Primary Times Berkshire - Spring 2023

The first 3-11 girls’ school in the UK to be authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme (PYP)

For curious and inquisitive minds

Register for our forthcoming open events:

7 March 2023, 1pm

5 May 2023, 9am

To register your place, please visit:

www.theabbey.co.uk/events

HELLO READERS!

Welcome to our March edition, a wonderful turning point in the year when Spring arrives and breathes new life all around us! No matter the weather, it’s time to pack away the thick winter coats and turn your thoughts to the sunnier season ahead!

With the Easter holidays looming, you’ll need to keep energetic kids occupied and active! Think garden trails, egg hunts, creative crafts and all sorts of outdoor adventures – the great news is our local area is simply bursting with fabulous places to visit with young families to learn, play or just be entertained! We’ve done our homework and brought you the best springtime events, activities and attractions that are going on for children throughout our pages – together with dates, times, and costs, some of which are free! You’ll also find lots of interesting local news updates, as well as our regular Diary Section ‘What’s on When’, giving you a summary of things going on each day, at a glance. Our next issue will be out before the May Half Term, and, as ever, will be packed with inspiration and ideas for exciting summer days out. For now, we hope you enjoy a cracking good Easter break and tons of fun with your families.

MayissueNextout 15th

Published by Moonscape Media Ltd • T: 0118 972 4980 • E: office@primarytimesmag.com

Editor: Michelle Dilger • Production: Tristan Kayes • Advertising: Niki Whitwell, Suzanne Mason

Listings Editor: Suzanne Watson • Features Editor: Helen Chitham

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Berkshire. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Berkshire for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout the UK. Primary Times Berkshire is operated under franchise licence.

Enter your favourite photos from spring, summer, autumn or winter in or around our ten branch towns in Berkshire, Hampshire, or Oxfordshire to be in with the chance of winning a £50 voucher of your choice.

PLUS winning photos will also be featured in our 2024 Newbury Building Society calendar.

Let your imagination run wild and enter your best shot before 5pm on 3rd October 2023!

To enter:

If you are 16 or under, scan the QR code to visit the competition page for full details. Or visit our website www.newbury.co.uk and search for ‘Junior Photography Competition.’ *Terms and conditions apply.

| 01635 555700

Now in its 7th year, Reading School’s Future Stories programme continues to work with local primary schools and partner organisations to create a range of educational opportunities for local children. The backbone of the programme is the weekly maths mentoring sessions, run online by Year 12 students for children in Years 4 and 5 during the school day, to increase confidence, ICT literacy and maths skills.

Other activities such as Summer Activity camps and weekly sporting sessions extend additional opportunities to students and in 2023, Reading School is working with Johnson Matthey to deliver exciting STEM activities available to hundreds of primary school students. Local primary schools and parents are encouraged to get in touch for more information about their programmes, particularly those who are in receipt of Pupil Premium, are Looked After, or Previously Looked After Children. E: futurestories@reading-school.co.uk

READING SCHOOL: EXTENDING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH FUTURE STORIES KENDRICK SCHOOL –WIDENING HORIZONS

The aim of our Widening Horizons Project is to work with local primary schools to raise aspirations of local children and to raise awareness of Kendrick School. For those students who are interested in taking our admission tests, we provide a free familiarisation programme for Year 5 pupil premium, service premium and children in care who live in the school’s designated area. The programme starts as soon as you register your child for the admission tests, and includes access to online familiarisation material, face to face and/or online sessions, and workbooks.

We also run a virtual Inspire Club on a Tuesday after school for girls in Years 4 and 5 who meet the Widening Horizons criteria. We have had such positive feedback for the Inspire Club! ‘It wasn’t boring and I had fun!’ and ‘It gave my daughter confidence that she could sit the exam because the familiarisation sessions built on her confidence’. Every Tuesday our students work online with the primary school children on a variety of topics, and once a term we invite Years 3-5 students into Kendrick for face-to-face activities.

Please visit our website or come along to one of the Open Day Sessions on 25th, 26th or 27th April for more information on how to register your child for the familiarisation programme and/or Inspire Club or E: admissions@kendrick.reading.sch.uk

SUSAN DAUGHTREY EDUCATION EFFECTIVELY PREPARES YOUR CHILD FOR THE 11+

Are you thinking of preparing your child for the 11+ entrance tests to the Berkshire grammar schools?

If so, Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE), provide 11+ Courses in Earley. Their courses comprise of the topics found in the 11+ tests: verbal reasoning, numeracy, English, nonverbal reasoning and in the case of Reading School (for boys), creative writing.

Susan Daughtrey (author of the highly successful Verbal Reasoning Technique and Practice series of books) has written material for the courses. All of the material Susan has written for SDE’s 11+ Courses is currently unpublished and is therefore only available to students attending the Courses.

Preparing for the 11+ is very important and at SDE Earley they offer Year 4 and Year 5 11+ Preparation Courses, 11+ Mock Exams, 11+ Summer Revision Courses and creative writing courses. All courses offer very thorough and effective preparation for your child. For more information, please visit them online or email. E: fwyeth@sde11plus.com W: www.susandaughtreyeducation.com

NEWBURY BUILDING SOCIETY ’S JUNIOR PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION IS NOW LIVE!

This year the theme is ‘seasons of the year in our branch towns’ – if you’re aged 16 or under, love photography, and live in or near one of Newbury Building Society’s branch towns, they want to see your photos! Enter your favourite photos from spring, summer, autumn or winter, in and around their branch towns in Berkshire, Hampshire, or Oxfordshire to be in with the chance of winning a £50 voucher of your choice*. Think autumn leaves, frosty morning walks, spring flowers or blue summer skies! The winning photo and 11 runners-up will also be featured in Newbury Building Society’s 2024 calendar, which is available in all their branches from November 2023. Let you imagination run wild! Enter your best shot before 17:00 on 3rd October 2023 on their website: W: www.newbury.co.uk/about-us/junior-photo-comp *Terms and conditions apply.

KENDRICK SCHOOL

LEAD, INSPIRE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Kendrick School is a selective girls’ school for girls aged 11-18 and is acknowledged as one of the best state schools in the country. The school was judged as ‘Outstanding’ at the OFSTED inspection in November 2022.

London Road, Reading RG1 5BN 0118 901 5859

www.kendrick.reading.sch.uk

READING SCHOOL

An outstanding state academy for boys aged 11 to 18 (Day and Boarding)

Erleigh Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 5LW 0118 901 5600

www.reading-school.co.uk

@ReadingSch Reading School

Open Days for Entry into Year 7 in September 2024

Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th April 2023

If your daughter is in Year 5 and showing academic potential at her primary school and has an enquiring mind and a love of learning, we invite you to attend one of our Open Day sessions. Please see our website for more information and a link to book a ticket. You must be living within our designated area to attend one of these sessions. Designated area information can be found on our website.

The sessions will take place in either the morning or afternoon and will last approximately 1½ hours. There will be a tour of the school with our students, and a talk by the Headteacher, Ms Kattirtzi and our Student Leader Team. You will also be able to find out more about the entrance test procedure.

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Car parking is not available on the school site. Please see our website for further details or email admissions@kendrick.reading.sch.uk

Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th

April 2023

Reading School is a high performing selective state school for academically able boys. We believe in excellence through intellectual curiosity and creativity. We believe in developing young men of principle, integrity and character who support each other in their quest for excellence. If your son is currently showing potential academically and has a desire to join our community, then please come along to the Open Days to find out more.

The Headmaster and Admissions department will give talks throughout the days when further information explaining the entrance test procedure will be given. Booking is required and details can be found on the school website: Car parking is not available on the school site.

Please see our website for more details or contact admissions@reading-school.co.uk for further information.

Admission into Year 7 in September 2024

School and 1st July 2023 for Kendrick School. Parents will receive notification of the test outcome prior to the deadline for completion of the Common Application Form.

In both schools, students who are eligible for the pupil premium or service premium or is a child in care, and living within the schools’ catchment area, will be prioritised for admission and the qualifying score will be lowered by 5 marks for these students.

The following information is relevant to students currently in Year 5 Admission to Year 7 in September 2024 is by entrance examination. Details of the tests for each school can be found on the individual websites. A familiarisation booklet will be available on both schools’ websites from mid-March 2023. Testing will take place on Saturday 16th September 2023 for Kendrick School and on Wednesday 6th September 2023 for Reading School. Parents will be able to register their child online for the test from 1st May 2023 and no later than midnight on 30th June 2023 for Reading

Both Kendrick School and Reading School

operate a catchment area as part of their respective oversubscription criteria. The address which will be used for consideration for this purpose will be the applicant’s permanent address at 31st August 2023. For further information on all of the above, please visit the schools’ websites or contact: Kendrick School admissions@kendrick.reading.sch.uk Reading School admissions@reading-school.co.uk

DO YOU WANT A JOB OFFERING FLEXIBILITY & FUN?

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a fun destination for families and they rely on their teams to provide a fantastic and memorable experience. The roles they offer are flexible and diverse; it’s not all about the rides (although they are awesome!). They recruit across the resort, in areas such as Retail, Guest Services, Hotel Reception, Hotel Housekeeping and many more. No matter where you work, you’ll get to experience the excitement, fun and surprises that come with working in a fast paced, world renowned resort focused on delivering amazing experiences to all their guests. Whether you love interacting with guests, working behind the scenes, or managing a team, you’re bound to find a role suited to your experience & skills. They also offer amazing benefits such as free tickets across Merlin attractions, discounts in park and an amazing 40% off LEGO products online! To become part of the ultimate team, visit W: legoland.co.uk/jobs

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN CHILDCARE? CHILDBASE OFFERS EXTRAORDINARY ONES IN EARLY YEARS

Working with young children is one of the most rewarding jobs that you can do. It can be hard work, but it certainly is rewarding. Every day is different and every child unique. You play a key role in their learning and development from when they start nursery to the day they graduate for ‘big’ school. At Childbase, their success is rooted in a commitment to the individual, professionally and personally, because they have proven that employee well-being, engagement and retention is critical to consistently high provision. There are a variety of roles within their nurseries from Apprentices, qualified and unqualified practitioners, to Team Leaders. In addition to competitive salaries, they have a range of financial and wellbeing benefits via Perkbox and Thrive to support colleagues. To see their latest vacancies or colleague profiles, please visit them online. W: www.childbasecareers.com

With British Summer Time only a heartbeat away, we can look forward to the long-awaited arrival of the events season once more! Get ready to celebrate by planning some top entertainment for the troops – take a look at these family-friendly events coming your way!

SATURDAY 1ST & SUNDAY 2ND APRIL ‘ROOM ON THE BROOM’ BROUGHT TO LIFE AT THE CORN EXCHANGE THIS EASTER

Head to the Corn Exchange Newbury this Easter Holiday and enjoy the fun-filled live adaptation of the much-loved picture book, Room on the Broom! The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But the broomstick is not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two... just as the hungry dragon appears! Will there ever be enough room on the broom for everyone? Find out in the magical Olivier Award-nominated show for ages 3+ and their families. Dates: Saturday 1st April, 1.30pm & 4.30pm, Sunday 2nd April, 11am & 2pm. Box Office

T: 01635 522733 W: www.cornexchangenew.com

SUNDAY 2ND APRIL PLAN A THRILLING DAY OUT AT ASCOT’S SPRING FAMILY RACEDAY!

Ascot’s first family raceday of 2023 offers a thrilling combination of top-class racing and free countryside themed activities for racegoers of all ages. The final fixture of Ascot’s Jumps season takes place on Sunday 2nd April, and the card features something for everybody with a valuable juvenile hurdle as well as a Veterans’ Chase for the popular older horses. There will be plenty of action on and off the track and children can explore the racecourse in a safe environment with free fun attractions, including face painting, pony rides, ferret racing, balloon modellers, and more. Tickets from £25 per person, and under 18s go free with a full paying adult. Book now online. W: www.ascot.com

TUESDAY 11TH –

SUNDAY 16TH APRIL

SOUTH HILL PARK

PRESENTS KINKY BOOTS THE MUSICAL

Embrace some diversity this Easter at South Hill Park with a sassy, feel-good musical based on the Tony award-winning show that was a Broadway sensation. Charlie is a shoe factory owner struggling to save his family business. Lola is a fabulous Cabaret performer and drag queen with a wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learn to embrace their differences and create a line of sturdy stilettoes unlike any the world has ever seen! With a cast of local talent and fabulous score, with original music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, this is a dazzling and uplifting show, sure to make your Easter holiday sparkle. Recommended for 8 years+. W: www.southhillpark.org.uk

MONDAY 1ST MAY WINDSOR RACECOURSE HOSTS A BIG BANK HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN DAY

If you’re looking to entertain the troops on Bank Holiday Monday, head to Windsor Racecourse on the 1st May for an all-action day at the races! The best bit? Kids race for free! Alongside the thrilling racing action, kids can enjoy a host of free entertainment; garden games, live music, street performers, a craft corner, and not to mention, a HUGE funfair featuring dodgems, funhouses, and plenty of rides! Take advantage of the fantastic value Family Ice Cream Package for just £28 which includes 2 adult admission tickets (kids go free) and two children’s ice creams from the ice cream factory. It’s set to be a crowd pleaser amongst the family! Book your tickets now online. W: www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/big-bankholiday-family-fun-day-monday-1-may

SATURDAY 6TH MAY – SUNDAY 4TH JUNE

READING CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 2023 BRINGS FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES

This year’s festival celebrates its 34th anniversary with four weeks of events and activities for children at various venues all over the borough. The festival will open with the annual Forbury Fiesta event on Saturday 6th May in the Forbury Gardens celebrating the King’s Coronation with a programme of Royal themed activities and performances. Join us for a whole host of activities and events in and around Reading for kids of all ages. Workshops, theatre, music, fun days, arts & crafts, and sport will all take place across the four weeks! W: www.reading.gov.uk/childrensfest

SUNDAY 7TH MAY

BERKSHIRE YFC COUNTRY FAYRE COMES TO NEWBURY SHOWGROUND

A fun day out for all the family is guaranteed at the Berkshire YFC Country Fayre on Sunday 7th May at Newbury Showground. The Country Fayre returns with many new attractions, trade and artisan stalls, and of course YFC Classes showcased by YFC Members of Berkshire YFC. YFC is open to children and young adults from 10-28 years old. Attractions on the day include Sheep & Duck Racing, Vine & Craven Hounds, Modern Machinery Display, Vintage Machinery, Circus Skills workshops, petting farm, countryside area, a variety of craft stalls and more. As part of the weekend, they are holding a Music Fest on the 5th May with 21st Century Abba Tribute & Ultimate Queen Tribute. Tickets for both events can be purchased online. W: www.berksyfc.org.uk

6 May – 4 June Venues across Reading

This year’s festival celebrates its 34rd anniversary with four weeks of events and activities for children all over the borough.

The festival will open with the annual Forbury Fiesta event on Saturday 6 May in the Forbury Gardens celebrating the King’s Coronation with a programme of Royal themed activities and performances.

Join us for a whole host of activities and events in and around Reading for kids of all ages. Workshops, theatre, music, fundays, arts & crafts and sport will all feature.

Easter is just around the corner, bringing bunnies, chocolate and smiles all round! We’ve rounded up the absolute best things to do this spring from exciting outdoor adventures to handson creative crafts, and everything in-between! Read on to discover the destinations and family entertainment on offer, all geared up to make this Easter holiday an eggstra special one.

A GOOD TIME AND A GOOD CAUSE – HOP ABOARD THE EGGSCITING EASTER EXPRESS AT THE LEXICON

SPRING ACTIVITIES

FREE EASTER HOLIDAY TRAIL AND CRAFTS AT THE MERL

Events and activities at The Museum of English Rural Life this Easter are inspired by Museum Partnership Reading’s ‘Our Green Stories’ campaign. Go along and explore the theme of ‘Life on Earth’. Join in a free, drop-in artist-led session to create a large-scale joint artwork, try a hatching egg craft activity, follow a free decorated egg trail in the garden or pick up a Spring activity pack from the shop. It’s lots of fun and even better, admission to the museum and garden is free! W: merl.reading.ac.uk/easter-holidays

HOP OVER TO COBBS PLAY BARN THIS EASTER!

The popular land train, The Lexicon Easter Express, returns to Bracknell town centre, from Friday, March 31st until Sunday, April 16th (closed on Easter Sunday), offering shoppers a mini tour and raising money for local causes. Trips on The Lexicon Easter Express will cost £1.00 per passenger (sorry no cash) and all monies collected will be donated to The Lexicon Charity Fund (Charity Number: 1155173). Passengers will receive some free mini Easter eggs as part of the train ride through town. The Lexicon has also teamed up with Bracknell Foodbank to collect boxed Easter eggs throughout March. Donations can be placed in The Lexicon’s Giving Box which will be in Princess Square. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt, with the chance to win one of three fabulous family meal vouchers from The Lexicon’s latest restaurant, Chopstix. W: www.thelexiconbracknell.com

SET YOUR COMPASS FOR CORAL REEF FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS!

This spring, head over to the bespoke wooden Play Barn at Cobbs Farm Shop, Hungerford. Their space is a fun, engaging and educational environment for children and their adults alike! With two levels to discover and explore, children can really let their imagination run wild. Join them for lots of Easter activities over the holidays, and some great classes this spring. The Play Barn is now open for bookings only! Please head to their website to book a timeslot before visiting as they cannot guarantee entry without a booking. Go online for opening times, entrance fees, events, and to book. W: cobbsplaybarn.co.uk

E: play@cobbsplaybarn.co.uk

Providing 6 ways to play golf, Wokingham Family Golf will bring fun and smiles to the whole family – whether you want to improve your skills, start from scratch or simply have fun! From their modern range and attractive pitch and putt course that includes Big Hole Golf, to the growing trend of FootGolf, Dinosaur Adventure Golf and Top Tracer Range, what better way to spend your weekends, time off and precious family moments? Their Legends Café & Sports Bar is now open too for essential, tasty refreshments! A variety of Parties & Events packages are also available on request. T: 0118 979 5657

W: www.wokinghamfamilygolf.co.uk

One of the most popular leisure destinations in the region, Coral Reef Waterworld is guaranteed fun for all shipmates of all ages this Easter! Jump in and whizz down the five amazing waterslides with pirate ship, erupting volcano, rapids, bubble pool and new splash pad! Easter Holiday sessions are now bookable online too. Accessible sessions, groups and quieter holiday parents and toddler sessions are also all available and children under 5 swim for just £1! Coral Reef is open rain or shine with a restaurant, party booking options, parking, and shop for all your poolside needs! W: www.everyoneactive.com/ coral-reef-waterworld

BEGINNER TO EXPERT, CHILD TO ADULT, WOKINGHAM FAMILY GOLF DELIVERS GUARANTEED FAMILY FUN!

FANCY A TRIP TO THE TROPICS? THE LIVING RAINFOREST IS THE PLACE TO GO!

BUILD CONFIDENCE AND RELEASE THE INNER STAR WITHIN YOUR CHILD!

Disneyland Paris is the destination for 19 young dancers from Steppin out Stars of Tomorrow! This talented group head to the main stage at Disneyland next month to represent the UK! The school, now in its 14th year, has an impressive alumni and list of famous patrons including Emma Barton from Eastenders, Matt Stirling from James Bond and Vicki Manser from the cast of Six. Whether it’s to develop confidence, improve skills, meet new friends or to pursue this as a career, this is the theatre school for you. Classes in Wokingham and Woodley cater for 3½-17 year-olds in Dance, Drama, Singing and Musical theatre. Contact Shelley to book a free taster session.

T: 07970 034488

E: shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk

W: www.steppinoutstars.co.uk

GREEN-THEMED, ENTERTAINING EASTER ACTIVITIES AT READING MUSEUM

The Living Rainforest is a great place to visit. There are three zones that are dedicated to different types of rainforest and they all have great rainforest trees and massive leaved plants. It’s warm and humid, as you would expect from a rainforest, but the real pleasure is seeing the variety of animals, some of which free range throughout the largest rainforest zone. You can see giant stick insects, hissing cockroaches, goeldi monkeys, armadillo, tortoise, huge fish and a large whistling Curassow and much more. Then it’s time to relax in the café with a delicious coffee or maybe watch your children burn off more energy in their great play area. With an average year-round temperature of over 24°c, you are guaranteed a bit of summer every day! W: www.livingrainforest.org

This Easter, head to Reading Museum for two weeks of green-themed activities. They will have their free activity cart all holiday with a range of nature themed crafts, and two museum trails – the Big Green Easter Egg Hunt, and Green Stars and Moon Trail for Ramadan. Their family activities include creating a Bug Hotel, Easter Egg Seed Bombs, Planetary Playdough or making a Miniature Hanging Garden and much more. The big finale is a whole day of creative, family-friendly Earth Day activities at Reading Museum and MERL on the 22nd of April. For prices and to book activities, visit online. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/museum/whats-on

FAMILY

FUN ON THE THEME OF

‘LIFE ON EARTH’

Visit The MERL this Easter for trails & craft activities, including a free drop-in artist-led workshop on Thurs 13 April on the theme of ‘Life Below Water’. Find out more at merl.reading.ac.uk/easter-holidays

NORDEN FARM HOSTS A QUEST FAMILY FEST WITH FUN-PACKED SHOWS AND ACTIVITIES

Visit Newbury has announced its Easter events, designed to entertain the whole family with a number of fun, free experiences over the Easter Half Term which will take place from Saturday 1st April to Sunday 16th April and is designed to celebrate the arrival of spring in the town. There will be ‘eggcellent’ Easter Egg trail to suit all ages – in partnership with Parkway Shopping and local businesses are getting involved, too. On 6 April, families will have the chance to meet Encanto’s Mirabelle in the Market Place. She will be available for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities all day. The town centre will also play host to Visit Newbury’s Easter Farm & Family Fun! event, where a petting zoo with spring animals and friends, such as bunny rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, lambs, and donkeys will pop up in the Market Place between 10am and 2pm. Families will have the opportunity to interact with the animals and learn more about them. No ticket or booking is required. The Great Newbury Easter Egg Hunt, is another exciting event to look forward to this April. Giant Easter eggs will be dotted around the town, and families can collect stickers or write down the name of the animal they see on each egg. Finding all the eggs will enter families into a prize draw for a range of goodies, including a family ticket to the Newbury Racecourse. The local businesses participating in the trail will include: Isabel’s Retro, Sweetbox, Honesty, Artisan Handmade, Waterstones, Snappy Snaps, Fatface, Parkers, Nature’s Corner, Floral Beauts, Aplan Insurance, Forrest Motorsports, and Better Health and Fitness. To find out about other upcoming events in Newbury, head to www.visitnewbury.org.uk

Take on a Quest with activities, shows and films at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts this April. Navigate your way through creative adventures and fearlessly explore a land where imagination rules supreme! Quest Family Fest is a fun packed fortnight of new experiences for children and families including family shows: Animals!, The Amazing Bubble Man, Curious Investigators, Puss in Boots and Rock n Roll Concertini. There’s also Art Daze activity club plus daily craft sessions. On Friday 7th April, children of all ages and their families can try something new with Explore – a whole day of one-hour workshops. Workshops are £4.50 per person or buy a Pass – four workshops for £16 per person. There are over 35 workshops to choose from including Circus Skills, Print Making, Magic, Stage Make Up and Animation!

Box Office T: 01628 788997 W: www.nordenfarm.org

EASTER WILD SESSIONS AT DINTON ACTIVITY CENTRE

Go and join one of the exciting Wild Sessions at Dinton Activity Centre this school holiday! These take place every morning and afternoon, Monday to Friday during the school holidays. They are running four activities per day, two per session, to give your youngsters a range of different adventurous sports. Activities include water sports, such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or giant SUPs on the beautiful Black Swan Lake. These will be running alongside land activities to challenge yourself and aim high, including climbing or testing your Bear Grylls skills on their Survival session! Whatever the activity, they will deliver a fun and safe session to keep your young people entertained during the Easter holidays. W: www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/ activities/holiday-clubs/wild-days

PULL, PUSH OR PROD YOUR WAY THROUGH THE EXCITING DISCOVERIES AT THE LOOK OUT

Have you ever wanted to create space on earth, or experience a plasma sphere? Explore your curiosities and more this Spring at The Look Out Discovery Centre, a hands-on science exhibition where your family can spend a marvellous day out. Whether you want to build a giant marble run, launch a hot air balloon, or play the floor piano, there’s something for everyone in the science exhibition! In the stunning location of Swinley Forest you can enhance your visit with a ramble in the woods, followed by delicious hot or cold food from Woodlarks Café. Tickets are available to prebook online.

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

EASTER EXCITEMENT AND A BASKETFUL OF ACTIVITIES WITH THE BEEHIVE HOLIDAY CLUB

The Beehive Holiday Clubs return to Crown Wood & Nine Mile Ride Primary Schools for a fun-filled Easter. New for this year, there’s an Inflatable Assault Course – compete against friends to see who can finish the fastest! Courses run on the 3rd & 4th April at Nine Mile Ride and the 5th & 6th April at Crown Wood. Anna from Frozen will also make an appearance at both clubs on the 12th April for exciting stories and signing! Berkshire Reptile Encounters return for children to hold snakes and lizards, plus, the fabulous Berkshire Birds of Prey visit for little ones to learn about these wonderful birds too! Other activities include arts & crafts, team sports, games and baking. Days are 8am-6pm, with morning sessions 8am-1pm (£22); afternoons 1pm-6pm (£22); and all day 8am-6pm (£38). Now with a 10% sibling discount! Book their Easter Holiday Clubs at Crown Wood Primary School or Nine Mile Ride Primary School, from 3rd-14th April. W: www.beehiveclub.co.uk

Better Swim School produces over 100,000 stronger capable and safer swimmers across the UK each year. It is designed to be convenient, flexible and affordable for all ages and abilities taught by qualified and experienced teachers. Our safe

enjoys

SPRING AT

EASTER EGG SEED BOMBS

Thursday 6 April, £4

PLANETARY PLAYDOUGH

Tuesday 11 April, £4

LIFE BELOW WATER: WORK WITH AN ARTIST!

Wednesday 12 April, free

HANGING GARDEN

Thursday 13 April £4 EARTH DAY: FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT READING MUSEUM and MERL

22 April

CORAL REEF WATERWORLD EASTER HOLIDAY 2023

NOW BOOKABLE!

Friday 31st March – Monday 17th April 2023

• Family swimming with waterslides available from 9am-8.45pm daily

• Five amazing waterslides, swimming pool with pirate ship, an erupting volcano, rapids, bubble pool, little corals children’s area and splash pad!

• Parent and Toddler holiday sessions available daily

NEW FRIENDS, NEW EXPERIENCES AND LOTS OF FUN AT ULTIMATE ACTIVITY CAMPS!

EGG-CELLENT EASTER HOLIDAY CAMPS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS HAPPY AND ACTIVE!

Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding Ofsted-registered activity childcare for children aged 4-14 during the school holidays, with welfare and fun at its heart! Children enjoy a fantastic range of over 40 sports, games and art activities from zorbing to archery, led by engaging staff at amazing locations. Running this Easter and Summer at Crosfields in Reading, Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, LVS in Ascot and Moulsford Prep School in Wallingford and St Gabriels in Newbury. Pay by childcare vouchers for additional savings and move dates for free up until 14 days in advance. Save 8% when you book 8 days or more this Easter, or save £20 a week off summer dates when you book before Tuesday 6th June. W: www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

Every day at Funtastic Kids is unique! Their Holiday Camps are full of exciting and engaging activities that build upon children’s learning, including creative crafts, drama/roleplay, science experiments, baking, and more. Plus, their fun and energetic sports sessions will keep children active throughout the school break. Children booked onto the Extended Day Session (8am – 6pm) will also receive a nutritional breakfast and light afternoon tea at no extra cost! Their friendly and nurturing staff are committed to giving every child a fulfilling experience and Funded HAF places will be available to eligible families. “Funtastic Kids is delivering something very special and we feel lucky to be a part of it.” – Binfield CE parent, Summer 2022.

Locations: Reading, Tilehurst, Calcot, Shinfield, Newbury, Binfield, Burghfield, Woodley, Wokingham, Earley, Crowthorne and Finchampstead. W: www.funtastickids.co.uk

There are lots of reasons to visit Seven Lakes Fishery set within Paices Wood Country Parkland, Aldermaston. Their friendly fishery offers a variety of fish; Fishing and Advanced Skills Awards; Season tickets, 1-2-1 and family coaching with Josh, their level 2 Angling coach. Take part in the Angling Trust’s Get Fishing Awards – with Bronze, Silver and Gold awards to aim for! Experience the excitement of your first catch, through to gaining the skills to get your own fishing licence, and even better, they provide all the equipment and bait you’ll need. And, if you already love fishing, take your family! Children under 12 fish for free, accompanied by a paying adult. Get in touch with Nikki to find out more. T: 0118 940 8500 E: fish@sevenlakes.co.uk W: www.sevenlakes.co.uk

When the mischievous Peter Pan invites the Darling siblings on an adventure of a lifetime together, they explore a land filled with mermaids, pirates, fairies, and a ticking crocodile, all through the eyes of a boy who will never grow up. J M Barrie’s classic tale of friendship, courage and magic takes flight in Reading Rep’s new adaptation. Guaranteed to bring forth everyone’s inner child. Tickets from £5. Peter Pan runs at Reading Rep Theatre from 6th to 29th April. Tickets can be booked online. W: www.readingrep.com

WHAT’S ON WHEN

ONGOING

The Living Rainforest

The charity run visitor attraction is all-weather and indoors. There are 700 species of plants and animals that make it feel just like a real rainforest! You can see giant stick insects, hissing cockroaches, goeldi monkeys, armadillo, tortoise, huge fish and a large whistling Curassow and much more. With free parking and a great value annual ticket, it is a fantastic day out for families.

W: www.livingrainforest.org

Wokingham Family Golf

Providing 6 ways to play golf

Wokingham Family Golf is suitable for all ages and abilities including Big Hole Golf, FootGolf and Dinosaur Adventure golf. T: 0118 979 5657

W: www.wokinghamfamilygolf.co.uk

Activity Parties at Wokingham Countryside

Parties for ages 8+. Choose from either land or water half day option or a fun indoor climbing evening. Water and Land Parties start at 10am and 2pm on Sundays only. (1.5 hours per activity, 3 hours in total).

W: www.wokinghamcountryside. co.uk/activities/activities-forfamilies/activity-parties/partiesfor-children

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is open from 10.304.15 (last entry 3pm) The castle is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Pre-booked tickets required. W: www.rct/visit/Windsor-castle

West Berkshire Museum

The Museum is open every Wednesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm. The Wharf, Newbury, West Berkshire, RG14 5AS. T: 01635 519562 W: www.westberkshireheritage.org

Weekly Classes at Cobbs Play Barn

There are some fantastic classes happening at Cobbs Play Barn near Hungerford every week: Yabba Dance Class, Wednesdays £7 per child. A dance class for under 5s with a focus on promoting confidence, and ownership of their dancing impulses. Boogie Mites, Thursdays £6 per child. Music, movement, and sensory class for under 5s. There are catchy songs, lots of instruments, fun props, and bubbles for you to enjoy. Visit cobbsplaybarn.co.uk to learn more.

MARCH

Friday 17th

Leighton Park Open Mornings

Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road, Reading RG2 7ED. Also on 12th May, 16th June, 9-11am. Book a space online: W: www.leightonpark.com/visitleighton-park T: 0118 987 9600

WINNER SWIM ENGL AND SWIM SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2022 / 3!

NEW! 121s 221s SENs & AQUAPHOBIA LESSONS RG30 4EL

• Thatcham, Pangbourne & Compton

• Max 6 children / class – from 3yrs. old

• Instructors are Qualified, Insured with DBS

• Continual assessment and lane progression

• Rookie Lifeguards – supporting DofE

We are an independent family run swim school

– we are not a franchise!

‘Every child is different, every child is equal’

07853 194327

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

Saturday 18th

Young Rangers

Wildlife club for young people aged between 8-11 years. Discover the mysteries of local wildlife from birds and butterflies, moths & trees. 2-4pm. Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre. W: www.bbowt.org.uk/events

Tuesday 21st

Poetry Party at Bracknell Library

Bracknell Library is hosting a poetry workshop from 4-5pm to celebrate World Poetry Day. There will be instruments, crafts and lots of fun activities. This event is aimed at 5 to 11 year olds, but everyone is welcome! Clare Bevan, Bracknell’s Poet Laureate, will be doing a poetry reading and joining in the fun.” You only need to pay what you can afford. W: www.eventbrite.com/e/poetryparty-tickets-546052225907

Saturday 25th

Celebrating Bishopsland

Silversmiths

Watch young silversmiths at work and talk to them about the impressive work going on at local charity Bishopsland Educational Trust. Reading Museum. 11am-4pm. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/ whats-on

Sunday 26th

The MERL Green Explorers

Connect with nature and build outdoor skills in these new monthly sessions with a local environmental education teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader. Themed around the museum collections and the changing seasons, each session will vary but will include activities such as shelter building, finding out all about birds, animals and insects in the MERL garden. Ages 5+. £7 per child. Also on 30th April. The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX W: merl.reading.ac.uk/greenexplorers

Friday 31st

Wear A Hat Day

Get involved in Wear A Hat Day, one of the UK’s most popular annual charitable family-friendly fundraisers. Help children to explore their individuality and creativity, learn to work together and think of others – in a really fun way. All while raising funds to help find a cure for brain tumours –the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Register now for your free fundraising pack: W: www.wearahatday.org

Easter Egg Hunt at Cliveden

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family in the grounds at Cliveden. Running until 16th April. Cliveden House near Maidenhead. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ oxfordshire-buckinghamshireberkshire

Fun For Charity at The Lexicon

The popular land train, The Lexicon Easter Express, returns to Bracknell town centre, from March 31st until April 16 2023 (closed on Easter Sunday), offering shoppers a mini tour and raising money for local causes. Trips cost £1 per passenger (sorry no cash) and all monies collected will be donated to The Lexicon Charity Fund. Passengers will receive some free mini Easter eggs as part of the train ride through town. The Lexicon has also teamed up with Bracknell Foodbank to collect boxed Easter eggs throughout March. Donations can be placed in The Lexicon’s Giving Box in Princess Square. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt, with the chance to win one of three family meal vouchers from Chopstix. For more information visit W: www.thelexiconbracknell.com

APRIL

Saturday 1st Crowns and Coronations at the Castle

Have some fun making crowns and creating Coronation themed crafts. Crafts take place throughout the Easter holidays from 9am-3.30pm. Windsor Castle. W: www.rct.uk/whatson

Spring Into Newbury: The Great Newbury Easter Egg Hunt

Find the eggs, collect the stickers and have the chance to win some fabulous prizes. Taking place in Newbury Town Centre. Running from Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April Find out more at W: www.visitnewbury.org.uk

Reading Farmer’s Market

You can browse local food, drink and more and buy directly from the producers at the local farmers’ market, named Best Food Market in the Great British Market Awards 2020. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday in the month.

Young Rangers

A wildlife club for 8 – 11 year olds who love nature and wildlife at The Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham. 2-4pm.

W: www.bbowt.org.uk/events

The Big Green Easter Egg Hunt

Reading Museum are running Easter activities from 1st-16th April including an Easter egg hunt and a green stars and moon trail.

W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on

Festival of Arts & Crafts at The Base, Greenham

There will be a craft fair surrounding The Base building. With live music, craft beer, family Easter themed activities, face painting and community art installations. Entry and parking are free. Also on Sunday 2nd. The Base, Communications Road, Greenham Business Park, Newbury, RG19 6HN. W: www.thebasegreenham.co.uk

Outdoor Market at Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead

Browse stalls selling artisanal produce and hand crafted goods. The Café Bar will be open serving lunch (until 3pm), drinks and snacks. The perfect way to do some relaxed shopping on a Saturday afternoon! 12pm – 4pm Every first Saturday of the month.

Easter Egg Hunt at Basildon Park, near Pangbourne

Start the Easter holidays with a Easter Egg Hunt and trail at Basildon Park. The cost is £3 per trail which includes a prize, and normal admission applies. Every day until Sunday 16th April.

Sunday 2nd Spring Family RaceDay

The first family raceday of 2023 offers a thrilling combination of top class Jumps racing and free themed activities for racegoers of all ages. Ascot Races. W: www.ascot.com/horse-racesand-events

Monday 3rd Easter Wild Session

Running every morning and afternoon Monday-Friday during the school holidays. Four sessions per day for youngsters to try a range of different adventurous sports. Activities include water sports, such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or giant SUPs on the beautiful Black Swan Lake. These will be running alongside land activities to challenge yourself and aim high including climbing or test your Bear Grylls skills on the Survival session! Wokingham Countryside.

W: www.wokinghamcountryside. co.uk/activities/holiday-clubs/ wild-days

Egg-cellent Easter Holiday Camps

Every day at Funtastic Kids is unique! The Holiday Camps are full of exciting and engaging activities that build upon children’s learning, including creative crafts, drama/roleplay, science experiments, baking, and more. Plus, fun and energetic sports sessions will keep children active throughout the school break. Locations: Reading, Tilehurst, Calcot, Shinfield, Newbury, Binfield, Burghfield, Woodley, Wokingham, Earley, Crowthorne and Finchampstead.

W: funtastickids.co.uk

Fostering in West Berkshire

We pride ourselves on making sure children in care and their foster families feel supported and part of our community. By fostering you are able to provide a safe environment and a family life to a child unable to live at home. Your warmth and passion could help them reach their full potential and write the next chapter of their lives.

You will not be left alone throughout the application and assessment process, we will guide and support you during it all. There are different types of Foster placements, and we will work with you to decide which works best.

We would like to hear from you; whether you can offer short or long term care or even some emergency or respite support.

If you’re thinking about becoming a foster carer with us, we’d love to hear from you. You can call the team 01635 503429 or email fostering@westberkshire.

We will be holding monthly virtual information session via Teams, on the last Tuesday of every month. please contact us for the links.

28th Feb 6pm to 7pm with Q & A 28th March 1pm – 2pm with Q & A 25th April 10am – 11am with Q & A 30th May 6pm to 7pm with Q & A 27th June 1pm – 2pm with Q & A

Create and Grow Easter, Squires Wokingham

Squires in Wokingham are running Easter activities - Plant a colourful Easter basket (£6.50) and a Bunny Hunt (£2.50) from 9.30am – 1pm. Until 14th April. To book events and for terms and conditions visit W: www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Mad About Mini Beasts

Activity packed, fun in woods, fields, and gardens at Woolley Firs environmental education centre with the fully trained learning officers. W: www.bbowt.org.uk/events

Ultimate Activity Camps

Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding Ofsted-registered activity day camp childcare for children aged 4-14 during the school holidays. Children will enjoy a fantastic range of over 40 sports, games and art activities every week. Running this Easter and Summer at Crosfields in Reading, Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, LVS in Ascot and Moulsford Prep School in Wallingford and St Gabriels in Newbury. Pay by childcare vouchers, move dates for free up until 14 days in advance. Save 8% when you book 8 days or more this Easter. Or save £20 a week off Summer dates when you book before Tuesday 6th June. W: www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

Beehive Holiday Club

Running 3rd-14th April at Crown Wood and Nine Mile Ride Primary Schools. Ages 3-11. Arts and crafts, Team sports, bouncy castles, traditional games, Inflatable Assault course, reptile encounters and birds of prey alongside a visit from Anna from Frozen. (selected days). Days are 8am- 6pm.

W: www.beehiveclub.co.uk

Junior Sailing Weeks

Wokingham Countryside are running a full RYA Junior Sailing Program from Stages 1 to 4 including advanced modules. Progress through the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Youth Sailing Scheme. Over these weeks progress through the syllabus to work up from a beginner level to more advanced techniques and bigger boats. £290 per 4 day course. Ages 8-13

W: www.wokinghamcountryside. co.uk/activities/holiday-clubs

Museums, My Way at the MERL

This session for neurodivergent visitors of all ages, developed with Autism Berkshire provides a safe environment to explore The MERL, facilitated activities and a quiet break-out space. Siblings, families, carers and friends are all welcome. At this session, explore the theme of ‘Life on Earth!’ as part of Museum Partnership Reading’s ‘Our Green Stories’ campaign. The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX. Booking required. W: merl.reading.ac.uk/museumsmy-way

Tuesday 4th Storytime at Dinton

The Library Service team is bringing its popular, interactive Storytime to Dinton Activity Centre every first and third Tuesday of the month, from 11am to 11.30am. The Storytime sessions at Dinton will be hosted by Tony Knight, a platform announcer at Wokingham Station who was famous with commuters for his poetry readings. Entrance is free and no booking is needed. W: www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk

Bug Hotel

Craft session at Reading Museum. £4 per person. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/ whats-on

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!

Swimming Lessons for Children

Coming Soon

Arts and Crafts Sessions

Join Jess and Kayleigh for sensory crafts in our Immersive SEND Gallery installation, check out the website for what’s on each day. Suitable for ages 5 – 11 years. 4th-6th April and 11th-14th April. Norden Farm Centre. W: https://norden.farm

Under the Ocean at Quest Island

Continue your festival exploration in Norden Farm’s Gallery, where local schools and community groups have collaborated with visual Artist Amelia Pimlott and Sound Artist Hannah Marshall to create an immersive sensory exhibition. Running until 15th April. W: https://norden.farm

Easter Bunny Mask Making: Cobbs Play Barn

Go along to Cobbs Play Barn near Hungerford for a fun and relaxed Easter create & play session. Tickets include: 1 Easter Bunny Mask to make and all materials, a child’s food box (sandwich, crisps & carrot sticks) 1 x child’s drink, an Easter treat to take home and time to play in the Play Barn. 10am-12noon. Also on 6th April. Bookings

Where’s the Hare?

This is a Family Easter Trail at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre. From 10am – 2pm, £7 per child which includes a take home craft and chocolate treat. Adults are free.

W: www.bbowt.org.uk/events

Thursday 6th

Messy Museum Day

Walking with Dinos – Make a 2D wooden dinosaur puppet and then decorate with acrylic paint. Shaw House, Newbury.

W: https://booking.westberks.gov.uk

Easter Egg Seed Bombs

Craft session at Reading Museum. £4 per person.

W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on

Spring Into Newbury:

Easter Farm and family fun

Newbury Marketplace is hosting an Easter extravaganza! You can pet some fantastic animals, meet sing and dance with a princess and watch out for the Easter Bunny! Find out more at W: www.visitnewbury.org.uk

New 11 - 18 Secondary School in north Reading

W: www.cobbsplaybarn.co.uk

Where’s The Hare?

Opening

to

Year 7 in September 2024

We are proud to be opening this exciting new secondary school located in Richfield Avenue, benefitting from a multi-million pound building programme and state-ofthe-art facilities.

Have a child joining Year 7 in September 2024?

If you have a child joining Year 7 in September 2024 and you would like to receive further information about River Academy please contact one of our team or visit our website where you can register your interest and request details of future Open Events.

river@maidenerleghtrust.org

river-academy.co.uk

Find out more about hares at The Nature Centre, Thatcham. 10am-2pm. W: www.bbowt.org.uk/events

Movie in the Hall – Peter Rabbit

A battle of wills between Peter Rabbit and one of Mr. McGregor’s relatives who is less than thrilled to discover a family of rabbits in his new home. Shaw House, Newbury.

W: https://booking.westberks.gov.uk

Wednesday 5th Family Activity Day

Using paint pens, draw an Easter or Spring design on a small squishy egg. Shaw House, Newbury.

W: https://booking.westberks.gov.uk

Shreddy The Sheep Rockers and Paper Roll Bunnies

Craft session at Reading Museum. £1 per person.

W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/ whats-on

Dinosaur Egg Hunt

Add a twist to your egg hunt this Easter, by looking for Dinosaur eggs!10am-2pm. Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre.

W: www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!

Friday 7th

Explore Day

A day of taster workshops including circus skills, Street Dance, Steel Pan band, creative play, Funky Monkeys Dance, make chocolate lollipops, and magic. Single workshop £4.50, explore pass £16. 9.30am-4pm. Norden Farm Centre.

W: https://norden.farm

Easter Boat Hire

Hire a range of pedalos, paddleboards, canoes, single and double kayaks starting from £8 for half an hour. With 94 acres of lake there is plenty of space to enjoy the sunshine at a safe distance from others. Running until 10th April. Dinton Pastures, Wokingham.

W: www.wokinghamcountryside. co.uk/activities/activities-forfamilies/boat-hire

Saturday 8th April

Easter Family Fun Day

Organised by the Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club from 11am -3pm at Grenfell. This is a free event and aimed at 2-12 years. Easter treasure hunt, fun fair rides and face painting. Find out more at

W: www.maidenheadbridgerotary. org.uk/easterfunday

Sunday 9th April

Easter Afternoon Tea

Cruises, Whittingtons

Tea Barge, Reading

On 9 & 10th April, Whittingtons

Tea Barge, Reading will be running River Cruises with full afternoon tea, consisting of sandwiches, our beloved homemade cakes, scones with jam & cream and tea/coffee plus 2 hours cruising the beautiful River Thames. £35 for adults and , children under 10 are just £17.50. Easter Sunday and Monday, there are two timeslots available 12:00pm-2:00pm & 2:30pm-4:30pm. W: www.whittingtons-teabarge.co.uk

Tuesday 11th

Planetary Playdough

Craft session at Reading Museum. £4 per person. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/ whats-on

Wednesday 12th

Family Activity Day

Mini-beast mansions. Decorate a wooden insect or mini-beast mansion with paint pens. Shaw House, Newbury. W: https://booking.westberks.gov.uk

Family Bat Walk and Talk

Join the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) for a short talk and introduction on bats. At dusk, explore the woodland on a guided walk using bat detectors to see what you can see and hear. There will also be some games and activities for the family. Children must be accompanied.

W: www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk

Thursday 13th

Life Below Water –Artist-Led Drop in Workshop

Explore the theme of ‘Life Below Water,’ focusing on the importance of protecting life in our rivers and canals. Help create a wonderful joint artwork, inspired by Reading’s rivers. Part of Museums Partnership Reading’s Our Green Stories campaign, this workshop will also run at Reading Museum on 12th April. The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX. Ages 5+, 10am-3pm.

W: merl.reading.ac.uk/whats-on

Miniature Hanging Garden

Craft session at Reading Museum. £4 per person.

W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/ whats-on

Friday 14th

Messy Museum Day

Not Easter eggs but dinosaur eggs! Make a small set from glass or stone pebbles (subject to availability) using paint pens to decorate. West Berkshire Museum. W: https://booking.westberks.gov.uk

Saturday 15th

All About Dogs

The perfect day out for you and your dog with two days full of exciting arena displays, expert advice, shopping and lots of fun have-a-go activities including the popular Fun Dog Shows where your dog can win rosettes, K9 Aqua Sports, talent competitions and more. Also on 16th April. Newbury Showground. W: https://visitnewbury.org.uk

Get Fishing at Seven Lakes

Seven Lakes Fishery’s popular Get Fishing Awards are back for 2023 from 15th April running monthly until October they start at 9am – 1pm. All equipment provided. Seven lakes, Paices Wood Country Parkland, Aldermaston. Call Nikki to book on 0118 940 8500 W: www.sevenlakes.co.uk

Saturday 22nd

Earth

Day-

Invest in Our Planet

Join teams from Reading Museum, The MERL, Nature Nurture, BBOWT and others, for creative activities and displays on the theme of ‘Invest in Our Planet’. There will also be a chance to see the outcome of the ‘Create A Buzz’ project, part of national Art Fund programme, The Wild Escape. This event is part of Museums Partnership Reading’s Our Green Stories campaign. 12-3pm. Free, drop in. The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX.

W: merl.reading.ac.uk/whats-on

Sunday 23rd

Craft Market

Craft Market – inside at Arlington Arts, stalls start at £10, and tables can be hired at an extra cost.

Meet the Rangers and Reptiles

One of the Rangers will be near the café with some of the reptiles and amphibians that can be found on the reserves. Burnham Beeches near Slough. 2-4pm. W: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/assets/ Green-Spaces/burnham-beeches

Book and Play Indoor Climbing

A high-octane fun for all the family. Climb up to 7 meters high and explore a variety of challenges on the unique wall painted with a woodland and water scene. Equipped with 11 automatic belays, the fun holds and wildlife murals are a clip and go haven of adrenaline filled exploration. Ages 4+. Sundays from 11am-5pm. W: www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/ activities/activities-for-families/bookand-play-indoor-climbing

Friday 28th Spring Tree Tots at St Andrew’s, Berkshire

Pre-schoolers and parents can explore St Andrew’s’ Woodland Nursery, enjoying a selection of creative, mud-filled activities, watching the season change from the School’s spectacular woods. 9.30 –10.45am. Child-led exploration and activities are followed by a snack, story and sing-song. Book a free ticket: W: www.standrewsberkshire.co.uk/ tree-tots

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!

Monday 1st

Family Fun Day

Make the most of your Bank Holiday and join in an all-action day at Windsor races with fun for all the family! Alongside the thrilling racing action, kids can enjoy a host of free entertainment; garden games, live music, street performers, a craft corner, and a huge funfair. Take advantage of the fantastic value Family Ice Cream Package for just £28 which includes 2 adult admission tickets (kids go free) and two children’s ice creams from the ice cream factory. Tickets: W: www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk/ whats-on/big-bank-holiday-familyfun-day-monday-1-may

Saturday 6th

Reading Children’s Festival

2023 – Forbury Fiesta

Sunday 7th Berkshire Young Farmers Country Fayre at Newbury Showground

The Country Fayre is returning with many new attractions, trade and artisan stalls and YFC Classes showcased by YFC Members of Berkshire YFC. YFC is open to children/young adults of 10-28yrs old. Attractions include Sheep & Duck Racing, Vine & Craven Hounds, Modern Machinery Display, Vintage Machinery, Circus Skills workshops, petting farm, countryside area, a variety of trade and craft stalls and much more. Running 5th-7th May, Music fest is on 5th May. Tickets W: www.berksyfc.org.uk

Running 6th May-4th June at venues across Reading. Four weeks of events and activities for children all over the borough. The festival will open with the annual Forbury Fiesta event on Saturday 6 May in the Forbury Gardens celebrating the King’s Coronation with a programme of Royal themed activities and performances. A whole host of activities and events in and around Reading for kids of all ages. Workshops, theatre, music, fundays, arts & crafts and sport will all take place across the four weeks! W: www.reading.gov.uk/childrensfest

Crown

Friday 12th

St Andrew’s, Berkshire Open Morning

Get a real feel for the School at our Spring Open Morning. Meet the staff of St Andrew’s, take a tour, see the children in action, and meet Head Master, Ed Graham and Head of Pre-Prep, Fiona Armstrong. 9.15 – 11.30 am. Book a place W: www.standrewsberkshire.co.uk/ book-a-visit

Saturday 13th

Get Fishing at Seven Lakes

Learn to fish at Seven Lakes Fishery, their Get Fishing Awards run monthly until October, supported by the Angling Trust. It is a fun morning, all equipment provided and Starts at 9am – 1pm. Seven lakes, Paices Wood Country Parkland, Aldermaston. Call Nikki to book on 0118 940 8500 W: www.sevenlakes.co.uk

3rd-14th

April 2023

Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools

September 2024 Entry to Year 7

The Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools consists of Herschel Grammar School, Langley Grammar School, St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School and Upton Court Grammar School. We operate a shared 11+ entrance examination process using the same examination papers and common eligibility criteria. The 11+ examination for entry in September 2024 will be held on Saturday 16 September 2023

The full schedule for the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools 11+ entrance examination process can be found on the schools’ websites.

11+ Information Online Event

Tuesday 25th April 2023 at 5.00pm and 6.15pm

These events are for parents only and will explain the 11+ entrance examination process in detail. We will not be providing details about specific schools. The events are purely to provide you with information to understand the 11+ testing and general school application process and should last for a maximum of one hour.

The events will be held online and will comprise of a live presentation by John Constable, Headteacher of Langley Grammar School followed by a question and answer session via the chat function with the Headteachers of all four schools. Following the events, a Frequently Asked Questions document will be produced and posted on the schools’ websites with a recording of the presentation. For details and joining instructions for the online meetings, please visit the websites of any of the four consortium grammar schools.

THE ABBEY JUNIOR SCHOOL IS DELIGHTED TO NOW OFFER THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE’S PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME

The Abbey Junior School, Reading, has become the first 3-11 girls’ school in the UK to be authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP is the outstanding curriculum for primary-aged students, helping young people solve tomorrow’s problems. What makes it special is that students are taught how to think and how to connect subjects, rather than memorising stale content in fixed channels. Students are inquirers and investigators, led by their own curiosity to pursue meaningful questions relating to the world in which they grow. The PYP provides an outstanding educational framework for all their students. T: 0118 987 2256 W: www.theabbey.co.uk

ST ANDREW ’S, BERKSHIRE: WHERE CHILDREN ARE STRETCHED, BUT NOT STRESSED

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL WINDSOR CASTLE IS PROUD TO RECEIVE HIGHEST POSSIBLE RATING BY THE ISI

St George’s School Windsor Castle has been rated ‘excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, who confirmed that ‘the knowledge, skills and understanding of pupils develop extremely well as they progress through the school, benefiting from high quality resources, a challenging and engaging curriculum, and passionate teaching’.

“We are incredibly proud of the ISI’s findings,” commented William Goldsmith, head at St George’s School Windsor Castle. “Achieving the highest possible rating is a clear validation of our vision for students to be ‘real world ready’. I am especially pleased with the observation that there is a robust ethos throughout the school which successfully encourages individuality, creativity, responsibility and independence, something which underpins the very essence of our school community.” W: www.stgwindsor.org

St Andrew’s is an independent co-educational day and flexi-boarding school for children aged 3-13, set amid 54 acres of woodland. The school’s vision is to nurture happy, grounded and kind children, who are stretched but not stressed, and who leave with a zest for learning and for life. The outstanding facilities include a 25m indoor heated swimming pool, climbing wall and dance studio, as well as an all-weather astroturf, and stand-alone music centre. There is no Saturday school, giving families time together over the weekends, and excellent wrap-around care is provided to support working parents. Want to know more?

Join their Open Morning on 12th May 2023.

W: standrewsberkshire.co.uk/book-a-visit

ST JOSEPH ’S PUPILS ARE NURTURED TO LEAVE WELL EQUIPPED TO FLOURISH IN LIFE

St Joseph’s College, Reading has evolved and grown significantly over the last 20 years. In 2010, the College became a fully co-educational school, and the number of pupils has grown from 300 to 600 across ages 3-18. In 2021, new Head, Laura Stotesbury, took up the reins and continues the successful leadership and development of the College. Whilst the ethos of the school is based on Catholic Christian values, St Joseph’s is proud of the rich diversity within their strong family community. They focus on academic achievement and personal growth, so pupils leave well equipped to flourish in life. Why not go along to their May Open Events – Thursday 4th May (Pre-Reception to Year 6) or Thursday 11th May (Senior) to find out more? W: www.sjcr.org.uk

ENJOY THE JOURNEY AT UPTON HOUSE

Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years. With high academic standards, high calibre staff and excellent pastoral care, Upton House children blossom and have a zest for life, continually learning and developing their abilities, interests, and talents within a caring and supportive environment. Upton teaches children to thrive in the modern world and they invite their students to think outside the box. Upton offers a personalised education, and their children are capable, confident, and kind individuals when they leave the school. From as early as nursery, Upton engages children in new languages starting with Mandarin and French. Upton also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including art, chess, coding, STEM, broadcasting, and many sports such as rugby, fencing, cricket, ballet, netball and judo. Life skills, creativity and critical thinking are a priority. W: www.uptonhouse.org.uk

LEIGHTON PARK WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR PUPIL PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

ETON END WILL BRING THE VERY BEST OUT OF YOUR CHILD

Based in Datchet, Berkshire, Eton End takes boys and girls from rising 3 to 11 and offers a nurturing approach to academic excellence. At Eton End, every child is celebrated for their uniqueness and guided towards the next steps in their learning with care and understanding – whether in academic preparation or in developing well-rounded young people with an understanding of their own well-being and that of those around them. They work in partnership with parents and staff to ensure childhoods are preserved while ensuring the highest standards of teaching and learning. Every child can thrive and flourish when the environment around them recognises and values their strengths as well as identifying where they need to go next. If you are looking for a school which will bring the very best out of your child, please go for a visit and personal tour with their Headmistress. For more information about ‘Stay & Play’ events in the Nursery and ‘Saturday Socials’ during the summer term, E: registrar@etonend.co.uk for more information. W: www.etonend.org

Leighton Park has won the national Independent Schools Association Award for Excellence in Pupil Personal Development 2022. This is a tremendous validation for the School’s values-led approach, based on Achievement with Values, Character and Community. In a fast-changing world, it is incumbent on schools to think about how they can best prepare students to succeed, to innovate and to play an active role in tackling the challenges they see around them in the world.

Commenting on the award Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, CEO of ISA commented: “Leighton Park School inspires the changemakers of tomorrow with their values-based education. This is an ethos that runs throughout the whole school. In the lower school students learn about the importance of personal mindset, at GCSE level pupils investigate global perspectives and young people in the Sixth Form benefit from a character-driven programme. Students are encouraged to understand different world views and reflect upon this. Their commitment to the personal development of students is outstanding and is deeply rooted within both the curriculum and extracurricular activities.” T: 0118 987 9600 W: www.leightonpark.com

Upton House School

ARLINGTON ARTS

Mary Hare School, Newbury boxoffice@arlingtonarts.co.uk

T: 01635 244 246

Wednesday 5th April

POP DIVAS LIVE!

Pop Divas Live! is the UK’s number one pop concert experience featuring tributes to all your favourite female pop stars on the same stage for the first time.

Wednesday 12th April

THE TAP DANCING MERMAID

It’s time to hear the Moon’s story, one you will NEVER forget... Gather round for the Moon’s magical story about a tippettytop tap dancer who he has been watching at night.

BRITVIC THEATRE ASCOT

www.oceantheatre.com/ whats-on

Tuesday 14th –Thursday 16th April

KISS ME,

KATE

The hilarious musical comedy you’ve waited to see “it’s too darn hot!” in the spirit of NOISES OFF and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG.

CORN EXCHANGE NEWBURY

cornexchangenew.com

Saturday 25th March

SING-A-LONGENCANTO

Gather la Familia and prepare to sing your heart out as you enjoy Disney’s Encanto, with lyrics on screen so everyone can join in!

Saturday 1st –

Sunday 2nd April

ROOM ON THE BROOM

A fun-filled live adaptation of the well-known, best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Saturday 1st –

Sunday 2nd April

FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS 2023

Go along to The Base for an eclectic celebration of arts, crafts and artisan food and drink from local makers and creators.

NORDEN FARM CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

Maidenhead https://norden.farm

Tuesday 4th April

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: LIFE OF PI

Puppetry, magic and storytelling combine in a unique, Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of the best-selling novel. Also on 8th April.

Wednesday 5th April

THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over thirty years with the art, magic, science, and fun of bubbles. He is a favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he has enjoyed twelve years of sell-out success.

Thursday 6th April

CURIOUS INVESTIGATORS

An interactive engineering adventure for young scientists! Scribble and Clipboard have a job to do: sort the recycling. But Scribble keeps finding new things to investigate. When she discovers a mysterious egg hidden in the rubbish, the pair need the audience’s help to rescue an unborn chick. For ages 3-7.

Saturday 8th April

PROFESSOR SLUG’S HOUSE OF BUGS

This interactive show is packed full of colourful puppets, catchy songs, and educational info about the wonderful world of bugs.

Tuesday 11th – Friday 14th April

ART DAZE

Join Lucy Wright for a creative adventure over four days. Working towards a final exhibition where the artwork will come to life. You’ll design and create large scale puppets and the landscapes they inhabit in this exciting and creative activity week. Suitable for ages 8+ years.

Tuesday 11th April

PUSS IN BOOTS

The classic furry tale is brought to life with a host of puppets. Come and see this classic furry tail, it’s the cat’s whiskers!

Friday 14th April

ROCK N ROLL CONCERTINI WITH MATT BOND

Family concert with some of the best loved Rock n Roll themes.

READING ARTS

whatsonreading.com

Saturday 25th March

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA NOISY KIDS 2023

Buckle up as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra takes you on an exhilarating journey filled with rollercoasters, train rides and thrilling adventures! Noisy Kids concerts are fun and interactive, perfect for all the family to discover orchestral music and experience all the noise, commotion and excitement of a live symphony orchestra.

Thursday 6th – Saturday 29th April

PETER PAN

A face at the window, a sprinkling of fairy dust, and an awfully big adventure. When the mischievous Peter Pan invites the Darling siblings on an adventure of a lifetime together, they explore a land filled with mermaids, pirates, fairies and a ticking crocodile, all through the eyes of a boy who will never grow up. J M Barrie’s classic tale of friendship, courage and magic takes flight in Reading Rep’s new adaptation. Guaranteed to bring forth everyone’s inner child. Tickets from £5. Tickets can be booked at readingrep.com

Saturday 13th May

DICK AND DOM IN DA BUNGALOW LIVE

This is Dick & Dom like you’ve never seen them before - with familiar favourites including TwoWord Tango, Musical Splatues, The Grunty Song, Fairly Hairy Fizzogs, Pants Dance, What a Sweaty Flap and of course BOGIES!

Wednesday 17th –Saturday 20th May

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Based on the novel by Kenneth Grahame, the musical is written by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey), with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Honk!, Mary Poppins, Half a Sixpence). Packed full of toe tapping tunes and plenty of humour, this is a feel-good show you won’t want to miss.