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Surrey East

IN THIS ISSUE

Education focus

Making the most of open days

What’s on in September & October

Helping children believe they can do anything

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK SUTTON stagecoach.co.uk/ stagecoach.co.uk/sutton cheamandworcesterpark SHIRLEY COULSDON & CATERHAM stagecoach.co.uk/shirley stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon

CROYDON stagecoach.co.uk/croydon

EPSOM stagecoach.co.uk/epsom

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

Issuefamiliesonline.co.uk 72 September/October 2019 familiesonline.co.ukFamilies Surrey East WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY SATURDAY 28

Activity Mornings for children SEPTEMBER 2019 starting Reception September 2020 NURSERY PREP SENIOR SIXTH FORM Wednesday 25 September Thursday 28 November

Book online at www.bansteadprep.com/visit

SUTTON LANE | BANSTEAD | [email protected] | 01737 363600 www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk 01342 838153

A school for life Where every child is extraordinary

A thriving independent school in Bletchingley Curious Minds & Active Bodies for girls and boys aged 2 to 13 Please join us for one of our forthcoming Daily activities for Under 5s Open Mornings • Toddler Forest School • Classical Ballet & Tap Saturday 12th October nd • Active Play • Swimming Lessons Friday 22 November • Get Active with Sport • Toddler Group Book your visit

www.hawthorns.com www.hawthorns.com

2 Families Surrey East familiesonline.co.uk Welcome to issue 72

Adventure time! The start of a new academic year, and the kaleidoscopic cycle of nature as she turns from bright sunshine to the warm colours of autumn. This issue we bring you a plethora of events and activities to enjoy over September and October, Surrey East and a selection on Bonfire Night activities. Before the winter arrives, get out and enjoy the last of the autumn warmth. Wishing all your little one’s huge amounts of happiness, as they set out into a new academic year. Editor Tamar Pearson [email protected] Happy reading! Design Rebecca Carr Printer Print Mates Tamar xx 21,000 copies printed 42,000 readers per issue

Next issue November/December Improving your Child’s Booking deadline 4 October Concentration Cover Image Depositphotos Perform and parenting expert and child psychologist, Dr Claire Halsey offer their tips. In this issue Concentration is a vital life skill which develops from birth. Linked closely to brain development, it improves 4. News alongside a child’s memory and ability to organise 5. Clubs & classes news their thoughts. 6. Education news Set Up for Success - Reduce big distractions: television, music and screen time make it difficult to listen and concentrate, so limit these to set times. 8. Independent School Open days Make it Fun - Make activities fun as your child is more likely to pay attention eg tidying up 9. Education feature toys is less of a chore when you offer a tickle to the child who finishes first! 10. Helping with the fundamentals of eduation Keep Practising - Games and activities can build concentration. Choose turn-taking games 11. Making the most of open days like Snap or Picture Dominoes or those with simple instructions. 12. What’s on in September & October Praise the Good Stuff - Praise your child when they focus rather than highlighting when they don’t eg “Well done for sticking with that puzzle.”

Follow us on Facebook for all the Seek Advice - A small number of children have difficulty paying attention no matter how latest news and events happening hard they try. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions. If you’re still concerned, see your GP. your local area More from Dr Claire Halsey at www.clairehalsey.com www.facebook.com/FamiliesSEMag Perform offers concentration-boosting drama classes across East Surrey.

Families Surrey East is part of Families Print Ltd, a More about Perform Weekly Drama, Dance and Singing Classes for 4 – 12’s franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow potential. Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Surrey East are fully protected by copyright on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration. and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent The perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs of Families Surrey East. Every care is taken in the and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, CDs and videos that preparation of this magazine, but Families Surrey East; our distributors, the franchise company, the children can play at home to keep the magic alive. Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Call 020 7255 9120 or visit www.perform. for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence org.uk/try to book a FREE class today. thereof.

familiesonline.co.uk Families Surrey East 3 Why Daylight is Visit the Family Learning Essential for Children’s Festival Health The Family Learning Festival which runs from 19 October By Andrew Campbell to 3 November is a national celebration to inspire a love of learning in family life. Modern children are spending more time indoors than previous generations. An Organisations across the UK, including schools, libraries, extensive survey in 2016 found that three museums, children centres and galleries will be staging a quarters of UK children spend less time range of FREE creative family learning activities. outside than prison inmates and a fifth do not play outside at all on an average day. A report This year’s Festival theme is ‘Future Families’ and organisers will be holding activities to by Natural England concluded that 12% of encourage families to become earthy explorers, digital discoverers or wellbeing warriors! children in the UK had not been to a park or natural environment at all in the preceding Organisers of the festival, the lifelong learning charity, Campaign for Learning, believes learning year. that takes place in the family and home should be valued as much as learning that takes place in school Spending less time outside restricts children’s classrooms and formal education. The family is where we learn important life skills and positive access to natural light and this can have an attitudes to learning, which enable us to become confident, motivated lifelong learners. impact on their health. To find a local event, visit www.familylearningfestival.com Short-Sightedness Babies are born longsighted, with a short Hear echoes of the past at eyeball that grows as their bodies do. A healthy eye stops growing when it reaches its optimum Polesden Voices Exhibition shape, but it struggles to do this without access to good quality light, which is only Polesden Lacey is known as the weekend party house of available outdoors. Our eyes are very good Dame Margaret Greville, the indomitable Edwardian socialite at tricking us into believing that our indoor who used it to entertain royalty and high society, including environments are well lit, but even a brightly lit Winston Churchill, Beverly Nichols and Queen Ena of Spain. room cannot match the levels of outdoor light, even on a cloudy day outside. The research team at Polesden Lacey have conducted hundreds of interviews over the years with people, and the families of people, who lived and worked at Polesden Lacey during Mrs Without the correct daylight cues, the eyeball Greville’s time. These recollections have been painstakingly compiled and are now brought can grow too long, making the child short- to life in this new exhibition, telling the stories of the men and women who lived, worked, and sighted, at which point, they will need lenses made their own special memories at Polesden Lacey over the last century. or surgery to correct their vision. The NHS advises that ensuring your child regularly Step inside one of the parties that Mrs Greville held for the village children each summer, learn spends time playing outside may help reduce about estate manager Mr Hepburn and his prize-winning turkeys and even discover who found the risk of becoming short-sighted. love at Polesden Lacey.

The Sunshine Vitamin Echoes of the Past runs from Mon 9 September – Thurs 14 November. Usual admission applies; Sunlight helps children produce adequate admission is free to National Trust members. More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden- levels of vitamin D, protecting them from lacey poor bone health, cardiovascular disease and reduced muscle function. The NHS recommends that babies and children aged Learn to swim with Freedom under 5 years should be given vitamin D Leisure supplements even if they do get out in the sun and everyone else should consider daily A recent report by the Amateur Swimming Association Vitamin D supplements, especially from shockingly revealed that more than half of children aged October to early March. between seven to 11 are unable to swim a minimum of 25 metres unaided, meaning that over one million children in SAD the UK are potentially unsafe in and around water! Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression thought to affect Our centres in Caterham and Oxted aim to provide the best around 2 million people in the UK, including swimming lessons in the area, with well-structured, rewarding, affordable and fun lessons for all children. SAD is thought to be related to lack ages and abilities. of daylight exposure and the effect that this has on some of the brain’s chemicals and Swim School direct debit members also benefit from free unlimited swimming throughout the year hormones. The exact nature of this effect is at the centre. Find out more www.freedom-leisure.co.uk not fully understood, but one theory is that light stimulates the part of the brain called the hypothalamus which controls mood, appetite and sleep. In some people insufficient sunlight results in a disruption of these processes. Typical symptoms include lack of energy and motivation, sleep problems, feeling depressed or anxious and poor concentration.

Making small changes, such as giving your children more access to daylight, even when it’s cloudy, and encouraging regular physical activity, will set them up for a much healthier future. Getting your children to go out and play is an essential component of their long term health.

More info visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonal-affective- disorder-sad www.nhs.uk/conditions/short-sightedness www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to- get-vitamin-d-from-sunlight

4 Families Surrey East familiesonline.co.uk Clubs & classes news Create memories and enjoy a Girls Attack! Busylizzy Big Netball Club ONE Birthday! A big ONE party is delivered by based in and our team of expert entertainers around Oxted, and includes 60 mins of imaginative play and traditional party fun – singing, shakers, balls, Surrey puppets, scarves, pom poms as well as a multi-sensory box, parachute and bubble fun – all designed to keep the birthday boy/girl and their Inspired by the Roses? Come and join us on court! We are a fun, vibrant, friends engaged on your special day. Our entertainers are the best in the inclusive club that provides year round excellent netball coaching for girls business and insured for your peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy 6+: minis, juniors and seniors (Back to Netball and Walking Netball). the celebrations with your family. If you would like to find our more go online to the website at www.busylizzycaterham.co.uk/parties. ‘’Our misson is to build girls’ confidence and team skills in a fun, vibrant club that provides year round excellent netball coaching for girls 6+: More about Busylizzy minis, juniors and seniors’’ If you haven’t heard about Busylizzy Caterham & Coulsdon yet, they are a one stop shop for mums providing specialised pre and postnatal We also run popular holiday workshops and camps with highly fitness classes where baby comes along. Help is on hand at all classes experienced England Netball qualified coaches. Email girlsattackit@ to keep babies entertained and ensure you get a chance to focus. gmail.com, contact us through our website www.girlsattack.com or find us on Facebook. Take part, get fit, learn new skills and have fun! That’s not all... they provide fun Baby classes, coffee mornings and discounted events all in one monthly package. What’s not to love! Visit Girls Attack! & Oxted Ladies Netball Club on Facebook for more information. www.facebook.com/groups/644963135660721 Take a look at our What’s On section to find out where, and when you can join a taster session for FREE. Visit www.busylizzycaterham.co.uk to find out more and book your free trial class.

Stagecoach Stretch, Song Performing Arts & Sensory Baby Stagecoach Performing Arts teach children and teenagers how to sing, Massage and dance and act, not only to perform on Yoga classes stage but also, more importantly, to perform better in life. come to Reigate

Suitable for a range of abilities, Stagecoach offers the chance for kids Sara, a local Reigate mum, is a to pursue a career in the performing arts or simply learn some new qualified baby massage and yoga instructor, Montessori teacher and Occupational Therapist. skills to share with family and friends. Students are encouraged to take ‘safe risks’ through rehearsals and performance, which brings out a She runs’ small classes in lovely calming environment with sensory willingness to take on new challenges. light, toys, bubbles & rhymes incorporated throughout each session. Each session ends with 15 minutes extended sensory play. Classes usually run for 12 weeks during the school term. Each class is small to allow our teachers and their assistants to give each child Ideal for any parent with a baby aged 4 weeks - 1 year, Baby Massage & support and attention. Sensory Play is a lovely sensory experience for your baby. Sara shows parents how to move and hold their baby in a safe and exciting way. Stagecoach Performing Arts nurtures the shy and apprehensive, until This can help them reach developmental milestones. The benefits of they find their feet and voice, whilst at the same time developing and baby massage include relief from colic, trapped wind, reflux and lots channelling those with bundles of talent, confidence and energy. more. The very small group size allows for a personal feel in a lovely calming environment, and parents are welcome enjoy a complementary For more information, and to find your nearest class visit www. refreshment too. stagecoach.co.uk Classes are held in Reigate, on a PAYG basis as £5 per session. Please email Sara at [email protected], or call 07766825379 to book your session.

To advertise your business to over 45,000 parents living in East Surrey in our next issue call 07947 535986 or email [email protected]

Over 40 British Wildlife Centre different l Red squirrels l Pine martens species! l Otters l Badgers l Foxes l Owl display l Deer park l Wildcats & more Open every weekend & during state school hols Half term open: Sat 19 Oct - Sun 3 Nov 1 child FREE with this advert - save £8.50! Valid to Sun 3 Nov 2019 with one full paying adult - No cash alternative One voucher per party - No photocopies - Not to be used with other offers (FSE 09-19) We’re on the A22, Newchapel, nr Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF 01342 834658 www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Surrey East 5 Education news Banstead Prep has exiting new announcements to make! Banstead Prep School is excited to announce the opening of new sports changing facilities to enhance onsite playing field and full-sized all-weather pitch.

Vicky Ellis, Headteacher said “The new building will enable us to use our exceptional sports facilities to an even greater extent, improving the experience for our children as well as visiting sports teams and spectators. This is the first of several planned building works, demonstrating United Learning’s commitment to the school and their confidence in our continued sucess.” The Outdoor Education school has also extended the dining hall to increase capacity and further building is planned for 2020, including an additional classroom to accommodate expected increases in pupil numbers. programmes at Surrey Another new addition to the school is Toddler Time, a free parent and toddler group open to the Wildlife Trust community, that runs once a month on Fridays from 9.30am - 11am during term time for children aged 1-3. For dates and further details please see our website or Facebook page. The Surrey Wildlife Trust have two private educational nature reserves in Surrey, both More info: www.bansteadprep.com with classrooms, amenities and acres of beautiful natural surroundings. As they are closed to the public these reserves make Outstanding results secures the perfect safe environment to immerse yourself in nature. exciting future at Croydon High School GDST The early years and primary programmes are designed to guide children on a journey of discovery into nature, inspiring natural The Class of 2019 have much to celebrate at Croydon High this inquisitiveness, a sense of adventure and summer, with almost half of all grades awarded being A* or A. empathy for the natural world. In a year group of diverse interest and ambition, Croydon High Sessions are planned with the children in girls are heading off on many different paths, secure in the mind, involving a range of engaging, hands- knowledge that their hard work has paid off and they have achieved their goals. on activities and games to suit all learning styles. Every session aims to encourage Headmistress, Emma Pattison is not only extremely proud of the academic achievements of our enquiry, creativity and teamwork as well girls but also of the individual journeys they have taken. as delivering subject-specific learning outcomes. Early years sessions include The school is delighted to report that 60% of students will be taking up places at one of the sessions for EYFS, KS1 and KS2. prestigious Russell Group universities and equally proud of those who have chosen to follow different paths, including a highly competitive apprenticeship, or on more specialist courses in It is well-known that the best way to learn subjects they are passionate about. is through practical experience and our secondary programmes use field studies, For more information, please visit www.croydonhigh.gdst.net/a-level-2019 scientific investigation techniques and real- world examples to demonstrate concepts Community is a golden thread in biology, geography and environmental studies. at Essendene Lodge

There are sessions available for KS3, KS4 Essendene Lodge is an independent co-educational Preparatory and A-Level Programmes. and Nursery School in Caterham, providing extremely high- quality education for 3 to 11 year olds, within a friendly family For more information and to book an outdoor environment with wraparound care from 8am to 6pm. Local families can enjoy free drop in, stay education session, please email education. and play sessions, which are held every Tuesday where everyone is welcome to join between 10am [email protected], or call 01372 – 11.30am. Feel free to drop in. 379509. Visit www.surreywildlifetrust.org Pupils at Essendene Lodge children thrive, feeling the strong sense of community, with Pre-school children knowing and interacting with Year 6 pupils. Coming together as a community is a golden Calls for Compulsory thread running throughout the school. Climate Change For further information call 01883 348 349, email [email protected] or visit www.essendenelodge.co.uk Education in Schools A petition launched by four Oxford school girls calling for lessons on Climate Change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures. The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to

increase the next generation’s understanding “Little Steps, Large Leaps” of the global issue. They claim they have * Opening hours 08:00-18:00, with extended days from 07:30 – 18:30 if requested; “barely learned about the climate crisis at * Ofsted graded GOOD January 2018; * 10% sibling discount; school, even though it’s supposed to be part * Security entry system; of Geography and Science.” * Spacious gardens in each room with free flow throughout the day. * Qualified, caring staff with a current DBS check; * Extracurricular activities: Gymnastics and Jo Jingles According to the petition: “Climate change * SPF 50 sun cream supplied in each room; is the biggest issue of our time, and it must * Toothbrush and toothpaste provided for each child; * Food is prepared and cooked on site by our qualified chef; be a part of our education if our generation * Consumables included nappies and wipes; is to understand it and help us to combat its * Up to 30 hours funded sessions for children over 3 years old; * 15 hours FEET funding entitlement for 2 years old; effects. That’s why wewant climate change * Nutritionally balanced menus, including specific weaning menus and special diets; to be made a core part of the national * Free Toad Hall water bottles;

curriculum.” Get in touch Nursery Manager: Leila Parrott Tel: 01293 823 500 Email: [email protected] More info: www.change.org Toad Hall Day Nursery :19 Massetts Road, Horley, Surrey, RH6 7DQ

6 Families Surrey East familiesonline.co.uk The love for Turning Single- Learning Starts use Plastics Here! into Something Fantastic Croydon High School in Selsdon, Surrey is an exceptional Pupils from The Hawthorns School independent day school for girls in Bletchingley worked with local aged 3 to 18. Part of the Girls’ Day artists Pippa Ward and Anna Louise School Trust, the leading network Cox to create a piece of art highlighting the issues caused by single-use of independent girls’ schools in plastics. the UK, Croydon High has been delivering outstanding education to local girls since 1874. Led by the Head of Conservation, Lizzie Bruce, and Eco Team pupils, plastic bottle tops collected by the children and their families were Girls join Nursery in the term in which they will turn 3, progressing threaded onto fishing line, which was subsequently attached to the pipe. through Junior School, gaining confidence and experience, enjoying The sight of the torrent of bottle tops that seem to be gushing out of the unparalleled opportunities to discover individual talents with a pipe creates a very visual reminder of the plastics that drain into our curriculum specifically developed to empower and inspire girls. This rivers and seas and its presence will prompt dialogue about single-use includes specialist teaching in areas such a computer science, drama, plastics continues for years to come. music and PE from Nursery up. Headmaster, Adrian Floyd commented, “Here at The Hawthorns we are From her very first day, every girl is treated as an individual. very conscious of the impact we as a school have on the environment. Relationships with staff are crucial; staff know each girl, her likes and As part of our sustainability programme, The Hawthorns School is dislikes, strengths and weaknesses and plan teaching opportunities to committed to becoming Zero Waste to Landfill next year.” suit each and every one. More info: www.hawthorns.com A personal tour of the Junior School on a normal school day is the perfect opportunity to meet Head Sarah Raja, to see first-hand how the Salutations, from girls learn and to soak up the school’s unique atmosphere. Jacky Shackel, The Junior Admissions team is on 020 8260 7508 or [email protected] More info: www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Head of Lingfield Prep School

Building community As Head of Lingfield Prep School, I am delighted to welcome you to our spirit wonderful school.

In the technological society we Being the mother of two children who have attended the school, I am live in the importance of face to conscious of how important it is to choose the right school for your face interaction, and taking time to child. I wanted my children to be happy at school, to be valued as contribute to the local community is individuals, for their talents to be recognised and encouraged and for easily forgotten. At Micklefield School them to be both challenged and supported in their learning. These are in Reigate we model how important all things that I believe they had in abundance whilst at Lingfield Prep citizenship is and ensure our children & College. leave with the integrity and intelligence they need to engage not only academically but socially. Our pupils At Lingfield we have a huge responsibility to make sure our children are given opportunities which will enable them to become effective get the best education they possibly can, and I am proud to say that contributors and responsible citizens. Micklefield pupils become well- they are given every opportunity to shine in all areas of the curriculum. rounded individuals with good character, self-belief and a willingness Making learning enjoyable is crucial – from Nursery right through to to help others and seize new opportunities. A community spirit is the Sixth Form. developed in our children from a young age with our Preps visiting a local nursing home to do craft and sing songs with the residents once a I strongly believe that if you join our school, you’ll agree that you’ve week. Pupils also have the opportunity to stand for School Council and made a very good decision that will last a lifetime. take on many roles and responsibilities throughout their school life. More info: www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk To fully appreciate the family atmosphere at Micklefield and what makes us special, come along to our drop in morning on 15 October from 10am- 12noon. www.micklefieldschool.co.uk School Children to Tackle Speeding Dunottar School, the Drivers gem of Reigate An initiative in London is getting primary school pupils to confront Dunottar School in Reigate is a co- speeding motorists, in a bid to enforce educational day school where boys and the 20mph speed limit near schools. girls aged 11 to 18 receive an excellent, rounded education as part of a vibrant, The Junior Roadwatch scheme involves drivers who are caught friendly community. speeding and pulled over by police officers being given the option of receiving a fixed penalty fine and points on their license, attending a Teachers at Dunottar are passionate about their subjects and deliver speeding awareness course or being told off by children. an engaging curriculum designed to spark imaginations and instil a love of learning, so that students acquire skills and confidence to think Drivers “deemed suitable” to speak to the pupils following a police critically, challenge convention and aim high. Pupils are encouraged to national computer check will face questions such as “are you aware of be aspirational, tenacious, curious, creative, independent, collaborative the consequences of speeding” and “why do you think the speed limit and inclusive both within and beyond the classroom, and exceptional is 20mph on this road?”. pastoral care underpins every aspect of school life. Collisions are a leading cause of serious injury, disability or death of Located just outside Reigate, Dunottar offers the transport convenience children in the UK. In 2017, 48 children died in road collisions in the UK of a town centre site in a stunning 15-acre countryside setting. Call the and over 15,700 children were injured. admissions team on 01737 761945, email admissions@dunottarschool. com or visit www.dunottarschool.com for more information about open Similar schemes are being used elsewhere, visit www.tfl.gov.uk to find mornings. out more. familiesonline.co.uk Families Surrey East 7 Education news Independent School Reduction in Autumn Open Days School Breaks Open events require advance booking, so please ‘Unhealthy’ call the school to check. School break times are much shorter than they were two decades Aberdour School The Hawthorns Burgh Heath, KT20 6AJ School ago meaning children are missing 01737 354119 Pendell Rd, Bletchingley, out on valuable opportunities to www.aberdourschool.co.uk RH1 4QJ make friends and develop social Fri 4 Oct, 9.30am - 12pm 01883 743048 skills and exercise, according to Co educational day research by the Nuffield Foundation. school Pupils aged 2 - 13 years The study looked at how school breaks have changed over 25 years www.hawthorns.com comparing data from over 1,000 primary and secondary schools. Sat 12 Oct, 10am – 12noon Lingfield College It found that despite the length of the school day remaining much the Senior School same, break times are being squeezed even further with potential Banstead Prep Banstead SM7 3RA St. Pier’s Lane, serious implications for children’s well-being and development. 01737 363601 Lingfield, RH7 6PN Co educational day school. 01342 832407 Afternoon breaks have been virtually eliminated; they are now only Pupils aged 2 – 11 years Lingfield College - available to 15% of primary school children and 1% of secondary www.bansteadprep.com Prep School schools. There is also a clear trend to shorter lunch breaks with reported Open Mornings 9.15am - 10am Racecourse Road, RH7 6PH lunchtimes of 35 minutes or less. Fri 20 Sep, Thu 10 Oct, Tue 12 Nov, 01342 833372 Toddler Time parent & toddler Co-educational independent inter- group 27 Sep & 18 Oct, 9.30 - 11am denominational school. According to the authors, break times are important for children to get Pupils aged 2.5 -18 years physical exercise – a particular concern given the rise in obesity, and to www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk develop important social skills that are not learned in school lessons. Belmont Prep School Whole School Sat 28 Sep Dorking, RH5 6LH Sixth Form Open Evening 01306 730852 Thur 10 Oct More info: www.nuffieldfoundation.org www.Belmont-school.org Open Morning Mon 23 Sep, 10.15am Manor House School & Nursery Leatherhead, KT23 4EN Teachers ‘As Boxhill School 013 7245 7077 Dorking, RH5 6EA www.manorhouseschool.org Good as Tests’ 01372 373382 www.boxhillschool.com Prep School and Senior School at Predicting Sixth Form 16 Sep, 6-8pm Open Morning Sat 5 Oct, 10am Open Morning 5 Oct, 10.15am – Success 12noon

Sats are no better than teachers Caterham School at predicting pupil’s GCSE and Caterham, CR3 6YA Micklefield School A-Level results, a study has found. 01883 343028 10 Somers Rd, Reigate, RH2 9DU www.caterhamschool.co.uk 01737 224212 Open Mornings, 9.30am Co educational day school The study, published in the Journal Wed 11 Sep, Sat 21 Sep, Wed 25 Pupils aged 3 - 11 years of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, found teacher assessments at Sep, Wed 9 Oct www.micklefieldschool.co.uk age 7, 11 and 14 were just as effective as using Sats results to predict Sixth Form Mon 14 Oct, 9.30am Tue 15 Oct, 10am – 12noon pupils’ subsequent exam success. Free Toddler Group on Tues, Wed & City of London Freeman’s Thurs, 2-3pm Researchers say their findings, published in the Journal of Child Ashstead Park, KT21 1ET Psychology and Psychiatry, question whether the benefits of 013 7282 2423 Moor House standardised exams outweigh the costs. www.freemens.org/openevents Oxted, RH8 9AQ Sixth Form Open Evening - Thu 19 01883 712217 Sep, 4.30pm www.moorhouseschool.co.uk A lead researcher Dr Kaili Rimfeld, from the King’s College London, Open Morning - Fri 27 Sep, 9.30am Wed 25 Sep, 9.45am-12.45pm said: “We have shown for the first time that teacher assessments Open Morning - Sat 12 Oct, 10am Wed 16 Oct, 9.45am-12.45pm predict GCSE and A-level results just as well as earlier exam scores.” Croydon High School Oakhyrst Grange “The fact that exam scores correlate so highly with the teacher Old Farleigh Rd, Caterham CR3 6AF assessments raises questions about the value of the testing culture Croydon, 018 8334 3344 that characterises compulsory education in the UK.” CR2 8YB www.oakhyrstgrangeschool.co.uk 020 8260 7508 Fri 11 Oct, 10am-12noon [email protected] More info at www.kcl.ac.uk/news Independent girls’ day school Reigate St Mary’s Pupils aged 3 – 18 years Reigate, RH2 7RN www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Call 01737 244880 Drive for More Men Whole School Sat 12 Oct, 9.30am www.reigatestmarys.org Sixth Form Open Evening Sat 5 Oct, 10am – 12noon in Childcare Tue 15 Oct, 7-9pm More men are to be encouraged into Royal Alexandra & Albert Downsend School (Pre/Preps) School careers in nurseries and early years’ Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TD settings, in a new project to provide more 01372 372311 01737 649000 diverse role models for children before www.downsend.co.uk www.raa-school.co.uk they start school. Pre-Prep School Fri 4 Oct & Fri 11 Sat 21 Sep & Sat 12 Oct, 9am Oct 9.30-11.30am -10.30am With men making up just 3% of early years staff in England, the project Prep School Sat 5 Oct, 9.15am Sixth Form Open Evening Thu 10 aims to break down the barriers that prevent men entering careers in Oct, 7pm – 9pm children’s early education, including the myth that men are less suited to Dunottar School High Trees Rd, Reigate, St John’s caring roles. RH2 7EL Leatherhead, KT22 8SP Co educational day 01372 373000 The project will be run by the Fatherhood Institute, and will spearhead school for pupils aged www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk an innovative recruitment drive that highlights the positive roles men can 11-18 years Sixth Form Open Evening play in the crucial first years of a child’s education. www.dunottarschool.com Thu 19 Sep, 5pm – 6.30pm Open Morning Tue 17 Sep, 10.15am Open Evening Fri 27 Sep, 5 –7pm It will provide practical resources like myth busters, ‘how-to’ guides and Open Morning Wed 16 Oct, 10.15am Open Morning Sat 28 Sep, 9–11am online content to support male recruitment into the profession, as well as Discover Event Tue 8 Oct & Wed 16 Oct 9–10.45am online peer support for men already working in the sector.

More info at www.fatherhoodinstitute.org

8 Families Surrey East familiesonline.co.uk Education Focus

negative experiences at school that have an impact on how well they can engage in their own child’s learning.

But there are simple, practical and evidence-based steps that parents can take to support their child’s development. And the most effective approaches are often the most obvious - daily stories, teaching them songs and nursery rhymes, and playing with letters and numbers. These are all proven to help children discover the joy of learning. This, in turn, will help close the early attainment gap.

Of course, part of the answer to early years education lies in giving toddlers and pre-schoolers access to high-quality nursery provision, with well-trained and skilled staff. But parents are a crucial part of that equation. After all, they are their child’s earliest educators.

So it is encouraging to see the Department for Education make improving How Parental Engagement the home learning environment one of its key priorities. This commitment is backed by a £5 million fund which will be used to Improves Learning By Stephen Fraser find out how early years settings can best work with parents to support their children As a parent or carer, you want to give your to your child’s intellectual and social in language and reading at an early stage. child the best start in life and you play development than what you actually do a crucial role in supporting your child’s with your child. In short, parenting can There are some practical things that learning before school and throughout trump background. schools and early years’ settings can their time in education. Research is clear do, too, such as monitoring parental that levels of parental engagement are Research by charity, the Sutton Trust, engagement activities to get the most also consistently associated with better has found that good parenting and a out of them, looking at the best ways to learning outcomes. supportive home environment are more communicate with parents, and strategies important determinants of good levels of for supporting learning at home. At no point is parental engagement more learning at age 5 than family income. It important than in the early years. They also found that most children with a good By building effective practice, it will be are a vital time in the life of any child level of learning at age 5 are read to every possible to support more parents to and play a significant role in shaping day, taken to places of interest, and given actively engage in their children’s learning, the person they will become and the regular bed times. Evidence from our from the early years and throughout opportunities in life they will have. It is Early Years Toolkit suggests that effective school, radically improving their life also a critical, and often difficult, time for parental engagement can lead to learning chances. parents, trying to balance the wellbeing gains of around four months over the and development of their child with the course of a year. Stephen Fraser is Deputy CEO of the need to provide financial stability, and Education Endowment Foundation, an especially for first time parents, with the This shows what is possible. Challenges, independent charity established in 2011 emotional and practical complexities that of course, remain. Many parents, as well to improve the educational attainment can accompany the joys of parenting. as being time-poor, may lack confidence of the poorest pupils in English schools. in their own reading, writing and maths For further information, visit www. Unfortunately, the early years are where skills. Some parents may have had educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk we first see the attainment gap – the difference in educational outcomes between young people from the least well-off backgrounds and their Full Time or Part Time 51 Week classmates – first take hold. There is already a big gap in the school readiness Nursery for children from 2 years old of less well-off children and their more advantaged classmates when they start school: five year olds from economically disadvantaged homes are estimated to be over four months behind their peers. This link between family income and attainment, even among young children, is clear-cut, long-standing, and difficult to break. Come to our Free Stay and Play Sessions every Tuesday 09.30am - 10.30am But there is nothing inevitable about Year 1 and 2 places also available this trajectory. The best research we Essendene Lodge Preparatory School and Nursery have provides a much more hopeful Essendene Road, Caterham Surrey, CR3 5PB message. As a parent, your occupation, Call 01883 348349 • [email protected] education and family income matter less t EssendeneLodge • www.essendenelodge.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Surrey East 9 Education Focus STEM: Helping Children with the Fundamentals of Education By Christopher Cederskog When you’re out with your children, encourage scientific observations: when walking to the park, talk about why the leaves are green or why they fall in autumn. See if your children can spot any mini-beasts and set them the challenge of learning about them when they get home. And when at home, help bring out your child’s inner-engineer by encouraging them to put those endless MegaBlocks and LEGO bricks to work.

Every activity can be a learning opportunity without a child needing to identify it as such. Your job as a parent is to try to find ways to make the learning opportunity fun.

While I’m not saying that all education should be done by stealth, I am an advocate of learning through play. The lessons I most strongly remember from my childhood are those that were learned while I was having fun: the Van de Graaff generator sparking as much imagination as electricity; the recreation of the witches’ scene in Macbeth making Shakespeare seem relevant and interesting; the days in the garden, learning where food actually comes from and that there is a point to It’s not easy being a parent. You want to do the best for your children, worms. but sometimes it’s hard to work out what the best actually is. Education is one of those areas where advice is constantly changing. Children were born to learn and their brains are busy absorbing information from the second they leave the womb. If you can make If you are interested in helping your kids with the fundamentals of your lessons fun, informal and an integral part of everyday life, then education there is an acronym which you should become aware your little ones will learn by osmosis and you can sit back in the happy of: STEM. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and glow of a good job, well done. Mathematics and it is fast becoming the core of the British and global education system. There is hardly a career which does not involve Christopher Cederskog is MD of Wonder Workshop which teaches some element of STEM, from farming to neurosurgery, and it also plays children coding through robotics and enables them to master a part in a many everyday activities. This is why it’s important our critical thinking, problem solving, cause and effect, communication, children can understand its key tenets. and collaboration. As a parent, then, what can you do to help form the STEM of your child’s tree of knowledge? For more information, visit www.makewonder.com

I have always believed that learning should be fun and the popular perception is that the subjects of STEM are anything but. However, science, engineering and technology are particularly well-suited to play and mathematics can be applied to virtually any day-to-day situation. It’s just a matter of identifying the right opportunities.

The next time you’re baking pastry together, let your child measure out the ingredients and ask them questions: what does ‘half fat to flour’ mean? Let them work out, according to that rule, how much flour is needed if you’re using 100 grams of fat. Get them to count out how many pastry cases were made from that ratio, then work out how much more pastry it would take to double the number of cases, or how many pies each family member will get based on the current number. Talk about the ingredients, what they are and where they’ve come from.

The next time your child falls, take the chance to talk to them about gravity and discuss why they fell downwards rather than upwards! If they’ve grazed their knees, once the tears have stopped, chat a bit about biology – why is blood red, why do scabs form, how do cuts heal? If you don’t know the answers yourself, call on Doctor Google – he’s always there to help. Today I started my thesis… Our Nursery girls are discovering the joy of seeing their words come to NORTHPARKFARM.CO.UK life on the page. The best preparation for their future university studies activity toys for all your outdoor fun will actually be the hours we spend developing self-confidence and a passion for learning. TOP BRAND NAMES ON DISPLAY AND IN STOCK To find out more about how we are inspiring every girl, every day, call 020 8260 7508 or visit www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

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10 Families Surrey East familiesonline.co.uk

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Client signature: Client signature: Client signature: Education Focus Making the Best of School Open Days This autumn, state and independent schools will be opening their doors to prospective pupils and their parents to give them a flavour of life at their school. Claire Winter has the lowdown on how to get the best out of these Open Days and tours. What is an Open Day? Tips for Visiting an Open Day School open days help you decide what school Take your child with you. There is no point in you want your child to go to. During an open falling in love with a school only to find your day, prospective parents are shown around the child does not want to go there. school, often on a school day, to give them a flavour of the working life of the school and the What is your general feeling about the school? school environment. You will be able to see the Your gut reaction is very important. Do the children in lesson and talk to the teachers and pupils look happy and engaged? pupils. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure Sometimes pupils are given the task of you ask the pupils what they think of the school. showing parents around the school. This is a you are most interested in with your child the great opportunity to ask them how they enjoy following year. Don’t make decisions on individual teachers. being at the school. How settled, relaxed and They often move on and large departments confident these children are can give you an Independent schools often hold Open Days have a variety of teachers that will rotate every idea of how happy the children are there. throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. year to teach your child a particular subject. They can have waiting lists for Reception-age Usually, the head teacher or a senior member children or require children to take a school- If your child has a particular interest in a of staff also gives a talk which includes specific 7+ or 11+ exam to gain a place, so you subject, make sure you visit the department a general overview of the school and its need find out the criteria for entry to the school and look at the kind of work they will be doing. values and ethos. This is often followed by a and visit well in advance. What extra-curricular activities do they have? presentation by the head of admissions or the relevant head of the section of the school (for Are there clubs that will engage your child example, head of reception, or sixth form). How are Open Days Organised? and allow them to pursue a broad range of interests? Schools organise Open Evenings as well as When Are They Held? days to allow working parents to visit the While exam results aren’t everything, every school too. Some schools (mainly independent) parent wants their child to do well. Academic State schools generally hold Open Days in hold Open Days on a Saturday. All schools put performance is a top priority for many families. September and October aimed at children a lot of care and organisation into the events It’s a good idea to see how the school is and families looking for a school place for the and they all want to show their school in the following year. It’s a good idea to start looking performing compared to other local schools, best light. However, there may be a lot of using exam league tables and Ofsted reports. a year in advance. So if your child is starting people attending so do be sure to turn up on school, start looking at schools when they are time and follow the school’s directions during Finally, in making your decision, don’t be three. If you are looking for secondary school the event. afraid to trust your instincts; you know your places, start looking in year 5 (when your child child and you are best placed to ascertain is nine or ten). You can then revisit the schools what is right for them.

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familiesonline.co.uk Families Surrey East 11

J12552 Dunottar Quarter Page Advert 87x130_PRINT.indd 1 30/07/2019 10:24 Enjoy Autumn at Hever Castle What’s on www.hevercastle.co.uk Your essential guide to family events this September & October. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with Visit Hever Castle & Gardens this Autumn to enjoy an entertaining programme of events the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have and activities set amidst award-winning changed since we went to print. gardens.

installation with fallen leaves, inspired As the gardens turn vibrant shades of red, pink and gold and the leaves tumble Mon 2 Sep – Fri 11 Oct from the trees, it’s the perfect time to enjoy Autumn Colour at Hever Castle (from RHS Photography Competition by the landscape and wildlife at Polesden Lacey. 1 October). Children can take part in a leaf and seed collection challenge with 10 Display different seeds and leaves to be collected. Young visitors are also given a tulip RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, bulb to take home and plant. GU23 6QB 12, 19 & 26 September, 3, 10 & 17 www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Oct, 10am-12pm Treat the children to a spine-tingling programme of entertainment over the Come and enjoy the very best of Wild Tots at Nower Wood Halloween half term break (19-31 Oct) with prizes for the best Halloween garden and plant photography, with a Nower Wood, Leatherhead costumes. Creepy craft workshops, spooky storytelling and a scarecrow selection of winning images from the www.surreywildlifetrust.org/whatson scavenger hunt to follow in the grounds. RHS Photography Competition. Wild tots provide a wonderful opportunity for your little ones to experience and learn from nature. From 23 Nov to 24 Dec feel festive. With welcoming log fires, and beautiful Tue 3 Sep – Sun 6 Oct decorations in the Castle, an Alice in Wonderland themed Christmas trail to RHS Garden Mars in the Suitable for 2-5 year olds accompanies by an adult. Babes in arms go FREE. follow and the chance to see Father Christmas – be enchanted by the magic of Glasshouse Christmas at Hever. RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, GU23 BE. 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Fri 13 Sep, 10am – 4.30pm Visit the Glasshouse for an Heritage Open Day astronomical horticultural experience Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, Surrey Hills Wood Fair in a Martian landscape, using alien- RH5 6BD www.surreyhills.org looking plants such as Tillandsia www.nationaltrust.org.uk (airplants) and Solenostemon cultivars Wonderful Polesden Lacey is open to A great family day out with lots to see and do to create the red planet. the public. Visit for free all day with the in beautiful woodland and meadows. family and enjoy the glorious house An exciting day out for all the family. Full of Thu 5 Sep – Thu 26 Sep and grounds. Normal car park charges traditional rural charm, there are woodland Sport Weenies apply. Dapdune Wharf, Guildford, GU1 4RR walks, demonstrations, beautiful crafted www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 14 Sep, 2.30pm – 3.30pm woodland products and delicious local food and drink, all within the stunning Special sessions for our youngest Jingle Ring landscape of the Surrey Hills. Children can enjoy zip wires, tree climbing, horse & visitors and their grown-ups. Sport Leith Hill Place, Dorking, RH5 6LY cart rides, crafts, archery, woodland games and a flying Hawk display. Weenies provides a fun introduction www.nationaltrust.org.uk to sport, games and movement in a Bring your children to a family music Sat 5 Oct & Sun 6 Oct, 10am – 5pm. Book ahead. £7.50 in advance or £10 on the beautiful natural environment with an session with Jane Newberry, using toys, day. Children under 12 go free. Free Parking. emphasis on participation, play and percussion and dance. learning. Tickets also available from Guildford Tourist Information Centre 01483 444334 Sat 14 Sep – Sun 15 Sep www.tickets.visitguildford.com Sun 8 Sept, 11am – 2.30pm Heritage Open Weekend Ancient Adventures Shalford Mill, Near Guildford, Nower Wood, Leatherhead GU4 8BS www.surreywildlifetrust.org/whatson www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shalford-mill Wiglet’s Great Spook- Meet people from our woodland’s Why was the mill the centre of village er-ree at Godstone history including stone-age man, life? Learn more on a free tour with Victorian gamekeepers and modern our volunteer guides. ‘Country wear’ Farm day conservationists at this family exhibition including historic costumes www.godstonefarm.co.uk event. Learn ancient crafts from cave from part of a private collection. painting to Viking braiding and cook Come and visit from 26 Oct to 3 Nov for bread over the campfire. BE. Sun 15 Sep, 10am – 5pm eerie fun on the farm, and don’t forget your Classic Vehicle Gathering best creepy costume. It’s going to be a Sun 8 Sep, 10.30am-4.30pm Rural Life Centre, Farnham, Spooktacular half term filled with Pumpkin Carving, Trick or Treat games and Huxley’s birds of prey GU10 2DL our brand-new “Light Illusion Tunnel” with 3D glasses. Our amazing Halloween Claremont Landscape Garden, www.rural-life.org.uk glasses transform any point of light into Brain Chilling Bats, Scary Skulls and Esher, KT10 9JG The Classic Vehicle Gathering returns Petrifying Pumpkins! Listen for the “WOW!” every time someone tries them for www.nationaltrust.org.uk to attract all manner of vintage the first time. There’s crafts, a spooky quiz, face painting and spooky tales too, so Take flight with a wide variety of birds vehicles. this really is a week not to miss! of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls as they display their beauty Sun 15 Sep and majesty in Claremont’s historic 12th Century Knights at the Castle setting. NAA. Arundel Castle, West Sussex, Wizards and Witches BN18 9AB Sun 8 Sep, 10am-4pm www.arundelcastle.org Week at Bocketts Farm Hatchlands Dog Show The knights, ladies and men-at-arms www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, of the Earl of Arundel demonstrate GU4 7R combat and costumes. Enjoy a full packed programme of fun and www.nationaltrust.org.uk freaky activities including a Spooky Quiz Trail, Bring your four-legged friend to Sun 15 Sep, 10am-5pm Creepy Craft Corner and Reptile Roadshow, Hatchlands Park and enjoy show and Heritage Open Day where you’ll get the chance to meet awesome fun classes. NAA + £2 per class. Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, creepy crawlies up close! Plus, they’ll be amazing science and slime shows from GU4 7R Einstein’s Entertainers as well as hundreds of pumpkins on sale! Daily activities Mon 9 Sep & Tue 10 Sep www.nationaltrust.org.uk include pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing, and you can Box Hill Bugs Enjoy free admission to the house and meet and feed all of the friendly farm animals too. 26 Oct to 3 Nov. Box Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7LB parkland. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill Box Hill Bugs is a fun, exploratory, Tue 17 Sep, 7pm – 8pm toddler and pre-school group for nature Painshill Guided Bat Walk DASH October half term lovers. BE. Painshill, Cobham, KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk holiday camps – 29, 30 Tue 10 Sep, 9.30am – 10.30am Take a walk in the Painshill landscape Dog Walking Club whilst observing bats in their natural & 31 Oct at de Stafford Polsden Lacey, near Dorking, habitat. Sports Centre RH5 6BD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Wed 18 Sep www.freedom-leisure.co.uk Join us on a walk of the estate with Walkies at Wisley Our Dash team are ready to entertain your your canine friends on the 2nd Tuesday RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, children and safely lead them through a selection of fun packed activities which of each month. GU23 6QB can include swimming, football, cricket, tennis, badminton, team games, bouncy www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley castle and arts and crafts. Each activity is supervised by our friendly staff – many Wed 11 Sep – Sun 20 Oct RHS Garden Wisley welcomes visitors of whom have been returning to Dash term after term. We at Dash strive to offer Autumn Art and their four-legged friends for a different opportunity’s to children, involving them in craft activities and sporting Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, RH5 special Wednesday evening ‘Walkies activities. 6BD at Wisley’. Open after hours for a walk www.nationaltrust.org.uk around the garden from 6pm to 8pm, Visit the website for more information or to book. Come along and help create our art last entry 7.30pm.

12 Families Surrey East familiesonline.co.uk Thu 19 Sep, 10am, 12pm, 2pm Take a trip under the streets of Dorking Heritage Open Day to explore the famous 17th century Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW caves. Discover how they were www.gattonpark.co.uk created and how they evolved over the Join a free guided tour and explore the centuries. rich history of Gatton Park. Meet at St. Andrew’s Church lych gate. Sat 28 Sep, 2pm – 6pm Be a Chorister for a Day! Thu 19 Sep Guildford Cathedral, GU2 7UP Bat Walk www.guildford-cathedral.org London Wetland Centre, Barnes, For boys aged 6 – 8 and girls aged SW13 9WT 8 – 11, who like to sing, come and try www.wwt.org.uk out the choir for the afternoon. A fun Autumn at See and learn about these amazing filled musical time, with refreshments flying mammals and their astonishing and culminating in Choral Evensong aerial acrobatics. 8 +. alongside the Cathedral Choir! Nower Wood

Fri 20 Sep, 6.30pm – 8.30pm From 1 Oct th Creatures of the Night Autumn Colour Open Day 29 Oct Nower Wood, Leatherhead Hever Castle and Gardens, www.surreywildlifetrust.org/whatson Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Plus Ancient Adventures, Creatures When the sun goes down, creatures of www.hevercastle.co.uk the night appear! Come and discover As the air turns crisp and a rich of the Night, Wild Tots & more! the nocturnal mammals, invertebrates display of autumn colour envelops and amphibians of Nower Wood. the countryside, pack your wellies Booking essential: Suitable for children 7+. BE. and head to Hever Castle to enjoy surreywildlifetrust.org the crunch of leaves underfoot and -Sat 21 Sep, 10am – 3pm spectacular autumn tints. The Castle Family portrait sessions is at its most photogenic during the Find us on the B2033 nr Leatherhead Box Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7LB autumn months when the Boston ivy www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill on the front turns a vivid shade of red. A chance to be photographed with your loved ones, against the beautiful Sat 5 Oct, 10am – 3pm backdrop of Box Hill, with award Family portrait sessions winning photographer Rachel Thornhill. Box Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7LB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill Sat 21 Sep, 11am - 9.30pm A chance to be photographed with Wey River Festival your loved ones, against the beautiful Dapdune Wharf, Guildford, GU1 4RR backdrop of Box Hill, with award www.nationaltrust.org.uk winning photographer Rachel Thornhill. The biggest event on the river this year, with a variety of stands, food, craft Tue 8 Oct, 9.30am – 10.30am activities and of course, the fantastic Dog Walking Club illuminated pageant. Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, RH5 6BD Sat 21 & Sun 22 Sep, 11am – 5pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk Elmbridge Food Festival Join us on a walk of the estate with Painshill, Cobham, KT11 1JE your canine friends on the 2nd Tuesday www.painshill.co.uk of each month. Meet a host of local food and drink producers, watch live cookery Fri 11 Oct – Sun 13 Oct demonstrations and enjoy live music. Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival Free. www.twpuppetryfestival.org. Tunbridge Wells will be filled with Sat 21 Sep, 10am – 12pm puppetry in all its forms when the Box Hill Bugs & Beetles taster curtain rises on the third Tunbridge session Wells Puppetry Festival1 (TWPF). Box Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7LB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill Sat 12 Oct Free taster session to Box Hill Bugs & Spider Saturday Beetles as part of Heritage Open Days. Drusillas Park, East Sussex, Enjoy singing, playing outdoors and BN26 5QS learning some fascinating facts. www.drusillas.co.uk Spider experts from the British Sat 28 Sep- Sun 27 Oct, Sat & Sun Tarantula Society will be displaying only some of their most commonly feared Harvest Fest: Hay Maze! animals in the Discovery Centre. The Morden Hall Park, Morden, aim of the day is to try and overcome SM4 5JD visitors’ phobias, as well as being fun www.nationaltrust.org.uk and informative. Celebrate the Harvest Fest at Morden Hall Park trying to find your way out Sun 15 Sep, 10am – 7pm of a child-friendly hay bale maze Cheam Celebration of Food & constructed of over 300 bales of golden Drink straw and built to entertain all ages, Cheam Park, SM3 8QS Family days out from toddlers to adults. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cheam- celebration-of-food-drink Sat 28 Sep, 10am – 4pm A Celebration of the pleasure of food across Surrey Apple and Orchard Day while supporting great small producers Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, and independent food businesses. Join us at Hatchlands Park, TN15 0NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 19 Oct – Sun 27 Oct, Claremont Landscape Garden, Celebrate the bounty from the garden 10am – 5pm of England with our apple and orchard October half-term family fun Polesden Lacey, Morden Hall day. With apple tasting and stalls. Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT Park, River Wey and Winkworth Sat 28 & Sun 29 Sep, 11am – 4pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk Harvest Fest: Apple Weekend Learn more about owls who make Arboretum this summer and Morden Hall Park, Morden, Ightham Mote their home and try to SM4 5JD complete our fun trail in the gardens. enjoy family fun activities www.nationaltrust.org.uk On Thu 24 October, there will also be Get into the autumn spirit with our the chance to get up close with real including; trails, outdoor theatre, Apple Fest! Try local Merton varieties, owls from the Kent Owl Academy. taste a range of National Trust harvest sports, picnics and walks. goodies and have a go in the child- Half term: Pumpkin Carving Fest! friendly hay bale maze! Morden Hall Park, Morden, nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey SM4 5JD Sat 28 Sep, 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Dorking South Street Caves Tours Drop in to the Stableyard to pick your #nationaltrust Trust, your support helps us to look after special places for Dorking Museum & Heritage pumpkin, create your crazy carving and ever, for everyone. light it with an LED tea light candle. Centre, Dorking, RH4 1BS © National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images. www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Surrey East 13 Sat 19 Oct – Sun 27 Oct We’ll help you create a spooktacular Pumpkin Trail Jack-o-Lantern to decorate your home, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, just in time for Halloween. Please bring Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ your own pumpkin. NAA + £2. www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Purchase a quiz sheet upon entry and Tue 29 Oct, Wed 30 Oct, Fri 1 Nov, use the clues to work out, and find, 11am-1pm which animals have put out pumpkins Creepy crafts this Halloween half term. NAA + £1.50 Claremont Landscape Garden, (includes a prize). Esher, KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 19 Oct– Sun 27 Oct Get creative with some spooky crafts The Forgetful Witch in the Thatched Cottage. Mysterious Penshurst Place & Gardens, Kent, masks and scary spiders. What can you TN11 8DG conjure up? NAA + £2 per craft. www.penshurstplace.com Follow in the footsteps of Willow the Tue 29 Oct, 11am - 3pm witch to find all the magical items she Henfold Birds of Prey lost when wandering the gardens. Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA Sat 19 Oct-Sun 3 Nov, 10am-4pm www.denbies.co.uk/events Trail: Peculiar Pumpkins See birds of prey fly and perform Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov a leisurely 10K around the estate. 2K for amazing overhead tricks. Free of GU8 4AD Halloween Shriek Week those who would prefer a lighter run. charge. Performance subject to www.nationaltrust.org.uk Drusillas Park, East Sussex, weather. Main display at 12.30pm. Pumpkins have begun to pop up across BN26 5QS Sun 27 Oct, 1-4pm Winkworth with creepy carved faces – www.drusillas.co.uk Spooky Spiders, Wizards and Tue 29 Oct 10am-12.30pm & can you solve the mystery? NAA + £1. We’ve mixed a potion and cast a spell Witches 1.30pm-4pm to add some fang-tastically spooky Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW Nower Wood Autumn Open Day Sat 19 Oct –Sun 3 Nov, 10am-4pm surprises to the park which are sure to www.gattonpark.co.uk Nower Wood, Leatherhead Half-term potion making trail keep your little horrors happy! Drop in for Halloween activities www.surreywildlifetrust.org/whatson Claremont Landscape Garden, and enjoy a spooky trail around the Half term fun exploring the habitats in Esher, KT10 9JG Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov, 10am-4pm grounds. Ideal for younger children. In our beautiful ancient woodland. There www.nationaltrust.org.uk Halloween half-term collaboration with Gatton Community will be lots of free activities including Hubble Bubble, where to find wizard Hatchlands Park, Guildford, GU4 7R Theatre. pond dipping, fire lighting and natural stuff for your potion? Search the www.nationaltrust.org.uk crafts. BE. ghoulish garden for mysterious Take the trail through the parkland to Sun 27 Oct ingredients and create some natural discover folklore and superstitions and Potion Masters from History Wed 30 Oct, 6pm – 7.30pm magic! NAA + £1 per trail. then claim your pumpkin prize. NAA + Penshurst Place & Gardens, Kent, Halloween spooky trail £3 per trail. TN11 8DG Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Sat 26 & Sun 27 Oct, 10am – 6pm www.penshurstplace.com/whats-on Punch Bowl, Hindhead, GU26 6AG Painshill Autumn Tree Festival Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov Discover the horrible history of potions www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hindhead- Painshill, Cobham, KT11 1JE Halloween trail and spells with an interactive session commons-and-the-devils-punch-bowl www.painshill.co.uk Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, led by ‘Hands on History’. Spooky walk and treat hunt followed Celebrate trees at Painshill with tree RH5 6BD by a story fire circle and toasted marsh surgery demonstrations, craft stalls, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Mon 28 Oct, 11am-1pm mallows. BE. wagon rides and more. Uncover the mysterious clues around Pumpkin carving the gardens of Polesden Lacey to Claremont Landscape Garden, Wed 30 Oct & Fri 1 Nov, 10-11.30am Sat 26 Oct – Sun 27 Oct find what’s been prowling around at Portsmouth Rd, Esher, KT10 9JG or 1.30-3pm Birds of Prey Weekend night when all the visitors have gone www.nationaltrust.org.uk Trails and Tales: Funnybones RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, home. A sensory trail which will fuel Don’t let ghosts play trick or treat on Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW GU23 6QB imagination! Includes a prize. you. Create a spooky pumpkin to take www.gattonpark.co.uk www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley home, just in time for Halloween. Please Enjoy the story of ‘Funnybones’ and go See the enthralling birds of prey agility Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov bring your own pumpkin. NAA + £2 for a walk in the park to bring the story demonstrations taking place on Seven October 2019 half term trail to life. Return to create artwork linked Acres (west) at RHS Garden Wisley Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Mon 28 Oct & Wed 30 Oct, 10am, to the story. £8.00 per child. Booking and get to meet the wonderful birds Punch Bowl, Hindhead, GU26 6AG 11am & 12noon online. 2-4 years. up close. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Spooky Train Ride & Storytelling! Share the magic of nature with the kids Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Wed 30 Oct Sat 26 Oct and help them tick off some of the 50 RH5 6AA The Gruffalo Woodfest things activities by coming along to our www.denbies.co.uk/events Drusillas Park, BN26 5QS RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, half term trail. Suggested £1 donation Dress-up in your best spooky costume www.drusillas.co.uk GU23 6QB per trail. for a vineyard train ride and storytelling. The fearsome favourite will be meeting www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley brave visitors in the Events Arena at Admire traditional skills in a weekend- Sun 27 Oct, 10am start Tue 29 Oct, 11am-1pm intervals throughout the day. long celebration of the natural beauty Halloween Fun Run 10K & 2K Pumpkin carving of wood, including artisan woodcraft Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, demonstrations, tree listening, horse RH5 6AA GU8 4AD logging and tours of Wisley’s woodland. www.denbies.co.uk/events www.nationaltrust.org.uk Dress up in your spookiest costume for

Free Family Fun with NEW! ANIMAL DISCOVERY Heritage Open Days WITCHES & BARN This year, Heritage Open Days is celebrating its 25th anniversary and WIZARDS WEEK will be the biggest and most diverse to ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT date. AT BOCKETTS FARM PARK

Running from 13 to 22 September, this 26TH OCTOBER-3RD NOVEMBER annual celebration of England’s & history and culture, allows visitors’ FREE access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open CREEPY to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. CRAFTS Nationwide there will be hundreds of FREE interactive activities for HUNDREDS OF children, including dressing up, crafting, woodland walks and railway PUMPKINS rides. SCIENCE & SLIME SHOWS With a theme of ‘People Power,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors SPOOKY more opportunities than ever to discover the secret history of their QUIZ TRAIL towns, villages and countryside. REPTILE ROADSHOW Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, the celebration brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England. For local events visit, www.heritageopendays.org.uk FM/OCTOBER2019

14 Families Surrey East familiesonline.co.uk Thu 31 Oct, dances at 10.30am, REMEMBER REMEMBER 5TH WHAT’S ON AT THE THEATRE Mon 28 Oct 1.30pm, and 3.15pm NOVEMBER – BONFIRE NIGHT Once Upon A Princess Halloween Fancy Dress Disco! Hawth Theatre, RH10 6YZ This smash-hit glittering production Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Fri 1 Nov 01293553636 features all your favourite fairytale RH5 6AA Bonfire Coldarbour Village www.hawth.co.uk princesses. www.denbies.co.uk/events Coldharbour Cricket ground Traditional children’s disco including www.surreycommunity.info/ Sat 14 Sept The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema, party games & dancing. coldharbour/calendar Woodland Tales with Granddad RH1 1NN, Torch-lit procession from The Plough, Featuring a cast of extraordinary www.harlequintheatre.co.uk Thu 31 Oct, 6pm Bonfire and fireworks, bar and lots of puppets, this uproarious family Hallowe’en Dorking Ghost Walk good food. show not only entertains but has an Sat 12 Oct Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre, environmental message to share. The Wizard of Oz Dorking, RH4 1BS Sat 2 Nov Join Ballet Theatre UK as we follow the www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk Round Table Carshalton Fireworks Sat 28 Sep yellow brick road and discover all the Come face to face with some of Ruskin Road, SM5 3 London Family Folk Show wonders of Oz. Dorking’s spectral historical inhabitants www.carshaltonfireworks.org.uk An organic, authentic and fun folk on this guided Halloween ghost Enjoy one of the largest charity concert for big & little music fans! Sat 26 Oct walk through the town streets from fireworks displays in the South East of Jack and the Beanstalk St Martin’s Churchyard. Spooky England. Sat 12 Oct Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the encounters guaranteed. Peace at Last gripping story of Jack who sells his cow Sat 2 Nov Olivier award-winning Oper A Up Close for 5 magic beans and finds himself in Thu 31 Oct, 4.30pm -6.30pm Epsom Fireworks Display and partners with Gallions Primary School the land above the clouds Spooky walk Funfair in Newham to create a new opera for Claremont Landscape Garden, Hook Road Arena, Epsom 3-5-year-olds, based on Jill Murphy’s Tue 29 Oct Esher, KT10 9JG www.epsomfireworks.com much-loved picture book, Pop Divas Live! www.nationaltrust.org.uk Enjoy another spectacular night of Get ready for the best songs from Are you brave enough for a horrifying fireworks and funfair fun. Saturday 19 October, 11am, 2.30pm all your favourite female stars in one Halloween walk around Claremont? At Peter & The Wolf fabulous fun-packed show. Claremont we’re hosting the ghosts. Sat 2 Nov This family concert is a perennial Who knows what’s going to jump out at Horley Bonfire & Fireworks favourite by Sergei Prokofiev. It is a Dorking Halls you? Join us for a scare if you dare. Horley Lions Club wonderful way to introduce classical Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, NAA + £1.50 per child. www.horleylions.org.uk/fireworks music to younger children. Dorking RH5 1SG Join in for the 3rd anula Horley Bonfire 01306881717 Fri 1 Nov, 11.30am & 2.30pm and Fireworks night. There will also Epsom Playhouse, KT18 5AL www.dorkinghalls.co.uk Tropical Creepy Crawly Roadshow be a small fun-fair to keep the children 01372 742 555 Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 entertained between events. www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Wed 2 Oct &Thu 3 Oct 6AA Tabby McTat www.denbies.co.uk/events Sat 2 Nov Wed 9 Oct -Sat 12 Oct Tabby McTat is a cat with the loudest Meet Snakes, Lizards, Mini-Beasts, Caterham Fireworks The Sound of Music of meee-ews and a best friend with a and Frogs for an inspiring Animal Westway Library, Caterham, A childhood classic that promises to guitar. Together they sing their favourite Encounter. Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5TP be a truly nostalgic performance that songs delighting the crowds, until one www.caterhamroundtable.co.uk will bring childhood memories flooding day Fred disappears. FREE TASTER CLASSES WITH Bigger and better than ever, don’t miss back! BUSYLIZZY CATERHAM the Caterham and District Round Table Sun 27 Oct Book online at www. annual bonfire and firework display. A Tue 15 Oct – Sat 19 Oct There Was an Old Lady Who busylizzycaterham.co.uk great evening out for all the family. Jesus Christ Superstar Swallowed A Fly Centenary Hall, Caterham Under 5’s FREE! Early bird tickets are Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of From the creators of Don’t Dribble On Baby Massage Mondays 10.35am available from early October biblical Jesus in the final days leading The Dragon, this magical show has Mummy & Me Aerobics (Baby comes up to his crucifixion. The musical has been written especially for grown-ups along too!), Mondays 11.15am Thu 31 Oct & Fri 1 Nov no spoken dialogue and is sometimes to enjoy with their children, so come Mummy & Me Pilates (Baby comes Low Bangs Fireworks at Godstone considered a modern rock-opera. and relive the delights of this most along too!), Mondays 12.15pm Farm charming of tales. Mums to Bee Yoga, Mondays 7.30pm Godstone Farm, RH9 8LX Mums to Bee Pilates, Saturdays 8.30am www.godstonefarm.co.uk Mummy & Me Yoga (Baby comes along Tickets to fireworks are strictly limited too!), Fridays 11.15am. and only available by booking in advance. Shopping The Arc, Caterham Mummy & Me Pilates (Baby comes Sat 2 Nov, 5pm, fireworks at 6pm, along too!), Tuesdays 9.30am event finishes at 8pm the Fireworks Night at Wisley whatever The Cricket Green, Guards Ave, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Caterham GU23 6QB Mummy & Me Bootcamp (Baby comes www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley along too!), Wednesdays 10.45am Join us for RHS Garden Wisley’s first weather family-friendly, low-bang fireworks Queen’s Park, Caterham display. Mummy & Me Buggy Fitness (Baby The Belfry Shopping Centre comes along too!), Thursdays 10am. in the heart of Redhill with a great mix of stores all under one roof. Wiglet's Great Love keeping up to date with the Belfry? Follow Spook-er-ree us on social media!

Don't miss our Low Bangs Firework displays on 31st October & 1st November '19. Book online to avoid disappointment!

WHSmith Waterstones Clarks Toy Barnhaus Boots Superdrug Claire’s H.Samuel New Look Card Factory Dorothy Perkins Game JD Vision Express The Works PLUS MANY MORE

‘like’ us on Facebook /redhillbelfry follow us on Twitter @BelfryShopping 26th October - 3rd November 2019 redhillbelfry.co.uk www.godstonefarm.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Surrey East 15 RIP R I P R I P R I P

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16 Families Surrey East familiesonline.co.uk