IN THIS ISSUE
Shared Parental Leave Could it work for your family?
Easter Crafts
Feed their imaginations with some simple craft ideas!
Post-Natal Depression
How to recognise PND and what to do about it
Competition!
Win 4 Little Kickers classes for you and two friends
Issue 57 March/April 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
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familiesonline.co.uk
Families Sussex Coast Magazine | 1
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School Age Chil dren! 4 - 8 years: weekends & after school We give your child a positive, fun and developmental high quality football session in a friendly, pressure-free environment.
Monday morning - pre-school age King Alfred Leisure Centre, Hove Tuesday afternoon (4-5pm) school age King Alfred Leisure Centre, Hove Saturday morning - 18mths-8yrs Patcham High School, Ladies Mile Rd Blatchington Mill School, Nevill Avenue Shoreham Academy, Kingston Lane Sunday morning - 18mths-8yrs Longhill Sports Centre, Rottingdean Brighton & Hove High School, Brighton Shoreham Academy, Kingston Lane Great Walstead School, Haywards Heath
15/02/2018 22:45
Managing Editor Mandy Earle
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Advertising Sales Patricia Holloway
patricia.holloway@familiespublishing.co.uk For advertising enquiries please call 07980 556813 Contributors Polly Warren Mandy Garner Next issue May/June 2018 Booking deadline 9th April Artwork deadline 13th April Covering Littlehampton, Arundel, Worthing, Shoreham-by-Sea, Portslade, Brighton, Hove, Newhaven, Lewes, Eastbourne and all the places in between
Š Families Sussex Coast 2018 Families Sussex Coast 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, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Sussex Coast are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Sussex Coast. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
4 6 8 9 10 11
News and views Life with a child with Special Educational Needs Shared parental leave - how it could work for you Postnatal Depression and anxiety in new parents Easter craft ideas! What's on guide and special Easter events
Count the footballs to win four FREE Little Kickers classes for you and two friends!
At Little Kickers, the focus is on fun - informal yet professionally run classes giving boys and girls (18 months – 8 years), a helping hand to stand on their own two feet.
Games are imaginative: outwit the bears to capture the fruit, sail on a pirate ship, defend castles and protect balls from shark-infested seas; all of which involve children running about, stretching, jumping and getting hot and sweaty! Little Kickers' goal is to use football as a fun forum to instil a little extra confidence, co-ordination, control and sense of camaraderie! For your chance to win one of FOUR prizes on offer, find all the footballs placed around the magazine and email your answer to hello@ familiessussexcoast.co.uk with your name, address and phone number.
How many footballs are there? a) 3 b) 4 c) 5
When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it
T&C's apply. Competition closes 15th April 2018.
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Big Moments with All Stars Cricket
If you have a local news item please get in touch by emailing editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk
Bubble bursts into Brighton! Bubble, the babysitting service for finding a recommended sitter in your area, launched across Brighton this January. The babysitting service has boomed in London with more than 30,000 parents and sitters currently using the app, scoring 9.4/10 on Trustpilot. Now, the company is venturing out of London, bringing its service to parents in and around the Brighton area. The app uses social and community data to connect parents to the local babysitters that their friends know, use and love. On top of this, the app lets parents read the reviews left by other mums and dads on the babysitter before booking them. Every sitter on bubble is also cleared through an online identity and background check before their profile goes live. The app also makes light work of payment, so there’s no need to have cash to pay the sitter at the end of the session – which is tracked to the minute on the app.
All Stars Cricket was launched in March 2017. The programme has had an incredible first year with over 1,500 All Stars Cricket centres delivering the programme to over 37,000 kids. In addition, the end of year parent survey yielded very positive results. All Stars Cricket provides boys and girls from 5 to 8 years old with an opportunity to become a star. The national curriculum of fun, cricket activities and games provides children with the basic movement skills to begin a lifelong love of physical activity. The programme is a paid for product that has a RRP of £40, although this can vary across the Country. The cost includes the 8 week All Stars Cricket programme (1 x hour session per week for 8 weeks) and the pack; including a bat, ball, rucksack, cap and t shirt (personalised with their name) – all delivered to your door. The pack also includes an activity book that allows children and parents to engage with the programme using several weekly challenges to earn ‘star awards’ like bowling, catching, running, and teamwork.
The programme is delivered by trained volunteers who deliver game based activities that teach basic cricket skills like catching, throwing, hitting a moving ball and social skills like team work and communication. Held at accredited cricket clubs these courses are a perfect way for children to learn about cricket and make friends in safe, and most importantly, fun environment. The Centres will be encouraged to deliver their programmes from May 11th through to July. • For all boys and girls aged five to eight • Delivered nationwide at over 1,800 centres • Eight one-hour sessions, held over eight weeks • Emphasis on fun and being active • Focus on developing your child's movement skills • Great first introduction to cricket • Safe and fully accredited • Valuable time with your kids – mums and dads are encouraged to take part too • Easy online registration • For more information or to register for a summer of #BigMoments please visit allstarscricket.co.uk
Handcrafted Shepherd Huts and Muddy Kitchens The Snug Shepherd is a family business that handcraft traditional English Shepherd Huts and Muddy Kitchens especially for children. The father and daughter team is very much focused on encouraging outdoor play and exploration as well as promoting the educational benefits of playing in the great outdoors. Each hut is lovingly hand crafted in Grandpa Adams workshop in West Sussex.
What was the inspiration for the Shepherd Huts? "Hannah (my Daughter) asked if I could make a playhouse for the twin’s Christmas present. At first I was thinking of making a traditional playhouse but a few years ago I had made a full-sized shepherd’s hut and suddenly thought I could make the boys a small version to suit them. I kept it a secret and revealed the Shepherd’s Hut on Christmas morning. It was an instant hit with the boys and Mum and Dad alike. Hannah’s Get 10% off all orders placed friends and children loved it too and soon before 30th April 2018 - use we were getting lots of interest." voucher code SPRING10 when ordering. (excludes - Grandpa Adam.
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delivery costs)
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Girl from Arundel wins trip of a lifetime to meet turtle with same name A 13-year-old girl from Arundel called Morgan is to fly to a paradise island in the Maldives to meet an injured sea turtle of the same name! Morgan Yates, a pupil at Angmering High School, won a competition to become official ‘Junior Sea Turtle Champion’ for the Brighton Sea Life Centre to help raise awareness of turtle conservation needs. She has already worked with Sea Life staff to make a conservation video, but now she is being sent on the journey of a lifetime, to meet the beautiful Olive Ridley Turtle that shares her name. Her mission will be to film, and learn as much as she can about her namesake, before Morgan the turtle makes the journey in the
opposite direction….to become the first ever Olive Ridley Turtle re-homed to a British aquarium. Morgan the turtle was rescued after getting entangled in ‘ghost netting’ -lost or discarded fishing net that drifts in the ocean currents and is a potential death-trap for marine life. Her rescuers saved her life, but her two rightside flippers were so badly damaged they had to be amputated and Morgan is thought unlikely to survive in the wild without them. “It was always our intention to send our Junior Sea Turtle Champion to visit a working turtle conservation or rescue centre somewhere overseas,” said Brighton Sea Life General Manager Max Leviston. “She is so passionate and enthusiastic about these amazing animals that we want to give her every opportunity to help inspire other young people to share that passion. “The Maldives are a much more exotic location than we originally envisaged,” she admitted, “but as soon as we heard about the amazing coincidence of the injured Olive Ridley also being christened Morgan, we knew that was where we should send her.” Morgan Yates, will travel to the Maldives at the end of May, together with her parents, Sea Life team member Olivia Cottrell and the head of the Sea Life Trust Andy Bool. More details about the Olive Ridley Project visit oliveridleyproject.org and about the Sea Life Trust visit www.sealifetrust.org
Mum thrilled with confidence boost from Perform Drama
Based at Patcham High School in Brighton and Farlington School in Horsham.
NEW
classes in Worthing
“Initially George mumbled a couple of words in the shows. Now he speaks out in a strong
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For as little as £3.64 an hour, children have a choice of quality activities for every session, run by friendly, professional and enthusiastic staff in exceptional settings.
So, for a 100% stress free school holiday, choose Barracudas. www.barracudas.co.uk
“Perform is not like a stage school. The children perform a show, but the focus is on fun games and exercises that teach them incredible life skills, like making eye contact, speaking out clearly and making conversation” reports Jessica.
familiesonline.co.uk
It can be hard to keep children entertained during the school holidays. With an unrivalled choice of activities and more ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings than any other comparable provider, Barracudas is an excellent choice for both parents and children alike.
They’re so confident that your child will have ‘such an amazing experience at Barracudas they can’t wait to come back’ that they offer a ‘money back guarantee’ for all new bookers!
With Perform drama classes well-established in Hove, Rottingdean, Horsham and Haywards Heath, we spoke to Jessica Harrison to find out why she has been sending her children, Ellie (9) and George (6), to Perform since the age of 4. “Ellie is a natural performer” says Jessica, “so Perform was always going to work for her. George is a more reserved child who likes to play by himself. But, actually, George probably gets more out of Perform than Ellie! He has grown so much in confidence since attending.”
Stress-free school holidays with Barracudas Camps
www.barracudas.co.uk voice and smiles all the way through. This confidence has really improved his everyday interactions with family, school friends and teachers.”
“These days, we spend so much time looking at our phones. Through Perform my children now understand the importance of engaging with others – and they don’t even know they’ve learned this!” To book a FREE TRIAL in Hove, Rottingdean, Horsham, Haywards Heath or Worthing visit www.perform.org.uk/try or call 02072 559120.
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Private tuition: Why Tuition Centres are becoming more popular Tutoring is more popular than ever, but the type of tuition parents are choosing is changing. Why are modern parents increasingly choosing tuition in a study centre?
Forward-thinking at Farlington At Farlington, the vision is to inspire girls to embrace learning in all its forms. They are a forward-thinking school where academic success and co-curricular achievement are valued equally. Every pupil is nurtured and encouraged to fulfil her potential and engage with opportunity. Farlington offers a positive environment which challenges and supports young minds and allows children to discover who they are, while in the care of specialist teachers. A healthy, balanced programme of opportunities is on offer to ensure progress. Farlington is an independent girls' day and boarding school located just outside Horsham, on the West Sussex and Surrey border, providing an excellent all-round education for up to 400 girls aged 3-18 with the co-educational Orchard Nursery. For further information, please contact Louise Mursell, Head of Admissions, on admissions@farlingtonschool.com or visit their website: www. farlingtonschool.com
Book your tour of the school today
Home tuition on a one-to-one basis can put a lot of pressure on a child. All that attention can be unnerving, with the child having to endure an unrealistic learning environment in which he or she is the sole learner, questioner and respondent. Going to a study centre eases these potential pressures. First Class Learning centres, and others like them, provide a stimulating place for students to learn alongside a few others of similar age and ability, which means pressure is taken off individual kids while allowing for one-to-one help from the tutor when needed. Another advantage of tuition in a study centre is cost. A good, qualified tutor can charge £35 per hour or more, so one hour a week works out to be at least £140 per month for each subject compared to £60 per subject at a study centre. No wonder it seems like such an attractive offer to parents, to see their
children start to enjoy learning and develop real independence. Polly Warren is a teacher with over 15 years of experience across many different educational settings, and now Centre Manager of First Class Learning’s (FCL) brand new study centre in Brighton. FCL has study centres throughout the UK and provides a strong, flexible and dynamic learning system that focuses on the key maths and English learning outcomes for the National Curriculum. Please contact Polly on 01273 730873 www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/brightonwithdean brighton@firstclasslearning.co.uk
Life with a Child with Special Educational Needs Parents are often faced with additional challenges when they have a child with special needs. Claire Winter talks to a parent about life with a child who has SEN.
“The problem with the current mainstream school system is that it is a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but schooling a child with SEN is like trying to stick a square peg into a round hole. In our experience, because Alfie keeps up academically with his peers and appears to ‘cope’ in school, he only gets a basic level Caroline is mum to seven-year-old Alfie, who of support with things like social skills and has autism. She says life with autism is like confidence building. I think Alfie could thrive being on a constant rollercoaster, as no two at school if he had access to further support days are the same. and if the school could “Some days we’re fund a helper to sit with "life with autism is like being him. He is a bright and on a level, and then the following day we on a constant rollercoaster, intelligent boy, but because might be hurtling they don’t address his as no two days are the same" down an enormous specific needs, he will only drop! Alfie is autistic, perform at a mediocre level. which as a spectrum disorder, affects people Because Alfie just gets on with it out of sheer in completely different ways. Alfie’s main determination and a huge amount of selfchallenges include social and communication control, he continually slips through the net. He issues, anxiety, dyspraxia (problems with is exhausted when he comes home from school coordination and motor-functions), sensory from trying to ‘fit in,’ and that's when he is most issues, emotional under-development and likely to meltdown >> Continued on page 8 short-term memory problems. This means that even basic things, like asking him to put his shoes on or find his water bottle can be fraught with difficulties. Frankly, it’s exhausting at times! Some days are better than others. My measure is if we manage to get through the day without any major tantrums or without him hitting out at anyone, and he goes to sleep feeling loved and protected, then we’ve had a good day.” Caroline’s son is in a mainstream school, and she says that getting education and support for your child at school is a huge sticking point for many SEN parents.
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for all children aged 5 to GCSE CONTACT: Polly Warren EMAIL:
brighton@firstclasslearning.co.uk
CALL OR TEXT: 01273 730873
sibling discount available
Maths and English Tuition
Our nursery is part of Springfield Infant School and is for children aged 3 and 4 years old. Highly Qualified Staff
CLASSES IN BRIGHTON: The Withdean Training Centre Tongdean Lane Patcham Methodist Church hall 51 Ladies’ Mile Road
Breakfast Club
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Let Families Sussex Coast readers know about your club, class or local business
Open during school hours
The nursery is situated within the school building and is part of the everyday life at the school. We have highly qualified practitioners with years of experience in Early Years that work closely with the Reception staff team to ensure there is a quality approach to early learning and care, in a bright and stimulating environment with quality resources. If you are interested please call into or phone the school office to book an appointment to see us and to request an information pack. Springfield Infant School
From £33.15 per month
Email editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk
Sackville Road, Worthing BN14 8BQ T: 01903 219243 E: office@springfieldschool.co.uk We are highly committed to giving your child the best start to life.
“Space to grow and wings to fly”
Exceptional | Affordable • Nurturing and secure environment
• Calm and purposeful classrooms • Specialised Learning Support • Abundance of extra-curricular activities including Mandarin and Judo • Competitive fee structure • Sibling discounts
Book a Tour Today!
‘Top 100 Independent Preparatory School for SATS Results’ The Sunday Times Parent Power Survey November 2017
Day | Flexi | Weekly | Full Boarding | Admissions 01403 282573 | office@farlingtonschool.com Farlington School | Strood Park | Horsham | West Sussex | RH12 3PN | UK | www.farlingtonschool.com
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>>> But unfortunately, the school doesn’t get to see this behaviour. This is a major issue for many SEN parents, and a lot of us feel very let down by the system.” Caroline says Autism is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability, but it does depend on the child and their specific needs. “The nature of the condition being a spectrum disorder means that everyone experiences it differently. People often don’t realise Alfie has a condition, and then if we explain, we get comments like “well, he doesn’t look autistic.” For some reason, people feel qualified to comment on your child’s condition after only meeting them for five minutes! I have to continually explain to people that because he is classed as ‘high-functioning,’ i.e. he keeps up with his peers academically and has average verbal skills, it doesn’t mean that his life is any easier. In fact, in some ways it’s harder, because society expects him to be a certain way because he doesn’t have the indicators of what people perceive to be ‘disabled,’ such as a wheelchair or a full-time carer. I am always happy to talk about Alfie and his condition as part of a positive conversation around disability.”
What should you do if you suspect your child may have SEN or additional needs? Caroline says if your child is school age, your first port of call should always be their school, particularly if they haven’t flagged anything up to you already. If your child is younger talk to your health visitor or doctor. “Be able to give clear examples of how the issue is affecting your child and their ability to learn or function in a classroom setting, and how it may be affecting them at home. Keep notes if necessary. Issues at school can often manifest themselves at home through bad behaviour, withdrawing, general grumpiness, and not wanting to talk about school. Obviously, it depends on the challenges involved and the individual child, but if you suspect the issue is related to mental health, then they ought to be seen by a GP who can refer them on to the relevant services, although access to this varies depending on area and hospital trust. “Last of all – don’t give up! If we all keep shouting about it, eventually we will get heard!”
Could Shared Parental Leave Work for You? Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows parents to share time off work during the first year after their child is born, with dads and mums both taking some of the leave, whilst being paid at a statutory rate. When Craig Curran and Sarah Farquharson looked into sharing the time off after their baby was born they couldn’t believe their luck. They both worked for Virgin Money which offered enhanced shared parental pay for parents on SPL – meaning they would receive a higher level of pay than the statutory rate. Sarah also earned more than Craig so it made better financial sense for Craig to share the leave with her. Even better, the couple were able to take a month of leave together – Sarah took the first five months of leave alone, the couple shared the sixth month and Craig took the last two months. The result for Craig and Sarah has been a closer family relationship and a greater sharing of parental responsibilities - with neither parent’s career suffering as a result. Sarah was promoted just after she found out she was pregnant whilst Craig returned from his leave to a promotion. “If anyone asks me about it, I say just do it. You never get that time again” says Craig. “I would 100% do it again.” Both Craig and Sarah report that their managers and colleagues were very supportive of their leave plans. However, that is not always the case. In its annual survey Workingmums.co.uk found that only 37% of respondents said they would consider taking SPL. The majority would not. Some of the reasons given were the negative impact on household finances, fears that the dad’s career would suffer and a lack of knowledge about SPL. Some 43% of respondents said they wouldn’t take SPL because it would not make sense financially but the majority of these said that even
enhanced SPL pay wouldn’t make a difference to their decision. Clearly, the suggestion is that other non-financial factors are at play, such as the desire many women have to spend as much time as possible with their baby. 17% of mums said they didn’t want to share their leave. What SPL does is give parents greater choice over how they manage the care of their new born child and it can be an important building block in facilitating change in discriminatory working environments. However, take up remains very low nationally, possibly because the legislation is complex and dry. HR managers are recommending that the language is simplified and that managers are given tools they need to implement SPL, as well as being able to give concrete case studies which show the many different ways in which SPL can be taken: in one chunk or in separate blocks over a period of time; overlapping with the mother for all or part of the leave and so forth. Being able to read about other parents’ experiences brings the whole process to life. One of the benefits of SPL is that dads who have taken it feel much more confident about being in sole charge of their children. They also have a greater sense of empathy about what looking after a baby involves, and there can also be a positive impact on mental wellbeing. One dad who took SPL is John Birrell from the law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner. His wife went through a traumatic emergency C-section followed by hospitalisation for an infection. Having her husband to share the months after the birth meant she was not left on her own to recover from major surgery while doing the physically exhausting work of looking after a young child. “Mental health is too often ignored and post-natal depression must be one of the most common forms,” says John. Workingmums.co.uk collaborated recently with dads website www.daddilife.com on a series of videos highlighting the need for parents to have open conversations around Shared Parental Leave. One couple who took part are Eulalia Pereira and Martin Stopher from London. Eulalia said: “As a mother there is a sense you should be doing everything. I know (as a result of taking SPL) that Martin, on a day to day basis is there, that he is involved with the kids. I could not have hoped for more.” Mandy Garner is editor of www.workingmums.co.uk, a platform dedicated to finding flexible, challenging work for mums. To view videos in which three couples discuss their choice to take Shared Parental Leave, take a look at the Workingmums.co.uk Youtube Channel.
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Post-Natal Depression and Anxiety in New Parents By Dr Natasha Bijlani
It can come as a surprise to some people that post-natal depression, anxiety and experiencing negative feelings are extremely common after birth, with 80% of women reporting some kind of mood disturbance at this time. Childbirth is undoubtedly a major event in a woman’s life. The failure to properly appreciate and understand the extent of the significant physiological, emotional and biochemical changes that occur after giving birth contributes to some women developing a more significant depressive disorder which is then likely to need professional treatment.
symptoms or they may be a history of mental illness within other family members. A woman who has previously experienced depressive symptoms will also have a higher risk of post-natal depression.
Women with particular The common expectation that pregnancy personalities are also more and childbirth is a happy and joyous time can susceptible. For example ‘perfectionists’ who make it very distressing for women to seek prefer a high degree of order and organisation help with symptoms of depression. Mothers in their lives and will feel everything is ‘turned who have a low mood and experience upside down’ when they have a baby. Babies, negative thoughts can struggle to bond especially newborns, cannot be controlled, with their baby and this is something that and this can trigger some women to feeling is very hard to admit to, whether to a friend, extremely unsettled and ‘out of control.’ family member As a society, we need or a medical "Mothers who have a low mood to educate and inform professional. each other about the
and experience negative thoughts
A recent survey stresses of parenthood can struggle to bond with their and make sure there by the British Journal of General baby and this is something that is is enough support Practice revealed available. Women very hard to admit to" that women felt should speak to their under pressure health visitor about to be ‘good mothers’ and the feeling they had any issues with breastfeeding, sleeping ‘failed’ impacted negatively on their mental and routines, and this is also something the health and on their likelihood to seek help. fathers can get involved in. New parents need their sleep just as much as anyone, to maintain good mental health. However, if you are clinically depressed and your baby is waking up constantly throughout the night then this can have even more of a negative effect on your mood. Some women may also be predisposed to suffering post-natal depression. They may have a family history of the condition – their mother may have experienced similar
In my opinion, new fathers don’t suffer from post-natal depression in the same way as a mother does. This is due to the immense biological and hormonal changes in the female body, which the man does not experience. Having a baby creates major changes within the family, and for some fathers this can lead to feelings of low mood. In this day and age, fathers are expected to play more of a role in child rearing and this can sometimes be difficult for a man who doesn’t have experience or knowledge of what this may require as he is unlikely to have been exposed to such fathering himself. Research conducted by the Priory Group1 found that one in 10 men said they have had negative thoughts after having children, and more than one in three (39%) experienced anxieties. The research also showed that two in five men (42%)
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who experienced depression or anxieties did not seek help because they were too embarrassed and ‘thought they should be happy’ after having a baby. I highly recommend that new fathers take up their paternity leave allowance as this will give them the opportunity to bond with their new baby. I see fathers in my clinic who are the main caregiver parent and their wives have returned to work, and I encourage them to become fully involved in mother and baby groups (to that end, I feel they should really be called parent and baby groups). Female or male, every person will have different triggers for post-natal depression and a psychiatrist will consider all the factors which have contributed to the development of symptoms. This can include their family upbringing, previous history of mental illness and their personality. Every person must be evaluated individually and a thorough psychiatric history taken before advice on the optimum course of treatment can be given. Anyone who has symptoms of depression should seek help as soon as they can. If left untreated, symptoms can get worse and can have a serious impact on the infant’s wellbeing, behaviour and development. There are many strategies available to help parents deal with depressive disorder that develops postnatally and to help them become accustomed to the huge change that has taken place in their lives. Step by step, life can change, and you can become the “good enough” parent you want to be for your baby. Dr Natasha Bijlani is Consultant Psychiatrist at The Priory Hospital in Roehampton, London, the UK’s leading centre for the treatment of mental health issues. For more information, visit www.priorygroup.com 1. Fieldwork period: 11th - 14th September 2017, among 1,002 parents of under -18s, of whom 452 were men
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Easter Crafts Marbled Easter Bunting
This activity is a great intro to marbling, brilliant for learning about colour-mixing and for developing fine motor skills. Grab an apron, cover your work area, have a tray ready for your finished art and let your little ones get creative!
What you’ll need:
Paper or card · Shaving foam · Poster paint (a few colours) · Tray or baking tin · Brush or clean stick.
What to do:
1. Spray foam onto the tray and then add the paint.
Cock-a-doodle-doo egg cup
Make these special eggcups to decorate your festive breakfast table.
What you’ll need: Empty eggbox · Scissors · Red & yellow card or felt · Glue · Googly eyes · Feathers
What to do: 1. Carefully cut out a cup from an egg box keeping the central egg divider. 2. Using red card or felt cut out a mini cocks comb, and glue it onto the head. 3. Using a little scrap of red paper cut out a mini heart shape to form the wattle. 4. A mini folded over yellow triangle will make the beak. 5. If you have googly eyes to hand use these otherwise draw on your eyes. 6. Feathers added to the sides using tape give your cockerel the finishing touch.
2. Use a brush to make patterns in the foam before laying the paper carefully on top and pushing down gently. 3. Lift off the paper and use an old piece of card to scrape off the excess foam. 4. Leave to dry and then cut the paper into egg shapes. 5. Thread with string and you’ve got some beautiful Easter bunting.
COULD YOU BE THE NEXT EDITOR OF FAMILIES SUSSEX COAST
?
Well established print distribution and loyal readersh ip
2018 is Families Sussex Coast’s 10th year in print and we are looking for a new Editor to take the reins. The Sussex Coast edition of Families magazine is part of a successful franchise group with 35 editions around the UK - being a ‘Families Editor’ means becoming part of a growing and supportive network and trusted name - established in 1990!
WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED?
• • • •
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the local area and what’s on for families. Experience or interest in sales, marketing and advertising. Want to run your own business from home, working flexible hours. Want to help local businesses connect with local parents and be a trusted voice for the communities in and around your area.
WHAT TRAINING IS AVAILABLE? As a franchise owner, you gain access to a network of experienced editors as well as training, allowing you to develop valuable skills in print publishing, copy writing, design, sales and marketing, social media and business management.
To register your interest in Families Sussex Coast email editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk
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Easter at Hever Castle
Great Days out at Amberley Museum We’ve scoured the area for the best local family events during March and April so you don’t have to! We take great care in compiling our events Spot the dot for FREE guide, but please do contact venues before events! you leave home as things can change. Until 26 June Star Wars Exhibition
Hove Museum, 19 New Church Road BN3 4AB
Star Wars fans will love this exhibition! Come along to see the Collector’s Choice: Star Wars display daily until 26 June. The display will feature Star Wars items from the 70's and 80's, including memorabilia and vintage Star Wars toys. Entrance to Hove Museum is free.
Until 4 September Aliens, Zombies and Monsters! The Weird World of Aaron Blecha Hove Museum, BN3 4AB
Local children's author and illustrator, Aaron Blecha reveals the tricks of his trade at this special exhibition. From an initial idea to a finished book, you can enter Aaron's weird world and find out how he creates his books by visiting this display.
Thursdays Picture Time and Stories Hove Museum, BN3 4AB
Special preschool Picture Time and Story sessions at Hove Museum are especially for toddlers aged 2 - 5 years.
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36 acres to explore and over 40 exhibits to visit, preserving Sussex industrial heritage. Ride the narrow gauge railway and historic bus around the site. Open 7th March to 28th October 2018 With over 50 events each year, large free car park and Dog friendly. Visit our website for more information. New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT 01798 831370 - office@amberleymuseum.co.uk - www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
With lots of arty fun for kids and stories too. The sessions will run on until 26 April 2018 (with the exception of school holidays) 10am - 12pm. There's no need to book in advance, as these are drop-in sessions. £2 per child.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday until 28 March Behind the Scenes at Museum Lab
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens, BN1 1EE
Discover what goes on behind the scenes at the museum, meet the curators, find out about hidden stories and see objects not usually on display! 2pm - 5pm. Drop in event - no booking required.
Saturdays Arty Crafty Club
Hove Museum, BN3 4AB
Creative kids will have the chance to try their hand at a range of techniques, including animation, clay work, painting on canvas, plaster casting, and much more. Sessions take place between 2 - 4pm on Saturday afternoons (term time only). Suitable for ages 8 - 12 years. £6 per child for members or £6.50 for nonmembers.
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What's On Saturdays Picturehouse Brighton Kids Club Cinema
Duke of York's Cinema, Preston Circus, Brighton, BN1 4NA 0871 902 5728
See family favourites at a reduced rate. Kids' Club screenings are for children aged 3 to 12. Tickets for children and accompanying adults are £2 each. 10:30am. Tangled (PG) on 3 March Moana (PG) 10 March Finding Dory (U) 17 March Home (PG) 24 March
Various dates during March Brighton Wind Farm Tours
Departing from Brighton Marina, BN2 5U
Pack a picnic and climb aboard to see Brighton’s famous Rampion Wind Farm. Speed out to the site Aboard a 10m ultra stable 700HP catamaran and experience a panoramic view of England’s “South Coast Riviera” as you cruise 9 nautical miles in each direction and get up close and personal with the gigantic 150m high turbines. Tours last 2 – 3 hours depending on tides, and generally depart at 9am, 12pm or 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays and some weekdays. Prices range between £30 and £40 per person. Email info@ brightondiver.com or call 07901 822 375.
2 March The Lock In ‘Folk Fairy Tale The Old Market, 11a Upper Market Street, Hove BN3 1AS
Fresh from their sell out performances of The Lock In ‘Christmas Carol’ the Breaking Tradition dance company return to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks for a comical new version of their critically acclaimed Folk & Hip Hop dance show, suitable for all the family! 8pm (7:15pm doors)
3 March The Big Cheese Festival
Hove Lawns, Kingsway BN3 2FR
A plethora of the finest international cheesemakers and mongers showcasing their amazing cheeses. Find the UK's finest artisan cheeses, wine & port pairings, homemade chutney combinations and a extensive offering of utensils available for sale. £22 per person.
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3 March Tiny Treasures Sale
7 and 21 March Skips After School Club
11 March West Worthing 5k and 10k
Pre-loved and nearly new children's clothes, books, toys and equipment; come along for some fantastic bargains for your little ones. £1 entry/ kids free.
Fun and informal after school sessions for 6–10 year olds. Each session includes warm up games, a look on stage, themed drama and craft activities and squash and biscuits. Sessions are led by experienced workshop leaders and are a great way for children to find out more about theatre, make friends and enjoy trying out new things. Children are dropped off and collected from Theatre foyer. Topics: 7th March Faerie & Elfin School. 21st March - Super Heroes.
This is a fast and flat 10k & 5k along the seafront in Worthing on an out and back route. The event is to raise money for the Thrive Federation of special schools in West Sussex which is made up of Palatine Primary School, Herons Dale School, Oak Grove College and Cornfield School. Starts at 10:30am.
Stanford Avenue Methodist Church, Fiveways BN1 6FD
4 March UK Southern Book Show Pavilion Theatre, Worthing
A free event, giving an opportunity to those that love books to meet authors from the UK, listen to readings and learn about writing and publishing. This is a chance for everyone to discover and buy some great books – fiction, non-fiction, teen and children’s books. 9am-6pm
4 March Story Factory Arundel: Royals and Wrong’uns Arundel Town Hall
10am. Fun sessions in creative writing, art and music in one day. ‘Royals and Wrong’uns’ will be the theme for this children's workshop, taking place at the historical setting of Arundel Town Hall. For children aged 6-13 (approximately). £30 per child. Please contact Katy on 01243 533421 or Katy@ ChichesterCopywriter.co.uk for a booking form.
5, 12, 19 and 26 March Basement and Tunnel Tours
Royal Pavilion, Brighton, BN1 1EE
A great opportunity to see 'behind-the-scenes' at Brighton's famous Royal Pavilion. Find out what life was like for George's servants, including everyone from the rat catcher to his private secretary. Advanced booking required. 10 - 11am. £10.50 for members / £12.50 nonmembers.
6 March Babies in Museums
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens BN1 1EE 03000 290900
A session for babies and toddlers up to 18 months and their parents/carers to play and learn together in the stimulating museum environment. 11–11:45am and 12:15–1pm. Book in advance. £5 per child plus admission.
Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton BN1 1SD
10 March The Fairy Tale Fair
Patcham Methodist Church, Ladies Mile Road, Patcham BN1 8TA
Join in for lots of Easter fun in a fair that is a real community event. Families and all ages are welcome to come along and enjoy the crafty creations and treats! The majority of stall holders are local makers. 10:30am – 4pm. Free entry.
10 – 11 March Discover Birds Weekend
Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, BN18 9PB. 01903 883355
Families will enjoy wandering wetland buskers and the paper pot & seeds craft, plus other free birdy walks and talks. Open 9.30am-4.30pm. Buy tickets £13 for adults, online to save £11 concession, 10% £7 children, Under 4s free.
www.wwt.org/arundel
10 March - 15 April Lambing at Coombes Farm
Coombes Farm, Lancing BN15 0RS
See lambs and calves being born! No booking is necessary, families can just turn up at between 9.30am & 4pm. Please remember that Coombes Farm is a working farm operation – we are not a petting farm. You will see real working farm practices in action during your visit. Tractor rides available to see the animals in the fields and fantastic views from the top of the downs.
Marine Crescent, Worthing BN12 4HR
17 March Easter Fairy Tale Fair
The Charmandean Centre, Forest Road, Worthing BN14 9HS
An Easter special fair in aid of St Barnabas Hospice, a local independent charitable hospice located in Worthing. There will be many performances and singers during the day. Stop and relax in the cafe and keep the kids amused with face painting. Over 70 craft and vintage stalls selling handmade or hand designed gifts and creations. The venue is fully wheelchair and buggy accessible and undercover. There is a suggested entry donation of 50p to St Barnabas House. Kids are free. 10.30am to 4pm.
18 March Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass Connaught Theatre, Worthing
Les Petits theatre company return to the high seas after their hugely successful shows David Walliams’ The First Hippo on the Moon and Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs. The Magic Cutlass is the hugely anticipated sequel based on the awardwinning book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto. Tickets: £9.50, family of four £32. 11am and 2pm
24 March Alice in Wonderland Discovery Afternoon
Farlington School, Horsham RH12 3PN
Come along to an afternoon of fun, full of Alice-inspired craft activities. Free event open to the general public but please book in advance by calling 01403 282573.
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30 March to 15 April Peter Rabbit™ goes wild
Kew Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, RH17 6TN
For two weeks only, Wakehurst will be celebrating all things Peter Rabbit. Come along for a series of spring-themed activities to entertain all the family. Visit the places in the gardens that would have captured the imagination of Beatrix Potter. Discover the work of our scientists behind the scenes at Wakehurst, and learn how some crops have wild relatives that could help feed future global populations.
24 March – 15 April Easter family fun and Lindt gold bunny hunt Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
Not your normal Easter egg hunt! Make some special family memories this Easter, hop through the beautiful grounds following the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny to claim your delicious chocolate treat. Find the Magic. Find the Lindt Gold Bunny! Please note: from 24 to 29 March the only Easter activity taking place will be the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt. All other Easter activities start on 30 March. Celebrate spring by making and decorating an Easter bonnet at daily craft workshops. Then show off your creation in a parade in front of the Castle with prizes for the best bonnets. As well as the Easter themed activities a visit to Hever Castle in spring offers a great chance to explore the stunning gardens. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of spring blooms from late-flowering daffodils to hyacinths, camellias and tulips.
24 and 25 March VegfestUK Brighton 2018
26 March - 6 April Easter Holiday Egg Hunt
A huge vegan event with lots of vegan food, goodies, shopping, cosmetics, clothing, from 230 stalls and 20 caterers, plus dozens of talks, cookery demos, films, comedians, music, chill out zones, kid's activities and many more! 11am – 5pm. Advance day tickets - £7.70 (adults), £4.40 (concessions), On the gate - £10 (adults), £5 (concessions). Kids under 16 free.
Search for the Easter Egg pictures around the venue. Find all ten then return to reception for your chocolate treat. Aimed at kids 2-7yrs (although anyone can take part) this short trail is free and just for fun. Combine it with a play in the free sandy area and coffee in the cafe. There's also a children's playground next door and the Volks Railway.
The Brighton Centre, King's Road, Brighton, BN1 2GR
Yellowave Beach Sports, Maderia Drive, Brighton BN2 1EN
30 March to 1 April Easter egg trail
Kew Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, RH17 6TN
Follow our carrot-themed trail around Bethlehem Wood. Collect symbols along the way and decode them back at the Millennium Seed Bank. The answers will help you reveal a complete carrot muffin recipe. Once you're finished, you'll get a special Divine chocolate egg. £4 per participant – cash only – pay at the Millennium Seed Bank. Children 16 and under are free.
30 March - 15 April Bertram Bunny’s Easter Adventure
Borde Hill Garden, Borde Hill Lane, Hayward's Heath, RH16 1XP
Follow the puzzle trail around the Garden to find Bertram Bunny and receive a chocolate egg reward! Each day children can also claim a free craft bag, containing all the materials needed to make an Easterthemed masterpiece to take home.
30 March – 15 April Dusty’s Giant Easter Duck Hunt
Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, Arundel BN18 9PB www.wwt.org/arundel. 01903 883355 Join Dusty Duck to find the cheeky GIANT yellow ducks hiding around this stunning reserve during the Easter holidays! As well as searching for the GIANT yellow ducks there are lots of Dusty’s ducky cousins to see, boat rides, daily pond dipping and craft sessions, and two play areas to go wild on. 9.30am-5.30pm. £13 for adults, £11 concession, £7 children, Under 4s free. Save 10% when you buy tickets online.
30 March - 15 April I Spy Museum
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens, BN1 1EE
During opening hours, Free with Brighton Museum admission, members and residents free. Find the Museum Cart and set off on your own spy mission in search of extreme museum objects. Hunt for the smallest, biggest, shiniest and weirdest things that are on display.
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30 March - 15 April Lambs Galore and More
1 April Vintage Car Show
Spring Barn Farm, Kingston Road, Lewes, BN7 3ND
Every day from 30th March to 15th April, get ready for Lambs Galore and so much more Easter Holiday fun at Spring Barn Farm! Meet Baabara and friends and join in with their super fun, interactive shows throughout the day and visit the lovely newborn lambs and their mums in the Animal Barn. NEW! for 2018, follow the Easter Trail around the Nursery Rhymes, before visiting the Old Woman in her Shoe to collect an Easter Treat! Combined with all the fun of the farm with daily “Meet the Animals” sessions, Landrover & Trailer Rides*, plus so much Indoor Play and Outdoor Adventure Play to discover, you won’t want to miss it! All the activities for Lambs Galore and More are included in general admission prices. Save when you pre-book your tickets online at www.springbarnfarm. com *This activity is weather dependent.
30 March and 1 - 2 April Easter Bunny Specials
The Wey and Arun Canal, Loxwood, RH14 0RH
A 40 minute special cruise on the Wey and Arun Canal with all your favourite Easter characters to entertain you. A chocolate gift and drink is included for each child and hot cross buns for the adults. Book online www.weyarun.org.uk
31 March Easter Boutique Market
The Shoreham Centre, Pond Road, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5WU
The perfect place to shop local with over 50 specially selected traders, makers, artists and creators all under one roof. With entertainment for the whole family, including live music throughout the day, workshops for all and a special visit from Elsa & the Easter Bunny. 10am to 3.30pm
1 April The Big Stanmer Easter Hunt
Proud Country House, Stanmer Park Brighton, BN1 9QA
Search the house and private gardens for 6 golden eggs – each with a letter that when put together spell the secret code-word that opens the Easter Egg Chest in the marquee – where a chocolate egg awaits as your reward. Please pre-book for this event as they expect to be very busy. 2 - 4pm. Suitable for children of all ages. £2 per child.
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Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, Station Rd, Amberley, Arundel BN18 9LT
With a wonderful display of visiting car exhibitors, the cars tell the history of motoring over half a century through to the 1950's, by which time the first of the motorways was on the horizon. With our resident steam trains enjoy riding the railway around the site.
4 and 14 April Storytelling for Families
Borde Hill Garden, Borde Hill Lane, Hayward's Heath, RH16 1XP
Come along as a family and share creative time inspired by stories from around the world. 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.
5 – 10 April Easter Beach Volleyball
Yellowave Beach Sports, Maderia Drive, Brighton BN2 1EN
Have a go at beach volleyball. Each session is a mixture of fun games, drills and skills, all played in the soft sand. Each 1 hour holiday session costs £6.50 per child. 10am is aimed at 5-7 years, 11am for 8-11 years and 12 noon for 12-16 year olds.
2 - 6 April Easter Surprises!
Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester, PO19 3QR
Celebrate the coming of spring at Fishbourne Roman Palace this Easter. Explore the Roman gardens with an Easterthemed treasure hunt around the gardens. Try your hand at springtime crafts including spinning wool into yarn, Roman writing, designing a mosaic, dressing up Roman-style and making a Roman sundial and use it to tell the time. There is plenty to do under cover so if the spring weather does its worst, you can still have a great family day out.
7 April Brighton Beach Comic Con The Grand Brighton, 97-99 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FW
The Brighton Beach Comic Con lands at The Grand Hotel, Brighton, UK on Saturday 7th April 2018, right bang in the middle of the Easter holidays!! The event will be a one day pop culture celebration with and international line up of comic book guests, film guests, attractions, Q&As, fun and more! 10am – 5pm
15 April Pedal along the Prom 2018
Ride begins from George V Avenue
Free entry if you have sponsorship, if not £5 per adult and 50p per child. Please bring along your own packed lunch. The kiosk at Widewater will be open, and there will be water stops along the route. The ride starts from George V Ave (as per most of the Worthing Cycling children and family rides), and there’s a 5 mile or 10 mile option. Contact Katie on 01903 528613 for details and sponsorship forms. 10.30am start.
20 – 22 April Gangsta Granny
Pavilion Theatre, Worthing
It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! From the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories comes the award-winning West End production of this amazing story by David Walliams, the UK’s best-selling author for children. Tickets: £19.Family 4+ £16.50.
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For details visit kew.org/wakehurst
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Enjoy garden games and wild adventures this Easter holiday 30 March – 15 April 2018
BEATRIX POTTER™ © Frederick Warne & Co., 2018.
Peter Rabbit goes wild ™
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