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Issue 94 January/February 2018 familiesonline.co.uk www.coworthflexlands.co.uk

2 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk

In this issue... 3-5 News & Information ...endless ideas for families of young children in 6 Clubs & Classes News Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham EDUCATION 7 The ‘New’ Buckinghamshire 11+ Tests 9 How Parents can Help Children Now we’ve said goodbye to another year and all the busyness of Christmas is behind us, here at with Exam Pressure Families we’re looking...... forwardFrom to what 2018the will bring.Editors As always, our...... What’s on guide this issue 10 Education News has plenty of suggestions for things to keep you busy over the coming weeks. As it’s our health issue, we look at how to eat to boost your mood in the remaining winter months, as well as FAMILY HEALTH how to promote a positive body image. This issue also features our annual party guide with tips 11 Encouraging Your Daughter to Have a Positive Body Image on party etiquette and games to try at home. Plus we take another look at the Bucks’ 11+ tests. Wishing all our readers a healthy and happy 2018! 12 Health News Love, 13 Boost your Mood with Food! PARENTING 14 The Value of Pocket Money Let your child perform their way into the New Year with Stagecoach 15 How to Get Your Child Talking About Their Day Performing Arts According to research provided by Stagecoach, PLAN A PARTY children who engage in the arts are three times 16 Good Party Etiquette: Is there such more likely to get a degree, 20 times more likely a thing? to vote in local and general elections and have 17 Party games to try at home increased cognitive abilities. Stagecoach 18-21 Party News and Directory Performing Arts offers quality training in 22 TRAVEL - Travelling in pregnancy Performing Arts for children aged 4-18. Early 23-26 Stages classes (4-6) run for 90 minutes and WHAT’S ON develop performing skills through games, plays 27 COMPETITIONS and lots of fun. Main School classes (7-18) run The Old Court (Artspace) Now Open 28 PARENTING Winter Clubs & Classes for 3 hours and focus on singing, dance and Windsor’s new artspace for live music, creative drama with industry professional teachers who 29 Ensuring Your Child events and community organisations. PRE-SCHOOL are passionate about every child, whether they is Happy at Nursery Following a short period of closure for want to become the next West End star or learn refurbishment, The Firestation Arts Centre on 30-31 SHE MEANS BUSINESS a new skill whilst making lifelong friends. Visit St Leonard’s Road, Windsor re-opened in www.stagecoach.co.uk to find a local class. www.familiesonline.co.uk October under new management and with a E: [email protected] new name – The Old Court. editors: Anna Collins Martin Denny – Director of The Old Court and Rachel Bailey said “We are very keen to build on the circulation: 19,5 00 reputation as a vibrant arts centre at the heart next issue: Mar/April 2018 - of the community, for which the Firestation has become known. We will be introducing new due out: March 1, featuring: Under 5s special and Easter! ideas, and plan to attract the best up-and- coming bands, as well as continuing to provide T: 01628 788058 an eclectic mix of music, drama, comedy and film.” copy/advertising deadline: February 1 A partnership with Windsor & Eton Brewery Cover image: depositphotos.com has been established and the venue open daily from 10am, is available for private hire and for use by local community arts organisations. For more information visit the website and social media channels. twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE The Old Court, St Leonards Road, Windsor, SL4 3BL

Unlock Find out more today: HENLEY AND MARLOW 01494 533203 your child’s ASCOT stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow 01344 206466 potential stagecoach.co.uk/ascot HIGH WYCOMBE with our expertly led 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe singing, dancing and BRACKNELL 0808 208 5134 acting classes for stagecoach.co.uk/bracknell MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 4-18 year olds BRACKNELL NORTH (Warfield) stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth WINDSOR 0845 293 7207 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor Creative Courage For Life®

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 3 News & Info Relate opens new counselling room in Windsor Relate Mid Thames & Buckinghamshire has opened a new Windsor counselling room to meet the need for high quality, professional relationship counselling for local people, regardless of their ability to pay. RBWM Spin a Tale during National Councillor Wisdom da Costa has donated £500 Storytelling Week to help cover the rent of the room, which is at Apple Physiotherapy, in Osborne Road. The first week of February marks National Centre Director, Fiona Greenfield said: Storytelling Week, a chance to reflect on one of “In the last (financial) year we provided the oldest art forms in the world. We are all relationship counselling to 110 people living in immersed in stories — from conversations retelling events in our lives, to watching our Windsor and Eton. It is so important that we are favourite television shows. able to welcome clients into a local, qualified counsellors serve disadvantaged and Speech and language therapists believe that comfortable, relaxed environment. We are very vulnerable people, providing a high quality, storytelling is vital for children’s academic grateful to Cllr Wisdom Da Costa for his reliable and confidential service for people who success as it promotes narrative skills and generous donation. With no statutory funding are feeling isolated and vulnerable. Although strengthens the ability of children to correctly for our vital service, we are totally dependent the charity requests a fee from clients who are sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer on donations from charitable organisations and in a position to pay, many are not and the a child needs to be a good speaker and listener from people who appreciate the value to the balance of the cost of delivering skilled, expert first. community of the work we do.” counselling and support is met from Relate Whether we are listening to someone else’s The discreet new venue for local couples, MTB’s Bursary Funding Scheme. story or telling our own, inventing and adapting individuals and families will initially be open for For information visit www.relatemtb.co.uk or narratives can open doors to exciting new 6 hours a week. Relate MTB’s team of highly call in confidence on 01628 625320 worlds — both real and imaginary. National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, schools, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes. To Advertise here The Society for Storytelling has lots of information as “the home of UK oral storytelling” call: 01628 788058 and offers free packs for schools to download. Thames Valley East To find a local event or to look through its extensive archive visit www.sfs.org.uk

4 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Salesforce Supermums is 1! News & Info Recent celebrations were held at Salesforce Towers, bringing together graduates with the charities who have benefitted from their support, as well as some inspirational speakers from Salesforce and The Sage Foundation. One Supermum, Gillian reported how the course helped her to find Make your New Year’s Resolution a new flexible career, tailored to her specialisms and experience. Follow news to support Windsor Food Share from the Programme on Facebook Windsor Food Share helps up to 45 families a @Salesforcesupermums week, providing 800 non-perishable food items. Salesforce Supermums are now looking for Demand is increasing but regular food 10 more mums wanting to get back to work donations are just not keeping up. The Project in flexible, well-paid and rewarding roles. In Manager, Sarah Howard, wants to encourage particular, they are looking for Mums in this Stay and Play at The Abbey more people to give a regular item each week. area, who have backgrounds in Bring your busy little bee to The Abbey Nursery She suggests making use of the Buy One Get Marketing/Sales, HR, Finance, IT etc. They to join in their fun ‘stay and play’ sessions. Held One Free offers - keep one item for yourself and have a number of local employers looking on the first Thursday of the month, the donate the other to Windsor FoodShare. You sessions offer you and your toddler a safe and can drop off the item in the donation boxes at for part-time Salesforce staff. No experience stimulating environment to make friends and Tesco – Dedworth, Waitrose – Windsor Yards, or of Salesforce is needed – just your business enjoy learning through play. Windsor Churches. experience and commitment, and within 6 Inspiring creative and imaginative play and With the introduction of Universal Credits in months you’ll be work ready. The next Feburary there are concerns there will be a course is due to commence on Tuesday 27 encouraging your child’s natural curiosity is surge in demand, possibly by 30%, so regular February. Contact central to The Abbey’s learning ethos. Set in supplies need to be boosted now. [email protected] to hear the University area of central Reading, children People are referred by appropriate more about the Programme. can explore the Nursery garden and play with a professionals, such as CAB or schools, who issue range of toys, dressing up clothes, science and vouchers usually for a four week period. If you role play equipment, as well as take part in know of someone who is going hungry tell them activities such as art, cooking, music and about Windsor Food Share. Just over half of all movement as they find out about the theme food parcels go to families with the majority of for the month. the rest reaching single people. Book now for the next Stay and Play sessions To find out more visit on Thursday 11 January and Thursday 1 www.windsorfoodshare.org.uk or contact Sarah February. Email [email protected] or on [email protected] visit www.theabbey.co.uk to find out more.

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 5 The Little Gym Clubs and Classes News Launches in Windsor The Little Gym has opened in New Art School for Children in Marlow launches the heart of Windsor, transforming the old Chicago’s competition to win tuition for a term! night club into a vibrant, Artspiration has opened a new art school in Marlow with classes starting on colourful, nurturing and fun Thursdays from 4.30pm at Marlow Church of England School, Sandygate Road, child development and Marlow, Bucks , SL7 3AZ gymnastics centre for families in Berkshire, Bucks and beyond. Artspiration Art Schools were founded by Shalini Nayak Artist and Teacher. The Little Gym Windsor offers non-competitive gymnastics and child Starting in Berkshire 10 years ago, classes now run throughout the home development classes for children aged from eight months to 12 years – all built counties with students going on to gain Art Scholarships and bursaries, but on a world leading curriculum designed by child development experts and more importantly a love of art and confidence in their creative ability. To sports specialists. celebrate the new classes, Artspiration are running a competition for children Classes at The Little Gym Windsor are designed to build children’s bodies, ages 5 to 12 years with the chance of winning a terms worth of FREE tuition at brains and social and emotional skills, encouraging children to love movement one of the Marlow classes. To enter, all children have to do is create a piece of while nurturing critical life skills such as independence, confidence, art, take a photograph, upload it, and send it to [email protected] self-esteem and adaptability. along with their name, age and parents/guardians contact details. The theme Matina Macintyre, co-owner, The Little Gym Windsor said “Gymnastics for the artwork is WINTER and the closing date for the competition is Thursday classes that are good for a child’s soul, not just their bodies – that’s our mission 11 January Contact [email protected] or visit www.artspiration.co.uk for at The Little Gym Windsor. We want to help families give their children a more information. foundation of physical, social and emotional skills that will last a lifetime. And we want children in our classes to feel loved and have fun while they master their first forward roll, cartwheel, somersault or flip. That’s when they learn best!” For more information visit www.windsor.thelittlegym.eu or call 01753 968 488. Dance your way into 2108 with Jane Douglass Fitness and Dance As JDFD settle into their 21st year in Marlow, 2018 looks set to be a busy year for pupils! Jane Douglass, who heads the team, is well known in Maidenhead and Windsor schools as the Dance Specialist for the School Sport Partnership. This year the annual Primary Dance Festival which Jane produces, will take place at the Magnet Leisure Centre on the 7 and 8 February. The festival includes 800 pupils from local schools as part of their PE Dance Provision. On 12 and 13 May, the dance club will perform their annual show at the Borlase theatre and in September they are set to open the Marlow carnival. JDFD’s recreational clubs take place in many schools across the Borough led by a team of experienced and enthusiastic teachers. Classes start from just 2 ½ with their Youth Moves Minis classes and there are even dance, fitness & yoga classes for the grown ups too! Email: [email protected] www.janedouglass.co.uk Our nurturing Parent and Child classes develop a strong foundation that lasts your little one a lifetime. Encourage their development while you both giggle and grin in the gym. Boosting Children’s Self-esteem and Life Skills with Perform All children find some things difficult. Some hate speaking out in class, some struggle making friends, and others have so much energy they find it hard to concentrate. Perform is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to bring out every child's true potential. “Perform is NOT a stage school” stresses Perform Producer, Karen. “It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows. The real JDFD DANCE aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication. “Classes are small and have both a Producer and a Teacher. Children are venues& inFITNESS Marlow & Maidenhead offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each Develop your child's creativity and confidence with parent to establish their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making a range of dance and fitness classes from ages eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.” 1 2 ⁄2 to 19 years. Visit the website for details Producers report back to parents after each class on the focus of the Also Classes for Adults in Dance and Fitness week and answer questions about the progress of individual children. www.janedouglass.co.uk • [email protected] “Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents. I can pretty much guarantee that within 5 or 6 classes, they will run in without waving goodbye” reports Karen. To book a FREE TRIAL in Maidenhead, Marlow, Virginia Water and Windsor visit www.perform.org.uk/try

6 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Education The ‘New’ Buckinghamshire 11+ Tests At the end of November 2017, The Buckinghamshire Grammar Further information: Schools (TBGS) published some further information about preparation.Susan Daughtrey Education 11+ Year 5 students will continue to changes to the Buckinghamshire 11+ tests which are to be cover comprehension, cloze, provided by GL Assessment®. The new test papers will be used for vocabulary, the full Key Stage 2 Maths syllabus and all 9 types of the first time in September 2018. NVR question. This year, to ensure students are fully prepared for the What are the key points to note • The ‘21 types’ of verbal reasoning Is there any familiarisation new 11+ exams, they are material available? about the new testing question which commonly feature introducing to the course the ‘21 arrangements? on GL Assessment® verbal Official familiarisation material types’ of verbal reasoning • Children will sit two test papers in reasoning tests and which are all specifically for the new Bucks 11+ questions and all the rules of tests will not be released until the one day. There are 45-minutes of contained in Susan Daughtrey spelling, punctuation, grammar. summer term. However, there is questions on each paper. Time will also be spent studying M.Ed’s Verbal Reasoning Technique some generic familiarisation • Test Paper 1 is a ‘verbal reasoning’ ‘spatial reasoning’ questions. and Practice books 1-4, Further material available on the GL During the summer term, each test comprising (i) ‘comprehension’ Practice Exercises and Graded Test Assessment® website (which is child will practice new ‘GL-style’ (ii) ‘technical English’ and (iii) ‘verbal Papers 2 as well as tested in her referred to in the latest TBGS practice tests in class which are reasoning’ questions. series of four multiple-choice test guidance), although this material being written by Susan Daughtrey • Test Paper 2 is a ‘non-verbal paper packs. has not been specifically prepared M.Ed especially for her September reasoning’, ‘spatial reasoning’ and for September 2018 Bucks 11+ 2018 Bucks 11+ students. ‘maths’ test. candidates. However, if your child is not Non-Verbal Reasoning/Spatial attending the course, your child • The tests are multiple choice with Reasoning and Maths How should I prepare my child for can sit up to five sets of new tests a question paper and separate (Test Paper 2) the new tests? (10 tests in total) at their 11+ Mock multiple-choice answer sheet. In our opinion, Test Paper 2 may Until we see the Bucks-specific Exam events, featured on their • Each test paper has a weighting familiarisation material and have advert on page 8, and which are include: of 50%. Verbal reasoning (including feedback from the September 2018 now available to reserve with an • Non-Verbal Reasoning questions comprehension, technical English 11+ candidates, it is advised to take Early Booking Discount via the testing any of the 9 types of NVR: SDE 11+ website: and verbal reasoning questions) a prudent ‘belt and braces’ www.sde11plus.com carry half of the total marks, Series, Matrices, Similarities, Odd approach to your child’s 11+. whereas Maths and NVR/spatial One Out, Reflections, Rotations, reasoning each attract one quarter Codes, Cubes/Nets and 3D. of the total marks. • Spatial Reasoning questions • The tests will make use of audio where the child is required to administration and the test papers identify a simple object (such as a will contain separately timed triangle) within a complex picture. sections – in that regard, similar to • Maths questions testing a broad the old CEM® 11+ tests. range of topics from the Key Stage 2 Maths syllabus (i.e the Maths the Although further details about the children complete in Years 4, 5 and tests are yet to be outlined by 6 at school, although the questions TBGS, Families spoke with a local are designed to be suitable for a tuition provider, Susan Daughtrey child writing the test at the Education, on what they think the beginning of Year 6). new test questions will look like: Where can I find further Verbal Reasoning (Test Paper 1) information on the new tests? In our opinion, and based on tests Official information can be found provided by GL Assessment® (the on TBGS website using the links new test provider) in other areas, below: the verbal reasoning test may www.thebucksgrammarschools.org comprise: /faqs • English comprehension www.thebucksgrammarschools.org • Cloze questions (GL Assessment® /the-secondary-transfer-test 11+ tests in Kent feature Cloze Further information on the questions) Secondary Transfer Testing process • a proof reading exercise can be found at: (passages of English text with www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/edu spelling, punctuation and grammar cation/school- errors where the child is required admissions/secondary-transfer- to identify each error) testing-2019 familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 7 8 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk How Parents can Help Children with Education Exam Pressure By Claire Winter Children are facing an increasing amount of pressure when it comes exams and not feel under pressure. I would to exams, whether its SATs, the 11+ or school entrance exams. Here’s recommend lots of creative and fun mental stimulation that isn't necessarily exam/content how parents can help their children cope with the stress. focussed. Although SATs will eventually be phased out for Find the Revision Techniques that Work for your “It is important to give them space from younger children over the next five years, year 2 Child content. Helping children to make links in life also and year 6 pupils will still have to sit their SATs this Does your child remember best by what they see encourages independent thinkers. Laughter is a fantastic stress reliever, so go out and play silly May. Many children also have entrance exams for or hear, or do they learn by doing? Children may games with them. I always gave this advice to my prep schools, private secondary schools and the find learning easier if they know their learning style. There are lots of online quizzes, which pupils, and got extremely good results.” 11+ to prepare for too. children can do to find out whether they are Sleep Matters Expectations are Important visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learners. This may Children ages 10 and 11 should be getting 9.5 Recent research shows that parents who place a help them work out what revision style works best hours of sleep a night, and this doesn’t really high value on education and have high academic for them. change when they become teenagers. Remove expectations can have a positive impact on Agree on a Plan digital distractions from their rooms. Give them an children. However, there must be a high level of Talk to your child about the schoolwork they need alarm clock, so they don’t use their phone as an support. Children who don’t get this are more to do and devise a programme of revision and alarm. likely to struggle. They also need to learn how to work that they can realistically achieve. Set Them Up for the Future build up resilience. We need to teach them how Remember they will need additional support from Sarah Brazenor, a tutor from Connective Learning to cope with the highs and lows of life, and how you. (www.connective-learning.co.uk) says, “It’s really Avoid Distractions to handle exams. important as parents to help your child get Children can’t multi-task; revising with an iPad, Setbacks are not Failures through these first serious tests in the best mobile phone, television or XBox means they are possible way. Once they go to secondary school Children are often well aware of what their not fully concentrating. The average person there will be more exams, and some schools are parents think about failure. If they are taught that checks their phone over 80 times a day. If you set not very good at using motivational language, so mistakes are opportunities to learn, they are more them up to study without outside distraction from learning coping strategies now can set them up likely to develop a growth mindset. the get-go, they will hopefully continue to revise for the future. Using the word ‘yet’ is incredibly powerful and this way when they go to secondary school. “Find family mantras that work for you and your encourages the growth mindset. “I am not good Take a Break children. We have, “There’s no such thing as at spelling yet.” When your child faces a setback Make sure your children still have hobbies, see failure, just feedback.” We have to get things remind them that the more they learn and try, the their friends and have a life away from studying, wrong to learn from them. It took the lighting more their brains will grow. There are some great exams and schoolwork. Educational specialist and pioneer Edison 1000 tries before he developed children’s author Leysa Henderson, who taught TED talks about the growth mindset, by Carol the light bulb. Without him continuing to learn by Year 6 pupils for 15 years says, “We need to help his “failures,” we’d all be sitting in the dark.” Dweck on YouTube. children feel good about themselves when doing

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 9 Education News

The Abbey - at the forefront of girls’ education for 130 years Renowned as one of the top girls’ schools in the UK, The Abbey, Reading, offers an all-round education with opportunities for girls from Nursery to Sixth form. The school has a 130-year history at the forefront of women’s education and continues to empower girls to become outstanding women who contribute positively to the world. Dair House raises £3647.75 for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service A big well done to Dair House School for taking downhill into Brighton and along the seafront part in a 54 mile cycle to Brighton last Autumn. and all picked up a medal. Congratulations all! Comprising of 14 cyclists, the group was a Dair House is an independent preparatory mixture of staff, parents and the headteacher, school for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. The Mr TC Wintle. The group had a variety of cycling school has an open morning on Tuesday 27 skills, a few eager beavers went on ahead but February, plus nursery drop in sessions on most of the group stayed as one, stopping for Wednesday 24th January, Tuesday 20th lunch 35 miles later. The first riders arrived after February and Tuesday 20th March. three and a half hours. All the cyclists made it to Contact Admissions on 01753 643964 or email Head, Rachel Dent, is a strong believer in the the top of Ditchling Beacon - a mile long climb [email protected] importance of inspiration, aspiration and balance to the top of the South Downs, despite a few www.dairhouseschool.co.uk in life. She says: “At The Abbey we invest scrapes and bruises. From there they cycled passionately in identifying the skills that will prepare our students to lead happy and fulfilling lives in a rapidly changing world. Our educational philosophy brings together key attributes that we encourage students to recognise and develop. It drives deep connections which help pupils to think creatively about what they are learning on academic, social and pastoral levels. So studying a Shakespeare sonnet can combine reflection, inquiry, creativity and communication, while organising a charity event evokes caring, independence and open-mindedness. The development of all these attributes, including one of the most important – resilience – equips our girls to seize the opportunities that life puts before them with intelligence, enthusiasm and Explore Learning gets behind “more maths for everyone!” perspective.” To book your place at an Open Morning visit In November 2017, the government released your child turn to the bank of Mum and Dad to www.theabbey.co.uk. Junior School - Friday 2 their budget which stated they were borrow money? Give them some options. 1) February. Senior School – Friday 2 March. committed to investing more money for maths They can either save up their pocket money or teaching in schools. Whatever your political do jobs to earn the money. 2) You will give Book a visit to Meadowbrook belief and aside from the debate, we can all get them the money upfront, but they then have to Montessori School behind the chancellor’s sentiment of “more pay you back with interest. So, if they want £50 Partnership with parents is key to maths for everyone”. they have to give you £55 back over a set Meadowbrook, a co-educational school for Helping the next generation to master maths period of time. This way they will start to children aged 18 months to 11 years, and this concepts, be confident mathematicians and understand about the debt they could create is true from the very beginning. Rather than proud problem solvers is our responsibility as by using loans. waiting for specific open days the school educators and parents. 3) Learn about pay. A great activity we do welcomes visitors at most times of the year. Charlotte Gater, Head of Education at with our older members at Explore Learning is The Pre-Primary department is accredited by Explore Learning added "This way we can help to get them to research how much they would the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation children to develop the skills needed, not only get paid for their ideal job. They then have to Board (MEAB). The Montessori classroom is in so many jobs, but also to be financially see how far their monthly wages would go. made up of a vertically aged group of rising healthy. Whilst listening to the budget speech, Looking at tax, rent, bills etc gets them to see 3 to 5 year olds and the curriculum places an and the chancellor’s comments on how much how much disposable income they would emphasis on children becoming independent, the country spends on debt, it is clear that we have! responsible and self disciplined learners as need to teach children the importance of good Let’s take the fear out of maths, relate it to they work at their own pace where freedom financial management. real life situations and encourage children to of choice within a stimulating prepared Charlotte has put together some top tips to get to grips with finances. More maths for environment is key. If you would like more help you help your children have a good everyone…yes please! information about a Montessori education understanding of budgets: Explore Learning is award-winning maths and combined with the Early Years Foundation 1) Get them involved with shopping. Give English tuition for children aged four to 14, Stage (EYFS) where physical, personal and them a budget to spend for the week and get voted number one private tuition centre in the social development are key phone 01344 them to meal plan. Encourage them to shop UK! We’re confident you’ll love it so why not 890869 email: [email protected] around different brands or supermarkets to see call to book your FREE trial in Slough or www.meadowbrook.uk if they can get more for their money. Maidenhead today on 033 0124 3802 2) Teach them about interest rates. Does www.explorelearning.co.uk

10 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Family Health

“Don’t believe the narrow definition of beauty sold to you by the media. To confine beauty to purely physical properties means missing out on the great beauty that is all around us if we only seek it out.” Judi Craddock, Peppermint Style

Remember That You Are Your Child’s Mirror Listening, empathising and validating your daughter’s feelings reflects back to her who she is. Doing this often will play a huge part in how she feels about herself. Encouraging Your Daughter to Help Your Daughter Appreciate the Miracle of her Body Talk to her about the way her body Have a Positive Body Image magically serves her by allowing her to walk, breathe, feel, create By Lisa Parkes and by the million other things she High self-esteem is your child’s passport to happiness in adult life. That’s asks of it. Explain that, in return, she needs to treat it with care and why it’s important to show them how to love who they are and not what respect by getting plenty of sleep, they look like. In a world where the media pressurises us to constantly fuelling it with the right foods and look good, it is easy for our children, particularly our daughters, to feel treating it with tender loving care. “not good enough” purely based on their physical appearance. Extra Help Your Daughter Recognise allowing that beauty to emerge.” other people. Gently correct her if and Appreciate True Beauty I whole-heartedly agree with her she is judgemental about her own Lisa Parkes is a Children’s Coach The celebrity world seems to lack view that our bodies are miracles physical appearance or that of based in Surrey. She is positive role models for young girls and having a negative body image others. passionate about helping who are growing up in an era means we lack gratitude for children become more resilient where Miley Cyrus and twerking everything that our bodies are Help Your Daughter Find a to life and runs regular are hitting the headlines. As your capable of doing. After all, they are Positive Female Role Model workshops for those suffering Guide your daughter in the daughter moves from Disney the physical shell that holds from shyness, lack of confidence direction of female role models or low self-esteem. For more Princesses to becoming self- everything we are. who are aligned with her values information and for Lisa’s FREE conscious about her appearance, So this is how to help your and qualities. I love Miranda Hart download which shows you how buying her first bra, and having her daughter like what she sees when because I think she is a funny, to pour more love into your first crush, how do you ensure that she looks in the mirror: intelligent and successful woman family, visit she appreciates her full beauty and and that makes her beautiful to me, www.lisaparkeslifecoaching.co.uk is not unduly influenced by the Celebrate Her Uniqueness even though she is not a /love shallow trappings of physical Point out her loving qualities: her stereotypical beauty. appearance? kindness, her smile, her “She was beautiful, not like those thoughtfulness, her intelligence. girls in magazines. She was You know what it is that you find beautiful for the way she thought. beautiful about her soul. Tell her She was beautiful for that sparkle in about this and tell her often. her eye when she spoke about Explain that she is beautiful something she loved. She was because she is unique – one of a beautiful for her ability to make kind. There is nobody else in the other people smile even when she whole world like her and that is was sad. No, she was not beautiful why she is perfect just as she is. for something as temporary as her looks. She was beautiful, deep Notice the Way You Talk about down to her soul.” F Scott Your Own Body Fitzgerald Use only positive language about The media shows us women your own body in front of your who are apparently ‘beautiful’ all daughter and don’t put yourself the time. Experienced Body down. Children don’t always listen Confidence Coach, Judi Craddock, but they are always watching. If has recently redefined the search you are unhappy with your own for beauty as follows. “You do not body, don’t express this in front of become beautiful by trying to be your daughter. In a plane crash, beautiful, but by finding the beauty you have to put the oxygen mask that is already within you, and on yourself so that you can help

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 11 Health News

‘Jump into Gymnastics’ Launches at Bisham Abbey this February Running in partnership with British Gymnastics, a brand-new gymnastics programme for 4-11-year olds is launching at Bisham. The popularity of the sport has soared since recent British Olympian success. From the course your child will benefit from structured learning from fully trained and DBS checked instructors, an awards scheme and improved balance and co-ordination. Gymnastics can also help with self-confidence, dedication and a whole host of other key life skills. Children can wear a t-shirt and shorts or leggings – something they’re comfortable in and bring a bottle of water. Book today through www.Bishamabbeynsc.co.uk to try one of their FREE taster sessions running on Thursday 15th February (3.45pm 4-7yrs and 5pm 8-11yrs) and Sunday 19th February (9am 4-7yrs). Courses start on Thursday 22nd February 2018 with two sessions 15.45 (4-7yrs) & 17.00 (8-11yrs) The first Sunday course will launch on 25th February 2018 9.00 (4-7yrs). Sessions are 1 hour. Courses cost £17.99 per month. To enrol contact Aaron Jewell 07738 894040 or email [email protected]

Lack of Sleep Damaging for Children Maidenhead Gymnascs Club More than a third of primary school children are failing to get sufficient sleep, according to new research. & Gymtots Gymnascs based physical educaon for pre-school and school aged children at our gym within the grounds of Altwood School, Maidenhead. Visit:- MaidenheadGymnascs.uk

Or Telephone / Text 07 957 223 124 for details

The study has linked poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism. The research, carried out by the University of Leeds has shown that despite the NHS recommendation of 10 hours, 36 per cent of primary age children get eight hours of sleep or less per night. Even more worryingly, 15 per cent get less than seven hours. The researchers found links between poor sleep and children having access to mobile phones or computer devices in their bedrooms. They said parents should consider removing technology from their children’s bedrooms and where parents are able to encourage children to not have technology in the bedroom at all, sleep outcomes are much better. Other factors contributing to poor sleep were poor parental sleep patterns and lack of routine. More information can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk

What happens in the body when we eat sugar? Carbohydrates are one of our most important energy sources and easier to turn into energy than other macronutrients (fats and protein). When we eat carbohydrates, enzymes in our mouth and intestines break them down into glucose. This happens quickly for simple carbs (e.g. refined sugars found in sweets and cakes) and takes longer for complex carbs (e.g. sweet potato and green vegetables). Glucose is then released into the blood stream and converted into energy with the help of insulin. Any excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver, ready to be released back into the bloodstream if needed (e.g. in between meals). The liver can only store a certain amount of glucose - excess accumulates as fat in the liver. Insulin helps to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood, but if it is overloaded it will stop working efficiently and that is when type 2 diabetes and obesity become a risk. So, opt for complex carbs, limit consumption of refined sugar and eat as much real food as possible! Helen Burgess is a qualified nutritionist and owner of Little Cooks Co, the UK's first healthy cooking kit for kids. She specialises in family and child nutrition and practices at Marlow Homeopathy 01628 476200.

12 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Family Health

Include Tryptophan Rich Foods Tryptophan is an amino acid found Boost your Mood with in many foods which the body uses to make serotonin. Foods high in protein, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin Food! By Christine Bailey B-6 which are also essential nutrients required to make Many people may feel sad or down during the winter months, serotonin contain large amounts of when the days are shorter and temperatures drop. For some this amino acid. Good food sources include poultry, oats, people, including children, this low mood can be ongoing. banana, salmon, sesame seeds, he good news is that research dairy products and red meat. The reveals there’s a direct link best way to boost serotonin Tbetween what we eat and production is to include a little how we feel, so changing our diet carbohydrate at the same time. So and lifestyle can have a profound a banana with yoghurt would be a effect on our mood. Fortunately, great mood boosting snack. there are many foods and nutrients Dark Chocolate that can put a smile on your face Another reason to eat a little and make you and your family feel chocolate - just make sure it's the great. dark variety! There are over 300 Top up on Vitamin D naturally-occurring chemicals in Vitamin D is the reason we love the chocolate, and some of them can sunlight as this is the primary affect the human brain via the source for this essential nutrient. release of particular During the winter months it can be neurotransmitters which affect difficult to get sufficient amounts, how we think and feel. so it's worth checking your levels Phenylethylamine is sometimes (home spot skin prick tests are called “the love drug”, because it available online) and arouses feelings similar to those supplementing as needed. You can that occur when in love. get vitamin D from oily fish, butter, Tryptophan is also found in eggs and mushrooms. chocolate and causes the release Choose Healthy Fats of the feel good neurotransmitter Oily fish (e.g salmon, trout, serotonin. A recent study found sardines, mackerel) is one of the that eating 40g of dark chocolate best foods for both your mood and daily for two weeks reduced levels brain health. It’s a great source of of stress hormones in highly omega 3 fats which help optimize stressed, anxious individuals. brain function and production of Researchers discovered that neurotransmitters, including feel compounds in dark chocolate good serotonin. Aim for 2 to 3 affected our beneficial gut bacteria portions each week. Vegetarian inflammation in the body and De-Stress with Magnesium which changed the metabolism of sources of omega 3 fats include increase levels of tryptophan, the When we feel stressed our bodies stress hormones reducing overall flaxseed, chia, pumpkin seeds and amino acid needed to make require sufficient magnesium anxiety levels. walnuts. serotonin. which is often low in our diets. Christine Bailey is a Nutritionist, Get Your Bs Pump Up the Iron Magnesium helps you relax, Chef and author of a new book Iron is especially important for your helping to alleviate depression and B vitamins are particularly entitled 'The Brain Boost Diet important for brain health and child's brain development. Studies anxiety. Find it in leafy greens, oats, Plan.’ www.amazon.co.uk/Brain- mood. B12 makes you sleep better have shown that low iron affects salmon, beans, sunflower seeds Boost-Diet-Plan- and feel more balanced. Good cognitive function, energy levels and blackstrap molasses. optimise/dp/1848993390 sources include shellfish, fish, beef, and mood. Aim to include some liver and eggs. Vegans should eat lean red meat, dark chicken meat, plenty of nutritional yeast and B12- duck, seafood, lentils and leafy fortified products such as dairy free greens. milks. Folate is another mood Balance Blood Sugar with Fibre booster as it helps make our Highs and lows in blood sugar neurotransmitters affecting how through the day are a common APRONS ON, SPOONS OUT, we feel. Try spinach, kale, black reason for mood changes. Small LET’S GET KIDS COOKING! beans, black-eyed peas and lentils. children are particularly sensitive The UK's first monthly cooking kit Yogurt and Kefir and typically require regular meals for kids! Probiotic rich foods like yoghurt and snacks throughout the day. To Getting kids to love cooking and and kefir are “a must” for a healthy keep blood sugar balanced always • eating healthy food. include: protein, healthy fats and brain. Packed with beneficial Register now at: bacteria, researchers have found slow releasing carbohydrates rich www.littlecooksco.co.uk in fibre at each meal. Berries, • probiotics can help fight £7.99 a month (including P&P) depression and anxiety. It is vegetables, oats, beans, nuts and first box £5.99 with code BOX1 seeds are useful sources of fibre. thought that bacteria may decrease • familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 13

Parenting The Value of Pocket Money Ever asked yourself when you should start giving your child pocket money, how much and under what circumstances? You are probably not alone.

ccording to the Money Advice Service, give pocket money for jobs such as looking the annual Childwise Monitor report (Jan after younger siblings, cleaning, washing dishes A2017) found boys aged between five and or vacuuming. However, many parents feel sixteen receive as much as £10.70 a week! chores are something that should be done There’s also some evidence that the gender regardless. Perhaps it’s about offering a pay gap starts much earlier than the workplace, financial reward for those jobs that aren’t part with girls of the same age receiving 20% less at of everyday family life, such as gardening or £8.50. Obviously amounts differ significantly washing the car rather than washing up or according to age with the same report setting the table for dinner. suggesting 5 to 10 year-olds are given an average of £7.30, while 11 to 16 year-olds Can pocket money really help children pocket £22.90 – which is clearly skewed by the understand the value of money though? 15% of 13 to 16 year-olds who work part-time. Most children just want “instant gratification” Some children start receiving pocket money as and spend their cash on sweets or cheap toys. young as the age of 3, with children who have Encouraging children to save up for something older siblings tending to receive it earlier! Some they really like teaches them about choices, You certainly can’t underestimate your parents develop a sliding scale for different value and consequences, although these can children’s understanding of the power of ages of siblings; others give the same amount be hard concepts for younger children to money, as one mum recently discovered with to all. grasp. her 7 year old son. “He’s been getting £1 a week but has just negotiated an increase to The pocket money debate is a minefield. One mum of an 8 year old and 5 year old £1.50!” she smiles. Pocket money can be seen as a great way to boy reports “My eldest has a good idea of how help start teaching the value of money, but much is in his money box, but the younger one According to The Guardian reporting in should it be given regularly each week or doesn’t have a clue.” However, another says 2016, UK parents could do better when it should kids be expected to earn it through that her 7 and 9 year old sons “have even been comes to educating their children about chores? The majority of parents seem to give known to pool resources to buy something money. Only half (52%) say they discuss money pocket money as a reward, incentive or to they both want and can share.” matters regularly with their children. The reinforce good behaviour. “It’s an incentive for average age at which they talk to them about them to do things that they need Pocket money can also help children to saving is 9, yet children are often already encouragement to do” says one mum. Others begin to understand the difference between receiving pocket money by then and they saving at home in a piggy bank and earning begin to form money habits by age 7. interest by putting money into a savings account. By Justina Gapper

14 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Parenting

Play Talking Games Playing the ‘sad and glad’ game will encourage How to Get Your your child to talk without feeling they are being bombarded by questions. At the dinner table everyone takes turns answering “I was glad Child Talking About today because…..” and “I was sad today because…..” You can extend it to “mad” too – what made you cross. This is a good way to Their Day By Sophia Heaton open up discussions. Give your Child Special One-to-One Time We all want to hear about our child's day—what they did This doesn’t mean special treats or hot in the playground, who they sat with at lunch, whether chocolates but doing something together every day, just the two of you. It could be as they understood what was going on, and, most simple as preparing a meal. These are times importantly, whether they had a "good" day. when easy conversations occur. o we frequently ask, "How was your day?" Use 'reflective listening' In response, we often get grunts and This is a way of re-framing questions into Sshrugged shoulders. As an alternative we statements that invite a response and de- try asking, "What did you do at school today?" personalise conversations. Instead of asking This time you get the customary one-word “Are you worried about your test?” you could answer: "Nothing." say something like “Lots of kids your age get Rather than push harder for answers to your worried about tests.” This makes it easier for standard end-of-the-day questions, why not your child to reply. try some new conversation primers? Be Ready and Available to Listen Here are some tips for getting your child to When your child wants to speak, stop and open up when they come home. listen to them. Turn off the TV or put away the Ask Open-Ended Questions the books that you chose?” Take the time to sit phone, look up and show that you are listening "How was school today?" is too vague and down and read the books with your child fully and you value what they have to say. children need more specific questions to help affirming their choice and encouraging them in Try Communicating without Words their reading habits. Discuss what your child them recall their day. Avoid questions that can The best way to connect with your child may feels went right in the football match – or what be answered in one word, especially with a not necessarily be through talking. Talk is not “yes” or “no.” Instead, try some open-ended went wrong! how all kids express themselves: play is. Many questions like, “Tell me about what you played Model “Sharing” about your Day children prefer to reconnect with a hug, by at break today?” or “I wonder what you had for "I had a great day today. I talked to nanna playing a game or even rough housing. Some lunch today?” about…" or "I met a new friend and we had are more physical than verbal, so you might ask Use their Art Work to Start Conversations coffee." It is important to share your interests, them to give you thumbs up or thumbs down friends, challenges and joys with your kids so A child’s art work can refer both to school about their day instead of discussing it. activities or things of specific interest to your they see that communication modelled for Avoid Face-to-Face Interrogations child. Take advantage of these masterpieces by them. asking open ended questions of your little artist Give Children Time to Unwind You might do better in situations where you’re not face-to-face like in the car, as your child and don’t forget to listen to the answers. Whilst it may seem your child is brushing you won’t feel put on the spot. Showing interest in their work can increase off, they are likely to be tired and attempting to your child’s self-esteem, as well as provide vital disengage from school business. Give them a Listen Before you Talk emotional and mental links between school snack for an energy boost and a run in the park Let your child lead you into conversations on and home. before you get home. They’ve been hemmed their own. Sometimes your child will drop hints Know their Timetable in all day by walls and instructions and need to without your asking, like “We planted seeds This way you can start talking about library day, cut loose for a bit. They’ll be more inclined to today!” or “Where’s the atlas? I need to find sports or art class. “What kind of books did the give you a glimpse of their day once they’ve Antarctica.” These are perfect openings to talk librarian show you today?” or “Tell me about been fed and exercised! together about their day.

We are a super-friendly Ofsted registered day nursery providing high quality childcare for babies from three-months-old to children up to the age of five set within the bright, modern surroundings of Windsor Leisure Centre. Open for 51 weeks a year! Accepts 30 hours funding To find out more about our excellent childcare facility and meet our team: Call: 01753 855543 • Email: [email protected] Visit: www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 15 being called in by the teacher who spent the Good Party Etiquette: first class consoling those not on the list. Be Sure to RSVP Planning a children’s party is stressful enough Is there such a thing? without having to chase people who haven’t replied. Replying promptly will earn you lots of By Andrew Campbell gold stars with the party child’s parents, so just do it. Whatever you do, do NOT turn up on the day without RSVPing. Whether you are throwing a party for your child or sending them off to their friend’s birthday celebration, finding your way Check Before you Take Siblings around the do’s and don’ts of children’s birthday parties has Don’t assume no one will mind if a younger or older sibling tags along. When the entertainer become akin to navigating a war zone. Here we tackle a few of has a strict limit on numbers and the party the thorny issues that seem to crop up every year: parents have worked out exactly how many Who gets Invited? fairy cakes they need, added extras can cause a Your child has already been to three parties this real headache. So make sure you check Blossom year where the entire class was invited. beforehand. Ballet However, the thought of 30 small people Party Bags – really? bouncing off the walls makes you break out in All kids love to leave events with mementoes a sweat. Remember “entire class” parties are but if you really don’t fancy party bags, then your choice – you don’t have to give them just why not have a piñata instead? Buy some cute For a FREE taster class to keep other parents happy. The reality is that but cheap paper bags, and then the children or for further information children WILL be happy with a small gathering can stuff them with whatever they grabbed please contact Lucy: so long as it feels special to them. Give invites from the piñata themselves. Alternatively, 07813084283 to just their best friends and family and you’ll reading or activity books can make a good [email protected] find the whole experience a whole lot easier. ‘going home present’ and will probably last www.blossomballet.com Be Subtle about Invitations longer and ultimately give more enjoyment than cheap plastic items. Blossom Ballet Who is and isn’t invited to a party is guaranteed is about having lots of fun and making new friends. to cause playground ructions, so be tactful. Thank-you Notes? Classes throughout the week, including weekends, Unless you’re inviting the whole class, don’t This is obviously a personal choice but it’s a in Windsor, Bray and Maidenhead. start handing invitations out as the kids are nice thing to do with your child once the chaos lining up to go into school; you may end up of their birthday has faded. Taking some quiet time to remember what gifts your child received and who came to the party can be a To really fun activity and assures your child doesn’t Advertise in take the whole experience for granted. Give a Contact Number Before you hotfoot it out of the door, make sure the party host has your contact number. If your child starts throwing up over their playmates and you’re incommunicado then call: you can bet they won’t be invited next year. And if you're the host, make sure you get 01628 phone details from all parents or you may be stuck with overwrought Olivia for a LOT longer 788058 than you bargained for.

16 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Plan a Party Party Games to try at home By Rachel Bailey f you're brave enough, having Malteser Game gloves, hat, scarf, knife and a DIY party at home can save This can be quite tricky for smaller fork. A die is passed around Iyou money on hall hiring children. A bowl of maltesers is the circle and the first person costs & entertainment, not to placed in the centre of the circle to roll a six attempts to put the items on and then cut the mention the hassle of carting and a die is passed around. When a player rolls a six, they take a straw chocolate with the knife and the cake & party food back and fork (and eat it), whilst all the forth from the venue if you and attempt to suck the malteser out of the bowl and drop it into time the other players try to haven't opted for an all inclusive their own cup. Repeat until the roll a six and take over their package. Over the years, we've next player rolls a six and the turn turn. Make it easier by tried a few different party passes to them. introducing another number, options and this year I agreed to or harder by starting off with host a small select group of the chocolate still wrapped! Hot Potato friends. With a small group it can be hard to know how many Players form a circle and a ball is thrown from one player to the games will be needed as you'll get through them quicker and this is by no means an exclusive list, but here's our pick of the best party games ideas:

Pass the Parcel I'm not 100% sure at what age you can play this without fixing it so everyone gets a turn to unwrap a layer! Etiquette these days seems to be that a small prize is hidden in each wrapping, but if you want to avoid too many sweets you could opt for other small prizes. A friend of mine who's well practiced at the DIY party, had whoopee cushions as prizes in between the paper one year! Everyone won one and then had great fun seeing who could make the loudest noise! Maybe have a few spares to hand in case some split though.

next. When the music stops, the Pin the Tail player left holding the ball is out. This proved to be a favourite at our party as everyone got quite Smelly Socks competitive so it was played numerous times. It's a great game No idea what this game is really as you can adapt it to fit with your called, but it was named as above party theme (if you have one). by the bunch of 6 year olds at our party. Players form a circle around a mountain of (clean!) single socks Musical Games piled in the middle. Object is to put We opted for Musical Bumps on as many socks as possible until (where everyone has to sit down the given time is up. Socks can be on the floor when the music stops of varying sizes and worn on hands & the last person to do so is out) or feet. Allow enough for roughly 6 and Musical Statues (when the pairs per person. music stops the aim is not to be the last one to stand still). There’s The Chocolate Game also Musical Chairs where a chair is removed each round so that the A large bar of chocolate is placed person left without a seat is the in the centre of a circle (ideally on one who is out. a hard surface), along with a pair of

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 17 Party News

Book a creative party with Busy Buttons!

Does the sound of an all-inclusive creative Busy Buttons offers a ‘no stress’ experience birthday party make you want to pick up the while boys and girls can create beautiful phone and book now? puppets, jewellery or sew and craft all sorts in Exclusively designed by Busy Buttons their well equipped studio at Busy Buttons Creative Studio in the heart of Windsor, these Design Centre CIC, 8-9 Windsor Yards, parties are perfect for anyone looking for Windsor SL4 1TF. 5 – 25 year olds can further something a bit different. their creative learning by gaining an Arts One happy Windsor mum reports: “Fantastic 6th Sewing Birthday Party at Busy Award certification in costumes, theatre arts, Buttons Windsor!! All the children loved it and sewing, animation, art, illustration, filming, especially the Birthday girl :-) Thank you so editing, puppet and prop making as part of much for creating such a lovely party... their courses. For more information contact: Beautiful decoration, yummy food, amazing [email protected]; workshops, a baby friendly space and a nice 07952418212; www.busybuttons.org coffee corner for the parents!”

Jump In Slough has refurb and launches two exciting themed party rooms Jump In Slough have been very busy with laser show. Jump In offers the very best refurbishing their trampoline park this winter in birthday celebrations, with bouncing fun, and now it houses a new 6.4m drop slide, food, drink and everything you need including brand new bouncier trampolines and a newly a host to make it run smoothly…. and they even designed café. As part of this they have also clear up for you! created two new and exciting party rooms that Prices start from £150 for 10 jumpers. are now open for booking. The new Jungle Jam room will transport you to a world of To find out more go to animal adventure and the Glow Party room is a www.gojumpin.com/activities/birthday-parties UV glow-in-the-dark spectacular, complete

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes About: Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Dates: Wednesday 3rd January - Thursday Christ Church C of E Hall, Christchurch Rd, 29th March Virginia Water, GU25 4PX Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am. Drama: 7-12s Venues: Saturdays 11.15am Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Rd, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ Clewer Youth Centre, Clewer Parish Hall, Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am; 7-12s Windsor, SL4 5EW Saturdays 11.15 Drama: 4-7s Mondays 5pm, Tuesdays 4pm, Fridays 4pm. Drama: 7-12s Tuesdays 5pm, Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Fridays 5pm Maidenhead SL6 8AW Drama: 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Hilltop First School, Clewer Hill Rd, Windsor, Saturdays 5pm SL4 4DW Dance: 6-12s (Perform X) Saturdays 11.15pm. All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am Marlow SL7 2AA Dance: 6-12s (Perform X) Wednesdays 4pm Contact: and 5pm. Dance: 4-7s Mondays 4pm, T: 020 7255 9120 / [email protected] Thursdays 4pm & 5pm. Dance: 7-12s www.perform.org.uk/try Mondays 5pm

18 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Party Directory

Ballet Parties

Ballet themed birthday parties for 2 yrs up Ballet themed games and adventures Boys Peter Pan & Pirates parties available Email: [email protected] It’s Party Time... www.twinkletotsdance.com

Our party directory has all the ingredients you need to cook up the perfect celebration for your child. You can choose from trampolining, arts and crafts, an animation party or hosting a musical theatre or pamper party and more! (when you ring please don’t forget to say To Advertise here you saw it in Families magazine). call: 01628 788058

ARTSPIRATION SCHOOL OF Throwing a party? Make it exclusive DRAWING AND PAINTING offers with a BUSY BUTTONS CREATIVE Arty Birthday parties for children STUDIO, all-inclusive deluxe party aged 5+. Parents & Children not specially designed for you and then only host a lovely party but also select one of the fantastic themes know that their party is making a of the season. The Design Studio real difference. All profits from the offers a unique 'no worries' Arty Parties are sent to experience with creating puppets, Artspiration's designated charity for painting, sewing, crafting, making jewellery and more at their that year. Parties range from conveniently located, well-equipped Canvas Painting, Mosaic, Fabric studio where many happy children Painting, Card Making and leave beaming with their creations. Recycled Art, to suit a wide range All at Busy Buttons Design Centre of interests, ages and budgets. For CIC, 8-9 Windsor Yards, Windsor more information please visit SL4 1TF. Bookings at www.artspiration.co.uk or email [email protected]; [email protected] 07952418212; www.busybuttons.org BASIL AND CREW Mobile Farm - Bring a mini-mobile farmyard to CANDLE BY PARTIES offer a your home or venue, complete wonderful opportunity to make with fencing and an assortment of hand-poured fragranced candles in individual melters, adding dyes and animals, such as goats, sheep, fragrance oils. As the candles are ducks, chickens and Shetland setting children decorate candle ponies for your party. Involves pet holders and packaging with paint, handling, feeding and grooming. glitter and pretty gems. Children They also offer educational and fun take home a party bag filled with all school visits either with ‘full farm’ the lovely candles they have made. or ‘3 billy goat gruff’ day. Also great Parties also available for adults plus for nursing homes, special needs, company parties and team building fetes and fun days. 01628 821145 workshops. Tel: 07771 851435 or or 07721 422554; 01628 947224; www.basilandcrew.co.uk www.candlebyparties.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 19 Party Directory

CHEEKY CHARLIES. One hour in the soft play 07812 440297 or ring Janet 07768 317625; smoothly…. and we clear up for you! The park area with one host and a visit from Cheeky www.flutterbyprobeauty.com now has two incredible themed party rooms! Charlie, followed by use of a private room. Two the Jungle Jam room will transport you to a options: Exclusive Hire for up to 30 children GENEVIEVE’S GALLERY. Paint-a-plate parties world of animal adventure and the Glow Party and Cheeky Time, or during public opening for all ages. You can also bring your own drink is their UV glow-in-the-dark spectacular times for up to 20 children. Maximum age: 10. and food. Call 01784 430516 or email: complete with laser show. Parties start from Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead. [email protected]; £150 for 10 jumpers (including food & drink) 01628 685338. genevievesgallery.co.uk and the birthday child goes free. To find out more go to COURT GARDEN LEISURE COMPLEX. (Marlow) The HANDS-ON ART STUDIO organises parties www.gojumpin.com/activities/birthday-parties There’s NO mess, NO fuss and we do all the for groups of up to 20 guests, for all ages & work whilst you, your child and their friends occasions: children, families, Brownies/Cubs, JUNGLE MANIA PARTIES are available from have all the fun. We have lots of different party Hens, corporate office or teambuilding & more. £10.50 per child. Burn off some energy options available to suit everyone! For further All-inclusive prices: materials & equipment, exploring the brand new and improved centre information call 01628 405 200. professional guidance & instruction, glazing & at Jungle Mania Bourne End and then finish off firing of pottery items and studio party with a party tea in one of the party rooms. With COX GREEN LEISURE CENTRE. Bouncy Castle decorations. Catering can also be arranged for all food and drink provided and no clearing up Parties for children aged 4-7 and Football a truly hassle-free experience. Printable to do, grown ups can relax too! Private hire is Sports Parties for children age 6+ invitations available on the website. Discounts also available. For more information visit 01628 685311. available for groups of 10 or more - do call www.Junglemania.com or phone Janet for more details: 01753 206265; or 01628 529128 FLUTTERBY PARTIES. Tailored to suit the please go to www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk wishes of boys and girls of all ages. 2 hours of and click on Parties. LITTLE KICKERS. The pre-school soccer club fun with 3 party hosts. Traditional games, runs one-hour football parties. The price catwalks, dance shows, and prizes. They also JUMP IN TRAMPOLINE PARK. Want a jumpin, includes football coaching, party games, do nail art, hair glitter and curls, colourful pumpin’, totally unique birthday party? Jump In medals and a trophy for the birthday boy/girl. makeup, facepaint, temporary tattoos, hair offers the very best in birthday celebrations, For parties in Windsor, Slough & Ascot, call colour sprays and much, much more. with bouncing fun, food, drink, everything you Sam on 07412 166686; www.littlekickers.co.uk Dressing up box for under-5’s! Call Zowie on need including a host to make it run LONGRIDGE. An outdoor activity centre based on the River Thames that provides action- packed parties and Holiday Activity Days with water themes. Parties can include any of Longridge water or land activities, such as Raft Building, Climbing, Water Orbs, Laser Tag, Bell Boats and Kayaking. Call 033 0303 0101 or emai [email protected]. For a full list of Longridge activities visit the website www.alfvillages.org.uk

THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE. The centre runs two hour parties (10-20 children) for 5-12 year olds. Party goers get to visit the exciting hands-on science and discovery exhibition with a member of staff and meet the mascot owl Eric. Party includes birthday party invitations and a present for the party child. The parties can be catered or self-catered. Cost per head: £7.60 (self-catering) and £12.25 (cold food). Go to www.bracknell- forest.gov.uk/be for more information or phone 01344 354400.

MAD ACADEMY runs themed and/or traditional high energy, music and dance parties for children aged 1 to 6 years. The parties include For Little Kickers classes in Maidenhead, Bourne End, songs, dances, games with props plus fantastic Henley & Marlow. Call 01628 526 584 or email music, run by a party leader experienced in [email protected]. Approved football training for kids aged pre-school music classes. The grown-ups have For Little Kickers classes at Slough, Langley, 18 months to 7 years. Local classes at a fun too! For Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley & Windsor and Stoke Poges call 07412 166 686 venue near you. Safe, friendly and fun! Charvil Call Emma on 07935 248749 or email or email [email protected] [email protected]. For Windsor, Call for Birthday Party entertainment information Ascot & Sunningdale Call Kate on 01753 830162 or email [email protected]. www.littlekickers.co.uk

20 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Party Directory

MAGNET LEISURE CENTRE run a variety of popular birthday parties to suit festival stretch bands, colourful hair/wristbands and rings to choose from. children of all ages and interests. Party food can also be arranged. Trained If you’re after something different, their gorgeous miniature lab bottles with staff will ensure that your child and their friends will have a great time. Ask cork tops come filled with pixie dust or left empty for you to fill yourself. about the following activities: Football Fun, Multi-Sports, Inflatable Packed in an organza bag, prices start at just £2.50 per bag with 3 items. Obstacle Course, Bouncy Castle, Roller Disco, Pirate Galleon Adventure, Contact Claire on 07711 182858. Go Karting, Water Walkerz on the water, Dart Tag Parties. Call [email protected] or find The Little Charm Shop on Facebook 01628 685333 or visit www.leisurecentre.com Hire THE LITTLE GYM in Windsor exclusively for a birthday party away ODDS FARM PARK. Wooburn Common, nr Beaconsfield, Parties include from the crowds. Children join fun teachers for a party full of imagination entry to the farm, hire of a fully decorated party room, food and party and adventure in the state of the art gym, while parents have the bags. After-school parties are also available. 01628 520188; opportunity to catch up in the member’s lounge for a second fun www.oddsfarm.co.uk. celebration at no extra cost. Two parties in one! No noise, no fuss – just PHOENIX GYMNASTICS. Under-5's PlayGym Parties. An hour's free play you, your little ones, your nibbles, and lots of fun for both grown ups and in the fully equipped gym with half an hour allowed for food for up to 30 children. Contact The Little Gym Windsor at [email protected] or children. Available on Sundays only and discounts available for members. 01753 968 488. Please call 01628 778881, email [email protected] or see the website www.phoenixgym.co.uk for more details. PHOENIX TRAMPOLINE CLUB. Parties available on Saturday afternoons at East Berkshire College, Langley for 4-14 year olds. Limited to 8 children and room available for food afterwards. Please call 01628 778881 or email [email protected] for more details. PLAYBALL PARTIES. Active, fun parties for 3-8 year olds centred around a variety of extremely fun sports based games and skills. Catering to your exact needs based on age and theme, sit back and relax as we guide your energetic party goers through a variety of imaginative fun games using our specialised equipment. Contact us: [email protected], 07488 581123 REDROOFS PARTIES. Their successful Luxury Musical Theatre & Ballerina Birthday Parties are run by a professional, experienced team, who provide a happy and motivating Musical Theatre Experience with a performance for parents. Themes include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MATILDA, CINDERELLA, ANNIE, BALLERINAS and more. There is a Magical Dressing Up Box for children for their performance. Beautiful themed room decoration and party bags available. Redroofs can provide an Elsa, Annie, Matilda, Cinderella, Beauty, Ballerina and Mary Poppins to perform with your Little Star Performer. Exclusive use of 2 state of the art, mirrored studios at Redroofs. For children ages 4-11 years. Redroofs also run the very best LITTLE STAR PERFORMER TODDLER BIRTHDAY PARTIES for TWINKLE TOTS. Fun birthday ballet parties for 2 yr olds up. Get the children ages 2-4 years. To find out more email emayling@redroofs- opportunity to dance with professional ballerinas. Ballet themed games school.co.uk or call 01628 674092. Easy online booking and adventures. Themed parties tailored to your child's desires. Ballet www.redroofs.co.uk/parties themed party bags and even pointe shoe pinata's! Boys Peter Pan and SQUISHBOSH, isn’t just a fun name it is a word made up of qualities that Pirates parties also available. email [email protected]. Go the party entertainers look for in the children at the party (aged 5-12), online to look at testimonials and photos from previous customers; which then forms the basis of the awards at the end of every party. www.twinkletotsdance.com Squishbosh is a fun sports event but with a twist, it’s a mix between, Total Wipeout, It’s a Knockout and more original sports games. All games must WINDSOR LEISURE CENTRE. Bouncy Castle parties 3-7 years. Various be played outside. Call Pete on 07721 422554 or Sports Parties 6-12 years. Buffet food can be provided. Self-catering room 01628 821145; www.basilandcrew.co.uk hire £30. Wave Parties over-8s, swim/ hot meal max 25 children, £9.50 per head. Pool available for exclusive hire weekend evening between 6.30- If you’re looking for party bags for girls, THE LITTLE CHARM SHOP have 8.15pm for 8 years+. 01753 778577 over 75 beautiful Tibetan silver charms (including unicorns and dolphins!) that they can attach onto a variety of colourful, pretty accessories. Their All details were correct when we went to print December 2017. 16” silver or black cord necklaces are very popular too and there are also

01628 07721 821145 422554

Bringing all the fun of the farm to your school, Home, Private Party, Family Funday or Fete, also providing beneficial therapeutic/sensory sessions for visits to Nursing Homes or Special Needs Activities. Call Pete to discuss your requirements, and obtain prices e: [email protected] • www.basilandcrew.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 21 Parenting

Travelling in pregnancy

Make sure that your travel If you’re looking to plan a final, relaxing getaway before your baby insurance is valid for pregnancy arrives and your priorities become leaving the house and getting more and that it covers a newborn in than 2 hours sleep rather than booking a holiday, Families has teamed case the baby arrives early. up with Emma’s Diary to give you some tips on what’s safe and what is best to avoid. 6. Avoid mosquito repellents 1. Avoid destinations where pulmonary embolism (PE) which 3. Take a photocopy of your containing DEET malaria is endemic can be life threatening. Keep well medical notes with you Look for a natural alternative such These include India, Africa and hydrated, wear support stockings Just in case you go into labour as citronella oil, wear protective parts of South America. If you do and get up and walk around at least prematurely, pack your notes – clothing and use mosquito nets to protect yourself from mosquitoes. have to travel to a country where once every hour to improve your they contain valuable information malaria is common, talk to your GP circulation. Practise clenching your that will be needed by your Don’t forget, once you’ve had your first. Try to avoid countries where calf muscles by flexing your feet up healthcare professionals. It’s also baby and you’ve both had a chance you will need vaccinations – and down 10 times every hour to important to know your blood to settle into your new routine, although some are safe in boost circulation. Try to do this on group in case of an emergency. travelling can still be a possibility. pregnancy after 12 weeks, live any long car, bus or train journey Children under two years old often vaccines are not. too, as they also increase your risk 4. Take care in the sun fly for free on domestic flights and of DVT. If you develop pain or You’re more prone to dehydration usually for around 10% of an adult 2. Stay safe on the plane swelling in your leg or have chest when you’re pregnant because of fare on international flights. Always Pregnant women who fly are at an pains or shortness of breath after an increase in blood volume, so double check costs with the airline, increased risk of developing deep flying or a long journey seek urgent make sure you drink lots of water but if you’re not fazed by carting vein thrombosis (DVT) and medical advice. and keep your feet up to stop your around all the extra luggage that ankles swelling. Don’t forget to comes with a baby, it can wear a sunscreen of factor 15 or sometimes be easier than travelling above, a long sleeved t-shirt and a with a toddler! wide brimmed hat, and keep out of the sun at the hottest times of the Emma’s Diary day between 12pm and 3pm. is the UK’s most trusted 5. Check that your airline will let and influential pregnancy and you fly baby channel. Working in Air travel can usually be undertaken partnership with The Royal until the 36th week of pregnancy, College of General Practitioners but after 28 weeks most airlines (RCGP) for more than 23 years, need a letter from your GP saying they provide parents-to-be and you are fit to fly. If you’ve had any new parents with the very best health problems check with your medical and practical information. GP that it’s all right for you to fly. Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk

22 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Please email [email protected] with any events. What’s On Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Enjoy free entry to the Savill Garden this Paddington 2 pops into Norden Farm, Winter birds walk, from Dorney, January and February January 5-7, 11-13 and 15 January 13

and whizz to the disco. There’s Scooter Tuesday January 9 STORYTELLING FOR Saturday January 13 WINTER BIRDS and Skate school from 3-4pm. Under UNDER FIVES Lightbox, The Lightbox WALK Dorney Wetlands Car Park, JANUARY sevens and beginners skate 4.15pm to Gallery and Museum, Chobham Road, Lake End Road, Dorney, SL4 6Q Head Tuesday January 2 to Saturday 6 JACK & 5.30pm, family skate 5.45pm to 7.30pm. Woking, GU214AA. Join us for some along the Jubilee River with Brian JILL’S MAGIC BEANSTALK The Novello Theatre, 2 High St, Sunninghill, Ascot SL5 Also February Saturdays. stories, rhymes and hands-on creative fun Crathorne, a local bird expert. You are 9NE 01344 620881 Pantomime written for www.leisurecentre.com/magnet-leisure- either in the Studio or around the gallery. welcome to bring binoculars and cameras the under 8s with no scary bits!. Bring your centre Spaces are limited and will be allocated on if you have them. Walk easy but might be teddy to your first pantomime. 11am £8.50 Sundays in January VISIT ETON NATURAL a first-come, first-served basis at wet underfoot. 9.30-11.30am, suggested www.ticketsource.co.uk/ HISTORY MUSEUM Eton College, South Reception from 10.30am. Also January 20, donation £3. www.bbowt.org.uk/events meandmyteddychristmas Meadow Lane, Eton SL4 6DW Housing the February 6 and 20 February. 11-11.40am. Thursday January 18 and Friday 19 Thackeray Collection of British Birds and Free entry, suggested donation £3. SPACE-THEMED TODDLER DAYS The Look Until Sunday January 7 FIRE AND LIGHTS other collections with more than 15,000 www.thelightbox.org.uk Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 specimens, donated from the nineteenth Thursday, January 11 to Saturday, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7QW 01344 7QW, 01344 354400 A show full of century onwards 2.30 to 5pm. January 13 DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS 354400 Fun crafts, storytelling sessions fantastic demonstrations to fire your http://etonnhm.com CAT Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road and face painting for budding astronauts imagination. Watch out for the tornado of Thursdays in January AUTISM-FRIENDLY Twyford, RG10 9JA Twyford and from 10am-4pm. £7 per adult with a child fire! 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.15pm. Shows AFTER SCHOOL CLUB Riverside Primary Ruscombe Theatre Group present a lively up to 5 years old. £1.60 per additional pre- cost £1.95 per person, on top of your School, Cookham Road, SL6 7JA. A safe show full of music, dancing, songs and school child entry fee and stimulating environment for children corny jokes. Young Dick and his cat arrive Until Saturday January 20 YUCKY YOU aged eight to 12 with different activities in London to seek their fortune and try to at The Look Out Discovery Centre Until January 14 WINDSOR ON ICE SHOW Alexandra Gardens, Barry Avenue, SL4 3HY each week, 3.15-6pm. Club leaders are help get rid of the dreaded King Rat and as above. Find out why our bodies are Go skating in style near the river in the DBS checked and experienced. Termly his entourage. www.twyrusdrama.org.uk yucky! How much hair do we lose in a covered main rink with an extra smaller booking required, £5 a session. open air ice rink. Ice Bar and Grill available www.standoutforautism.com plus a viewing area, cafe, dodgems and Friday January 5 to Sunday 7 Father Christmas. www.windsoronice.com PADDINGTON 2 Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 Until January 21 THE BFG IN PICTURES River and Rowing Museum, Mill Lane, 2PF, 01628 788997 The bear from Peru Henley on Thames, RG9 1BF Everyone’s spreads joy and marmalade once more. favourite giant comes to Henley in this Additional showings on 11, 12, 13 and 15 magical exhibition of Quentin Blake’s January. Check website for times illustrations. www.rrm.co.uk www.norden.farm Saturday January 6 CHESS AND CRAFT Until February 28 FREE ENTRY TO THE Burnham Library, Windsor Lane, SAVILL GARDEN Savill Garden, Wick Lane, CLUBS Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, TW20 Burnham , SL1 7HR Chess Club 2pm to 0UJ. Enjoy free entry to The Savill Garden 4pm, Kids Craft Club 2pm to 3.30pm. throughout the month of January. Sunday January 7 HIGHVIEW TOY Discover the winter beauty and beautiful LIBRARY Highview, 6 North Road, scents of the landscaped garden. The Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1PL Enjoy play winter beds provide intense pockets of sessions at the library and borrow toys – perfume and colour during the crisper for accompanied children. months. 10am to 4.30pm, parking charges Wednesdays, 10am-12noon, first Sunday apply. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk of month, 3pm-5pm. Every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Saturdays in January CONSERVING THE at Odds CASTLE Windsor Castle Thames Street, from January 8 TODDLER TIME Windsor, SL4 1NJ Come to the Moat Farm Park Wooburn Common Road, HP10 Room for art and craft activities inspired 0LX, 01628 520 188 Messy play, arts & by the work that goes into maintaining the crafts, music & singing and more. Sessions Castle as a royal home. On January 27, take place twice daily between 10.15-11am 'Meet the Experts: Conservation Day', and 11.15am-noon in term time. Book in where mini conservators can piece advance. Small extra charge per child together a 3D vase. Free with standard applies. Places for each session must be entry ticket every 11am to 3pm. booked in advance. Term-time. www.royalcollection.org.uk www.oddsfarm.co.uk Saturdays in January STORYTIME AT Monday January 8 to February 28 MARLOW BOOKSHOP 22-26 Spittal St, NATIONAL TREASURES EXHIBITION Marlow SL7 1DB Enjoy a story at the town’s Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL1 8NS, independent book store. 10-10.30am, ideal 01628 605069 Indoor photography for babies and pre-schoolers. exhibition based on objects found in www.marlowbookshop.co.uk National Trust properties, from fine art photographer Ray Higginbottom. Usual Saturdays in January ROLLER DISCO at Magnet Leisure Centre Holmanleaze, admission applies. Maidenhead, SL6 8AW Get your wheels on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 23 What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

Russian State Ballet visits the Wycombe Look up The BFG at the River and Rowing Visit the History on Wheels open day Swan Theatre, January 18-21 Museum until January 21 on January 28

day? Why does tartar form on your teeth? at the emotional health and wellbeing of included! All children must be Sunday January 28 OPEN DAY – HISTORY What causes you to burp? What happens children plus the root causes for mental accompanied by an adult. Suitable for ON WHEELS MUSEUM Longclose House, to food when you eat it? Suitable for health issues, spotting signs early and early children aged 18 months to four years. Common Road, Eton Wick, SL4 6QY, children age five and over, shows are at service provision.4-7pm FREE. Email 9.30-11.30am or 1-2.30pm. £5 per child. 01753 862637 Privately-funded, non- 11am, noon, 2pm and 3.15pm. Shows run [email protected] with any www.bbowt.org.uk Booking essential profit making, family museum of vintage at weekends and Bracknell school questions. Friday January 19 MANAGING SCREEN vehicles, plus NAAFI Cafe. Museum focus holidays, subject to minimum numbers. Thursday January 18 to Sunday 21 TIME 10 Clarence Drive, Englefield Green is on first and second World Wars. The £1.95 per person in addition to the main CINDERELLA/ SWAN LAKE/ ROMEO AND TW20 0NL In this workshop for parents, cafe has table seating and breakfast bar entrance price to the hands-on science JULIET Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, Mette Theilmann discusses managing which offering panoramic window views and nature exhibition. www.bracknell- High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 screen time in a practical and positive way of Windsor Castle. Adults £7, children aged forest.gov.uk/leisure-services/look-out Russian State Ballet brings three beautiful for your family, creating a balance five to 16 £5, other concessions available classical ballets to life. Check website for between screen time and other Sunday January 14 STORYTELLING IN www.historyonwheels.co.uk Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, programme, times and prices. commitments. 10.30am to 12.30pm. THE DEN www.wycombeswan.co.uk www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing- Friday January 26 PLAY DOUGH AND Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, DUPLO Burnham Library, Windsor Lane, 01628 788997 Interactive storytelling in Friday January 19 NATURE TOTS Woolley screen-time-in-egham-tickets- Burnham , SL1 7HR Fun with play dough 38940572300?aff=es2 the magical story den, followed by a Firs Environmental Education Centre, modelling 9.30-11.30am. Build and fun yummy Sunday lunch. Times vary, check Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead. Great Friday January 19 and Saturday 20 TINY with your toddler at Duplo Club, 11am to website. £3 per person. Lunch menu from opportunity each month for pre-schoolers TALK TIME: THE TIGER WHO CAME TO 12noon. FREE just turn up on the day to have fun in natural surroundings. Each Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, £5 www.norden.farm TEA www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/libraries session will include activities such as bug- High Wycombe, HP13 6PX. Wednesday January 17 MENTAL HEALTH hunting, mud digging and mask-making. Come along for stories, crafts and Monday January 29 NATURE TOTS Maidenhead Town Windsor Great Park, Forest Gate (off the IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS Games, story-time and refreshments also museum fun in this special time for two to Hall, St Ives Road SL6 1RF Session to look four year olds. Sessions last 45 minutes A332 between Windsor and Ascot) SL4 and take place at 10.15am, 11.15am and 2BY Great opportunity each month for 1.15pm.Saturday at 10.15am and 11.15am. pre-schoolers to have fun in natural Tickets £3. surroundings. Each session will include wycombemuseum.org.uk.gridhosted.co.uk seasonal nature discovery, games, crafts and lots of fun! Story-time and drinks also Saturday January 20 to Saturday 27 included. All children must be PETER PAN by the Forum Players Bourne End Community Centre, Wakeman Road, accompanied by an adult. Suitable for Wooburn Green, Bourne End, SL8 5SX children aged 18 months to 4 years Forum Players present a fun-filled family (younger siblings welcome). 10-11.30am pantomime. Tickets available from Bourne and 1-2.30pm. £5 per child. Also February End Library or call 01628 523291. Adults 2. www.bbowt.org.uk £10, concessions £8, family ticket £32. Come and be part www.forumplayers.com Wednesday, January 24 to Saturday, FEBRUARY of the adventure! St January 27 PANTO IN THE STONE AGE Early February to March SNOWDROP Leonard’s Hall, Richings Park, Iver, Bucks, Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL1 SL0 9DD It’s the year 10,000BC and the WALK Weekdays at Magnet Leisure 8NS Follow a walk around the estate to Centre, Maidenhead and Mayoress of Sandstone Hills is celebrating see the first signs of snowdrops. (Dates at the Beacon Centre, her birthday. Granny Granite is baking the dependent on weather, check website and perfect birthday cake but the Chief of social media). Saturdays at BCA, Police and his two constables have an evil www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Maidenhead. scheme to ruin the day. When the Mayoress falls dangerously ill, Granny Saturdays in February BRING ON THE Classes across all the Windsor Castle Thames Street, Granite, her son Flint and their pet BATTLE major dance disciplines, Windsor, SL4 1NJ Discover Windsor Castle including ballet, dinosaur must find an antidote and save under siege by taking part in our art modern, tap and acro the day. The Richings Players present this workshop and trying on costumes and dance, with fully hilarious pantomime. armour on display. www.ticketsource.co.uk/richingsplayers www.royalcollection.org.uk teachers from one of the area’s best- Thursday January 25 YOUNG RANGERS Thursday February 1 to Sunday 4 AWFUL Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre, Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, loved and Windsor Great Park, Forest Gate (off the AUNTIE longest-established High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 A A332 between Windsor and Ascot) SL4 2BY dance schools. giant owl, a tiny ghost, a brilliant heroine Wildlife club for children aged eight to 12 and a truly awful auntie. Take a wayward years. Explore and discover who and what relation and check out this rollicking to book your free lives in the park and forest. Become a show, created from David Walliams novel trial, email Candy. nature detective to find out about birds, by the award-winning producers of bats, deer, minibeasts and more! Action Gangsta Granny. Check website for packed activities such as pond dipping, programme and prices. bug hunts, animal tracking, shelter www.wycombeswan.co.uk building and bushcraft. Refreshments Thursday February 1 TEEN RANGERS provided. Booking essential. £5. Also Windsor Great Park, Forest Gate (off the February 8 and 22. 6pm to 7.30pm.

24 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Please email [email protected] with any events. What’s On Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Bring on the Battle at Windsor Castle Ferdinand the Bull is at Norden Farm, Monstersaurus is at Theatre Royal Windsor, in February February 12-15 February 8-11

A332 between Windsor and Ascot) SL4 Monday February 12 to Thursday 15 01494 512000 Sing along with Emma Morgan and West More Magic for Kids! 2BY Wildlife club for young people aged FERDINAND Norden Farm as above. The Watson, Ewan McGregor and Emma South Street Arts Centre, South Street, 12 to 16 years. Spend time outdoors in the charming animated film tells the story of a Thompson. The host warms up the Reading, RG1 4QU Time-travelling park and forest to discover who and what big bull with a giant heart. Mistaken for a audience, shows you how to use the magicians Morgan & West are back on the lives there. Budding naturalists can test dangerous beast, Ferdinand is captured famous Singalonga props bag, when to road with a marvellous magic show full of their animal tracking, shelter building and and taken away from his family. But he is boo Gaston and of course judges the crazy capers for the young, old, and bushcraft skills to learn more about the determined to return. Monday and fancy dress competition! 2pm and 7pm. everyone in-between. Captivating flora and fauna of this very special place. Wednesday at 11.30am, Thursday 2pm. £7 Tickets £16, children £12.50, family ticket entertainment. Suitable for age five and Refreshments provided. 6-8pm. £5. adults, £5 under 16s www.norden.farm offers available. www.wycombeswan.co.uk over. 11.30am and 2pm, 60 minutes (no www.bbowt.org.uk Monday February 12 to Friday February Tuesday February 13 and Wednesday 14 interval). Tickets £12, £9.50 concessions. 16 ORIENTEERING Cliveden National THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF AND OTHER www.readingarts.com/south-street Friday February 2 and Saturday 3 TINY Trust, Taplow, SL1 8NS Grab a map and FURRY TALES Norden Farm Centre for the Thursday February 15 and Friday 16 TALK TIME: THE VERY HUNGRY navigate round the very first orienteering Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, Windsor Great Park Wycombe Museum, Priory FAMILY BIRDWATCH CATERPILLAR adventure in Cliveden’s woods. Child £2. 01628 788997 A joyful, imaginative take Environmental Centre, Windsor Great Avenue, High Wycombe, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden on the fairytale favourite, it’s troll good. Do Park, Forest Gate (off the A332 between Buckinghamshire, HP13 6PX. Stories, crafts you really know what happened to the Windsor and Ascot) SL4 2BY As the season and museum fun in this special time for Monday February 12 to Friday 16 HIBERNATING HEDGEHOGS Hughenden wolf and those three little pigs? What changes from winter to spring, wrap up two to four year olds. Sessions last 45 NT, Valley Road, High Wycombe HP14 4LA about Goldilocks – why was she walking warm and join us to find out what the minutes and take place at 10.15am, 0344 249 1895 (booking required) Make a in the woods? And as for the three Billy birds who live in the park are doing. 11.15am and 1.15pm.Saturday at 10.15am woodland creature in its own hibernation Goats Gruff, how did they really deal with Borrow binoculars to see who you can and 11.15am. Tickets £3. house. Come along and get crafting in that troll? All will be revealed in this spot in the trees and make a bird feeder to www.wycombemuseum.org.uk Hughenden’s study-base. 10.30am-4pm, beautiful show using puppets and props. take home. Family event, ideal for children Thursday February 8 to Saturday 11 child £3. 11.30am and 2pm. £8-10, group aged four to 11 years. Wellies and warm MONSTERSAURUS Theatre Royal Windsor www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden discounts. www.norden.farm clothing recommended and there are 32 Thames St SL4 1PS 01753 853888 Monday February 12 to Saturday 17 MEET Thursday February 15 MUSIC TO DANCE picnic tables outside to use if you bring a Follow the young inventor Monty as he THE HISTORIANS Windsor Castle Thames TO WITH MANOUCHE Norden Farm picnic lunch. 10am to 2pm, £4 per child. creates a whole world of whacky Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ Try on some Centre for the Arts as above. The Family www.bbowt.org.uk inventions and incredible monsters, but he armour from the castle’s amazing Concertini series continues so grab your Friday February 16 and Saturday 17 has a problem - now he has made them collection and meet the historical tiny dancers and join in for fiery gypsy LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD’S MUSICAL interpreters, who will be talking about dances, curious klezmer and retro swing. Norden Farm Centre for the all, what is he going to do with them? This ADVENTURE energetic show full of thrills, spills, magic medieval armour and weaponry. Free with With tunes you'll know, otherst you won't, Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, and mayhem will delight the whole family standard entry ticket every 11am to 3pm. and some original material too. This 01628 788997 A forest full of family fun www.royalcollection.org.uk versatile trio will take you everywhere and live music, this is a joyous new version – with original music and plenty of from Buenos Aires to 1920s London and of the classic fairy tale from the creative Monday February 12 to Friday 16 ZOOM audience participation! A new show from Activities including car Paris. 11.30am and 2pm. £8-10, group team behind the popular Hairy Maclary the monstrously talented creators of INTO HALF TERM rides Brooklands Museum, Brooklands discounts. www.norden.farm Show. 2+ 11.30am and 2pm. £10 (£8 Aliens Love Underpants Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0QN, Thursday February 15 MORGAN AND concession), family & friends (four people) www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01932 857381. Children will discover the £32 www.norden.farm WEST: MORE MAGIC FOR KIDS Friday February 9 PAINTING FOR UNDER treasures in the collection and build The Lightbox Gallery and Museum, FIVES self-confidence in a new and exciting Chobham Road, Woking, GU214AA Dress environment. W WINDSOR for mess and the gallery for some painting www.brooklandsmuseum.comt fun. All materials included. Advance Monday February 12 to Friday 16 ARTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL booking required.11am to 11.45am. £4 per M AND CRAFTS FOR HALF TERM Norden Establi shed in 1980 child. Accompanying adult goes free. Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Where children are motivated www.thelightbox.org.uk Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Hour S wto learn independently long craft activities to keep the little ones Friday February 9 and Saturday 10 THE Kenton Theatre, New entertained this Half Term. Crafts vary so A UNIQUE, AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI EDUCATION THROUGH THE SCHOOL & NURSERY JUNGLE BOOK you can create something new every day! Street, Henley on Thames, 01491 575698

Immersion Theatre’s wildest show yet, a Suitable for ages five years and above. WINDSORo MONTESSORI WINDSOR MONTESSORI 10.30am, £5. www.norden.farm brand new musical adaptation of family SCHOOL Recent Ofsted inspection: HOUSE OF CHILDREN favourite by Rudyard Kipling. Filled with Tuesday February 13 to Friday 16 Maidenhead OUTSTANDING in all areas catchy music, audience interaction and SPITFIRE SIMULATOR the chance to meet the characters after Heritage Centre, 18 Park Street, HOME PARK, NO 4 DATCHET ROAD the show. Funny, exciting and wildly Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1SL 01628 ROMNEY LOCK ROAD, (OPPOSITE THE WINDSOR FARM SHOP) 780555 Take flight and listen to the roar of entertaining, WINDSOR SL4 6HX OLD WINDSOR SL4 2RQ the iconic Merlin engine. Travel back in Tickets from £9 (child). 01753 868399 01753 830525 time and become one of those famous www.kentontheatre.co.uk • 2 years to 9 years. • 6 months to 6 years. Spitfire pilots of World War II, flying round Sunday February 11 STORYTELLING IN the Isle of Wight, over Windsor Castle or • 3 year nursery funded Providing care and • Baby and toddler parent Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, over 21st century London. With the replica THE DEN children accepted. education within Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, flight controls and wide screen. 8+ Plus sessions to include four a loving nurturing 01628 788997 Interactive storytelling in interesting permanent exhibitions to • We also welcome home free settling in sessions, environment. the magical story den, followed by Sunday browse. www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk school learners. E prior to start. lunch. Times vary, check website. £3 per Tuesday February 13 SING-ALONG-A www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk person. Lunch menu from £5 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Wycombe Swan www.norden.farm St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE Out of school hours: 01344 844592 • E: [email protected]

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 25

What’s On MORE ONLINE Compiled by Siobhan Newman familiesonline.co.uk

Awful Auntie swoops into the Wycombe The Three Billy Goats are at Norden Farm, Morgan and West present More Magic for Kids Swan, February 1-4 February 13-14 on February 15

Friday February 16 BRAINIAC LIVE! Monday February 19 to Friday July 13 Maidenhead. Great opportunity each 7PAS Little Blue Monster Productions Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High CLIVEDEN’S WOMEN EXHIBITION month for pre-schoolers to have fun in present a delightful staging of Oliver Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 A Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, SL1 8NS natural surroundings. Each session will Jeffers’ popular story. Once there was a breathless ride through the wild world of An outdoor exhibition celebrating include activities such as bug-hunting, mud boy and one day he found a penguin at his the weird and wonderful. Expect inspirational women from the local digging and mask-making. Games, story- door. He didn’t know where it had come exploding dustbins, combusting community. Usual entry fee applies. time and refreshments also included! All from or who it belonged to. The penguin microwaves and loads of live daredevil Tuesday February 20 to Saturday 24 THE children must be accompanied by an adult. looked sad and the boy thought it must be stunts! Watch from the safety of your seat JUNGLE BOOK Wycombe Swan St Mary Suitable for children aged 18 months - lost. So he decided to help it find its way as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 4 years. Also runs February 26. 9.30- home. This funny, charming tale of mysteries of science and do all of those 512000 An exciting new adaptation of 11.30am and 1-2.30.pm. £5 per child. friendship is brought to life with puppetry, things on stage that you’re too scared to Rudyard Kipling’s family classic, The www.bbowt.org.uk Booking essential. songs and music. 3+ 2pm, £11.50. do at home! 2pm. Tickets £19, Jungle Book, comes to life in this Saturday February 24 to Sunday July 15 www.southhillpark.org.uk concessions £2 off, family offer £61 (one colourful new show. A wild and fun tale of GAME OF CLUES Cliveden National Trust, Sunday February 26 OPEN DAY - HISTORY adult, three children). family, belonging and identity, this Taplow, SL1 8NS A new year, a new victim, ON WHEELS The History on Wheels www.wycombeswan.co.uk production is packed with music live on a new killer. Following last year’s crime Museum, Longclose House, Common Sunday February 18 CHINESE NEW YEAR stage, new songs and brilliant storytelling. caper, here’s a brand new outdoor Road, Eton Wick, SL4 6QY, 01753 862637 CELEBRATION High Street, Maidenhead. Times and prices vary. mystery game for you and your family to Family museum of vintage vehicles, plus Dragon dance and music to welcome the www.wycombeswan.co.uk solve, available weekends. 8+ £5 per NAAFI Cafe with great views of Windsor Year of the Dog which began on February Friday February 23 NATURE TOTS group. Usual entry fee applies. Castle. Adults £7, children aged five to 16 16. (Details TBC, check website nearer the MAIDENHEAD Woolley Firs Environmental Saturday February 25 LOST AND FOUND £5, other concessions available. time). www.enjoymaidenhead.com Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane, South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 www.historyonwheels.co.uk

5.15

6

ON OFFER AT REDROOFS...

GOLD TEAM Ages 6-16+ Due to the success of our Monday Gold Team, we are delighted to be launching BRAND NEW GOLD TEAMS ON SATURDAY. Our Exceptional Training Package for Talented Children. Repertoire Style Intensive Workshop Sessions

delivered by our expert team and visiting West End

Professionals. Huge performance opportunities. PART TIME SCHOOL

Outstanding Saturday and After School Classes in Performing Arts, Young Performers Company, Musical Theatre, Acting, RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, ISTD Modern and huge performance opportunities. REDROOFS SCHOLARSHIP FULL TIME CO ED DAY SCHOOL AUDITIONS Years 5-13+ Academic Education up to GCSE and 6th Form.

BTEC Level 3 Extended alongside the best Performing Arts FEBRUARY 2018 GOLD BARRE - A BRAND NEW DANCE PROGRAMME Training. For entry into Years 5-10 and 6th Form Wednesday's 5.30-7pm ADULT MUSICAL THEATRE Our brand new Gold Barre Dance Training will include jazz dance, www.redroofs.co.uk/ Adult Musical Theatre and Tap Classes commence September barre and centre work, technical modern build up, core strength scholarshipsandbursaries 2017 and run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. training, fitness and may include tap, contemporary and commercial. REDROOFS AGENCY To find out more or to sign up for this incredible For Taster Days, Open Mornings and Ages 4-18 Representing our Talented Children and opportunity, please email providing TV, Film, and Theatre opportunities for suitable Auditions, please email [email protected] pupils. [email protected]

STArT yOur ChILD'S rEDrOOFS PErFOrMINg ArTS ADVENTurE | www.redroofs.co.uk 26 Bath road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT and Littlewick green, Maidenhead SL6 3Qy | Tel: 01628 674092 | EMAIL: [email protected]

26 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Competitions and Offers with

WIN A GREAT NEW PARTY WIN 3 PRIVATE LESSONS WITH EXPERIENCE AT JUMP IN INFINITE PILATES TRAMPOLINE PARKS: SLOUGH Infinite Pilates is run by Karyn Miller-Hall a highly acclaimed Pilates instructor based in Marlow. What makes Infinite Pilates different is Jump In Trampoline Parks: Slough has been newly refurbished and its approach using Contemporary, Classical and Spatial medicine now it’s your chance to win a brand new party experience for 10, techniques. Reformer and other equipment is used to help clients worth over £150. The park has new U.V Glow or Rainforest party improve posture, core strength, flexibility and general well-being. rooms and the park itself also now features a 6.4m drop slide, all new bouncier trampolines and a newly designed café. Previous clients have included sports professionals and those rehabilitating after injury, through to Parties include 1 hour jumping time, food & those just wanting to improve their level of general drink, grip socks, dedicated party host, set up well-being. Pilates is for beginners through to and clean up! advanced level athletes....whatever level you are at!

For more information visit Karyn offers bespoke Pilates sessions either 1-2-1 www.gojumpin.com/slough or in a group. or call them on 01926 356290 For more information or to book with Karyn go to www.infinite-pilates.co.uk Good Luck! or phone 07555 726288

To enter the competition simply answer the For your chance to win 3 Private sessions of pilates worth £180, all following question and email your answer you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to [email protected] to [email protected] What does the new drop slide at the park measure? What does Karyn teach?

A) 6.4m A) Yoga B) 4.6m B) Dance C) 7.2m C) Pilates

Closing date for competition Closing date for the competition entries is 16 February 2018 is 23rd February 2018 Ts & Cs apply Ts & Cs apply INFINITE PILATES

*Competition Terms and Conditions: 1. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted 2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering 3. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt 4. All decisions of Families magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into 5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize 6. Only the winners’ details will be supplied to the Promoter of the competition 7. Families Magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition 8. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions 9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email address provided by the entrant. If the Promoter does not obtain a response from the winner within 21 days, we reserve the right to select another winner at random 10. Automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties will be disqualified 11. This competition is restricted to UK residents only.

Exceptional care for your child Local Private

Paediatrician

Clinics conveniently Upcoming Events We are cooking a delicious Burns Supper located in Chertsey and welcoming Jim Motherwell BEM, formerly the Queen’s Piper! 24 Jan 2018

Lunch time/Weekday special - Dr Sonali D’Cruz Take advantage of our new Mon-Fri MBBS FRCPCH lunch time offer. Get 2 courses for BMI The Runnymede Hospital, £19.95 or 3 courses for £24.95.

Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0RQ Book early to avoid disappointment. PA: Cathy Lewis 07729 677935 E: [email protected] Waltham Road, White Waltham, Berks, SL6 3SH www.wellkids.co.uk e [email protected] T: 01628 822877

@thebeehivetweet TheBeehive, White Waltham

familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 27 Winter Clubs & Classes

With the nights closing in and the temperature dropping, the idea of sending your child out onto the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track is not an attractive one. However, active after school activities offer children great developmental benefits including:

Improved Academic Performance provides unique physical and mental benefits Research has found that children from whilst at the same time catering for all ages, disadvantaged backgrounds who participate in fitness levels and abilities. To find a centre visit after-school clubs get better results at age 11 www.thebmc.co.uk than their peers. Girl Guides and Scouting Enhanced Socialisation Skills Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing an Making friends with children from outside their unprecedented surge in popularity. They offer school allows children to broaden their social an antidote to the modern world with experience, whilst extra-curricular activities at adventure at the heart of everything they do. school give children the chance to enjoy a From as young as 6, children can get involved different type of social experience with friends in learning outdoor skills and undertaking and other children in their class. leadership qualifications, as well as enjoying Better Health and Fitness camps and residential experiences. However, According to the National Association of Sport waiting lists can be long so act quickly! To and Physical Education, kids aged 5-12 should register interest visit www.girlguiding.org.uk or exercise for at least 60 minutes each day, this www.scouts.org.uk figure shouldn’t be ignored just because it’s Ice Rinks/Snow Slopes cold outside. Local snow slopes and ice rinks are great Stress Relief places to get kids active during the winter and Exercise helps to relieve stress built up by offer kids the opportunity to try tobogganing, homework, exams and peer pressures. skiing or snowboarding, or get a pair of skates As parents, we are responsible for setting up on. There are indoor and outdoor rinks and opportunities for our children to keep active centres, depending on how you feel about during winter months. braving the cold or damp weather. Here are our ideas for keeping them on the Indoor Sports go and you don’t have to force them (or you!) You can access indoor classes for most weekly training sessions, as well as outside: outdoor sports such as football, cricket and competitions. Are you and your child up for Trampoline Clubs and Parks tennis at leisure centres or school recreation that? What else will suffer or be sacrificed? If The UK now has over 190 trampoline parks and halls. Likewise for toddlers and pre-schoolers, your child’s opportunity to have unstructured most offer kids a safe environment to cut loose multi-sport and ball skills classes are often run time for play will go by the wayside, then this is as well as lessons and classes from as young as inside during winter www.littlekickers.co.uk probably not a good thing. Children these days toddlers. Check out Jump In, Slough and www.playballkids.com both offer local have much more structured lives than ever www.gojumpin.com classes. before and already often have less Indoor Rock Climbing How Many is Too Much? unstructured play time than previous Also growing in popularity across the country. Whilst clubs and classes are important for Even the NHS recommends it as an activity that generations. Research indicates that children, be careful how many activities you unstructured play with minimal adult

* sign your child up for. Some require significant i B supervision helps children to learn important n o E y a s now j w rly time commitment. For example, joining a sta il Y social skills, use their imagination, concentrate l b y ea un e rs-Yeo a in swimming class can involve two or more til bl ing and be more self-directed. e age a to r 3

11 Fresh Air... IAPS Preparatory Day School for Boys and girls 3-11 If you do opt for indoor class and club The National Trust offers loads of options for your child during winter, try to activities at their sites across the UK get them some regular fresh air at including treasure hunts, nature trails, and weekends when time and weather permit. even horse rides. Consider heading to the countryside or a www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden beach (even at the darkest time of year), The Woodland Trust has great expanses where you can breathe different air and be of woodland which are ripe for families to closer to nature. You don’t have to organise explore and provide a great natural habitat a full itinerary and it doesn’t have to cost for nature walks. Some are very ancient and much either. Simple games like running provide a great historical backdrop of How high can races on a beach or climbing a tree can be legend and myth. exhilarating for children after a week www.woodlandtrust.org.uk your child fly? cooped up at school, and being outside is It’s also worth checking out The Wild Network which aims to get children back in 35 Eton Road Datchet Berkshire SL3 9AX both refreshing and invigorating for 01753 541075 • [email protected] everyone and will improve everyone’s touch with nature. www.etonend.org mood! www.thewildnetwork.com

28 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk Ensuring Your Child is Happy at

Nursery By Kristen Harding

The process of introducing a child to a new caring environment can throw up a number of challenges. However, some can be prevented if your child’s nursery gets to know upfront what both you and your child need and want from the childcare arrangement.

Before a child arrives at a new nursery, nursery eating and introducing new foods gradually. staff should take time to fully understand your Meal times at nursery, as at home, should be child’s home routine. In this way, potential unpressurised and enjoyable. issues can also be nipped in the bud early. Potty Training Settling In This is another key milestone in your child’s This is a key part of the adjustment process. A development and reaching it may throw up change in environment can upset a child and stumbling blocks! Again, it is important to parents are generally stressed and worried remember that each child is different and so when their child is unsettled. For this reason, will begin to learn at a different point and it’s vital that your chosen nursery takes time to progress at a different speed to other children. help your child gently settle in. A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of Communication between your child’s nursery peer pressure between parents or children! and yourself is very important at this stage. You Don’t start potty training as your child is need to develop a trusting relationship with the starting nursery. When you do decide to begin, staff and settle into the new arrangement just ensure it’s not at a time of change or a stressful as much as your child does. In fact, it’s often period at home. Share training methods with parents that have most difficulty leaving a child your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of Childcare & Early Years Recruitment Specialists behind in a new setting! However, approach. For instance, do you want nursery communicating regularly and in as much detail staff to ask your child if he would like to go or as you need with the nursery setting can help do you want them to sit him on the potty at ease your nervousness and worry. In turn, any specific times of day? insecurity your child is feeling will also lessen. Sleep Separation Anxiety It is important that home and nursery work Regardless of the time taken beforehand, together over nap times, as the needs of separation anxiety is a natural and sometimes individual children differ. When a child starts at Nannies, Mothers helps, Housekeepers and Early years staff. unavoidable part of leaving a child at a nursery. a nursery, the nursery should follow the child’s Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Generally, separation anxiety lessens over time home routine before adapting it slowly to suit [email protected] but you can help by ensuring that nursery staff the nursery pattern. It’s then helpful if you try 01628 785222 understand as much as possible about your to prevent your child taking extra naps, as his child’s individual needs, how they behave when routine is likely to be disrupted. If your child www.tigerlilychildcare.co.uk they are sad, anxious or upset and what helps struggles to sleep at the calm them. This will ensure that your child’s nursery, a toy or blanket nursery cares for your child in the very best from home can provide way during this difficult period. comfort and help them Often the anxiety of a child lessens when his drift off. nursery assigns a key worker to him. By Whilst challenges are identifying one particular carer who is going to bound to arise during form a strong bond and connection with your your child’s time at child, he will have the stability of knowing there nursery, most is an individual there that he can rely on. particularly at the Eating beginning, these can Meal times at nursery are important and can generally be dealt with have a real impact on the confidence and as long as there is good comfort of a young child. What your child is communication used to at home may differ greatly from what between you and your occurs in the nursery setting, whether it’s the child’s setting. food eaten or the way in which meals are consumed. Kristen Harding is a When you visit your child’s nursery, try to do childcare expert at so at meal time occasionally. In a good setting, Tinies Childcare UK. For you will see nursery staff leading by example, more information, visit engaging children with different food choices, www.tinies.com helping them to learn about what they are familiesonline.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01628 788058 Families Thames Valley East • 29 She Means Business...

At Families we are really excited that Claire and Zita from Teddies have agreed to have a ‘She Means Business’ interview. We have often taken our own children to Teddies over the last few years and think it’s great that you can now buy their music videos for children to enjoy at home!

1. Who you are and where do you live? We are Claire Ross-Masson and Zita Newcome from Teddies! We both moved to Maidenhead with our young families and it has been a fantastic place to make friends and bring up our children.

2. Tell us a bit about the business? We run live music groups and on-line sessions for pre-school children. Parents, grandparents, child minders and nannies bring their small children to our 40 minute sessions where we We also provide coffee and biscuits before nothing much around at the time. As more and sing our lively, funny, eclectic collection of or after the sessions so that everyone can more families joined us, we realised what a action songs and nursery rhymes. Each group make friends – so there is a real social element hunger there was for people to come out and has a singer and musician to get everyone to what we do. Along the way we have sing together. singing, dancing, playing percussion recorded and sold CDs, DVDs and now This was long before Gareth Malone instruments and having a great time together. monthly online sessions to watch at home. popularised singing on TV and a new wave of We started 25 years ago with a small group In addition to this we have worked in pre- community choirs started springing up of friends. We now have a team of musicians schools, schools, trained librarians and early everywhere as people rediscovered what fun it and singers who help us run live music sessions years providers around the country to was. in Maidenhead, Marlow, Windsor and Twyford encourage them to use more music in their The more we observed what the children every day of the week. We are now very settings. We have also been involved in many responded to and what stimulated them, the excited to be launching online music videos for Surestart projects. better we got. Just as important was keeping it children to enjoy at home. fresh for the grown-ups and interesting. So the We decided from the start that sessions 3. What did you use to do? Did you change hunt was on, to find new tunes and unbury old should be drop in –(no termly booking) to career to do this? ones that had got forgotten over the years to Originally we both trained as artists. We met in make it as flexible and relaxed for parents as make our music making exciting and fun for our twenties and looked after each others possible. everyone. children so that we could carry on painting. We We wanted to create a community singing have managed to continue painting and group in a fun and friendly space, where illustrating for Teddies and other clients . 5. What are your plans for the future? Global domination!! We are going online to people could come and make music with their reach more people, to get them singing with little ones. We change the songs every three to 4. What inspired you to set up the business? their children. We want to share the incredible, four weeks and introduce new stories with our We wanted to create a singing club for our rich heritage of children's songs and nursery colourful visual aids and paintings. own music-crazy toddlers as there was rhymes we have collected and written over the past 25 years with the rest of the world!

6. What would your advice be to other business women? Follow your passion! You never know where it will lead. We've had the most incredible fun and have met so many wonderful people running Teddies and it’s still truly life enhancing! Visit www.teddiesmusicclub.co.uk for details of Teddies’ live music sessions or to buy their new 30 minute music videos packed full of lively, funny action songs and rhymes and a drawing demo that you can download as a colouring picture. Teddies also has a lively facebook page for daily musical tips and fun. Contact them on Facebook or [email protected]

30 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham familiesonline.co.uk ...She Means Business

Local mum Penny McCrabbe talks to Families about shopping done this year in returning to work after having children October! I try not to work at home but Tell us about yourself and your often I find I have to work in the children evenings to ensure when I get to I am Penny. I live with my husband work the next day that I am aware and our three children ages 3, 5 of what has gone on the previous and 7. day . I find this actually makes me Mums Want More Flexible How have you found maternity more relaxed when I get to work as Working Opportunities leave? I feel fully prepared for the day I really enjoyed each of my three According to a survey by ahead. maternity leaves (11 months for the Workingmums.co.uk almost three I also run which helps give me quarters of working mums identify first two and 15 months for the head space. Even if it means flexible work as being crucial to last). They were very different getting up at the crack of dawn in getting more women into senior especially the last one when I had roles. the pouring rain when most people three children under school age. I The survey shows that mums really feel I made the most of the are still in bed I will do it most feel flexible working is vital for time but was ready to go back to days. It is the only time all day I get them to manage work and family work by the end. to myself so is much valued. life and that 60% of those who What tips do you have for work flexibly would like even more Where do you work? How many flexibility. days? had the extra challenge of juggling working mums? So what can individuals do to I am the Clinical Lead for a three children instead of two! I was Ensure you have some flexibility. help persuade their employers to Community Therapy Services team also doing a full time role in three You need to allow time for traffic agree to them working flexibly? in Oxfordshire. My team consists of days as my job share had left. It jams, unwell children, sudden Here are some tips: physiotherapists, occupational was a shock to the system! school closures and other Think through what the job requires and whether the tasks you therapists, nurses, rehab assistants Having said that I enjoyed being unexpected events. Don't create a schedule with absolutely no have to perform can be done at a and admin staff. It is a very back and found I felt much better different location ie from home, or rewarding job. We treat patients mentally. breathing space. You will quickly at times outside of the standard with a wide range of conditions in How do you manage child care? become very stressed and tired. working day. Take account of any their own homes. One of our aims We use a nursery for our youngest Ensure you get fresh air and additional costs or challenges this is to prevent them from being and the older two attend breakfast exercise on the days you are not might involve and discuss them honestly. admitted to hospital. It is a club and after school clubs on two working. You will feel so much Give examples of the ways in better mentally if you do this. demanding role with new of the days I work. On one of my which your work can be challenges every day especially as days I finish early so I can pick Don't feel guilty about enlisting successfully carried out under any the complexity of the cases we see them up at 3.20 and take them extra help. I pay a 15 year old for a new working pattern you are has increased considerably. swimming. few hours a week to help my older proposing, and show that it will not harm the business. Point out any I work three days a week in a job How do you manage to balance two children with reading and share. homework . I find it very hard to business advantages. work and family life? Research some case studies, How was going back to work? I write lists and ensure I am ultra give each child one to one time so ideally in your sector that shows Every time I went back there were organised. I don't leave things until this is really helpful. how the work pattern you are many changes to adjust to at work. the last minute which helps reduce Don't try and take on too much. suggesting can be mutually The third time was the hardest as I stress. I am constantly planning You may have to say no to baking beneficial to you and your had been off for 15 months and I ahead. I had my Christmas cakes for the nursery cake sale or employer. If managers are dubious, to that PTA cheese and wine suggest a trial period. evening. It is a lovely idea to be a Have a compromise solution as mum who can seemingly juggle a back-up. everything but it is not sustainable For more information and flexible and will soon leave you exhausted work opportunities, visit and will not benefit your children. www.workingmums.co.uk

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