North & West Kent February Half Term 2022 Primary Times by Alison Watson

What’s On Where

47,100 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

North & West Kent

Monday 14th – Friday 18th February 2022

Keep the Kids Busy in the Holidays

HALF TERM FUN • COMPETITIONS • THEATRE • EDUCATION NEWS

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022 31 JANUARY - 20 MARCH 2022 ISSUE 130

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for February and March

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

Ongoing Capstone Farm Alpacas, Gillingham, ME7 3JE Get up close and personal with the Alpacas at Capstone Farm with one of their fantastic Alpaca experiences. There is a choice of ‘Meet and Greet’ for £5 per person or a trekking experience for £20 per person. Visit www.facebook.com/ capstonefarmalpacas for more details and to book.

Weekends

Film & TV Location Tours, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN 12.30pm & 2.30pm. Fascinating behind-the-scenes tours of one of the most popular filming locations in the world. (Included in the price of an annual pass - £12.50 in advance for adults and free for kids). For more information and to buy tickets visit www.ornc.org.

Open Days, Buttercup Sanctuary for Goats, Maidstone, ME17 4JW 11am-3pm. Entrance to all open days is by donation (suggested £4 per person) with hot and cold drinks, snacks, souvenirs and, of course, goat food available! The goats like to be spoilt, so why not purchase a bag or two of treats to feed them? For more information see www.buttercups.org.uk.

Until 6 Feb

National Storytelling Week, Nationwide We all have a story to tell…. what’s your story? What will you be telling and where will you be telling it? For more information and to sign up for a starter pack for your school visit www.sfs.org.uk

Every Sun

Until 27 Feb

9.30am. This is a 2K event for juniors only (4 to 14 year olds). It’s free to join but register before your first visit. The aim is to have fun and join in, whatever your pace. For more information visit www.parkrun. org.uk/medway-juniors.

10am-4pm.Visit the brandnew outdoor photography exhibition, exploring the special relationship between Sir Winston Churchill and the Queen, in her Platinum Jubilee year. For more information visit, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chartwell.

Junior Parkrun, Strand Leisure Park, Gillingham, ME7 1TT

Betteshanger Junior Parkrun/Cycle Club, Deal, CT14 0BF 9am. Enjoy a free 2K run suitable for ages 4-14. Registration is essential. Then from 10am-11.30am join the weekly cycle club for young mountain bikers. Learn skills and take part in exciting games from British Cycling qualified coaches. Ages 8-14. To book visit www.betteshanger-park. co.uk 2

Every Fri- Sun

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Churchill and the Crown Exhibition, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times Until 27 Mar

”

Kent Wildlife: Connected in Time, The Beaney, Canterbury, CT1 2RA

Discover some of the amazing creatures that used to live on your doorstep, find out why they disappeared and how some will return again soon. Explore the exhibition and become more connected with your wildlife community. For details visit www. canterburymuseums.co.uk.

Until 31 Mar

Curious About Canterbury, Canterbury City Centre, CT1 2JX 11am-4pm. Have fun discovering Canterbury with two heritage walks and an optional treasure hunt. Buy the printed booklet or download the map on your mobile which includes detailed directions, maps, clues and interesting snippets of history.Visit www. canterbury.co.uk for more information.

February Fri 4 Feb

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Number Day, Nationwide Take part in ‘Dress up for Digits’ and have a fun-filled day of maths activities and games, while raising money to support services such as Childline. For more information and to sign up visit www.nspcc.org.uk and go to ‘schools fund-raising ideas’.

Sat 5 Feb

CREATE’S Winter Lantern Parade, Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2TX 5.30-7.30pm. Help CREATE to ‘Light up the Town’. The theme is food and drink and lantern kits are available to purchase for this event. For more details, go to www. visittunbridgewells.com.

Chinese New Year Celebrations, Jubilee Square, Maidstone, ME14 1TF Experience Chinese New Year in Maidstone town centre. There will be more information soon about the celebrations with dancing lions at www. visitmaidstone.com.

Superhero Kids Party, Reuthe’s, Seal Chart, TN15 0HB 3-6pm. Dress up as your favourite superhero and channel your inner powers while the DJ plays a selection of the biggest songs with plenty of fun and games mixed in. There will be some special superhero guests and plenty of photo opportunities. Visit www.reuthes.com for more details.

Art Rebels Workshops, Turner Contemporary, Margate, CT9 1HG (Also 12, 13 & 19 Feb) Drop in 1-4pm. Have a go at weaving using a peg loom, make a photo collage of yourself, write poetry on ceramics and invent your own gallery gadget to experience the art around you in new ways. For more details, visit www.turnercontemporary. org.

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 10...

Dear Readers Christmas and the New Year seems a while ago now. It wasn’t the best time for many people but I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2022 and hope we’re back to normality soon. Claire and Hayley spend many hours looking for fun filled ideas to cover the school holidays. They are always looking out for new places to cover so if you have your own favourites that we don’t mention, please do let us know as it may be that we haven’t come across them yet. If you do visit any of our suggestions please mention you read about them in Primary Times - the best Family Guide to What’s On.

Primary Times in North & West Kent 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 01622 522116 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_Kent Instagram: @primarytimesse Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Gill Pearce, Catherine Dillon, Andrew Langridge & My Yen Doyle Listings: Claire Wood, Hayley Hughes Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrator: Claire Wood Social Media: Rachel Benson

If you are visiting any of our suggestions do make sure you check that the event is still going ahead. We live in very uncertain times currently and it’s always worth double checking. All our listings should have contact details on them but if you can’t find what you are looking for just give us a call.

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Medway and Kent. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. 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. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Medway and Kent 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. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times North & West Kent is operated under franchise licence.

Calling all schools and teachers - Don’t forget to email us with your news or if you have something to celebrate in your school. We would love to hear from you so we can let all our readers know what you’ve been up to. Email us at office@primarytimes.biz with your latest news.

Contents

inside this issue.... What’s On.................................2 Local News...............................4 Family Theatre..........................6 Whatever the Weather..................8 Education News........................ 11 Competitions........................... 13 All Your Own Work!................. 15

Are you following us in Twitter and Instagram? Follow us on Twitter so you don’t miss out on our competitions offering some fab prizes, info on events and updates from our advertisers. You can find us @Twitter/PT_Kent. We also get sent lots of photographs so look out for our favourite ones on Instagram @primarytimesse. We’ll be back around the 21st March for the Spring school holidays - have a good half term.

Peter and the Primary Times team

With three storeys of soft play, a host of interactive dinosaur activities and endless adventures to be had in our evolved safer environment, bring your little rangers to Dinotropolis at Bluewater!

Book Online

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Local News

Is My Child Dyslexic? In this article, Kathryn Wright (specialist teacher and dyslexia assessor) shares with Primary Times her knowledge about common signs and symptoms of dyslexia and the beneﬁts of a dyslexia diagnosis.

What is Dyslexia? “Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed.” (Rose, 2009.)

What are the most common signs and symptoms of Dyslexia? All children learn to read and write at different paces. However, if your child continues to struggle with literacy you may start to wonder if they are dyslexic. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of dyslexia. • Written work does not match verbal ability • Difﬁculty following a set of instructions • Easily distracted and poor organisational skills • Struggles to hear rhyme or phonemes • Reading the wrong order of words • Confusing the order of letters in a word • Unpredictable and inconsistent spelling • Slow reading and difﬁculty with blending

What to do if you suspect your child is Dyslexic? If your child displays dyslexia difficulties, first you should ask to meet with the school’s SENDCo and ask them to carry out a dyslexic screening or use a checklist to see if further support is appropriate. Schools do not need a formal dyslexia diagnosis to support a child displaying dyslexia difficulties, however, a formal diagnosis can help to ensure that the appropriate interventions are put in place early on. Much of what happens in a classroom is based on reading and writing and early intervention and targeted support sets a child up for more success later in life.

What are the benefits of a Dyslexia diagnosis? Dyslexia is a lifelong learning difficulty. Once a person is formally diagnosed with dyslexia, the report can be used as evidence for reasonable adjustments to be put in place in the classroom. A report can also be used to help build a picture of the student’s needs which can inform decisions made by the school about Exam Access Arrangements. Exam Access Arrangements can include extra time in exams, a reader or a scribe, exams printed on colour paper, rest breaks, etc. Furthermore, a formal diagnosis can be used as evidence to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) for those studying on higher education courses. A non-meanstested government grant can be used towards the extra costs that a learner occurs due to their specific learning difficulty. It can pay for specialist tuition, IT equipment or dyslexia-friendly software. We’d like to thank Kathryn Wright from Mid Kent Dyslexia. Kathryn has been a teacher in mainstream education for over 15 years and has a wealth of experience with supporting children with additional needs such as dyslexia. Mid Kent Dyslexia offers full Dyslexia Diagnostic Assessment for primary and secondary schoolaged children.They are based in Maidstone, Kent. Please visit www.midkentdyslexia.com for further information, advice or support.

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Coming up at the Assembly Hall Theatre It’s a double header of fun for all the family at the Assembly Hall Theatre this year as the award-winning West End productions of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy come to Tunbridge Wells. Gangsta Granny comes to the Assembly Hall from Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 March. It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be sooooooooo boring. But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny. Billionaire Boy arrives on Thursday 26 through to Saturday 28 May. Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country. He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,000 a week pocket money. But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comp. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find what money can’t buy. Based on Walliams’ best-selling kids’ books and from the acclaimed producers of Awful Auntie and Horrible Histories, the shows are set to be major highlights for the theatre. They are also giving a special package offer on booking tickets for both shows together and both school and CIRCLE member rates will also be available. We can’t wait for these shows. All tickets are on sale now at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk.

Choughed to be Back!

Wildwood Trust, in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust, has launched a project to reintroduce red-billed choughs to the wild in Kent after a 200-year absence. According to legend, choughs gained their red beaks and feet after a crow flew into Canterbury Cathedral and paddled in the blood of Thomas Becket as he lay dying, so there’s a long term link to the area. The aim is to begin annual releases of choughs this year to their former habitat in Kent, so they can once again settle and breed in our county.

Local News

More Than Just a Theatre School

CHILDREN & FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS

Razzamataz Theatre Schools offer exceptionally high standards of performing arts training in dance, drama and singing. The classes cover a wide range of genres from classic West End packed and Broadway Action musical theatre through to the commercial genres of street dance, acting forgroup camera and pop singing. tuition! Although many students go on to gain places at prestigious performing arts Term/holiday colleges and into West End shows such as Hamilton, & Juliet and Matilda, many courses families send their children to Razzamataz because of the huge difference it makes Read/write to their confidence and the many life skills that they learn. music #MoreThanJustaTheatreSchool is the hashtag attached to Razzamataz Theatre 4-9 years Schools because of the feedback from students and families on the positive trial! on helping impact that Razzamataz has on each child. Teachers and FREE staff work students to reconnect with any of the lost life skills that occurred a result of FREEastrial the pandemic.

Reserve your FREE taster session today Call us on 01622 322817 or 01634 893524

14 Mar to Thustudents 15 Marto join their school, www.funkymonkey.info Razzamataz Maidstone & MedwayWed is accepting new email medway@razzamataz.co.uk 01732 with the age groups ranging from 2-18 years. For new students, a first457 free100 trial or maidstone@razzamataz.co.uk session is available. To find out more, contact the teams at Maidstone (maidstone@razzamataz.co.uk or 01634 893524) Medway (medway@razzamataz.co.uk 01634 893524) or visit EM FORSTER THEATRE NEW SEASON HIGHLIGHTS www.razzamataz.co.uk

If You are Feeling Anxious You are not Alone!

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

TELETUBBIES LIVE

"I wouldn't wish my anxiety on my worst enemy."

Help test a course designed to prevent children developing anxiety. At the Parenting with Anxiety Project at the University of Sussex, they Fri 13 Apr are focused on finding ways to help parents and children navigate theto Sun 15 Apr If you are a parent who experiences anxiety and has a world with confidence. They know it is not always easy, but they child aged 2-11 find out how you can make a difference. believe it is possible.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

If you feel anxious you may find yourself feeling worried about your children.You may be concerned that they are feeling anxious too. Their research shows that with the right support parents can help their children become more confident.

CHRISTOPHER NIBBLE

ROOM ON THE BROOM

2+ Sat 11th March 4pm, Sunday 12th March parentingwithanxiety.org.uk assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk | 01892 530613 Sat 11th Feb 11.30am & 2.30pm 11.30am & 1.30pm

/ AssemblyHallTheatre / ahttw #yourlocaltheatre AssemblyHallTheatre

Primary Times Horizontal 66mm x 90mm Jan 2017.indd 1

They now want to find out if families will benefit from an 8-module online course. If you would describe yourself as high in anxiety and have a child aged 2-11, they would love you to join them. Half of the parents will do the course and the others will just answer questions. Everyone who takes part is playing an important role in helping children with anxiety. Visit www.parentingwithanxiety.org.uk for more information.

10/01/2017 15:27:03

February Ha Term Activit

at Maidstone Leisure Ce

Bouncy Castle - Mon 12th Mr Muddles Magician - Tues 13th Wear a Hat for Brain Tumour Flame the Dragon - Wed 14th Research Face Painting - Thurs 15th Wear a Hat Day is back! Join thousands of school children, parents and teachers across the UK on Friday 25 March and get hatty to help find a cure for Castle - Fri 16th Bouncy brain tumours. Familyfundraiser Roller Disco - Fri 16th This year’s unmissable has a regal theme, celebrating the Platinum Jubilee with four new royal hat badges. It’s the perfect way to bring everyone together and enjoy hat-themed Maidstone Leisure Centre events for Brain MoteTumour Park, Maidstone, Research. Kent, ME15 7RN

www.maidstoneleisure.com

Tel: 0845 Register today to get your free fundraising pack at 1552277 www.wearahatday.org. Maidstone 190 x 135 Feb 2018.indd 1

/MaidstoneLeisureCentre @SwimInMaidstone

30Jan Jan--20 19Mar Mar‘22 ‘17 31

29 Jan57- 18 Mar

Family Theatre

Hazlitt Maidstone

Box Office: 01622 758 611 16-19 Feb

Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells Box Office: 01892 530 613 2-5 Mar

Gangsta Granny

20 Feb

Total Pop Party With incredible Enjoy choreography and the show! singing and dancing And don’t all the way, Total Pop forget to say Party is brilliantly you saw it in entertaining and an

Primary Times!

From the acclaimed producers of Billionaire Boy and Awful Auntie comes the awardwinning West End production of this amazing story by David Walliams.

20 Mar

Pop Divas Live!

Whether you’re a mum who listens on the radio or a little diva, don’t miss this Number 1 Pop Tribute band. There’s even a chance for four lucky divas to join the stars live on stage!

Brook Chatham

Box Office: 01634 338 338 16-19 Feb

Robin Hood and his Merry Men

Join Robin Hood and his Merry Man as they battle the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and fight for the rights of the poor.

25 Feb

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

The fully-realised musical created live from audience suggestions. It includes moving storylines, amazing songs, full group harmonies, dance numbers and it’s also very funny to watch!

Central Chatham

Box Office: 01634 338 338 2-3 Feb

Little Shop of Horrors

Fantastic music, fabulous characters and lots of gore. A family must-see but not suitable for plant lovers! 6

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

excellent introduction for kids who are too young to go to the big concerts.

25 Feb

Masters of the House Don’t miss this musical feast featuring former stars from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Producers and other hit West End musicals, performing in concert.

27 Feb

Milkshake Monkey’s Musical

Learn the amazing songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake! friends and watch as the music, lights, costumes and the stage bring Milkshake! to life.

12 March

Circesque

After the success of the past four years, this show encourages pole and aerial schools, dancers and performers from all over the UK to unite and showcase their awesome skills.

Greenwich Theatre Box Office: 020 8858 7755 26-27 Feb

The Snow Beast

This show is a captivating collision of storytelling, original music, puppetry and interactive science experiments, inspiring budding scientists of all ages. Suitable for ages 6+.

Hairspray

Welcome to the 60s, where everyone’s grooving to a brandThe Addams Family new sound! This fun-filled show Join everyone’s favourite is bursting with show stopping freaky family for a night to numbers, dazzling costumes and remember, when an all-grown dance routines you can’t help but up Wednesday brings home her shimmy too! new sweetheart who is, much to the Addams’ dismay, normal. Stag Sevenoaks

Box Office: 01732 450 175 19 Feb

26 Feb

The best shows around...

21-26 Mar

Broadway and Beyond

An uplifting celebration of the best musical theatre presented in an engaging and entertaining package by one of the country’s finest production companies.

27 Feb

Wind in the Willows

Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime, culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels!

Old Royal Naval College

www.ornc.org The Little Match Girl

17-20 Feb

Based on the short story by Hans Christian Andersen, you will be transported to a magical world through original songs, superb storytelling and the aweinspiring backdrop of a UNESCO world heritage site. Outdoor performance. Ages 7+

Orchard Dartford

Box Office: 01322 220 000 18 Feb

Fireman Sam Live!

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Office Steele and Norman in an all-singing, all-dancing action packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus.

22-26 Feb

The Addams Family

Join everyone’s favourite freaky family for a night to remember, when an all-grown up Wednesday brings home her new sweetheart who is, much to the Addams’ dismay, normal.

7-8 Mar

Dragons and Mythical Beasts

Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new show for all the family.

Micky’s Box of Magic and Laughter

A hilarious magic show for all the family, featuring some of the best performers from the Kent Magicians Guild.

The Woodville Gravesend

Box Office: 01474 337 500 27 Feb

Marvels of Mystery

Four of The Magic Circle’s star magicians join forces in a new magic show for the whole family, featuring, wonderful illusion, laughs, gasps and stunning sleight of hand sorcery.

Malthouse Canterbury Box Office: 01227 287234 27 Mar

Top Secret – The Magic of Science Experience the non-stop, action packed, interactive magical science experiments that will capture the imagination, inspire and educate every young budding magician and scientist.

Quarterhouse Folkestone

Box Office: 01303 760 750 19-20 Feb

Lost in Translation Circus: Hotel Paradiso

Thrillingly spectacular circus skills blend seamlessly with physical comedy, clowning, juggling, theatrical storytelling and slapstick in this colourful, loud and funny show.

6 Mar

Little Murmur

A stunning visual treat for everyone aged 7+ based on the true story of one child’s struggle with letters and words. Little Murmur is about facing challenges and overcoming the odds. Ages 7+.

19 Mar

Pinocchio

Join Pinocchio on a fast-paced adventure of self-discovery, trying, failing and trying again to find a heart and become a real person. Ages 4+.

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland)

MARCH 2022

www.wearahatday.org Illustrations © Tony Ross, 2011. Cover lettering of author’s name © Quentin Blake, 2010.

We’ve joined Instagram! #FollowUs for posts about places and events in South London, East London, Kent and Sussex!

@primarytimesse

14th – 18th February 2022 • Superstars Holiday Club • The Aqua Challenge • Roller Disco • Family Swim Sessions • Soft Play & Ice Slides • Face Painting Free with entry ticket! • Mr Muddles Free with entry ticket! the Magician

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Whatever the Weather Fun Days Out with the Family Capstone Farm Alpacas

Get up close and personal with the alpacas at Capstone Farm with one of their fantastic alpaca experiences. They are a private farm situated in the beautiful Capstone Valley in Gillingham. The farm is a short walk from Capstone Country Park and Chatham Snowsports Centre. So why not, after your alpaca experience, make a day of it and enjoy all the area has to offer? Alpacas are very therapeutic animals with a calm yet humorous demeanour. Full of character they are guaranteed to make you fall in love with them. Capstone Farm Alpacas currently offer two experiences. The “Meet and Greets” are only £5 per person and include getting up close during feeding time, which takes up to an hour and is suitable for all ages. The Trekking is just £20 per person and includes meeting the resident alpacas and walking one for up to an hour and a half. This experience is more hands on with them and is suitable for ages 8 years and over.

they open 7 days a week). For the summer season they are open 7 days a week and Pig Racing will be back! Whether you want to play, explore, learn, or just eat a fantastic burger, a visit to the Rare Breeds Centre is a good old fashioned family day out.Yearly Memberships start at £34 a person with a Family Membership for 4 for just £128 (less than 3 trips). Find out more at www.rarebreeds.org.uk.

Nature Week at Hever Castle

Enjoy the great outdoors and find out more about wildlife between 12-20 February as part of Nature Week at Hever Castle. This event at the historic castle is perfect for school aged children and families. Pull on wellies, collect a bag at the main entrance, along with a list of items to find, and head around the Lake for a free nature themed scavenger hunt. Warm up in the Think Tank classroom with a free Cone Critters workshop.

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

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WINTER FUN

A Good Old Fashioned Family Day Out

I’m BEECH the Donkey. Come say hi!

HONK if you wanna go on a Trailer Ride

01233 861493

rarebreeds.org.uk

Visit the Rare Breeds Centre, a farm attraction nestled in magical woodland in Woodchurch, Kent for a whole heap of family fun.You can ‘Meet The Animals’ in the big barn from Lady Rhona the Shire Horse and Grace the Dales Pony to goats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and much more. With 3 play parks on 100 acres, you can try to stay above ground in the Mysterious Marsh and then fly at exhilarating speed on the Zip Line. There is so much space to explore to let off steam! Trailer Rides happen at weekends and school holidays, plus Falconry every day at 2.30pm, so there is always something happening down on the Farm. The Rare Breeds Centre is open 5 days a week during the winter (Wednesday to Sunday except on school holidays when

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Go Ape in Kent

Aim to be crowned thrill seeker extraordinaire as you pit your wits, nerves and agility against the Go Ape Leeds Castle Treetop Challenge which boasts five zips - two of which are over 250m long! Get the family out and about and up into the treetops. This adventure unfolds and unfurls as you make your way into the woods and is a great confidence booster and starting point for young explorers. At Go Ape Bedgebury, the award-winning pinetum adds a true forest experience to your Go Ape exploits. Home to an exhilarating 170m zip, this course will have you navigating your

way through a tunnel of greenery as you immerse yourself in this dense forest. Bit nervous? There’s a continuous belay at Go Ape Bedgebury so once you’re hooked on, that’s it for the duration. With Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure Plus and Treetop Adventure experiences available at both sites, there’s something for thrill seekers and the little ones too.

Capstone Farm Alpacas Alpacas Experiences

Whatever the Weather

Children can paint and decorate their very own pine cone and turn them into critters. Then head into the Castle and see if you can spot different types of wildlife hiding in the rooms. Hever Castle is the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and visitors will soon be able to find out more about Anne’s youth and what made her into the woman who so caught Henry VIII’s eye on her return to England. The first of a series of exhibitions detailing the life and times of Anne Boleyn launches on 4 March, 500 years to the day of her first recorded appearance at English court in 1522.Visitors will be told the story of Anne’s childhood, her education at home alongside her sister, Mary, her year at the court of Margaret of Austria, her time spent at the French court and debut at the English court through portraits and letters on display throughout the Castle. Photo credit: Hever Castle & Gardens

Trek 1.5 Hour Trek with one of our Alpacas in Capstone Valley. Meet & Greet Come and help feed our Alpacas and learn all about them. Prices start from £5

capstonefarmalpacas 07935 706 660 www.capstonefarmalpacas.com

ADVENTURE

bEdgebURy

book AT goape.co.uk

kENT

#FindYourAdventure

Participation and supervision ratios apply — please see our website.

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31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22 17/01/2022 15:42

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

February Artisan Market, The Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone, ME14 1LJ 10am-2pm. Taking place on the first Saturday of each month, The Royal Star Arcade will feature artisanal products, from floristry to food and drink and much more. Visit www. royalstararcade.co.uk for more information.

Wed 9-Mon 28 Feb Snowdrop Walk, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Wrap up warm, stroll through the extensive gardens and enjoy the heavenly carpet of snowdrops which create a magical trail for visitors to follow. Charges apply. For more details visit www.hevercastle. co.uk.

Wed 9 Feb-Sun 27 Mar

Love Stories, Eastgate House, Rochester, ME1 1EW Warm up your winter with a visit to this beautiful Tudor town house and discover some fascinating facts about love and marriage throughout the centuries. Adult ticket £5.50, Child (5-15 years) and concessions £4, family ticket £15. Go to www.visitmedway. org for more information.

Fri 11-Sat 12 Feb

Medway Light Nights, Various locations in Rochester This festival of light will transform Rochester’s iconic buildings and spaces into works of art. Medway Council has commissioned local, national and international renowned artists to work alongside their young people and communities to deliver this event.Visit www.visitmedway.org/events/ medway-light-nights-76481

Sat 12 Feb

Shades of Brilliance, Block 67 Family Studio, Creative Folkestone, Mill Bay, CT20 1JR 11am-3pm. A free family workshop with Daniel Fosbery, to learn how to make a lampshade. Cut out patterns and shapes to create different lighting effects. Paint your own design in your favourite colours to match your room. For details visit www. creativefolkestone.org.uk.

One Day Workshop, Chatham Library, ME4 4TX 2-4pm. During this drop-in event, the whole family can join local artist Christopher Sacre to create their own artwork on the theme of One Day. Create something about one day in the past, present or future for display on a timeline. To book visit, www.medway. gov.uk/libraries.

Sat 12-Sat 19 Feb

Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations Trail, Guildhall Museum, Rochester, ME1 1PY 10am-4pm. Follow Dickens’ pet, Grip the Raven, to find clues that will reveal the characters and story of this Rochester based classic. You can discover your own Dickens character name and an under 5’s I-spy trail will be available. Admission free, £1 trail. Go to www.visitmedway. org.

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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Sat 12-Sun 20 Feb

Faversham Literary Festival, The Alexander Centre, Faversham, ME13 8NZ

The 2022 festival runs seven days of events for all ages, featuring a diverse programme of talks and panel events, writing workshops and competitions for children and adults. There will also be a choice of book stalls to browse. For more information, visit www.favershamliteraryfestival. org.

Hidden Hearts Trail, Eastgate House, Rochester,ME1 1EW A trail of hidden hearts around Eastgate House – can you find them all? Free admission for up to three children with at least one paying adult. Trail available Wednesday to Saturday 10am until 5pm (last admission 4:15pm). Go to www.visitmedway.org for more details.

Where’s My Armour Trail, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW 10am-4pm. Help Sir Galahad find his armour which has been left all over the castle by mistake. Under 5’s I-spy trail available. Admission charges apply. For more information, go to www.visitmedway.org

Spring Half Term Fun, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY 10am-4pm. Enjoy the many children’s attractions including the driving school, magic castle, animal farm and giant jumping pillows plus the spring lambs and piglets! Circus Zyair will be on every day during the half term. To get your tickets visit www.hopfarm.co.uk.

Nature Week, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Pull on your wellies and head around the lake for a free nature themed scavenger hunt and then warm up in the ‘Think Tank’ classroom where children can paint and decorate their very own pine cone and turn them into critters. For details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk.

Explorer Quest, Dover Castle, CT16 1HU 10am-4pm. Get fit for history this half term and track down the fun-filled challenges around the site and enjoy the fresh air. For more information, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Dig Deep, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE A perfect activity for budding archaeologists to experience the thrill of finding an underwater discovery. Search the giant discovery pit for surprising treasures and ship artefacts that have been buried on the seabed.Visit thedockyard.co.uk for more information.

Wildlife Explorers, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Put on your wellies and scarves as you gather the family to follow the exciting activity trail, where you’ll learn about the different wildlife that calls Leeds Castle home. For more information, visit www.leedscastle.com.

Kids for a Quid, Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY Enjoy a train ride on a steam locomotive and a heritage diesel between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge, calling at High Rocks and Groombridge. Kids travel for just £1 during February half term. For more information and to book visit, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk.

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 12...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 10

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Education News NAOPT Launches Website and Resources for Schools.

The National Association of Therapeutic Parents (NAOPT) has launched a website packed with resources for all types of schools. By supporting schools and their teaching staff, the NAOPT hopes to raise awareness of development trauma. Children are among those most at risk when involved in a traumatic event. More common than most realise, 25% of victims of child trauma can develop mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. Distinguishing how to best help these children is the hardest element among teachers and parents. Especially keeping communication open between the two groups, which often causes different perspectives on a child’s behaviour from a home setting compared to a school setting. Designed to guide schools into an effective support system, members can access various resources on children’s mental health. These are useful for teachers to understand students’ behaviour, for schools who believe they’re missing a vital piece in understanding a child’s mind or even those who wonder why pupils don’t perform as they could. To learn more and become a member, visit www.schools.naotp.com

Maths – No Problem!

Master Maths at Home with a new series of educational workbooks from DK and Maths - No Problem! This January DK brings you a new series of educational books from Maths — No Problem! - the award winning primary mathematics education programme that combines proven learning theories with advanced mastery teaching techniques. Entitled Master Maths at Home, these exciting new workbooks combine the effectiveness of a maths mastery approach with a friendly, accessible and vibrant design. The workbooks are brought to you by the same educational experts who developed the Maths — No Problem! primary series, recommended by the Department for Education and fully aligned with the UK National Curriculum. The Master Maths at Home workbooks also include four sets of six workbooks covering Level 1 to Level 6, and they help children develop a deep, long-lasting and secure understanding of core concepts including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, algebra, fractions, decimals, and much more. The workbooks guide children through various different ways to solve problems, helping them to develop a thorough and adaptable understanding of concepts and making it easier to apply their knowledge to different scenarios. Every topic is supported by clear examples and helpful hints to encourage proficiency.

Children’s Stories Rise from the Ashes of the Crystal Palace

At 7.10pm on 30 November 1936, the first sparks of flames were seen emerging from the Crystal Palace in south-east London. The smoke and glow from the great fire were reported to have been seen as far away as the south coast, as the mysterious blaze consumed the People’s Palace, which had stood proudly for eight decades, three times bigger than St Paul’s Cathedral, hosting the first FA Cup Finals and welcoming millions of visitors every year from around the world including, of course, Queen Victoria herself. At 7.10pm on 30 November 2021, nine young writers aged between 7 and 13, came together with their families to celebrate winning the ‘Your Crystal Palace Writing Competition’ in the Crystal Palace Museum, the last standing part of the Palace. Each brilliant story brought to life an imagined tale of what could happen if the Crystal Palace were to return again. The competition saw entries from schools across the South-East, and the prizes included an iPad for overall winner China Wright from St Joseph’s School, and a bundle of goodies for each of the nine winning children. Some of the other schools providing winners included Headcorn Primary School, Sutton Valence Primary and Maidstone Grammar School for Girls. Each of the winning stories are now exhibited in their own dedicated display at the Museum along with a bronze helmet that one of the firemen wore trying to battle the flame 85 years ago. The stories are also on display at the Upper Norwood Library Hub.

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

Find out about the outstanding education MGGS provides … Sign up now to be kept updated with our Year 5 Open Mornings and Afternoons coming up!

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

February Falconry Display, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL 2pm. Enjoy a free flying display in the Falconry Arena behind the Maze. The display lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and features a range of birds including hawks, vultures, falcons and owls. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.leeds-castle.com.

Sat 12-Sun 27 Feb

Bluebell on Ice, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL Go ice-skating in the locomotive shed this February half term. Don’t worry, the display engines will still be tucked up nice and warm inside the shed and available for visitors to explore. Also during half term ‘Kids for a quid’ all-day rover tickets are back. To book tickets visit www. bluebell-railway.com

Sat 12 Feb-Sun 20 Nov

Diving Deep, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE Explore the new, immersive exhibition showcasing objects and findings from the HMS Invincible archaeological excavation. Entry to the exhibition is included with admission ticket. Visit thedockyard.co.uk/whats-on for more information.

Mon 14-Tues 15 Feb

History Art Award Days, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH 9am-3.30pm. Try out different art activities inspired by the museum’s fantastic collections and create your own mini museum. Receive a museum certificate on the day and

an official Arts Award a few weeks later. Suitable for 7-11 years. Visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Mon 14-Fri 18 Feb

Holiday Activities, Maidstone Leisure Centre, ME15 7RN 10am-4pm. Enjoy a fun filled school holiday with face painting, Polar Adventure soft play and ice slides, Mr Muddles Magic Show (11-3pm), family swim sessions and much more. For more details visit www. maidstoneleisure.com.

Wed 16-Fri 18 Feb

Make It Crafts, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH Go along to the history craft themed ‘Make It’ sessions and make Greek, Japanese or Dino inspired crafts. The sessions are £3 per child and must be booked in advance. To book visit www.museum.maidstone. gov.uk.

Thurs 17 Feb

Capturing Winter Photography Workshop, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN 10.30am-1pm. Join Sharp Shots Photo Club for 7-11 year olds this February Half Term and learn how to capture nature at its best. Charges apply. To book visit www.sharpshotsphotoclub. co.uk

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

Fri 18 Feb

”

Lost in Translation Circus Workshop, Creative Folkestone, Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN 2pm. A one hour circus skills workshop for 8 to 14 year old’s. Learn acrobatics, juggling and clowning! No experience necessary. FREE to attendees of the Lost in Translation Circus show. Spaces are limited so booking is essential. Visit www.creativefolkestone. org.uk.

Build a Bug Hotel, Lullingstone Country Park, Eynsford, DA4 0JF 10.30am and 1pm. Forage in the woodland for natural materials to make your very own bug house to take home for just £2, hot chocolate and cookie included. To book visit www.bookings. kentcountryparks.co.uk/events

Sat 19 Feb

Mallet Making Experience, Shorne Woods Country Park, DA12 3HX 10am-12.30pm. Learn how to make your very own camping mallet using green timber from Shorne Woods Country Park. Tickets are for one adult and one child aged over 8 years and includes a hot drink. Charges apply. To book visit www. kent.gov.uk and search under ‘county parks.’

Sun 20 Feb

Snowdrop Sensation, Great Comp Garden, Sevenoaks, TN15 0AL The Snowdrop Sensation plant fair is a rare opportunity to welcome the first flower of the year, buy choice snowdrops and see delicate displays in one of

Sevenoaks finest gardens. For details and to pre-book visit, www.greatcompgarden.co.uk.

Tue 22 Feb

Foster for Kent (Online) 7pm. (Also 16 March 7pm & 2 April at 10am) Help make a difference to the lives of children and young people in Kent by becoming a foster carer or host. To find out what’s involved sign up for one of their online information events. For details visit www.kentfostering.co.uk/events or call 03000 420 002.

March Tue 1 Mar-Sun 30 Oct

Call the Midwife Official Location Tours, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ If you’re a fan of the hit series, a trip to see where ‘Call the Midwife’ is filmed should be top of your bucket list. Walk in the footsteps of Nurse Trixie Franklin, Sister Julienne and Dr Turner and explore where the real drama happens. For more information visit thedockyard. co.uk

Thurs 3 Mar

World Book Day, Nationwide Join in this celebration of authors, illustrators, books and (most importantly) a celebration of reading. In fact, it’s the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. For more details visit www. worldbookday.com

Fri 4 Mar

Becoming Anne, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Visitors to this childhood home of Anne Boleyn will be able to find out more about her youth and what made her into the woman who so caught

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 14...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 12

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Win Worzel Gummidge on DVD

Four glorious stories from the magical world of Worzel Gummidge, written and starring the multi-BAFTA award have ??????? to give awaywinning to Mackenzie Crook, are now ders. For your chance to win, available on DVD and Digital Download. ????????????. Send your answer Inspiredtoby the classic books of Barbara g with your name, age, Euphan Todd, Worzel Gummidge is hool and phone number to the treasured tale of a charming and petition, Primary Times, irreverent scarecrow who mysteriously k Mews, London SE12 8LG comes to life on Scatterbrook Farm. wer together with your details Thistoenchanting series is infused with a s@primarytimes.biz with fun, mischievous spirit and is delivered the subject by Friday 28 February. with a timely environmental message. Worzel Gummidge includes four fun filled, family friendly adventures - Saucy Nancy, Guy Forks, Twitchers and Calliope Jane. Worzel Gummidge is distributed by ITV Studios and is available now from Amazon. We have five copies of Worzel Gummidge for lucky Primary Times readers to win. Just tell us who plays Worzel. See below for details of how to enter.

Your chance to win lots more prizes We have many more books, toys and games to win than we have room for on these pages. For your chance to win a prize follow us on

@PT_Kent

and retweet to win

When the War Came Over COMP.indd 1

Win a Copy of When the War Came Home

Competitions

Competitions When the War Came Home by Lesley Parr is a mesmerising historical mystery set in the aftermath of World War One, from the author of The Valley of Lost Secrets. When Natty has to move to a new village, she meets two young soldiers who are still battling the effects of war. Huw can’t forget the terrible things he’s seen, but Johnny doesn’t even remember who he is. As Natty tries to keep a secret and unravel a mystery, she finds her own way to fight for what she believes in – and learns that some things should never be forgotten. The story includes an interactive clue so readers can unravel the mystery alongside the characters. When the War Came Home is published by Bloomsbury in paperback at £6.99. We have five copies of When the War Came Home for lucky Primary Times readers to win. Just tell us who wrote the book. See below for details of how to enter.

Win a box of books for your school

Primary Times are offering schools the chance to win a selection of great books for their library. We have a whole box full of titles from super stories to fun educational books. We have several boxes of books to give away and the titles in each may differ. To enter the competition send your name, address, phone number and the name of your school using the details below. 21/01/2022 16:58

To enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 4 March 2022. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

March Henry VIII’s eye in a series of exhibitions detailing her life. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

strength and inspiration using bold type, colour and simple paper engineering.Visit www. creativefolkestone.org.uk for more details.

Sun 6 Mar

Sun 13 Mar

Maidstone Road Run, All routes departing from Cornwallis Academy, ME17 4HX From 8am. Take on the 10K, 5K or the 1K family fun run to help raise funds for the Heart of Kent Hospice. Go in fancy dress and run, walk, skip or hop your way to the finish line. Visit www.hokh.org to register.

Fri 11 Mar

Astronomy Evening: The Moon, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 6.30-8.30pm. Have you ever wondered what the Moon looks like close up? Join the Edenbridge and District Astronomers to see the craters and mountains on the Moon. Suitable for interested children age 11+. For more information, visit www. boreplace.org.

Ellie’s Mini Marathon, Cyclopark, Gravesend, DA11 7NP 9am registration, 10am run starts. Ellie is calling children aged 16 and under to take to the tracks at Cyclopark in Gravesend for the best children’s Fun Run in town! Children aged 8 and under must run with an adult (18+). For more information and to register visit, www.ellenor.org.

Mon 14-Fri 20 Mar

Dazzling Daffodils, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Feel uplifted this spring with 60,000 new daffodil bulbs set to bloom across the gardens, there will be a wide range of varieties to enjoy. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

British Science Week, Various Locations

11am-3pm. Free family workshop with Wordup Studio, creating endless motion cards. Help generate never-ending messages of love, support,

Red Nose Day 2022, Nationwide People across the UK will be coming together to do things big and small, that will add up to something massive. Comic Relief spends the money raised to help people living tough lives across the UK and Africa. For fundraising packs and more info visit www.comicrelief.com/ rednoseday.

Mother’s Day Cream Tea and Costume, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH 3-5pm. Enjoy a luscious cream tea and a chance to see the wonderful costume collection behind the scenes in the storerooms. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit, www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk.

Big Dog Day Out, Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH 10am-4pm. Enjoy a family day out with plenty of things to see and do with your pooches, including a dog show and dog agility as well as face painting and children’s treasure trails. To find out more visit www. bewlwater.co.uk.

Mon 21-Fri 27 Mar Shakespeare Week, Nationwide

An annual celebration giving primary school aged children opportunities for enriching and enjoyable early experiences of Shakespeare. For more information, and to register for free resources and events information visit, www. shakespeareweek.org.uk.

Fri 25 Mar

Join thousands of school children, parents and teachers across the UK and get hatty to help find a cure for brain tumours. This year has a regal theme, celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. Register today and get your free fundraising pack at www.wearahatday.org.

Join in a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. The theme for the 2022 poster competition is ‘Growth’ and the competition deadline is 15 April. For more details and to view the full programme of events visit www.britishscienceweek.org.

Never-ending Messages, Creative Folkestone, Block 67 Family Studio, Mill Bay, CT20 1JR

Fri 18 Mar

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Wear a Hat Day, Nationwide

Fri 11-Sun 20 Mar

Sat 12 Mar

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

Sat 26 Mar

Sun 27 Mar

National Open Garden Scheme, Great Comp Garden, Sevenoaks, TN15 0AL Visit this beautiful garden and help raise money for nursing and caring charities. The Old Dairy Tearooms will be open for teas, light lunches and delicious homemade cakes, and Dyson’s Nurseries will be open, selling hardy and half-hardy plants. For details visit www. greatcompgarden.co.uk.

Our next copy deadline is

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

4 March 2022 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 14

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

All your own work!

Andrea Jacob aged 7

Margaret Gbadamosi aged 11

competitions in our Christmas/Winter 2021 Congratulations to the following people who won er of the Nintendo Switch with Blaze and the magazine. Honor Morgan was the lucky prize winn l winner. Andrea Jacob Monster Machines. Deacon Miles was our Paw Patro If you would like and our older winner was won Annie's drawing competition for the under 8's to see your work n winners on this page Margaret Gbadamosi. Well done to all our competitio displayed here then just send us a drawing, and enjoy all the artwork! poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Ayaan Talukdar aged 5 for his really fun piece on Zog and to sisters Annaliese aged 6 and Anastasia aged 8 for their lovely, colourful drawings. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

Could 2022 be the Year You Become a Foster Carer with Kent Fostering? It’s the start of a new year and a time for new beginnings. As 2022 kicks off, are you rethinking how you want to spend your time, the type of work you want to do and the rewards you are looking for?

help, be available, provide a place of safety and commit to caring and supporting them for as long as they need, are also important factors.

Fostering with Kent is a well-paid and extremely rewarding role which offers a new career path including outstanding support and training and the opportunity to improve the lives and futures of children and young people. With courses ranging from Understanding the Teenage Brain to Caring for Children with Special Educational Needs, Kent Fostering’s partnerships with the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families to deliver the Reflective Fostering Programme, and the opportunities to gain professional qualifications through the Level 3 and 4 Diplomas in working and caring for traumatised children, you will not find any other fostering agency better equipped to train and support you as a foster carer.

The assessment process will take no longer than six months, 3-4 months if you are a foster carer transferring from another agency and will involve a series of home visits from a social worker to get to know you and your family. The social worker will also use this time to undertake a series of background checks and interviews with friends and family members. You will be fully supported during this time with extensive training and support from a dedicated team, meeting like-minded people along the way who often become lifelong friends and an important part of your fostering network.

The need for more foster carers continues to be high. Kent Fostering, as the largest and most experienced fostering agency in Kent, is continuing to see an increase in the number of children and young people of all ages and abilities needing safe, secure and loving foster families.

Here, you can have your questions answered about fostering for Kent and find out about our virtual information events where you can learn further information, meet staff and most importantly Kent’s wonderful foster carers who look after the county’s children and young people.

The ongoing pandemic continues to adversely affect the county’s children and young people including placing increased pressure on some families, contributing to worsening mental health, more reliance on substances and deepening poverty leading to some children being exposed to very high levels of risk as a result. These children urgently need the safety and security of a loving foster family to help them recover and flourish. Whether you are new to fostering or wishing to transfer from another agency, Kent Fostering are recruiting people from all walks of life. They are extremely proud of the diversity of their foster carers and would like to increase representation across all communities to meet the diverse needs of all children and young people needing foster care. Whereas it is helpful for applicants to have some experience of parenting or looking after children and young people, a desire to

For those interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer, the Kent Fostering Initial Enquiries Team can be contacted on 03000 420 002 or via the website at www.kentfostering.co.uk