IN THIS ISSUE RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work Education part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family Clubs & Classes commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, Parenting Advice recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop New Year, New You an extraordinary lifestyle please call Vicki King What’s On Guide 07501 433 922 THINK BIG Kindergarten, Pre-Prep & Junior School Open Morning, Fri 8th March See our new STEAM HUB under construction. Hear about our new curriculum for the future taught from age 3. • Coding • Design Thinking • Project Management Talbot Heath 3 • Digital Design • Ethics • Material Science Independent School for Girls aged -18

Rothesay Rd | Bournemouth | Tel: 01202 763360 | talbotheath.org | Connect with us @TalbotHeathSch | Day and boarding

Issue 4 January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Views & Welcome Editor’s Welcome News Happy New Year! promote your business - and you’d like to get in front of thousands of local parents in our In this issue, we show you how to beat the next issue - please do get in touch with me. winter blues and get 2019 off to the best Plus, don’t forget to like us on Facebook for start for you and your family. Plus, we’ve got up-to-date information, competitions everything you need to ease yourself back in and more. to the school routine and prepare your kids for exam season, along with great ideas for clubs Best wishes, & classes for all ages. Managing Editor - Keren Moseley [email protected] If you have anything you’d like to share with Editor 07518 514012 our readers – whether news, events or Advertising - Claire Clarricoates [email protected] 07812 218331 Design - Matthew Craig 5 mattcraigdesign.co.uk In This Issue

Next Issue March/April 2019 Easter Holidays & Days Out, 3 News & Views Education, Classes & Clubs, Early Years and much more! 5 How to Beat the January Blues 6 Booking Deadline: 1 February Copy Deadline: 7 February 6 How to Have your Happiest Year Ever Distribution We distribute throughout Dorset including Bournemouth, Blandford Forum, 7 Six Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter 9 Broadstone, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, New Milton, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Verwood, Wareham, 8 The Inside Track on Exam Preparation Wimborne and more.

Find Families Dorset Magazine on 9 Top Tips for De-Stressing 11 @FamiliesDorsetMag @FamDorsetMag Term Time Routines

© Families Dorset Magazine January/February 2019. 10 Early Years News Families Dorset is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, 12 Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. 11 Clubs & Classes for Pre-Schoolers The contents of Families Dorset are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Dorset. Every care is taken in the preparation of this 12 Winter-Proof Clubs & Classes magazine, but Families Dorset, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. 14 What’s On this January & February

DISTRIBUTORS BUSINESS OWNERS! WANTED Looking for some extra income? Have a few hours spare for 1-2 days Would you like to advertise your every 2 months during school hours? Families Dorset Magazine is looking for friendly, business to over 40,000 parents? local distributors to deliver our magazines. If you live locally, are reliable, have a car and would like more money in your pocket, please contact us for more info. BOOK TODAY BRIDPORT / BLANDFORD FORUM / DORCHESTER / WAREHAM / WIMBORNE / SWANAGE Call 07518 514012 or email [email protected] Email [email protected]

2 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk Views & News Healthy Drinks with Kids Meals

The Oral Health Foundation (OHF) is calling for the introduction of healthy drinks as the standard drink option served with children’s meals in restaurants, insisting that it will significantly help to improve oral health. The call follows a pioneering law passed in Photo Credit: Robin by Andy Hay @ rspb-images.com Photo Credit: Family by Eleanor Bentall @ rspb-images.com California, which will see milk (and a non- dairy milk alternative) and still, sparkling or flavoured water being advertised on The Big Garden Birdwatch menus and served as primary drink choices with kids’ meals in restaurants throughout The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place You can request a FREE Big Garden Birdwatch the state. from 26 to 28 January and is the largest pack from the RSPB which includes a bird According to the OHF, around one in four wildlife survey in the world. The information identification chart and advice to help you (24.7%) children age 5 years in the UK collected helps monitor bird species in the attract wildlife to your garden. have tooth decay and new government UK, and is great fun for children. To make it fun, challenge your children to see data shows the number of 5 to 9 year olds To take part, you need to watch the birds in who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride admitted to hospital for tooth decay has your garden or local park for just one hour at to a local park to look for birds, or make a day risen for the second consecutive year. some point over the three days and report your trip out of it and spot birds in a new place. The charity believes rolling out a similar results to the RSPB. More info at www.rspb.org.uk initiative in the UK will help combat the health effects of sugary drinks and protect thousands of children from tooth decay every year. More info at www.dentalhealth.org Kids Debit Card & App Teaches Value of Money & Giving gohenry is a pre-paid debit card and app Children can set savings that allows parents to manage their goals and choose how Reading Support children’s pocket money whilst teaching much pocket money and Volunteers Needed in them good money habits and giving them earned money they save. financial independence. Now gohenry has teamed Local Primary Schools Parents can top up the card with a regular up with the NSPCC to launch a new Can you spare an hour or two a week to allowance or set tasks for their children to Giving function, allowing children to make listen to children read in a local primary complete to earn extra money. a one-off or regular donation to the NSPCC school? Schoolreaders has recently (capped at 20 pence per week). Parents can decide where the card can be used launched into Dorset and is looking for (online, in-store or at cash machines) all within More info visit www.gohenry.co.uk/why-nspcc volunteers to carry out this important role. set spending limits. Reading time for many children at home and at school is often insufficient and one in four children are now leaving primary school unable to read to the required standard, which can have Not So ‘Free Childcare’ or outings are less common, as are charges for lifelong consequences. consumables such as sun tan lotion. No qualifications are necessary, just a good Most parents are paying to access the Almost half of parents said that they had seen command of spoken and written English. government’s 30 hours ‘free’ childcare restrictions placed on when they could use Schoolreaders is flexible and will match scheme, according to research for the the hours or that they had to be taken at times your availability to an appropriate, local Department of Education. specified by the provider. Additionally, the school. Its volunteers find the scheme The research confirms that 56% of parents research found that 39% of providers reported incredibly rewarding, knowing that a few are paying charges for additional items or a reduction in their profit due to the 30 hours hours helping a child learn to read each activities when accessing the 30 hours offer. scheme while 25% of providers said that they week can have such a great impact on The majority of charges are for meals, snacks had moved from either making a profit to their life chances. and other refreshments, while charges for breaking even or even making a loss. Visit www.schoolreaders.org to join or special activities such as music, gym lessons More info at www.pre-school.org.uk/news call 01234 924111 for further information.

familiesonline.co.uk Families Dorset 3 Views & News New Year Offers at Monkey World Monkey World is kicking the New Year off with a special money-saving offer for all local residents to the parks. The renowned ape rescue centre near Wareham is giving residents living in BH, DT and SP postcodes half price entry throughout the whole of January. It’s a great opportunity to see over 250 primates of more than 20 different species, including the world’s largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa. Simply Safewise Celebrates show your proof of postcode (household bill/passport/driving license) on entry, and 20 Years of Saving Lives then enjoy your day at the park! Dorset-based charity, SafeWise, has marked living, mental health, digital well-being, 20 years of delivering essential skills for financial capability and more. life and safety education. Since 1998, SafeWise Chief Executive Rob Hattersley said: SafeWise has welcomed an estimated “We’re looking forward to the next exciting 250,000 children at its learning villages in chapter for SafeWise as we equip visitors Bournemouth and Weymouth. with the skills, knowledge and confidence Safewise has extended its traditional accident to enjoy active, fulfilling and safer lives in prevention remit for children to include wider stronger communities.” Skills for Life programmes, including healthy

Moyles Court School Supports ‘Restart a Heart Day’ Pupils at Moyles Court School near Ringwood have trained in emergency response and CPR, as part of the British Heart Foundation’s national ‘Restart a Heart Day’ initiative. Children from Reception to Year 4 learned the importance of getting help in an emergency. They practised making 999 calls with various emergency scenarios and discovered not just the sorts of questions Get Trained in Mental Health they would be asked, but also what important information they could give to make sure the right help arrived quickly. Iron Mill College is a leading provider of creative and inspiring training, in the field of mental health and wellbeing. Years 5 upwards looked at the importance of emergency help and were shown the steps of CPR and then practised these steps on the Resus Whether you're exploring counselling or psychotherapy for the first time Annie. They were given the opportunity to use a trainer Defibrillator, and or already practice in this field, Iron Mill College has an opportunity for were tasked to check out their local areas to spot the you. The college prides itself on offering high standards of creative and Public access defibrillators. inspiring teaching, delivered in a very special learning environment. You can learn more at the college’s Open Day in Poole on Saturday 6th April. The British Heart Foundation’s target is for For more information, visit www.ironmill.co.uk, call 01202 743804, 5 million people to be trained in CPR by 2020. or email [email protected].

Gold Award for Create at the Cove Family craft activity centre, Create at the Cove, near Durdle Door and Lulworth has capped its first year in business with Dorset Cove, and bright, spacious interiors Tourism’s prestigious Gold Award for Best New provide the perfect setting to inspire your creative Tourist Attraction in Dorset 2018. The unique, all side, whatever your age! Activities include Paint weather, all year-round attraction also received a Your Own Pottery, Sand Art, Make Your Own Bear, Silver Award for Learning Experience of the Year. Model Making and more, with a gift shop, café & baby changing facilities. Open from 10am daily It’s easy to see why Create at the Cove is an except Mondays during winter months. award-winning destination. Its idyllic location

4 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk Parenting

How to... Beat the January Blues Once the excitement of Christmas is over, it can often feel like a real struggle for the whole family to keep things fresh and lively in the new year. However, there still plenty of opportunities for you to do things together as a family, so you’ll soon banish the January blues!

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind…

A Family Read-In of toast, then roll in birdseed to create an instant as a way of allowing everyone to have their say - When it's blowing a gale outside, there's no better feeder that the kids can hang outside. Add a bird you can only talk when holding the stick - so, for way to spend an afternoon than snuggled up book and they can pass a few hours identifying larger families, this could be an ideal way for with a good book. For younger children you can and logging the birds that come to visit. your kids to create something that will ensure they're heard. encourage them to act out the story and show Fun in the Snow off your full range of funny faces and voices. For Look to the Heavens older children, take the opportunity to discuss Of course, snow isn't guaranteed, but if it does what they're reading in some depth - talk about snow you have the ideal excuse to organise On a clear night, there's nothing better than plot and characters and why they enjoy a snowman building contests and a monster wrapping up warm and heading outside to stargaze. particular type of book. Who knows, you snowball fight. Kids of all ages love playing Download an app and see how many constellations may even inspire them to try writing in the snow, but have you ever played you can find and identify. Younger children will their own story! tug of war? Or tried snowball enjoy spotting stars and older ones can test their Grey winter days dodgeball? Once that snowman is astronomical knowledge. Family Bake-Off offer the perfect built, try frisbeeing a hat onto his opportunity to bake head or play a game of pin the nose Have a Tech-Free Day Who doesn't love the Great British up a storm in the Bake Off? Those grey winter days on the snowman using a carrot. And Be brave and ban iPads, smartphones and games kitchen offer the perfect opportunity to bake everyone can join in a simple game consoles for the day. Instead put out a pile of blank up a storm in the kitchen. Let younger of tag, made a little more interesting if paper, pens and craft materials and see what your children indulge in some messy play with you're only allowed to use the footprints children can create. Boredom can be the best their own bowl of cake mix or a piece of pastry of the other players! motivator for creativity. - don't get stressed about the mess but enjoy the Create Rock Pets Revive the Art of Den Building chance to spend some creative time together. For younger children, provide blankets, boxes and For older children, encourage some healthy The best way to blow away the cobwebs is to take furniture indoors while encourage older children competition by going 'full Bake off' and seeing the family for a long winter walk. It's great exercise, to get outdoors and get den building in the garden who can produce the best cookies or cupcakes. but it's even more fun if you make your walk an excuse to collect items for some winter crafting. or the woods. Find out who's the Bear Grylls of Get Creative in the Garden the family and who can create the best Find a Talking Stick Outdoor crafts are a wonderful way to liven up the fantasy castle/spaceship/dragon's garden for pennies, using materials you can find Another interesting find on your walk belly. Den building is for everyone, outdoors or simply lying around the house. It's might be a stick that transforms, with Blow away the so get involved! the help of some beads, feather, paint amazing how ice, berries and watercolours or food cobwebs is to take For more ideas on keeping and markers into a wish stick for colourings can transform tap water into beautiful the family for a long the kids active this winter, younger children or a talking stick for ice baubles to decorate the garden when set in winter walk check out our What’s On guide the older members of your tribe. Talking interesting moulds. Or spread peanut butter all over on Page 14 or visit: sticks have a long history in tribal cultures the outside of an empty toilet roll holder or a piece www.familiesonline.co.uk/activities

familiesonline.co.uk Families Dorset 5

New Year New You

How to... Have Your

Happiest Year Ever By Dr Andy Cope The secret to happiness turns out to be not- Play so-secret. Family. Relationships, love, human As we grow up, we get weighed down with connection - that’s basically it! So here are some responsibilities and life can lose its lustre. Stop quirky and fun tips taken from the science of seeing yourself as a ‘responsible adult’ and start positive psychology that will help your family being an ‘inspirational adult.’ Rewind to when you towards the happiest year yet! were age 6, a time when everything was new and Get Huggy exciting. Start jumping in puddles and playing on Dance Your Days the swings… Your children will love it! Over the festive season, chances are, you will have Away with a diddi been giving and receiving more hugs than usual. Celebrate What Hasn’t Happened So why not continue the hugging habit all year and Have you ever asked yourself, what hasn’t happened dance Franchise use this scientific fact that might just change your that I didn’t want that I haven’t celebrated? life: apparently, the average hug lasts 2.1 seconds. If you’re looking for an award-winning, However, for the love to really transfer a hug has Sadly, unless you’re a black belt happiness ninja family-friendly business opportunity with to last 7 seconds or longer. So a top hugging tip is your children don’t sit in a maths lesson thinking a supportive franchise network then look to treat the ones you love to the full 7 seconds that how lucky they are to have a nice school and a no further! Now is your chance to be in really says “I love you.” Everyone wins. Hugging wonderful teacher. They curse because they have business for yourself, not by yourself! releases oxytocin (a happy chemical) in you and the to remember stuff. And when you’re stuck in traffic Established in 2003 by professional dancer one you’re hugging. you don’t sit there marvelling at the sunglasses Anne-Marie Martin, from day one diddi compartment and cup holders, you mutter and Be a Hygge Spotter dance has been the go-to class for parents swear under your breath at the delay. with active toddlers. diddi dance classes, The Danes have a word – hygee (pronounced ‘hoo- The opposite of savouring good experiences is to parties and early years setting sessions are ga’) – that has no direct translation in English. The notice the many things that could have gone badly, designed to engage and inspire children's closest I can give you is ‘comfort.’ For me hoo-ga is but didn’t. Of course, it’s hard to notice something own creativity by using action songs, sitting by an open fire, drinking hot chocolate, while that didn’t happen. But it’s helpful to sometimes dancing games and props all to our own a storm rages outside. Work out what your hoo-ga switch your thinking to all the bad things that could original, funky music. We are looking for moments are, and then get good at spotting them, have happened, but didn’t. And then celebrating the more great franchisees to help us and join all year round. This is linked with mindfulness and positive result. Share it with your children and get our mission to Get Children Moving! improves your happiness by enabling you to better them to think of examples. The chances are theirs appreciate more wonderful moments. Our franchisees come from different will be much more creative than yours! backgrounds, but inevitably chose A Year of Experiences Dr Andy Cope is a positive psychologist and diddi dance because of what we stand Get everyone in your family to write an early Christmas bestselling author. His latest book Diary of a for and are trying to achieve within the list for December 2019. The exact question is this: Brilliant Kid is available now on Amazon. preschool sector. Our low-cost franchise What 20 things would you would like for Christmas? package of £4,995+VAT can suit anyone For more information, visit That aren’t things. Share the ideas and schedule them who wants to run their own business. www.artofbrilliance.co.uk to actually happen (where you can) in 2019.

Looking for a New Opportunity? Eleven years ago, I was like any new mum – nervous, excited and unsure how I would be able to leave my child to return to work. So, I resigned from my corporate job to consider my next steps. I wanted to earn an income on my own terms and choose when I worked. I found a home-based opportunity that offered the flexibility and income I wanted and I now earn a full-time income around my children, and enjoy benefits to rival any blue-chip company. Moreover, I’ve achieved my success by helping other people (especially mums) to succeed, coaching the simple business model which has earned the company the Investor in People Gold status. For more information, contact Vicki King on 07501 433922 or email [email protected]

6 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk Six Ways to... Eat for Immunity Stay Healthy Eat food that is rich in vitamins Vitamin C, which will also keep and minerals. you healthier. During Winter Foods high in zinc, like lean meats, Soups packed full of vegetables poultry, and baked beans can help or fruit smoothies are an excellent It’s tough getting through a long British winter without succumbing balance your immune response. way to ensure you are all having to illness somewhere along the way. Here are our top tips for making Green leafy vegetables like kale more than your 5 a day. it through to spring the healthy way! By Claire Winter and Brussels sprouts are high in

Wash Your Hands

Emphasise to all your family anti-bacterial soap and wash Get Outdoors members the importance of hands for 45 seconds or longer. washing hands regularly and Make sure you and the family get It’s recommended that you should Teach children to rub the backs of properly. outside. try getting out for at least an hour their palms and hands, including a day, preferably midday when the At least 2 million people in the UK Around 80% of infectious diseases their thumbs! sun is at its strongest. are spread by touch. Use hot water, suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which is caused by lack Using a light box, exercising and of sunlight. talking therapy can also help.

De-Stress

Being stressed can make you Calm (www.calm.com) also Sleep Well more likely to catch a cold or provides mindfulness and sleep Make sure adults in your family are Toddlers should get 11-14 hours illness because it weakens your stories for children, whilst www. getting 8 hours of sleep every night. sleep a day, while pre-schoolers immune system. dreamykid.com has lots of great need 10-13 hours. School age meditations and visualisations just If you are run down through lack Regular exercise helps you de-stress children need 9-11 hours and for children and teens. of sleep, you are more susceptible and get fitter, whilst meditation can teenagers 8-10 hours. to illness. Sleep boosts your also help you unwind. Yoga sessions or a daily walk are immune system, helps you fend off Having a hot bath and reading also great ways to help you all Headspace for kids focuses on any nasty colds and illnesses. It also book is a great way to wind down wind down. calm, kindness and bedtime supports healthy brain function and for a good night’s sleep. (www.headspace.com/kids). maintenance of your physical health.

Supplement

The NHS recommends that all milk is fortified with it. You may also be absorbed without food. It’s also oily fish and eggs. Vitamin C and Zinc children from the age of 6 months be able to get vitamin drops for your a good idea for adults and children also help to ward off colds. It’s been to 5 years are given vitamin baby if you qualify for Healthy Start. over 5 years to supplement with scientifically proven that dosing up supplements with A, C and D in (Check eligibility at Vitamin D to keep our muscles and on Zinc in the first 24 hours of getting them every day. www.healthystart.nhs.uk). bones healthy. As the sun’s UVB a cold can mean a quicker recovery. If radiation is weak during winter, you are not sure whether to give your Please note if your baby/child is If you give your children a chewable we must rely on supplements and child vitamin supplements, always having 500ml of formula or more, do supplement, make sure it is after Vitamin D rich foods such as meat, seek medical advice. not give them vitamin D, as formula they eat as some vitamins cannot

Time For Mum Makes The Family Strong Making time for yourself as ‘Mum’ not only • Get your children to workout with you, be benefits you, but your family too. Being there for active with older ones our families and children is incredibly important • Once babes are asleep spend 10 minutes but you must refill your own cup too. If the meditating and deep breathing to reduce stress Once postnatal, always postnatal! However Captain goes down, the ship goes down with it! old your children, discover more about our • Once a week get your partner to put kiddies to classes at our Christchurch-based Lucina Exercise, meditation and relaxation are all bed so you can get to a class or take your baby Fitness studio at www.lucinafitness.com or great ways to help mums feel a little more like to a daytime fitness class on Facebook. themselves. Mental wellbeing is just as important At Lucina Fitness, babies are always welcome as physical wellbeing and these things can be built because we know how important it is for mum into your day more easily than you might think. to have the opportunity to rehab after birth and • Eat enough protein & wholefoods, drink plenty train in the best way for strengthening core and of water posture. Growing and birthing a baby is a major • Workout when your small one naps, or before life event for our bodies which can continue to they wake in the morning show its effect for many years…

familiesonline.co.uk Families Dorset 7 Education

The Inside Track on Exam Preparation It may seem too early to talk about teaching need to improve.” Another tip is to get your child to Short Sharp Bursts children of primary school age how to prepare set a timer while doing the exam, so they get used Primary school children may find it hard to sustain for exams, but this is a skill they can hone, refine to working under time pressure. You can find out concentration for longer than 30 minutes without and use throughout their entire education (and more at www.lifemoreeextraordinary.com. a break. Don’t schedule too many preparation even in their working lives) and it can definitely Do Your Research sessions in one day – one or two would be the help them feel less overwhelmed. Claire Winter appropriate maximum for this age group on a Selective independent schools set their own 11 gets some advice from tutors on preparing weekend or school holiday day, but less if they are plus exams, so find out from each school what primary school children for exams. also managing homework. Otherwise your child the format will be so you can tailor your child’s will become stressed and it’s much harder for them Make a Plan preparation accordingly. to learn under pressure. Most exams include maths and English and Often tutors local to the school you are applying some contain elements of verbal and non-verbal for or your child’s own current school will have Stay Calm reasoning. Would worksheets from your child’s detailed knowledge about its entrance exam. The Do your best to instil in your child the importance school, online resources or verbal or non-verbal formats tend to change every few years, so parents of staying calm and coping with any obstacles they reasoning practice papers be helpful? with a child who took the 11 plus previously face while sitting their exam. Teach them to leave Create some time for them to may not realise their younger child needs challenging questions and come back to them once prepare and allocate certain to use different materials. they have answered easier ones. Suggest that they times in the week to go over look at the questions before they read a passage or different topics, build their Do your best to instil Know the Syllabus text, so they know what to look for when they are confidence and address any the importance of staying One tip for exam success is knowing reading the text. problem areas they may calm and coping with what is included in the syllabus for have. Balance is important, so Taking exams can be stressful for some children, so obstacles during the particular exam you are studying don’t overdo it and make sure ensure they get enough sleep and eat well. It also their exams for. Once you know the syllabus, you your child continues with their helps if learning can be fun. You can play games, can evaluate your child’s knowledge hobbies and fun time. colour code their work and even produce short and see where the gaps are. videos about topics they find hard to learn. Practice Talk About What You Have Learned It’s vital to praise your child’s effort in preparing Lucy Parsons, author of The Ten Step Guide to For information retention, it’s helpful for your for their exam, regardless of the outcome. Acing Every Exam You Ever Take says, “My top tip child to verbally recap what they have learned. Children need to understand that all you expect for any exam is to do past papers and to get the Paul Anderson from Tutor Doctor says, “Do not is for them to try their hardest and that no one child to mark their work themselves, using the underestimate the value of verbal revision. Just half exam that they take in their life will ever be the mark scheme. This way they understand what the an hour articulating what they know to teachers, key to success, failure or happiness. examiners are really looking for and can start to friends, and family is a fantastic opportunity for spot what's a good answer and where they will children to test themselves.”

Talbot Heath School’s Vision for Success Talbot Heath School for girls aged 3-18 has had performing arts, and has been the UK’s number an amazing year, presenting its educational one school for girls’ tennis for the past three model on the world stage and constructing years. In 2019, it launches its new swimming a fantastic state-of-the-art new facility to academy, overseen by Swim England ‘National support its innovative ‘Think Big’ vision. Coach of the Year’ Barry Alldrick. The school achieved the county’s best A-level For a dynamic and supportive results last year, with 100% achieving their learning environment, that Open Day university place of choice. Talbot Heath also nurtures and inspires, Talbot Heath Fri 8 March achieved national level in sport, music and is the perfect choice. 9am-12pm

8 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk Top Tips for... Spring Open Days Ballard School De-Stressing Friday 8 February & Friday 22 March, 9am–12pm www.ballardschool.co.uk Term Time Bournemouth Collegiate School Prep: Tuesday 26 February, 9.30am–12pm Senior: Friday 15 March, 9.30am–12pm Routines www.bournemouthcollegiateschool.co.uk Clayesmore School Do you ever wish the school routine was a little less demanding, Saturday 2 March, 10.30am–12pm easier to cope with and didn’t involve so many “Don’t forgets…” www.clayesmore.com and “Remember to…”? Here are some tips for making the Durlston Court School all-important stress points of the school week a little easier. Friday 25 January, From 9.15am www.durlstoncourt.co.uk Forres Sandle Manor School Before School Night Before At Weekends Nursery to Year 2: Friday 1 February, 1.30–3pm Whole School: Saturday 2 February & Tip 1: Crucial 10 Minutes Tip 1: Get Homework Done Tip 1: Don’t Over Schedule Saturday 9 March, 10am–12pm www.fsmschool.com Try getting up 10 minutes earlier. This Beware your child’s pleas to do Having too much scheduled activity may give you a chance to grab a cup homework after dinner. They can be at the weekend often means children Hanford School Saturday 9 March of tea or coffee, have a shower and too tired and often end up in bed later don’t get to replenish their energy www.hanfordschool.co.uk get dressed in less of a rush than usual, than is ideal or struggling to switch before Monday. Try to make sure and should give you just enough time off and go to sleep. Try to give your there’s chill time for everyone. Leweston School to gather your thoughts and make sure child 30 minutes to wind down after Thursday 31 January, 10am–12pm you have everything. school, but then it’s homework time! Tip 2: Get the Homework Done Friday 22 March, 2–4pm Part 2 www.leweston.co.uk Tip 2: Have a Checklist Tip 2: Do Preparation with your Don’t let homework hang over the Milton Abbey School Create a written or verbal checklist for Child Before Bed Lower School: Saturday 2 March heads of the family all weekend. Try www.miltonabbey.co.uk your child’s school morning routine. Put dirty items in the laundry and lay dividing the work into two parts and A checklist could include: eating out the remainder for the next day. schedule one just after breakfast on Moyles Court School breakfast, getting dressed, brushing Check all homework and sports kit both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday 2 March, 10am–12.30pm www.moylescourt.co.uk teeth and hair, packing lunch and are bagged up for the next morning. water bottle, putting on shoes and Make showers/baths part of the night Tip 3: Plan the Schedule Port Regis School coat. A plan of their weekly school time routine, rather than obstacles to Take time to chat about the week Saturday 9 February, 9.30–11.30am routine is handy too so that you overcome in the morning. Having a ahead at dinner on Sunday evening. www.portregis.com know when school library books are really good chat with your child before Check emails from the school to Sherborne School due back, which day is swimming or bed will settle them more easily – it see what’s happening in the coming Saturday 9 February & Saturday 23 March games and so on. helps them to offload their minds. week, and take notes of extra sport/ www.sherborne.org music practices, Book Club books, Tip 3: Use Devices Tip 3: Build in Quiet Time Sherborne School for Girls late finishes, early starts etc on your Friday 8 February & Friday 1 March, From 10am Set reminders on your phone for Children normally need at least an calendar. www.sherborne.com special tasks such as remembering hour of unwind time after dinner, St Mary’s School to give your child signed permission if they’re to go to bed and to sleep Friday 15 March, 10.30am–1.30pm slips or leaving early for a school quickly. So, try to set half an hour www.stmarys.eu club. Think about an alarm for (minimum) of quiet activity such as children who struggle to wake up. Set Sunninghill Preparatory School reading or drawing before bedtime. Friday 8 February, 9.30am–12pm a timer for tasks such as 15 minutes www.sunninghillprep.co.uk to eat breakfast or 5 minutes for Tip 4: Do your Prep showering, so that you can keep your Make packed lunches, sort snacks, Talbot Heath School Kindergarden, Pre-Prep and Junior: children on schedule. fill in permission slips, ensure you’ve Friday 8 March, 9am–12pm written in your child’s homework or www.talbotheath.org reading diary, if they have these.

Open Day Sat 2 March 10am-12.30pm See The Amazing Every Day at Moyles Court At Moyles Court (day and boarding from age 3 to every child benefits. We offer individualised learning, 16 years) we believe that being confident, happy a flexible approach to travel and wrap around care – and stimulated leads to a successful academic making us accessible to so many families who want experience. Smaller class sizes, individualised their children to be happy, learning and achieving in learning, great teaching, stimulating curriculum, our glorious New Forest setting.” after school provision, tailored transport and Moyles Court School is holding an Open Morning excellent pastoral care provide your children with on Saturday 2nd March from 10am-12.30pm – the best possible start in life. please do come and find out what amazing work Richard Milner Smith, Headmaster says: “Our core happens here every day. Call 01425 472 856 or values are at the heart of our fabulous school and visit www.moylescourt.co.uk.

familiesonline.co.uk Families Dorset 9 Early Years An Inspector Calls! The Role of an Ofsted Inspector in Assessing a Nursery Setting Whilst there are lots of important considerations when choosing a nursery or pre-school for your child, it’s unlikely you’ll make a final choice without at least a cursory glance at the setting’s Ofsted report. The acronym is one used frequently by parents but how many of us actually know how a nursery or pre-school gets its Ofsted rating? Sangeeta Gardiner has been an Ofsted Inspector for 26 years and has conducted well over 150 inspections of nurseries, pre-schools, and child-minders. One of the key things an Inspector examines is how a setting safeguards the children in its care. Inspectors check to make sure safeguarding policies are implemented, that staff have the relevant legal background checks, and have been properly recruited. “I’ll ask staff members how they got their jobs” reports Sangeeta. “Being a Improving friend of a friend is simply not good enough. I also probe more deeply if I discover staff members have moved around a lot.” Checking safeguarding arrangements also involves monitoring how Number children enter and leave the setting and what provisions there are for visitors. “It’s also important that children are being taught how to keep themselves safe” comments Sangeeta. Changes in the EYFS Foundations (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework place more emphasis on the A leading child psychologist has produced a series of number games importance of a child’s emotional security, so Inspectors also observe for nurseries and parents which are proven to boost the confidence how confident and secure children feel in their environment and in their and ability of pre-school children in maths in just 5 weeks. interactions with others. Dr Jo Van Herwegen created the games based on her research into the Early Year’s Education is all about learning through play but the word Approximate Number System (ANS), a mechanism used by the brain to “teaching” is still used in the EYFS framework. Staff “teach” children differentiate between groups that have more or fewer items in them about their world by asking them open ended questions. Inspectors without counting. The ANS games are based on two foundations - also observe children and then question the Key Person responsible for estimation and matching approximate large amounts. those children about them. “If a child is upset, the Key Person should be able to tell me about the child’s circumstances, for instance, if they are "The activities we've developed are fun. They are based on scientific new to the setting” says Sangeeta. “There should also be information evidence about the cornerstones of mathematical learning and how to about a child’s development, and planning for a child’s next steps.” nurture this in young children. It's all about the child knowing which number is larger and which is smaller, " Dr Van Herwegen explained. You can find Ofsted Reports for settings in your local area at https:// reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ Research showed that playing these specially-designed games for 10 minutes a day for 5 weeks improved young children's number foundations, the essential building blocks needed for mathematics. This improvement was still apparent 6 months later, when the children had started formal education. Wrap-around Child Care at To download the free games, visit www.kingston.ac.uk/research/ research-showcase/research-case-studies St James Cottage Nursery Established for over 40 years, St James Cottage Nursery in Gaunts Common, near Wimborne, provides a safe, secure and home-from- home environment for children aged 2-11. Little Giants Needs Helping Hands Our aim is to encourage children’s development and nurture a love of learning. Our dedicated nursery team follow the Early Years Foundation The Little Giants Preschool in Cerne Abbas is appealing for qualified Stage Curriculum ensuring your child is fully prepared for their nursery staff to join its friendly team and volunteers to sit on its transition into school life. For busy parents, we offer flexible, tailored committee. wrap-around childcare at highly competitive rates with our popular If you’re able to spare some time as a committee member, or if you or out-of-school and holiday clubs. someone you know has a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and may be Visit www.stjamescottage.co.uk today to find out more. interested, please get them to email [email protected]. The preschool is set in a lovely rural position at Cerne Abbas Village Hall, where children can access the natural world, riverside walks and Out-of-School a playground. & Holiday Club NURSERY Open 8am - 6pm It is open Wednesday-Friday, 9-3 during term time. Spaces are Inspirational After available for children aged 2-5 to Nursery Breakfast School Holiday wrap-around term time 2-4 years Club Club start in January for the spring term. care for children aged 2-11 2-9 years Club 3-11 years 3-9 years *Childcare vouchers & funding schemes accepted* www.stjamescottage.co.uk | [email protected] | 01258 840679 | Gaunts Common, Wimborne BH21 4JN

10 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk Classes & Clubs

Pre-School Rules! Clubs & Classes for Pre-Schoolers We take a look at the kinds of activities you can find near you to keep your pre-schooler amused.By Sally J. Hall.

Arts and Crafts Gymnastics Music There are lots of places to drop in to get involved Indoor gym activities are good for rainy days and From nursery rhyme sing-alongs in the local park in crafting with your kids. They can learn skills such help with flexibility and strength. Look for classes or café to learning a simple instrument, teaching as painting, gluing, cutting out and sticking and of suited for very young kids that show them how to a very young child to love music will give them a course the art of adding glitter! Providers like The roll, jump and use gym equipment in a safe and lifelong gift. Creation Station let children get involved in creative controlled environment. As they get older, they play with their parents. can start to take more serious classes and enrol for Swimming certificates like those run by the British Gymnastics Learning to swim is a great and useful life skill and it Dance Association (british-gymnastics.org). seems that the younger you start, the less likely it is Teaching grace, strength and movement; dancing is that your child will be nervous in water. Many local a great form of exercise and can be enjoyed from a Languages leisure centres run mother and baby swim sessions young age. Look for a class that is not too formal at Children from bi-lingual families seem to cope well where you can start to teach your child how to gain first so that the emphasis is on play and enjoyment. with two languages from a very early age. Even if confidence in the water. If your child shows promise, they can go on to take you and your partner both speak English, you may Royal Academy of Dance certificates later on. want your child to learn a second language from an Theatre early age to stand them in good stead for their later It’s never too early to start treading the boards and Football & Rugby education and also if you have family or a holiday there are lots of drama and acting clubs for even Little ones can learn how to kick and control home abroad. Find a small group or one-to-one quite small kids. They teach about self expression the ball, use gross motor skills and understand sessions where your child has fun and plays games working within a group and confidence. teamwork. Mini rugby is always gentle and does in a second language. Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written not involve contact and the skills and size of the major parenting titles as well as The Independent pitches are suited to the kids’ ages. Look for a local and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and club which may allow kids to go into more serious contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow games as they grow. (Dorling Kindersley).

Hartbeeps Award-Winning, More Than Music Magical Musical Adventures at Jo Jingles Hartbeeps delivers a unique blend of original music classes and Jo Jingles provides children with lots of fabulous fun, and whilst we mini productions to babies and children on the South Coast and don’t guarantee an “X Factor” star we do offer a wonderful musical New Forest areas, including Christchurch and New Milton. experience for them to enjoy with their “grown-ups”. Our music classes are specially designed to create innovative, multi- But it’s not just about the music; our classes also encourage group sensory and highly interactive productions by transforming everyday interaction, help speech development, coordination and social environments into colourful, tactile 'wonderlands' of imagination. We skills. We have a different theme every week so the set the scene, tell the story and make magic happen! We offer classes children are always excited to discover what Jo’s for all ages under 5, stay and play sessions plus magical birthday parties new musical adventure is going to be. and baby discos too! Parents tell us it’s their favourite weekly activity, Find your nearest class at as well as their children’s, so why not come along www.hartbeeps.com/south-coast and join in the fun! Find your nearest class today or call 07907 862864 today. at www.jojingles.com/poole

familiesonline.co.uk Families Dorset 11 Classes & Clubs Theatre Machine Makes Dynamic Performing Arts Classes Theatre Machine is BIGLITTLE's brilliant training ground for children looking to build confidence and skills in performing arts, with group classes for children from Reception age up to Year 10. Dynamic and friendly classes are well- suited children who may be taking their first steps into the world of performance, led by experienced staff, all of whom have an extensive background in professional Winter-Proof performing arts. Theatre Machine classes are available in four locations: Boscombe, Ringwood, Bournemouth and from January 2019, in Clubs & Classes Christchurch.

With the nights closing in and the temperature Girl Guides and Scouting All students perform in an annual dropping, the idea of sending your child out on showcase production, and many, Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing an particularly in the early years, have the to the football pitch, tennis court or athletics unprecedented surge in popularity. Why? Because track may not be an appealing one. But active chance to do LAMDA examinations in they offer an antidote to the modern world with speech & drama. after school activities offer children great adventure being at the heart of everything they do. developmental benefits. From as young as 6, children can get involved in Visit www.biglittle.biz/theatremachine So here are our ideas for keeping your restless learning outdoor skills and undertaking leadership or call 01202 434499. youngsters on the go – and the good news is you qualifications, as well as enjoying camps and don’t have to force them (or you!) outside: residential experiences. However, waiting lists can be long so act quickly! Trampoline Clubs and Parks Ice Rinks/Snow Slopes These are popping up all over the country and classes are fun and social. The UK now has over Local snow slopes and ice rinks are great places 190 trampoline parks and most offer kids a safe to get kids active during the winter and offer kids environment to cut loose as well lessons and the opportunity to try tobogganing, skiing or classes for children from as young as toddlers snowboarding, or get a pair of skates on. There are upwards. indoor and outdoor rinks and centres, depending on how you feel about braving the cold or damp Indoor Rock Climbing weather. This activity is also growing in popularity across Indoor Sports the country with a centre likely to be very close to you. Even the NHS recommends it as an activity that You can access indoor classes for most outdoors provides unique physical and mental benefits whilst sports such as football, cricket and tennis at leisure at the same time catering for all ages, fitness levels centres or school recreation halls. Likewise for and abilities. toddlers and pre-schoolers, multi-sport and ball skills classes are often run inside during winter.

Whatever place you’re into

“Learning new tricks.”

Spaces available on

our Swimming Lessons!

ferndown.placesleisu re.org

Terms & Conditions apply. See our website for details. Operated by Places Leisure Ltd on behalf of Dorset County Council.

Ferndown Leisure Centre Cherry Grove, Ferndown Call us on 01202 877468 or scan the code above to get in touch. BH22 9EZ

12 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk Learn to Swim with Puddle Ducks Puddle Ducks swimming lessons are all about fun, confidence, grace and safety in the water. Our unique child-led approach helps children to feel empowered and never forced. Our highly trained and qualified teachers are experts at identifying children’s levels of ability and adapting activities to the individual, nurturing confidence and encouraging natural ability. Classes from birth to 10 years run throughout Dorset & west Hampshire including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Blandford, New Milton and Wimborne.

Free Taster Offer! Puddle Ducks Dorset is offering Families Dorset readers aFREE TASTER session (worth £13). Simply quote ‘FAMILIESDORSET’ when you book! For your nearest classes, prices and times, visit www.puddleducks. com/dorset, call 01202 674676 or email [email protected]

Award-winning Girls Play Less musical classes for Babies and Toddlers Sport than Boys Come & play! Boys spend significantly longer than girls on Designed by experts, sporting activities. fuelled by magic, We also do delivered with love! A report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found parties! that boys spend an average of 40 minutes per day on sports www.hartbeeps.com/south-coast | 07907 862864 | [email protected] activities, compared with 25 minutes a day for girls. But encouragingly, boys and girls who do participate in sport enjoy it equally, according to the study. One way parents can change this is by setting an example. Research shows that by being active themselves, parents, particularly mothers can influence their child’s activity levels. Another way is to make it social. Research by Women in Sport shows that girls are most interested in making friends and having fun when playing sport. Seek out clubs, classes or activities that may have girls of a similar age as your daughter or encourage her to take up new classes with her existing friends. More info: www.womeninsport.org

Make a Splash at Ferndown Leisure Centre! Learning to swim is an essential life skill that allows you to enjoy a range of fun activities in the water. Our lessons are taught by qualified, friendly teachers who focus on the fundamentals of swimming in a positive, encouraging way. Teachers follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework. Free swimming is available for all children on swimming lessons so that they can come swimming with you at other times to develop their confidence. We’ve got plenty of spaces available so if you’re interested call us on 01202 877468 or visit www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk for more information.

familiesonline.co.uk Families Dorset 13 14, 21, 28 Jan, 4, 11, 18, 25 Feb 20 January Buggy Walk The Incredibles 2 The Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport DT6 3NR s On Free guided walks to help parents with While the Parr family has accepted its young children establish a regular exercise collective calling as superheroes, the ' routine. The walk routes are fairly flat, fact remains that their special heroism Your guide to family activities & events this WhatJanuary, February & beyond. . suitable for pushchairs. Get out in the is still illegal. After they are arrested fresh air and meet new friends whilst after unsuccessfully trying to stop the getting to know your local area better. Underminer, their future seems bleak. 10–11am. Meet 15 minutes before start. 3pm. £2.50.

15, 23, 31 Jan, 6, 26 Feb 20 January, 17 February Throughout Jan & Feb 11 January Foody Fun Roller Disco Active Fun at Ferndown Leisure Centre Maths for Parents Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth DT4 8ED Ferndown Leisure Centre, Ferndown Lytchett Matravers Library, Poole BH16 6BN Have fun making and eating some tasty Get your skates on for the Roller Planet BH22 9EZ Do you sometimes wish you could better treats. Design your own breadstick wand roller disco. All ages welcome. 1-3pm & Keep your kids active & healthy, no matter understand your children’s mathematics (15 Jan), make chocolate dipped bananas 4-6pm. £6. their ability! Activities include junior or support them with homework? Maths (23 Jan), do some doughnut decorating (31 Badminton, gymnastics, trampolining, can be accessible and enjoyable for all, so Jan). Or even try making your own cookies 22 January, 5, 19 February dancing, squash & disability cricket as well as come along and learn how to make maths (6 Feb) or yoghurt dippers & fruit kebabs (26 birthday parties & school holiday activities. a part of everyday life, and give your Feb). 10.30–11.15am. £5.20 inc admission. Short Breaks Play Session children a ‘can do’ attitude to numbers. Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4N Pottery, Crafts, Cuddly Toy Making & More 10–11am. Booking essential. Free. Create at the Cove, Wareham BH20 5SG 16, 24, 30 Jan, 5, 12, 27 Feb Disabled children and their siblings can enjoy exclusive soft play sessions from Get creative at this unique all-weather 11–12, 18-19 January Character Visits 6.15 – 8.15pm. Pre-registration required. venue. Choose from a variety of craft kits, Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY £7.50 family. fossil digging, model making, decopatch, Sleeping Beauty Bring your little lemurs along to monkey paint your own pottery, colouring & The Mowlem, Swanage BH19 1DD around with Lola (16, 30 Jan & 12 Feb) & 25 January painting, make your own cuddly toy and Swanage Drama Company brings their Lewey (24 Jan, 5, 27 Feb). Cut, stick and more. There’s something for everyone, annual family pantomime to the Mowlem. colour crafts and masks with the gang Harry Potter Night so give it a try. Open Tues-Sun from Performances at 7.30pm with 2pm before your meet and greet. 10.30am. £5.20. Corfe Mullen Library, Corfe Mullen BH21 3LE 10am–5pm. matinees on Saturdays. Adult £10, child £5. Join us for a magical, spellbinding evening 18 January of fun, games, and all things Hogwarts. The Upside Down House 11, 25 Jan, 8, 22 Feb The Triangle, Bournemouth BH2 5RG Dress up as your favourite character from Bedtime Stories the books or come as you are. 5–6.30pm. This inverted structure is the first of its Blashford Buggy Walk Dorchester Library, Dorchester DT1 1EF Booking essential. For ages 5-12. Free. kind in the UK, providing a zero-gravity Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Children can come along in their pyjamas, illusion experience in a safe and family Ringwood BH24 3PJ bring their favourite bedtime toy and 1 – 28 February friendly environment. Walk on the ceiling, Get outside, get fit and discover the listen to some cosy stories before bed. go downstairs to go up, perfect for quirky wonderful wildlife living on your doorstep Suitable for under 7’s. Children must Snowdrop Season at Kingston Lacy photo opportunities. Open from 12pm with a guided walk around Blashford be accompanied by parent or carer. Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA weekdays & from 10am weekends. From Lakes with your little ones. Meet at the 5–5.30pm. Walk through the gardens at this time of £4. Under 3s go free. Education Centre. 10.30am – 12pm. year and you’ll find carpets of brilliant 19 January white. The snowdrop walk stretches Until 23 February 12 January through the 40-acre garden for 1.5 miles, Pied Piper Cool Coast Ice Rink Feeling Musical? creating a spectacular display that heralds Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport DT6 3NR BIC Purbeck Hall, Bournemouth BH1 2BU Swanage Library, Swanage BH19 2NU spring is on its way. 10am–4pm. When the Pied Piper plays his flute the Embrace that wintry feeling and enjoy Children aged 5-11 are invited to come rats run, the greedy mayor rubs his hands 2 February Bavarian inspired food and drinks in a and try different instruments with Purbeck and the children dance. Norwich Puppet cosy alpine setting. There’s a mini rink for Instrument Loan Scheme. 2–3.30pm. Theatre’s humorous and irresistible Three Sat Under the Banyan Tree those first nerve-racking glides and skate one-person show combines a skilful mix Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG mates for hire for the youngsters. £9.50. Ratatouille Bridport Electric Palace, Bridport DT6 3NY of puppetry, foot-tapping music and Based on The Panchatantra - India’s storytelling. 2pm. £6. Aesop’s Fables – these animal tales are A rat named Remy dreams of becoming 9, 17 January, 28 February brought vibrantly to life with wondrous a great French chef and his passion 19, 23 – 26 January masks, movement and music. 2pm, 7pm. Crafty Fun for cooking soon sets into motion a Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY Suitable age 7-12. Adult £9.85, child £9. hilarious and exciting rat race that turns Robin Hood & Babes in the Wood Bring your little lemurs along for some the culinary world of Paris upside down. The Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE 16 February crafty fun & do some letter decorating (9 Doors 10am. Start 11am. £4.50. Beat the January blues with this fun Jan), create paper plate sharks (17 Jan) family pantomime, brought to you by the I Love Wildlife or fish puppets (28 Feb). 10.30 – 11.15am. 12 Jan, 9, 19, 21 Feb Verwood Pantomime Society. Weekday Chesil Beach Centre, Portland DT4 9X £5.20 inc admission. Kids Clay Time performances at 7.30pm & Saturdays at Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre and 2pm & 6pm. Tickets from £7. make gifts for the animals in your garden 10, 29 January, 7 February Moon Studio Ceramics, Christchurch BH23 7AB to show how much you love wildlife! 19–26 January Crafts start from £1. Children must be Arty Fun A practical, hands on creative class that’s Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY accompanied. 11am–3pm. perfect for families to have quality time & Cinderella Get down to Lemur Landings for some messy fun. There’s plenty to do including The Regent Centre, Christchurch BH23 1AS Wriggle Giggle Pirate Special art filled fun activities including drawing sculpting your clay into a work of art, The ultimate rags-to-riches story is brought Dorchester Library, Dorchester DT1 1EE and balloon models (10 Jan), pasta picture decorating your creations with coloured to you by the award-winning Highcliffe Have a lively time at our Pirate Special! making (29 Jan) and fish potato printing (7 underglazes and more. Suitable age 4+. Charity Players. Prepare for sumptuous Join in with actions, stories and songs. Feb). 10.30–11.15am. £5.20 inc admission. Child £18. sets & costumes, dazzling dance routines, Suitable for under 7’s. 10–10.30am. knockabout humour and popular show songs. Adult £12.50, child £10.50.

DON’T FORGET to check with the venue before setting off just in case anything’s changed since we went to print.And remember to tell them you heard it first in Families Dorset magazine!

14 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk 16 - 17 February 17 February WINNER! BEST NEW TOURIST ATTRACTION IN DORSET 2018 South West Model Show Moana Tank Museum, Bovington BH20 6JG Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport DT6 3NR It’s the biggest model show in the South Moana sails out on a daring mission to West with miniature, remote control save her people and meets the once- and scale models all in attendance. Plus, mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in there’s family activities, free family trails her quest to become a master way-finder. and indoor & outdoor play areas. Together they sail on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters 16 – 17, 20 February and impossible odds. 2pm. £2.50. CREATIVE ACTIVITIES GALORE!! Mary Poppins Returns 18 February Paint your own Pottery, plus lots more... The Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE Fabulous indoor space The mysterious Mary Poppins returns Pop up Pottery: Pinch Pot Animal Coffee Lounge, Car Park to Depression-era London to visit Jane Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood No need to book - no time limits and her brother Michael, now a father of BH24 2DH three, and helps them rediscover the joy Make and decorate your own spring time Tel: 01929 400270 www.createatthecove.com they knew as children. 16-17 Feb 7.30pm, creatures from air dry clay. Bring a small 20 Feb 2pm & 7.30pm. Adult £6, child £5, box/tub to take your masterpiece home family £19.50. in. Suitable age 4+. Booking essential. Spring Ranger Days Once Upon A Princess 2019 11am–12.30pm & 2–3.30pm. £8 per child. Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour BH13 7EE The Regent Centre, Christchurch BH23 1AS 16 – 17, 23 – 24 February 18–22 February Bring your budding young rangers to the ‘Once Upon A Princess’ is the ultimate pop Get Toasty Around The Campfire island to join our team and to discover how Princess party, live on stage. This glittering Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour BH13 7EE Family Feb Fest to conserve nature and to learn some bush production features your favourite fairy Walk to the Outdoor Centre where you Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Exeter craft skills. See how to look after Brownsea's tale Princesses and a soundtrack of top will find tasty treats to be toasted on an EX5 1DR habitats and get stuck in. Suitable age pop hits and movie musical classics. open campfire. What could be better on This half term, Crealy welcomes your 8+. Children must be accompanied. Performances 11am & 2pm. £11. a crisp winters day? 12 - 2pm. Meet at family favourites live on stage every day, 11am–3pm. Adult £7, child £20. 22 February the Outdoor Centre. Free event. Normal including The Sooty Show, Little Chix and Wild Wednesday admission charges apply. Krazy Kev & Dinky Doo. From £10. Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL Caterpillar Kids: Natty Nests & Brilliant Birds 16–23 February Fun Days Free activities and crafts for all the family. Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore 11am–3pm. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Superhero Week BH23 8EE Weymouth DT3 5QH Shire Hall, Dorchester DT1 1UY Get your kids outdoors where they can 20–22 February Who builds the best nest? Join us to discover just how tricky it is to build a Calling all superheroes! Follow the trail experience exciting outdoor challenges Little Women to Shire Hall’s underground secret lair, and environmental discovery. Enjoy a nest with just a beak and feet! Family Shelley Theatre, Bournemouth BH5 1LX where you can design your own superhero combination of activities from archery, fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games. badge! Afterwards, come up to the café pioneering and animal tracks to bushcraft, Big Little Theatre School’s highly talented, Adult free, child £3. Booking required. for some heroic treats. Kids dressed up as shelter building and more. Half day for 5-8 professionally trained musical theatre 10.30am–12.30pm. superheroes get to visit Shire Hall for free* years - £12.50. Full day for 8-12 years - £25. students will guarantee laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit in this delightful Nestbox Building (*Up to two children per full paying adult.) Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood 10am–4pm. 19 February new production based on the classic book. Performances at 7.30pm with 2.30pm BH24 2DH 16–24 February Animalcolm matinee on 21 Feb. Adult £14, child £12. Get hammering and help celebrate Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG National Nestbox Week. Take home your Celebrating Spring at Half-Term A vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny 20, 22 February own bird box and enjoy watching who Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA visits it. 11am–3pm. £8.50 per birdbox. new musical comedy from the award- Multi Activity Day Discover the first signs of spring this winning Story Pocket Theatre. Animalcolm Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education half-term. Explore the gardens and combines physical theatre, puppetry and 23 February Centre, Bournemouth BH6 4EN parkland with a family activity pack and outstanding storytelling to bring David The Chesil Challenge Baddiel’s wonderfully comic story to the A chance to experience a range of exciting spring themed crafty fun. Wrap up warm, Chesil Beach Centre, Portland DT4 9XE put your wellies on and get ready for an stage. 2pm. Adult £15.75, child £12. activities both on land and in the water, adventure. 10am–4pm. including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, Can you complete the Chesil Challenge? A Clay Creatures archery, canoeing, climbing, katakanuing, children's treasure trail in and outside the Half Term at Kingston Maurward Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL raft building and stand up paddle Centre looking for clues to solve puzzles Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Explore Durlston's wildlife and create your boarding. From 8 years. 9am–4pm. £40. about Chesil Beach. 11am–12.30. Suitable Gardens, Dorchester DT2 8PX very own animal to take home. 2–3.30pm. age 5+. Child £2. Come and join us for some family fun, Booking required. £3. 20–23 February 3 March with a range of activities every day with Shrek The Musical special discounts for Dorset residents. 20 February Bournemouth BIC, Bournemouth BH2 5BH Exciting Science Treasure Trail Half Term Phaser Night Based on the Oscar-winning animation Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne BH21 1LT Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood Lemur Landings, Poole BH12 4NY film, Shrek The Musical is the Tony This brand new, exciting and educational BH24 2DH Join the crew for a fantastic evening of Award-winning adventure-filled musical. show will amaze & astound. Featuring Embark on an adventure across the heath phaser tag! Climb aboard our giant space The beloved characters from the film are silly, fun, factual science experiments, and through the woods in search of clues station themed playframe for 6 exciting brought to life in this fabulously fresh it’s the perfect way to engage the mind in order to unravel the wildlife riddles for phaser missions & Digiwall fun! Minimum storybook journey for irreverent family and imagination during the half term your prize at the end. 11am–3pm. £3 per age 6+. 6.30pm. £10. fun. From £16. holiday! A show full of wiz, bang, pop …. trail sheet. and splurt! Suitable age 4+. 1–3 pm. Adult Orienteering for Beginners 21 February from £12.50, child from £10. Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH Caterpillar Kids: Beasts, Bugs & Slugs Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Maps, compasses and co-ordinates - feel Weymouth DT3 5QH lost already? Decipher the language of maps and directions through games and exercises, Explore the woods, uncover minibeasts, then put your new skills to the test. Children then create your own beautiful beetle to To promote your local event must be accompanied. From age 7+. take home. Family fun, wildlife inspired in the next issue please email Booking required. 11am–12.30pm. £4. crafts and games. Adult free, child £3. [email protected] Booking required. 1.30 – 3.30pm.

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