Thames Valley West - Mar-Apr 2020

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley West

IN THIS ISSUE

Spring is in the air Lambs, bluebells egg hunts!

Why outdoor learning is important Making discipline positive WIN tickets to the zoo

Issue 106 March/April 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

Where Boys Thrive

PREP SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGE 4-13

We offer a rich tapestry of co-curricular opportunities and an extensive list of activities including Beavers and Cubs, Rugbytots, Judo, Golf, STEM and Robotics, Photography, Lego, Music, Model Trains, Brain Games, Debating, Fencing, Lamda with professionals from the Watermill Theatre and Advanced Chess with a Grandmaster.

We welcome day boys from age 4-13 as well as offering transition, weekly or full boarding for boys age 7-13.

Open Mornings Friday 28th February & Saturday 14 March - 10am To book a visit please email registrar@horrishill.com www.horrishill.com INTERESTED IN RECEPTION SEPTEMBER 2020?

Please come along along with your son to one of our FREE Forest School or Rugbytots Taster Sessions in February and March 2020

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.

...endless ideas for families of young children in Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire Families® Thames Valley West • Issue 106 • March/April 2020 Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

In this issue...

4-6

News and views

8

Spring is in the air

9

Girls no long passing on football

10

Education news

11

Spring independent school open days

12-13 Wrap up and learn 14

Treating every child as an individual

16

Motivating good behaviour

17

The Grrreat Colour-In Reward Chart

18-20 Clubs and classes directory and news 21

Picture crossword

22

Divine date night

23

Plastic-free lunchbox

Don’t miss these great offers • 20 FREE taster sessions to give away with BestLife Basics, see page 22 • One FREE child with one full paying adult at The Look Out Discovery Centre, see page 9 • FREE trial classes at Perform, StageAbility, BilinguaSing, Street Feet Dance, diddi dance, Starmaker Stage School and Berzerk Productions, see pages p18-19 • FREE 30-minute family law consultation with LGFL Ltd, see page 5 • FREE taster session at Steppin’ Out, see page 15 • Introductory £40 discount on Perform classes, see front cover • WIN family ticket at a zoo or wildlife park, see page 17

24-27 What’s on

• 25% discount on Need2Know’s Essential Guide to Autism, see page 30.

28

Tax free childcare

29

Encouraging reluctant readers

30

Autism Spectrum Conditions

31

Healthier Easter cookies

Next issue: May/June – Parties, May half term, get ahead for summer Booking deadline: 1 April.

Find us on Facebook and Instagram 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!

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Hello from the Edit or...

After what felt like the longest January on record, Spring is nearly here! We’re full of the joys, with our look at the best places locally to find newborn lambs, enjoy a bluebell walk and hunt for Easter eggs.

While we’re on the topic of being active, we spoke to the Berks and Bucks FA about how some 60 football clubs across the Thames Valley are opening up their gates to girls as young as five, and the difference it is making to their fitness and social confidence.

The wider benefits of being outdoors is also the theme of our headline feature. In an age when so much of a child’s time is spent in a safe and sedentary indoor world, research by the Wildlife Trusts has shown that learning outdoors for just one lesson a week boosts learning and behaviour in primary school children. We spoke to three schools across the Families TVW area which show that there is now wide recognition of the need to ‘wrap up and get on with it’ in any weather in order to secure substantial learning benefits but also build healthy minds and bodies, form better relationships and grow confidence.

Add to all that our bumper clubs and classes directory and chocka-block what’s on guide, and we hope our Spring issue gives you plenty of inspiration and ideas to enjoy the season of new beginnings.

Rachel.

Portuguese Lessons for Children, Adults & Business

SPEC I AL O FF E R FR EE 4 5 mi nut e trial l esso n o r I n- perso n Tilehurst, Reading

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

Families Thames Valley West • 3

News & views

Yucky you! email: membership@bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

Find out all about your body and the amazingly yucky things it does to protect you at the Look Out Discovery centre this Spring. The interactive Yucky You show will run from 28th March until 10th May at weekends and in Bracknell school holidays. For younger visitors, little bugs toddler days will be taking place on 14 and 23 April.

The centre also has a new exhibit, Pipes of Pan, inviting guests to try out their musical talents. This is one of over 90 hands-on science activities – you can launch a hydrogen rocket, play with boats in the indoor stream or build a house with your friends.

Check out facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery or call 01344 354400 for more details.

Easter Fun at the Nature Discovery Centre Wed 8 Apr - Crocodiles of the World

Come face to face with live crocodiles and caiman. Aussie croc expert Colin, from Britain’s only crocodile zoo, will inform and inspire you.

Wed 15 Apr - Fun Science at Easter

Unleash your inner mad scientist and enjoy crazy egg-based fun and mad things to learn during this relaxed fun holiday event.

Sessions throughout the day. £5 per person. Booking essential

The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham RG19 3FU

Book: www.bbowt.org.uk/events T: 01635 874 381 E: ndc@bbowt.org.uk

Apollo Club

Summer in the Alps EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB 2020 6-9 and 14-17 April

Ofsted-registered care for children age 4-12 years – arts and crafts, cooking, sports, off site trips and more £20 for a full day, or £10 for half day. Concessionary rate available and childcare vouchers accepted

T: 0118 916 8416 or 0118 916 8417 E: apolloyouthclub@gmail.com

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year – and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet – Au Coin du Feu – plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown-ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit chillypowder.com. For more about summer in Morzine visit morzineavoriaz.com/activites-de-plein-air-ete.html

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

familiesonline.co.uk

Power to the people Who pays school fees during a divorce?

Many divorcing parents agree on the payment of schools fees as an integral part of their divorce financial settlement. However, sorting out who pays the fees, how much and when can take some considerable time.

School is a familiar environment for both you and your children, comprising a major part of your family’s social network. You need to ensure that school remains a stable, supportive constant in all your lives. That’s why you need to deal with who pays the school fees soonest, to ensure a smooth transition between current and future arrangements.

1. Confirm who pays the school fees at present, and if you have joint liability to pay. If fees are paid from a joint account or credit card, these accounts may not exist after separation. Don’t put off taking action, as school fees arrears can quickly build up.

2. Inform your child’s school about your impending divorce. They can help your child and support them. You can also talk to the bursar about alternative payment arrangements, staggered payments and bursaries on offer.

3. Get legal advice from a family lawyer if you cannot agree between you. There are various court orders available, but be aware that a court will always prioritise housing and basic needs over private school fees.

If you are concerned over school fees and divorce, the earlier you act, the better. With help from a family law firm such as LGFL, and in the right circumstances, a school fees order can ensure continuity in your family's education, social network and activities into the future.

Rita Gupta is a Director at LGFL Ltd, a boutique family law firm in Reading. Rita is offering qualifying readers a free 30-minute consultation to discuss any family law issue, including divorce and separation. https://lgfamilylawyers.co.uk/free-30-minuteconsultation/

familiesonline.co.uk

More than 800,000 British households use solar panels to reduce both their carbon footprint and their energy bills, but the cost of installation can be off-putting.

A community group is now offering West Berkshire residents solar panels at a reduced cost through bulk discounts and combined installation logistics. West Berkshire Climate Action Network successfully introduced its Solar Streets scheme to Newbury, Thatcham and surrounding villages last autumn. Working with its chosen renewable energy installer, IDDEA, who have completed over 800 installations since 2007, the scheme will now

be rolled out to the rest of West Berkshire this spring and summer.

Details of the scheme are presented in information evenings for homeowners – the next are in the Hungerford Hub at 7pm on Thursday 19 March and Hampstead Norreys Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 24 March.

Steve Ardagh-Walter, Executive Member for Environment at West Berkshire Council is supportive of the scheme: “It’s fantastic to hear the positive reaction the Solar Streets scheme has had so far. I’m really pleased that it will be expanded and that more residents will have the opportunity to save money and help protect our environment.”

Join the fight against plastic Wherever you live, you and your family can make a difference to your local environment by sparing just a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean from 20 March to 13 April.

Run by charity, Keep Britain Tidy, this initiative is the country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign and aims to get 600,000 #LitterHeroes out and about, cleaning up the environment on their doorstep.

It’s easy for families to get involved. Simply pledge to take part and either organise a litterpick in your community or join an organised event.

To find out more, join a local event, register to take part and access resources including a how-to guide, visit keepbritaintidy.org/GBSpringClean

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

Children’s clothes and gifts that are made to last

littleoakclothing.co.uk

Families Thames Valley West • 5

News & views Making holiday memories For families looking for fun educational experiences for children to take part in during half term and the school holidays, look no further than Camp Beaumont.

The UK’s most experienced day camp provider, which is now in its 40th year hosts a wealth of activities for three to 16-year-olds to enjoy such as zorbing, go-carting and arts and crafts as well as a range of sports including tennis, swimming and hockey. The camps are a great chance for kids to try something new and make new friends, while having lots of fun in the process.

Jof Gaughan, Operations Director, said: “It’s always great to see the children having such a fun time at our camps. Whether they come for a day or the whole week, it’s nice to see them making new friends and getting stuck in with exciting activities.

“Coming to camp is a great way to make the most of the holidays and ensure they are making memories to last them a lifetime.”

For more information, visit campbeaumont.co.uk

Having fewer toys may be better You’ve probably suspected it – well, it may now have been confirmed!

Children who have too many toys are more easily distracted, and do not enjoy quality playtime, a new study suggests.

Researchers at the University of Toledo in Ohio, US, recruited 36 toddlers and invited them to play in a room for half an hour, with either four toys, or sixteen toys.

They found that youngsters were far more creative when they had fewer toys to play with. They also played with each for twice as long, thinking up more uses for each toy and lengthening and expanding their games.

The authors of the study conclude that parents, schools and nurseries should pack away most of their toys and just rotate a small number regularly, to encourage children to become more creative and improve their attention spans.

More info at sciencedirect.com

The family festival that just gets better The Little Welly Henley is back, with a new location, longer course option, new obstacles and even camping! The popular family festival – which combines a muddy obstacle course for children with live entertainment – is crossing the road in 2020 to the Henley Showground to give a bigger festival field, a new course and more space for parking.

The 3km route will feature new obstacles including a slip-and-slide, big tubes and climbing rig. For the yet more energetic, there will also be a 5km or 10km family trail run. Even the under 4s haven’t been forgotten, with a large inflatable section just for them.

The festival field will be home to an exciting mix of entertainment.

Alongside some of the favourites like the bungee trampolines, there will be fun and magic from Britain’s Got Talent’s Christian Lee, circus skills lessons, the ultimate land-based freefall experience and the UK’s first interactive mobile caving system.

The Little Welly Henley runs from 6-7 June. There are special offers for booking early and group savings.

More info at thelittlewelly.co.uk

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

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OPE MORN N INGS Friday 28 Feb Friday 1 Ma 9am y

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

Families Thames Valley West • 7

Spring is in the air Bluebell walks, Easter egg hunts, lambing days and much more. It’s time to shake off the long Winter and start really enjoying the great outdoors again. Here we provide a guide to some of the best Spring days out in your area.

On the trail There are over 260 Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts this April across National Trust venues.

Whether you're searching for bird boxes with a surprise inside, walking in the footsteps of a Victorian explorer or on a nature trail through lush countryside, you'll have an amazing family adventure.

Look out for the signs of spring as you search for clues and solve puzzles. Many places will be offering games and craft activities, so you can stay for a whole day of fun.

Highclere Castle is running an Easter Egg Trail on Saturday 18 April from 11am3pm. Follow the trail through Highclere’s gardens and woodlands, finding clues en route. At the end, each child will win an Easter Egg! Children are also invited to take part in an Easter Bonnet parade and to enjoy the bouncy castle and other games on the lawns, weather permitting. Tickets needs to be pre-booked online.

The joy of newborn lambs We are very fortunate in our region to have a whole host of places to visit where lambs are the stars of the spring show. One of our favourites is Odds Farm, near Beaconsfield. Daily from 4th to 19th April, there will be plenty of new baby animals to meet, with fluffy lambs, cute chicks, cheeky kid goats and more. You can also prepare to strut and cluck your way to the opening of Chicken World and search high and low in the Egg Hunt and Trail. Enjoy special shows with the Oddsocks Family, get creative with Spring-themed arts, crafts and games and of course don’t forget to bring your wellies for the re-opening of H2Odds Water Play. Also new for 2020, take on the exciting new course at Marmalade’s Mini Rovers. Discover the giant indoor playbarn, award-winning Tearoom and acres of outdoor play. oddsfarm.co.uk In Berkshire, you might be lucky enough to catch lambs being born at Amners Farm in Burghfield and Bucklebury Farm near Reading. Both offer a range of other activities too, including pony rides and a miniature railway at Amners, and a deer safari and pat-a-pet at Bucklebury.

Further afield, Roves Farm, near Swindon, and Finkley Down Farm in Andover are expecting lambs and also boast other activities for children, including indoor play.

The Earth Trust Farm near Abingdon is a working farm with opportunities to meet newborn lambs, piglets and goats. Millers Ark Farm in Hook is holding open days where you can enter every pen and handle the animals. In Gloucestershire, Cotswold Farm Park is worth a trip to meet the flock of ewes, who are due to give birth up until around 19th April, and enjoy talks from the team.

A carpet of blue A woodland carpet of bluebells has to be a highlight of any spring walk. These delicate blooms can be found across Western Europe, but about half of the world’s population is right here in the UK. Explore our local countryside in April or May and you can find them in their thousands – if you know where to look.

The National Trust is one of the most important organisations in the UK for bluebells - a quarter of the Trust's woodland is ancient or semi-natural; the ideal habitats for bluebells to flourish. Wonder at carpets of bluebells at Basildon Park in Berkshire, Greys Court in Oxfordshire and Hughenden and Cliveden in Buckinghamshire.

Other great places to enjoy a sea of blue include: • Rushall Farm, Bradfield. Walks of up to five miles, plus refreshments and activities in the barn and a treasure hunt for kids.

• Pope’s Meadow, Binfield. This 14-acre Green Flag awarded parkland provides a haven for wildlife and has a small wooded copse full of bluebells • Moor Copse, near Reading. Large swathes of tranquil woodland surround a patchwork of meadows and pastures set in the heart of the Pang Valley.

• Warburg Nature Reserve, Henley-on-Thames. In spring, the woodland is awash with spectacular bluebells and wood anemones • Bowdown Woods, near Newbury. Mysterious hidden valleys, sunny glades and patches of heathland – a natural playground to be explored all year round • Fernygrove Farm, Bracknell. The annual bluebell walk through ancient woodlands raises money for charity. The coffee shop is also open for refreshments.

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

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Girls no long passing on football For so long a male domain, football in the Thames Valley is now opening its gates to girls as young as five.

Ellen Hopkins is the Berks & Bucks FA’s Football Development Officer and also coaches girls in West Oxfordshire. “The response in our area has been really positive,” she

Wildcats is for girls between five and 11 years and aims to encourage youngsters to take a first step into football. The sessions provide a safe environment for girls to have fun, make new friends, develop fundamental skills and create foundations for a lifelong love of sport.

Participating clubs receive a £900 grant over two years to help them train (and sometimes pay) coaches.

They also receive balls, bibs and a variety of other support materials.

Shinfield Rangers, which has used it as a launch pad to get some 30 girls into football. Abingdon Youth Football Club was in at the beginning of Wildcats in 2017 and now has five girls’ teams. Other successful centres include those at Park House School in Newbury and at nearby Cold Ash. While some centres offer Wildcats sessions for free, others may need

to make a small £2 or £3 charge to cover higher running costs. Most welcome girls for an initial try out session and urge them to bring along a friend to share the fun.

Sessions take place on a weekly basis, either after school or at weekends.

To find your nearest centre please visit berks-bucksfa.com/wildcats.

The Look Out Discovery Centre

Local clubs who have made a success of the scheme include

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

Valid until 12/07/20 *Terms and conditions apply.

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

A great family day out whatever the weather!

Be Amazed...

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

Tel: 01344 354400

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OPEN

10am - 5pm every day

FAMTVWMAR20

Across the UK as a whole, there are now some 1,250 Wildcats centres, a figure that has grown quickly as a direct result of the success of the England Lionesses in last summer’s Women’s World Cup. By June last year, 2.6 million women in England said they were playing football.

says. “Parents are saying that daughters who would never previously have played football are loving it and that their social confidence has grown as a result.”

FAMTVWMAR20

T

he local impetus is coming from the Berks and Bucks FA’s Wildcats programme, which in 2019 ran sessions through no fewer than 45 centres. This year, it expects to increase that to between 55 and 60 as more clubs take up the grants and support now available to help them.

www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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

Families Thames Valley West • 9

Education news Crosfields School offers a broad and exciting curriculum, enhanced by specialist teaching

by Jennifer Bishop, Marketing Manager

Why you should consider an independent education for your child

C

hoosing a nursery or school for your child can often be a daunting task, particularly if the state school of your choice is oversubscribed or your address doesn’t fall within their catchment area.

Bridging that gap and taking many of the worries away are independent schools. Often referred to as private schools, an independent school is not financed by the state but instead by fees paid by parents, and in the main is overseen by a board of governors or trustees.

Crosfields is an independent day school on the outskirts of Reading, within easy travelling distance of Reading, Wokingham and surrounding villages. Offering a varied and thorough education for both girls and boys from the age of three, Crosfields pupils move seamlessly from Early Years (Nursery and Reception) through to the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. Small class sizes throughout ensure that our expert team of teachers really get to know and understand your child.

Crosfields follows the Early Years Foundation Stage for children in Nursery and Reception, and children can join the Crosfields Nursery in

the September after their third birthday. They are taught by qualified teachers from day one, giving them an excellent opportunity to advance their learning and understanding of the world. What’s more, the school is set within 40 acres of wood and parkland and enjoys purpose-built facilities for each age group. The Nursery has a large open plan space for children to explore, satisfy their curiosities, and most importantly, learn.

Alongside two large, well-equipped classrooms, the children enjoy the use of a landscaped garden, mud kitchen, wooden play equipment and, coming later this year, a mini all-weather pitch.

In Reception, the children embark upon a more structured academic programme for literacy and mathematical development but none of the exploration or creativity encouraged in Nursery is lost. Our children are confident, engaged and self-motivated as our staff recognise and build upon each child’s existing understanding and experiences. Each class is taught by a qualified Reception teacher, who in turn is supported by experienced Teaching Assistants. Children regularly use the indoor

creative area for activities such as role-play, water play, art, wood-working and junk modelling. Outside, there are sandpits, construction areas, a mud kitchen, trikes and a wooden climbing frame. Children have independent access to all of these resources and can select their activities during childinitiated time in the afternoons where we nurture their creativity and imagination.

In addition to outstanding facilities, there are many more advantages of independent schooling. Here at Crosfields, we focus on educating the whole child and preparing them for the rigours of life outside and beyond the classroom. Our recent ISI inspection outcome was ‘excellent’ and the inspectors remarked that, “Academic attainment is in advance of that expected at the relevant levels of age and stage of development.” By offering a broad programme of study that includes, amongst other things, timetabled swimming lessons, outdoor learning opportunities at our Forest School sites and specialist dance, games and music lessons for all children from Nursery age, Crosfields pupils leave school confident and equipped with skills for life.

St Mary’s recognised for its tolerance St Mary’s Preparatory School in Henley on Thames has been recognised by a national charity for its work in creating an atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

The Stonewall School Champion Awards allow schools based in England to effectively benchmark their progress and give direction to their ongoing work in tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and celebrating diversity.

Rob Harmer, Headmaster, said: “I am enormously proud to receive this award in recognition of the work that the team at St Mary’s has done in this important area.

Respect for all is one of our key values. We are committed to tackling and preventing bullying of any sort, and encouraging an atmosphere of tolerance amongst all our pupils.”

Recent changes in the school have included the introduction of gender neutral locker rooms and toilets, a more inclusive uniform choice, an expansion of the books available in the school library to show different types of families, and updating the anti-bullying policy including a pupil-friendly version.

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

familiesonline.co.uk

SPRING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAYS BRACKNELL AND ASCOT

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

OXFORDSHIRE

MOULSFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent boys day & boarding school 4-13yrs) 01491 651 438, moulsford.com Fri 15 May, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm.

SHIPLAKE COLLEGE (independent boarding and day school for boys 1118 and girls 16-18) 0118 940 2455, shiplake.org.uk Whole school: Sat 21 Mar, 9am-12pm THE ORATORY PREPARATORY SCHOOL (independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2-13), 0118 976 6924, oratoryprep.co.uk Open morning: Sat 29 Feb

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THE ORATORY SCHOOL (independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 11-18), 01491 683 500, oratory.co.uk Whole school open morning: Sat 29 Feb CRANFORD HOUSE (a non-selective independent day school for girls aged 3 to 16 and boys aged 3 to 11) 01491 651218 cranfordhouse.net Whole school open week: 20-24 April.

READING

THE ABBEY (independent day school for girls aged 3-18), Junior School 0118 931 3111, Senior School 0118 987 2256, theabbey.co.uk Junior School open morning: Fri 6 Mar, 9.15-11am Senior School open morning: Fri 13 Mar, 9.15-11am LEIGHTON PARK SCHOOL (independent co-ed day and boarding 11-18yrs), 0118 987 9608, leightonpark.com Open morning: Tues 10 Mar, from 9.15am ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (independent co-ed day school 3-18yrs), 0118 966 1000, sjcr.org.uk Early Years and Senior open mornings: Mon 16 Mar

QUEEN ANNE’S CAVERSHAM (independent girls day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 918 7300, qas.org.uk Open morning: Fri 6 Mar, 9.30am DOLPHIN SCHOOL (independent day school and nursery for boys and girls 3-13 years) 0118 934 1277 dolphinschool.com Open mornings: Fri 28 Feb and Fri 1 May, 9am.

SOUTH OF READING

CROSFIELDS SCHOOL (independent co-ed day school 3-13yrs), 0118 987 1810, crosfields.com Early Years open morning: Fri 28 Feb, 9am Nursery Stay and Play: Wed 18 Mar 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 29 Feb, 10am

WEST BERKSHIRE

PANGBOURNE COLLEGE (independent co-ed day and boarding school 1118yrs), 0118 984 2101, pangbourne.com Open morning: Sat 25 Apr HORRIS HILL, Newbury (boarding and day preparatory school for boys 4-13 years) 01635 40594 horrishill.com.

Open mornings: Fri 28 Feb and Sat 14 Mar

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

ST ANDREWS PANGBOURNE (independent co-ed day & boarding school 3-13yrs), 0118 974 4726, standrewspangbourne.co.uk Fri 15 May, 9am.

DOWNE HOUSE (independent day and boarding school for girls), 01635 200286, downehouse.net Open mornings: Sat 25 Apr and Sat 13 Jun

WOKINGHAM

REDDAM HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day & boarding school 3-18yrs), 0118 974 8300, reddamhouse.org.uk Open house: Fri 6 Mar, 9-11am Reception 2020 open morning: Sat 7 Mar, 9.30-11am WAVERLEY SCHOOL (independent prep school and day nursery for boys and girls 3 months -11yrs), 0118 973 1121, waverleyschool.co.uk Open morning: Fri 15 May, 9.3011.30am. To register, please email admissions@waverleyschool.co.uk LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL (independent co-ed day & boarding school 11-18yrs), 0118 978 4175, luckleyhouseschool.org Open evening: Thurs 4 Jun. Please ring the school to check the open event is still going ahead.

Families Thames Valley West • 11

How much of your children’s learning is done outdoors? In an age when so much of a child’s time is spent in a safe and sedentary indoor world with technology doing the stimulating, it is an important question.

R

esearch by the Wildlife Trusts has shown that learning outdoors for just one lesson a week boosts learning and behaviour in primary school children. The study found that children’s wellbeing increased after they had spent time connecting with nature and that they gained educational benefits as well as wider personal and social ones.

The learning opportunities are immense but ‘going wild’ also helps kids to build healthy minds and bodies, form better relationships, grow confidence and generally feel the joy of life. Our own trawl of schools across the Families Thames Valley West area shows that there is now wide recognition of the need to ‘wrap up and get on with it’ in any weather in order to secure some far-reaching benefits.

The Oratory Preparatory School at Goring Heath has 64 acres of outdoor space with two distinct sites for its Forest School. Quite apart from woodland, there is a pond for dipping and a fire circle for cooking things like hot dogs and toasting marshmallows. While the excitement for early years’ pupils includes orienteering, older

children have been learning knife skills and tent building.

Forest School leaders Lizzie Johnston and Jo Jones are emphatic that the secret of success lies in integrating what the children do outdoors with what they learn indoors. “Our school offers so much academically and outside the regular curriculum,” says Lizzie.

“We are a key part of a holistic approach that complements all of that.”

Wrap up

Jo adds: “Society has changed so much and there is a danger that with all the intensity of modern learning, children miss out on play and freedom. Forest School is an opportunity to develop wellrounded young people with a healthy mindset who are confident and happy to go on into the world.”

offer a big endorsement. “It’s great to be able to interact with your friends while also learning life skills,” she says.

Amongst the best moments was a three-year-old child who had never spoken during the school day but suddenly came out with a sentence triggered by the excitement of bug hunting and, from that day, talked in class.

Forest School has filtered up through the school with the result that Year 8s like Bonnie McLaughlin

St Andrew’s Preparatory School at Pangbourne has changed the whole focus of its renamed Woodlands Nursery to capitalise on its extensive grounds. Parents are warned when they sign up that their children won’t necessarily come home clean. Dirty knees are the norm after a day at school that may have included climbing a

Forest school develops well-rounded youngsters at The Oratory Preparatory School

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

‘mountain’ of dirt, balancing on logs and swinging from branches.

Whatever the weather, each day for nursery starts with going into the grounds where staff follow the children’s lead. As they walk, it’s the pupils who decide what they will do. If, for example, it involves gathering leaves, the staff will mold that around numeracy, art or whatever subject they are pursuing.

A flood in the car park means jumping in puddles (which they count) and then making a movie about it.

Every day starts outdoors at St Andrew’s nursery

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Outdoor Learning At Downe House School at Cold Ash near Newbury, staff and pupils have long enjoyed the benefits of education in an outdoor setting given the location of the campus on a beautiful 110-acre woodland estate on the edge of the Berkshire Downs. With numerous opportunities to get outdoors and take learning out of the classroom, pupils have been able to develop a genuine appreciation of their surroundings and their interaction with the environment has now taken on a campaigning approach through an Eco Committee. With input right across the 11 to 18 age group, the aim is to ensure that the school takes action on climate change.

and learn Children at St Andrew’s build confidence in the big outdoors

Head of Pre-Prep, Fiona Armstrong, says that outdoor learning boosts physical development as well as communication and personal / social skills. “Our teachers are teaching in the moment and using the outdoor experiences to consolidate learning,” she says. “It’s an approach that builds the children’s confidence to try things for themselves, take risks and build resilience. We want our children to be curious, independent learners,

Teacher Rachel Phillips-Morgan has taken responsibility for coordination of environmental awareness. “With the work of David Attenborough and the activism of Greta Thunberg gaining the attention of the media and legislators, it’s hard to ignore our

individual responsibilities towards the environment, and it’s a great opportunity for Downe House to reflect on its position and what it’s doing to address the issues,” she says.

Working with a seven-step programme that will take them towards an Eco School Green Flag, pupils have established a committee with one representative from each year group. An environmental audit of current practices in the school is looking at subjects such as biodiversity, energy, litter, water and healthy living with a view to implementing an action programme.

“It’s a process that helps students develop compassion and gratitude for their surroundings, and equips them with greater knowledge of environmental matters,” says Rachel. “They also feel empowered by taking part in decisions that help make a positive difference in their community.”

who work collaboratively and have the resilience to have a go.”

The pre-prep approach follows through into reception classes and then years 1 and 2 with more focused Forest School sessions.

Real tools like hammers and nails, rakes and pruning shears come into play so that children can start to learn specific skills through activities like making dens. Lighting fires with flints links into cooking and maintaining a fire while staying safe.

Lots of outdoor opportunities at Downe House

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

Families Thames Valley West • 13

Treating every child as an individual Childcare providers must ensure that every child at their setting is included and supported, regardless of ethnic background, culture, language, gender, socioeconomic background or disability.

At Jubilee Gems nursery in Padworth, Berkshire, all children are welcomed and included, respected and listened to. The nursery team promote positive attitudes to diversity and differences in children, valuing the contribution and achievement of all.

Focus is placed on the child’s individual interests and needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Practitioners at the nursery follow these principles: • Include and support every child • Ensure every child can participate in activities • Provide resources that reflect the background of each child • Accurately track and observe to create next steps • Follow individual interests and use these to promote development • Do not give children labels • Ensure children feel happy and secure to develop • Treat all children and their families equally and with respect • Remember any development is a great step forward for every child.

Treating every child as a unique individual helps to develop their personalities, talents and abilities. It also makes the child responsible for their own actions and encourages independence.

Sian Caine, manager at Jubilee Gems, says: “Our nursery offers a caring, safe learning environment where your child will be happy, nurtured and encouraged to develop and achieve their potential. We believe every child is unique with his or her own preferences and distinctive experiences that make them the child they are today and shapes the person they will become.”

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

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littlelearnersuk.com 07474 368173 facebook.com/LLReading

Learn to write through play with exciting mark-making and messy play classes. Fun and engaging one-hour sessions for 0-5s.

Mon, Thurs and Fri classes in Reading and Caversham, special events and birthday parties.

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Families Thames Valley West • 15

Motivating good behaviour: what’s the secret?

By Gabrielle Nash

If you’re lucky enough to find bedtime a breeze, or have a co-operative child who eats all their vegetables, then you are indeed one of the fortunate and few. If you regularly find yourself battling bath times and lack of fruit intake, and gentle (and not so gentle) admonishment of your child just doesn’t work, then it might be worth introducing a system to motivate good behaviour.

Reward-based systems like sticker charts are popular and effective tools because they’re positive. “It’s a straightforward concept” explains Dr Sarah Rose, a child psychologist at Staffordshire University.

“Children learn through association, so if a behaviour is associated with something nice happening, they will be more likely to repeat that behaviour in future.”

However, every child is wired differently, so it’s important you think carefully about exactly what motivates your child. Reward charts can work well, as can marbles in a jar (or pasta in a pot). The idea here is that your child earns marbles for completing a task or behaviour. Once the jar / pot is full, they earn an activity or treat.

Your child’s age is also a factor. For toddlers, a reward chart during potty training is great. A simple concept like “do a wee in the potty and you can have a sticker” is easy to understand. But anything more complicated and a toddler will struggle because they don’t fully understand the idea of consequence yet.

Once you’re using a reward chart, it’s important to be reliable and consistent. Ideally, you’d like your child to simply wish to behave well without needing the chart as motivation; the best way to encourage this is to combine the reward with plenty of praise.

Top tips for making reward systems work Keep it specific. Pick a few areas that need work and make sure you explain to your child why they’re important.

For example, if your child struggles to go to bed without a fuss, try a reward chart for good behaviour at bedtime. Explain what that means for you (e.g. stay in bed) and why it’s important (e.g. if you don’t get plenty of rest, you won’t have the energy for more fun tomorrow).

Be clear about your expectations. For example, if your child consistently behaves badly in public, on your next outing make it clear what the boundaries are for their behaviour: “I would like you to walk nicely on the pavement with me” or “I would like you to sit and read with me while we wait at the doctors.”

Consider what it is reasonable to ask of them. This will be dependent on age, personality and energy levels. A tired child is considerably less cooperative.

Praise is essential. A child who feels good when praised is encouraged to develop a desire to be ‘intrinsically’ well behaved and need rewards less.

Focus on effort when giving praise. Be immediate and be generous, combining

your words with eye contact and a cuddle.

Whenever discussing your child’s good behaviour, never confuse them by also introducing a criticism or caveat.

So what about the bad behaviour? A child learns to repeat an action that gets the desired effect: attention from a parent. It could be that your child is behaving badly because they feel they need more of your time, so giving them plenty of attention when they are behaving well may alleviate negative behavior. The once popular options of using either a ‘naughty step’ or a ‘time-out’ are no longer well thought of because they are based on punishment.

When used judiciously, however, what those methods can still offer is an opportunity for both parent and child to calm down before tantrums or tempers explode.

Finally, while motivating your child to behave well is important, children do need to be able to make mistakes without negative consequence. So if your child slips up now and then, gently point this out and encourage them to try again. Remember all children learn by observation too. So model good behaviour towards them and others whenever you can.

Follow Gaby @thelondonishmum If you’re keen to use a Reward Chart, try using the Families colour-in animal chart opposite.

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

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Day 1

Day 1

Day 1

Name:

Day 2

Day 2

Day 2

Day 3

Day 3

Day 3

Competition T&Cs at www.bit.ly/37LNg7w

Reward

Reward

Email info@familiesmagazine.co.uk for extra copies of the chart!

Day 4

Day 4

Day 4

Reward

How to Enter: Email an image of your child’s completed chart to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your child’s name, age, your postcode and up to 50 words from you or your child explaining how the chart has helped them achieve their targets. You have until 30 June 2020 to enter.

WIN Family Tickets for a day at a UK Zoo or Wildlife Park of your choice!

Tickets are valid for two adults and two children.

e R eal A n i ma l s ! h t t i Vis

When I have coloured in all my animals, we can enter the competition to go to the zoo!

I will...

I will...

I will...

STEP 2

STEP 3

Tell your Fill in daily child when to Explain behaviour rewards your colour in the targets animals! child will receive

STEP 1

The Grrreat Colour-In Reward Chart

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 Developmental classes

Shichida UK 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

Master Builders Club Brick Building Workshops for Children Master Builders Club is a LEGO® lover's paradise!

Our weekend and holiday workshops, after school clubs, birthday parties and nursery/primary school events are designed to provide children with an exciting and captivating experience.

Our fun workshops start with a short story which our Master Builders “bring to life” through the LEGO® models they build. We provide 1000’s of LEGO® bricks in a calm and supportive environment along with the imaginative stimulus to transform a room into a world of creativity. 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 our events then please go to: masterbuildersclub.co.uk

a unique and exciting mark-making class, designed to help babies, toddlers and preschoolers learn to write through play.

Fun and engaging one-hour sessions develop pre-writing motor skills, as well physical and social skills. Each session includes messy play, paint, play dough, sand, scribbling, movement and dance – all in a safe environment.

Term-time sessions run in Reading and Caversham on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and there are also special events in the school holidays.

Little Learners also offers birthday parties. More info at littlelearnersuk.com or call Jalpa on 07474 368173.

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 GSCE 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

Gym, sport and swimming 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

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

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 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 pre-competitive 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

baby and toddler swimming lessons in Reading and Wokingham. The programme is gentle and progressive, offering a fantastic opportunity for some special bonding time with your little one.

Classes are baby-led, focus on the health and wellbeing of babies and children alike, and use songs and nursery rhymes to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Contact littleturtle@turtletots.com or 07810 864810

Arts, crafts & cookery

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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Music & dance

Clubs and classes directory Drama & theatre arts

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 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

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.

Wednesdays in Curridge 9.30-10.15am, and Thursdays @ Cobbs Play Barn 9.30-10.15am.

To book: 07774264607 imaginemore.io

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

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

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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 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, co-ordination, 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 Street Feet Dance® - helps children aged 3-11 to get dramatically more confident through Street Dance in Reading. Book a 2 week free trial in Caversham, Tilehurst, Woodley or Woosehill now at streetfeetdance.co.uk and discover how we have helped over 1,000 children raise their self-esteem and develop their self-belief through dance.

Starmaker Stage School – a Saturday stage school based in Woodley that offers drama, dance and singing tuition, allowing younger children to explore their creative side without pressure. The experience of performance aids with public speaking, presentation skills and selfdiscipline. Saturday sessions run from 9.3011.45am (Mini Stars for 4-6 years) and 11.45am-3pm (Young Stars for 7-12 years). To book a free trial, please email Sue at stageschool@starmaker.org.uk and quote this advert.

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

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 weekly drama, dance and singing classes – confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially developed to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Go to perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class.

Venues: Reading, Wokingham, Goring, Newbury, Crowthorne and Twyford 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

Award-winning after-school drama classes for kids who love to ACT! Burghfield, Tilehurst, Lower Earley, Mortimer and Wokingham.

High-energy classes mean that students never get bored, can't wait to get to class and develop confidence, creativity and focus. Free trial class and a Pay-As-You-Go option for infants.

Ages 5+.

Full listing of available classes, prices and venues at: https://stageability.class4kids.co.uk Come and join the fun!

E: jackie@berkshire.stageability.co.uk M: 07721 565898 T: 0118 933 3791

To advertise here please call 07968 711937 Families Thames Valley West • 19

Clubs and classes news Birthday gift for Wokingham nurseries BilinguaSing Wokingham is celebrating its fifth birthday by offering free sessions to local nurseries. The award-winning providers of children’s Spanish and French classes is seeking nominations for the five nurseries or preschools in the Wokingham area that will receive a free demonstration.

“I’m incredibly proud of how far my business has come”, says owner Kate Sleeman. “It shows that there are many other parents who are as passionate as I am about introducing their children to foreign languages as early on in life as possible. In the current climate, I think it’s more important than ever that we’re raising our children to be appreciative of other cultures and communities.”

To nominate an early years setting for a free language class, just contact Kate@bilinguasing.com with the details.

Invisible goodness wrapped up in fun Perform founder, Lucy Quick, tells us more.

Perform classes are a bit like a pasta sauce that’s filled with hidden vegetables: kids think it’s really tasty and don’t realise that it’s full of healthy nutrition. I see our classes like this – invisible goodness wrapped up in an hour of games, role-play, dance routines and songs. The children think they’re enjoying an hour of fun but they’re also being equipped with essential confidence-building social skills.

We all want our children to be happy, feel confident enough to try new things and interact well with others. Taking part in regular drama activities encourages confident and fluent speaking, boosts reading and writing abilities and enhances coordination and spatial awareness. Rescuing a mermaid from a pirate ship might seem like just imaginative improvisation for 6-year olds, but it's teaching problem-solving and teamwork too.

Early drama, dance and singing lessons changed my life and helped shape my vision for Perform – to deliver classes with a specific focus on developing a child’s confidence and social skills – not to create just another drama school.

Try a FREE no-obligation drama class in Reading, Wokingham, Goring, Newbury, Crowthorne and Twyford. Visit perform.org.uk/try to book.

Babies welcomed by GR Swimming GR Swimming school, which offers high standard lessons to children from three years old, has just announced that it will be launching parent and baby classes. The successful Berkshire-based swim academy will be opening up its doors to babies from six weeks old from late April. There will be four classes per week, which will be taught at venues in Calcot and Brockhurst. Over 300 children per week currently receive tuition, including through a rookie lifeguard course and holiday crash courses.

Owner, Jo Lay, says: “This is a hugely exciting venture for us. We have had so many requests to widen our lessons to babies, toddlers and their parents. We think that our formula works really well – small class sizes, friendly and well qualified instructors, and lovely locations where our swimmers feel at ease. We can’t wait to offer that more widely, and to instil vital water confidence and swimming skills in children right from the start.

Baby and toddler swimming helps early development of basic core skills in all areas of their lives.”

For more details and to book onto the new parent and baby classes, please contact jo@swimlessons.co.uk

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

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PICTURE CROSSWORD Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword?

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Registrations now being taken for entry in to Nursery and Reception September 2020

“Academic attainment is in advance of that expected at the relevant levels of age and stage of development.“ ISI INSPECTION - SEPTEMBER 2019

FAMILIES INTERESTED IN JOINING NURSERY AND RECEPTION ARE WARMLY INVITED TO ATTEND OUR NEXT

EARLY YEARS OPEN MORNING ON FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2020 Nursery Stay and Play on Wednesday 18th March

WWW.CROSFIELDS.COM or call our Registrar on (0118) 987 9902.

CROSFIELDS SCHOOL, SHINFIELD ROAD, READING, RG2 9BL.

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

Families Thames Valley West • 21

Divine date night

Celebrating its fifth decade of service and over 17 years of retaining a Michelin star, L’Ortolan continues to be a beacon of Berkshire’s fine dining restaurant scene. The Reading restaurant offers a luxurious and timeless style and impeccable attention to detail in its dishes and service.

Families magazine had the chance to visit Reading’s only Michelin-starred restaurant and it certainly lived up to its enviable reputation. A cocktail in the bar – the French martini was a hit – was followed by a sumptuous five-course tasting menu. Each dish looked like a work of art and tasted even better, with carefully thought through, seasonal ingredients that created a treat for our tastebuds. We particularly enjoyed the restaurant’s signature dishes, which included Goose (goose liver parfait, coconut and mango), Salmon (confit with beetroot and horseradish) and Halibut (poached with orange and nasturtium). The staff were very knowledgeable and welcoming, and catered happily for my pescatarian diet.

The wine list was extensive so say the least, so we were relieved to hand the responsibility to the sommelier for choosing the perfect Cotes du Rhone to complement our meal.

Children over the age of three are welcomed, although I’m not sure my toddler would appreciate the fine dining experience! It’s the perfect venue for an adult-only treat or to celebrate a special occasion – date nights don’t come any better! If you’re feeling especially indulgent, you could splash out on the ‘The Kitchen Table’ dining concept, offering 2-4 diners seated at the heart of the stove with a personal chef preparing, cooking and serving eight courses. Or the Chef’s Table sees you seated right by the pass, in full view of the final plating and flourishes of dishes.

Next on our wishlist is an exclusive cookery experience, led by Head Chef Tom Clarke and his team, where you learn to produce Michelin-star quality dishes. Participants learn the tricks of the trade to perfect their cookery

skills at home from a selection of masterclasses.

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

Rookie Lifeguard Course now on!

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The plastic-free lunchbox guide

By Katie Tyndale The pressure of trying to juggle hectic work and family lives makes it easy to understand why we often send our kids off to school with a lunchbox full of unrecyclable plastic. Buying multi-packs of snacks or prepackaged fruit and veg makes it cheaper and quicker to organise and prepare their lunches, particularly if you have more than one child.

B

ut five packed lunches a week, for thirty nine weeks each year makes for a lot of rubbish that will end up in landfill.

whatever it is your kids like to eat.

Look for those that are machine washable and have waterproof liners!

So, what products have a more positive impact on our environment? Let’s look at the plastic-free swaps we can make.

Ditch the disposables If they take salads, pasta, yoghurts or something else that requires cutlery, don’t use nonbiodegradable disposable knives, forks and spoons. Stock up on bamboo cutlery: it’s light weight and durable, and can be composted when it’s past its best.

Individual juice cartons fit neatly into lunchboxes but will usually then get thrown straight into the lunchroom bin (even if they don’t, many councils don’t recycle them) and one-use bottles of water and squash only add to the plastic problem. Send your children to school with a reusable stainless steel bottle with matching straw; or you can find straws made from bamboo or silicone.

Eco-storage Firstly, there are plenty of substitutions for the lunchbox itself. Bamboo and stainless steel containers are practical and hygienic and are made without any harsh chemicals. If you like to ensure your kids get something hot on chilly days, then pack lunch in an organic canvas lunch bag, insulated with wool, to keep food warm until they’re ready to eat.

Wrap it up Next, throw out the cling film, silver foil and plastic bags and keep sandwiches fresh in compostable baking paper or beeswax wraps.

These wraps seal around your food using the heat of your hands and can be washed and used multiple times; their lifespan is usually around a year. They come in different sizes, are anti-bacterial and water resistant, and can be composted once you’ve finished using them.

Reusable sandwich wraps or cotton bags are also handy for carrying food in. Again, they come in a variety of sizes, so there’ll definitely be one that’s suitable for

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multiple servings, and decant portions from it instead?

If you’re lucky enough to have a local plastic-free shop then it’s well worth dropping in. Take your own containers along and fill up with snacks like dried apricots, banana chips, apple rings and even crisps, leaving nothing to throw away at all!

Clean and tidy With easy-closing storage boxes, bags and wraps, everything can be packed neatly away after your child has finished eating. No messy wrappers roaming free, covering everything else in leftover food, or drink cartons leaking everywhere.

It might be tempting to pop a packet of wipes in with their lunch, so they can clean their hands and faces once they’re done but most come in plastic packaging, and even the ones that are marketed as biodegradable hang around for a lot longer than is ideal. How about trying out some bamboo paper towels, or cotton napkins? Both can be washed and used repeatedly.

Armed with the above knowledge it’s easy to make your child’s lunch box both yummy and plastic-free, so send them to school knowing you’ve done your bit to help our planet while they munch!

Katie Tyndale is the founder and owner of Bee Green Wraps and Let’s Go Plastic Free. She’s on a mission to remove single-use plastics from the planet and replace them with stylish, practical and eco-friendly products suitable for your whole family. For more information, visit beegreenwraps.co.uk and letsgoplasticfree.co.uk

Pick your own It can be tricky to find snacks in supermarkets that aren’t prewrapped: cheese sticks, oat bars and dried fruit generally come in some kind of plastic, much of which is non-recyclable. The answer could be to make your own.

Cut cheese into lengths from a bigger block and batch-bake flapjacks or muffins, all of which can be stored without plastic. And rather than individual yoghurts, why not buy a big pot, containing

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

Families Thames Valley West • 23

MORE

What’s On Mar/Apr 2020

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

NATIONAL TRUST

4-19 Apr CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT £3

BASILDON PARK, Lower Basildon,

NUFFIELD PLACE, Near Henley-on-

RG8 9NR, 0118 984 3040 Mar & Apr BLUEBELLS The parkland at Basildon Park gets a new lease of life as delicate bluebells burst through the ground, creating great family photo opportunities.

19 & 20 Apr RANGER WALK: BASILDON BLOOMS Join Leo and his team to discover the rare and surprising blooms that pop up at Basildon Park, including cowslips and bluebells. 1pm. £3 B online 4-19 Apr CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT £3

Thames. RG9 5RY, 01491 642857 2 Mar GRAND REOPENING OF NUFFIELD PLACE Come along and celebrate alongside the team as Nuffield Place reopens for the 2020 season.

Mar & Apr BLUEBELLS See beautiful woodland bluebells in full bloom this spring. Wheelchair and buggy accessible footpaths.

GREYS COURT, nr Henley-onThames. RG9 4PG, 01491 628529 Mar & Apr SPRING BULBS Watch Greys Court spring to life with vibrant colours and scents.

See thousands of daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops carpeting the walled garden and wider parkland.

7-8 Mar WORLD BOOK DAY Head to the shop and find the book-themed children’s trail, with select children’s books on sale for £1.

Late Apr BLUEBELLS Spinney Wood fills with a vibrant carpet of purple flowers, a real sight to be seen in late spring at Greys Court.

HUGHENDEN, nr High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, 01494 755573 6-8 Mar WORLD BOOK DAY WEEKEND Join special storytelling sessions in the gardens and the house and take on the little bookworm trail.

11am-3pm 4-19 Apr CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT 10am-4pm. £3 THE VYNE, Near Basingstoke,

RG24 9HL, 01256 883858 Daily Mar-Apr BLUEBELLS 10am-5pm. Immerse yourself in a haze of blue through Morgaston Woods. Help protect this flower by keeping to the main paths.

2 Mar-31 May FAMILY TRAIL: WHAT’S THE STORY? Look for Victorian adventure stories hidden in the house.

12-4pm

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

2 Mar-31 May A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RANGER RABBIT Come and learn how to look after natural habitats with Ranger Rabbit.

10am-5pm 4-19 Apr CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT 10am-4pm. £3

ONGOING EVENTS THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell,

Berkshire, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 4000, bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscover ycentre There are over 90 hands-on science activities for children of all ages to enjoy at The Look Out Discovery Centre. New exhibits include Watch Water Freeze and Pipes of Pan – come and try out your musical talents. You can also 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.

Special shows (see below) run at weekends and in Bracknell school holidays.

Until 15 Mar FEEL THE FORCE SHOW! Push, pull, squeeze and jump. Find out all about the forces around you in this fun interactive workshop style show.

28 Mar – 10 May YUCKY YOU SHOW! Find out all about your body and the amazingly yucky things it does to protect you!

Monthly STORYTIME, Newbury Library, The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AU Stories and colouring fun for under 4s, first Friday of every month, 1111.45am. This is a FREE event, just drop in.

Weekly TAYLOR TUGS UNDER 5S CLUB, River & Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames Wednesdays, term time, 1011.30am 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 IMAGINE MORE, various locations in West Berkshire, imaginemore.io Storytelling & drama, and music & movement classes for under 5s.

Classes run on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Curridge and Hungerford. To book:

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07774264607. NEW Thursdays after school at Cobbs Play Barn, Hungerford, from 4pm-5pm. Free play and interactive storytelling. £6 per child, £4 per sibling. 15% discount when you book the full term. Add a snack pack for £3.50 (sandwich, fruit and drink carton).

Classes run term time only.

Booking essential: 0148686770.

Weekly FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS, The Museum of English Rural Life, 6 Redlands Rd, Reading RG1 5EX, merl.reading.ac.uk Craft, stories and activities in the MERL garden. Every Friday from 10-11.30am. Drop-in, £4 (includes drink and snack).

Weekly TALES FOR TOTS, Reading Museum, Blagrave St, Reading RG1 1QH, readingmuseum.org.uk Story time insired by museum objects. Every Wednesday, 10.3011.30am. Drop-in, free.

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 11-11.30am Monthly NATURE EXPLORERS at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3FU,

01635 874 381, bbowt.org.uk On the third Saturday of every month, 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.

Booking 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 BABY-WEARING BOOGIE, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com A great way to be active and have fun with your little one. Time to boogie with your baby in this fun and gentle movement class for parents/carers of babies or toddlers who can be carried in a sling, baby carrier or wrap. £4 per session.

9.45am - 10.15am.

Daily EVERY DAY IS BOUNCE & RHYME IN THE LIBRARY, Bracknell Forest Libraries Monday, Crowthorne at 9.30am;

What’s On Mar/Apr 2020 Tuesday, Crowthorne at 2pm; Wednesday, Whitegrove at 10am; Thursday, Binfield at 9.30am and Bracknell at 10am; Friday, Sandhurst at 9.30am. 50p per child Various dates MASTER BUILDERS CLUB BRICK BUILDING WORKSHOPS, masterbuildersclub.co.uk Does your child love building with LEGO®? Then Master Builders Club is the place to go.

Why not drop them off for a twohour workshop with LEGO® brick building challenges and a different theme each holiday. At the end of the session, the children can show you the models they have built and are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect. Suitable for ages 5-11, £15. To book, visit masterbuildersclub.co.uk 7th: Storton Lodge, Goring 9.3011.30am & Sonning Common Village Hall 2.30-4.30pm 8th: Caversham 9.30-11.30am & Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Henley 2.30-4.30pm 14th: Shinfield 9.30-11.30am & Sonning Common Village Hall 2.30-4.30pm 15th: Woodcote Village Hall 9.3011.30am and Dorchester Village Hall 2.30-4.30pm

MARCH Throughout Mar - 26 Apr WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 55, The Base Gallery, Greenham Business Park, RG19 6HN, thebasegreenham.co.uk The Natural History Museum’s remarkable collection of wildlife photography from around the world comes to The Base as part of its extensive tour. Families are welcome to enjoy the exhibition at any time but there is also a Parent and Baby Day (11 Mar) and a Relaxed Day (8 Apr), where there will be reduced numbers admitted into the gallery and extra staff will be on hand to offer support to those with additional needs. Open Wed – Sun plus Easter Monday.

Advance tickets £9 (£7.50 concs, £6 under-16s, £7 groups of 10+, under-5s free). On the door tickets £10.50 (£9 concs, £6 under-16s, under-5s free).

1 and 29 Mar BRILLIANT BEINGS, FAMILY MINDFULNESS SESSIONS, Wasing Park A lovely playful mixture of yoga, continued on p.26

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

Families Thames Valley West • 25

What’s On Mar/Apr 2020 mindfulness, relaxation and craft for wellbeing. 10.30am - 12noon, for children aged 6-12yrs and their adult/s.

5 Mar WORLD BOOK DAY 2020, Bracknell Forest Libraries Harmans Water Library – dressing up competition, crafts and activities 3.30-4.30pm, £1.20 each, no booking required. Book Swap at Bracknell Library – bring a book and take home a book. Bracknell Library also has a free Literary Treasure Hunt for children with prizes, and Crowthorne and Sandhurst Libraries have Book Hunts with prizes.

7 Mar IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO ENJOY SCIENCE!, Bracknell Forest Libraries STEM activities and experiments for British Science Week. Bracknell Library has Science taster sessions: Science Storytime for children up to 5 years old (10am-10.45am, £1.50 per child) and Science Club for 6-11 year olds (11am-12pm, £2 per child). Book your place at Bracknell Library.

Call 01344 423149 or email Bracknell.Library@bracknellforest.gov.uk British Science Week (6-15 March) also celebrated at Crowthorne and Sandhurst Libraries with fun experiments on all week after school.

7 Mar FRANCIS BAILY STEM FAIR, Skillman Dr, Thatcham RG19 4GG Francis Baily School and the PTA are delighted to bring a fun handson STEM fair to Thatcham, funded by the RSC. Take part in a large number of hands-on experiments with some well-known companies.

Tickets cost £6 per child and accompanying adults are free. Fair activities are suitable for children aged 4-11. Older or younger children are welcome to attend but will need to purchase a ticket to be able to participate. Book tickets online at ticketsource.co.uk/francisbailystem1 2-5pm 9-13 Mar EVENING OPENING FOR GROUPS, The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Groups, such as Brownies or football clubs, are invited to visit from 5-8pm as part of their evening activities.

15 Mar MUM 2 MUM NEARLY NEW MARKET, Park House School, Newbury, RG14 6NQ 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. 2-4pm 21 Mar THE GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK 2020, Beale Park, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NW Join Hearing Dogs for The Great British Dog Walk – a 5km family route or 7.5km scenic route. It’s a great excuse for people of all ages to get out and about and explore a beautiful location while helping to change the lives of deaf people.

Refreshments also available plus dog agility, fun dog shows and games. From 10am. Adults £10 online (or £12 on the day), children free.

23 Mar POP UP PLAY VILLAGE, Chapel Lane, Curridge, RG18 9DX Pirates in Curridge. 10-11.15am.

Ahoy there Matey! Hop on board the pirate ship and sail the seas. But before you do, make sure you stop at the beach shop to get a couple of items for the trip. Grab a bite at the beach café. Have a picnic on the beach and go fishing! Book: 07774 264607 28 Mar ART & STORYTELLING SESSION – TINYSAURUS Squiggle & Dot are joining forces with Imagine More for an exciting and immersive session full of storytelling, music and art – all inspired by the book ‘Tinysaurus’ by Sheryl Webster & Jan Fearnley.

10-11.15am. Chieveley Village Hall.

Age: 2-7 years. £15 (sibling £10).

Book: squiggleanddot.co.uk

APRIL

4-19 Apr SPRING INTO EASTER AT ODDS FARM PARK, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 0LX, oddsfarm.co.uk Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park and prepare to strut and cluck your way to the opening of Chicken World too – new for 2020! With Egg Hunts, Special Shows, Lambing & the re-opening of H2Odds Water Play, you won’t want to miss it!

5 Apr ARTHUR’S DREAM BOAT, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521

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

8218, cornexchangenew.com A magical and enchanting story, presented by Long Nose Puppets, based on the book by Polly Dunbar.

11am & 2pm. Tickets £11 (£9 concs, £31 family ticket). Age guide: 3-9 years 5 Apr SPRING FOOD AND CRAFT FAIR, Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR westberkshireheritage.org/shawhouse The house will be packed full of artisan food, drink and locally produced crafts giving you the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts and treats. Local brewers will be on hand to keep you refreshed outside on the Orangery Lawn where hot food will be also be available. And Miller’s Ark Animals will be back with their spring animals that children can feed and handle! 11am – 4pm. £1 per adult, children under 16 free 6-7 Apr OI FROG AND FRIENDS! LIVE, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com Join Frog, Cat and Dog in this new action-packed adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books. Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at. 2pm & 4.30pm and Tue 7 Apr, 11am & 2pm. Tickets £12.50 (£10 schools and groups of 10+). Age guide: 3+ 6-14 Apr SOUTH HILL PARK EASTER SCHOOL, South Hill Park, Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, RG12 7PA, southhillpark.org.uk Easter School is back, and falling down the rabbit hole with a colourful musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. In just five days, the Easter School performers will learn all of the ensemble numbers, and then join up with the adult cast to perform in the Wilde Theatre. £190, Siblings £180 6-9 and 14-17 Apr APOLLO’S EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB 2020, Mapp Community Centre, Reading Ofsted-registered care for children age 4-12 years– arts and crafts, cooking, sports, off site trips and more. £20 for a full day, or £10 for half day. Concessionary rate available and childcare vouchers

accepted. Contact: 0118 916 8416 or 0118 916 8417, e: apolloyouthclub@gmail.com 7 Apr DIDDY DUCKLINGS, River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF Make a brood of ducklings with thin balsa wood to swim on a collage pond. Learn to dance the wonder waddle and find out how ducks communicate. 10.30am – 12.30pm. 4-7 yrs. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. £8.50. Booking essential: 01491 415600.

8 Apr CROCODILES OF THE WORLD, The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU Come face to face with live crocodiles and caiman. Aussie croc expert Colin, from Britain’s only crocodile zoo, will be at the Nature Discovery Centre to inform and inspire you. A hands’ on experience for the Easter holidays.

Sessions throughout the day, £5 per person. Booking essential: bbowt.org.uk/events 8-9 Apr ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, The Kenton Theatre, 19 New Street, Henleyon-Thames RG9 2BP Join Alice and drop down the rabbit hole to a magical place in Wonderland. Keep your head firmly on your shoulders and stay on the good side of the Queen of Hearts, plus attend a tea party that would make anyone go mad. Get ready for one of the world’s great adventures! Tickets and information at kentontheatre.co.uk or 01491 525050 8 and 15 Apr FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS, Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR westberkshireheritage.org/shawhouse 8 April – brilliant bunnies! Bounce into Spring by decorating a ceramic bunny in cheerful Spring-like colours, using porcelain pens.

15 April – mini-beast mansions.

Decorate a wooden insect or minibeast mansion with Deco pens and then take home and hang up ready for the mini-beasts to visit. Dress for mess. No need to book, just drop in. For 4-11 year olds but younger and older children are welcome. £2. 10am – 3.30pm.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Mar/Apr 2020 8-11 Apr PUSS IN BOOTS – EASTER PANTO, The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Berkshire, Reading, Reading RG1 7UA, readingarts.com/hexagon Starring Suzanne Shaw (Hearsay, Dancing On Ice) and Chris Jarvis (CBEEBIES). From Imagine Theatre, the team that bring you The Hexagon Christmas panto, comes a brand-new Easter show designed for families of all ages. Working with a cast of professional actors and local performers, this production will feature all the usual panto trimmings, stunning scenery and costumes, spectacular song and dance routines and bags of slapstick fun. It’s the purr-fect Easter treat for all the family. Book online or call the box office: 0118 960 6060.

9 Apr PLANTS AND POLLINATORS FAMILY FUN DAY, River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF Welcome in springtime by creating a mobile blooming with paper and felt plants and the insects that help them grow. Encourage nature to thrive on your doorstep by making a seed ball to take home. 7 – 11 yrs. £8.50. 10.30am-12.30pm. Booking essential: 01491 415600.

9 and 17 Apr ROCKIN’ ROMANS DAYS, West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5AS 9 Apr: make your own Roman oil lamp out of air-drying clay and using modelling tools to shape and decorate it. 17 Apr: make a face out of air-drying clay using a replica Roman face jug as inspiration. For both activities, please dress for mess, although disposable aprons will be available. 10am-3pm. £2 per child. For 4-11 year olds but

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younger and older children are welcome. No need to book, drop in.

11 Apr THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY, The Kenton Theatre, 19 New Street, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BP An amazing blend of live action, puppetry and animation to bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life just in time to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Pam Adams’ best-selling book! This magical show has been written especially for grown-ups to enjoy with their children, so come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales complete with a feast of sing along songs, colourful animal characters and heartwarming family fun. Tickets and information at kentontheatre.co.uk or 01491 525050 14-17 Apr A FROZEN INSPIRED EASTER THEATRE SCHOOL, South Street Arts Centre, 21 South Street, Reading RG1 4QU Let yourself go in dance, drama and singing in this four-day theatre course based on Frozen. FREE show on last day for family and friends. This fun filled week will include games, mime, music, singing, dance, team work, makeup, costume and crafts. ‘Let It Go’ and jump straight in, meet new friends and go berzerk! Ages 6+.

Limited places available. £140 per child. Book online at berzerkproductions.com 15 April FUN SCIENCE AT EASTER, The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU Unleash your inner mad scientist and enjoy crazy egg based fun and mad things to learn during this relaxed fun

holiday event. Egg-cellent science for all the family! Sessions throughout the day, £5 per person.

Booking essential: bbowt.org.uk/events 15-19 Apr ALICE IN WONDERLAND – A MAGICAL MUSICAL ADVENTURE, South Hill Park, Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, RG12 7PA, southhillpark.org.uk Join Alice on her adventure down the rabbit hole in a colourful reimagining of the much loved children’s tale, featuring a West End standard score and an awardwinning creative team. You’d be mad to miss it! Tickets, timings and prices online.

16 Apr BIRDS OF PREY FAMILY FUN DAY, River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henleyon-Thames, RG9 1BF Meet the magnificent birds from Millets Farm Falconry, Abingdon, and get up close to hawks, eagles and owls. Enjoy species talks and nature-themed art and craft activities. The talks are most suitable for children aged 7 yrs and over. Art and craft activities are suitable for all ages. More information at rrm.co.uk. Free with admission. 10.30am-4pm.

16 Apr HENRY MOON & THE GREASY SPOON, Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury RG14 3BQ, 01635 244246, arlingtonarts.com Join storytelling specialists, Rhubarb Theatre, for a huge spoonful of fun, a mug-full of fantasy and a platter of creativity.

Henry Moon and the Greasy Spoon is perfect for families that enjoy theatrical play, puppetry, mask, dance, song and lots of laughter.

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

17-19 Apr THE JUNGLE BOOK, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com The Corn Exchange Youth Theatre will delight audiences once again as they bring to life Rudyard Kipling’s beloved tale of Mowgli and friends, in this lively and exciting adaptation by Jessica Swale. 1pm & 6pm. Tickets £15 (£12.50 concs) 22 Apr BUGS & BEASTIES HOME EDUCATOR DAY, The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Note: no school bookings taken on this day.

23 and 24 Apr LITTLE BUGS TODDLER DAYS, 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.

25 Apr MUM 2 MUM NEARLY NEW MARKET, South Reading Leisure Centre, Northumberland Ave, Whitley, Reading, RG2 8DF 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. 2-4pm.

26 Apr I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE, South Hill Park, Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, RG12 7PA, southhillpark.org.uk Based on the picture book by Steven Lee, Molly and Bingo the dog hope you can join them to celebrate Molly’s sixth birthday.

There’ll be a treasure hunt, all your favourite sing along songs and lots of party games. 3pm. £11.

Families Thames Valley West • 27

Are you up to speed on tax free childcare?

By Sarah-Jane Butler

with school terms). In order to apply for the additional 15 hours, parents need to register via the Childcare Choices website. It is essential to do this prior to the term in which they are entitled to the benefit. For example, if your child turns 3 in November, you will be entitled to the additional 15 hours from 1 January, therefore you must apply prior to 31 December. Again, every three months you will be asked to reconfirm your eligibility.

Tax-free childcare was introduced by the Government in April 2017 to replace childcare vouchers. At the same time, it also increased free childcare hours. Whereas previously, childcare vouchers were a benefit offered by employers and free childcare hours were simply provided by nurseries, there is now a registration process and an eligibility criteria for both.

Are you eligible?

What next?

Yes , IF: • Both parents are working (or a sole parent is working) • Both earn over £131 per week • Employed or self-employed • Live in England • You have at least one child aged 0-12 years old No, IF: • Either parent earns over £100,000 per annum • You are a two-parent household in which only one parent works • You are receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers through your employer Tax-free childcare The Tax-free Childcare Scheme is similar to corporate childcare vouchers in that it helps parents

with funding towards the cost of childcare. However, it is administered for parents by the government and not by employers.

Parents must open an online account and the Government will pay £2 for every £8 paid into the account by the parent up to a maximum of £2,000 every year (i.e. a Government contribution of up to £500 per quarter). Parents will then be able to pay their Ofsted registered childcare provider (nursery, childminder, nanny or holiday club) directly from this account as long as the childcare provider is linked to that account through its Ofsted registration number.

DO YOU NEED A WILL OR LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY? If so contact Hillhampton Wills, a local company, on 0118 984 3167 or email joanne@hillhamptonwills.com Joanne will visit you at your home.

Appointments last approximately 1 hour and can be held during the day, evening or weekend.

A Single Will costs £160, a pair of Mirror Wills £210, a single Power of Attorney £250.

For further information visit www.hillhamptonwills.com A MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL WILLWRITERS AND FULLY INSURED

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

The benefit of this new scheme is that it is calculated per child (not per parent), therefore those with more children and higher childcare costs should be at an advantage. In addition, those that are selfemployed, who were not previously entitled to join company schemes, are eligible under the new scheme.

Unfortunately, though, there are disadvantages too: namely that every three months you need to re-confirm eligibility for the scheme (which can be an administrative burden). The scheme is also ONLY available for children up to age 12 (compared to age 15 under the previous scheme) and, of course, parents must meet the eligibility criteria consistently throughout the year. This means that in the event of a bonus or commission, some parents may be taken above the eligibility maximum threshold of £100,000 per year or below the minimum of £131 per week in the event of unemployment or redundancy.

15 and 30 hours free childcare If parents meet the Tax-Free Childcare Eligibility criteria above, they are also entitled to additional 15 hours free which is offered for 38 weeks a year (roughly in line

Firstly, parents should check their eligibility and entitlements for any of the offerings. It’s also important to fully understand the financial impact of such changes on your family.

Free hours Due to funding issues, most nurseries are offering increased hours, but not necessarily the full 30. Nurseries cannot charge you extra fees for the additional hours, but they can structure their hours in a way that you are still liable to pay for certain attendance. Check the specific offering of any nursery in which you wish to enrol your child.

Considerations If you are still in a childcare voucher scheme through your employer (because you were registered before 1 October 2018), you may wish to consider which scheme is right for you. You can find out more and check your eligibility at childcarechoices.gov.uk.

Many parents, particularly those with high earnings, will be better off sticking with their company childcare vouchers. However, there will be those who would benefit from the Government scheme.

Check out the calculator gov.uk/childcare-calculator

Sarah-Jane Butler is Founder and CEO of Parental Choice, a ‘one-stop shop’ designed to help you find the perfect childcare solution for your family. For more information, visit parentalchoice.co.uk.

familiesonline.co.uk

Encouraging reluctant readers

By Tom Palmer

Children must read. It’s good for them!

U

nfortunately, that’s the last thing a child who doesn’t like reading wants to hear.

They might think reading is boring.

They might have low confidence. They might even have an unidentified issue like dyslexia.

Being told that reading is good for them just makes them feel worse.

My mum knew I hated reading. The more pressure she applied, the more stubborn I was about it. I reacted to the pressure by defining myself as a non-reader and once I’d told myself that, I became even more entrenched.

Then my mum changed tack. She did some things which made me want to read and to eventually call myself a reader.

Forget that loving reading is good for children. Make reading relate to something they already love.

Make a list of the things your child is passionate about. Do it now. Write down the five experiences, television shows, sports, interests that enthuse them. These are the things that are probably going to get your child into reading. For me it was football…and then football…

Start with their favourite television show.

Television is seen as one of the enemies of reading. But it’s so good now, it’s sometimes hard to tear yourself away. It’s helpful then that a lot of shows have books linked to them.

Search for an official book or biography of one of the main characters on the show’s website.

Is there spin-off fiction? An annual? If enough people watch a show – say, like Strictly – then there’ll be a book.

Teachers and school librarians often know more about what a child might like to read than a parent. Talk to your child’s teacher or school librarian. They also know what books have worked for other children in the past.

They’re experts.

Have a day out. Football. Cinema. Theme park.

Zoo. Whatever you do, there will usually be books available. Gift shops at the end of museums or theme parks often have books or guides. Theatres and sports venues have programmes. For me, it was Leeds United match day magazines, but I accept they’re not to everyone’s taste!

Who does your child admire? A dancer? A singer? A sports person? Has that person written a book? There are more and more celebrities writing books. As a non-celebrity author I hate it, but, as a parent of an

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impressionable child, it’s great for you. Look the celeb’s name up on Amazon and see what’s out there. If you don’t want to buy it, then head to the library.

Role models are not just famous people. Does your child have a coach, teacher, aunt or neighbour that they admire? For me it was my sister’s boyfriend: he gave me books. I read them because they were from him. Get your child’s role model to talk to them about books and recommend titles. A book from someone you look up to is more likely to get read.

You are your child’s number one role model.

Let them see you reading what YOU want to read!

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t finish every book. I finish less than half the books I read.

Borrow from the library and then your child can experiment without it costing money.

Books are not always best. Does your child have a favourite magazine? There are hundreds Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk • Tel: 07968 711937

of magazines for kids available from supermarkets and high street newsagents.

They cost a bit and there are far less words in them, but they’re a great way to get children reading. They’re colourful. They’re silly. They’re exciting.

Get a magazine delivered. The idea of a magazine arriving for your child (and your child alone) can be exciting for them. I had Match magazine delivered when I was a kid. I couldn’t wait for Thursdays as a result.

Tom Palmer won the Ruth Rendell Award 2019 for his outstanding contribution to raising children’s literacy levels in the UK. He is the author of 45 books for children, many about football, rugby and WW1 and 2; yet he only became a reader at age 17, thanks to his mum and what she did to engage him with reading. For more information, visit tompalmer.co.uk

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Autism Spectrum Conditions: differences, NOT disabilities By Shelley Goffe-Caldeira Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are lifelong developmental conditions which affect how people communicate and interact with the world. They affect approximately 700,000 people in the UK and, whilst awareness and understanding has improved, families dealing with ASC continue to face significant challenges in day-to-day life.

Autism is not a medical condition that can be treated with medication and there is no cure.

The fact that there is a spectrum of autism simply means that autism can be different for each individual. It is usually detected in early childhood but for some people it is not formally diagnosed until later in adult life. Autism is the most common in a range of conditions, which include Asperger’s syndrome.

How to identify autism If a child is autistic, they will be autistic their whole life. There are many signs and symptoms to watch out for and all or some can be present in any individual with autism. Some typical characteristics may include: • Difficulty making eye contact • Difficulty with social interaction • Repetitive behaviours and activities such as arm flapping, head banging, or twirling an object over and over • Rigid behaviour and difficulty with change and routines • Narrow range of interests and activities • Intense and prolonged emotional reactions • Sensory challenges.

Gone are the days when autism was blamed on parenting practices. Today, it is widely agreed by scientists that autism is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The purported link between vaccines and autism has been comprehensively dismissed.

In the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of diagnosed cases of autism around the world but this could be due to doctors spotting the signs more consistently.

Researchers are investigating environmental triggers and biochemical factors to understand what causes autism.

Autism is NOT a disability In general society, attitudes have rightly become more accepting of the differences in children

and people with autism. The biggest change in attitude is the understanding that autism is not a disability but a difference.

Children with autism will still be able to make friends, and form relationships. Some children will exhibit average or above average intelligence – many of the world’s greatest thinkers and innovators have displayed autistic characteristics – while others might have a learning disability and will need help with daily life and routines.

How do I know if my child has autism?

In order for someone to be diagnosed with autism, they’ll generally have to be assessed as someone whose symptoms ‘limit and impair everyday functioning’, who struggles with social interaction and communication and has had repetitive and limited hobbies, interests and patterns of behaviour from early childhood onwards.

However, the characteristics of autism and Autism Spectrum Conditions vary widely from one person to the next. Autistic children often have other conditions like: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, dyslexia, anxiety and depression that must be formally and separately diagnosed.

If you are concerned that your child may be on the autistic spectrum, ask your GP for a referral to a paediatrician. Early diagnosis and intervention using skills-training and behaviour modification by a professional can help create positive results. It can also greatly improve the chances of a child with autism going to or remaining in mainstream school and participating in activities with their classmates.

For more information, check out Need2Know’s Essential Guide to Autism at need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/the-essentialguide-to-autism/ which explores the different types of autism including causes, early signs and related conditions. To receive a 25% discount, quote N2K25OFF at checkout.

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

Natalie Roberts coaches individuals and couples where one partner has or is suspected to have Autism/Asperger’s. She explains: “Autism/Asperger’s is hidden by the time many people reach adulthood, especially if they are undiagnosed. They’ve learned to mask, to fit in, and are often experiencing mental health and self-esteem issues.

Relationships are challenging for women and men with Autism/Asperger’s and if those relationships encounter difficulty, specialist knowledge and approaches are needed to create the positive outcomes so desperately needed for families to thrive. The Top 3 issues people seek help for are communication, exhaustion and ‘I don’t know who I am anymore’.”

Natalie experienced these challenges firsthand when her husband, aged 56, was diagnosed with Asperger’s. They’d been married for 15 years and Natalie subsequently discovered she had Cassandra Syndrome, an associated and little talked about reactive disorder. Natalie has shared her story of recovering herself and her relationship in Courage: Stories of Darkness to Light, a bestselling collection of true stories, with all proceeds going to Samaritans and available on Amazon.

“The journey through life with someone who has undiagnosed Autism/Asperger’s can be lonely and without a map. Natalie describes how to achieve a sense of selfdirection and to eventually share the journey together” (Tony Attwood, Clinical Psychologist and Author) natalieroberts.com

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Healthier Easter cookies These are easy to make, with plenty of opportunities for the kids to get involved with mashing, measuring and mixing. They’re made healthier with the use of bananas and oats, but still offer the satisfying chocolate hit we all love!

• Makes 12 • Prep time: 10 minutes • Cooking time: 12 minutes

Recipe

Ingredients 2 bananas • 3 tbsp honey • 2 tbsp cocoa 150g rolled oats • 80g chocolate mini eggs You’ll find more great recipe ideas in Get Your Kids to Eat Anything by Emily Leary (amummytoo.co.uk), published by Mitchell Beazley, RRP £16.99 and available online and in all good bookshops.

4.Divide the mixture into 12 (about 2 level tablespoons each) and roll into balls. Place them on the baking trays.

Instructions...

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), 180°C fan, Gas Mark 6. Line a couple of baking trays with baking paper.

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5.Press a teaspoon into the centre of each cookie to create a nest shape.

2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl, then add the maple syrup and mix well.

6.Bake for 12 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.

3. Stir in the cocoa and oats until evenly combined.

7. Add a couple of chocolate mini eggs to the centre of each cookie.

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

Families Thames Valley West • 31