Toddle About Warwickshire Summer 2011 by Toddle About Magazine

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Groups & Classes from page 23 in the Daily Activity Planner

Family picture courtesy of Mango Pictures

Hello!

And welcome to the Summer issue of Toddle About! As ever, we’re trying some new things for you in this edition of Toddle About that we hope you’ll like and we’re keen to hear what you think... First thing is a brand new feature called Reader Recommendations. Following feedback from our recent survey, you can now read about some child-friendly places to eat on p. 14 - 15 - as recommended by you! And there is a chance for you to get recommending yourself (and win some prizes in the process!) Secondly, you will see some odd-looking barcodes in this issue, like this one (right). They are called QR codes and we hope they will make your reading experience more useful, engaging and fun! QR codes can be scanned by most smart phones with the use of a free app, and they allow us to link you effortlessly from content in the magazine to further information, videos, offers and more on the web via your phone. You can download a free QR scanner app from your phone’s app store, or alternatively visit getreader.com to find an app that works on your phone. Done that? Now try your new scanner out on the QR code above! It will take you to our Facebook page where you can ‘like’ us to be the first to hear all the local baby and toddler news. Thank you for reading!

Tim & Ruth

PS. Don’t forget! You can subscribe to Toddle About completely for FREE at www.toddleabout.co.uk/subscribe and we’ll post a copy to your door every quarter. Contact us on 0845 643 2483, or info@toddleabout.co.uk Toddle About, PO Box 1010, Bugbrooke, NN7 3WD

This furry little fella is Charlie! He’s hiding all over the magazine - why not see if your little one can find him while you read? Charlie’s been busy collecting news of loads of things that are on for little ones this Summer - and there’s some great things going on so you needn’t get bored! See pages 4 - 5. We’d like to say a big thank you to PixiFoto in Leamington Spa for once again providing the beautiful picture on our front cover. And don’t forget! Everything you read in Toddle About and more is available on our website. We hope to see you there: www.toddleabout.co.uk

Contents 4-5 Shop About 6-7 All About Baby Signing 9 Toddle Models 10-11 What’s New?

8,000 copies of Toddle About are distributed every quarter around South Warwickshire.

13 Daily Activity Planner 23 33 Reader Recommends 14 Directory 38 Controversy Corner 17 Out & About Watch out for the S symbol on Special Offers 20 adverts - it tells you who has a Cranial Osteopathy

special offer in our centre pages. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in Toddle About is accurate and correct, we cannot guarantee that this is so and neither Toddle About nor Tim Freed can accept any liability for loss, damage or problems arising from any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in content, nor from actions taken by readers based on information or opinions presented in advertisements or throughout the magazine. Images and information supplied by 3rd parties have been accepted in good faith and all liability for any legal transgression including breach of copyright remains with the supplying parties.

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What’s New?

Take a

At the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

The Numberjacks On Stage Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd October See inside front cover & read more on p.38

New Music Together Classes

Warwickshire New Leamington Spa Class for Little Splashers

Swimming is such a rewarding and fun activity to learn together from an early age. Little Splashers are pleased to announce NEW Leamington Spa lessons on Thursday mornings in September. For Toddle About readers they will be offering free taster sessions on selected days over the Autumn. Keep in touch with Little Splashers via their web site www. littlesplashers.co.uk. See p.23 and voucher in centre pages.

Music Together, an early childhood music programme for 0-5 year olds which is very popular in the US and many other countries around the world, now also offer music classes in Kenilworth. The Music Together philosophy is based on the recognition that all children are musical and that they can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence, provided that their early environment supports such learning. Guided by a registered Music Together teacher and with the participation of parents and caregivers, Music Together introduces children to the pleasures of real music experiences and music making instead of passively receiving it from CDs or TV. The Music Together song collection contains unique songs that are musically rich and include a wide variety of meters and tonalities. Classes are mixed age, and each term families get a song book and CDs to enjoy at home. Use the voucher in Toddle About to claim a free taster CD and 2 free trial sessions. Classes run on Thursday and Saturday mornings in Kenilworth. See p. 30

The Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Show

Sat 24th Sept: 10am - 4pm @ Leamington Spa Town Hall See advert on p.19 and read more on p. 38

Dandy Development- New baby and toddler classes

There is a new and refreshing take on baby and toddler classes coming to Leamington, Southam, Warwick and Offchurch! Nikki Sayers, local mum and qualified teacher, started Dandy Development to provide fun and stimulating classes that help with language and communication development. Dandy Development uses simple signing and speech and language techniques to support and encourage communication, pre-literacy skills, build confidence, and aid social and emotional development. The classes have two stages and are for every child from 4 months to 2½ years who loves fun, music, instruments and games - and for every parent who seeks to support their child’s development. Classes are enhanced by their mascot, DandyLion, as well as unique Dandy Development songs, well known nursery rhymes, stunning sensory parachute hoops, bubbles, books and carefully selected toys. Classes are not only a fun learning and development opportunity, they also provide precious bonding time between child and parent/carer: to enjoy smiles, giggles and cuddles. See p.28 and use voucher in centre pages to claim free taster sessions.

Groups & Classes from page 23 in the Daily Activity Planner

Butterflies & Dinosaurs

If you’re looking for a gift for a mum-to-be or a new baby, or you want to find something different and more thoughtful for a christening or birthday present, then check out this brand new online boutique! Fully customisable gift box options also available. Use code for a special 15% discount for Toddle About readers! www.butterfliesanddinosaurs.co.uk. See back cover.

Paint & Glaze Open Days

Paint & Glaze are out and about again this Summer, running their open day events so you can drop in and see them for a spot of pottery painting, or hand and foot prints for the littlies at: (See p.35) Blooms Rugby Garden Centre, Bourton-on-Dunsmore on: Sunday 17th July - 11:00 - 15:00, and Rugby Art Gallery and Museum on: Fri 29th & Sat 30th July - 10:30 - 12:30 Fri 26th & Sat 27th Aug - 10:30 - 12:30

Lamaze Birthing Classes

Rugby-based doula and mum Fay Thomson is now the 5th birthing practitioner in the UK to qualify as a Lamaze teacher. Offering birth and early parenting classes, Lamaze promotes a natural, safe and healthy approach to pregnancy, birth and parenting. Practices are based on the best, most current medical evidence available and can help reduce unnecessary interventions. Lamaze educators have already helped millions of pregnant women to achieve their desired childbirth outcomes. See p.23

Classes Still Running This Summer! Summer is a wonderful time of year, but it’s also the time when a lot of groups and classes STOP. And you can be forgiven for thinking that everything stops - but it doesn’t! This August, you can still enjoy classes with: Tumble Tots in Rugby (p.30): as normal Little Kickers in Rugby (p.25): as normal Go 4 Goals (p.29): Holiday Camps running in August (see box). Little Splashers (p.23) 4-week summer school runs at usual times: a great swimming crash course. Musical abc (p.32): Music sessions run for 1st two weeks of August Sing & Sign (p.16): Summer Stay & Play sessions running in August with Sing & Sign session at the end. Call for details. LoveBallet Dance Classes (p.27)- Summer School runs at the end of July (see box). Music Together Kenilworth (p.30): Music sessions run through July and August, though not in the first week of August. There are hundreds more groups in the Daily Activty Planner from p.21, though many do stop during August so we recommend calling before attending any group in Summer.

New Boogie & Bounce Classes

Following massive success in nurseries and Sure Start centres, LoveBallet are making their Boogie & Bounce classes available to all! For children 18 mths upwards, the classes involve basic rhythm, music, dance and gymnastics. The classes are great fun and the perfect way to introduce your child to dance at a young age. Use the voucher in centre pages for a free trial! See p.27 Tuesdays, 1:30pm - 2:30pm, Harbury Village Hall Wednesdays 11:00am – 12:00pm The Grange Hall, Southam Wednesdays, 1:30pm - 2:30pm, Boddington Village Hall

LoveBallet Summer School

For 6 yrs+ to learn exciting fun dance styles and perform in a show for parents. 27th + 28th July at The Grange Hall in Southam. £35 both days. Contact Lorraine for more info on 07711 010404- see p.27

Go 4 Goals Holiday Camps

The popular Go 4 Goals Holiday Camps are back this Summer, with 4-day football courses running from 1st 4th and 8th - 11th August at Leamington RFC on Kenilworth Rd, Leamington Spa and from 15th - 18th August at Alveston Primary School in Tiddington, near Stratford. The courses are for children aged 4 - 11 years and are packed full of football fun with small-sided tournaments, penalty shoot outs, team circuits, football quizzes, skills training, soccer tennis and much more! Each day runs from 9:30am - 3:30pm (with early drop off from 8:45) and costs £15 per day or £50 for all four days - extra siblings go for half price. Contact Jason for more info on 07747 562469. See p. 29.

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Baby & Toddler Must-Haves Earth Mama Bottom Balm Can we talk bottoms? New mums and mumsto-be often have bottom problems! Prenatal and postpartum haemorrhoids, postpartum vaginal swelling and bruising, episiotomies... Good thing you have a baby coming to make it all worthwhile. Earth Mama® Bottom Balm® soothes and cools with an organic olive oil base infused with healing organic herbs - St. Johns wort, yarrow, witch hazel, calendula, shea butter, and more. Store it in the refrigerator and apply often! You will be sitting pretty in no time. 60ml available for just £12.95 (free P&P) from www.butterfliesanddinosaurs.co.uk. Get 15% off with offer code in Toddle About centre pages. We think the Cushi Tush baby seat is just fantastic! It is a lightweight, paediatrician approved, floor based baby seat, ideal for feeding and play time - and it’s so light, it’s great for trips away and picnics at the park. Having had trouble with our babies arching their back to get out of other baby seats, we were hesitant to invest in another but we’re so glad we did - the Cushi Tush is infinitely more comfortable for babies with full back and leg support and comes with a removable tray which is dishwasher safe. Complete with tray, the Cushi Tush is available to buy online from www.cushitush.co.uk. RRP £34.99, Toddle About readers can pick one for just £28 using code CushiTA28. Read our full review of the Cushi Tush at www.toddleabout.co.uk/articles/reviews

Stokke Xplory Pushchair This has to be one of the most versatile pushchairs we have seen. The unique awardwinning design enables your child not only to face you but also be high enough up to facilitate great eye contact and interaction and to give them a fantastic view – much more fun than being stuck at knee level! The seat easily reclines allowing your child to sleep comfortably and it can also be forward or rear facing. The height of the seat unit adjusts as your child grows, making it a great high-chair when you’re out and about. Just put it in the upright position and slide the handle down and your child is at the perfect height for mealtimes. The Xplory is very sturdy and easy to operate and manoeuvre. The Xplory is suitable from birth though a separate carry cot for babies up to 6 months is also available to provide optimal comfort. Buy from Pink & Blue Baby World, High St., Daventry and get 10% off in store with the voucher in our centre pages. www.pinkandbluebabyworld.co.uk. .

Groups & Classes from page 23 in the Daily Activity Planner

All prices shown are accurate at time of going to print, but are subject to change.

Ruby and GINGER - The ‘Just Nipping Out’ Set When you are ready to reclaim your gorgeous handbags yet still need nappy changing essentials the ‘Just Nipping Out’ set has all you require. It includes The Original Nappy Purse, matching Travel Change Mat and Ruby and a GINGER travel wipes case. This stylish Nappy Purse can be used on its own or is neat enough to be stashed in an existing handbag – keeping all your baby’s nappy changing requirements safe and easy to find in one, hygienic place. With enough room for three large nappies, baby wipes and nappy bags. Each nappy purse includes a discreet storage pocket for keeping your stuff safe too. Give it a try…you’ll wonder how you managed without one! Available from www.butterfliesanddinosaurs.co.uk for just £15 (free P&P). Get 15% off with offer code in Toddle About centre pages.

Cot and Toddler Bed by Bopita Phoenix Colouring In Posters and Hats The people at Phoenix cards are always coming up with fun new products, and these colouring in posters and hats are a great example. Perfect for those slow Summer days, you could do worse than having a few of these up your sleeve in case the children start behaving like caged animals ... though I’m sure they never do... The posters (4 for £6) are a massive 50cm x 70cm and made from good, thick paper (170 gsm). The hats are fun for role playing as well as a craft activity- they may not last forever, but at £2.70 for three, who’s counting? Available in boys or girls sets, buy from www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/charlotte Plus, use your special offer voucher in our centre pages to claim free delivery and a free card with every order.

This gorgeous cot bed is suitable for your newborn baby through to toddlerhood. When baby is young, the mattress base can be raised to ease back strain as you lift your little one in and out of bed. As your child grows, the high side panels with bars are easily replaced by lower side panels, removing the need for a bed guard and turning it into a toddler bed that will last for years. And it is available in 13 different colours - so there is an option to suit any room! Bopita children’s furniture is very robustly built with the highest care and comes with a guarantee of 5 years. Varnishes and stains are water-based and environmentally friendly. Bed dimensions: W 75.5 x H 91 x L 146 cm. RRP: £395.00 Available from Kinderroom - visit their showroom at 31a Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 5JX. And don’t forget the voucher from our centre pages which gets you a free mattress when you buy one of these beds!

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Groups & Classes from page 23 in the Daily Activity Planner

All About... Baby Signing

espite a surge in popularity in recent years, Baby Signing is still seen by some as the realm of the hippymother or the pushy parent. And, when you think about it, teaching sign language to a child without hearing problems does seem, well, a bit odd. But odd it is not! At least we don’t think so... and we’d like to tell you why.

Research most notably conducted by Joseph Garcia (1980’s) and Drs Linda Acredelo and Susan Goodwin (2001)

What is Baby Signing?

In a nutshell, baby signing is simply sign language for babies, giving them a method of communication before their bodies develop sufficiently to allow them to speak. Babies can start learning signs from 6 months, and those starting at this age will often begin signing from 8 months onwards. There are a few different providers out there now who offer baby signing classes - we have attended Sing & Sign classes with our children. The classes are full of music and incredibly catchy songs from start to finish, and ingeniously combine action songs and nursery rhymes with gestures derived from sign language. The lessons are fun for the babies, who are entertained by props such as puppets and instruments, and teach the parents the signs so they can use them at home. It is through a combination of the classes and frequent use of the signs at home, that the babies learn how to sign.

The Research

ResearchA has concluded that signing babies become children with larger vocabularies, who are better problem-solvers, are more self-confident, and tend to take leadership roles amongst their peers. It has even been linked to increased IQ levels. Baby signing also helps to develop a strong parent-child bond and the earlier ability to communicate can simply make life a little easier – not in the least by decreasing tantrums! Being able to communicate their needs in a way that is understood means that signing babies don’t get as frustrated and they resort less to extreme methods of communication.

Sound too good to be true?

Parents who are new to baby signing are sometimes concerned that it might lead to their child being late to talk, the general feeling being that learning signs might distract a child from learning the spoken word and so delay language acquisition. But this is not the case – at least as long as you don’t give up on talking to your child! The thing is, talking to your child is a central part of baby signing: the carer always says the word when demonstrating

the sign, and this focus and repetition actually gives language development a boost. In fact, it turns out that many signing babies learn to speak earlier than their non-signing peers. The biggest criticism thrown at baby signing however, is that it’s just not necessary as babies learn to talk soon enough anyway. In response to this, signers argue that it definitely helps to have a baby who can sign “hot”, “drink” or “pain”, rather than crying until you work it out.

The Verdict

Well, I say if you fancy it, you should definitely give baby signing a go. Our children have absolutely loved the classes, from William at 9 months to Alice who is nearing four, and we have fun at home practising the signs with the older children for William’s benefit. Even if you don’t have the discipline to practice the signs at home, the classes are super music sessions and the benefits of music with babies are well-documented. After all, what have you got to lose? At worst, your child won’t pick up signing but you’ll have had some fun singing songs and meeting some new people. At best, your toddler will never have a tantrum, will love you dearly and will be the next Einstein. It sounds like a good gamble to me!

Sing & Sign classes run in Leamington Spa, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon. See advert on p. 16. For information on loads of other classes for your little ones see the Daily Activity Planner from p. 23, or an index of classes on p. 35

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Baby Photo Competition

Sponsored by:

Isabella Perry,

4 months

2 www.waterbabies.co.uk See advert on page 29

www.lindascannell.com

www.kooch.co.uk

Parri Uppal,

2 years

Congratulations to this issue’s winners - all 5 of you! And a massive thank you to our lovely sponsors - The Warwickshire Baby & Toddler Show and five of their fantastic exhibitors (on the left of this page) for making the competition so exciting! We’re pleased to say the Baby & Toddler Show is going ahead after it had to be rearranged - it will now be going ahead on Sunday 20th November 2011 (see www.warwickshirebabyshow.co.uk). We had a record number of votes come in this time (nearly 200) with over 700 of you going online to check out this edition’s gorgeous entries. We can’t begin to tell you how much we love receiving your entries to the Toddle Models competition they genuinely put big smiles on our faces whenever one lands in our inbox. As ever, we hope you enjoy them as much as we have! If you like these pictures, use your smart phone to scan this QR barcode for a treat: a seriously cute video of our baby boy William getting a hilarious case of the giggles:

www.butterflybras.co.uk

www.linenathome.co.uk/ cypsmile21

Veer Uppal, 6

months

ears rniss, 2 y

Jacob Fu

Isla Mae Taylor, 15 weeks

Jai Williams, 17 mths playing with Mollie

Tamai, 7

months

Amber

onths

10 m Owen,

Groups & Classes from page 23 in the Daily Activity Planner

6 mths

choa, 1

O George

Laney Th

omas, 8 m ths

Charlotte Hall, 13 mths

Joseph Lee, 3.5 years

Jack Wa

Ivy Forth, 3 years

3.5 Katy Coupland,

llace, 19

mths

Caitlin Harper, 4 mths

Jayden Price, 8 mths

Isaac

Katie Anderton, 18 mths

Autumn Rose, 16 wks

ths Mia, 7 m Charlotte

yrs

Ella McLaren, 2 yrs

Ashley Anderton, 3 yrs

Elliot Mou

ld, 12 mth

nths

o Ewan, 5 m

David, 2 years

Freddie & Harry

Harvey Lead better, 8 weeks

Megan Shirley, 18 mths

Liam Jones, 3 yrs

Lucy, 3 months

Sienna Price, 5 mths

ths ell, 21 m Lewis F

Summer McLaren, 7 mths

Enter the next Toddle Models Competition and win

Your Child on our Front Cover!

The winner of the next Toddle Models competition will get to enjoy a free professional photo shoot with photographer PixiFoto in Leamington Spa being the front cover model for the next edition of Toddle About! PLUS, PixiFoto have offered to give our lucky winner a £50 gift voucher to spend on prints from their photo shoot! To enter the next Toddle Models competition, please email your favourite pic of your little one (along with their name and age) modelswarks@toddleabout.co.uk by midnight on Friday 12th August. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges and as ever, we will print as many entries as possible in our next issue.

Send us your videos too!

Email us at info@toddleabout. co.uk with a funny video of your little one (or a link to it on YouTube) and you may see it featured in our next edition as a QR code like the one opposite!

at www.toddleabout.co.uk SubscribeSee forTerms FREE & toConditions Toddle About at www.toddleabout.co.uk

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Groups & Classes from page 23 in the Daily Activity Planner

Cranial Osteopathy A personal account by Mrs S Byrne

fter reaching a peak with Jake’s behaviour one Saturday evening, we felt that we needed to do something. Although he was only five, he had experienced many stresses in his life which we felt had contributed to his erratic behaviour, which included extreme temper tantrums and a poor sleep routine. In fact, Jake had not slept an entire night since he was born. He had also suffered with recurring ear infections including a perforated ear drum. I had heard from my Health Visitor that children who, like Jake, had had a traumatic birth and delivery, sometimes showed

signs of erratic behaviour patterns. I set about researching this. To my surprise there were many pieces of research linking these two areas, along with how it could also be linked to recurring ear infections. My research pinpointed me to cranial osteopathy. I then set about trying to locate a paediatric cranial osteopath and my research led me to Neil Lunt. When the day of our appointment arrived, Neil was wonderful with Jake, very calm and reassuring. I was amazed. Jake lay on the couch and allowed Neil to treat him for a considerable amount of time without moving - a rarity with Jake! Neil was very informative, explaining what he had found and how he could help him. Jake immediately liked Neil

The Mystery Revealed... During birth, a baby’s head experiences enormous forces as the uterus pushes the head against the natural resistance of the birth canal. The baby’s head moulds to allow it to pass through the birth canal, and it can look quite deformed for the first 24 hours after birth, often with a cone-like appearance. Over the next few days, the head returns to a more normal shape, encouraged by the natural forces of suckling, crying and yawning. If the birth has been long or difficult, some of the moulding can be retained, leaving tensions within the skull and spine. These unresolved tensions can create discomfort, causing the baby to be unsettled or irritable and cry more than normal. Cranial osteopaths are trained to identify these areas of tension. As a child grows, these side-effects of a difficult birth

and looked forward to his next treatment. We noticed a dramatic change in Jake after the first visit. He was very tired and slept for a long time the first evening but awoke very refreshed. After 48 hours Jake was explaining that his head felt much better and that he could hear everything we were saying. As the days passed, Jake continued to improve in his sleep patterns, behaviour and calmness. We have now completed our course of three treatments and have seen a drastic improvement in Jake which both our family members and friends have also noticed. Although Jake is not perfect, it has made a drastic difference to the balance in our family life.

By Jane O’Connor can make them more vulnerable to other health problems. For example, asymmetries in the head, neck or body can lead to postural imbalances and tension within the musculoskeletal system. Cranial Osteopathic treatment is gentle, safe and effective for babies and children. Very specific, skilled, light pressure is applied to assist the natural ability of the body to release stresses and tensions. Reactions to treatment can be variable; commonly, the baby is relaxed and very sleepy. Occasionally they might have a burst of energy after treatment, followed by a good night’s sleep.

Neil Lunt MA BSc(Hons)Ost has been treating infants and small children for 20 years. He has had children brought to him from as far afield as Moscow for his particular blend of paediatric and cranial osteopathy. Neil practises at Jane O’Connor & Associates Clinic in Leamington Spa. See advert on page 33 for details.

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Reader Recommendations:

ne of the suggestions that many of you gave us in our recent survey was to include more recommendations from our readers of places to go with little ones in Warwickshire. So here is your first instalment! Your recommendations of child-friendly places to eat - thank you to everyone who got in touch to let us know where you have been that is good for families with little ones. We hope you find it useful! You can see more recommendations in our online directory at www.toddleabout.co.uk/ directory. Simply enter your postcode and select the ‘Child-Friendly Pubs/Restaurants’ category and you will be presented with a list of recommended eateries in order of distance from your home. Help us enhance these listings by emailing your recommendations to us! Eleanor from Warwick recommends... The “brilliantly baby-friendly” Lazy Cow restaurant in Warwick. I have been twice for lunch, both times with my 6 month old son and they have been really accommodating, more than happy to find us a table with room for the pushchair, even though it’s not geared up for children. The changing facilities are excellent and the shape of the restaurant lends itself to finding a quiet corner to breastfeed. Also, the food is incredibly good!

Emma from Stretton recommends... The Mill House Pub restaurant in Stretton, Burton on Trent. They do a fantastic children’s menu and have an indoor soft play area and outside play area as well. They do two meals for £10. My son has a speech/ communication problem and they have a member of staff that talks to my son using makaton signs - it’s nice to know people are out there that understand

8-10 Theatre Street, Warwick, CV34 4DP www.thelazycowwarwick.co.uk

James Brindley Way, Stretton, Burton-onTrent, DE13 0LA

Our Survey Says...

You may remember that in the Spring edition of Toddle About, we invited you to complete an online survey to help us determine what you like and don’t like about Toddle About. Well, we’re pleased to say that over 80 of you kindly logged on to complete the survey and we’re so glad you did! Admittedly, that’s largely because most of the things you were saying made us feel very good, but equally the suggestions you gave us for improvements were extremely useful and will definitely lead to changes in Toddle About. For example, the Reader Recommendations feature on this page is here precisely because quite a few of you asked for them , and - with your support - this feature will continue for as long as you want it! We thought you might be interested to see some of the findings from our survey: • 67% of readers will read Toddle About cover to cover. • 71% of readers would change nothing about Toddle About. A massive compliment! • 87% believe Toddle About is better than other free magazines on offer (31% of all readers believe it is the best by far) • 98% of readers have taken action because of an advert in Toddle About – the average reader has taken action 3 or 4 times.

• On average, 2.1 people read each copy of Toddle About, giving us a readership of 16,800 per region per quarter - or 33,600 readers across both our regions. • Only 7% of readers throw away Toddle About immediately after reading it. 73% keep it till the next edition comes out and 17% never throw them away at all! • 100% of the readers surveyed recommend Toddle About and on average, give it an overall score of 8.5 out of 10.

Even though the survey is over for now, our ears are always open to hear your feedback - be it good, bad or indifferent. So if you have something to say, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at info@toddleabout.co.uk.

Groups & Classes from page 23 in the Daily Activity Planner

Child-Friendly Places To Eat

Catherine from Coventry recommends... Coffee Tots in Coventry. I can’t stress enough what a godsend Coffee Tots is. It is a fantastic little coffee shop and is the most child friendly place I have visited. It’s perfect when you have a screaming baby - it’s lovely to go somewhere that you don’t feel embarrassed when your child is having a tantrum. The staff are fantastic, so friendly. There is a play area for toddlers and lots of books and plasticine to keep them entertained! The prices are cheap as chips; they offer sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc. The hot chocolate with cream is gorgeous.

Jane from Kenilworth recommends... The Almanack in Kenilworth. It is a really relaxed, friendly gastro pub welcoming babies, toddlers and children. The staff are great and accommodate your needs. The venue is breastfeeding friendly and although they all should be, The Almanack really is. There is a large table section at the back of the pub that you can hire out for free, which is used regularly by mummies and their babies and toddlers, enabling the mums to enjoy lunch and toddlers to roam free in safety, making as much noise as they wish, whilst the partition ensures the other diners can enjoy their lunch in relative peace! The menu is tasty for parents and kids and the different speciality coffees provide a welcome boost! The Almanack also holds regular events. Abbey End North, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ www.thealmanack-kenilworth.co.uk

Unit 11 City Arcade, Coventry www.coffeetotscoventry.co.uk

Alison from Rugby recommends... The Olde Coach House in Ashby St. Ledgers (near Rugby). There are lovely gardens and an enclosed park next to the restaurant to explore and keep the children entertained while the food is being prepared - and the food is delicious. I cannot stress enough that I love this place for their children’s menu. Yes, they serve fish and chips but the restaurant doesn’t assume that all children want chips all of the time, and there is a really good selection of other food. The staff are very accommodating too. All in all it has good service, excellent food and is a place that makes the grown-ups feel they are out for a lovely meal whilst feeling very welcome with little children. Perfect! Main Street, Ashby St. Ledgers, CV23 8UN www.oldecoachhouse.co.uk

Recommend and Win!

For the Reader Recommendations feature in the next edition of Toddle About, we would like to publish your recommendations of free or cheap places to go with your little ones - because we think that would be the kind of thing most of us parents would like to hear about! They can be anything you want - the only thing we ask is that it’s the kind of place that you would recommend to your friends. Of course we hope you will want to recommend places simply because it’s the neighbourly thing to do, but in case you need a little incentive, we do have one. Thanks to Priddy Books, we have three sets of their brand new Fold Out Floor Books to give away (RRP £9.98). These books are lovely and just perfect for little ones. You can read our review online at www.toddleabout.co.uk. Please email your recommendations to rec@toddleabout.co.uk by midnight on 31st August with your name and the town you’re from (a picture of you or the place recommended would be great if you have one too). We will publish your recommendations in the Autumn edition of Toddle About and our three favourite submissions will win a set of Fold Out Floor Books. We look forward to reading them!

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Groups & Classes from page 23 in the Daily Activity Planner

The Co-Sleeping Debate Co-sleeping (the practice of bringing baby into the parental bed at night-time) is a bit of a social taboo in the UK, even though 20 – 30% of parents with babies under 1 year will be doing it tonight. As in so many areas of parenting, opinions on the best approach to sleeping habits tend to fluctuate between extremes. Most parents in the Western world opt for a separate cot in a nursery, but there is a significant and growing proportion of the parenting population who, taking their lead from more traditional practices, believe that having baby sleep in the parental bed is beneficial for all involved. Not only that, but they also believe very strongly that isolating a baby in their own room away from other human contact is bad for a child’s well-being. In this article we have presented the main arguments for and against co-sleeping to help you make up your own minds.

For Co-Sleeping Better Emotional Health In some studies which tracked the longer term effects of co-sleeping and sleeping alone (Crawford, Forbes, Heron, Keller), the children who slept with their parents tended to be happier, less anxious and had higher self-esteem. They were also less likely to be afraid of sleep, had fewer behavioural problems and were generally more independent as adults. Babies Who Cry to Sleep get Stressed Psychiatrist Michael Commons has published research showing that when babies are left alone to cry themselves to sleep, they release increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol which he suggests can cause physical changes in the brains of infants. “It makes you more prone to the effects of stress, more prone to illness, including mental illness, and makes it harder to recover from illness,” he concludes. Stronger Immune Systems James McKenna, leading anthropologist and sleep researcher, suggests that because babies who sleep with their mothers are usually breast-fed through the night (typically twice as often as those that sleep alone), they experience less illness due to the increased immunological benefits of breastfeeding. Reduces Risk of Cot-Death Babies are at most risk of cot-death between 1 and 6 months when they begin to sleep more deeply, but their cardiopulmonary regulating system may not be well-formed enough yet for the breathing centres in the brain to re-start breathing when baby is in deep sleep. Some experts suggest that because co-sleeping babies spend less time in deep sleep, they are less likely to suffer from cot-death. Furthermore, co-

sleeping parents often find that their baby’s breathing becomes ‘in-rhythm’ with their own, and there is evidence to suggest that a parent’s breathing acts as a kind of ‘pace-maker’ which can help to re-start their baby’s breathing, should it stop. Baby Falls and Stays Asleep Better When falling asleep in a parent’s arms, or physically close to their parent, a baby learns that going to sleep is a pleasant experience. Many babies in their first year do not have a concept of object permanence, meaning that when mummy leaves the room, they do not understand that she still exists elsewhere. This can be a stressful experience for baby, making falling asleep difficult and full of crying. Having a parent near when they come into light sleep during the night provides baby with reassurance that it is OK to go back to sleep and they are less likely to fully awaken. Mum Gets a Better Quality of Sleep Although co-sleeping babies usually feed more through the night than their isolated counterparts, mother and baby tend to be in-sync with their sleep patterns, and as a result come into light sleep at the same time, so mum barely has to wake up to feed baby. When baby sleeps in a separate room, a night time awakening can often rouse mother from a deep sleep, which is the most restful kind of sleep, and causes not only exhaustion from interrupted sleep, but also a resentful attitude which is not conducive to returning to sleep. After lying baby back to sleep in a separate bed, it can often take mum a long time to get back to sleep because her body has to re-enter a restful state, and her mind is full of worry about the baby sleeping or waking up again.

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Against Co-Sleeping The Main One: It’s Risky The main criticism of co-sleeping is that it increases the risk of cot death. The proximity of baby to their parents, and potentially a heavy duvet, can increase the chance of over-heating. There is also an increased risk of suffocation should one or other parent roll onto the baby in their sleep, and there is also the possibility that baby may fall out of bed. Back in 2009, the media sensationalised the findings of Professor Peter Fleming (perhaps the world’s leading authority on cot death), who published a study that showed that 54% of cases of cot death occurred in co-sleeping situations. What was less well publicised was that the majority of these deaths occurred where one or both parents had been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and/or had been co-sleeping on a sofa or somewhere other than in bed. When common-sense precautions were taken, co-sleeping was statistically no riskier than when baby slept alone. Despite this – or perhaps because of it - the stance of The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) remains that the safest place for a baby is in a cot in the parents’ bedroom. Baby & Mother Get More Sleep Co-sleeping babies usually wake and feed more often during the night, and some parents find that their bed-movements wake baby up and vice versa, resulting in neither baby nor parent sleeping as deeply as they might do separately. A baby who has had a good night’s sleep is more likely to be happy in the daytime – and the same logic applies to mums too.

More Mum & Dad Time Co-sleeping babies will often need help settling to sleep, either by feeding to sleep or simply having the presence of their mother nearby, and if they wake to find her gone they can need mum’s presence again to get back to sleep. This whole process often robs parents of that sacred evening time when they can chat and catch up with each other without distraction, which is important for a healthy relationship. A baby that sleeps in its own cot usually learns how to settle itself to sleep and re-settle themselves again when they come into light sleep without parental help. More Intimate Mum & Dad Time On a similar theme, a more common argument against co-sleeping is the imposition that a child in bed might make on more adult night-time activities. Whilst this is undoubtedly true for anyone bound to the bed, it has been pointed out that these activities can take place in a variety of locations... No Need to Wean off Bed-Sharing That children like sleeping with their parents is a given. Co-sleepers typically say that your child will want to go into their own bed when they are ready – often around the age of 2 years. However if you cosleep and decide the time has come for your child to move into their own bed before they do, you may find it a difficult transition to accomplish.

Although views on which approach is best differ greatly, everyone wants their children to grow up happy, healthy and well-adjusted. In the end, all children are different, and it seems that some families are suited to co-sleeping whilst others are not. Whether you co-sleep or have your child sleep in their own room does not define you as a good or bad parent, so don’t let anyone else tell you what is right for you – read the research and the commentaries, try out what appeals to you (safely), and make up your own mind.

Groups & Classes from page 23 in the Daily Activity Planner

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Preparing for School

Oxford University Press has found that more than 3 in 4 mums (78%) of pre-school children are ‘anxious’ about their child starting school and nearly 9 in 10 (88%) mums questioned said their child’s emotional happiness – confidence, ability to make friends easily and enjoyment of school – is their greatest concern.

Ruth Coppard, leading child and educational psychologist, comments: “What’s clear from the findings is that mums equate their child’s confidence to an ability to settle in. You can’t teach your child confidence, but there are many simple steps parents can take to build familiarity in order to prepare their children for school life.”

To help you feel more excited about this next milestone, the publisher has got together with Ruth Coppard to suggest some early stage literacy activities that you can try out over the Summer months, to help calm your own nerves, improve your little one’s confidence and prepare them for their next big step in September.

The survey and tips were commissioned to re-launch Read with Biff, Chip and Kipper, a series available on the high-street that features characters children will encounter when learning to read at school. We think they’re great! Read our review at toddleabout.co.uk/articles/reviews

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1. Left to right

When you read together use your finger to trace under the words from left to right and encourage any writing to go from left to right as well.

2. Rock-a-Bye

Re-visit popular nursery rhymes. Rhyming skills are thought to underpin reading, so encouraging your child to remember the ‘missing’ word from the end of a line will help to develop this.

3. Finger fun!

If your child wants to write letters, make sure the letters are formed correctly - left to right, top to bottom. Writing with a finger in sand or on the carpet - something with texture - is a good way to help your child to learn the shapes.

4. Number knowledge

Encourage counting to 10 when the opportunity arises. For example, when baking count 3 eggs, 4 spoons of sugar etc; count steps, numbers on houses, red cars, even grannies on the bus! T

5. Story time

Get into a daily habit of reading to your child. Sit together and enjoy a book. The emphasis is on enjoying books and being comfortable with them. A great set of books for this are the newly re-launched Read with Biff, Chip and Kipper series - all characters children will probably encounter at school. Not only are they specifically written to help children prepare for school, but knowing these characters will help to provide a feeling of security on their big adventure.

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Learning for Life

With a course from a top university

of courses, from Day Schools to one year Certificates and also Part-time, Foundation and

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evening, have flexible entry requirements and are competitively priced*. They can be taken for career progression or for interest and pleasure.

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If you start one of our flexible degrees in autumn 2011, you will only pay the current tuition fee (plus an annual inflationary rise) for the duration of your degree: Part-time Degree – average of £820 per year, based on 50% of a full-time degree, 2+2 Degree - £1345 per year – Funding is available for eligible students

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Certificate Taster Day 10th September 2011 Book a place online

For call 024 7615 1155 or visit www.warwick.ac.uk/cll 22 information Add your comments to all articles at www.toddleabout.co.uk

Rugby Area Monday

Binley Woods Binley Woods Rhyme Time

Binley Woods Library, Monks Rd, CV3 2BQ 14:15 – 14:45; Free; 024 7654 2908 Drop in music & singing sessions for 0-2s.

Brownsover Kangas ‘n’ Roos Toddlers Group

Brownsover School, Webb Drive, CV23 0UP 9:00 - 11:00; 50p; 01788 547660

Parents Stay & Play Session

9:30 - 11:00; Boughton Leigh Children’s Centre, Wetherell Way, CV21 1LT 01788 570347; 50p donation

Cawston Breastfeeding Group: 13:30 - 15:30 Stay & Play Session: 9:00 - 11:00

Cawston Grange Children’s Centre, Scholars Dr, CV22 7GU; 01788 817723; donations

Church Lawford Tumble Tots

Village Hall, School St, CV23 9EE. 9:30: Gymbabes; 10:30: toddlers; 11:30: 2-3 yrs; 12:45: 3yrs - school Naomi: 07779 785 166; £4.80 each/£24 Term Structured Play for Babies 6 mths - school age

Dunchurch Noah’s Ark Parent and Toddler Group 9:15 - 10:45 & 11:00 - 12:30; Dunchurch Baptist Church, Coventry Rd, CV22 6RF Katie Wederell: 01788 842736

Easenhall Little Splashers Swimming Classes

Town Thorns hydro pool, CV23 0JE 9:00 - 11:00; For 2mths - 4 yrs Call Jo on 07968 015292 Infant swim courses. Book as 10-week course.

Long Lawford Stay & Play

Newbold Stay & Play

Rugby (central) Rugby Baptist Church Toddler Group

Rugby Baptist Church, Regent Place, CV21 2JP 10:00 - 11:30; Louise: 07891 069786 Term time only, 60p per family.

Bumps & Babes Group

13:30 - 15:00: St Andrews Benn School, Chester St, CV21 3NX; 01788 579488 For expectant parents and new babies <1 yr

Ken Marriott Waterbabies

Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, CV22 5LJ Morning & Afternoon Sessions; 4 mths - 5 yrs 01788 535851 Fun, innovative & effective swimming classes.

Tree House Soft Play

9:00 - 19:00; Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, CV22 5LJ 01788 535851: call first to check open Soft play: ball pits, slides, tunnels & zip lines.

Rugby Story Stomp

Rugby Library, Little Elborow St, CV21 3BZ 11:00 - 11:30; 01788 533 250 30-min story time sessions for 2 - 4 yr-olds

Willenhall, Coventry Little Splashers Swimming Classes

12:10 - 13:40; Baginton Fields School, Sedgemoor Rd, CV3 4EA Call Jo on 07968 015292; For 2mths - 4 yrs Infant swim courses. Book as 10-week course.

Twins or More @ Rugby Methodist Church 10:00 - 11:30; Russelheim Way, CV22 7TB Carolyn: 077733 74883 or Carol: 07801 819525

Tuesday

9:15 - 11:00; Newbold Riverside Children’s Centre, Newbold Rd, CV21 1EH

Boughton Leigh Children’s Centre, Wetherell Way, CV21 1LT: 01788 570347; 50p donation

Dunchurch Little Kickers

Dunchurch Village Hall, Rugby Rd, CV22 6PN 14:00 - 14:45: “Junior Kickers”, 2 - 3.5 years Lynne: 01327 310373 45-minute football sessions

Easenhall Little Splashers Swimming Sessions

Town Thorns hydro pool, Easenhall, CV23 0JE 9:00 - 11:00; For 2mths - 4 yrs Call Jo on 07968 015292 Infant swim courses. Book as 10-week course.

Harborough Magna Early Birds Nursery Toddler Group

The Old School, Main Street, CV23 0HS 10:30 - 12:00; 0-3s; £1 entry Diane: 01788 833559 Parents meet up and children play safely.

Hillmorton Gems Toddlers

Hillmorton Community Centre 9:00 - 11:00: 01788 573383 Free toy library between 9:30 and 10:30.

Sunbeams Toddler Group

Rogers Hall, Deerings Road, Rugby 9:30 - 11:15 (term time only) Tracey: 01788 811341 / Emma: 01788 332960

Long Lawford Stay & Play

13:30 - 15:00; Long Lawford Children’s Centre, Holbrook Road; 01788 568554; 50p Activities especially for older children

Lawford Ladybirds

Long Lawford Methodist Church, School Street, CV23 9AT. Mel: 07954 667199 9:30 - 11:30; 50p; 0 - 4s; Term time only. A warm, safe and happy place for all.

Bilton Bilton Evangelical Toddler Group

Bilton Evangelical Church, Main St, CV22 7NQ 10:00 - 11:30; Term time only Karen Cairney: 01788 817326

Braunston

Long Lawford Children’s Centre, Holbrook Rd 9:15 - 11:00; 50p donation: 01788 568554 Health Visitor 9-mth check by invitation only

Bumps and Babies: 13:00 - 14:30

01788 568554; 50p donation Especially for older children

New Bilton New Bilton Baby Club

Rugby Christian Life Centre, Lawford Rd 14:00 - 15:00; 01788 547368

Braunston Toddler Group Braunston Village Hall, NN11 13:30 - 15:00; £1.50; Term time only Andy: 01788 891456; First visit free. Crafts, songs & toys. Health Visitor 2nd Tues.

Rugby (central) Young Parents Stay & Play with H/V

Brownsover Health Visitor Clinic: 13:00 - 14:30

Rainbow Tots

Hill Street Youth Centre, Hill Street, CV21 2NB 10:00 - 11:30: 01788 579488; For under 25 yrs - with Health Visitor 9:15 - 11:30 (term time); Rugby Christian Fellowship, 46/48

In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy

Daily Activity Planner

Rugby Area Cambridge St, CV21 3NQ Stephanie: 01788 544608; 50p per child

Rosemary Way, LE10 0LN Call Jo on 07968 015292; For 2mths - 4 yrs Infant swim courses. Book as 10-week course.

10:30 (on 3rd Thurs): Dunchurch Village Hall 0844 243 6253; £2 donation; Refreshments For expectant & new parents

Hillmorton Rugby URC Baby & Toddler Group

Childminder’s Network

Newbold Stay & Play, Childminders: 9:15 - 11:15 Stay & Play, babies (+ H/V): 12:45 - 14:15

Sunbeams Parent & Toddler Group

Rugby (central) Rugby Rhyme Time

Stay & Play

9:30 - 11:30; Oakfield Children’s Centre, Oakfield Rd, CV22 6AU; 01788 547368 St Andrews Benn School, Chester St, CV21 9:30 - 11:30 (term time only): 01788 579488; A group for childminders only

Newbold Riverside Children’s Centre Newbold Rd, CV21 1EH; 01788 568554; 50p donation

13:30 - 15:00; Rugby United Reformed Church, 40 Hillmorton Road, CV22 5AD Pam: 07732 916412; £1 per family Term time only. Crafts, toys, singing & signing.

Abbey Tots Group

Salvation Army, Bennfield Road, CV21 2AS 9:30 - 11:30; Term time; 0-3s; £1 + 50p p/c Major Sandra Collins: 01788 535436 Friendly group with play, crafts and songs.

Rugby Library and Information Centre, Little Elborow Street, CV21 3BZ 11:00 - 11:30; 01788 533 250; For 0-2s Free music & singing sessions for all. Drop in!

Abbotts Farm Infants School 9:00 - 11:00 (term time only); 01788 543093

Tree House Soft Play

Stay & Play

Long Lawford Children’s Centre, Holbrook Road, CV23 9A 9:15 - 11:00; 50p donation: 01788 568554 Refreshments in the hut after the walk

9:00 - 19:00; Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, CV22 5LJ 01788 535851: Call first to check open Soft play: ball pits, slides, tunnels & zip lines.

Ken Marriott Waterbabies

Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, CV22 5LJ; For 4 mths to pre-school age. am & pm sessions; 01788 535851 Fun, innovative & effective swimming classes

Homebirth Group (NCT)

1st Tues of alternate months, 28 Regent Place 0844 243 6253 - Next on 2nd Aug & 4th Oct. Chat about homebirth with midwives, doulas

Wolston Wolston Rhyme Time

Wolston Library, Warwick Rd, CV8 3GX 14:00 - 14:30. alternate weeks; Free 02476 542 513 Free music sessions for 0-2s. Drop in!

Wednesday

Bilton Bilton Evangelical Toddler Group

Bilton Evangelical Church, Main St, CV22 7NQ 10:00 - 11:30 & 13:30 - 15:00; Term time only Karen: 01788 817326

Brownsover Teddybears Tots group

9:30 - 11:30; Oakfield Children’s Centre, Oakfield Road, CV22 6AU; 01788 547368

Outreach Stay & Play

St Andrews Benn School, Chester St, CV21 3NX 9:00 - 11:00 (term time only) 01788 579488; Drop in for 0 - 5 years Play indoors and outdoors with activities.

St Maries Little Angels

St Maries Catholic Church, Dunchurch Road 9:15 - 11:30; bumps - 5s; £1 donation Angie: 01788 333271 Lovely group - crafts, singing and lots more.

Tree House Soft Play

Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, CV22 5LJ 9:00-19:00; 01788 535851: Call to check open Soft play: ball pits, slides, tunnels & zip lines.

Ken Marriott Waterbabies

Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, CV22 5LJ Morning & Afternoon Sessions 01788 535851; For 4 mths to pre-school age. Fun, innovative & effective swimming classes

Thursday

Brandon, Coventry Water Babies Swimming Classes

Brandon Hall Hotel, Main Street, CV8 3FW 9:30 - 12:00; Tamsin: 01295 709221 Fun, action packed, progressive classes

Long Lawford Walk & Talk

New Bilton Little Gems Toddler Group

13:15 - 14:45; Rugby Christian Life Centre, Lawford Road, CV21 2JE. 0-5s; 50p each. Debbie: 01788 552227. Crafts, messy play, singing & story time.

Newbold Little Stars Toddler Group

Methodist Church, Main St, CV21 1HH 9.30 am - 11.30am (Term Time); For 0-4s Mel Chambers: 07954 667199 Toys, arts & craft. Have a cuppa and a chat.

Stay & Play

Newbold Riverside Children’s Centre, Newbold Road, CV21 1EH 12:45 - 14:15; 01788 568554; 50p donation Especially for older children

Rugby (central) Stay, Play & Weigh

13:30 - 15:00; Oakfield Children’s Centre, Oakfield Road, CV22 6AU; 01788 547368 Health Visitor Available

Breast Feeding Group: 12:00 – 14:00 Health Visitor & Weighing: 12:30 - 13:45 Claremont Children’s Centre, Claremont Rd, CV21 3LU; 01788 579488

Brinklow Baby Talk

Birth Choices Group

Brownsover Kangas ‘n’ Roos Toddlers Group

Tree House Soft Play

Clifton Primary School, Station Rd, CV23 0BT Every 3rd Wednesday; 50p donation 01788 568554: Plse call to see what’s on Story sacks, Baby Massage; Baby Signing, etc.

Parents Stay & Play Session

Ken Marriott Waterbabies

Dunchurch NCT Coffee

Cawston Stay & Play Session: 13:30 - 15:00

Christ Church, Hellvelyn Way, CV21 1JF 9:00 - 11:00; Term time only

Cawston Baby Group with Health Visitor

13:30 - 15:00: Cawston Grange Children’s Centre, Scholars Drive, CV22 7GU 01788 817723; donations Health visitor available until 15:00

Clifton-upon-Dunsmore Various activities

Dunchurch Village Hall; £2 donation 10:00 - 12:00 (Every 1st Wed);Bump - any age 0844 243 6253 - Non members welcome

Hillmorton St George’s Magic Dragon Group

St Georges Church, St Johns Ave, CV22 5HR 13:30 - 15:00; 0-4s; £1.50; Term time only. Carol: 01788 544630 Crafts, singing, toys, big hall, refreshments.

Hinckley Little Splashers Swimming Classes 10:00 - 12:00; Westfield Junior School,

Brinklow UR Church, Broad St, CV23 0LN 10:00 - 11:30, £1/£2 donation; Open all year. Sarah: 07930 431610 / Jo: 07984405691 Toys & occasional crafts. Bumps - 5s welcome.

Brownsover School, Webb Dr, CV23 0UP 9:00 - 11:00; 50p; 01788 547660 13:30 - 15:00; Boughton Leigh Children’s Centre, Wetherell Way, CV21 1LT 01788 570347; 50p donation

Cawston Grange Children’s Centre, Scholars Drive, CV22 7GU; 01788 817723; donations

Dunchurch Noah’s Ark Parent and Toddler Group

9:45 - 11:30; Dunchurch Baptist Church, Coventry Rd, CV22 6RF; Katie: 01788 842736

Dunchurch Rhyme Time

Dunchurch Library, The Green, CV22 6PA 4th Thursday of the month at 2:15pm; Free 01788 811 355 Free music & singing sessions for 0-2s. Drop in!

Bumps n Babes

Friends Meeting House, 28 Regent Street 19:30 - 21:00: Every 3rd Thursday of alternate months: Apr 21st, Jun 16th, Aug 18th, Oct 20th, Dec 15th; Yasmin: 0844 2436253 For anyone considering birth options 9:00 - 19:00; Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, CV22 5LJ 01788 535851: Call first to check open Soft play: ball pits, slides, tunnels & zip lines. Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, CV22 5LJ Morning & Afternoon Sessions 01788 535851; For 4 mths to pre-school age. Fun, innovative & effective swimming classes.

Little Splashers Swimming Classes

LA Fitness, Webb Ellis Rd, Rugby, CV22 7AU 10:00 - 11:30; For 2mths - 4 yrs 0-4s; Call Jo on 07968 015292 Infant swim courses. Book as 10-week course.

Friday

Cawston Stay & Play Session: 9:00 - 11:00

Cawston Grange Children’s Centre, Scholars Drive, CV22 7GU 01788 817723; donations welcome

24 Many groups don’t run in August - we advise calling before attending

Rugby Area Long Lawford Children’s Centre, Holbrook Road, CV23 9A 13:30 - 15:00; 50p donation; 01788 568554 With Health Visitor. For non-walking babies

New Bilton Gardening at the Allotment

Run by Newbold Riverside Children’s Centre at Gladstone Street. Please call for details. 01788 568554; 50p donation

Rokeby Outreach Stay & Play

Rokeby School, Anderson Ave, CV22 5PE 9:30 - 11:30 (term time only); 01788 579488; Drop in for 0 - 5 years. Indoors and outdoors.

Rugby (central) Crafty Fun and Story Time

Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, CV22 5LJ 10:00 - 11:00 (drop in): 01788 535851; £2.70 New mums and tots group in soft play centre.

Little Discoveries

Rugby Art Gallery & Museum, Little Elborow Street, CV21 3BZ; 01788 533201; Free 13:30 - 14:30 (Last Friday of Month) Crafts and music activities every week

11:00 - 11:30; 01788 533 250; For 0-2s Free music & singing sessions for all. Drop in!

Soft play: ball pits, slides, tunnels & zip lines.

Tree House Soft Play

Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, Rugby, CV22 5LJ Morning & Afternoon Sessions; 4 mths - 5 yrs 01788 535851 Fun, innovative and effective swimming classes.

9:00 - 19:00; Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, CV22 5LJ 01788 535851: Call first to check open. Soft play: ball pits, slides, tunnels & zip lines.

Ken Marriott Waterbabies

Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, CV22 5LJ. 01788 535851 Morning & Afternoon Sessions; 4 mths- 5yrs. Fun, innovative & effective swimming classes

Walsgrave Triangle Little Splashers Swimming Classes

10:30 - 14:30; Hilton Hotel, Coventry, CV2 2ST Call Jo on 07968 015292; For 2mths - 4 yrs Infant swim courses. Book as 10-week course.

Wolston Wolston Story Stomp

13:30 - 14:45; Oakfield Children’s Centre, Oakfield Road, CV22 6AU; 01788 547368

Stay & Play Outdoors

At the Allotment on Gladstone Rd, Rugby 9:30 - 11:30; 01788 547368

Little Acorns Baby & Toddler Group

10:00 - 11:30; Paddox Methodist Church, Dunsmore Ave, CV22 6HD Anna: 07758 511442; £1.00 (Term time only) Crafts, toys, cooking, chat and more...

Rugby Rhyme Time

Rugby Library, Little Elborow Street, CV21 3BZ

9:00 - 14:00; Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, CV22 5LJ 01788 535851: Call first to check open

Sunday

Easenhall Little Splashers Swimming Classes

10:00 - 12:00; Rugby United Reformed Church, 40 Hillmorton Road, CV22 5AD Pam: 07732 916412; £1 per family Term time only. Crafts, toys, singing & signing.

Town Thorns hydro pool, Easenhall, CV23 0JE 9:00 - 11:00; For 2mths - 4 yrs Call Jo on 07968 015292 Infant swim courses. Book as a 10-week course.

Rugby (central) Tree House Soft Play

LA Fitness, Webb Ellis Rd, Rugby, CV22 7AU 12:00 - 14:00; For 2mths - 4 yrs 0-4s; Call Jo on 07968 015292 Infant swim courses. Book as 10-week course.

Hillmorton Rugby URC Baby & Toddler Group

Saturday

Easenhall Little Splashers Swimming Classes

Little Splashers Swimming Classes

Town Thorns hydro pool, CV23 0JE 9:00 - 11:00; For 2mths - 4 yrs Call Jo on 07968 015292 Infant swim courses. Book as 10-week course.

Wolston Library, Warwick Road, CV8 3GX 9:30 - 10:00 (2nd & 4th weeks) 02476 542 513; Free 30-min story time sessions for 2 - 4 yr-olds

Toddle Time

Ken Marriott Waterbabies

Rugby (central) Tree House Soft Play

9:00 - 14:00; Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, CV22 5LJ 01788 535851: Call 1st to check open Soft play: ball pits, slides, tunnels & zip lines.

Ken Marriott Waterbabies

Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Bruce Williams Way, Rugby, CV22 5LJ Morning & Afternoon Sessions 01788 535851; For 4 mths - preschool Fun, innovative & effective swimming classes

In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy

Daily Activity Planner

Long Lawford Stay & Play Non-Walkers

Daily Activity Planner

Southam & Stratford Region Alveston Sing & Sign

Monday

The Malt House, The Rookery, CV37 7QP 9:45 (14/15m+) & 11:00 (6m - 14/15m) 01789 415591; £55 for 10-week term One hour baby signing class running from May

Harbury Harbury Toddler Group

The Wight School, High Street, CV33 9HW 9:30 - 11:15, open all year (not bank hols) 0-5s; 50p per person; Jenny: 07826 516300 Toys, crafts, in & outdoor play and singing.

Kineton Kineton Baby Clinic

Kineton Scout Hall, Park Piece, Kineton 10:00 -12:00 (fortnightly); Free; 01926 691105 Health Visitor for baby weighing & advice

Kineton Parent & Toddler Group

Kineton Village Hall , Mill Lane, CV35 0LA 9:30 - 11:00 (term time only); 50p per person Ali Laland-Villemin: 01926 641913

Unit 4A, Colbalt Centre, Kineton Rd, CV47 0FD 10:00 - 11:30; £3.00; Anita: 01926 810495 Includes tea/coffee for parents squash and biscuits for the children. Term time only

10:00 - 11:30 monthly (5th april, 3rd May. Call for further dates - Bronwyn: 07817 456 379 Soft play, coffee and chat

Southam Tots Swimming Lessons

Clown In Around, Kineton Road, CV47 0FD 13:30 - 15:00; £3.00; Anita: 01926 810495 Includes refreshments. Term time only

Southam Leisure Centre, Welsh Road West, CV47 0JW; 01926 817788 11:30: 5 - 18 mths, 11:30: 3 yrs+ Swimming lessons for 5 mths - 5 years

Stratford-upon-Avon Tumble Tots

Shottery Memorial Hall, CV37 9BL 10:30: walking – 2yrs; 11:30: 2 – 3yrs; 13:15: 3 yrs - school Georgina: 01926 337800; £5.50 per session Structured Play for 6 months up to school age

Early Pregnancy Antenatal Classes

Rother House Medical Centre, Alcester Rd, CV37 6PP. www.birthandbabyreality.co.uk 18:00 - 20:00, monthly; For bumps; Helen: 01926 731621 - plse book Free antenatal class for early pregnancy.

Tuesday

Banbury Rugrats Twins and Multiples Group

Clown In Around Toddler Group

Southam Tots Swimming Lessons

Southam Leisure Centre, Welsh Road West, CV47 0JW; 01926 817788 10:00: 5 - 18m; 10:00 & 10:30: 3 yrs+; 10:30: 19 - 36m

Southam Rhyme Time

Southam Library, High Street, CV47 0HB 11:00 - 11:30, twice monthly; 01926 812 523 Free music & singing sessions for 0-2s. Drop in!

Stockton Playtime

Early Years Hub, Church Street, CV47 8JG 9:30 - 11:00; 01926 814953 A smaller, quieter stay and play session

Stratford-upon-Avon Mums, Bumps & Babies Group

Ken Kennett Centre, Justins Ave, CV37 0DA 10:00 - 11:45; bump - 1 yr; Free coffee morning Vic Bean: 0844 2436284 Talk about concerns & meet other mums.

10:30 - 13:00; Rugrats and Halfpints, Beaumont Road, OX16 1QY; For 0 - 5s; £4.00 per family Simone: 07921 460086 Runs fortnightly - in holidays too.

Monkey Music

Bishops Itchington Bump Info Evening

Stratford-upon-Avon Rhyme Time

The Parish Centre, Old Town, CV37 6BG Afternoons – please call Claire: 01789 415526 Complimentary trial classes available

Lighthorne Heath Breastfeeding Support Group

19:30 - 21:30; The Greaves Club, Fisher Road Monthly; Call Bronwyn for info: 07817 456 379

Stratford upon Avon Library, CV37 6PZ 11:00 - 11:30, fortnightly: 01789 292 209 Free music & singing sessions for 0-2s. Drop in!

Harbury Boogie & Bounce Classes

Lighthorne Heath Children’s Centre

Harbury Village Hall, South Parade, CV33 9JE 13:30 - 14:30; Lorraine: 07711 010404 Introduce your child to dance (from 18mths)

Temple Herdewyke Temple Herdewyke Stay and Play

Lighthorne Heath Village Hall 13:15 - 14:45; 01926 691105

Baby Play (6-18 mths): 13:15 - 14:45; 50p Stay and Play Session in our Crèche area. Baby weighing and advice from Health Visitor Bumps to Babies (bump – 6 m): 13:15 - 14:45 For pregnant and new mums to meet. 50p. Stratford Road, Lighthorne Heath, CV33 9TW Drop in groups; 01926 691105

Kineton Family Fun

Kineton Village Hall, Mill Lane, CV35 0LA Lunch time; 01926 691105; 50p per family Fun activities during Summer Hols - fortnightly

Long Itchington Creative Kids

Lighthorne Heath Tots Time

Snitterfield Snitterfield Rag Tag Toddler Group

Ratley Ratley Toddler Group

Community Centre, Stockton Rd, CV47 9QP 9:30 - 11:00 (starts 17th Jan, not on 21st Feb or 28th Mar); 01926 814953 Get creative with arts and crafts

Snitterfield Village Hall, Bearley Rd, CV37 0JH 10:00 - 11:45; £1.50 plus 50p per child Hilary: 01789 731246; For 0 - 4s. Run by parents for parents & their little ones.

Southam Acting, Performance & Singing Classes

The Grange Hall, Coventry Rd, CV47 1QA 16.00 (3-5yrs); 16.45 (6-8yrs); 17.45 (9-12yrs). Lorraine: 07711 010404 Ballet classes for 3 - 6 yrs

Dandy Development

Clown in’ Around, 4a Cobalt centre, Kineton Rd. 10:30 & 11:15 (Call to check after 11th July) Nikki: 07890 241301; £3.00 for over 1s Class inc. in normal entry. Limited places. Talk, Share and Play; Grow in Every Way!

Baby Time

13:00 - 14:45; Southam Children’s Centre, St James Road, CV47 0LY; 01926 814593

Clown In Around Toddler Group

Lighthorne Heath Childrens’ Centre, Stratford Road, CV33 9TW. Tel: 01926 691105 13:15 - 14:45; 18mths - 5 yrs; 50p per family Fun Stay and Play Session. Closed in August.

Temple Herdewyke Primary School 10:30 - 11:30; 0-5s; 50p; Term time only. Kerry: 01926 641084 Stay and play session held in the school hall

Wednesday

Bishop’s Itchington Homebirth Group

Early Years Centre, Poplar Road, CV47 2RT 19:30 - 21:00 (2nd Feb & 6th April) Helen: 01926 612068 Informal meeting with info on homebirths

Fenny Compton Fenny Compton Toddler Group

14:00 - 1:00; Ratley Village Hall; 01926 691105

Fenny Compton Village Hall, Memorial Road 10:00 - 12:00 (monthly); £1.50; 01926 814953

Shottery Sing & Sign

Kineton Kineton Parent & Toddler Group

Our Lady of Peace, Church Lne, CV37 9HQ 9:45 & 11:00 (6m - 14/15m) 01789 415591; £55 for 10-week term One hour baby signing class running from May

Southam Love Ballet Dance Company

The Grange Hall, Coventry Road, CV47 1QA 16:00: 3-4 yrs; 16:30: 5-6 yrs Lorraine: 07711 010404 Ballet classes for 3 - 6 yrs

Picnic in the Park

12:30 - 14:00; Various locations inc. Southam, Stockton, Napton, Bishops Itchington Call for details: 01926 814593

Kineton Village Hall , Mill Lane, CV35 0LA 9:30 - 11:00 (all year); 50p per person Ali Laland-Villemin: 01926 641913

Long Itchington Long Itchington Baby & Toddler Group

Long Itchington School, Stockton Rd, CV47 9QP 9:30 - 11:00 (term time only); £1.50 Nikki: 01926 810592 Tea & coffee, crafts, healthy snacks & songtime

Priors Marston Priors Marston Parents & Toddlers

Priors Village Hall, Priors Marston, CV47 7RP 9:30 - 11:30; 0 - 4s; £1.00 per child Very relaxed group - toys, crafts and singing.

Coffee & Chat

Clown In Around

26 Many groups don’t run in August - we advise calling before attending

Southam Boogie & Bounce Classes

Lorraine: 07711 010404 Funky dance classes and gymnastics for all.

Lighthorne Heath Mobile Library

Southam Church Toddler Group

Stay & Play

Lighthorne Heath Childrens’ Centre, Stratford Road, CV33 9TW 9:45-10:15 (monthly): 01926 691105

The Grange Hall, Coventry Road, CV47 1QA 11:00 - 12:00; Lorraine: 07711 010404 Introduce your child to dance (from 18mths) 9:30 - 11:00: Southam Children’s Centre, St James Road, CV47 0LY; 01926 814593

Graham Adams Centre, St. James Rd, CV47 0QB 10:00 - 11:30; 0 - 3s; 80p per session Marian: 01926 814483 Term time only. All are welcome!

Young Parents Group

Clown In Around Toddler Group

10:00 - 11:30; Clown In Around, Kineton Road, CV47 0FD; £3.00 Anita: 01926 810495 Includes refreshments. Term time only

Coffee & Chat

Southam & District Children’s Centre, The Graham Adams Centre, St James Rd, CV47 0LY 12:00 - 13:30 (starting 13th Jan); 01926 814953 A friendly group for parents under 25.

Stratford-upon-Avon Monkey Music

Bridge Cafe @ Southam Children’s Centre, St James Road, CV47 0LY 12:00 - 13:00. Call for dates Bronwyn: 07817 456 379 Coffee & chat for mums & mums-to-be

Alveston Malt House, Alveston Vill., CV37 7QX Morning & Afternoon sessions Claire: 01789 415526; Complimentary trial classes available

Southam Tots Swimming Lessons

Temple Herdewyke Temple Herdewyke Baby Clinic

Southam Leisure Centre, Welsh Road West, Southam, CV47 0JW; 01926 817788; 13:30 & 14:00: 3 yrs+ Swimming lessons for 5 mths - 5 years

NCT Breastfeeding Support Cafe 10:30 - 12:00; Southam Children’s Ctre, St James Rd, CV47 0LY Andrea: 0844 243 0008 Free drop in! Meet breastfeeding mums and get support

Temple Herdewyke Primary school ‘Cool Club’ 9:30 - 11:30 (monthly); Free; 01926 691105 Get your baby weighed and discuss any concerns with the Health Visitor

Friday

Stratford-Upon-Avon Baby Massage

Lighthorne Heath Friday Fun

11:00 - 12:00; Lifeways Centre, 30 Albany Rd, CV37 6PG. Babies from 5 weeks to 3 months Booking essential: Clair: 07742 317959 5-week nurturing IAIM baby massage course

Lighthorne Heath Village Hall, CV33 9:30 - 11:00; 18 m - 5 yrs; Free; 01926 691105 Fun Stay and Play Session. Not in August.

Stratford Story Stomp

Family Time

Tysoe Tysoe Toddler Group

Storytelling

Stratford Library, 12 Henley Street, CV37 6PZ 11:00 - 11:30 (4th week of mth) 01789 292209; Free 30-min story time sessions for 2 - 4 yr-olds

Lighthorne Heath Village Hall 10:00 - 11:30 (fortnightly) - Breakfast included! 0 - 5 yrs; Free; 01926 691105 For families to meet and children to play over August. 13:30 - 14:00; Lighthorne Heath Village Hall; 01926 691105; Monthly - call for details

The Old Fire Station, Tysoe 10:00 - 11:30 (monthly); 01926 691105 Join Lighthorne Children’s Centre for crafts

Southam Messy Hour

10:00 - 11:00; Southam Children’s Centre, St James Road, CV47 0LY; 01926 814593

Upper Boddington Boogie & Bounce Classes

Upper Boddington Village Hall, Warwick Road, NN11 6DH 13:30 - 14:30 Lorraine: 07711 010404; Introduce your child to dance (from 18mths)

Southam Tots Swimming Lessons

Wellesbourne Wellesbourne Story Stomp

Tots & Tiddlers

Wellesbourne Library, Kineton Rd, CV35 9NF 10:00 - 10:30 (2nd & 4th weeks) 01789 840528; Free 30-min story time sessions for 2-4 yr-olds

Lighthorne Heath Village Hall 9:30 - 11:00; 01926 691105. Not on in August.

Southam Southam Tots Swimming Lessons

Southam Leisure Centre, Welsh Road West, CV47 0JW; 01926 817788 13:30 & 14:00: 5 mths - 5 years

Thursday

Bishop’s Itchington Bishops Itchington Toddler Group

Memorial Hall, Fisher Road, CV47 2RE 10:00 - 11:30; 0-3s; £1.50 per family; Closed

In the Water

Southam Leisure Centre, Welsh Road West, CV47 0JW; 01926 817788 11:30: Parent & Baby 5-18m & 1936m; 13:30, 14:00 & 14:30: 3 yrs+ Swimming lessons for 5 mths - 5 years

Love Ballet Dance Company

The Grange Hall, Coventry Road, CV47 1QA 16:30: Funky Dance (4-6yrs); 17:00: Gymnastics (all ages)

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Love Ballet Dance Company

The Grange Hall, Coventry Road, CV47 1QA 16:00 - 16:30; Lorraine: 07711 010404 Little Tappers tap dance classes for 3-5 yrs

Stockton Toddlersaurs

Stockton Village Hall , Napton Road, CV47 8JX 10:00 - 11:30; 0-4s; £1.50 plus 50p per person Emma: 01926 814687; Term and holidays New activity every week. H/V on 1st Fri of mth.

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy

Daily Activity Planner

Southam & Stratford Region xmas - NY & August. Andrea: 01926 612138 Play time for children & chat time for adults.

Daily Activity Planner

Southam - Warwick areas Wellesbourne Wellesbourne Rhyme Time

Wellesbourne Library, Kineton Road, CV35 9NF 10:00 - 10:30 (1st & 3rd wks); 01789 840528; Free singing sessions for 0-2s. Just drop in!

Saturday

Southam Together Time

Southam Children’s Centre, The Graham Adams Centre, St James Rd, CV47 0LY 10:00 - 11:30 (fortnightly); 01926 814953; For 0–4s; Toys, crafts and other activities.

Stratford-upon-Avon Go 4 Goals

Welcombe Hills School, Blue Cap Rd, CV37 6TQ 10.00 - 11.00 (4 to 11yrs - Split groups); Jason: 07747 562469; Term time only. Football coaching classes for little & big ones.

Monkey Music

Alveston Malt House, Alveston Vill., CV37 7QX Morning session – call for details Claire: 01789 415526; Complimentary trial classes available

Sunday

Southam Little Laces Football Cl asses

The Grange Hall, Coventry Road, CV47 1QA 11:00 - 12:00; Call CJ: 07772 873271 Bitesize 35-minute football sessions for 2-5 yrs

Warwick, Leamington & Kenilworth Monday

Rd, CV8 1JP; 01926 853394; £2 donation

The Spring Playgroup Toddler Group

Kenilworth Youth Centre, Abbey End, CV8 1QJ 9:30 - 11:00 (Term time only); 0 - preschool age; £1.50 per family; Jackie: 01926 864443 All families welcome, refreshments available.

Leamington Spa (central) Monkey Music

United Ref. Church, Cubbington Rd, CV32 7AL Morning & Afternoon sessions Claire: 01789 415526 Complimentary trial classes available

Cubbington Musical abc

Early Pregnancy Antenatal Classes

Emscote Little Saints

Tiddlywinks

Cubbington Village Hall, Broadway, CV32 7JX 9.45 - 10.35, 10.45 - 11.35 & 11.45 - 12.35 Anne: 07876 518770. Trials must be prebooked. Music classes for birth - 5 yrs.

All Saints Church, Vicarage Green, CV34 5NJ 9:30 - 11:00; Free / donations. 01926 492073 Activities and sing-song sessions

Heathcote Sing & Sign

Busy Bees Nursery, Macbeth Approach, Gallagher Business Park, CV34 6AD 9:45 (6m - 14/15m) & 11:00 (14/15m+) 01789 415591; £55 for 10-week term One hour baby signing class running from May

Kenilworth Young Parents (under 25)

11:00 - 12:30: St Johns Children’s Centre, Mortimer Road, CV8 1FS; 01926 856397; Free

Movers & Crawlers Drop In

9.30-10.45; Kenilworth Children’s Centre, Bertie

Leamington Spa Baptist Church, Chandos St, CV32 4RN. www.birthandbabyreality.co.uk 19:00 - 21:00, monthly; For bumps Helen: 01926 731621 - booking required Free antenatal class for early pregnancy. St Paul’s Church Hall, Leicester St, CV32 4TE 9:45 - 11:30; 0-5s; Danielle Eley: 01926 427149 Currently at full capacity - have a waiting list.

Warwick Monkey Music

St Mary Immaculate, West St, CV34 6AB Afternoon session; Claire: 01789 415526 Complimentary trial classes available

NCT Toddler Weekly Walks

10:30 - 11:30; Walks in Jephson Gardens, St Nicholas Park, Abbey Fields & Newbold Comyn Alex: 0844 243 6314; Free Designed for those with toddlers.

Sing & Sign

St Mary Immaculate Hall, 45 West St, CV34 6AB 9:45 (14/15m+) & 11:00 (6m - 14/15m) 01789 415591; £55 for 10-week term One hour baby signing class running from May

exciting new baby and toddler development classes Develop... language and communication skills, confidence, listening skills, social and emotional skills and co-ordination

If you have any questions, would like to reserve a place in one of our classes or organise a free trial session, please contact Nikki...

Stimulate... the senses and the imagination

07890 241301 nikki.sayers@hotmail.co.uk

Through... making music and singing, signing, role play, movement, our parachute hoops, toys, sharing special time and having lots of fun!

28 Many groups don’t run in August - we advise calling before attending

Warwick, Leamington & Kenilworth Saltisford Church, Albert Street, CV34 4JX - may be moving in Sept/Oct. 10:00 - 11:30; 0-4s; £1 per family; Term time Liz: 01926 496779 Craft, lego or playdough, toys, snack & singing

Tiddlers Mother and Baby Group

Castle Hill Baptist Church, CV34 4EX 10:00 - 12:00; bump - 1 yr; 50p; Term time Liz: 01926 400368 In the park in Summer hols. Drinks & friendship.

Creative Stay & Play

9:30 - 11:00; Warwick Children’s Centre, Coventry Rd, CV34 4LJ; 01926 492701; 6m-5 yrs Explore and learn with messy play. We also do a ‘Wellie Walk’ at 10:00 a.m. in the park.

Tuesday

9:30: walking - 2 yrs; 10:30: 2-3 yrs; 11:30: Gymbabes; 13:00: 3 yrs to school Georgina: 01926 337800; £5.50 Structured Play for 6 months up to school age

Call Jo on 07968 015292 Infant swim courses. Book as a 10-week course.

NCT Bumps Evening Group

Kenilworth Water Babies Swimming Classes

Thorns Primary School, Blackthorn Rd, CV8 2DS 10:00 - 13:00; Tamsin: 01295 709221 Fun, action packed, progressive classes

Positive Parenting with the Triple P 13:00 - 14:55: St Johns Children’s Centre, Mortimer Road, CV8 1FS; 01926 856397 Creche provided

8-9:30pm. The Newbold Pub (upstairs), Newbold St. 2nd and 4th weeks in the month Alex: 0844 243 6314; Free Meet other parents-to-be. Call for details.

Tiddlywinks

St Paul’s Church Hall, Leicester St, CV32 4TE 9:45 - 11:30; 0-3s; Church Office: 01926 427149 New visitors always welcome - waiting list used.

Sydenham Soft Play, Coffee and Chat

Cradle Club (non-mobile babies)

The PlayFarm, 5 Berrington Road, CV31 1NB 10:30-12:00; £2.50 (£1 <1yr); 0844 243 6314 Call if you’re coming so Alex can look out for you

Warwick (central) Warwick Story Stomp

Baginton Baginton Parent and Toddler Group

Baginton Village Hall, Frances Road, CV8 3AB 10:00 - 11:30; 0-5s; £1.50 or 50p for babies + £1 for siblings 12 mths+; Vicky: 024 7630 6869 Term time. Crafts, sing along, drink & snack

Mini Movers (crawlers - toddlers)

10:00-11:30 for both: St Johns Children’s Ctre, Mortimer Rd, CV8 1FS. 01926 856397 Just drop in. £1 voluntary entry

Emscote Emscote Toddler Group

Leamington Spa (central) Baby Massage

Heathcote Tumble Tots

Little Splashers Swimming Classes

All Saints Church, Vicarage Green, All Saints Road, CV34 5NJ; Kate: 01926 403503 9:30 - 11:00; 0-4s; £1 + 50p per sibling Toys, crafts, baby area & refreshments.

Warwick Gates Community Hall, CV34 6DZ

Warwick Library, Barrack Street, CV34 4TH 11:30 - 12:00 (fortnightly); 01926 412189; Free 30-min story time sessions for 2 - 4 yr-olds

13A Park Street CV32 4QN 10:30 - 11:30 - booking essential Clair: 07742 317959; For babies 5wks - 3 mths 5 week IAIM Baby Massage Course. Small grp Oddfellows, Warwick St, Leamington, CV32 5LD 12:30 - 15:00; For 2mths - 4 yrs

Crèche at St Nicholas Park

St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre, CV34 4QY 10:00 - 12:00. Term time only. Booking required.

Warwick Children’s Centre

Tiny Treasures (Birth - 18 mths): 12:45 - 14:30 Sensory toys and activities for babies to enjoy. Tiny Talkers Stay & Play (6m–5yrs): 9:30 – 11:30 Develop communication skills. Wellie Walk at 10:00 in Priory Park (children’s wellies supplied) Coventry Rd, Warwick, CV34 4LJ; 01926 492701

In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy

Daily Activity Planner

Little Fishes Baby and Toddler Group

Daily Activity Planner

Warwick, Leamington & Kenilworth

South Warwickshire Home Birth Group The Quaker Centre, 39 High Street, CV34 4AX 1st Tues of Month, alternate months For bumps; free; Diane: 07771 586095

Tiddlers Mother and Baby Group

Castle Hill Baptist Church, Castle Hill, CV34 4EX 10:00 - 12:00; bump - 1 yr; 50p; Term time Liz: 01926 400368 In the park in Summer hols. Drinks & friendship.

Whitnash Baby Clinic & Busy Babies Group

13:30 - 15:00: Whitnash Children’s Centre, Nursery Lane, CV31 2PW; 01926 315586; Free For 0 - 12mths, H/V for baby weighing & advice

Whitnash Rhyme Time

Whitnash Library, Franklin Road, CV31 2JH; 01926 421 464 11:15 - 11:45, 3rd week of month Free music & singing sessions for 0-2s. Drop in!

Wednesday

Hatton Park (Warwick) Info Session for New Mums

Village Hall, Barcheston Drive. CV35 7TR 13:30 - 14:00 - on July 27th & Sept 28th. Clair Hobbs: 01926 854443 How to find the support you need as a mum.

Kenilworth Little Crackers Toddler Group

Crackley Hall School, Coventry Road, CV8 2FT 10:00 - 11:30; 0-5s; £2 per family; Term time 01926 514444; Please call to check term dates

St Johns Children’s Centre

Twins and More: 10:00 - 11:30 (fortnightly) Childminders Group: 10:00-11:30 (fortnightly) Mortimer Rd, CV8 1FS; £1 donation;

01926 856397. Just drop in - contact for dates

Baby and Child Health drop in

St Johns Children’s Ctre, Mortimer Rd, CV8 1FS 10:00 - 11:30 (fortnightly); 01926 856397 Breastfeeding support, H/V & baby weighing

Breastfeeding Drop in: 10:30 - 11:30 (free) Drop-in Baby Clinic: 10:00 - 11:30 (free) Stay & Play: 10.15-11.30 & 13.45-15.00 (£2) Baby Music: 12:00 (£2 donation) Kenilworth Children’s Centre, Bertie Road, CV8 1JP. Tel: 01926 853394. S&P runs 26/07 - 23/08 Breastfeeding and baby clinic run fortnightly.

Musical abc

13:30 - 15:00; 0 to 2 years nine months; £1 Welcoming group - lovely atmosphere

Offchurch Dandy Development

9:45 - 10:30: Offchurch Tots Group, Offchurch Village Hall, School Hill, CV33 9AL Tots group runs from 9:30. Nikki: 07890 241301; £5.00 (inc. Tots Group fee) Drop in, though spaces limited. Starts Sept 14th. Talk, Share and Play; Grow in Every Way!

Spinney Hill (Warwick) Babies Group (0 - 18mths): 13:00 - 14:30

Babies learn and explore with all of their senses.

Stay & Play Drop In (0-5yrs): 9:30 - 11:00

Kenilworth Wardens, Glasshouse Ln, CV8 2AL 9.30 - 10.20, 10.30 - 11.20 & 11.30 - 12.20 Anne: 07876 518770: Please pre-book trials. Music classes for birth to 5 yrs.

Open play session with planned activities. The GAP Comm. Centre, Oakwood Gr, CV34 5TD 01926 494200

Leamington Spa (central) Little Kickers

Warwick (central) Childminders Stay & Play: 12:45 - 14:30

St. Marks Church Hall, Rugby Rd, CV32 6DL 15:30 - 16:15: Junior Kickers (2 - 3½ yrs); 16:25 - 17:10: Mighty Kickers (3½ - 5th Birthday) Simon: 01926 422589 45-minute football sessions for 2 - 5th Birthday

29th June & 27th July - call for more dates Courses for Parents/Carers: 12:45 - 14:30 Courses organised by Centre Staff Warwick Children’s Centre, Coventry Rd, CV34 4LJ; 01926 492701

Arty Tots

NCT Weekly Walks

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum 11:00 -12:00am first Wed of month 01926 742700; free; 0 – 5s Encourage a child’s imagination and creativity.

NCT Mums & Dads Nights Out

Various locations, usually in Leamington. Free 20:00 - 22:00, 1st week of month. Email Alex - coordinator.nctwarks@gmail.com. Activities change: pub/dinner/movie/dancing...

Tiny Stars

Leamington Spa Baptist Church, Chandos St, CV32 4RN; tel: 01926 336650

14:00 - 15:30, various locations Beth: 0844 243 6314; Free Get some exercise & meet other new parents.

Crèche at St Nicholas Park

St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre, CV34 4QY 11:15 - 12:45 and 13:15 - 14:45. 4 mths - 4 yrs 01926 495353. Term time. Booking required.

Jack and Jill Toddler Group

Baptist Church Hall, Gerrard Street, CV34 4HD 10:00 - 11:30 (closed over Christmas); 0-4s Sue: 01926 499561; £1 per family Busy group. Garden, baby area, crafts, singing.

30 Many groups don’t run in August - we advise calling before attending

St Nicholas Church St (enter at back), CV34 4JD 10:00 - 11:30; 0-5s; £1 per family; Term time. Mrs Hodkin: 01926 312593 Static play upstairs & run around toys down.

Health Visitor Drop In Clinic

Warwick Children’s Ctre, Coventry Rd, CV34 4LJ 10:00 - 11:30 (2nd & 4th wed); 01926 492701

Aqua Babies Swimming Lessons

Warwick, Leamington & Kenilworth Mornings; Room 3, Kenilworth Methodist Church Hall, Priory Road, CV8 1LQ Helena: 07503 906468 Runs 28th July - 25th Aug (not 4th Aug). Free trial offer in centre pages

Tumble Tots

Castle Farm Sports Hall, CV8 1EY 9:15: Gymbabes; 10:15: walking – 2yrs; 11:15: 2 – 3yrs; 13:00: 3 yrs - school Georgina: 01926 337800; £5.50 per session Structured Play for 6 months up to school age

St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre, CV34 4QY 11:30-12:00 (4 m-2yrs) & 12:00-12:30 (2-4 yrs) 01926 495353 - please book Swimming lessons for little ones. Term time.

Ante natal drop in

The Yummy Mummy’s Club

Monkey Music

St Pauls Church Hall, Friars St, CV34 6HD 14:00 - 15:30; bump - 10 mths; Jayne: 0773 8294082 - plse call first for times Friendly group of mums-to-be and new mums.

Thursday

Burton Green Burton Green Parent & Toddler Group Village Hall, Hodgetts Ln, CV8 1PJ 10:00 - 12:00; £1.50 per family; Term time Sharon: 024 76364723 Everybody welcome! Please call first.

Kenilworth Baby Massage

11:00 - 12:00; Parochial Hall, High St. CV8 1LZ. Starts July 28th. For babies from 5 wks to 3 mths Booking essential - Clair: 07742 317959 5-week nurturing IAIM baby massage course

Music Together Kenilworth

In the Water

9:00 - 10:00: St Johns Children’s Centre, Mortimer Road, CV8 1FS; 01926 856397 For expectant parents

St. John’s Church Hall, Warwick Rd, CV8 1HY 10:00 - 11:30; 50p donation St Johns: 01926 853203, Kate: 01926 779159 Refreshments provided, all welcome

St Johns Children’s Centre

Tiny Treasures (4-12 mths): 13:30 - 15:00 Buggy Breakfast (0-5s): 9:00 - 10:00 (termtime) Mortimer Road, CV8 1FS £1 voluntary entry; 01926 856397; Just drop in!

Lapworth Lapworth Stay & Play

Lapworth Primary School, Station Lane, B94 6LT 13:45 - 15:15 (fortnightly from 6th January)

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Leamington Spa (Central) Sing & Sign

The Dormer Conference Centre, 3A Dormer Place, CV32 5AA 9:45 & 11:00 (6m - 14/15m) 01789 415591; £55 for 10-week term One hour baby signing class running from May

Monkey Music

Dale St. Church Centre, Dale Street, CV32 5HL Afternoon – please call for times Claire: 01789 415526; Complimentary trial classes available

NCT & St Mark’s Kaleidoscope

Kenilworth Youth Centre, Abbey End, CV8 1QJ Morning session –call for times Claire: 01789 415526 Complimentary trial classes available

St Johns Toddler Group

£1 voluntary contribution; 01926 856397 Term time only - just drop in

St Mark’s Church Rooms, Rugby Rd, CV32 6DL. 13:30 - 14:00: Parenting Discussion (free topics change weekly); 14:00 - 15:30: Bumps & Babies Group in one room & Stay n Play Toddler Group in hall (£1 per family); 14:30 - 15:30: Breastfeeding drop in (free) Alex: 0844 243 6314. Suitable for bump, babies & beyond.

Leek Wootton Leek Wootton Baby & Toddler Group Village Hall, Warwick Rd, CV35 7RB 10:00 - 11:30; Any age; £1.50+50p p/c Toys, painting & sing-song.

Warwick (central) Dandy Development

Girls Marching Band Headquarters, Hampton Rd, CV34 6JP Stage 1: 10.00am-10.40am, Stage 2: 11.00am-11.50am (Starting Thursday 8th September) Nikki: 07890 241301; £4.50/£5.00 Talk, Share and Play; Grow in Every Way!

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy

Daily Activity Planner

St Nicholas Church Toddler Group

Daily Activity Planner

Warwick, Leamington & Kenilworth Warwick Rhyme Time

Georgina: 01926 337800; £5.50 per session Structured Play for 6 months up to school age

Warwick Library, Barrack Street, CV34 4TH. 01926 412 189 10:30 - 11:00, twice monthly; Free music sessions for 0-2s. Drop in!

Whitnash Stay & Play

Warwick Sing & Sign

St Mary Immaculate, 45 West St, CV34 6AB 9:45 (14/15m+) & 11:00 (6m - 14/15m)

Whitnash Children’s Centre, Nursery Lane, CV31 2PW 13:00 - 15:00: 01926 315586; Free Sessions themed over holidays please call for info

10:00 - 10:45; Room 3, Kenilworth Methodist Church Hall, Priory Road, CV8 1LQ Helena: 07503 906468 Runs 2nd July - 27 Aug (not 6th Aug). Free trial offer in centre pages

Baby Massage

13:00 - 15:00; Parochial Hall, High St. CV8 1LZ. Start dates 9th July, 6th August, 8th October. For babies from 2 - 16 weeks Booking essential - Clair: 07742 317959 BabyCalm 4 week course for parents & babies

Woodloes Park Woodies Toddler Group

Woodloes Comm. Centre, Deansway, CV34 5DF. 9:30 - 11:00; for 0-4s. £1 per family Liz: 07981 606163; Entry red door of the last building of school site. Toys, crafts & songs.

Saturday

Kenilworth Music Together Kenilworth

Dads Group

Friday

St Johns Children’s Ctre, Mortimer Rd 10:00 - 11:30 (monthly); 0 - 5s; £1 don. 01926 856397 - Call to find out activities. Sausage batches (or vegetarian) for all..

Heathcote Sing & Sign

Busy Bees Nursery, Macbeth App., Gallagher Business Park, CV34 6AD 9:45 & 11:00 (6m - 14/15m) 01789 415591; £55 for 10-week term One hour baby signing class running from May

Kenilworth Cradle Club: 10:00 - 11:30

Kenilworth Children’s Ctre, Bertie Rd, CV8 1JP 01926 853394. £2 voluntary contribution. Baby massage = 4 wk course, booking essential

Leamington Spa Little Splashers Swimming Classes

01789 415591; £55 for 10-week term One hour baby signing class running from May

Toy Library

Oddfellows, Warwick St, CV32 5LD 9:30 - 13:30; Call Jo on 07968 015292 Infant swim courses. Book as 10-week course.

Go 4 Goals

Warwick Children’s Centre, CV34 4LJ 10:00 - 14:00; 01926 492701; £3 per year membership and free toy hire

Brookhurst School, Ullswater Ave, CV32 6NH 9:00 & 9:45: 2-4 yrs; 10:30: 5-11 yrs Jason: 07747 562469 Football coaching classes. Term time only

NCT New Parents & Bumps Coffee Meet

Art Cart Family Fun Sessions

St Johns Children’s Ctre, Mortimer Rd, CV8 1FS 10:00 - 11:30; 0 - 5s; £1 voluntary contribution 01926 856397; Just drop in

Crèche at St Nicholas Park

Warwick Dads Aloud

Leamington Spa Dandy Development

Aqua Babies Swimming Lessons

Kenilworth Rhyme Time

Kenilworth Library, Smalley Place, CV8 1QG 10:00 - 10:30, 2nd & 4th Weeks; 01926 748 900 Free music & singing sessions for 0-2s. Drop in!

Stay & Play

St Paul’s Church, Leicester Street, CV32 4TE Stage 1: 10.00am-10.40am, Stage 2: 11.00am11.50am (starting Friday 9th September) Nikki: 07890 241301; £4.50/£5.00 Talk, Share and Play; Grow in Every Way!

Emmanuel Toddler Group

Costa Coffee, 40 Market Street, CV34 4SH. 14:30 - 15:30; Cathey: 0844 243 6314; Free Meet other new parents St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre 10:00 - 12:30; term time only 4 mths - 4 yrs; 01926 495353 - pre-book St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre 11:30 - 12:00 (4m-2yrs) & 12:00 - 12:30 (24yrs). 01926 495353 - book Swimming lessons for littlies. Term time.

Toy Library

Warwick Children’s Centre, CV34 4LJ 10:00 - 12:00; 01926 492701; Birth - 8 yrs £3 p/yr membership & free toy hire

Emmanuel Evangelical Church, Heath Terrace, CV32 5LY. Camilla: 01926 774639 10:00 - 11:30; 0-4s; £1; Term time only For Mums who live in and around the area

Parents & Babies Swim

Les Rainettes

Musical Stay & Play

37 Rosewood Crescent, CV32 7UN 10:00 - 11:30; Free; Marie: 07918 110656 Practise your french over a cup of coffee.

Leamington Spa Rhyme Time

Leamington Spa Library, Royal Pump Rooms, The Parade, CV32 4AA. Tel: 01926 742 721 10:30 - 11:00, 1st & 3rd weeks of mth; Free Free music & singing sessions for 0-2s. Drop in!

Tumble Tots

St Marks Church Hall, CV32 6DL 11:45: Gymbabes; 13:00: walking – 2yrs; 14:00: 2 – 3yrs; 15:00: 3 yrs - school

St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre, CV34 11:30 - 12:30; 01926 495353 Child under 4 Swim Free. Term time only. Warwick Children’s Ctre, CV34 4LJ 13:30 - 15:00; 01926 492701. Alternating weeks for 0-18 mths & 18 mths+

Whitnash Namaste Group

Whitnash Children’s Centre, Nursery Lane, CV31 2PW 9:30 - 11:30: 01926 315586; Free Group for Asian families

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum 13:00 - 15:00, Last Sat of Month; 01926 742700; free; Drop in and enjoy artistic activities

Warwick Children’s Ctre, Coventry Rd, CV34 4LJ 10:00 - 12:00 (fortnightly); 0 - 5s; 01926 492701 Activities for Dads/Carers & their child(ren).

Sunday

Claverdon Love Ballet Dance Company

Dance Studio, Ardencote Leisure Club, The Cumsey, Lye Green Road, Claverdon, CV35 8LT 10:00: Ballet (3-5yrs); 10:30: Funky Dance (3-7yrs); 11:00: Gymnastics (all ages); 11:30: Ballet (5-7yrs); 12:00: Tap (5-7yrs); Lorraine: 07711 010404 Ballet, Funky Dance, Tap and Gymnastics classes

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32 Want your group listed here? Just email info@toddleabout.co.uk!