Bite Sized News

The Northampton High Difference

At Northampton High School, they believe in their girls and the girls believe in themselves. Teachers get to know who their pupils are, what they enjoy and what their ambitions are - by learning about the girls from a 360° perspective, they learn how to develop their confidence and challenge them to grow to their full potential. Parents are invited to visit the school to meet staff and pupils, and tour the facilities. Contact northamptonhigh.co.uk or 01604 765765 to book a visit. See P.8

New Sensory Baby Sessions

Open Stage has launched a new sensory baby session - Hoo-Ha Too - especially for crawling babies. These sessions include all of the fun from their popular Hoo-Ha classes, such as magical lighting, songs and activities, but the sessions are aimed at babies who are just starting to get on the move. Hoo-Ha Too! takes place Wednesday mornings after the usual Multi-Sensory Hoo-Ha class. It’s been said that 'Hoo-Ha!' is a rite of passage for parents in Northampton, and Open Stage are proud to say that they’ve delivered sensory sessions to hundreds of babies for more than 10 years now. www.open-stage.co.uk. See P.30 & 35

SEVEN Awards for Kidslingo

What a night for Kidslingo! Back in November, their fun language classes collected no fewer than seven awards at the prestigious ‘What’s on 4 kids awards’. Isabel, who offers Spanish sessions for kids 0-11 in Northants, was voted the second most loved activity leader/business manager in the whole of East England. Kidslingo classes are gold-accredited by the Children’s Activities Association and their aim is simple – to inspire young children from birth to age 11 years to love languages. Book a 3 week trial for £12. www.kidslingo.co.uk. See P.7

MamaBabyBliss Returns

After a short break, MamaBabyBliss South Northamptonshire has returned! Pregnancy Yoga Classes, Baby Massage and Baby Yoga Courses are back at two beautiful venues: The Roade House Yoga Studio in Roade and Sunrise Yoga Studio, Potterspury, Towcester. MamaBabyBliss are passionate about supporting and celebrating the journey of motherhood. Hayley runs classes that take you on that journey from pregnancy right up to when your baby is actively crawling. Contact Hayley: hayley.clarke@mamababybliss.com. www.mamababybliss.com. See P.7

This Little Piggy is Going to Market!

Northampton Baby & Children’s Market will be at Northampton High School on Sunday 20th February. Stalls will be bursting with new and nearly-new baby and children’s clothes, toys, equipment and more. Plus a small selection of unique businesses showcasing their products and services. Come along and grab some bargains or if you need to clean out those cupboards why not book a stall! Northampton: Sunday 20th February, 3pm - 4.30pm, Northampton High School Sports Centre, NN4 6UU. £1.50 entry, kids go free! www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Full Steam Ahead for 2022 at the NLR

This year should be an exciting one for the Northampton and Lamport Railway, with the anticipated opening of its 1/2 mile extension to Boughton later in the year, which will make the line 30% longer! Train services, both steam and heritage diesel, run every Sunday from 27th Mar (Mother’s Day) to 30th Oct (Halloween), with various special events in between. The recently refurbished buffet serves great food. Free parking. Dedicated wheelchair compartment available on the train. @NLRailway. www.nlr.org.uk. See P.7

Ready for an Adventure?

Road 2 Freedom has the perfect way to make your staycation super exciting and memorable this year. Their luxury motorhomes are available to hire for short or long holidays, and they provide everything you could need for a family adventure: their range of 4, 5 & 6 berth motorhomes are fully furnished and come with unlimited miles, bespoke travel guides and 24/7 support. Enjoy a different view each day; explore the outdoors, then relax with a hot shower and a chilled glass of wine. It’s time for a holiday with a difference! www.road2-freedom.com. See P.11

Finding Relief After a Traumatising Birth Experience

Sadly nearly a third of parents would describe their birth as traumatic, which can lead to distressing symptoms such as panic attacks, nightmares, flashbacks, anger, and difficulties bonding. It isn’t always possible to just ‘put it behind you’. The Birth Trauma Recovery Program is a fast, safe and incredibly effective technique to release you from your negative thoughts and feelings and eradicate your symptoms. Now being offered either via zoom or face-to-face in Northamptonshire’s Bella Mama studio. www.bellamamastudio.co.uk/trauma. See P.13

New Family Fitness Sessions

Carly Browne, a local fitness instructor, was inspired to start her family fitness sessions after noticing her four children becoming withdrawn and moody, staring at screens and bickering. One day, she decided to get them to do a workout with her. Their whole demeanour changed - they were happier and even encouraging to each other! Afterwards, the whole day became more positive - this is now part of their regular family routine and she would love you to join her. Bookings for Family Fitness Sessions are open now! Offer: £30 credit with block bookings of 10 sessions made before 31/1/22. T&Cs apply. Contact Carly on njfitnessltd@hotmail.com or 07933 513858. njfitnessnorthampton. See P.19

Teaching Children to Cook

Maria believes that a love of cooking and an ability to do so is a skill that every child should have. That is why she created Eat Sleep Bake Repeat - to teach children from 2 years old how to cook a whole range of foods. Her small class sizes ensure that children get the attention they need. They are encouraged to use their listening skills and follow instructions whilst making a delicious recipe and learning about where food comes from. Contact Maria: 07985 408289. maria@mariarix.co.uk. www.eatsleepbakerepeat.co.uk. See P.12