TAKEFREE ME HOME

®

Herts

RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, IN THIS ISSUE sales, marketing, recruitment or self- employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle What’s On please call Diana Page 01235 533362 • 07747 086518 Education Halloween Food!

Issuefamiliesonline.co.uk 88 Sept/Oct 2019 familiesonline.co.uk1 NEW PLACES TO STAY, PLAYPLAY && RELAXRELAX FOR THE LITTLE ONES

Bring your kids along for a fun filled adventure at our new kids free play in the heart of The Marlowes Shopping Centre, Hemel Hempstead. PLUS find out more about our upgraded family facilities & free kids events.

Visit themarlowes.co.uk for more details.

Saturday 28 September 9.30am open morning Independent day and boarding school for girls and boys, aged 3 to 18. +44 (0) 1462 650947 [email protected] stchris.co.uk Where enjoyment creates achievement

2 Families Herts Herts

will give you (and your child) a few from community groups, events Hello! ideas. organisers, small businesses, and established businesses that are Welcome to the September/ I’ve extended the magazine to interested in exploring marketing October edition of Families 24 pages this issue and I hope opportunities with Families Herts. Hertfordshire Magazine. you enjoy reading some of the fab content we have, including a Do get in touch if you’d like to I do hope you had a good summer feature on ADHD, how to choose discuss this further. and spent lots of quality time with the right school for your child, and your loved ones. an interview with a parent blogger I hope you enjoy reading the who became a best-selling author. magazine! Autumn is now upon us and it is the time of year when your child Don’t forget to review the What’s may want to try a diff erent after- On section too, which lists half school activity, or try something -term activities and the best local for the fi rst time. In this issue you’ll Halloween attractions and events. fi nd two really useful guides which Finally, I’m always keen to hear

Tel: 07958284983 In this issue: Email: [email protected] Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk Dale News & Views 4-7 Editor: Dale Harry Education 8-10 Design: 45 Degrees Design & Print Listings editor: Karen Porter /Families_UK Health 11 Cover image: Marks and Spencer /FamiliesUK Clubs and classes 14-16 • We reach over 45,000 engaged • We have a high repeat booking rate, Market your readers each issue so advertising with us works Halloween 18 business with • D istribute from schools, tuition centres, leisure attractions trusted, infl uential, visible What’s On 19-23 Families Herts and more 07958284983

Independent Day School for girls 4 - 16 years Registered charity number 2713710

Day Nursery & Pre-School for girls and boys from 6 months Get hands on in Henry Moore’s landscape... Halloween Half Term Wednesday 30 October to Friday 1 November 11am - 3pm Find out more at henry-moore.org

Abbot’s Hill is a happy and thriving community in which pupils are encouraged to aim high, to grasp opportunities, enjoy learning and to make lasting friendships.

Prep School Working Open Event Friday 20 September, 9.30am See our Day Nursery, Pre-School and Prep School in action. Please contact the Registrar on 01442 839169 or visit our website to book your place. Whole School Open Day Saturday 28 September, 2pm-4pm Last tours begin at 3.30pm. No booking is required.

Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8RP HENRY MOORE E: [email protected] STUDIOS & GARDENS www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk Perry Green, Herts, SG10 6EE

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

Halloween at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

The Henry Moore Studios & Gardens has lined up three special days of family activities this October Half Term. Drop into the art workshop and try out some of Henry Moore’s favourite drawing techniques – including wax resist drawing and brusho ink eff ects – to create Halloween and The Family Learning Festival which runs from 19 October fi rework-themed pictures. Make your own spooky spiders to 3 November is a national celebration to inspire a love of and enter a competition for the scariest Halloween mask. learning in family life. Explore Henry Moore’s studios and acres of sculpture Organisations across the UK, including schools, libraries, gardens where there are over 20 of the artist’s famous museums, children centres and galleries will be staging a bronze sculptures on display. Outside in the Gardens, see range of FREE creative family learning activities. how many apples from the orchard you can catch in apple This year’s Festival theme is ‘Future Families’ and organisers bobbing, and keep your eyes peeled on the I-Spy Moore trail. will be holding activities to encourage families to become The fun and games take place 30 October to earthy explorers, digital discoverers or wellbeing warriors! 1 November (11am – 3pm) and activities are suitable for all Organisers of the festival, the lifelong learning charity, ages. Campaign for Learning, believes learning that takes place in the family and home should be valued as much as learning For full details, admission fees, and a timetable of activities that takes place in school classrooms and formal education. see www.henry-moore.org/whats-on/henry The family is where we learn important life skills and positive moore-studios-and-gardens. The Henry Moore Studios & attitudes to learning, which enable us to become confi dent, Gardens is located in Perry Green, postcode SG10 6EE. motivated lifelong learners. To fi nd a local event, visit www.familylearningfestival.com School children to tackle

If you are pregnant or a parent/carer speeding drivers An initiative in London is getting primary school pupils to of a child under 19 your local family confront speeding motorists, in a bid to enforce the 20mph centre would love to meet you. speed limit near schools. The Junior Roadwatch scheme involves drivers who are caught speeding and pulled over by police offi cers being What happens at a family centre? given the option of receiving a fi xed penalty fi ne and points Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s on their license, attending a speeding awareness course or centres, health visiting and school nursing together to provide being told off by children. a joined up service for children, young people and their families Drivers “deemed suitable” to speak to the pupils following a from pregnancy through to when a child reaches 19, offering a police national computer check will face questions such as, range of activities and services to help them grow and develop. “Are you aware of the consequences of speeding?” and “Why do you think the speed limit is 20mph on this road?”. Why should you register your family? Collisions are a leading cause of serious injury, disability or • By registering with a family centre you and your child/children can death of children in the UK. In 2017, 48 children died in road have fun, meet new people and learn together through activities. collisions in the UK and over 15,700 children were injured. • If you need help and support, the family centre will try and give you Similar schemes are being used elsewhere, including parts what you need. of Hertfordshire. • To give you the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the family centre and help shape the services on offer. For more information and to register visit www.hertsfamilycentres.org

Visit www.tfl .gov.uk for more information.

4 Families Herts News & Views Sing, dance and act with Perform drama school Perform is a unique children’s drama school for 4-12-year- olds with a special emphasis on child development. Most parents Using a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential, the classes are high energy and don’t know captivating. Perform is run in small groups by experienced More than two thirds of parents don’t actor-teachers, and classes focus on developing the know how much exercise their child 4 Cs: confi dence, communication, coordination, and needs to do to stay healthy, new concentration. research has revealed. The curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of NHS guidelines state that children games, catchy songs and funky dances. ages 5 to 18 should do an hour of All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, physical activity every day, but 68% of music downloads and videos for the children to play at UK adults didn’t know this or thought home, keeping the magic of the classes alive. the target was lower. Perform off er no-obligation FREE trial sessions. The survey of 2,000 adults, by YouGov for the Youth Sport Trust (YST), found that only a quarter knew Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today the recommended exercise time for or call 020 7255 9120. Venues in: Bishops Stortford, young people and on average people Broxbourne, Harpenden, Hertford, Hitchin, Potters Bar, thought it was 46 minutes. Radlett, St Albans, and Welwyn Garden City. Meanwhile, fi gures recently released by Sport England show only 17.5% of children are reaching the 60-minute target daily. More info: New Dads suff er www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise mental health problems It is well recognised that new and expectant mothers can experience mental health problems, but little attention has been paid to new to those of their partner. This leads fathers. to reluctance in reaching out or Amidst recent research suggesting seeking advice, further compounding that at least 10% of new fathers suff er any issues and making isolation a from depression, a new study has signifi cant problem. found new fathers can be beset by New fathers also reported a lack of feelings of guilt and failure to live up prior knowledge or awareness of the Low take-up of to societal expectations to be stoic, mental health challenges they could strong and providers of support. face as a result of having a baby. free childcare The researchers found that fathers often interpret their struggles as a For more information on this topic, Government fi gures show that far fewer personal failure as a man and father, visit: www.nct.org.uk/life-parent/ families than expected are using the tax- and refuse to regard their own dads-and-partners free childcare off er. problems as legitimate compared According to fi gures released by HMRC, just 91,000 parents accessed the off er by December 2018, far below the 415,000 the government had budgeted for. This number represents just 5% of the 2 million families the government estimated would be eligible for the scheme when it was fi rst launched. The tax-free childcare scheme is a replacement for the previous childcare voucher system, which closed to new entrants from October 2018. Ongoing technical diffi culties, the complexity of the system and low awareness have been attributed as causes for the poor response by Outstanding, Gentle, Calm, families. Fun, Inspirational, Professional The government has said it is running 07795 510 130 a national communications campaign [email protected] to raise awareness and encourage more www.artisans.uk.com parents to apply. familiesonline.co.uk 5 News & Views

Halloween fun and games at Mead Open Farm Get set for stacks of spooky fun for the whole family at Mead Open Farm’s Freaky FunFest this October! Children can adventure through fi ve incredible Halloween Fang-tastic Halloween fun attractions, all undercover. Help Little Red Riding Hood fi nd her way to Grandma’s house in Scary Tales, meet gruesome ghosts and ghouls in the Haunted Hotel, brave the terrifi c with Lord Vampyre twists and turns of Mr Topper’s Twister and for those seeking If you fancy celebrating Halloween in style this year, why not milder spooks, take a seat on the Tiny Terrors Tractor Ride take the children on a day trip to LEGOLAND Windsor? with lots of little boos for toddlers. This autumn, the spooktacular Brick or Treat season, hosted Plus, for a small extra charge, pick your own perfect by Lord Vampyre (pictured) returns with a Halloween party pumpkin and carve a funny face at the new Pumpkin Patch! like no other. There are new shows to discover too – gasp at Ghost Stories Little ones are invited to get stuck into a host of spooky with Penelope Picklepan and be sure to join in fearsome fun LEGO activities throughout the resort with rides, shows and at the daily Halloween fancy dress competition. attractions to enjoy, and the chance to join Lord Vampyre Mead Open Farm also has plenty more adventure with a and his monster friends at the topsy-turvy new Haunted full timetable of daily activities. House Monster Party ride. The Halloween adventures take place 21 October to On 19-20 and 25-26 October and 1-2 November, the skies 1 November. Mead Open Farm is just south of Leighton will light up with a truly spectacular 3D fi reworks display Buzzard. After the fi rework fun is over, families can ride LEGOLAND’s famous attractions after dusk! For more information, ticket prices, and to plan your day out, visit www.meadopenfarm.co.uk For more information and ticket prices, visit www.legoland.co.uk. Take a step back in time with Heritage Open Days This year Heritage Open Days is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be the biggest and most diverse to date. Running from 13 to 22 September, this annual celebration of England’s history and culture, allows visitors FREE access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Nationwide there will be hundreds of interactive activities for children, including dressing up, crafting, woodland walks and railway rides. With a theme of ‘People Power’, this year’s festival will off er visitors more opportunities than ever to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside. Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, the celebration brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England. COME ALONG AND JOIN US ON THE FARM, WE’RE OPEN UNTIL NOVEMBER 4TH JUST £3.50 PER CHILD £6.00 PER ADULT UNDER 3’S ARE FREE / FREE PARKING

WWW.HATFIELDPARKFARM.CO.UK

For local events visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

6 Families Herts News & Views Calls for compulsory Climate Change education in s chools A petition launched by four Oxford about the climate crisis at school, even school girls calling for lessons though it’s supposed to be part of on Climate Change to be made Geography and Science”. compulsory in schools has gathered According to the petition: “Climate over 75,000 signatures. change is the biggest issue of our time, The students are hoping to make and it must be a part of our education climate change a “core part of the if our generation is to understand compulsory curriculum” to increase the it and help us to combat its eff ects. next generation’s understanding of the That’s why we want climate change global issue. to be made a core part of the national They claim they have “barely learned curriculum.” Picky eaters still Join the magical world grow up healthy of Monkey Music Picky eating in toddlers is a well- documented phase when children classes don’t want to try new foods and/or Over 170 talented Monkey Music Monkey Music has a unique teaching show very strong preferences. teachers share their love of music with curricula, which has been written It can create much worry for parents, more than 20,000 families every week. by professional musicians. It off ers a and has created a whole market Monkey Music, known as the leading progressive four-stage curricula where for advice, guidance and tools to light in pre-school music classes, is an children are grouped according to age. encourage young children to try lots of award-winning group for children aged Catchy songs are mixed with specialist new tastes and textures. 3 months to 4 years, and runs every instruments, magical props, enticing But researchers from the University week in Baldock, Biggleswade, Hitchin, puppets, bubbles and fun engaging of Bristol using data from a study of Knebworth, Letchworth, Stevenage, activities. children between the ages of 7 to Stotfold, and Welwyn. 17 have found that instead of being The classes are not just about music harmed by their diets, children who but support important developmental had been picky eaters at age 3 were language, physical and social skills. growing normally as adolescents with a The classes are designed to prepare healthy height and weight. children for their next musical steps, The researchers claim the study which may include learning an shows that even children who are instrument. Do expect fun and giggles picky as pre-schoolers usually eat well on the way, and the fi rst session is enough over time to ensure they grow FREE! properly. For more information on local For more on this topic go to classes go to https://bit.ly/2KaaXhF www.bristol.ac.uk/news or call 01462 626735.

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familiesonline.co.uk 7 Education

How to choose the right

school for your child By Claire Winter

Choosing schools is one of the most important decisions we make as parents – this article highlights some of the things we should consider

Whether it's for primary or secondary asking your local authority or the school Many independent schools have school, in the next few months the whether children where you live have entrance exams. Similarly, if you live in majority of parents have to make been off ered places in previous years. a grammar school area you need to big decisions about what school Linda says: “When we fi lled in our fi nd out if you are in catchment for the preferences to shortlist for their child. preference list for primary school, we school and when the 11+ examinations But, don’t panic! Families has asked already knew we might not get our fi rst take place. parents across the UK to give their top or second choice because the local tips on how to make the right choices. authority had told us we were on the Visit the school edge of the catchment area. This was What type of school? really helpful because we made sure It is vital that you visit all the schools that we were slap bang in the middle of you are interested in. Independent Do you want to choose a fee-paying or the catchment for our third and fourth school open days are widely publicised state school? Day or boarding? Single- choices.” and it’s worth visiting them at least a sex or co-ed? What sort of school Make sure you research the year before you need to apply in order will suit your child? There are lots of admissions policy for all schools in to come up with an initial shortlist. factors to consider when you start which you are interested, state or You can then visit again closer to the looking at prospective schools. Mandy independent, primary or secondary. time of making your applications. Pay says: “Our son is really sensitive, and Many primary schools have a siblings- attention to the attitude of the school at we felt a busy state school would not fi rst policy whilst schools that are open days. You want the school to be suit his character at all. We were lucky affi liated to a church may have special friendly and welcoming to you at this his grandparents off ered to help with requirements related to your family time. Lisa says: “I attended an open day the school fees, so we chose a local religion. You need to know whether you at the school which was our fi rst choice independent school that didn’t have an fulfi l the entry requirements. for primary because it is an Outstanding entrance exam. He loves it.” Do your research ‘Make sure you research the If you are looking at state schools, fi nd out what catchment area you are in. admissions policy for all schools in Your local LEA website can help with this. If you feel you might be on the which you are interested’ edge of a catchment area, it’s worth

8 Families Herts Education school with a very good reputation. But I found the attitude of the school towards parents really off -putting. ‘Head teachers make a speech at Basically we were told at the open day that they wouldn’t be answering any Open Days and these are well worth questions about the school until we got off ered a place. Needless to say, I listening to’ scratched them off our list!” It’s very helpful to book an appointment to see the school during the working day. This way you get to see how the pupils interact with the teachers and you can see if the school will really suit your child.

What is the Head Teacher like? Most Head Teachers make a speech at their school Open Days and these are well worth listening to. The Head is responsible for the ethos and vision of a school and is also a key decision maker. She or he are also responsible for employing key staff responsible for Will the school suit your child? both teaching and pastoral care and Some children may have special needs Anna Louise wanted a friendly school so his attitude and outlook are likely to or fi nd large, noisy schools scary; some for her daughter. “When it came to trickle down throughout the school and may need to be challenged whilst senior school, we visited the most be very infl uential overall others will do better in a school which academically successful school but Isobel says: “We put a lot of weight is a bit more laid back. Think about found it very corporate. Then we on what the Head Master/Head Mistress what type of environment your child went to a less academically successful was like. They really drive the culture needs to thrive. An academic school or school, but all of us loved its warmth of a school. Next up was the kids. a school that is smaller and friendly? Do and friendly atmosphere, so we Watching them interact with each they need additional support and can chose it. Four years later, we have no other and their teachers. That was a the school provide it? Do they need an regrets because the pastoral care has real eye-opener in some classrooms! organised and more structured day? been superb. My daughter has been We chose our primary school because Or are they more creative and require diagnosed with autism and anxiety, when the Head Master asked a question a school that focuses more on art and and the school has been wonderfully they all put their hands up. He picked creative pursuits? Does your child have supportive.” a girl to answer but got her name any friends going to that school? slightly wrong. She was confi dent to correct him, politely, before answering the question. That stood out for me as both respectful and confi dent – two characteristics I'd want my children to have." Making the Think about logistics decision How far away is the school? If you work, do they have a good breakfast Don’t be swayed by the opinions club and after-school care? Can your of other parents: you know what child get to school by bus or a coach or is best for your child. Choosing a can they walk to school? Will you have school is down to individual choice to drive them? “I wanted my daughter and, once you’ve done the research to go to a school she could walk to,” and homework, remember to listen says Amanda. “She could have travelled to your heart, as well as your head further by bus to a school with better and, of course, prioritise your child’s results, but I loved the small size of our wellbeing fi rst and foremost. closest school and the emphasis they If your child is old enough, make put on play.” sure you include them in the process of choosing a school. Let them look around the schools with you and ask them what they think. Talk with them about the decision-making process and make the decision with them. Then trust that you have all made the right choice and that all will work out for the best.

familiesonline.co.uk 9 Education

What makes St Christopher School stand out from the rest? St Chris is an independent school based enjoyment creates the achievement, in Letchworth Garden City for girls and and the achievement, the enjoyment. boys aged 3-18. Those who would otherwise be good For more than 100 years the school students do even better at St Chris, and has been a pioneering voice in the in more dimensions than they would A thriving and world of education, embracing new ever have expected. ideas based on sound educational If you would like to know more about principles. St Christopher’s approach, and what happy school St Chris has also established your child is capable of when they get Abbot’s Hill is a happy, dynamic and a reputation as ‘not your typical their deepest needs met fi rst, why not thriving school off ering an all-round independent school.’ And there is go along to one of the open days? education for girls aged 4-16 years. a reason for this. At St Chris, pupil The fi rst open day (morning) takes Its Day Nursery and Pre-School caters happiness is achieved when an place on Saturday 28 September, from for girls and boys from 6 months and individual is fulfi lled – day-to-day 9.30am. the historic campus off ers modern facilities in a magnifi cent country For more information visit www.stchris.co.uk or call 01462 650947. setting. Based on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead, Abbot’s Hill has a strong record of academic success. Throughout the school, pupils are Teachers taught in small classes in which excellent teaching and personalised ‘As good as tests’ support ensure that everyone is inspired to exceed their potential. The broad curriculum is enhanced by a wide at predicting range of trips and activities for all ages. Abbot’s Hill prides itself on its pastoral care. In such a nurturing environment, success pupils naturally grow in confi dence, Sats are no better than teachers at assessments raises questions about are happy to embrace new challenges predicting pupil’s GCSE and A-Level the value of the testing culture that and eagerly take on increasing results, a study has found. characterises compulsory education responsibilities. The study, published in the Journal in the UK. ” Pupils leave the school fully of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Co-researcher Dr Margherita equipped to take on the challenges found teacher assessments at age Malanchini, from the IoPPN and the and opportunities life has to off er. The 7, 11 and 14 were just as eff ective as University of Texas at Austin, adds: excellent GCSE results are testament using Sats results to predict pupils’ “While testing can stimulate both to the ethos – that at Abbot’s Hill, your subsequent exam success. pupils and teachers to focus their daughter will achieve her best because Researchers say their fi ndings eff orts, high-stakes exams may shift she is happy. question whether the benefi ts of the educational experience away from standardised exams outweigh the learning towards exam performance. To experience Abbot’s Hill, go along costs. For these reasons, we suggest that to one of the open events. For more A lead researcher Dr Kaili Rimfeld, teacher assessments could be relied information, call 01442 240333 or from the King’s College London, said: on for monitoring progress, instead visit www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk “We have shown for the fi rst time that of exam scores, in particular during teacher assessments predict GCSE earlier school years.” and A-level results just as well as To advertise your earlier exam scores. school, business, charity, “The fact that exam scores For more information on this class or club on these pages, correlate so highly with the teacher subject go to www.kcl.ac.uk/news call 07958284983, and reach over 45,000 readers.

10 Families Herts Health Busting the myths about

ADHD By Tony Buckley October is ADHD awareness month and families takes up the baton to raise understanding about this debilitating condition

When you think of ADHD, what comes to mind? Screaming children. Refusal to do schoolwork. Maybe even violence. But if your child is not displaying these instead of these more well-known order to keep up. Understandably this symptoms, could they still be suff ering symptoms. Symptoms tend to change contributes signifi cantly to their stress from ADHD? with age, and will be diff erent for each levels as they try to deal with all the The answer is “yes”. person. tasks they need to complete. Sensational symptoms like screaming, This is especially true if their Children with ADHD can fi nd it violence and refusal are those that symptoms don’t match those expected hard to cope with this degree of provoke the most sympathy when a and recognised by society. Many stress and pressure and may act this parent discusses their child with other people with ADHD will reach adulthood out in a variety of ways, becoming parents, or the ones that look most without even realising that they have angry, emotional, withdrawn, panicky, interesting and are easiest to identify the condition. Some adults may only argumentative or displaying a range of when portrayed in the media. They fi nd out that their symptoms are ADHD- other stress-induced behaviours. are real symptoms that real children related if their own child is diagnosed Equally though, a child with ADHD with ADHD can (and often do) exhibit. with it, and some symptoms become may simply appear to be trying to But these aren’t the only symptoms less obvious as a child matures and focus very hard on their learning to get someone with ADHD might have – enters adulthood. through the day and keep up with their they’re simply the symptoms that a Many adults have no idea that their classmates. parent or guardian are most likely to diffi culty with social interactions or In neither of the above cases will a notice, as they aff ect people other than executive functions is a result of a child with ADHD necessarily look like a the person with the condition. hidden impairment, but, as parents, child screaming and throwing things as It’s important to understand that if a there are symptoms you can watch portrayed in the media. child is behaving in an unfocused or out for to fi nd out if your child has the hyperactive way consistently then they condition. may have ADHD. But, not all people with ADHD are unruly and unfocused. Simply believing that they are can make How can parents recognise it more diffi cult for those who display symptoms of ADHD in their Where less “textbook” ADHD symptoms to children? get a diagnosis, as well as creating a can damaging stereotype of children with Children with ADHD will be impulsive. the condition. They’ll fi nd it diffi cult to prioritise parents the various tasks and responsibilities that they need to deal with, and you fi nd out So what are the other may notice that their peers are more symptoms of ADHD? organised than they are. If a child has more? ADHD, you may fi nd that they struggle ADHD, or attention defi cit hyperactivity to focus on the task at hand. For more information about ADHD, disorder, is a condition that aff ects Multi-tasking is another thing that check out The Essential Guide to both adults and children. People with children with ADHD tend to struggle ADHD on Need2Know books at this condition will often experience with and this can cause child and http://need2knowbooks.co.uk. symptoms such as impulsiveness, poor parents signifi cant frustration. Children concentration, hyperactivity, poor with ADHD may feel under much It answers essential questions organisational skills and being easily more pressure than other children distracted. But some will experience and feel that they need to be more and guides parents and teachers, other symptoms, either as well as or active and work harder than others in step-by-step, through the actions they need to take to support a child with ADHD.

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familiesonline.co.uk 11 Childcare It’s time for nursery or pre-school All you need to know for this next big step in your child’s learning Many children are left at nursery as babies, around the time Use your settling-in days when separation anxiety kicks in and both parents and children feel bereft. However, a few weeks on, the tears turn to smiles Make sure you negotiate settling-in sessions. You won’t be a and both parties relax into their new routine. high-maintenance parent for requesting as many sessions as But what happens if you have chosen alternative childcare or you need. The setting staff would much rather have a happy stayed at home with your little one? At the age of two or three, child on day one than one who is unsettled and not having fun. depending on your circumstances, your child will be entitled to some free hours of childcare each week. Who wouldn’t want ‘Make sure you negotiate to make use of this? As with babies, starting a new nursery or pre-school can be settling-in sessions’ unsettling for both child and parent, but with good transition plans, you will both adjust more quickly than you expect. The importance of goodbyes Choosing the right environment This is one of our key pieces of advice. It may feel easier to sneak away while your child is distracted but imagine how they By now you will probably have an idea of what kind of child feel when they turn around to show you what they are doing, you have. Are they aged two and already counting to one and you aren’t there. If they haven’t been left before they may hundred or are they happier covering themselves in mud feel abandoned and worry that you aren’t coming back. So, and running amok in the garden? There will be a setting just actively say goodbye. Give cuddles and kisses and let them right for their style of learning through play. Because this is know when you will return. There may still be tears while you what it is… their fi rst offi cial step into education and learning. make your guilt-ridden escape, but when they see you come to Some pre-schools are academic-focussed, and the room collect them, they quickly learn that you always come back. settings will refl ect this, while others will look very much like a playgroup. Visit and choose the one in which you both feel Involve them in the preparation most comfortable. Let them choose new shoes and bag. If they need a uniform, Remember, your child will be restricted to a classroom get them to try it on. This helps them feel excited. Buy a new environment from age 4 to 18, so it is okay to think play rather lunchbox together if they need one. Chat about what you will than lessons! put in it and choose some snacks. Get them a place Play dates In pockets of the UK, supply for funded childcare is outweighed Are there friends who will be going to the same nursery? Invite by demand and waiting lists can be long. Apply and secure them over for a play or meet in the park so your children can your place as soon as you can. get to know each other. How will your child transition? Play dates are also a great time for parents to share worries. You will fi nd you aren’t the only one dreading the fi rst drop off Who knows?! Many of our top tips are the same for a toddler/ morning. Why not arrange a coff ee or chat on that fi rst day? pre-schooler as they are for babies. Live it at home Make sure you talk to your child about their day. Look for positives when there are tears or make them laugh by asking silly questions. Display their artwork so they develop a sense of pride in what they are achieving. Some kids run into nursery without looking back, while other parents feel like a tree trunk with a little person attached. Whichever way it is for you, there is no right or wrong. Every child is a small human reacting to a new environment and experience and we need to respect their feelings. One thing is for sure though, they will defi nitely have a blast!

Parental Choice are childcare experts with a team that can help you fi nd your ideal nursery setting locally to you. For more information, visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk

12 Families Herts “Little Steps, Large Leaps”

• Children’s Food Trust and Soil • Regular Trips and Outings • Platinum Award for First Aid Association approved meals • Extra Curricular programmes Training • Part time and full time sessions such as: • Nappies, Creams and sun available • Cook & Grow, Early Language creams all included • Funded sessions available Programme, Magical Maths, • Strong belief in outdoor • Individual Learning • Lets Get Physical, Stork to learning opportunities Programmes Walk

Hitchin: 01462 450354 Watford: 01923 254637 Berkhamsted: 01442 871777 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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familiesonline.co.uk 13 Clubs & Classes

Trying a new club or class By Claire Winter Whatever the age of your child, trying a new activity or sport encourages them to be more adventurous and learn new skills For parents of under 5s, classes and clubs can enrich a Understand what’s stopping them child’s day, giving them the chance to experience many diff erent environments and activities. Vitally, these activities Many children can be apprehensive about new experiences, also provide social stimulation for parents too. but if your child is consistently shying away from trying Meanwhile, the lives of older children have been new activities, sit down with them and try to fi nd out why. changed by modern technology, and we need to strongly It could be a fear of not making friends, being bullied, low encourage them to be more active and step away from their self-confi dence about their abilities, or being in an unfamiliar smartphone, Xbox, or PlayStation. Thankfully, there are a environment. Once you know the cause of their anxiety, huge range of organised after-school or weekend clubs and you can help address it. classes for children to attend, from pottery painting If your toddler or pre-schooler is reluctant to join in a to coding. class, participate in the activity alongside them. It takes pre- Here are Families’ helpful tips for encouraging your child schoolers time to get used to a new environment. Once to try something new. they get used to the situation they will join in with gusto. Target their interests Tap into the demand factor and A good starting point is to look at your child’s current co-ordinate with others interests. Their school may off er a wide range of classes and Many children simply want to fi t in, so if this is important to clubs from music to sport. Additionally, local sports centres, your child, look for new or popular activities. libraries and art centres are often teeming with opportunities Try talking to other parents and see what activities their to join classes and clubs. So don’t be afraid to look outside children are involved in. You could even co-ordinate for your the school environment for things to do. children to participate in the activity together. Emma, mum For active kids, why not consider something more of an 8 year old says: “It took three years at school together challenging, such as climbing, caving, or martial arts? Those before I discovered that one of my daughter’s friends interested in animals may fi nd opportunities at your local attended a weekly roller-disco at our local sports centre and zoo, petting farm or riding centre. While for the creatively the opportunity to do something with her friend was enough inclined, investigate an art class, reading or book club or a to persuade my daughter to join in.” school newspaper or blog. You could also introduce a reluctant child to an activity While it’s a little more diffi cult to assess the interests their sibling does, or for younger children nervous about of pre-schoolers or toddlers, most enjoy sing and rhyme being alone, you can attend the fi rst session with them. classes or activities that involve physical activity, like pre- For pre-school and toddler classes, co-ordinating with school gymnastics or football. other parents in your network can feel more important than whether you feel your child will particularly enjoy an activity. Structured activities can keep your little one occupied for a while and give you a welcome chance to make friends with other parents who have children at the same age and stage.

Highlight the benefi ts Focus on the positive things your child will gain by taking part in a particular sport or activity. These could be a new social circle, certifi cates, medals or stickers, job or education opportunities in the future, greater confi dence, getting fi tter, or simply being with friends. After-school and weekend clubs and classes are a great way for your child to stay active and learn new things. Remember, it doesn’t matter what activity your child pursues, as long as they enjoy it.

14 Families Herts Clubs & Classes The benefi ts of swimming with Everyone Active Learning to swim is a vital life skill child classes starting at 4 months, which every child should experience. right through to adult classes and are Swimming lessons teach children available at over 120 sites. independence and give a sense All swimming teachers are Swim of accomplishment as they feel England level 2 (or equivalent) themselves improving. qualifi ed. All stages are progressive Swimming off ers a whole-body and continually assessed, initially workout like no other, helping children developing water confi dence and to keep active whilst having fun. then teaching children to swim. Notably, learning to swim also gives As they improve, this distance children the ability to get themselves is increased and all strokes are out of potentially dangerous situations, introduced. Children also have the enabling them to fully enjoy trips to opportunity to develop water safety the seaside and beach holidays. skills and other aquatic disciplines Everyone Active’s award-winning such as Rookie Lifeguard, learn to swim programme off ers synchronised swimming, diving lessons for all ages of swimmers, from and water polo. A confi dent start with Jigsaw Performing Arts A new school year is upon us – time to try something for the weekend? Jigsaw’s dance, singing and drama weekend classes for 3-18-year-olds are designed to develop children’s confi dence, self-expression, focus and social skills, while having fun and making lots of new friends. Parents share in the excitement of their children’s progress with regular presentations, shows and reports from a team of highly experienced teachers. Improving your child’s For more information or to book a two-week trial, search for the nearest school on www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call concentration 020 8447 4530. Concentration is a vital life skill which develops from birth. Linked closely to brain development, it improves alongside a child’s memory and ability to organise their thoughts. Perform parenting expert and child psychologist, Dr Claire Halsey, off ers her tips.

Set up for success: Reduce big distractions: television, music and screen time make it diffi cult to listen and concentrate, so limit these to set times. Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools Make it fun: Make activities fun as your child is more likely to pay attention. drama Keep practising: Games and activities can build concentration. Choose turn-taking games like Snap or singing Picture Dominoes or those with simple instructions. dance Praise the good stuff : Praise your child when they focus rather than highlighting when they don’t, e.g “Well done for Schools in: sticking with that puzzle.” Broxbourne Potters Bar Seek advice: A small number of children have diffi culty St Albans paying attention no matter how hard they try. Ask your child’s Stevenage teacher for suggestions. If you’re still concerned, see your GP. Ware Harlow

AND MORE! More from Dr Claire Halsey at www.clairehalsey.com. Perform off ers concentration-boosting drama classes in 3–18 years Bishops Stortford, Broxbourne, Harpenden, Hertford, Hitchin, Potters Bar, Radlett, St Albans and Welwyn Garden City. TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE. BOOK NOW! Try a FREE no-obligation class at www.perform.org.uk/try T: 020 8447 4530 W: Jigsaw-arts.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk 15 Clubs & Classes Winter clubs and classes for your kids Don’t let the winter months stop you from being active

With the nights soon to close in and Indoor sports temperatures drop, the idea of sending You can access indoor classes for most your child out on to the football pitch, outdoors sports such as football, cricket tennis court or athletics track is not and tennis at leisure centres or school an attractive one. But active after- recreation halls. Likewise for toddlers school activities off er children great and pre-schoolers, multi-sport and ball developmental benefi ts including: skills classes are often run inside during winter. Improved academic performance How many is too much? Research has found that children from disadvantaged background who Whilst clubs and classes are important participate in after-school clubs get Indoor rock climbing for children, be careful how many better results at age 11 than their peers. activities you sign your child up Enhanced socialisation skills. This activity is also growing in popularity for. Some require signifi cant time across the country with a centre likely commitment. For example, joining a Better health and fi tness to be very close to you. Even the NHS swimming class can involve two or recommends it as an activity that more weekly training sessions, as well According to the National Association provides unique physical and mental as competitions. Are you and your child of Sport and Physical Education, kids benefi ts whilst at the same time up for that? What else will suff er or be aged 5-12 should exercise for at least catering for all ages, fi tness levels and sacrifi ced? If your child’s opportunity to 60 minutes of each day, and this fi gure abilities. have unstructured time for play will go shouldn’t be ignored just because it’s by the wayside, then this is probably not cold outside. Girl Guides and Scouting a good thing. Stress relief Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing an unprecedented surge Fresh air Exercise helps to relieve stress in popularity. Why? Because they If you do opt for indoor class and built up by homework, exams and off er an antidote to the modern world club options for your child during peer pressures. As parents, we are with adventure being at the heart of winter, try to get them some regular responsible for setting up opportunities everything they do. Children can get fresh air at weekends when time and for our children to keep active during involved in learning outdoor skills and weather permit. winter months. undertaking leadership qualifi cations, as Consider heading to the countryside So here are our ideas for keeping your well as enjoying camps and residential or a beach (even at the darkest time restless young-one on the go – and the experiences. of year), where you can breathe good news is you don’t have to force diff erent air and be closer to nature. them (or you!) outside: Ice rinks/snow slopes You don’t have to organise a full Local snow slopes and ice rinks are itinerary and it doesn’t have to Trampoline clubs and parks great places to get kids active during cost much either. Simple games These are popping up all over the the winter and off er tobogganing, skiing like running races on a beach or country and classes are fun and social. or snowboarding, as well as general climbing a tree can be exhilarating The UK now has over 190 trampoline skating. There are indoor and outdoor for children after a week cooped parks and most off er kids a safe rinks and centres. up at school, and being outside is environment to cut loose as well as both refreshing and invigorating for lessons and classes. everyone.

 
 
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16 Families Herts Parenting

How a parenting blogger became a best-selling author Claire Winter talks to Gill Sims about her journey from blogger to best-selling author

Gill Sims started her blog as a joke seem to have the memo on how to of sugar all over the kitchen fl oor and with a friend in 2016. Her posts on her be the best children they possibly can. the dog eats it all and is horribly sick. Peter and Jane Facebook page soon They are just children – they cause Meanwhile, everyone else seems to be went viral as she and, most importantly, chaos and ruin her life one way or nailing it and doing better than you. It “judgy” dog chronicled the funny and another. They are also now older, so can be quite depressing; lots of people chaotic realities of parenting. She is she is dealing with their teenage trials like to see that someone else is also now a bestselling author who has and tribulations. having a rubbish day, so they know they written three books and Peter and are not the only one. Jane has over 400k followers. Her fi rst What would you say the biggest book Why Mummy Drinks was a top ten Sunday bestseller for 31 weeks. Her issue in dealing with a Your books and posts are fi ctional latest book Why Mummy doesn’t give a tweenager is? but how does your family feel ***k is out now. Dealing with the disdainful looks about them? and the eye rolling and “oh mother” They don’t mind, as they know my How did it all start? comments and dealing with the anecdotes and books are fi ction. My I partly started the blog because I was technology they have and not really daughter says Facebook is for old fed up with the one-sided view many understanding how it all works. people and it’s the mum corner of the social media posts and blogs were Someone asked me on the radio this Internet. There’s nothing like children or giving about parenting. Social media morning if I could explain Snapchat for pets to put you in your place! often shows a very curated portrayal of the listeners who didn’t know what it family life where nothing goes wrong was. I said, “I have no idea, you’ll need and everyone looks perfect. I wanted to fi nd a young person to explain what to write a humorous blog to show the it is!” Gill Sims is the author of the “not so perfect” side of parenting where successful parenting blog and mums swear and not every day goes Why do you think your social Facebook site Peter and Jane, to plan! I shared my posts with friends media posts resonate with parents which has 400+k followers. You and they started going viral in July. By canca get her September 2016, Harper Collins had so much? latestlat book off ered me a book deal. I guess because it is the other side of MummyM doesn’t parenting. Social media has made it givegi a ***k fromfr all good What is the latest book about? easier for people to show just the good bits. It is very easy to make it look like bookstores.b She My latest book continues the story of life is all pastel covered cupcakes and is also touring Ellen and her precious moppets, Peter ‘making memories.’ Everybody has thet UK. To fi nd and Jane and her on-going attempts to lovely days but they also have those outo more go to be the best mother she can. But she is not- so-lovely days. You may decide https://gillsims.h thwarted at every turn. No matter how to do some baking and then your com/tour/ hard she tries. Peter and Jane don’t children smash six eggs and spill a kilo

familiesonline.co.uk 17 HalloweenH Things that go YUM in the night! CConjure up some ghoulish AND tasty Boo-meringue Pops this Halloween!

BOO-meringue Pops are tiny spectres that sit quietly in their cups until an Follow the unsuspecting little someone gets within snacking distance. simple steps Our friends at Wonderbly have come up with this fantastic spook-tastic recipe. below to make your own... Ingredients: Let’s make BOO-meringue Pops:

For the meringues 1. Keeping little fi ngers safe, cut the 3. Put your freezer bag into a glass and bottom out of your paper cups with fold the edges over the sides. Spoon 115G Caster Sugar the utility knife. Preheat the oven to in your meringue. Take the bag out, 115G Icing Sugar 100°C or gas mark ¼. twist the top shut and snip off the A Pinch Of Salt Put the caster sugar into one bowl bottom corner. Make sure you hold 4 Large Egg Whites, At Room and sift the icing sugar into another the bag gently so the ghosts don’t Temperature (and be careful not to sneeze!) escape! Large Freezer Bags Put a sheet of greaseproof paper on Greaseproof Paper 2. Put the egg whites into a large bowl a baking tray and place the cardboard Tiny Chocolate Drops with a pinch of salt and use the circles (aka the cut-out cup bottoms) A Bar of Milk or Dark Chocolate electric whisk on medium power on the tray. until the mixture forms soft peaks. Pipe a ghost onto each, add choc- For the cups Whisk on high power, adding 1 tbsp drop eyes and pop in the oven for 1 Paper Cups of caster sugar at a time until you’ve ½ to 1 ¾ hours. FIG 2 Utility Knife used it all. Paint Fold in the icing sugar. 4. When your ghosts are cooked and Brush By now the mixture should be glossy cooled, melt the chocolate (in a Posca Pen with scared-stiff peaks. (If you want bowl) over a saucepan of boiling Lollipop Sticks to keep the meringue really white, water. Masking Tape you can add ½ tsp lemon juice and Using a toothpick or similar, give your A Sheet Of Tissue/Crepe Paper bake on a lower temperature for ghouls some mouths, eyebrows, Scissors longer.) FIG 1 whatever you fancy! FIG 3

FIG 1 FIG 2 FIG 3 FIG 4 FIG 5 FIG 6

Wonderbly create meaningful, magical personalized stories, Now for the cups… which let children imagine themselves doing extraordinary things. 1. Place your cup upside down on the crepe/tissue paper and draw a circle Find out more at www.wonderbly.com about 1cm wider than the rim. Cut out the circle and make small criss-cross slits in the centre of the crepe paper. SAV E Paint your cups a deep dark colour. when you When they’re dry, draw on some book Freaky FunFest online! cobwebs or other creepy patterns. FIG 4 21 Oct – 1 Nov HalloweenHlH ll f familyil f funi including…ldl di • NEW Pumpkin Patch* 4. Take your ghosts on their cardboard • NEW Spooky Shows circles and tape the lollipop sticks 5 Spooky Halloween Attractionss to the cardboard. Pop your ghosts- • on-sticks into their cups from above. Tiny Terrors Tractor Ride • (Tell them to prepare their scary • Plus lots more … face…) Glue the edges of your tissue circles to the inside rim of the cups. FIG 5

5. And voilarghh! You have a shroud Nr Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9J H meadopenfarm.co.uk of supernaturally cute treats ready to

* Small extra charge to choose and carve your own pumpkin surprise lots of little monsters! FIG 6

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

SHOWS THE ALBAN ARENA Tabby McTat a pickle! If she doesn’t turn a Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 27 Sep – 1.30pm (School roomful of straw into gold by 96 SHENLEY ROAD 3LD show, may become available morning, the greedy King will to the public) turn a bit nasty. But should Borehamwood, WD6 1EB 01727 844488 28 & 29 Sep – 11am & 2pm she accept the kind help of 01442 454000 www.alban-arena.co.uk From the book by Julia an eccentric dwarf? www.96shenleyroad.co.uk Tabby McTat 19 Oct – 1.30 & 4pm Donaldson and Axel Cost: £9 The Captain Calamity: Scheffl er. Adventures on Dragon Island 20 Oct – 11am & 2pm Horrible Histories: Terrible From the book by Julia Cost: £14 Tudors 29 Oct – 11am & 2pm Glastonbabies: Ibizababies Meet the inhabitants of Donaldson and Axel 17 Oct – 7pm Scheffl er. Heartwarming tale 2019 18 Oct – 10.30am (school Dragon Island - including 28 & 29 Sep – 10.30am & geckos, giant snails, fruit of friendship and loyalty. show, any available seats will Cost: £13 12.30pm be released to the public 1 bats and tarantulas. But why Interactive show for under 6s Milkshake Live! - Milkshake month before) is the Island on the brink of and their families. Children Monkey’s Musical 19 Oct – 7pm extinction? This show aims will be up dancing and taking 24 Oct – 12 & 3.30pm 20 Oct – 11am to educate children on how part. Adults encouraged to Learn songs and dances Horrible Histories: Awful we can preserve our planet join in too! with your favourite Milkshake Egyptians and its creatures. Cost: £7. Babes in Arms Cost: £8 friends, and watch as the 17 Oct – 1.30pm (school music, lights, costumes and under 18 mths free show, any available seats will stage come together. 3 Little Pig Tails THE OLD TOWN HALL be released to the public 1 Cost: £16. Under 16s £14.50 28 Sep – 11am & 1pm High Street, Hemel Ages 3-7. Funny and month before) Hempstead, HP1 3AE GORDON CRAIG THEATRE interactive version of the 18 Oct – 7pm 01442 228090 19 Oct – 2.30pm Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 classic three little pigs story, www.oldtownhall.co.uk 20 Oct – 3pm 1LZ set in Paris. Ask questions Christopher’s Caterpillars Using actors and ground- 01438 363200 and look at the puppets after 21 Sep – 2.30pm breaking 3D special eff ects, www.gordon-craig.co.uk the show. Bright and beautiful tale of historical fi gures and events Robots Live Cost: £9 minibeasts and mystery! Rumpelstiltskin & The Snail come alive on stage and Ages 2-7. 28 Sep – 3 & 6pm 29 Sep – 12 & 3.30pm of Destiny hover at your fi ngertips! Ages Cost: £7.50 29 Sep – 11am & 1pm 5+. Once Upon A Time Machines from TV’s Robot Wars fi ght it out live! Theatre of Widdershins Cost: £17.50. Under 14s 1 Oct – 8pm production for ages 4-11. £13.50. Family £58. Book Comedy fairy tale adventure Cost: £17.50. Under 16s £16.50. Family £55 Poor Polly Buckwheat, the Awful Egyptians and Terrible bursting with physical Miller’s daughter, is in a bit of Tudors together for 10% off comedy, absurd jokes and The Nutcracker magical illusion. Ages 7+. 18 Oct – 2.30 & 7.30pm Cost: £14.50. Concs £12.50 Russian State Ballet. With live Hansel and Gretel orchestra. 19 Oct – 2.30pm Cost: Matinee £31. Eve £38. Colourful retelling of the Concs £2 off . Under 16s £24 classic fairy tale with knock- Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever your-socks-off puppetry. 26 & 27 Oct – 10am, 1 & Ages 3+. 4pm Cost: £7.50 New live show full of songs, games and laughter. BROADWAY THEATRE Cost: £17/£19. Under 16s Eastcheap, Letchworth £15/£17. Family £62 Garden City, SG6 3DD HERTFORD THEATRE 01462 681088 www.broadway-letchworth. The Wash, Hertford, SG14 com 1PS The Very Hungry Caterpillar 01992 531500 Show www.hertfordtheatre.com 13 Oct – 1 & 3.30pm Close Up Magic The timeless classic has 21 Sep & 19 Oct – 8pm made its way off the page Intimate evening of magic, and onto the stage. trickery and sleight of hand Cost: £14. Concs £12. Family with 3 diff erent magicians £48 each show. Ages 10+. Monstersaurus Cost: £17.50 29 Oct – 3pm How Does This Politics Thing 30 Oct – 11am & 2pm Work Then? Energetic show full of thrills, 28 & 29 Sep – 4pm spills, magic and mayhem. Politics is boring. Politics is With original music and complicated. Politics is for audience participation! Ages adults. Rubbish! Politics is 3+. actually super important and Cost: £15. Concs £13. Family can be made really fun, if £52 you know how. Ages 6+. Cost: £9

familiesonline.co.uk 19 What’s On

Oi Frog & Friends! Big Fish, Little Fish Family Ages 2+. monkeymusic.co.uk 26 Oct – 11am & 3pm Rave Cost: £14. Family £51 www.monkeymusic.co.uk 27 Oct – 11am, 1pm & 3pm 12 Oct Peace At Last Age specifi c classes for Adapted from the bestselling Theme: Mythical Beasts. 28 Oct – 2pm babies of 3 months to rising books. Ages 3-6. Dragons, unicorns and Based on Jill Murphy’s 4 years. Cost: £13. Babes in Arms phoenixes assemble! Re- much-loved picture book. Baldock Community Centre: tickets (under 18 mths) free live your clubbing glory Performed in a new Fri years. Kids can make composition for 3 singers, Biggleswade, St Andrew’s THE RADLETT CENTRE myth-themed accessories with harp and woodwind. Church Hall: Mon then dance under glitter Ages 3-5. 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, Knebworth, The Parish cannons, bubbles and a giant Cost: £10. Child £9.50. WD7 8HL Centre: Mon parachute. Family £32 01923 859291 Letchworth, The Mrs Howard Cost: £10. Child £7 Michael Morpurgo’s - I www.radlettcentre.co.uk Memorial Hall: Weds Mark Thompson’s We Love Little Mix - Believe in Unicorns Stevenage, 360 Play (Free Spectacular Science Show The Ultimate Little Mix 29 Oct – 2pm play too!): Tues 21 Sep – 11am & 2pm Experience Intimate show set in a library Stotfold/Hitchin, Fairfi eld Explore the strange and 28 Oct – 6pm full of books that hold more magical properties of matter! Tribute act. than stories within their Park Community Centre: Cost: £12. Under 16s £10 Cost: £16 pages. Performance includes Thurs The Very Hungry Caterpillar a book swap - bring along Welwyn, First Scout Hut: Show RHODES BISHOPS a children’s book to swap Tues 4 Oct – 1.30 & 4pm STORTFORD (ages 6+). 5 Oct – 10.30am & 1.30pm 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Cost: £14. Family £52 GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Features a menagerie of 75 Stortford, CM23 3JG DRAMA CAMP lovable puppets, faithfully 01279 710200 THE SANDPIT THEATRE Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 adapting 4 of Eric Carle’s www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 1LZ stories. Ages 2+. The Tempest 9NX 01438 363200 Cost: £14. Under 16s £13. 10 Sep – 7pm 01727 799565 www.gordon-craig.co.uk Family £52 Join this all-female troupe www.sandpittheatre.co.uk 28 Oct-1 Nov – 10am- for a bicycle-powered The Nutcracker Goldilocks and the Three 4pm (Fri 9am-12noon, production of Shakespeare’s 26 Oct – 2 & 5pm Bears Plus performance 11am) The Tempest. Expect riotous Vienna Festival Ballet. 29 Oct – 11.30am Wicked themed. Ages 6-12. amounts of energy, chaos Cost: £22. Concs £20 Comical story retold through Drama, music, singing, and laughter! a 6ft tall book complete with Emily Rising dance and visual art activities. Cost: £17.50. Concs £11.50 pop ups and props coming 30 Oct – 11am & 2pm Devise and write a script. Ages 7+. Emily wakes up Sid’s Time to Play out of the book! Perform for family & friends to fi nd that her feet can’t 21 Sep – 1.30pm Cost: £6. Concs £4 Live games show featuring at the end of the week. touch the ground. No one A Dragon’s Tale Sid from CBeebies Let’s Play. Cost: £120 per week. Siblings can understand why and her 31 Oct – 11am & 2pm 45 mins plus meet and greet. & Drama Academy students adventure is just beginning. Magical storytelling show Cost: £12 Cost: £14.50. Concs £12.50. £105 Family £50 based on the legend of the Lambton Worm. Exciting mix Dear Zoo KOOL KIDZ CAMPS THE SPOTLIGHT of puppets and music for ages 19 Oct – 1.30 & 3.30pm Sandridge Primary School, High Street, Hoddesdon, 4+. Create a dragon puppet EN11 8BE 20 Oct – 11am & 2pm Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St The timeless children’s after the show (extra £1). 01992 441946 Cost: £6. Concs £4 Albans, AL4 9EB www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ book on stage, with child- 0845 603 2858 engaging puppets, music thespotlight CAMPS, CLASSES & COURSES www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk and audience interaction. 28 Oct-1 Nov Multi activity camp for ages PERFORM 4-12. Art, sport and fun. Venues across Herts Extended days available. (including Bishops Halloween party on Weds. Stortford, Broxbourne, Cost: From £17 for half day Harpenden Hertford, Hitchin, Potters HORIZON SPORTS Bar, Radlett, St Albans, Harwood Hill School, Welwyn Garden City) Harwood Close, Welwyn 020 7255 9120 enquiries@ Garden City, AL8 7AG perform.org.uk www.horizonsportsltd.co.uk www.perform.org.uk 28-31 Oct Weekly drama, dance Half term camp for ages and singing classes. 5-12. Confi dence-building fun for ages 4-12. . Cost (early bird prices): Half No obligation FREE trial day £9. Full day: £15.50. sessions. Extended day £20.50 COOKERYEATERY MONKEY MUSIC www.cookeryeatery.co.uk Baldock, Hitchin & Welwyn Holiday cookery camps 01462 626735 featuring unique food Baldock.hitchin@

20 Families Herts We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. What’s On adventures every day! 12 Sep www.redbournclassics.co.uk Hitchin Priory Gardens, Royston Redbourn Classics Motor Show & 28, 29 & 30 Oct 28 Sep Village Fete Ages 4-11. 1hr slots 9am-3.30pm 7 Sept – 12-5pm Cost: £40 per day Cost: £15 Classic vehicles. Live music and family The Vege Centre, St. Cycle Confi dence Course entertainment. Go karts and children’s Christopher School, Letchworth, SG6 3JZ King George V Playing Fields, Hitchin rides. BBQ and bar. 31 Oct & 1 Nov 28 Oct-1 Nov – 10am-12pm Suggested donation: Adult £2. Family Ages 8-16. Cost: £35 £5. Proceeds to local charities Cost: £50 per day DAISY BAKE HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLS AFTERSKOOLERZ HOLIDAY CLUB Station Approach, Knebworth, SG3 6AT Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PD Homerswood Primary School, Kirklands, www.daisybake.co.uk 01582 767525 Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7RF www.harpendenpublichallsco.uk 07794 726687 Raver Tots www.afterskoolerz.co.uk 8 Sep – 3-5pm 28 Oct-1 Nov Family rave where kids and grownups Ages 4-11. Halloween arts & crafts; hit the dance fl oor together! pumpkin hunt; Mummy race; fancy Cost (early bird): Adult (12+) £15. Child dress party; monster cooking and £10. Plus booking fee more! Cost: 8am-6.15pm £24. Half day (am or PANSHANGER PARK pm) £12. 8.45am-3.15pm £16 Thieves Lane, Hertford, SG14 2WN www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk KIDZ KLUB HOLIDAY CLUB Going Batty The John Warner Sports Centre, 13 Sep – 7-9.30pm Toddler Cooking Classes Stanstead Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 0QG 20-min talk followed by a walk using Every Tues, Weds, Thurs & Fri (term 01992 445375 bat detectors to listen out for these time) from 10 Sep www.broxbourne.gov.uk/kidzklub magical mammals. A fun-fi lled hour of cooking and baking 28 Oct-1 Nov Free. Suggested donation £5 per person with your little ones (2 ½ to 4 yrs). Ofsted registered. For ages 4-12. With arts & crafts while the goodies are Cost: £25.50 per day (or £21.50 HERTFORD CASTLE baking! advance). Half day £12.25. Early drop off Castle Street, Hertford, SG14 1HR Cost: £8 per session & late pick up available 01992 552885 POLARIS WILDERNESS ADVENTURE www.hertford.gov.uk Private woodland, Bayford LEARN TO CYCLE Heritage Day SG13 8PH 01462 474838 15 Sept – 12-4pm 07971 289604 www.activenorthherts.co.uk Medieval encampment, Viking battles, www.polarisbushcraft.co.uk Balance Ability Course falconry displays, archery workshops Family Bushcraft & Survival Weekend 1.15-1.45pm and more. 25-27 Oct Christchurch, Hitchin FREE, donations welcome Fire lighting. Build a shelter. Source Every Fri 20 Sep-25 Oct drinking water. Learn about the plants, HEARTWOOD FOREST Baldock Community Centre trees and animals around you. Sandridge, AL4 9DQ Every Thurs 7 Nov-12 Dec Cost: £245 per adult & child. Adult & 2 www.downthewoods.org Helps children (3+) gain confi dence children £295. Family of four £345 Forest School Stay & Play and learn basic cycling skills, enabling 9, 16, 23 & 30 Sep – 10am-12noon a smoother transition to pedal bikes. HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Games, activities and natural crafts for Booking essential, bike and helmet Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ • under 5s. required. 01992 628403 www.hymb.com Cost: £5 + VAT per child. Siblings under Cost: £35 per child per 6-week course 28 Oct-1 Nov 18 mths free Learn to Cycle Lesson Taster sessions for ages 8-17 in caving; Avenue Park, Baldock HENRY MOORE STUDIOS & GARDEN climbing; sailing; kayaking; canoeing; raft building; bell boating; fencing, SG10 6EE orienteering and archery. www.henry-moore.org Cost: £10 a session. Full week £110 Halloween Activities 30 Oct – 1 Nov (11am-3pm) NCT BABY AND CHILD FIRST AID Drop into the art workshop and try COURSES out some of Henry Moore’s favourite St Albans Fire Station, 153 London Road, drawing techniques – including wax St Albans, AL1 1TQ resist drawing and brusho ink eff ects www.nct.org.uk/branches/st-albans- – to create Halloween and fi rework- Music for under 5’s and-district themed pictures. Make your own St Albans 21 Sep & 12 Oct – 10am-12.30pm or spooky spiders and enter a competition Come & participate in our unique blend 1.30-4pm for the scariest Halloween mask. of songs, rhymes, music & drama Build your confi dence as a parent/carer in dealing with emergency situations. 07933 153054 Cost: £35 each or £60 per couple Event, class or club to publicise? [email protected] Secure your space on these pages with an www.ticktockmusic.co.uk PLACES TO GO ‘Enhanced’ yellow-box listing (booking includes social media promotion). “Tick Tock is brilliant, REDBOURN COMMON the highlight of my children’s week” Email [email protected] for more info. Redbourn, AL3 7BU familiesonline.co.uk 21 What’s On

HARPENDEN COMMON BROADWAY STUDIO & GALLERY Unusual varieties of apple and juice to AL5 1QH 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City, try and buy. Apple games, craft and www.harpenden.gov.uk SG6 3EW produce stalls. Land Art 01462 476110 Cost: Adult £3. Child £1. Under 3s free 28 Sep – 2-4pm www.broadway-letchworth.com Come as a family and create art from Family Arts Studio ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL items you can fi nd in Brickle Dells. Drop in 10am-1pm AL1 1BY FREE 8 Sep: Watercolour & Wax 01727 860780 13 Oct: Creepy Creatures www.stalbanscathedral.org ST PAUL’S WALDEN BURY Hands-on craft activities led by Space Voyage Whitwell, Hitchin, SG4 8BP professional artists, inspired by artworks 28 Oct-1 Nov www.downthewoods.org in the Broadway Gallery. Ages 3+. Spectacular space-themed son-et- Family Volunteer Days FREE lumiere in recognition of the 50th 21 Sep & 19 Oct anniversary of the Apollo Moon Help grow and harvest food for the SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK Landing, illuminating the exterior and food banks, learn some skills and play in Station Road, Shepreth, SG8 6PZ interior of the Cathedral. the beautiful walled garden. 01763 262226 Cost (early booking rate): £6. Under 16s FREE www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk £4. Family of 5 £20 Red Panda Day 14 Sep – 10am-4pm FIR AND POND WOODS WARE TOWN QUAY Fun games, presentations, entertainers Coopers Lane Road, Potters Bar, EN6 Burgage Lane, Ware, SG12 9XD and special guests. 4DG www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Cost: Normal admission applies. Tesco www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Bats from the Boat River Cruise 30 Oct vouchers not valid on event days Woodland Walk – 4.30-6.30pm 29 Sep – 2.30-4.30pm Discover bats on this special sunset HIGHFIELD PARK TRUST Explore this little-known nature reserve cruise along the River Lea. 01727 847242 with an expert tree identifi cation guide. Cost: £15. Under 16s £8 Free. Suggested donation £5 per person www.highfi eldparktrust.co.uk Bat Night SPOOKTACULAR Visitor Centre, Hill End Lane, St Albans, COURTYARD ARTS / HI-JINKS FESTIVAL Heritage Close, High Street St Albans, AL4 0RA Millbridge Rooms, The Wash, Hertford, AL3 4EB 13 Sep – 7.15-8.30pm SG14 1PX www.courtyardarts.org.uk www.enjoystalbans.com Following a short talk, search for bats 28 Sep. Drop in 9.30am-3pm 31 Oct with the parks’ bat detectors. Must Tabby McTat Craft Sessions Facepainting, spooky characters, crafts, book. Have a PURRRfectly happy time making superheros and more! FREE creative crafts! Cost: £4 Apple Day FREE. Donations welcome HERTFORD MUSEUM Highfi eld Park Centre, Russet Drive, St. 19 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT Albans, AL4 0DB HATFIELD HOUSE 01992 582686 6 Oct – 2-4pm Hatfi eld, AL9 5HX www.hertfordmuseum.org Listen to a local band whilst indulging www.hatfi eld-house.co.uk The Chief, The Missionary, His Wife & in homemade cake or play apple-based CJ’s Birds of Prey Display & Flying Her Brother games such as apple bobbing and hunt Experience (Farm) Tues-Sat 10am-5pm until 2 Nov the apple. 8 Sep - 11am-4pm Exhibition. Discover the amazing father FREE entry Owls, hawks, falcons and an eagle. of the museum’s founders and their Bug Hunt Cost: Normal farm admission applies. fascinating lives amongst the Ainu, the Visitor Centre, Hill End Lane, St Albans, £6. Child £3.50. Under 3s free. Flying indigenous people of Hokkaido, North AL4 0RA experience additional £5 Japan. 30 Oct – 10.30am-12.30pm Meet The Six Wives Of Henry VIII FREE. Donations welcome Find wooden bugs hidden around 29 Sep – 8am-5pm (Stable Yard) Stay & Play the park and answer questions on the Find out what it was like to be married 7 Sep & 5 Oct. Drop in 10am-4.30pm creepy habits of insects to win a prize. to one of history’s most infamous kings. Play with traditional toys and get hands Ages 5-10. Mucky Pup Fun Run on with a family craft activity. Cost: £3 5 Oct – 9.30am-4pm (Hatfi eld Park) FREE. Donations welcome Family charity fun run (or walk!). Take Stores Open Day on the two-mile course as a dog and TEWIN ORCHARD & HOPKYNS WOOD Upper Green Road, Tewin, AL6 0LZ The Seed Warehouse, The Wash, human team, a dog and family team, or Hertford, SG14 1PX on your own/in a group without a dog. www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Apple Day 14 Sep. Drop in 11am-3pm Cost: £20 (£10 if raise sponsorship Go behind the scenes and discover money). Dogs & under 12s free 6 Oct - 12-4pm A celebration of all things apple! how the Museum stores and cares for Willow 10k its vast and varied collection. With free 6 Oct (Hatfi eld Park) Includes children’s activities. FREE family crafts. Annual race for beginners and FREE. Donations welcome experienced runners alike. Includes 5K SHENLEY PARK Half Term Activities and Junior 1K routes, plus a Tiny Tots Radlett Lane, Shenley, WD7 9DW 29-31 Oct. Drop in 10.30am-3.30pm Scamper. www.shenleypark.co.uk (last entry 3pm) Cost: 10k £22.50, 15-17 yrs £12.50. 5k Apple Day Family-friendly craft activities. £15, 11-17 yrs £7.50. 1k (14 & under only) £5 20 Oct – 12-5pm Cost: £2.50 per child

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

LOWEWOOD MUSEUM full paying child. High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH Reptile Weekend 01992 445596 12 & 13 Oct www.broxbourne.gov.uk Howl-o-ween 19 Oct-3 Nov Free wolf masks and pumpkin carving for children. Get up close with creepy crawly animals. Ghostly shows and games. Wolf Weekend Soft Play City 19 & 20 Oct Every day Baby, toddler and junior zones for ages WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM 0-8. Café. Create & Play paper crafting Coursers Road, London Colney, St sessions on Tues, Thurs & Fri 10.30am- Toddler Thursdays Albans, AL2 1BB 2pm (free with entry). 19 Sep & 24 Oct – 10-11am 0870 129 9718 Cost: Free-£5.75 (free Zebra Card gives Fun, friendly session, helping your child www.willowsactivityfarm.com up to 50% discount) develop school-ready skills through Potato Shindig! Roller City rhymes, stories and craft. Ages 2-4 (with 2-29 Sep Open Sat & Sun, 3 sessions a day. Every adult, up to 2 toddlers per adult). Book Harvest your free bag of potatoes. Plus day in Oct half term in advance. tattie-tastic potato arts & crafts! Hertfordshire’s only purpose-built & Cost: £2 per child per session Pumpkin Festival award-winning roller skating rink. Under James Ward: The Great Animal Painter 19 Oct-4 Nov 10s must be with adult. of his Time Prizes for the best Halloween -themed Cost: £6.25-8.65 (free Zebra Card gives 21 Sep-25 Jan. Wed, Thus & Fri 10am- fancy dress and for the best carved 15% discount) 4pm. Sat 10am-5pm pumpkin in the Carving Cavern. Arts & NCT BUMPS & BABIES Exhibition celebrating artist James Ward crafts, Pumpkin Olympics, magic shows Place House Hall, Bluecoat Yard, Ware, RA, commemorating 250 years since and all your Willows favourites. SG12 9HL his birth. Featuring loans from the Tate Cost (online price): Adult £18. Child £19. Weds – 10-11am and the Fitzwilliam Museum. Launch Senior £17. Disabled £11.50. Under 2s free Coff ee mornings for parents, parents- event on 21 Sep (11am – 4pm) includes THE MUSEUM STORTFORD to-be and babies under 2 yrs. With animal-themed family activities. free drop-in feeding support run by FREE Rhodes Arts Complex, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG breastfeeding counsellor. Family Fun: Horse Craft Suggested donation £1.50 per family 31 Oct. Drop in 12-3pm 01279 710 200 Fun family art & craft activities. Most www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Children’s Craft NEARLY NEW SALES suitable for ages 5-11. Children must be (Baby & Children’s Goods) accompanied by an adult. 26 Oct. Drop in 11am-3pm Celebrate 250 years of the Stort Cost: £2 per child NCT Navigation by creating a historic scene www.nct.org.uk/branches of your own. BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM Presdales School, Hoe Lane, Ware, FREE 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 9TS SG12 9NX Halloween Trail 01462 420144 14 Sep – 11am-1pm (10.30am for NCT members) 28 Oct-2 Nov www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Kingshott School, Stevenage Road, Under 10s. A ghostly group of Dancing for Fun Hitchin, SG4 7JX Halloween horrors have taken up 29 Oct – 10am-12noon 28 Sep – 10am-12noon (10am for NCT mbrs) residence! Track them down and Maypole dancing and English country £1 entry (in aid of NCT charity) dancing for children aged 6+. Adult discover a hidden word. FREE must stay. Book in advance. Onslow St. Audrey’s School, Cost: £3 per child. Includes light Half Term Children’s Crafts refreshments 29-31 Oct. Drop in 11am-3pm Halloween doesn’t need to be scary! Old Rectory Drive, Hatfi eld, AL10 8AB Rats, Bats and Cats Halloween Fun Day [email protected] 31 Oct – 10am-12noon & 1-3pm Create a fantastical fairy tale mask. FREE Facebook: @nctwelhat Frighteningly fun crafty day for 12 Oct – 12.30-2pm ages 4-11. Adult must stay. Booking (12noon NCT members) recommended. KNEBWORTH HOUSE SG3 6PY High quality, low cost clothes, Cost: £5 per child. Includes drink & shoes, prams, equipment, books, biscuit Pumpkin Trail and Treats 26-29 Oct – 12-4pm toys and games. Parking and light refreshments available. Debit/credit PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK Games, activities, storytelling and fun cards accepted. Bring your own White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 competitions. Children can bring a bags! 7QA pumpkin they’ve pre-decorated – daily Admission £1 per adult 01992 470490 prize for the best. Visitors encouraged www.pwpark.com to wear fancy dress (adults too!) Cost (online price): £20.21. Child £17.86. Cost: Adult £3.75. Child £7.50. Non- CHEEKIMONKEYS Senior £16.92. Disabled incl carer participating under 3s free www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk £15.98. Under 2s free Ludwick Family Club, Hall Grove, Grandparents Day CAMPUS WEST Welwyn Garden City AL7 4PH 6 Oct Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX 21 Sep – 11am-1pm Grandparents receive free entry with 1 www.campuswest.co.uk FREE entry

familiesonline.co.uk 23 Herts

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Ed Byrne- If I’m Honest…. Fri 11th Oct 8pm Tickets: £26 Hilarious brand-new masterclass in observational comedy!

Sing-A-Long-A The Greatest Showman Sat 19th Oct 2pm Tickets: £17, £13 child Sing along to the smash hit fi lm musical. A live host will guide you through your goody props bag. Fancy dress is encouraged!

A Tribute to Ariana Grande & JoJo Tues 29th Oct 6pm Tickets: £16 Tribute to these global popstars. Half term treat for the children!