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IN THIS ISSUE WIN a Family Holiday! WIN tickets to the Herts County Show!

Easter Wizard of Oz 6617 - 177April Aprill

• Wizard of Oz Walkthrough • Easter Shows NEW Baby Lambs, • Bunnies & Chicks • Tractor & Trailer Rides Plus plenty of Indoor, Outdoor & Animal Activities!

Nr Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9J H meadopenfarm.co.uk

MOF-AM-20-019 Ad-Easter (FHerts 118x70).indd 1 06/02/2020 09:20

Issuefamiliesonline.co.uk 91 March/April 2020 familiesonline.co.uk1 Could you welcome a foster child into your family? We need foster carers for children and young people in .

Can you offer a nurturing, safe and stable home? Hertfordshire County Council provide an allowance, training and unrivalled 24/7 support, every step of the way.

For further information on Fostering call us on 0800 917 0925 FOSTERWITHUS In partnership with www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fostering

@hertfordshirefostering @HCCFosterAdopt

MARLOWESM

NEXT EVENT SATURDAY 28TH MARCH

Free kids activities the last Saturday of every month Visit themarlowes.co.uk for more information

2 Families Herts Herts

You and your family can win days out and activities with the Hello a fabulous holiday with Away family (and another competition!). Resorts, details on page 4, and Enjoy the read! Welcome to the March/ we’re also giving you a chance to April issue of Families win one of three family tickets to The Hertfordshire County Show, Dale Hertfordshire Magazine. which is a truly great day out. Find out how to enter on Page 5. Spring is here, and we have some great competitions to celebrate We have all your usual features too the dryer, warmer and sunnier days – including Education, Parenting, the season brings us! Clubs & Classes – and don’t forget to check out Spring What’s On for

Tel: 07958284983 Email: [email protected] Preloved parent, In this issue: Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk Editor: Dale Harry child and baby goods News & Views 4-7 Design: 45 Degrees Design & Print Listings editor: Karen Porter Whether it’s a pram, toys or clothing you’re after, there’s a bargain to be had Careers & Work 8 /FamiliesHerts / /FamiliesHerts at the Welwyn and Hatfi eld NCT sale. High quality items will be on off er on Education 10-11 Market your business with Families Herts Saturday 21 March from 12.30pm–2pm (NCT members can enter from 12 • We reach over 45,000 engaged Childcare 13 readers each issue noon) at Onslow St. Audrey’s School, • Distribute from schools, tuition centres, leisure Old Rectory Drive, Hatfi eld, AL10 8AB. Parenting 14 attractions and more There’s a raffl e, light refreshments • We have a high repeat booking rate, so advertising with us works and if you’d like to sell or volunteer at What’s On 15-19 trusted, infl uential, visible 07958284983 the event just email nns.welhat@nct. org.uk for more information.

1 T 8 7 S 9 E

TFORDSHI HER RE COUNTY SHOW 23rd & 24th May 2020 A Showcase of Hertfordshire’s finest farming, food, entertainment and shopping J9, M1 Redbourn

#hertsshow Special Families Magazine DISCOUNT RATE use code HSFamilies for your EARLY BIRD 20 price. Valid until 22nd May BOOK ONLINE AT hertsshow.com OR CALL: 0344 850 2122 Senior/ Senior/ Adult Child Family* Adult Child Family* Student Student EARLY BIRD 20 ADVANCE Oct – 20 Jan £19 £9 £45 £16.50 21 May-22 May £22.50 £10 £55 £20 SUPER SAVER 21 Jan- 20 May £20 £9.50 £49 £18 ON THE DAY £24 £12 £58 £21

Families Hertfordshire (FH) is part of the Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The content of FH is fully protected by copyright. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Print Ltd and FH cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. News & Views

COMPETITION WIN a Family Holiday at an Appeal for foster Away Resort of your choice*! (Just take part in Wear a Hat Day on 27 March to raise carer families for Brain Tumour Research) Hertfordshire County Council is making an urgent appeal Away Resorts off ers family holidays at award-winning to residents to consider opening their homes and hearts to holiday parks, each superbly located and unique. Mill children and young people by becoming foster carers. Rythe on Hayling Island off ers a holiday jam-packed with There are approximately 950 children in care in activities from zorbing to an outdoor high ropes course, Hertfordshire and many of these children need the love and plus daytime and evening entertainment. Sandy Balls support of a foster family. There are many diff erent types of in the New Forest gets you back to nature; delve into fostering and foster carers can choose what is right for them the forest with its resident alpacas, enjoy a serene spa, and their family. You must be over 21 and have at least one fantastic on-site restaurants, and an array of activities. spare room at home. Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire is a water world away. Councillor Teresa Heritage, Deputy Leader of Hertfordshire From fi shing and pedalos to jet-skiing and a water aqua County Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Young park, there’s fabulous on-site restaurants, rooftop bars, People and Families, said: “With a new year and decade indoor/outdoor splashpads and activity programmes for upon us, many people may feel they wish to make a change all. Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight off ers the perfect to their life. Fostering would not only change their lives but balance, with rolling countryside on one side and a also those of a child or young person.” beautiful sandy beach on the other. The park bustles with Foster carers receive full training, 24/7 support and a great on-site activities for families. generous allowance. To Enter: Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fostering 1. Register for Wear a Hat Day 2020 at or ring 0800 917 0925 for more information. www.wearahatday.org and take part on 27 March.

2. Email your competition entry, full name and post code to [email protected] or enter online at https://bit.ly/2OytS6D by 30 April 2020.’ If you are pregnant or a parent/carer Use the same email address, name and post code for of a child under 19 your local family both steps 1 and 2. centre would love to meet you. T&Cs: *Excludes Mersea Island Holiday Park and Barmouth Bay Holiday Park. Prize is for a seven-night stay for two adults and two What happens at a family centre? children. Accommodation provided will be of Superior or Luxury grade at Sandy Balls, Tattershall Lakes and Whitecliff Bay, and Ambassador Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s at Mill Rythe, subject to availability. Prize value will be dependent on centres, health visiting and school nursing together to provide location and time of year chosen. More T&Cs online. a joined up service for children, young people and their families from pregnancy through to when a child reaches 19, offering a range of activities and services to help them grow and develop.

Why should you register your family? ST ALBANS INCLUSION ADVOCACY SERVICE • By registering with a family centre you and your child/children can have fun, meet new people and learn together through activities. PARENTS – TEENAGERS – YOUNG PEOPLE • If you need help and support, the family centre will try and give you what you need. Do you sometimes feel Isolated - overwhelmed - not sure which way to turn • To give you the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the family centre and help shape the services on offer. >V\SK`V\ILULÄ[MYVT For more information and to register visit A friendly listening ear – extra support or advice www.hertsfamilycentres.org supported signposting to services

>LJHUOLSWMHJL[VMHJLWOVULZ\WWVY[ The Civic Centre Hub, room 2, Mon 10 – 4 & Weds 10 – 2

Telephone 01992 638000

[email protected] www.hertfordshireppp.co.uk

4 Families Herts News & Views Don’t miss the spectacular Hertfordshire County Show! One of the biggest events in the calendar for Hertfordshire families is taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, and is off ering the fi nest farming, food, entertainment and shopping you can fi nd! The Hertfordshire County Show is even bigger for 2020, with more to see and do for families. In the Countryside Arena, the 2019 favourites The Dog and Duck Show will be returning, alongside the Hilarious Sheep Show, the Bassets, the Beagles and the rare Heavy Horses. New for 2020 is Ferret World, where kids and adults will get the chance to race against the ferrets, and can walk away with their very own County Show rosette. Across the road in the Village Green you’ll once again fi nd a hub of music and entertainment, from the Extreme Bike Battle team, showing off their BMX skills, through to the climbing wall, which at 7m high is a challenge even for WIN FAMILY TICKET TO THE HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW big kids! The Village Green is also the home of the ‘Todd in the Hole’ stage, where you can see local artists perform all The Hertfordshire County Show is a celebration of all weekend, singing tunes you’ll know as well as new favourites. things Hertfordshire and takes place on 23 and 24 May The Hertfordshire Farmyard is a ‘must see’ every year and at The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn. There’s 2020 is no exception. Tractor Ted will be back once again, something to delight everyone, from spectacular arena with his bouncy castle, activity trail, driving track and so much attractions to delicious, locally-produced food. To be in more! He will be joined by local farmers and their farmyard with a chance of winning one of three family tickets to animals, all waiting for you to say hello. There will be vintage the show (2 adults and 3 children) answer the following and high-tech machinery, as well as a local ice cream question. company, selling delicious, premium ice cream from cows Which county does the Hertfordshire County show take that live in Hertfordshire! place in? a) Essex b) Bedfordshire or c) Hertfordshire? Parking and all entertainment are included in the ticket price. Buy yours at a special discounted rate using the Email your answer, name, and contact details to editor@ Families Hertfordshire ticket code HSFamilies, until 22nd familiesherts.co.uk *terms & conditions apply – see May from www.hertsshow.com or call 0344 850 2122. Families website for details. Closing date 30 April.

Registered charity number 271370

Get hands on in Henry Moore’s landscape...

TakeT a trip Workshop Wednesdays Family friendly art sessions tto Land of Wednesday 8 & 15 April tthe Tigers! ParadiseP Wildlife Park wwill soon be opening its brandb new tiger habitat – Land of the Tigers. The habitat is the only place in the UK where you can see Amur Tigers underwater and the pool contains tropical fi sh, making it the fi rst mixed tiger habitat in the UK too. Paradise Wildlife Park, set in the beautiful setting of Broxbourne Woods in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, has over 800 animals and boasts one of the best big cat collections around. The Park is also home to Britain’s largest anaconda as well as penguins, red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, camels, zebras and sloths. And you can also take a step back in time to the Jurassic period by visiting World of Dinosaurs, a stunning OPEN 3 APRIL - 1 NOVEMBER 2020 animatronic attraction within the Park. Wednesday to Sunday & Bank Holidays 11am-5pm For more information, check out the Paradise Wildlife Park Find out more at henry-moore.org website at www.pwpark.com familiesonline.co.uk 5 News & Views Family fun with Invisible the goodness Easter Trail wrapped up There is plenty to do for families visiting Knebworth House in the Gardens this Easter – explore the maze, enjoy the in fun... spring fl owers, listen to the birdsong, Perform founder, and play in the adventure playground. The Easter Trail is lots of fun; follow Lucy Quick tells us more. Betsy the Knebworth Bunny around the garden’s fl owers within the Edwardian “Perform classes are a bit like a encourages confi dent and fl uent maze and Rose Garden to fi nd where pasta sauce that’s fi lled with hidden speaking, boosts reading and writing she has taken her Easter selfi es. vegetables: kids think it’s really tasty abilities and enhances coordination and You can spend your day at Fort and don’t realise that it’s full of healthy spatial awareness. Rescuing a mermaid Knebworth, the fun adventure nutrition. I see our classes like this – from a pirate ship might seem like just playground, and go on the trail of 72 invisible goodness wrapped up in an imaginative improvisation for 6 year olds, life-sized dinosaurs. The park is also the hour of games, role-play, dance routines but it’s teaching problem-solving and perfect setting for games and picnics, and songs. team-work too. and has 28 acres of formal gardens to The children think they’re enjoying Early drama, dance and singing explore. an hour of fun but they’re also being lessons changed my life and helped Under 3s go free and if you book equipped with essential confi dence- shape my vision for Perform – to your admission tickets online before building social skills. deliver classes with a specifi c focus on midnight the day before your visit, you We all want our children to be happy, developing a child’s confi dence and can save 10% on entrance fee. Full feel confi dent enough to try new social skills – not to create just another price park tickets will be available at the things and interact well with others. drama school.” gate on the day. Taking part in regular drama activities

For more information on Knebworth Try a FREE no-obligation drama class in Borehamwood, Broxbourne, , House, Park, and Gardens visit Hertford, Hitchin, Radlett, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City. Visit www.perform.org. www.knebworthhouse.com uk/try to book.

OpenOpen3TIR)EWXIV,SPMHE]Open ALL HalfHalf SUMMER! Term!

Hit the gym with free childcare at The Marlowes

Tinies Daycare, the The Marlowe’s latest leaving their children if they needed family and child off ering, is providing some time to run errands alone, do parents who join PureGym two hours some shopping or even hit the gym! of free childcare whilst they work out. “We’re excited to be able to off er This gives Hertfordshire parents the parents a tiny bit more ‘me time’, and opportunity for a tiny bit more ‘me with the opening of PureGym, we’re time’, knowing that their kids are having even more excited to combine these fun too! two off erings. For parents who are Two hours of free childcare is being PureGym members, the crèche is free off ered with any spend over £1 at The for two hours.” Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, for The crèche is open between the children between two and ten years of hours of 9-5.30pm Monday to Saturday, age. and 11-5pm on Sundays, with late hours “It’s fantastic to see so many parents on a Thursday when the crèche is open using the Tinies facility,’ says Cassie until 7pm. Peasnell, The Marlowes Marketing For safety reasons, children aged 2-3 Manager. “We launched the crèche years of age are able to use the crèche for parents using the centre to give from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday them somewhere they felt comfortable during term time only.

6 Families Herts News & Views

Getting things right after a separation Debenhams Ottaway Family Partner, Helen Young, discusses some of the key considerations of divorce and the benefi ts of a pre-nuptial agreement

“When parents both bring to the marriage. Do you actions need to be taken. separate and form want to consider a pre-nuptial agree- At Debenhams Ottaway we can help new relationships ment? It’s not the most romantic item you to properly consider all of the on your “to do” list but there may be issues you need to address which will family groups other people to consider and take care also usually include making or updating grow and change, of in these circumstances. your Will. Settling matters properly will and getting it right Of course, you don’t expect the new leave you and your family free to get on can sometimes be relationship to fail but it can really help and enjoy your lives together.” quite a challenge. if you have thought about what every- Apart from the practical arrangements one will need and how you will manage and working together to minimise any the separation if it does happen. It can disruption for the children, there are prevent protracted disputes if you do legal issues you should consider to en- separate because the arrangements To contact Debenhams Ottaway sure that everyone is provided for and will already have been clearly set out email [email protected], children are secure and protected. in writing and agreed by both of you. It call 01727 738212 or visit If you divorce and decide to remarry, will typically cover issues in relation to debenhamsottaway.co.uk what happens to the assets that you the division of assets and detail what

Easter Wizard of Oz Market your business withh at Mead Open Farm Mead Open Farm’s Wizard of Oz is back with stacks of Herts fantastic family fun and adventure this Easter (6-17 April). Get set for an enchanting and immersive Easter adventure • We reach over 45,000 engaged • We have a high repeat booking by joining Dorothy and her friends Lion, Tin Man and readers each issue rate, so advertising with us works Scarecrow as you follow the Yellow Brick Road through the • Distribute from schools, tuition centres, leisure attractions trusted, infl uential, visible magical land of Oz. and more 07958284983 Together you will defeat the Wicked Witch of the West by completing egg-citing Easter challenges. If you’re lucky you’ll meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz himself, plus don’t miss the entertaining Easter shows in the Show Zone throughout the day, and earn a special treat!

For further information and prices visit www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

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Time becomes an increasingly precious commodity once Be creative you have children. For many that means looking to reduce or re-arrange their working hours to give themselves the time Another way around the fl exible working issue is to switch they need to enjoy family life. jobs or even careers. Having children means that all your So what are the alternatives to the traditional full-time job? creative skills will be in play most of the time, including when Well, these days there are many diff erent options. it comes to your work life. You could try listing your skills and thinking broadly about any possible available job that might fi t around your family’s needs. Flexible working requests Check out family-friendly websites to see who the most Firstly, you could seek some form of fl exibility in your existing fl exible employers are and read around about what other job. It’s important to be open-minded as to what that might parents do. Sites like www.workingmums.co.uk have a look like, whether it could be part-time hours, some home regular job alerts and case studies of working parents which working, fl exible start and fi nish times, annualised hours, can give you suggestions of where to look. compressed hours (longer days but fewer of them), or a Once you have honed sectors and types of jobs you might combination of several possibilities. be interested in, you could join LinkedIn professional groups In order to make a formal fl exible working application and check out company websites and social media. you will need to show you have thought through the If the sector you are interested in requires you to re-train, implications of any changed working pattern on your you could look into whether there is any on-the-job training, employer and colleagues. Are there, for instance, parts of or short courses taking place locally. your job that could be delegated to others to enable them to “When parents and individuals achieve a work-life balance, get experience? Could you use the fl exible working process they are better able to safeguard their wellbeing, improve to review your job and hone in on where you can have the their relationships and promote their success at home and at most eff ect? If you can show that you have thought your work,” says Dr Lynda Ince-Greenaway, from Connected Life case through carefully, weighing up your own and your Coaching. “Training and upskilling invites new opportunities employer’s needs, you are more likely to be successful. and a new dimension into your life.” Bear in mind that fl exible working legislation currently only applies to those who have been in position for six months. Portfolio career Another potential option is the so-called portfolio career where you juggle several part-time or freelance/self- employed jobs, creating a kind of tapestry which gives you fl exibility around drop-off and pick-up times. You could, for instance, reduce the hours in your regular job and run

Building Bridges: Staying Connected a franchise or self-employed job on the side either on a permanent basis or until your self-employed work is earning enough to support you. Another advantage of the portfolio approach is that it gives you time to experiment with diff erent work options.

Self-employment Achieving successful You could, of course, choose to jump straight into self- employed work. If so, ensure you do your business research Work-Life balance well. You could also consider becoming a franchisee, which A 3-hour introductory course delivered means that you would have the freedom associated with by Dr Lynda Ince-Greenaway running your own business with fewer of the risks of going it In the fast-paced work environment, there is increasing awareness alone. of the need to create work–life balance that will ƉƌŽŵŽƚĞŽƉƟŵĂů The important thing is to be creative and to try to think out health͘dŚŝƐƐĞƌŝĞƐŽĨǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉƐƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĂƐƉĂĐĞĨŽƌƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂŶƚƐƚŽ of the box about your skills. Go back to basics and rediscover ĞdžƉůŽƌĞƚŚĞďĞŶĞĮƚƐŽĨĐƌĞĂƟǀĞ͕ůŝĨĞďĂůĂŶĐĞ. Here are a few of the what those skills are, who you are, what you like doing. ďĞŶĞĮƚƐLJŽƵǁŝůůŐĂŝŶĨƌŽŵĂƩĞŶĚŝŶŐƚŚĞƐĞǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉƐ͗ ͻ,ŽǁƚŽŝŶǀĞƐƚŝŶLJŽƵƌƐĞůĨĂŶĚLJŽƵƌĨƵƚƵƌĞ ͻŽŽƐƚLJŽƵƌĐŽŶĮĚĞŶĐĞĂŶĚƐĞůĨͲĞƐƚĞĞŵ ͻ>ĞĂƌŶŚŽǁƚŽƌĞĚƵĐĞLJŽƵƌƐƚƌĞƐƐůĞǀĞůƐ ͻĞĂďůĞƚŽƐƚĂƌƚLJŽƵƌŽǁŶďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ͻ/ŶĐƌĞĂƐĞLJŽƵƌŝŶĐŽŵĞ ͻ/ŶĐƌĞĂƐĞLJŽƵƌƉŽƚĞŶƟĂůƚŽďĞĐŽŵĞƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ͻZĞƚƌĂŝŶĂŶĚƵƉƐŬŝůůLJŽƵƌĐƵƌƌĞŶƚŽĐĐƵƉĂƟŽŶĂůƐŬŝůůƐĞƚ ĂůůϬϳϱϬϴϬϮϬϳϳϴĨŽƌŵŽƌĞŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŽƌĞŵĂŝůůLJŶĚĂůŝĨĞĐŽĂĐŚŝŶŐΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ First course takes place 22 April at St Albans Library. ͞>LJŶĚĂŚĂƐďĞĞŶĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂů͕ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐĂƐĂŵĞŶƚŽƌĂŶĚƐƵƉƉŽƌƟǀĞ Mandy Garner is Editor of www.workingmums.co.uk ƌŽůĞŵŽĚĞů͊^ŚĞǁĂƐĞdžƚƌĞŵĞůLJŚĞůƉĨƵůĂŶĚƐƵƉƉŽƌƟǀĞĚƵƌŝŶŐƚŚĞĞŶƟƌĞ where you can fi nd more suggestions on fl exible ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐŽĨĂĐŚŝĞǀŝŶŐŵLJƋƵĂůŝĮĐĂƟŽŶ͘͟ working options.

8 Families Herts ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6BX 2018 & 2019 campuswest.co.uk

Every Saturday morning from 25 April

Rock, Build confidence, tumble & roll skills & ability with Gymnastics in the water Beginner, Intermediate and Learn to Swim Crash Courses Advanced sessions available! available this Easter holiday! British Gymnastics quali f ied coaches will take In just 5 days of intense tuition, children your child through tumbles, vaults, handstands can go from nervous non-swimmers to and cartwheels in a fun and safe environment. conf ident and happy independent swimmers!

Monday 6 – Thursday 9 April Book before Saturday 11 April 2020 Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 April Book before swim free and get your first session FREE For more info and to book, (Quote: GYMNASTICS20) For more info and to book, Wednesday 1 April 2020 visit: hertssportsvillage.co.uk/ visit: hertssportsvillage.co.uk/ kids-village-holiday-activities and receivegoody a bag! kids-village-term-time-activities (Quote: EASTERSWIM20) de Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, AL10 9EU

familiesonline.co.uk 9 Education Encouraging reluctant readers There are lots of diff erent techniques you can try to get your child reading By Tom Palmer

Children must readread. ItIt’s’ s good for them! Unfortunately, Unfortunately thatthat’s’s a lot of shows have books linked to themthem. Search for an the last thing a child who doesn’t like reading wants to hear. offi cial book or biography of one of the main characters They might think reading is boring. They might have low on the show’s website. Is there spin-off fi ction? An annual? confi dence. They might even have an unidentifi ed issue like If enough people watch a show – say, like Strictly – then dyslexia. Being told that reading is good for them just makes there’ll be a book. them feel worse. Teachers and school librarians often know more about My mum knew I hated reading. The more pressure she what a child might like to read than a parent. Talk to your applied the more stubborn I was about it. I reacted to the child’s teacher or school librarian. They also know what pressure by defi ning myself as a non-reader and once I’d told books have worked for other children in the past. They’re myself that, I became even more entrenched. Then my mum experts. changed tack. She did some things which made me want to Have a day out. Football. Cinema. Theme park. Zoo. read and to eventually call myself a reader. Whatever you do, there will usually be books available. Make a list of the things your child is passionate about. Gift shops at the end of museums or theme parks often Do it now. Write down the fi ve experiences, television have books or guides. Theatres and sports venues have shows, sports, interests programmes. For me, it was Leeds United matchday that enthuse them. magazines, but I accept they’re not to everyone’s taste! These are the things that are probably Who does your child admire? going to get your child A dancer? A singer? A sports person? Has that person into reading. For me written a book? it was football… and There are more and more celebrities writing books. As then, football… a non-celebrity author I hate it, but, as a parent of an Forget that loving impressionable child, it’s great for you. Look the celeb’s reading is good name up on Amazon and see what’s out there. If you for children. Make don’t want to buy it, then head to the library. reading relate to something they Role models are not just famous people. already love. Does your child have a coach, teacher, aunt or Start with their neighbour that they admire? For me it was my sister’s favourite television boyfriend: he gave me books. I read them because they show. Television is were from him. Get your child’s role model to talk to seen as one of the them about books and recommend titles. A book from enemies of reading. someone you look up to is more likely to get read. But it’s so good now, You are your child’s number one role model. it’s sometimes hard Let them see you reading what YOU want to read! to tear yourself away. It’s helpful then that Don’t worry if your child doesn’t fi nish every book. I fi nish less than half the books I read. Borrow from the library and then your child can experiment without it costing money. Books are not always best. Does your child have a favourite magazine? There are hundreds of magazines for kids available from supermarkets and high street newsagents. They cost a bit and there are far less words in them, but they’re a great way to get children reading. They’re colourful. They’re Providing awareness on how to protect children from harm, silly. They’re exciting. and getting youngsters to critically think about THEIR decisions and consequences of behaviours. Get a magazine delivered. The idea of a magazine arriving for your child (and ‘Beauty or the Beast’ – Dating Abuse your child alone) can be exciting for them. I had Match 1 in 11 boys and 1 in 10 girls experience abuse of some magazine delivered when I was a kid. I couldn’t wait for kind while in a relationship. This dating violence can Thursdays as a result. later lead to domestic abuse. Workshops delivered to pupils, teachers and parents in schools on this topic, child exploitation, county lines, and stranger danger (including online). Tom Palmer won the Ruth Rendell Award 2019 for his “The presentations are a must for any school considering the outstanding contribution to raising children’s literacy safeguarding concerns that surround young people on a daily basis.” levels in the UK. He is the author of 45 books for Assistant Head of a Hertfordshire school. children, many about football, rugby and WW1 and 2; yet he only became a reader at age 17, thanks to his mum and what she did to engage him with reading. For more information call 07484 541727 or visit www.freedom-abuse.org For more information, visit www.tompalmer.co.uk

10 Families Herts Education

A Catholic co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 -18

OPEN MORNING 20 March 9.30am-11.30am To attend our Open Morning please register on our website, or by calling us on: 01920 824 247

• Modern facilities and excellent academic support • Full programme of co-curricular activities • Full, weekly and flexi boarding options are offered from Year 7 • Scholarships and Bursaries are available

Old Hall Green, Ware, Hertfordshire SG11 1DS www.stedmundscollege.org

Independent Day School for girls 4 - 16 years

Day Nursery & Pre-School for girls and boys from 6 months

An outstanding Independent Prep School for boys and girls aged 3-13 years Happiness,Confidence,Success

Meet our new Headmaster, Mark Brain

Abbot’s Hill is a happy and thriving community in which pupils are encouraged to aim high, to grasp opportunities, enjoy learning and to make lasting friendships. OPEN MORNING Saturday 7th March – 9.30am to 12.30pm Whole School Open Day Friday 15th May – 10.00am to 12.00pm Saturday 7 March, 10am-12pm Last tours begin at 11.30am. No booking is required.

Prep School Working Open Event Tuesday 17 March, 9.30am See our Day Nursery, Pre-School and Prep School in action.

Please contact the Registrar on 01442 839169 or visit our View our brand new outdoor classroom website to book your place. Contact: 01442 256143 Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8RP E: [email protected] www.westbrookhay.co.uk www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk London Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2RF

familiesonline.co.uk 11 Clubs & Classes Gymnastics – not just fl exibility and fun! Gymnastics is regarded as one of the most comprehensive exercise programmes available to children, incorporating strength, fl exibility, speed, balance, coordination, power, and discipline. Whether your child becomes involved in recreational gymnastics or with a competitive squad, skills learned in gymnastics can benefi t a child’s overall development signifi cantly. It’s also a very exciting, empowering sport.

Physical benefi ts Gymnastics increases strength, fl exibility, endurance and co- Character building ordination. Balance is vital whilst working on apparatus such Gymnastics promotes discipline, determination, courage and as the beam, whilst power is essential when vaulting and self-confi dence, and requires perseverance to practice and tumbling during fl oor work. The bars and rings encourage perfect a skill and learn from mistakes. lifting, swinging and movement of the body in new ways. As gymnastics uses so many diff erent skills, classes can help train children for any other sport they choose to pursue. Social benefi ts Gymnastics provides children with the opportunity to communicate with other children of a similar age, to work Cognitive eff ect together as part of a team, and to engage with other adults. Your child will need to visualise the gymnastic skill they are Some of the other social skills necessary to pursue gymnas- learning before performing it. So gymnastics is a great way tics are listening, following directions, taking turns, being for a child to use their brains and their bodies together. The quiet and respecting and encouraging others. intense movement that takes place in gymnastics opens up neural pathways in the brain, which can lead to increased For further information on gymnastics and local clubs concentration, focus and success, not just in the gym but at visit www.british-gymnastics.org school and at home.

round athleticism to master, and New cheerleading, dance is a fun, full-body work-out. Local club Twisted Cheer and Dance continues to bring this and tumble gym opening in exciting sport to youngsters in Hertfordshire after announcing it has opened a new gym in Kings Langley! Kings Langley. Think you know all there is to know about cheerleading? Well “In recent years cheerleading think again! Cheerleading has recently gathered wider atten- has exploded in popularity and tion with the release of the latest Netfl ix series, Cheer, which there are national competitions demonstrates there’s a lot more to the sport than twirling a held in large arenas across the couple of pom-poms. country,” says Twisted Cheer Cheerleading involves tumbling, stunting, dance and all and Dance Director Ben Vasey. “These competitions have great productions and are quite enthralling. Shows like Cheer are helping us to show every- one how hard cheerleaders work and that no, we don’t use pom-poms!” The gym has a nine-panel sprung fl oor and all the facilities you’d expect from a well-equipped sports facility. There are classes for all abilities, from 18 months up to adult, and cheerleading and dance birthday parties are on off er too. Cheerleading off ers many of the same benefi ts as gymnas- tics (see article above), and more! “The club has really grown over six years and has won championship titles, which is something we’re really proud,” adds Ben. “No matter what your experience level, if you come with commitment and are ready to work hard, there is a team for you.” If you’d like to give cheerleading a try pop along to the club’s Open Day on 7 March, or try one of the taster sessions which take place week beginning 16 March.

For more information on Twisted Cheer and Dance visit www.twistedcheeranddance.co.uk

12 Families Herts Childcare An Inspector Calls! The role of an Ofsted Inspector

Whilst there are lots of important considerations when they need to know that it’s dangerous to walk while holding a choosing a nursery or pre-school for your child, it’s unlikely pair of scissors.” Changes in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation you’ll make a fi nal choice without at least a cursory glance Stage) framework place more emphasis on the importance at the setting’s Ofsted report. But how does a nursery or pre- of a child’s emotional security, so Inspectors also observe school gets its Ofsted rating? how confi dent and secure children feel in their environment. Sangeeta Gardiner has been an Inspector for The Offi ce Early Year’s Education is all about learning through play for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills but the word “teaching” is still used in the EYFS framework. (Ofsted) since it was set up in 1992 and has conducted over Staff “teach” children about their world by asking them open 150 inspections of nurseries, pre-schools, and child-minders. ended questions. Becoming and remaining an inspector requires rigorous, “If a child is upset, the Key Person should be able to tell me ongoing training and examinations, meaning that Ofsted about the child’s circumstances, for instance, if they are new Inspectors are very knowledgeable. to the setting.” One of the key things an Inspector examines is how a So what happens if there are issues with teaching setting safeguards the children in its care. methods? A lot depends on whether the majority of staff Inspectors check to make sure safeguarding policies are are working positively, and, where there are staff who implemented, that staff have the relevant legal background are performing less well, that the manager of the setting checks, and have been properly recruited. “I’ll ask staff recognises this. “Part of the inspection is a joint observation members how they got their jobs,” says Sangeeta. “Being a with the manager,” says Sangeeta. “If a staff member has friend of a friend is simply not good enough. I also probe set up an activity that hasn’t worked well and the manager more deeply if I discover staff members have moved around isn’t aware of this, that needs to be addressed. However, if a lot.” the manager is aware and can support a staff member to “It’s also important that children are being taught how to improve their skills, then this provides good evidence that the keep themselves safe,” comments Sangeeta. “For example, nursery is working well towards improving its provision.”

You can fi nd Ofsted Reports for settings in your local area at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

Looking for award winning childcare?

Berkhamsted Hitchin 01442 871777 01462 450354 01923 254637 berkhamsted@ hitchin@ watford@ toadhall-nursery.co.uk toadhall-nursery.co.uk toadhall-nursery.co.uk

instagram.com/toadhallnursery/ Little Leaps... www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk Large Steps familiesonline.co.uk 13 Parenting How to feel closer to your children By Wendy Mogel, PhD

There is a natural distance between parent-world and child-world, but many ways to bring those worlds, and your relationship, closer

You might think it is a sign of progress that parents in the UK from a fresh and fascinating perspective. Find out what makes now spend more time with their children than they did 50 him tick while you have the chance. years ago, but, in fact, they actually feel an uneasy lack of Be the listener with your children: “Tell me more. Ah, I see. closeness to them. And the children are more anxious. And Have you been in a situation like this before? How did you everyone is feeling lonelier. So why? handle it? What are you considering this time? What is the It’s always been the case that parents sometimes view outcome you’re aiming for?” Adults know that their kids get their children through a distorted lens. The barrister cross- low on emotional fuel after a long day at school. Home is a examines his son who claims his teacher doesn’t want soft landing. When a child is cross or crabby a kindly listener parents correcting homework before it’s handed in; the can be a balm. therapist father thinks the classroom bully is causing his daughter’s tantrums; the full-time parent confuses her child’s achievements with her own worth. But today’s fi erce devotion to every detail of a child’s life is an obstacle to intimacy and ‘Welcome in the strange shared fun. Think back to your early years. Are you sure your dad knew characters in bedtime stories’ the name of your class teacher right off the top of his head? It’s likely your mum didn’t track your moment-to-moment academic and social ranking like a day trader. And this is the What else can you do to feel closer to your children? paradox. Distance between parent world and child world It’s a fact that everyone laughs more when watching a allows each to get perspective, to really see each other. comedy in a theatre, in the company of strangers, than they do while watching alone. Take your children to a play So how to avoid this growing divide? or performance. Talk about it afterwards. Why do you think Try treating your child like a stranger! Conduct an experiment. the characters acted the way they did? What parts were the Think of your son as a nephew from the other side of the funniest? Did any of it make you tear up? country who is staying with your family for a few days. Go places and talk about where you’ve been and what Imagining this new persona for your son creates curiosity, you’ve seen. It can be as simple as a picnic in a park. There is decorum and healthy interest. Here is this new person! How so much conversation fodder: strangers to observe, ducklings, curious I am about his ideas and interests! Soon he will be dogs, kites, small children raising around. gone from here! Through his eyes, I can see the world of 2018 Welcome in the strange characters in bedtime stories. Share imaginative leaps into their world by talking in an unhurried way about what you or your child might do at the chocolate factory or in the forest at night. Ready... Steady... When your formerly chatty son becomes more self- Sleep! conscious and less forthcoming, consider him the newest READY ME member of your basketball team or domestic maintenance READY BABY crew. See if it’s easier for him to talk while shooting hoops or Teach our children the art of washing the dog. sleeping – a 3 hour workshop (across two sessions) for parents Don’t mistake your daughter’s verbal sophistication with and their babies or toddlers maturity, when she’s tired it’s normal for her to melt down like When sleep time becomes a toddler. If she dumps endless social drama in your lap, don’t war zone – Make Sleep Not War! make her problems your own. Picture her as the garrulous Children thrive when parents are balanced. Best parenting style female you’ve been seated next to at a social tea. “Is that so? is high on warmth and expectations with a balanced structure. This is also true for sleep. Compatible goals of good sleep and good How frustrated you must feel.” emotional health feed each other. Do actually engage with strangers. Take up a hobby or • Learn how to step back and let children be in charge of falling asleep community project. Become a bit of a stranger to yourself and and continue to serve their emotional and attachment needs. your family. Then tell your child about who you met, what you • Help your child to master a new skill – sleeping, when ready. did and how you felt. It can build a friendly bridge between • Let your child grow, progress, and sleep independently. you. READY ME workshop (30 April – 7.30pm to 9pm) The German poet Rainer Rilke wrote: Once the realization is READY BABY workshop (14 May – 7.30pm to 9pm) accepted that even between the closest human beings infi nite The course is delivered by professionals and parents of multiples. distances continue, a wonderful living side by side can grow. For more information call Sandra Richards on 07539448908 or email [email protected]

14 Families Herts We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. What’s On

Beyoncé and Rihanna. Ages 5+. THE OLD TOWN HALL THESTAGE STORTFORD SHOWS Cost: £15 THEATRE Rhodes Arts Complex, 1-3 THE ALBAN ARENA High Street, Hemel Hempstead, South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD Morgan & West - Unbelievable HP1 3AE CM23 3JG 01727 844488 Science 01442 228091 01279 710200 www.alban-arena.co.uk 28 Mar – 2.30pm www.oldtownhall.co.uk www.rhodesbishopsstortford. Interactive family science show. org.uk The Tiger Who Came To Tea Ages 6+. Rumpelstiltskin & The Snail of 14 Apr – 2pm Cost: £14. Concs £12.50. Destiny Meet Me A Tree 15 & 16 Apr – 11am & 2pm Family £45 21 Mar – 2.30pm 1 Apr – 11am & 1pm Musical play based on the Theatre of Widdershins aims to An interactive fi rst opera for classic book by Judith Kerr. HERTFORD THEATRE create gold on stage with this ages 0-2 and their carers. Direct from the West End. The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS new version of the Grimm’s Cost: 1 adult & baby £11.50. Cost: £14 01992 531500 classic tale. 4+. Extra adult £7.50 www.hertfordtheatre.com Cost: £7.50. Card £6 Rapunzel Morgan & West - Unbelievable 17 Apr – 2 & 5pm Room on The Broom THE RADLETT CENTRE Science New staging of the popular fairy 28 Mar – 11am, 2 & 4pm 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, 17 Apr – 2pm tale. Meet the characters after 29 Mar – 11am & 2pm WD7 8HL Interactive family science show. the show, (School shows 26 & 27 Mar. 01923 859291 Real experiments backed up by Cost: £14 / £12 Public tickets may be released www.radlettcentre.co.uk Morgan & West’s trademark wit, nearer the date) charm and detailed knowledge of Swan Lake Tall Stories’ fun-fi lled adaptation We Love the scientifi c method. Ages 6+. 25 Apr – 2.30pm of the bestselling picture book 6 Apr – 6pm Cost: £14.50. Concs £12.50. Vienna Festival Ballet. by Julia Donaldson and Axel Tribute act. Family £50 Cost: £24.50. Concs £21.50, Scheffl er. Ages 3-8. Cost: £16 £16.50 Cost: £13 HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLS Amazing Bubble Man Southdown Road, Harpenden, BROADWAY THEATRE Horrible Histories: 7 Apr – 11.30am & 2pm AL5 1TE Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden The Worst of Barmy Britain Louis Pearl has been thrilling 01582 767525 City, SG6 3DD 30 Apr – 6pm audiences worldwide for over www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk 01462 681088 1 May – 7pm 30 years with the art, magic, www.broadway-letchworth. 2 May – 3 & 7pm science and fun of bubbles. Exciting Science com Horrible Histories live on Cost: £13. Under 16s £11 8 Apr stage with the West End show New educational show for ages Pop Divas Live that’s never toured before. Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever 4+. Fun, fact-fi lled experiments 14 Mar – 3pm Most suitable for families with 22 & 23 Apr – 10am, 1 & 4pm recreate a volcanic eruption, Tribute act featuring songs children aged 5+. Join Peppa & friends for their turn a vacuum cleaner into a from female pop performers Cost: £16. Under 16s £14. perfect day out! Ages 2-6. missile launcher and take aim including Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Family £56 Cost: £18. Under 16s £16. with a smoke blaster! Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande, Family £64. Babes in Arms £3 Cost: £10

Based on the best-selling book by LIVE ON COMPETITION Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler STAGE WIN: Family ticket to Room on the Broom stage show at Hertford Theatre Mark Thompson’s Spectacular

Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Science Show Tall Stories’ fun-fi lled adaptation of Room on the Broom, Sat 4th April 11am & 2pm the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Tickets: £13, £12 child Scheffl er. You think science is boring, think again; this is The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick science like you have never seen it before. when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? explores the strange and magical properties Find out by winning a family ticket to this magical of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating show (for everyone aged 3 and up) at the end of March. dustbins and even howling jelly babies! To be in with a chance, answer the following question: Beauty and the Beast Who wrote Room on the Broom? Easter Show for the Whole Family a) Julia Roberts Thurs 9th Apr 1pm & 4pm b) Julia Donaldson Fri 10th Apr 1pm & 4pm Sat 11th Apr 1pm & 4pm c) Julian Clary Tickets: £19.50, £17.50 child/concs, family of 4 £68 Email your answer, name and contact number to A traditional, professional Easter show for the whole family with [email protected]. *terms & conditions apply audience participation throughout! – see Families website for details. Competition is for one family ticket. Closing date Monday 23rd March.

familiesonline.co.uk 15 What’s On

THE SANDPIT THEATRE GORDON CRAIG THEATRE ACHIEVING SU CCESSFUL ‘BEAUTY OR THE BEAST’ The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX Lytton Way, , SG1 1LZ WORK-LIFE BALANCE – DATING ABUSE 01727 799565 01438 363200 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk www.gordon-craig.co.uk St Albans Library, The Maltings, An educational workshop St Albans, AL1 3JQ delivered to pupils, teachers Annie Home Education Workshops 22 April • 07508020778 and parents in schools. 28 Mar – 2.30 & 6.30pm 11.30am [email protected] Providing awareness on how West Herts Music Theatre 26 Mar: Easter Arts & Crafts to protect children from harm, presents this popular musical. 23 Apr: Shakespeare Day This engaging 3-hour intro- and getting youngsters to ductory course is delivered Cost: £11/£9 Cost: £15 per person per critically think about THEIR by Dr Lynda Ince-Greenaway session. £5 sibling discount decisions and consequences and covers how to: invest in of behaviours. For more THE SPOTLIGHT Wild Camp yourself and your future; boost information on booking this High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE your confi dence and self-es- 7-9 & 14-16 Apr – 8.30am- workshop contact Freedom 01992 441946 teem; learn to reduce stress From Abuse CIC on www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ 5.30pm levels; be able to start your Arts & crafts; bouncy castle, 07484541727 or visit thespotlight own business; increase your www.freedom-abuse.org. circle games, multisports, income; increase your poten- The Wizard of Oz dancing & drama. tial to become successful; and COOKERYEATERY 7 Apr – 2 & 6pm Cost: £25. Half day £15 retrain and upskill your current Easter panto starring comedy occupational skillset. www.cookeryeatery.co.uk Whole day food & cookery legend Bobby Davro. TWISTED C HEER AND DANCE Cost: £20.50. Concs £18.50. camp. Children make (and eat!) FAB SCIENCE EASTER Family £70 Unit 4, 28 Rucklers Lane, the 3 typical daily meals, from Kings Langley EGGSTRAVAGANZA menus containing a variety of Pop Divas Live www.twistedcheeranddance. www.fabscience.co.uk healthy and delicious dishes. 9 Apr – 2.30pm co.uk 10am-3pm Hitchin Boys School, Grammar Tribute act featuring songs Hillmead Primary School, School Walk, Hitchin, SG5 1JB A cheerleading, tumble and Woburn Avenue, Bishops from female pop performers dance gym! Free open day on 6, 7, 8, 14 & 15 Apr including Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Stortford, CM23 4PW Ages 4-11. Saturday 7 March, free taster 14 Apr Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande, sessions at week commencing Cost: £40 per day Beyoncé and Rihanna. Ages 5+. 16 March. Mid-season try-outs St Joseph’s in the Park School, The Vege Centre at St Cost: £17 (where new athletes can join St Mary’s Lane, Hertingfordbury, Christopher School, Barrington the club’s competitive teams) SG14 2LX Road, Letchworth Garden City, takes place on Saturday 21 15 Apr SG6 3JZ CLASSES, HOLIDAY CAMPS & March. All are welcome to Garden Fields School, Townsend 9, 16 & 17 Apr COURSES try out this exhilarating and Drive, St Albans, AL3 5RL Ages 8-16. fast-growing sport. 17 Apr Cost: £50 per day TICK TOCK MUSIC Easter egg-speriments and science fun for ages 5-12. KOOL KIDZ CAMPS ABBOT’S HILL HOLIDAY St Michael’s Church Hall, St Cost: £32. Sibling discount Sandridge Primary School, ACTIVITY CLUBS Michael’s Street, St Albans, available Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St AL3 4SL Bunkers Lane, Hemel Albans, AL4 9EB 07933 153054 Hempstead, HP3 8RP TINY T’S STORYTELLING & 0845 603 2858 www.ticktockmusic.co.uk 01442 240333 THEATRE www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk Thurs in term time – 9.45am Welwyn St Mary’s Primary 6-9 & 14-17 Apr 6-9 & 14-17 Apr Fun weekly interactive music School, 15 London Road, Ages 4-12. Half or full days. Ages 5-14. Have fun, make and drama shows for under Welwyn, AL6 9DJ Cost: See website 5s. Trial classes can be booked friends and learn new skills. Arts www.tinytsparties.com throughout the term. and crafts, cookery, hair and BEST THEATRE ARTS Storytelling Adventure Cost: £7 per child. Sibling beauty, swimming, football, SAS Sandringham School, The discounts available skills, dance, gymnastics and Workshops Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX more! 10am-2pm 01727 759634 Cost: £35 per day or £140 per 8 Apr: The Wind In The Willows www.besttheatrearts.com 4-day week 15 Apr: Alice In Wonderland Creating stories inspired by Best Holiday Academy: Hairplay the much-loved characters in 14-17 Apr – 10am-4pm these books. Plus outdoor play, Theatre fun for ages 6-16. games, crafting, drama, and Cost: Week £150. Sibling £120 more. Ages 4-10. Cost: £32 per child. 10% sibling First Class Holiday: Room on discount the Broom 14-17 Apr – 9.45am-3pm Family Workshop Drama, singing, dancing & craft 16 Apr – 10am-12noon for ages 4-6. Storytelling, family games and Cost: Week £130. Sibling £110 activities for ages 3-10 inspired by The Wind In The Willows. READY… STEADY… SLEEP! Cost: £30 per family of 4 or £8 READY ME (30 April) each READY BABY (14 May) DAISY BAKE Teach our children the art of Station Approach, Knebworth, sleeping – a 3 hour work- shop (across two sessions, SG3 6AT evenings) for parents and www.daisybake.com their babies or toddlers. This 7, 15 & 17 Apr insightful course is delivered Easter fun baking and making by professionals and parents delicious cupcakes, hot cross of multiples. St Albans loca- buns, chocolate treats, carrot tion. For more info call Sandra cakes and Easter cookies. Richards on 07539448908 or Ages 3-16. email expert121consultant@ Cost: From £15 gmail.com

16 Families Herts We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. What’s On

BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP with budding young naturalists. All camps take place in FREE. Suggested donation £5 Berkhamsted (Members £3) www.berkhamstedbasecamp. co.uk HATFIELD PARK FARM 3, 6-9 & 14-17 Apr Hatfi eld, AL9 5HX Multi activity camps for ages 01707 287010 3-11. Courses in cookery; arts www.hatfi eldparkfarm.co.uk & crafts; computing; high ropes and Forest School. Farm Opens for the Season Cost: See website 31 Mar Meet the animals, take a tractor LANGLEY TENNIS & RACQUETS ride around the farm and enjoy CAMP the play area. Langley Tennis Club, High Cost: £6. Child £3.50. Under Woodhall Lane, Hemel 3s free Hempstead, HP3 8RW 01442 230234 PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, 6-9 & 14-17 Apr – 9am-4pm EN10 7QA Have fun and improve your 01992 470490 tennis and eye hand co- www.pwpark.com ordination. Plus table tennis, Land of the Tigers badminton and touch tennis. 4 Apr Ages 4-14. Launching the UK’s fi rst Amur Cost: Day £40. 4-day week tiger habitat to feature a pool £140. deep enough for tigers to be fully submerged underwater. SPEAKING WORKS Watch these stunning creatures www.speakingworks.co.uk swim and play. Young Voices Easter at Paradise High Street, Harpenden, AL5 10-13 Apr 2RU Lots of ‘egg-citing’ things to do Alban City School, 7 Hatfi eld and ‘eggs-plore’. See over 800 Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR beautiful animals plus children’s Build confi dence, improve competitions, arts & crafts and social skills and learn vital undercover play. techniques for acting & public Cost: see website speaking. Ages 3-18. Cost: £9 per class TRIANGLE COMMUNITY Tristan the Runaway Tractor Spend a day in the woods, GARDEN and lots more. learning about the plants and NCT BABY & CHILD FIRST AID Meet at Ransom’s Pavilion, end of Cost: See website animals that live thereFamily COURSES Alexandra Road, Hitchin, SG5 1RB event with activities for www.nct.org.uk/branches www.trianglegarden.org HORNBEAM WOOD children. Booking essential. Fire Station Community Activity Sundays HEDGEHOG SANCTUARY FREE Meeting Room, 153 London 29 Mar & 26 Apr – 10am- Common Lane, Harpenden Road, St Albans, AL1 1TQ www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Bat Walk 12noon 14 Apr – 7.30-9pm 4 & 25 Apr Have fun creating, maintaining 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm Discover Hedgehogs Use a bat detector and fi nd and developing areas within out why bats are so important. Designed to build confi dence the Triangle Garden. Tools and 15 Apr – 2-3pm as a parent/carer in dealing Learn about the fascinating Suitable for all ages. Booking refreshments provided. essential. with emergency situations. FREE lives of hedgehogs and get up Cost: £35. Couple £60. close to a rescue hog. Ages 6+. FREE Concessions available. POLARIS BUSHCRAFT Children must be accompanied Private woodland, Brickendon by a paying adult. THE GREAT BRITISH SPRING Lane, Bayford, SG13 8QB Cost: £8. Child £6 CLEAN ANIMALS & THE OUTDOORS 07971 289604 www.facebook.com/ www.polarisbushcraft.co.uk BATFORD SPRINGS NATURE CleanUpWGC OAKLANDS COLLEGE 13 Mar-20 Apr St Albans Campus, Hatfi eld Family Bushcraft Weekend RESERVE Lower Luton Road, Harpenden, Join Clean Up WGC in one- Road, St Albans, AL4 0JA 3-5 Apr hour community litter picks www.oaklands.ac.uk Young adventurers can learn AL5 5AQ www.harpenden.gov.uk during The Great British Spring /news-events new skills, develop confi dence Clean. No experience required. and learn about the natural Lambing Weekend Family River Dipping FREE world on this two-day/two- 21 Mar – 11am-12pm & 1-2pm 14 & 15 Mar – 10am-3pm night course. For families and Meet newborn lambs, see the Find out more about the MEAD OPEN FARM children (with parent/guardian). creatures that live at Batford Standbridge Road, Leighton agricultural facilities and grab a Cost: From £245 per family bite to eat. Springs. Wellies and booking Buzzard, LU7 9JH WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM essential! 01525 852954 PARK Coursers Road, London Colney, FREE. Suggested donation £5 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Thieves Lane, Hertford, SG14 2WN St Albans, AL2 1BB (Members £3) www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 0870 129 9718 Easter Wizard of Oz (6-17 April): www.willowsactivityfarm.com HARPENDEN COMMON Wizard of Oz Walkthrough; Signs of Spring St Albans Road, Harpenden, Easter shows; new baby lambs, 10 Apr – 9.30-11.30am Easter Eggstravaganza AL5 1DT bunnies and chicks; and tractor Join an expert guide to 4-17 Apr www.harpenden.gov.uk rides. There’s more too, with discover more about spring Choc-o-bloc family fun. Egg indoor play areas, a high ropes wildlife and fl owers. All hunt, Easter arts & crafts, new Wild Woods Days course and go karts! welcome, including families Peter Rabbit & Friends shows, 6 & 7 Apr – 10am-2pm Cost: See website familiesonline.co.uk 17 What’s On

Toddler Tuesday was really like to be married to 14 Mar. Drop in 11am-3pm PLACES TO GO 24 Mar & 21 Apr – 10.15-11.30am one of history’s most infamous Make cards for the mother Ages 0-3. Crafts, singing & kings. fi gures in your life. All ages. BELISILY - LETCHWORTH KIDS stories. Booking essential. Cost: See website Cost: £3 per person CAFE Cost: £3.50 per child, including 58 Leys Avenue, Letchworth, drink & snack for children HARPENDEN STREET FESTIVAL HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY SG6 3EQ Harpenden High Street SHOW Stay and Play 07984 462189 www.harpenden.gov.uk Dunstable Road, St Albans, 4 Apr. Drop in 10am-4.30pm. 22 Mar – 10am-2pm AL3 7PT Mother’s Day Craft Workshop Play with some traditional toys Herts Year of Culture event. hertsshow.com 15 Mar. Drop in 11am-3pm and get hands on with a family Includes theatre, circus skills, 01582 792626 craft activity. street performers, dancing, face Easter Crafts Workshop FREE. Donations welcome 23 & 24 May 5 Apr. Drop in 11am-4pm painting, live music, workshops, The Hertfordshire County A range of children’s crafts for Easter Holiday Craft Activities and Farmers’ Market. Show is even bigger this year, all ages to enjoy. Reduced price 7-9 & 14-16 Apr. Drop in with more to see and do for food & drink menu. 10.30am-3.30pm (last entry BROADWAY STUDIO & families. The Dog and Duck Cost: £3 per child per 3pm) GALLERY Show is returning, alongside workshop. Siblings £1.50 Get stuck in to some creative 2 The Arcade, Letchworth the Hilarious Sheep Show, family crafts. Garden City, SG6 3EW the Bassets, the Beagles and TRACK PLAY Cost: £2.50 per child 01462 681088 the rare Heavy Horses. New www.trackplay.co.uk www.broadway-letchworth. for 2020 is Ferret World. The Behind the Scenes at Hertford County Show is a fantastic Giant train tracks for kids to com Museum: Tours of the Stores weekend of family fun! See play and have fun with. Family Arts Studio Seed Warehouse, The Wash, website for ticket pricing and Everyone Active Leisure Centre, 10-10.45am. 10.45-11.30am. Hertford, SG14 1PX get a special Families Herts Park Road, Hemel Hempstead, 11.30am-12.15pm. 12.15-1pm 18 Apr. Two tours run discounted rate using the HP1 1JS 8 Mar: Leafy Collage simultaneously at 2.30 & 3pm ticket code HSFamilies, until 21 Mar 12 Apr: Nature Printing All ages. Discover how the 22 May. United Reform Church (Tilbury Hands-on family craft activities Museum cares for the vast and Hall), Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, led by professional artists. For varied collections. Booking LOWEWOOD MUSEUM EN6 1BZ accompanied children aged 3+. essential. High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH 28 Mar FREE Cost: £5 per person, includes 01992 445596 Roundwood Primary School, www.broxbourne.gov.uk refreshments THEMUSEUM STORTFORD Harpenden, AL5 3AD Rhodes Arts Complex, 1-3 28 Mar Toddler Thursdays KNEBWORTH HOUSE South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, The Library, 96 Road, 19 Mar & 23 Apr – 10-11am Easter Trail CM23 3JG Borehamwood, WD6 1EB Learn a nursery rhyme, share a Old Knebworth Ln, Stevenage, 01279 710200 5 Apr story & make a craft. Ages 2-4 SG1 2AX www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Woodhall Community Centre, (with adult). Book in advance. www.knebworthhouse.com Cost: £2 per child per session Mill Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Story Time at the Museum AL7 3XD 10-13 April 11 Mar & 8 Apr – 1.30pm Follow Betsy the Knebworth Easter Egg Hunt 25 Apr Story telling for pre-schoolers, Cost: £5-6 per child per hour Bunny around the garden’s 4-18 Apr spring fl owers, within the followed by a sing song, small Follow the trails around Edwardian maze and Rose craft session or trail around the the museum to claim your HENRY MOORE STUDIOS Garden, to fi nd where she has Museum. chocolate prize. & GARDENS taken her Easter selfi es. There FREE Cost: £2 Perry Green, Much Hadham, is plenty to do in the Gardens Easter Trail this Easter – explore the Family Fun SG10 6EE 4-18 Apr Maze, listen to the birdsong, Drop in 11am-3pm 01279 843333 Find the Easter chicks, reveal and play in the Adventure 9 Apr: Easter Bunny Mask 8 & 15 April the hidden word and win a Playground. 16 Apr: Easter Flower Bower www.henry-moore.org/ sweet treat. whats-on Fun crafts. Children must be FREE ST ALBANS SIGNAL BOX accompanied by an adult. Workshop Wednesdays: Ridgmont Road, AL1 3AJ Head down to Henry Moore Easter Holidays Children’s Cost: £2 per child per session Studios & Gardens on 8 and www.tlr.ltd.uk/sigbox Crafts 15 April for family-friendly art Open Days 7-9 & 14-16 Apr. Drop in 11am- ESTATE workshops which take the 8 Mar, 12 & 26 Apr – 2-5pm 3pm Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, 20th century artist’s work Visit the largest preserved Make your own Easter bunny. Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 as inspiration. This Easter Midland Railway signal box in FREE 1LT holidays the theme is hands the UK. 01442 851227 and touch. There will be a FREE. Donations welcome ARTSHED ARTS www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ selection of activities on off er Westmill Farm, Westmill Road, ashridge-estate between 12 and 4pm each Ware, SG12 0ES 01920 466446 day, which are included in the www.artshedarts.co.uk Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt admission ticket. Hatfi eld Park, AL9 5NB 6-13 Apr – 10am-4pm 01707 287010 Pottery Throwing Taster Learn about nature on the www.hatfi eld-house.co.uk Sessions Easter trail. Solve the clues for a 14 Mar & 18 Apr – 30 min slots 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT Dogs and Daff s Charity Walk chocolate prize. 10am-2pm 01992 582686 22 Mar – 9.30am-4pm Cost: £5 (£3 on 6-9 Apr) Includes Fun Dog Show. 7yrs +. Booking essential. www.hertfordmuseum.org Easter Crafts 2020 Opening Weekend Cost: £20 including clay, Exhibition: High Streets & 14-17 Apr – 10am-4pm 4 Apr glazing & fi ring Hedgerows - Bayford & Little Delve into 400 years of history! Make a nature-themed spring Berkhamsted craft. ROYSTON MUSEUM 7 Mar-13 Jun Tudor Legacies – Meet The Six Cost: Child £2 5 Lower King Street, Royston, Discover the fascinating history Wives Of Henry VIII SG8 5AL of these two villages and the 5 Apr – 11am-4pm HARPENDEN CRICKET CLUB 01763 242587 stories of the people who lived Tudor Legacies are a living 104 Station Rd, Harpenden, www.roystonmuseum.org.uk and worked there. history group of costumed AL5 1DT Mother’s Day Cards FREE enthusiasts. Find out what it foha.ecwid.com

18 Families Herts We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. What’s On

Harpenden Easter Egg Hunt Young Explorers Trail STEVENAGE MUSIC CENTRE Instruments provided. 10 Apr – 1-4pm Fun, do it yourself adventure The Nobel School, Mobbsbury Cost: £3 per person per Family fun with an egg hunt trail. Way, Stevenage, SG2 0HS workshop for toddlers and a challenge Cost: £2 (purchase trail in 01438 844518 for children 5+, both with a Cathedral Shop) www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk Songwriting Workshop chocolatey prize! Book online. 8 Apr – 10am-3.30pm Cost: £5 per child Tree Trail Family Ukulele Workshop Ages 8-18, individuals and Explore the grounds with this 12 Mar – 6-7pm groups/bands. Learn how WARE PRIORY family-friendly trail. Family Djembe Workshop to write and perform a song High Street, Ware, SG12 9AL Cost: £2 (purchase trail in 29 Apr – 6-7pm or bring a song to work on. 01920 460316 Cathedral Shop) Uplifting sessions of music- Informal performance to www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk making for ages 5+ (no friends and family at 3pm. NCT NEARLY NEW SALES unaccompanied children). Cost: £25 Easter Fun Day www.nct.org.uk/branches 11 Apr – 1.30-3.30pm Preloved parent, children & Ages 3-16. Egg decorating baby goods. Market your business with competition (craft materials Cost: £1 per adult admission supplied). Prizes for ‘best in’ age The Priory School, Bedford groups. Easter Egg Hunt in the Road, Hitchin, SG5 2UR Priory gardens. 21 Mar – 10.30am-12noon FREE (Members 10am) Herts HIGHFIELD PARK Presdales School, Hoe Lane, West Lodge, Hill End Lane, St Ware, SG12 9NX • We reach over 45,000 engaged readers each issue Albans, AL4 0RA 28 Mar – 11am-1pm (Members • Distribute from schools, tuition centres, leisure attractions and more 01727 847242 10.30am) • We have a high repeat booking rate, so advertising with us works www.highfi eldparktrust.co.uk trusted, infl uential, visible 07958284983 NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Easter Bunny Hunt 8 Apr. From 10.30am. Last entry Onslow St. Audrey’s School, 2pm Old Rectory Drive, Hatfi eld, AL10 8AB Follow the trail and answer questions to win a prize. 21 Mar – 12.30-2pm Cost: £3 per child, pay on (12noon members) the day High quality, low cost clothes, shoes, prams, equipment, FROGMORE PAPER MILL books, toys & games. Car park Fourdrinier Way, Hemel & secure buggy park. Check Hempstead, HP3 9RY out NCT Welwyn & Hatfi eld 01442 234600 on Facebook for details. www.thepapertrail.org.uk Cost: £1 per adult admission Easter Crafts 8, 9, 14 & 16 Apr. Drop in 10am- LEGO DUPLO MEET & MAKE 12pm & 1-3pm SESSIONS Children (and adults!) can Ludwick Family Centre decorate an egg, rabbit or Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4PH chick. www.nct.org.uk Cost: £5 per blank Fridays 1-2.30pm OpeningiEt20 Easter 2020 Storyboat Follow NCT Welwyn & Hatfi eld 8 & 15 Apr on Facebook for details. One-hour boat trip along Includes refreshments & free the River Gade and Grand parking. Union Canal with Spring and FREE Easter-themed stories. Book in advance. LEGO DUPLO MEET & MAKE Cost: £5 per person SESSIONS St Mark’s Church Hall, St Mark’s Close, 59 Lancaster Avenue, Sumpter Yard, AL1 1BY Hitchin, SG5 1PA 01727 860780 www.nct.org.uk www.stalbanscathedral.org 14 Mar & 25 Apr – 10.30am- 12noon Family Discovery Morning: Best suited to ages 18 mths-4 Spring! yrs. 16 Apr – 10am-12.30pm FREE. Donations welcome This trail brings animals and nature to life! See what you WHEATHAMPSTEAD can fi nd before getting creative MEMORIAL HALL with Easter activities. Ages 3-11 Marford Road, St Albans, AL4 save 10% (must be accompanied by an 8AY adult). Parent Group when booking online FREE. Donations welcome 27 Mar – 10am-12noon Come and meet other Abbey Tots parents. Practical parenting using code: family10 Tues – 9.30am advice, tips and strategies *terms & Conditions: use code FAMILY10 Popular parent and toddler provided by support workers nd save 10% on entry when booking online. group. from Hertfordshire Practical Only valid for online purchases. Valid until 31/04/2020. FREE. Donations welcome Parenting Programme No Cash Value. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

familiesonline.co.uk 19 Herts

£184 A JUSTWEEK OR £46 A DAY

A BETTER WAY TO SPEND THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

BETTER STANBOROUGH PARK Looking for something to keep the children entertained during the school holidays? Our Holiday Club is the perfect place for 8–12 year olds to have some fun, try new activities and make new friends, all in the safe hands of our friendly, qualified staff. Holiday Club runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm every school holiday. Children will enjoy: • Kayaking • Bushcraft • Stand up paddleboard • Rafting • Canoeing • And much, much more Book now by calling 01707 276276 or visit better.org.uk/stanborough

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398