and girls are set the same high expectations throughout their whole school careers, without the

Music and media boost for Leighton Park

Horris Hill appoints lead for new lower school

Students who have recently joined Year 7 at Leighton Park School in Reading are the first to enjoy new music and media facilities for a complete academic year.

Horris Hill School at Newtown, Newbury has appointed Harriet Uwalaka as Lead Teacher for its newly opened Lower School.

The recently opened Michael Malnick Centre offers three stunning new music classrooms, seven additional music practice rooms, a Yamaha Live Lounge recording studio and a digital media studio. The studio acts as a base for the school’s BTEC in digital media production as well as for several co-curricular hobbies including its film, TV and animation club.

The school’s commitment to media and film dates back nearly a century, when Oscarwinning film director David Lean was a pupil.

Today, the school works in partnership with Pinewood Studios to ensure its teaching is in step with the requirements of industry.

Leighton Park is a Yamaha Flagship Music Education Partner, the only school in Europe to have achieved that distinction. It has 27 music teachers, with over 50 per cent of students studying an instrument.

Harriet has joined from Cheam School where she was Head of Early Years for two years.

She has an MA in Early Years Education from the Institute of Education, University of London. Her dissertation focused on creative teaching styles, which is her passion.

Major milestone for Downe House Over 30 prep school heads joined parents and staff for the gala opening of the new Murray Centre at Downe House School at Cold Ash, near Newbury.

The centre is described by the school as the most significant new building project in its history and was made possible by a £6.5 million fundraising appeal. It provides a stateof-the-art auditorium, contemporary library, new teaching and learning spaces, a coffee shop and social areas and is seen as a major plus for the school as a community.

“I firmly believe that magic, awe and wonder in the curriculum is a must,” she says. “My pedagogy: striving to achieve the highest academic standards using a kinaesthetic, dynamic, holistic style that focuses on the children’s interests and encourages self-belief and self-motivation.”

Headmaster Giles Tollit said that Harriet’s nurturing and child-centred approach were very much in line with the Horris Hill ethos.

“We are absolutely thrilled that she will be joining us: her expertise, professionalism and passion for the new Lower School have impressed us enormously,” he said.

Headmistress Mrs Emma McKendrick told guests: “It has been super to see the way in which the girls have embraced this wonderful new building. The successful completion of the project reflects the culmination of months of hard work from a wide range of people, as well as generous support by many.”

The centre is a major element of the school’s ten-year vision and is seen as key in ensuring that it remains at the forefront of boarding education.

10 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Advertorial Strong pastoral care is at the heart of what we do. As a Catholic school that welcomes pupils of all faiths or none, visitors often comment on the inclusive family atmosphere of our school; it is this supportive environment that nurtures the confidence, self-expression, and resilience that are vital for success and happiness in the world of today.

The Oratory School

A

t The Oratory, we have been providing pupils with a broad and rich education for 160 years. It is a school where each pupil is known, valued and stretched as an individual. We recently announced that The Oratory School will become a coeducational school, welcoming girls alongside boys from September 2020.

“Great interest has been shown in our school’s coeducational plans”, says Dr Vicky Fogg, Coeducation Coordinator. “Girls are now registered and weekly showrounds are taking place. The reaction to opportunities available for all pupils, such as equestrianism, dance, STEM and CCF have been hugely positive.”

The Oratory is proud of its broad and rich curriculum and strong exam results. We are in the ‘Top 3% of schools for value added at A Level 2018’ according to ALIS, an adaptive baseline assessment for students aged 16 to 18.

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We are also the ‘Top school for A Level Art & Design in England in 2018’, according to Oxford Analytics. However, an Oratory education is about developing young people in a much deeper sense than exam results alone can demonstrate.

An Oratory education gives our young people every opportunity to draw out and find their individual innate talents and qualities, and instils in them a sense of joy and a genuine love of learning. At The Oratory everyone will find their place to shine, encouraged through our vast array of co-curricular activities.

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel:07968 711937

We want our pupils to create happy memories with us that will last a lifetime. By the time they leave the school at the end of Sixth Form, our pupils will have found their individual talents and passions, and will have the skills and confidence needed to pursue them in the world beyond school.

Having reached their academic potential, the majority of our pupils gain entry to their first choice of university, including many Russell Group universities. They then go on to pursue a wide range of exciting careers.

Our pupils leave the school as confident young adults, equipped not only with a well-rounded education, but also with a thirst for further learning, a strong moral compass, and lifelong friends.

A range of scholarships and bursaries are available.

Families Thames Valley West • 11

How to choose the right school for your child

By Claire Winter

Whether it's for primary or secondary school, in the next few months the majority of parents have to make big decisions about what school preferences to shortlist for their child. But, don’t panic! Families has asked parents across the UK to give their top tips on how to make the right choices.

What type of school?

Do you want to choose a fee-paying or state school? Day or boarding? Single-sex or co-ed?

What sort of school will suit your child? There are lots of factors to consider when you start looking at prospective schools. Mandy says: "Our son is really sensitive, and we felt a busy state school would not suit his character at all.

We were lucky his grandparents offered to help with the school fees, so we chose a local independent school that didn't have an entrance exam. He loves it."

Do your research If you are looking at state schools, find out what catchment area you are in. Your local LEA website can help with this. If you feel you might be on the edge of a catchment area, it’s worth asking your local authority or the school whether children where you live have been offered places in previous years.

Linda says: “When we filled in our preference list for primary school, we already knew we might not get our first or second choice because the local authority had told us we were on the edge of the catchment area. This was really helpful because we made sure that we were slap bang in the middle of the catchment for our third and fourth choices.”

Make sure you research the admissions policy for all schools in which you are interested. Many primary schools have a siblings-first policy whilst schools that are affiliated to a church may have special requirements related to your family religion.

You need to know whether you fulfil the entry requirements.

Many independent schools have entrance exams which you need to understand.

Similarly, if you live in a grammar school area, are you in catchment for the school and when do the 11+ examinations take place?

Visit the school It is vital that you visit all the schools you are interested in. Independent school open days

are widely publicised and it’s worth visiting them at least a year before you need to apply in order to come up with an initial shortlist. You can then visit again closer to the time of making your applications.

You can search for state school open days online, as well as finding out more about the school from their website. Pay attention to the attitude of the school at open days. You want wrong. She was confident to correct him, the school to be friendly and welcoming to politely, before answering the question. That you at this time. Lisa says: “I attended an open stood out for me as both respectful and day at the school which was our first choice for confident - two characteristics I'd want my primary because it is an Outstanding school children to have." with a very good reputation. But I found the attitude of the school towards parents really Think about logistics off-putting. Basically we were told at the open How far away is the school? If you work, do they have a good breakfast club and afterday that they wouldn’t be answering any school care? Can your child get to school by questions about the school until we got bus or a coach or can they walk to school? Will offered a place. Needless to say, I scratched you have to drive them? "I wanted my daughter them off our list!” to go to a school she could walk to" It’s very helpful to book an appointment says Amanda. "She could have to see the school during the working travelled further by bus to a day. This way you get to see how the school with better results, but Don’t be pupils interact with the teachers I loved the small size of our and you can see if the school will swayed by the closest school and the really suit your child. emphasis they put on play." opinions of other Clare agrees: “I wanted my parents: you know What is the head teacher like? boys to go to a local school what is best for Most head teachers make a which they could walk to, speech at their school open days and benefit from physical your child. and these are well worth listening exercise. Especially at secondary level, I wanted them to. The head is responsible for the to have local friends so that they ethos and vision of a school and is also could develop their independence a key decision maker, employing staff and social skills outside of the school day. I responsible for both teaching and pastoral strongly believe that these factors contribute care. Isobel says: "We put a lot of weight on significantly to doing well at school." what the head was like. They really drive the culture of a school. Next up was the kids.

Watching them interact with each other and Will the school suit your child?

Some children may have special needs or find their teachers. That was a real eye-opener in large, noisy schools scary; some may need to some classrooms! We chose our primary be challenged whilst others will do better in a school because when the head master asked a school which is a bit more laid back. Think question, they all put their hands up. He picked about what type of environment your child a girl to answer but got her name slightly

12 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Anna Louise wanted a friendly school for her daughter. "When it came to senior school, we visited the most academically successful school but found it very corporate. Then we went to a less academically successful school, but all of us loved its warmth and friendly atmosphere, so we chose it. Four years later, we have no regrets because the pastoral care has been superb. My daughter has been diagnosed with autism and anxiety, and the school has been wonderfully supportive. To succeed, children need to be happy and feel safe, and my daughter's school does just that."

needs to thrive. An academic school or a school that is smaller and friendly? Do they need additional support and can the school provide it? Do they need an organised and

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more structured day? Or are they more creative and require a school that focuses more on art and creative pursuits? Does your child have any friends going to that school?

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Making the decision Don’t be swayed by the opinions of other parents: you know what is best for your child.

Choosing a school is down to individual choice and, once you’ve done the research and homework, remember to listen to your heart, as well as your head and, of course, prioritise your child’s wellbeing first and foremost.

If your child is old enough, make sure you include them in the process of choosing a school. Let them look around the schools with you and ask them what they think. Talk with them about the decision-making process and make the decision with them.

Then trust that you have all made the right choice and that all will work out for the best.

Families Thames Valley West • 13

Education

‘I can’t do it’ say’s Alfie unhappily. ‘No’…. replies the teacher….’remember Alfie, you can’t do it….YET’.

Developing a Growth Mindset in children

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or years, Meadowbrook School in Warfield has taught children the power of ‘YET’. Serena Gunn, Meadowbrook’s Director of Education explains, ‘rather than intelligence being inherent or ‘fixed’ (which was once the common belief), we see it as something that can grow. It is possible to create conditions that

enable every child to excel.’

The theory of Growth Mindset stems from the work of American professor of psychology, Carol Dwek. It was Dwek who coined the terms ‘fixed mindset’ and ‘growth mindset’ to describe each of the aforementioned learning and intelligence beliefs.

Despite being born inherently intelligent and curious about

14 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

learning, we all know that once they begin school, many fall quickly into the realms of not being good enough. Like Alfie, expressions of ‘I can’t’ and ‘I’m not as clever as everybody else’ begin to emerge and the spiral of selfdoubt begins. ‘This is significant and potentially very damaging to children’s learning’, explains Serena ‘because, children will always DO better, when they FEEL better.

‘What makes children FEEL better?’

She continues, ‘a sense of achievement and the feeling that they get from knowing that they are capable of overcoming challenges’.

Developing a Growth Mindset, means teaching children that they are in charge of their learning.

Mistakes can be opportunities to learn and failure (First Attempt In Learning) a signal to have faith in their abilities and to try again.

Children can be taught to see it as a challenge…..something they are determined to overcome!

Once a child has experienced the feeling of achievement, they really start to believe that their brains are capable of overcoming any new challenge it faces in learning and problem solving. This instils confidence in learning which in turn, improves performance.

However, remember effort means nothing if it is merely being used to try the same techniques that didn’t work for the child in the first place. Similarly, praise, albeit nice, is an external motivator that does little to change the mindset of a discouraged child.

Below are some tips for following a Growth Mindset: 1. Help a struggling child to find different strategies that actually work. Brainstorm ideas with them rather than just telling them.

2. Remember to question how you have shown or taught a child to do something in the first place. A child cannot be expected to improve if they lack the skills / knowledge to help them to do so.

3. Let them struggle – a normal impulse is to step in and help, but research shows that allowing children to struggle a bit is actually beneficial. ‘Step in too quickly’ says Serena, and you are ‘taking away an opportunity for them to learn’.

Stepping back is different to abandoning though, so find a balance!

4. Use the Growth Mindset language and help children to recognise where they are going wrong e.g.

‘You are capable, you can do it if you try this….you may not be able to do this yet but what could you do to succeed? Great…you made a mistake…now let’s see what we can learn from it!’

5. Teach children that there is more than one way to learn.

6. Practice what you preach – children will copy your behaviour so model a Growth Mindset yourself.

Developing a Growth Mindset isn’t always easy, it’s just as important to learn from your own mistakes as it is for our children to learn from theirs.

For more information visit www.meadowbrook.uk or www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownup s/help-your-child-try-new-things

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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West • 15

It’s time for nursery S

ome kids run into nursery or pre-school without a backwards glance. Others remain attached limpet-like to your leg!

If your child joined as a baby then you have probably moved on very successfully. But if his or her first experience is at the age of two or three, you may well need a coping strategy — for both of you!

By that point, you will have a good idea of what type of child you have.

Some two-year-olds are already counting to 100, while others are happier covering themselves in mud. The first priority must then be to select a nursery setting that is right for their individual style of learning through play.

Some pre-schools are academicfocussed, and the room settings

the wigwam day nursery

will reflect this, while others will look very much like a playgroup.

Visit and choose the one in which you both feel most comfortable.

Once you have your place, here are some tips for child transition: Use your settling-in days Make sure you negotiate settling-in sessions. The staff would much rather have a happy child on day one than one who is unsettled.

Get the goodbyes right This is key. Don’t sneak away and leave them feeling bereft and uncertain of your return. Actively say goodbye. Give cuddles and kisses and let them know when you will return. There may still be tears as you make your guilt-ridden escape, but when you come to collect, their confidence will grow.

Involve them in the preparation Let them choose clothing and a lunchbox, and chat about the snacks you will put in it. This helps them become excited about what lies ahead.

The Wigwam Day Nursery is located in a beautiful Victorian townhouse in central Reading and is open from 7am to 7pm, 5 days a week.

• We provide childcare and education for children aged 6 weeks until they go to school. The Wigwam is a fantastic place to learn and grow, both inside and outside!

• We offer a variety of learning experiences and opportunities to enhance children’s development across all areas of the Early Years curriculum.

T: 01189581800 E: info@thewigwamnursery.co.uk W: thewigwamnursery.co.uk 16 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

Organise play dates Are there friends who will be going to the same nursery? Invite them over for a play or meet in the park.

Live it at home Make sure you talk to your child about their day. Look for positives when there are tears or make them laugh by asking silly questions.

Display their artwork so they develop a sense of pride.

Parental Choice are childcare experts who can help you find your ideal nursery setting.

Visit parentalchoice.co.uk

Expert view...

We asked Katherine Edwards of The Wigwam Day Nursery in Reading for her advice: What is your advice to prospective families on choosing the right nursery?

Think about what you are looking for – small and homely or somewhere with a big outdoor space. Then take time to visit a few and chat to staff.

Look at websites and online reviews. Make sure you ask questions about the things that are important to you and about what children do through the day. Go back for a second visit if you need to.

What reasons do parents give for choosing Wigwam?

Many parents choose us because we are a smaller setting for up to 36 children. This allows us to get to know them and ensure that we provide opportunities that meet individual needs. Parents are encouraged by how confident their children become and how much they learn through playbased activities. Our staff are friendly and helpful and we ensure that we build great partnerships with parents.

What are the questions to ask when viewing a nursery?

Take time to think about what you want for your child. Ask about things like sleeping routines or mealtimes but also about the activities, and how the staff encourage learning and development. Pay attention to both the indoor and outdoor environment and see whether other children are evidently happy.

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Education

When to Give Your Child a Smartphone

By Andrew Campbell

It’s a question every parent will struggle with at some point: at what age should I get my child a smartphone?

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nyone who has investigated this question will soon find there is no clear advice or research which provides a definitive age, but Families will endeavour to provide some useful guidance.

Mobiles can be helpful to keep in touch with your child, and can give you the peace of mind which comes with knowing they can reach you in an emergency. And, of course, children can also do all sorts of amazing things online using devices; the internet can be creative, fun and educational.

But, by giving your child an internet-connected phone, you are handing them an incredibly powerful communication tool for which they may not be ready. Not only can they send messages, create images and send videos to friends but they’ll also be able to access websites and upload images and videos online. Having unfettered access to the internet exposes children to many risks including cyberbullying, online grooming and inappropriate content.

Many believe devices are also quickly changing the nature of childhood. Playing outdoors, spending time with friends, reading books and hanging out with family is being overtaken by hours of snap chatting, instagramming, and catching up on You Tube.

In the US, a movement has sprung up among parents wanting to delay giving a child a smartphone until at least age 14 or 8th grade. Called Wait Until 8th, parents sign a pledge agreeing to delay giving their child a smartphone and it becomes active when 10 or more families sign in it from the same class at school. The pledge aims to provide a supportive network to parents who want to resist the increasing societal pressure to provide their child a smartphone. familiesonline.co.uk

According to internet safety experts, the real question is not about the ‘right’ age, but about whether your child is developmentally ready to have full access to the adult world and whether you have laid the groundwork to prepare them for healthy and responsible device use.

are password-protected and ensuring that your children are not putting out personal information online. If they do have a social media profile, ensure they are only accepting requests from friends and request that you or someone you both trust follows them to keep abreast of their online activity.

In considering the move to a smartphone for your child, it may help to consider the following options: • If you believe your child needs to be able to get in touch with you, Ofcom advises using a basic handset. These are still readily available • If you are keen to keep your child’s internet access contained to the supervised home environment, then tablet-usage can be easier to monitor.

• If you think your kids are ready for their own smartphone, pick up a child-friendly model. For example, devices like the monqi allow parents to set limits on data, calls, screen time and disapprove a game or app, all remotely via a parental app.

For more reviews of child friendly smartphones visit internetmatters.org and for information on internet safety for children visit netaware.org.uk

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of esafety organisation Internet Matters said: "Every child is different and whether it be a sign of maturity or peace of mind; parents know intuitively what the right age is for their child to be given a smartphone."

However, it’s vital that you take steps to ensure your child is able to navigate the internet safely before they are given a smartphone. These include: • Having open and honest conversations with your child about their online world. Finding out what they like doing and getting involved.

• Setting boundaries for their internet use, which include where and when they can use their devices and for how long.

• Setting up parental controls on your home broadband as well their devices.

• Using a child-friendly search engine and setting their user account to only follow sites which you've deemed safe.

• Checking age-limits on games, websites and apps, especially ones that have a social media element.

• Checking that online accounts Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West • 17

Clubs and Classes

Tackling rugby as a family f all the previously adult maledominated sports nowadays welcoming women and young children in large numbers, none are doing so with more gusto than rugby.

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Amongst the clubs playing a particularly good family game is Newbury Rugby Club, which has no fewer than 400 mini and junior members plus thriving women’s sides. Go there on a Saturday morning and you will find children, parents and even grandparents joining in a game of touch rugby!

“The beautiful thing about rugby is that there is a place in the game for every physique,” says Alan McDermott, who has been Mini Group Chairman since 2013. “It doesn’t matter what your size or shape, there will be a role for you and you will get a lot from it.”

schools are increasingly moving away from physical education. “I have seen many young players, including my own two, develop a healthy interest in a better lifestyle, through the game of rugby,” he says.

Youngsters can start when they reach school age and continue as a ‘mini player’ until the age of 13 before moving on to junior level.

Newcomers are encouraged to simply go along to the club on any Sunday morning between 9.30 and 11am where they are introduced to an age-specific manager and coaches as well as other young players. The level of physicality grows in stages, with no contact in early years and gum shields only introduced at age ten.

Girls and boys play as a group until the age of 11, when girls become independent.

The family drive comes from a club that was founded in 1928 but continues to progress, both on and off the field. The men’s first XV finished top of its division and was promoted last season, while the senior women are also high achievers. The female membership is one of the largest around, the club’s commitment to women having been recognised by being asked to host two under-20 internationals last season.

“Rugby is no longer seen as the public school game it once was,” says Alan. “Players have become celebrities in the same way as footballers, and there is a terrific family dynamic.”

Players, coaches and spectators are all welcome. For membership information, contact Alan McDermott on 07939 155887 or g7amd@hotmail.com

Alan is concerned that sedentary video games are taking over from active sport and that

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for classes in Thatcham, Compton and Pangbourne • • • • •

Holiday & term courses available Max 6 children per class (from 3yrs) Beginners to advanced levels Fun teachers with DBS and safety awards Lovely locations with parking

email: membership@bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

jo@swimlessons.co.uk | www.swimlessons.co.uk

18 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Trying a new club or class Whatever the age of your child, trying a new activity or sport encourages them to be more adventurous and learn new skills.

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or parents of under 5s, classes and clubs can enrich a child’s day, giving them the chance to experience many different environments and activities. Vitally, these activities also provide social stimulation for parents too.

Meanwhile, the lives of older children have been changed by modern technology, and we need to strongly encourage them to be more active and step away from their smartphone, Xbox, or PlayStation. Thankfully, there are a huge range of organised afterschool or weekend clubs and classes for children to attend, from pottery painting to coding.

Here are Families’ helpful tips for encouraging your child to try something new.

Target their interests A good starting point is to look at your child's current interests. Their school may offer a wide range of classes and clubs from IT to sport.

Additionally, local sports centres, libraries and art centres are often teeming with opportunities to join classes and clubs. So don't be afraid to look outside the school environment for things to do.

For active kids, why not consider something more challenging, such as climbing, caving, or martial arts?

Those interested in animals may find opportunities at your local zoo, petting farm or riding centre. While

for the creatively inclined, investigate an art class, reading or book club or a school newspaper or blog.

While it’s a little more difficult to assess the interests of pre-schoolers or toddlers, most enjoy song and rhyme classes or activities that involve physical activity, like preschool gymnastics or football.

Understand what's stopping them Many children can be apprehensive about new experiences, but if your child is consistently shying away from trying new activities, sit down with them and try to find out why. It could be a fear of not making friends, being bullied, low selfconfidence about their abilities, or being in an unfamiliar environment.

Once you know the cause of their anxiety, you can help address it.

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For pre-school and toddler classes, co-ordinating with other parents in your network can feel more important than whether you feel your child will particularly enjoy an activity. Structured activities can keep your little one occupied for a while and give you a welcome chance to make friends with other parents who have children at the same age and stage.

Highlight the benefits Focus on the positive things your child will gain by taking part in a particular sport or activity. These could be a new social circle, certificates, medals or stickers, job or education opportunities in the future, greater confidence, getting fitter, or simply being with friends.

After-school and weekend clubs and classes are a great way for your child to stay active and learn new things. Remember, it doesn't matter what activity your child pursues, as long as they enjoy it.

Tap into the demand factor and coordinate with others Many children simply want to fit in, so if this is important to your child, look for new or popular activities.

Our local directory can help you find potential classes and clubs that you may not know about.

Try talking to other parents and see what activities their children are involved in.

You could even coordinate for your children to participate in the activity together. Simply

Swimming is a vital life skill Learning to swim is a vital life skill which every child should experience. Swimming lessons teach children independence and give a sense of accomplishment as they feel themselves improving.

Swimming offers a whole-body workout like no other, helping children to keep active whilst having fun. Notably, learning to

knowing that their friends are interested in a new club or class may mean your child will be keener to get involved. Emma, mum of an 8 year-old says: “It took three years at school together before I discovered that one of my daughter’s friends attended a weekly roller-disco at our local sports centre and the opportunity to do something with her friend was enough to persuade my daughter to join in.”

You could also introduce a reluctant child to an activity their sibling does, or for younger children nervous about being alone, you can attend the first session with them.

By Claire Winter

swim also gives children the ability to get themselves out of potentially dangerous situations, enabling them to fully enjoy trips to the seaside and beach holidays.

Everyone Active’s award winning learn to swim programme offers lessons for all ages of swimmers, from child classes starting at 4 months right through to adult

classes and are available at over 120 sites. All swimming teachers are Swim England level 2 (or equivalent) qualified. All stages are progressive and continually assessed, initially developing water confidence and then teaching children to swim.

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

As they improve, this distance is increased and all strokes are introduced. They also have the opportunity to develop water safety skills and other aquatic disciplines such as Rookie Lifeguard, synchronised swimming diving and water polo.

Families Thames Valley West • 19

Review: Waterside Holiday Park & Spa After eight years of holidaying in a static caravan, we like to think we’re pretty au fait with a holiday park. But the family-run, five-star Waterside Holiday Park & Spa in Weymouth exceeded our expectations. As we peered eagerly out the window looking for our first glimpse of the sea, we were delighted by the location in a private cove, with a stunning vista of the Jurassic coast. Our children loved playing on the pebbly beach with a little stream that leads down to the sea, but there are sandy options nearby. Watersports are also available, but the wind was too strong during our stay for our planned kayaking trip.

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s caravans go, they were the height of luxury, spotlessly clean and spacious. Ours had three bedrooms, two proper bathrooms and an open plan eating and living area. We were also far too excited to discover that it had a dishwasher!

Not that we needed to cook during our two-night stay. There are several dining options on site – and many more in Weymouth of course. The site’s Southside Restaurant is nestled in Bowleaze Cove, and boasted super attentive service, and a wonderfully wide menu to suit all tastes (from stone base pizzas for the kids, to pan-fried sea bass or ribeye steak for the grown-ups). There are also take-aways, a shack on the beach for drinks and ice cream, and food served throughout the day in the sports bar, which was home to a games arcade and soft play.

The entertainment also included a fun fair, two outdoor play areas and a programme of day and evening activities – in typical cheesy holiday park style! The indoor pool was a highlight for our girls with slides and a fun toddler area. Big people weren’t overlooked either with a lovely spa where I enjoyed a heavenly back massage.

This corner of Dorset is awash with things to do with the family, including Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park. We loved our visit to Sandworld – Weymouth's impressive sand sculpture festival. My only complaint – because we wanted to linger as long as possible – would be the park’s 9am check-out, although you could still enjoy the facilities for the rest of the day. Waterside Holiday Park & Spa comes highly recommended for families with children of all ages, with a touch of luxury for the adults, and plenty to keep everyone entertained whatever the English weather brings.

20 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Andrea dances with joy

Why not go Berzerk?

Berzerk Productions is back for the autumn term with a full range of drama classes to help children and young people of all ages realise their potential.

Quite apart from the fun of participation and the release of creative energies, Berzerk’s team insists that drama also enhances general life skills and builds confidence in whatever career youngsters ultimately choose. LAMDA examination classes enable those who wish to do so to pursue nationally recognised qualifications.

This term, students will be particularly busy rehearsing for the performance of Into The Woods, from 18-22 December in Woodley.

Classes are held at centres in Spencers Wood, Woodley, Tilehurst, Caversham and Pangbourne, and are led by experienced coaches who are insured, have undergone enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks and are first-aid trained.

Free trials are on offer. For more information, email info@berzerkproductions.com or call 07863 734830.

Breaking down the language barriers Ever increasing demand to introduce children to foreign languages in their early years has prompted Berkshire-based BilinguaSing to launch new sensory Spanish and French music classes at South Hill Park, Bracknell from 23 September.

Kate Sleeman, who runs classes, says that young children have a natural ability to effortlessly hear, absorb and repeat words in languages other than their own.

“Sadly, it is a skill that is gradually lost as the brain develops with age, which is why as adults we often find it more difficult to learn other languages,” says Kate, who believes the family friendly nature of South Hill Park will make it an ideal venue.

She adds: “Parents often tell me they struggle to find a class they can attend as a family, so these new sessions will be suitable for babies and children up to five years and their grown-ups.”

Readers of Families Magazine can try their first BilinguaSing class for free! Just book in online at bilinguasing.com/wokingham-reading-twyford or email Kate@bilinguasing.com

Andrea Bickford, owner of diddi dance Reading & Wokingham, did her own little happy jig after collecting an award as the best deliverer of the popular franchise in 2019.

Andrea launched her business five years ago with three classes in Woodley, Earley and Woosehill. Today, there are 14 weekly community classes running right across Reading and Wokingham, including an intergenerational session at a local care home. There are also classes at nurseries and pre-schools, plus parties.

The award was presented by Anne-Marie Martin, founder of the funky pre-school dance class company at the company’s annual conference. “This award recognises the franchisee who is running the business at the highest standards, as well as implementing their own use of ideas and creativity along brand guidelines,” said Anne-Marie.

Andrea is proud of the continued growth locally. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the last few years and have built up a fantastic little team of teachers who now lead the majority of my

Clubs and Classes News

classes,” she says. “It has allowed me to focus more on the growth and development of the business.”

To find out more about diddi dance, email andrea.bickford@diddidance.com, call her on 0771 988789, or visit diddidance.com.

Improving your child’s concentration Perform and parenting expert and child psychologist, Dr Claire Halsey offer their tips.

Concentration is a vital life skill which develops from birth. Linked closely to brain development, it improves alongside a child’s memory and ability to organise their thoughts.

Set up for success Reduce big distractions: television, music and screen time make it difficult to listen and concentrate, so limit these to set times.

Make it fun Make activities fun as your child is more likely to pay attention e.g. tidying up toys is less of a chore when you offer a tickle to the child who finishes first!

Keep practising Games and activities can build concentration.

Choose turn-taking games like Snap or Picture Dominoes or those with simple instructions.

Praise the good stuff Praise your child when they focus rather than highlighting when they don’t e.g. “Well done for sticking with that puzzle.”

Seek advice A small number of children have difficulty paying attention no matter how hard they try. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions. If you’re still concerned, see your GP.

More from Dr Claire Halsey at clairehalsey.com Perform offers concentration-boosting drama classes in Crowthorne, Wokingham, Goring, Twyford and Reading. Try a FREE no-obligation class at perform.org.uk/try

Ages 4 –18

Classes across Berkshire and Oxfordshire lead by inspirational drama coaches. www.BerzerkProductions .com info@berzerkproductions.com

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Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West • 21

Gym, sport and swimming

Clubs and classes directory Regular clubs, classes and out of school activities give your child a chance to shine and for you to have fun together, and there really is plenty of variety to choose from. Here are a few of our favourites, for babies, toddlers and school-aged children. For more clubs and classes in your area, check out familiesonline.co.uk

Bulmershe Gymnastics Club – based at a purpose-built gym in Woodley, run gymnastics classes for all ages including Leap Frogs for walkers to five years lead by qualified coaches. bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

Developmental classes

Shichida UK Master Builders Club LEGO® Workshops for Children weekend and school holiday workshops, birthday parties and primary school events are designed to provide children with an exciting and captivating experience.

Fun workshops start with a short story which sets the theme and building challenges. Then the creativity begins as Master Builders have access to 1000’s of LEGO® bricks which have been sorted into colour, size and type.

If you are passionate about providing engaging and stimulating play opportunities that nurture your child's mind, then Master Builders Club is for you!

To book your LEGO® fan a place or to find out more about all the events, please go to: masterbuildersclub.co.uk

didi rugby – devised to get young children (aged 18 months to six years) active, and to teach them new skills while having fun in a safe environment. Classes running in various venues across West Berkshire and Reading. Contact donna.clark@didirugby.com to book a free taster session near you. didirugby.com

brain-training programme, designed to bring out the genius in every child.

Activities are aimed at 0-6 year olds, and improve concentration, memory skills, general knowledge, musical ability and more. Hour-long classes take place in Reading once a week, with parents accompanying their children.

For more information and to book: shichidauk.com, contact@shichidauk.com, 07774 523660

Portuguese Language Club – offering tuition to help you talk fluently in Portuguese, but we don’t stop there. For us, it’s all about you and ensuring that you enjoy your stay with us whilst also making sure that your Portuguese language skills are vastly improved. We offer a range of services to suit all needs; including one-to-one and group lessons, in-school clubs, holiday Portuguese and GCSE and A Level tuition. Based in Tilehurst, Berkshire.

Contact Maria on 07427630331, 0118 942 4591, info@portugueselanguageclub.co.uk, portugueselanguageclub.co.uk BilinguaSing Wokingham – award-winning bilingual sensory music & movement classes with Spanish or French singing for babies (from 1 month), toddlers and pre-school children.

BilinguaSing is a unique class for parents and little ones to learn Spanish or French together in a fun and engaging way. Familiar nursery rhymes and songs are learned in both English and Spanish or French and are accompanied by a variety of fun movements and lovely props. Classes suitable for complete beginners to native speakers in Wokingham, Winnersh, Bracknell & surrounding areas. First taster class is FREE! Private sessions also available in nurseries, pre-schools and primary schools to support the EYFS, KS1 and KS2 learning objectives. Call Kate on 07810 751645, kate@bilinguasing.com, bilinguasing.com

22 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

GR Swimming Schools – children’s swimming lessons from 3yrs in Newbury, Thatcham, & Pangbourne. Places for non-swimmers through to advanced academy levels. Also holiday crash courses in swimming, diving and coming soon SYNCHRO!! Uniquely structured lessons, following Swim England Award Scheme. 01635 34862 swimlessons.co.uk SwimKidz - runs lessons at locations across the Thames Valley. Its innovative programme begins with babies from three months to toddlers, all the way through to precompetitive swimming by a child’s tenth birthday. The aim is to provide fun and progressive lessons in a small group environment. Contact Caroline Bairstow, 0750 005 6623 swimkidz.co.uk Arts, crafts & cookery

Mrs Bun the Baker award-winning, hands-on cookery classes for those aged 2 years and up.

Mrs Bun the Baker combines her knowledge and love of food with her teaching and baking skills, cooking up and creating magical moments.

Classes are held at the Cholsey Pavilion, South Oxfordshire, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Mondays for toddlers.

Monday sessions also for older Buns 6+, 11+ and 14+ perfect for DoE skills section.

Call Angie on 07870 727007 or email info@mrsbunthebaker.net

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Arts, crafts & cookery Artspiration School of Drawing and Painting – offering fun, imaginative and instructional lessons in drawing and painting to school-aged children in Maidenhead, Wokingham and Reading. Artspiration will inspire, motivate, guide and give your budding artists the skills required to express themselves better visually.

01628 634 418, artspiration.co.uk Music & dance

Clubs and classes directory Inspire Guitar School Inspiring students, fulfilling aspirations

Inspire Guitar School individual and group classes run by Alexander Clarke, B.Mus (Hons), M.A. Inspiring students, fulfilling aspirations.

Learn guitar in your school or home, Inspire Guitar School is a Berkshire based music service that offers tuition in Acoustic, Classical, Electric, Bass and Ukelele.

The Dance Zone a fun and friendly dance school that offers Ballroom, Latin American, Freestyle and Street dance classes for adults and children from the age of 3 in the Wokingham and Winnersh areas.

The benefits of learning to play a musical instrument cannot be overstated. Learning to play helps with confidence, mindfulness and creativity.

Flexible style to suit the student and fulfil their aspirations.

0118 9375 9185, 07414 675 858, inspireguitar.co.uk, alex@inspireguitar.co.uk

thedancezone.co.uk, info@thedancezone.co.uk, 07789 175439.

Imagine More storytelling & drama and music & movement classes for under 5s, plus birthday parties, workshops, as well as nursery and preschool sessions.

Imagine More focuses on babies to preschool children. The unique music & movement class comes alive as you explore rhythm and creative dance with instruments, props, and engaging, energetic songs!

Classes run on Thursdays in Curridge 11.15am-12pm. Each highly interactive storytelling & drama class is based around a themed story using multisensory props, drama, dance, musical instruments, songs, games and activities. Tuesdays @ St Andrews School, Pangbourne 10.3011.15am, Wednesdays in Curridge 9.3010.15am, and Thursdays @ Cobbs Play Barn 9.30-10.15am.

To book: 07774 264607 imaginemore.io

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Arts in Motion School of Dance EXCITING and energetic BALLET, MODERN and TAP classes for children from 2 ½ years, held at Chieveley Village Hall and Frilsham Clubroom, West Berkshire.

Classes are FUN, challenging and build confidence; we follow the ISTD Syllabus and support students through exams.

Holiday workshops are also available. artsinmotiondance.co.uk

Monkey Music – fun music classes from 3months-4yrs with action songs and rhymes, music and movement, percussion instruments and musical games. Classes in Newbury, Thatcham, Mortimer, Henley and Upper Basildon. 01635 860 959, monkeymusic.co.uk

Please tell advertisers you found them in Families Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

diddi dance - funky pre-school dance classes for girls and boys. Award winning, high energy sessions explore 16 different styles set to original, age-appropriate music. Classes improve gross motor skills, rhythm, coordination, confidence, creativity and social skills with dancing games, fun exercises, action songs and a host of props. Lessons are aligned to the EYFS and are structured yet relaxed.

Nursery workshops and parties too! Free trial available. Classes run every day throughout Reading & Wokingham. Call Andrea on 07719 878789, or email andrea.bickford@diddidance.com Drama & theatre arts Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow – fun, energetic classes for 3½ to 18yrs. Dance, drama and singing, tap, street dance, pop styles, musical theatre. Regular classes in Wargrave, Wokingham and Woodley, plus summer classes. Call Shelley on 07970 034 488, or email shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk, steppinoutstars.co.uk Stagecoach Theatre Arts School – dance, drama and singing classes for 4-18 years that build confidence and teach skills. Early Years classes for 4-6 years designed to introduce young children to the performing arts. Local branches in Wokingham, Henley, Reading, Bracknell, Marlow and Newbury. stagecoach.co.uk Perform – confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer noobligation FREE trial sessions.

Venues: Reading, Twyford, Wokingham, Goring and Crowthorne T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk perform.org.uk Berzerk Productions – LAMDA examination classes, unique Drama Factory workshops, musical theatre and production opportunities for 6-19 years in Tilehurst, Woodley, Spencers Wood, Caversham, Reading, Pangbourne and Woodcote. Trial class free. 07863 734 830, berzerkproductions.com StageAbility – after-school drama classes for kids who love to ACT! Reading, Burghfield, Tilehurst, Earley and Wokingham. High-energy classes mean that students never get bored, can't wait to get to class and develop confidence, creativity and focus. Pay-AsYouGo option for infants and free trial class.

Full listing of classes at: stageability.class4kids.co.uk , jackie@berkshire.stageability.co.uk M: 07721 565898, T: 0118 933 3791 Details correct at time of going to press August 2019 Families Thames Valley West • 23

Busting the myths about ADHD

By Tony Buckley October is ADHD awareness month and Families takes up the baton to raise understanding about this debilitating condition.

W

hen you think of ADHD, what comes to mind? Screaming children. Refusal to do schoolwork. Maybe even violence. But if your child is not displaying these symptoms, could they still be suffering from ADHD? The answer is “yes.”

hyperactivity, poor organisational skills and being easily distracted. But some will experience other symptoms, either as well as or instead of these more well-known symptoms. Symptoms tend to change with age, and will be different for each person.

Sensational symptoms like screaming, violence and refusal are those that provoke the most sympathy when a parent discusses their child with other parents, or the ones that look most interesting and are easiest to identify when portrayed in the media. They are real symptoms that real children with ADHD can (and often do) exhibit. But these aren’t the only symptoms someone with ADHD might have – they’re simply the symptoms that a parent or guardian are most likely to notice, as they affect people other than the person with the condition.

This is especially true if their symptoms don’t match those expected and recognised by society. Many people with ADHD will reach adulthood without even realising that they have the condition. Some adults may only find out that their symptoms are ADHD-related if their own child is diagnosed with it, and some symptoms become less obvious as a child matures and enters adulthood.

It’s important to understand that if a child is behaving in an unfocused or hyperactive way consistently then they may have ADHD. But, not all people with ADHD are unruly and unfocused. Simply believing that they are can make it more difficult for those who display less “textbook” ADHD symptoms to get a diagnosis, as well as creating a damaging stereotype of children with the condition.

So what are the other symptoms of ADHD? ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects both adults and children. People with this condition will often experience symptoms such as impulsiveness, poor concentration,

Many adults have no idea that their difficulty with social interactions or executive functions is a result of a hidden impairment, but, as parents, there are symptoms you can watch out for to find out if your child has the condition.

How can parents recognise symptoms of ADHD in their children?

Children with ADHD will be impulsive. They’ll find it difficult to prioritise the various tasks and responsibilities that they need to deal with, and you may notice that their peers are more organised than they are. If a child has ADHD, you may find that they struggle to focus on the task at hand.

Children with ADHD may feel under much more pressure than other children and feel that they need to be more active and work harder than others in order to keep up.

Understandably this contributes significantly to their stress levels as they try to deal with all the tasks they need to complete.

Children with ADHD can find it hard to cope with this degree of stress and pressure and may act this out in a variety of ways, becoming angry, emotional, withdrawn, panicky, argumentative or displaying a range of other stress-induced behaviours.

Equally though, a child with ADHD may simply appear to be trying to focus very hard on their learning to get through the day and keep up with their classmates.

In neither of the above cases will a child with ADHD necessarily look like a child screaming and throwing things as portrayed in the media.

Where can parents find out more?

For more information about ADHD, check out this helpful guide from Need2Know books at http://need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/theessential-guide-to-adhd/ It answers essential questions and guides parents and teachers step-by-step through the actions they need to take to support a child with ADHD. Use N2K25OFF for a 25% discount!

Multi-tasking is another thing that children with ADHD tend to struggle with and this can cause child and parents significant frustration.

24 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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Does my baby or toddler have ADHD?

By Toby Buckley

October is ADHD awareness month and Families takes up the baton to raise understanding about this debilitating condition.

I

nattention, poor impulse control and hyperactivity are some of the key characteristics that define the behavioural disorder, ADHD. When your child is just a baby or toddler, the difficult behaviours associated with ADHD may slowly become apparent. Many children with ADHD will have been particularly hard to put down to sleep as infants, so you may well find yourself pacing around the house with them in the middle of the night to no avail.

Tantrums Problems with temperament are particularly common in infants with ADHD. From rocking in their cribs or baby chairs to thumping one or both of their feet, a baby with ADHD may engage in a variety of troubling behaviours.

Nursing for long periods in the middle of the night can be particularly challenging with a baby with ADHD, who might sleep for a short while then wake up screaming and crying demanding full attention. In addition, nightmares may wake them back up pretty quickly even if you do manage to get them to sleep.

It can take a strict eye to figure out whether or not a baby is having difficulty remembering things. One issue can be food: does your infant tend to put food in their mouth but forget to chew or swallow? Do they start crying for attention in the middle of a game, seemingly forgetting that they were playing? These might be indicators of ADHD.

During the first year of life, around one fifth of all babies will show signs of “regulatory issues” such as sleeping issues, difficulty feeding and persistent crying. However, by the time they reach pre-school, most of these infants will have adjusted and their transient symptoms will disappear.

Can toddlers be diagnosed with ADHD? There is evidence that toddlers are being diagnosed and treated for ADHD. The National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines state that “ADHD should be considered in all age groups, with symptom criteria adjusted for age-appropriate changes in behaviour.”

In research1 into infant regulatory problems, 22 studies of 1,935 children were analysed. Babies with multiple regulatory issues were covered in five of these studies, excessive crying in ten, sleeping problems in four and feeding issues in three.

The study concluded that infants who experienced problems in several categories were at the highest risk of developing behavioural problems. Temper tantrums and ADHD were the most common behavioural problems to develop. familiesonline.co.uk

However, many of the symptoms of ADHD in babies closely resemble the behaviour of any other happy, healthy baby, so they can go unnoticed. It is only when the problems continue after other babies have grown out of them that the issue becomes apparent.

Where can I find out more?

For more information about ADHD, check out this helpful guide from Need2Know books at http://need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/theessential-guide-to-adhd/ It answers essential questions and guides parents and teachers step-by-step through the actions they need to take to support a child with ADHD. Use N2K25OFF for a 25% discount.

ADHD that’s visible in toddlerhood can be associated with a number of causes and risk factors, including: • Genes • Low birth-weight, especially when caused by premature birth • Central nervous system problems at critical moments during development • Mother using drugs, alcohol, or smoking during pregnancy, or exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy • ADHD also has a number of early indicators, according to some studies. Your child will not necessarily have ADHD if they have some of these signs and symptoms, but they may be worth taking into consideration • Slowed rate of head growth • Issues with behaviour • Delay in motor development, speech, and language. Speech development delays at 9 months old were present in a third of children with ADHD, according to one study. At 18 months old, two thirds exhibited delayed speech and language.

As soon as they reach 3 years of age, certain researchers have suggested that a child can reliably be diagnosed with ADHD through evaluations.

Sources: 1 Archive of Disease in Childhood Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West • 25

MORE

What’s On Sept/Oct 2019 NATIONAL TRUST BASILDON PARK, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NR, 0118 984 3040 Every Sat in Oct WILD PLAY – MAKE A MINI BALL RUN Join an expert ball-run maker to make your own mini ball run, and take home a piece of the Wild Play Trail. £15 per child 26 Oct – 3 Nov HALF-TERM TRAIL – MINIBEASTS Pick up a trail leaflet from Visitor Reception and search the parkland for creepy crawlies to win a prize.

21 & 22 Sep HERITAGE OPEN DAYS – FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Free entry to celebrate Indian tradition and culture with a rangoli, curator talks, and light and colour splashed across Basildon Park.

GREYS COURT, nr Henley-onThames. RG9 4PG, 01491 628529 26 Oct – 3 Nov LOADS OF LEAVES TRAIL Pick up a trail leaflet and wander the estate in search of clues celebrating the autumn colour.

HUGHENDEN, nr High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, 01494 755573 14 & 15 Sep 1940S WEEKEND 10am5pm. Return to the 1940s at Hughenden at the living history weekend capturing all the nostalgia of war-time Britain with living history re-enactments, military and civilian displays, food, music, and dancing from the era.

WADDESDON MANOR, nr Aylesbury, HP18 0JH, 01296 820414 26 Oct – 3 Nov TERRIFYING TRAIL Take part in this ghoulish outdoor Halloween trail every day.

26 Oct – 1 Nov PUMPKIN CARVING Use your imagination and create your very own pumpkin design.

26 Oct –3 Nov SPOOKY AFTERNOON TEA Treat the kids to a spooky Halloween tea, including a delicious pot of “worms”, a ghost meringue and an eyeball cupcake.

THE VYNE, Near Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, 01256 883858 Daily until Sun 29 Sep GEOCACHING: THE LOST TOYS Can you help find four ‘lost’ Victorian toys hidden in the woods? Use a trail sheet from Visitor Reception or the Geocaching® app to locate the caches. 10am-4.30pm Daily until 29 Sep DRESS LIKE A VICTORIAN Try on Victorian costumes in the Housekeeper’s Room. 12-4pm Daily until 29 Sep VICTORIAN CHILDREN’S PLAY TRAIL Pick up your trail sheet from Visitor Reception and discover how Victorian children played outdoors.

Suggested donation £1 per trail sheet.

10am-4.30pm

ONLINE

CLIVEDEN, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605069 21 Oct – 3 Nov CELEBRATIONS OF AUTUMN Woodland walks, workshops to learn new skills, apple harvest and exciting ‘not-so-creepy’crawlies trail for the children.

26 Oct - 3 Nov OCTOBER HALFTERM TRAIL Explore the world of Cliveden’s not-so-creepy crawlies and create a craft to take home.

ONGOING EVENTS THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 4000, bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoveryc entre There are over 90 hands-on science activities for children of all ages to enjoy at The Look Out Discovery Centre. You can launch a hydrogen rocket, play with boats in the indoor stream or build a house with your friends. Activities and exhibits are organised in ‘zones’ which correspond with what your child may be learning about in school: Forces & Movement, Body & Perception, Light & Colour, Woodland & Water and Build It where you can use the rubble chute, wheelbarrows, design a house or drive a dumper truck. Open daily from 10am-5pm.

21 Sep until 10 Nov FIRE AND LIGHT SHOW This fun interactive show looks at sources of light as well as containing some exciting chemical experiments such as our Fire Tornado! Running from 21 Sep until 10 Nov at weekends and in Bracknell school holidays.

Weekly RHYMETIME, Newbury Library, The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AU Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1111.20am. Free songs and rhymes for under threes and their parents or carers.

Weekly TAYLOR TUGS UNDER 5S CLUB, River & Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames Wednesdays, term time, 10-11.30am pre booked, call 01491 415605 to find out more. 3-4pm drop in, £3 per child. Enjoy fun, interactive structured sessions for you and your little one, with craft, stories and songs. Themes and activities change weekly. Age 18 months – 5 yrs Weekly TALES FOR TOTS – STORY TIME FOR THE UNDER 5’S at Reading Museum, The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QU, 0118 937 3400, readingmuseum.org Enjoy a story using objects from the Museum’s collection. Every

26 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Wednesday at 10.30-11.30am in The Green Space or Window Gallery. Free, drop in.

Weekly RHYME TIME at Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ Rhyme Time every Monday (except bank holidays), Thursday and Saturday 10.30am-11am. No need to book, just drop in. FREE. Weekly LEGO CLUB at Winnersh Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane, Winnersh, RG41 5ND, 0118 979 7519, wokingham.gov.uk/libraries Every Thursday during term time for children aged 5-10 years. 4pm4.45pm, 50p. Places must be booked in advance.

Weekly TODDLER CRAFT at Southcote Library, Southcote Lane, RG30 3BA, 0118 901 5109 A free craft session every Friday for the Under 5’s from 11am-11.30am Monthly NATURE EXPLORERS at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3FU, 01635 874 381, bbowt.org.uk Join us on the third Saturday of every month for a hands on wildlife club for 5-8 year olds. Each month follows a different theme with hands on wildlife activities, craft, stories and child-led play. 10am-12pm, £5.

Boking essential Weekly BE RELAXED RELAX KIDS, Woodley, berelaxed.co.uk Children will learn valuable skills on an exciting and fun journey each week to help develop selfconfidence, build self-esteem, build self awareness, manage stress and anxiety, relax and improve sleep and more. For children 5 - 10 years old.

Wednesdays 4pm - 5pm.

Weekly FAMILY LEARNING COURSES, Bracknell Library, 2 Town Square, Bracknell RG12 1AT Weekly course for 2-4 year olds in literacy and numeracy. Every Monday starting 23 September, 9.30-11am. £5 per session. To book or for further information email Bracknell.Library@bracknellforest.gov.uk or call 01344 423149

SEPTEMBER 7 Sep GREENFEST, Hampstead Norreys, West Berkshire GreenFest is a free family festival bringing a wealth of sustainability and green lifestyle ideas and solutions together in one place! There will be educational and informative talks from climate change to fashion to farming throughout the event. 10am-4pm.

7 Sep RAVER TOTS NEWBURY, The Vault Club, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5EN Raver Tots are really excited to join forces with Madman Soundz and return to The Vault, Newbury, for a crazy jungle/drum and bass party with tons of multi sensory kids fun suitable for all ages 0+ with all your favourite tunes brought to you by DJ Nicky Blackmarket and MC Chalkie White! Don’t miss out! Children’s tickets from £8, Adult tickets from £10. Tickets are advance only and will not be available on the door!

7 and 14 Sept MUM 2 MUM NEARLY NEW MARKET, Thatcham and Tilehurst.

Mum2mum market hold regular nearly new baby and children's markets at fantastic indoor venues.

Admission is £2 on the door for buyers - kids free. 7 Sep – Thatcham 2-4pm and 14 Sep Tilehurst 1-3pm. mum2mummarket.co.uk 12 and 13 Sep STICKY SLIME TODDLER DAY, The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Toddler days run from 10am to 4pm and there is no need to book. Just turn up on the day.

14 Sept and 26 Oct LADIES LEARNING TO LIFT FREE NUTRITION CLASS, Business Unit 4&5 Horndean Road, Forest Park, Bracknell, RG12 0XQ bestlifebasics.co.uk Think you're eating healthy but still not in the body you love? Totally confused by all the nutrition news/advice out there? Would really like to know the truth? Head coach, Marla Murray Callisen, holds free nutrition classes each month. Both events run from 11am-12.30pm at Bracknell’s Ladies Gym.

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14 Sep HENLEY SHOW at The Henley Showground, Hambleden, RG9 3AS. The showground opens at 8.30 am and the last Main Ring event is at 5pm. Free buses are running from Boots in Henley and Platts in Marlow.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

14 Sep HERITAGE OPEN DAY West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AS Join Beth Asbury (West Berkshire Council Assistant Archaeologist) for a free guided tour at 11am and 2pm of some of the archaeological treasures in the museum’s permanent exhibition. No need to book, just drop-in.

14 Sep HERITAGE OPEN DAY Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury , Berkshire, RG14 2DR Join us in the Great Hall for introductory talks about the history of the House at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. No need to book, just drop-in.

20 Sep - 15 Dec THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE LADYBIRD BOOK ARTISTS, The Base Gallery, Greenham Business Park, RG19 6HN Step into the nostalgic world of Ladybird Books told through original artwork, books and objects. Advance tickets: full price £8 / concessions £7 / under 16’s £6 / under 5’s free 21 – 22 Sep ROYAL COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE SHOW, Newbury Showground, Priors Court Road, Hermitage, Berkshire RG18 9QZ At this year’s Show, you’ll find many great demonstrations, displays and spectacular shows for all the family to enjoy. But hidden amongst the main attractions you will find some real gems for you to ‘have-a-go’.

22 Sept BESTLIFE BASICS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, Business Unit 4&5 Horndean Road, Forest Park, Bracknell, RG12 0XQ The event will run from 10am-2pm.

22 Sep FAMILY UKULELE, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com Learn how to tune your ukulele, the names of the strings, explore techniques and chords and learn a song as a whole family. 1-3pm 27 – 28 Sep BURGHFEST BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, The Recreation Ground, Burghfield Common, Berkshire RG7 3EN Real ale, live music and great fun, brought to you by the Santas of Burghfield. Advance Weekend Ticket £12.00 Advance Friday Ticket £7.00 Advance Saturday Ticket £7.00 28 – 29 Sep WILTSHIRE GAME & COUNTRY FAIR, Bowood House, Calne SN11 0LZ With three main arenas, supported by a host of smaller country sports

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arenas and workshops, and the very best in countryside activities and entertainment, we can offer you an unbeatable family day out in the stunning grounds of Bowood House.

Adult tickets £13.50. Child tickets £4.

29 Sep PETER & THE WOLF, South Hill Park, Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, RG12 7PA This family concert is a perennial favourite by Sergei Prokofiev, and is suitable for all ages. It engages with the audience throughout and helps children to enjoy the experience of going to a concert by making it fun and entertaining. It is a wonderful way to introduce classical music to younger children whilst also entertaining the adults. Tickets £13, members & concessions £11 southhillpark.org.uk 29 Sept FAMILY MINDFUL PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART WORKSHOP, Brilliant Beings, Path Hill Outdoors near Whitchurch-onThames Come and explore how simple device photography and art materials can help you notice wonder in the present moment, help you focus your attention away from your busy mind and bring a sense of peaceful joy to your whole being. For children aged 6+ and their grown-up/s, £22.50 per person (discounts for groups of 4 or more), 11am-2.30pm.

To book, contact Sarah: sarah@brilliant-beings.co.uk, 07979 755667 or visit brilliant-beings.co.uk

13 Oct GREENHAM TRUST 10K & FAMILY FUN RUNS stepup4good.co.uk Our fourth year sees a transformation of venue, taking the event from the dramatic terrain of Greenham Common, to the state-of-the-art Newbury Racecourse. The main 10K race is a single loop on road and track, suitable for experienced club athletes and new runners looking for a flat, scenic and friendly race.

17 Oct - 2 Nov LEGOLAND BRICK OR TREAT, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY This October half term bring your little monsters to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort for the most spooktacular event of the year at Lord Vampyre’s Brick or Treat! Our newest resident Lord Vampyre is throwing the ultimate Halloween party with many fang-tastic activities – plus all of our rides, live shows and attractions, it’s an awesome day out for all the family.

19 Oct MUM 2 MUM NEARLY NEW MARKET, CAVERSHAM. mum2mummarket.co.uk Mum2mum market hold regular nearly new baby and children's markets at fantastic indoor venues.

Admission is £2 on the door for buyers - kids free. 19 Oct – Whitley 2-4pm.

19-20 Oct WOKINGHAM CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL, Wokingham Library and Wokingham Town Hall. wokinghamtc.gov.uk/bookfest A two-day festival where you can meet and listen to talks by over 20 authors of children’s books. Learn about the process of writing and have a lot of fun! Each talk is £3 and books are available to purchase.

19 – 20 & 25 – 26 Oct LEGOLAND FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY This famous show is known for having some of the best fireworks in the South with an added special twist – LEGOLAND fireworks turn into exploding LEGO® bricks with some magic from special Brick glasses!

Also 1 – 2 Nov. 20 Oct VINTAGE CONCERTINI WITH THE POLKA DOTS, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com Grab your tiny dancers and join an upbeat family concert of your favourite songs with a cheeky retro twist! 11.30am (relaxed performance) and 2pm. Tickets £12 (£10 concs, £38 family of 4). Age guide: 0 – 8 years (older siblings welcome).

OCTOBER 5 – 6 Oct TABBY MCTAT, The Hexagon Theatre, Queen’s Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, readingarts.com Tabby McTat is a cat with the loudest of meee-ews and a best friend with a guitar. From the team behind Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Zog, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tabby McTat is a heart-warming tale of friendship and loyalty interwoven with original songs and a sprinkling of magic.

5 – 6 Oct DAY OUT WITH THOMAS, Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7NJ Meet Thomas and his friends and The Fat Controller, who will be keeping an eye on everything today. Enjoy rides all day and as often as you wish.

Thomas the Tank Engine is running on his Branch Line and his friends are running on the Main Line.

9 and 10 Oct AT THE SEASIDE TODDLER DAY, THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 4000, bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoveryc entre Toddler days run from 10am to 4pm and there is no need to book.

Just turn up on the day.

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Families Thames Valley West • 27

26 Oct – 3 Nov HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL, Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 0LX Pumpkin Patch pick up and carving!

Enjoy Spellbinding Shows with the Oddsocks Family and discover the frightfully fun Crafty Trick or Treat Walk and much more! It’s an event to spook your Oddsocks off!

26 Oct – 2 Nov LITERARY FESTIVAL 2019, Bracknell Forest Libraries Bracknell.Library@bracknellforest.gov.uk or call 01344 423149 An array of authors, journalists, creative writers, illustrators, poets and storytellers in all nine Bracknell Forest libraries. Events £3 each or Festival Access All Events ticket £15 each. To book or for further details email 26 Oct -1 Nov HALLO’WELLY’WEEN, Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading, RG7 1SP, 0118 932 6444, wellington-countrypark.co.uk 28 Oct JACK AND THE BEANS, Shaw House, Church Rd, Newbury RG14 2DR An enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant. Jack and the Beans Talk is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you throw things out of the window! 11am and 1pm. Tickets £7-9 book at https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/her itage_events.html or call 01635 279279.

The Look Out Discovery Centre

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

OPEN

10am - 5pm every day

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Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

30 Oct FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY – SPECTACULAR SKULLS, Shaw House, Church Rd, Newbury RG14 2DR Spectacular skulls – decorate a skull-shaped craft box in ‘Day of the Dead’ style using Deco pens, to make a spookily good Halloween decoration. £2 pay on the day.

THU 31 Oct HALLOWEEN PARTY NIGHT, Shaw House, Church Rd, Newbury RG14 2DR Book at https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/h eritage_events.html or call 01635 279279 Join for a night of spooky fun with Halloween trails, apple bobbing and snapping in the grounds.

31 Oct SPOOKY STORIES, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com Make your Halloween extra spooky this year with our Halloween storytelling event with storytelling marvels, Bearface Theatre. Age 8+.

31 Oct – 1 Nov THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com Join the teaguzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos!

Full price ticket £14, family ticket £48.

Until 3 Nov RIVER AND ROWING MUSEUM, Mill Meadows, Henley-onThames RG9 1BF Join the River & Rowing Museum for bear-filled family fun days. Revisit your favourite stories and meet some of literature’s most famous bears, including Rupert and Winnie-the-Pooh, before discovering new stories filled. Go on your own bear hunt, curl up with your favourite story in the bear cave and enjoy dressing up as your favourite characters. Take some time out to relax in the Museum Café or grab a souvenir of your day at the shop.

More details at rrm.co.uk

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

A great family day out whatever the weather!

Be Amazed...

28 Oct JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury RG14 3BQ 01635 244246 This classic fairytale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds.

It’s a show for the over 3’s (and their giants) with something for everyone – enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion! Tickets £8, concessions £6. arlington-arts.com 29 Oct MASTER BUILDERS CLUB LEGO WORKSHOP, Dorchester on Thames Village Hall, masterbuildersclub.co.uk Do you love LEGO? Calling all young designers, engineers and inventors – Master Builders Club needs you! A two-hour workshop with LEGO building challenges, and a different theme each session. At the end of the session, Master Builders are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect. 9.30-11.30am.

Suitable for ages 5-11, £15. To book: masterbuildersclub.eventbrite.co.uk 29-31 Oct BOREDOM BUSTER ACTIVITY SESSIONS, Bracknell Forest Libraries (various) Star Wars inspired activities with puppets, paper chains and spot the difference. For children aged 4 to 10 years old. £1.50 – just drop in! 29 Oct 2-2.45pm Finchampstead Library; 31 Oct 10-10.45am Spencers Wood Library; 29 Oct 2-2.45pm Twyford Library; 30 Oct 10-10.45am Wargrave Library; 30 Oct 1-1.45pm Winnersh Library; and 29 Oct 10-10.45am Lower Earley Library.

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

28 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

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23 Oct – 3 Nov HALLOWEEN HALF TERM, Stonor Park, Henley-onThames, RG9 6HF, stonor.com For this Spooktacular Halloween event, bring your family to search the garden for riddles and secret messages – work together to solve the mystery and receive a sweet treat! There is also pumpkin carving, and no-carve pumpkin decorating for the little ones. Your ticket to the Halloween event also includes Wonder Woods, where children can climb, swing, and run around for hours. The Visitor Centre will be open with hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. Children (and adults!) are encouraged to come in their best fancy dress outfit and share a selfie!

24-26 Oct GREAT EXPECTATIONS, South Hill Park, Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, RG12 7PA This powerful adaptation of the much-loved Dickens novel delves into the childhood hopes and fears of young Pip, as he begins his adventures in the windswept marshes of Kent, to the haunting cobwebbed lair of Miss Havisham. Pip’s epic journey sees him come of age and discover the adult world of loss and regret. Tickets £22, members £19, schools £9 (Thurs matinee) and £10 Wed + Thu 7.15pm, Seniors £16 (matinees only), family £14.25 per person.

Valid until 31/12/19 *Terms and conditions apply.

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

familiesonline.co.uk

Prioritising outdoor play

By Tanith Carey If you look back at your days at nursery and primary school, you doubtless remember them as the most carefree of your lives.

List their ambitions Whether it’s making dens, camping overnight, creating a beach sculpture from drift wood or planting a tree, devise a list with your child of all the achievable things they want to do.

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our time was probably spent sitting cross-legged on the floor, chanting songs and listening to stories before rushing outside for playtime with your friends. Today, the nursery and school ‘curriculum’ is much more structured, with schools feeling they have to cut back on break-time to keep up with national targets.

Recent research from University College, London shows that primary school pupils have 45 minutes less break time a week than in 1995, while secondary pupils have 65 minutes less. All this comes at a cost because play has always been a key element of education.

By taking away this time, we diminish our children’s ‘survival’ skills, as well as reducing the time they need to stay fit. Beyond that, we also hinder them from learning something just as important – the value of friendship. When kids play together, they learn how to compromise, make up rules, think creatively, respond to important facial and verbal cues, and discover what behaviour is acceptable and what is not.

So what can we do to help kids find more time to socialise and play together?

familiesonline.co.uk

Get together with neighbours Get to know other families living nearby and look out for local places for play. Get permission from your local authority to turn your road into a play street by closing it to traffic.

Prioritise more time outside When UNICEF asked children what they wanted for happiness they named time with families, time outdoors and having friends. Yet according to a study by Play England, while 73% of children ages seven to 12 surf the internet unsupervised, 42% are not allowed to play in their local park without an adult.

Fix more outdoor play dates Research shows that when children play together, they have more fun and squabble less if they spend most of the time outdoors, discovering and having adventures together.

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

The outdoors is free Just a walk through the park can yield everyday discoveries. Introduce fun activities like barkrubbing or leaf collecting. The more time you spend outside with your children, the more confident they will become in being outside, and the more faith you will have in their abilities to keep safe.

Teach friendship skills Sometimes kids need help with their friendship skills – set up role-play games so that they can learn to see other’s perspectives, and playdates so that they can practice.

Find more ways to help children learn friendship skills in Tanith’s new book The Friendship Maze: How to Help Your Child Navigate Their Way to Positive and Happier Friendships, published by Summersdale and available from Amazon.

Families Thames Valley West • 29

Helping your child enjoy happy friendships

By Tanith Carey As a new school term starts, it’s no longer how children will perform in their school work in the year ahead which worries parents the most. The latest research has revealed that mums and dads are now most concerned about whether or not they will have happy friendships.

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his is because so many of us know how inconsolable our children are when they get left out, have no one to play with at school or have a falling out with their friends. Traditionally, parents have been led to believe children should just magically ‘know’ how to make friends and there’s nothing we can do from the other side of the school gates. But now a new book The Friendship Maze: How to help your child navigate their way to positive and happier friendships, brings together the latest social science research to show how your kids can have easier friendships and looks at how to help when things go wrong.

How to help: Talk about friendship Children will be able to be better friends, and are likely to be liked more by their peers, when you talk through with them the qualities that make others want to spend time with them.

Things like listening, sharing and playing fairly.

Make a point of noticing and complimenting your child when they show these qualities.

your child to enjoy themselves during a game, not to get hung up on the result.

Discuss how to find things in common with their peers Children may show off and brag in the belief that if they impress others, they will like them more. Whether it’s through role-play, or talking about your own experiences, help your child hear how this can sound like ‘showing off.’

Explain that children like others who they feel they have a lot in common with, not those who act superior.

Emphasise quality over quantity By the end of primary school, kids may want lots of friends in order to feel ‘popular’. But it can take no more than two or three genuinely close friends to be happy at school. Make it clear it’s not a numbers game.

Be a good role model Talk about your own friendships – times when you have been a good friend by being thoughtful, dependable and ready to listen, and mention when others are being a good friend to you, so children recognise how to be a good friend to others.

Teaching your child the difference between a good and bad friend Starting from a young age, it’s important for kids to learn what a good friend is. This is not only so they can be one themselves, but also so they can identify healthy relationships, both now and when they start looking for romantic ones.

A bad friend: • Doesn’t want you to play with other friends • Tells you that what you like is stupid • Laughs at you • Makes you feel sad • Pushes you to do things you don’t want to do • Acts as if they are better than you • Hurts you • Says they will do something unkind if you don’t do what they want • Tells people your secrets • Tells you that other friends don’t like you.

A good friend: Play turn-taking games Play games to practice cooperation, a key skill in friendship. As you play board or ball games with younger kids, describe out loud what you are doing. Start with non-competitive games, so they can get used to the to-and-fro of turntaking.

Teach them to be good sports Children don’t want to play with others who cheat and kick up a fuss if they lose. Explain winning and losing is temporary. The key is for

Find more ways to help children learn friendship skills in Tanith’s new book The Friendship Maze: How to Help Your Child Navigate Their Way to Positive and Happier Friendships, published by Summersdale and available from Amazon.

30 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire

• Plays with all your friends • Tells you you’re good at doing stuff • Doesn’t mind if you don’t want to do the same things • You have fun with • You don’t have to play with all the time • Doesn’t require you to like all the same things they do • Doesn’t try and make you do anything as a condition of staying their friend.

familiesonline.co.uk

Things that Go YUM in the Night!

Conjure up some ghoulish AND tasty Boo-meringue Pops this Halloween!

BOO-meringue Pops are tiny spectres that sit quietly in their cups until an unsuspecting little someone gets within snacking distance.

Our friends at Wonderbly have come up with this fantastic spook-tastic recipe.

Follow the simple steps below to make your own.

Ingredients...

For the meringues • 115g caster sugar • 115g icing sugar • a pinch of salt • 4 large egg whites, at room temperature • large freezer bags • greaseproof paper • tiny chocolate drops • a bar of milk or dark chocolate

For the cups • paper cups • utility knife • paint • brush • Posca pen • lollipop sticks • masking tape • a sheet of tissue/crepe paper • scissors

Now for the cups…

Place your cup upside down on the crepe/tissue paper and draw a circle about 1cm wider than the rim.

Cut out the circle and make small criss-cross slits in the centre of the crepe paper.

Paint your cups a deep dark colour. When they’re dry, draw on some cobwebs or other creepy patterns.

Let’s make BOO-meringue Pops:

Keeping little fingers safe, cut the bottom out of your paper cups with the utility knife.

Preheat the oven to 100°C or gas mark ¼.

Put the caster sugar into one bowl and sift the icing sugar into another (and be careful not to sneeze!)

Put the egg whites into a large bowl with a pinch of salt and use the electric whisk on medium power until the mixture forms soft peaks.

Whisk on high power, adding 1 tbsp of caster sugar at a time until you’ve used it all.

Put your freezer bag into a glass and fold the edges over the sides. Spoon in your meringue.

Take the bag out, twist the top shut and snip off the bottom corner. Make sure you hold the bag gently so the ghosts don’t escape!

Put a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray and place the cardboard circles (aka the cut-out cup bottoms) on the tray.

Take your ghosts on their cardboard circles and tape the lollipop sticks to the cardboard. Pop your ghosts-on-sticks into their cups from above. (Tell them to prepare their scary face…)

Glue the edges of your tissue circles to the inside rim of the cups.

Pipe a ghost onto each, add choc-drop eyes and pop in the oven for 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours.

Fold in the icing sugar.

By now the mixture should be glossy with scared-stiff peaks. (If you want to keep the meringue really white, you can add ½ tsp lemon juice and bake on a lower temperature for longer.)

And voilarghh! You have a shroud of supernaturally cute treats ready to surprise lots of little monsters!

When your ghosts are cooked and cooled, melt the chocolate (in a bowl) over a saucepan of boiling water.

Using a toothpick or similar, give your ghouls some mouths, eyebrows, whatever you fancy!

familiesonline.co.uk

Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

Wonderbly create meaningful, magical personalized stories, which let children imagine themselves doing extraordinary things. Find out more at wonderbly.com

Families Thames Valley West • 31