Families Solent East Jan/Feb 24 PRINT issue

EEHome FTRake Me

Solent East

IN THIS ISSUE

Education New Year, New You Clubs & Classes Stagecoach Portsmouth Performing Arts School CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED

www.stagecoach.co.uk/portsmouth 07498 997606

portsmouth@stagecoach.co.uk Creative Courage For Life®

Issue 110 January/February 2024

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk Families Solent East

1

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Welcome Happy New Year from all of us here at Families! We wish you health and happiness in 2024.

CONTACT US: Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk 07789 882467 Sales Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk 07812 218331 Book now to be included in our March/April issue. Book by 2 February.

IN THIS ISSUE: 3-5 6-8 9 10-11 12 13 14-15

Clubs & classes Education Early years New Year, New You Family festivals Interview What’s On Cover: Depositphotos.com

© Families Solent East 2024. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

If your goal is to work towards a healthier family this year, then remember, there’s twelve months ahead and lots of time to put your plans into action. We have a healthy idea for you to introduce to your family for each new month of 2024 in our New Year, New You feature.

January and February can be dull and gloomy months to get through with the excitement of Christmas over and spring still many weeks away. So cheer the family up by planning something to look forward to later in the year. If fun for you is heading to a festival, check out our top choices in this issue.

Despite the inevitable bad weather to come, we all know that our kids still need to get outside. But what happens if you don’t have rainy day gear? In this issue, we talk to CBeebies presenter, Gemma Hunt, about her role as the ambassador of The Waterproof and Wellies Project which plans to give every primary school in the UK ten sets of waterproof and wellies so all children can have fun outdoors.

Finally, in this issue, we have National Geographic Science Kit bundles to giveaway and a family ticket to Camp Bestival! Apply for six inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Rebecca

Editor, Families Solent East

Competition winners Congratulations to all our winners for the giveaways we ran in our September/ October issue. You can find a list at www.bit.ly/ SO23recipients And, congratulations to Katrina Harrington who won the Pompey Panto ticket and Gemma Wright who won the family ticket to Aladdin at the New Theatre Royal in our November/December issue.

Would you like to advertise your business in our next issue?

BOOK TODAY Call 07789 882467 or email us at editor@ familiessolenteast.co.uk

exciting february treats Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World 14 – 18 Feb Ages 7+ We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 15 – 18 Feb Ages 3+

Tickets from £10 cft.org.uk

*exclusions apply

2 Families Solent East

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Boost your child’s confidence in 2024 with a FREE Perform class The new year is a great time to start something new and Perform is offering every child a free trial class to help them shine this spring. With two brilliant new themes incorporating confidence-building fun, classes for children ages 4 to 7 will join a high-energy adventure to the Wild West while kids ages 7 to 12 will enjoy a dancefloor-filling adaptation of Snow White, in Killa Queen.

Classes are packed with confidence-boosting games which focus on developing the 4 Cs - confidence, communication, coordination and concentration - using drama, dance and singing.

At the end of each term, the children will take part in a showstopping final performance for family and friends so you can see the progress they’ve made!

Classes are for all abilities with no previous experience required and children are welcome to join at any point in the term.

Book a no-obligation FREE trial at www.perform.org.uk/try

More about Perform’s weekly classes Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s, designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Fareham: Catisfield Memorial Hall, PO15 5NN Ages 4-7, Tuesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Tuesday at 5pm Petersfield: St Peter’s Hall, GU32 3HZ Ages 4-7, Monday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Monday at 5pm Southsea: St Simon’s Church Hall, PO5 2PW Ages 4-7, Monday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Monday at 5pm Waterlooville: All Saints Church Hall, PO8 0TD Ages 4-7, Tuesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Tuesday at 5pm

Waterproof and Wellies The Outdoor Guide Foundation was set up with the simple aim of making the outdoors accessible to all - and that starts with children.

Nearly one third of primary school children in the UK come from families that are living below the poverty line. This means there is little money for household essentials, let alone for buying suitable clothing for outdoor play. That’s where The Waterproof and Wellies Project comes in. Over the next five years, it aims to donate at least ten waterproof suits and wellies to every state primary school in the country - all twenty thousand of them.

Why? Because time outside is vital and there’s a startling statistic that suggests prisoners get more time outside in an average week than a child of primary school age. Waterproof and Wellies has already donated kits to more than three hundred schools. With the support of local families and businesses, the project can do much more.

To find out more and support the project, visit www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families Solent East 3

CLUBS & CLASSES

Alternative sports for your child to try

By Andrew Campbell Whether your child is bored with the usual options or simply not interested in the conventional after-school and weekend sport activities, you might be able to entice them to get active, develop a new interest and meet other like-minded kids by considering one of these more left-field sports.

Archery can captivate children’s interest with its blend of focus, precision and historical allure. It provides a sense of accomplishment as kids master the art of hitting targets with arrows. The sport encourages discipline, patience and fine motor skills, promoting mental and physical development. Archery also instils confidence, teamwork and respect for safety. Soft archery is now available as a safe and fun way to introduce the sport to young ones.

Cheerleading is growing in popularity as an alternative sport with over eighty nine thousand involved at recreational, competitive and elite level. Requiring a unique combination of gymnastics, dance and acrobatic stunts, it fosters physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and confidence. Competitions and events are held regularly at venues across the country and you are likely to find a club not too far away.

More info and local clubs at www.startarchery.co.uk

More info at www.ukca.org.uk

Padel tennis is an enticing sport for children due to its accessibility and engaging nature. It’s usually played in doubles on a smaller court enclosed by mesh or glass walls, making it easy for kids to keep the ball in play. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, emphasising hand-eye co-ordination, strategy and teamwork. Its social and active aspects make it a fun and appealing sport for children.

More info and local clubs at www.lta.org.uk

Disc golf appeals to children due to its simplicity and accessibility. With just a frisbee, kids can enjoy outdoor fun, exercise and social interaction. It offers a sense of achievement, skill development and the opportunity to play in beautiful natural settings.

Disc golf is inclusive, allowing kids of all ages and abilities to participate, making it an attractive and cost-effective choice.

More info and local courses at www.discgolfuk.uk

4 Families Solent East

Street dancing is a freestyle dance form that emerged from urban culture and is great for a child who loves to get down and boogie but is not attracted to traditional dance styles. Whilst fantastic for encouraging self-expression, creativity and self-confidence, it also promotes physical fitness and flexibility while teaching rhythm and coordination. A local dance school is sure to offer classes or you will find a dedicated street dance school nearby.

Fencing is ideal for children who struggle with team sports.

Combining physical activity with mental strategy and discipline, it also promotes agility, balance and co-ordination, all while teaching focus and quick decision-making. Fencing enhances self-confidence and sportsmanship through oneon-one combat. It’s safe and emphasises protective gear and rules. Additionally, the sport encourages a sense of chivalry and respect, offering valuable life lessons alongside the physical benefits. Local clubs at www.britishfencing.com

Parkour (or Freerunning) harnesses kids’ instinctive love of jumping and throwing themselves around. It enhances strength, agility and spatial awareness, instilling self-confidence. It’s an athletic discipline which focusses on moving through urban environments using acrobatic techniques like vaulting, climbing and jumping. But it’s also popular at indoor settings such as leisure centres, gym clubs and trampoline parks.

Futsal is an exciting, fastpaced form of football. It’s played in a smaller, confined space, making it easier for kids to get involved and actively participate. The emphasis on ball control, quick passing and teamwork help develop soccer skills while encouraging social interaction. Futsal’s reduced physical demand and emphasis on fun make it an attractive choice, fostering a love for the sport from an early age.

More info at www.parkour.uk

More info at www.englandfootball.com

Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court with a low net.

Pickleball is attractive to children because it’s easy to learn, offers immediate success and doesn’t require much physical strength. It fosters hand-eye co-ordination, social interaction, and physical activity. The sport’s adaptability and inclusive nature make it an appealing choice for children of various ages and skill levels. There are over two hundred and seventy pickleball courts in Britain. More info and local clubs at www.pickleballengland.org Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Why choose performing arts classes for your child?

By Alexa Brant A range of research studies have found that students who participate in the arts demonstrate a higher academic performance and test results AND perform better in areas that contribute to success outside the classroom, such as participating in community service and being elected to class office.

There are many other benefits too: Self-confidence. Aspects of performing arts, especially improvisation, help children understand how to appraise situations, think outside the box and be more confident in unfamiliar situations. They learn to trust their ideas and abilities and apply them at school and in life. Equally, dance helps build self-confidence with each new routine practised and mastered.

Imagination. Being creative and learning to make creative choices helps children think of new ideas, allowing them to view the world around them in different ways. Remember Einstein said: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’

Empathy. Understanding characters, roles and the sub-text of plays and musicals allows students to relate better to different situations, backgrounds and cultures they encounter in real life, encouraging them to show compassion and tolerance for others.

Concentration and memory. Practising, rehearsing and performing develops the abilities and skills necessary for children to be able to focus their minds, bodies and voices and improves their memory. Memory requires exercise, just like a muscle!

Communication and socialisation. Dance and performing arts are highly social activities. Children learn how to work as part of a team and develop a greater sense of trust and co-operation, while making new friends. They also develop their listening and observation skills. Acting improves vocal projection, articulation, tone of speech and expression.

An effective performing arts class embraces both extroverted and introverted children. Combining the creative ideas and the abilities of all participants is required for the best outcomes. This requires all those taking part to engage in discussions, feedback, rehearsing and performance.

Physical health. Dance improves flexibility, coordination, balance, range of motion, stamina, muscle tone, strength and posture. Performing and dancing on stage also helps children develop spatial awareness, become less clumsy and pay more attention to others sharing their space. They can feel more at home in their own skin.

And, lastly, of course, it’s all great fun!

All the usual Science Centre fun PLUS Test the Water - a brand new live science show, Hibernation Station and den building activities all free with general admission.

Weekends and February half term 27th Jan to 19th Feb 2024

Stagecoach Portsmouth Stagecoach Performing Arts Portsmouth certainly has been busy since it opened in Southsea two years ago.

Principal, Valerie Weyland said ‘whilst Stagecoach has been around for over 35 years, there was no presence in Portsmouth and we are delighted to now be working with the children of Southsea and Portsmouth. We have already performed at Gunwharf Quays and the Guildhall supporting Abba Mania and soon we will be performing at the New Theatre Royal with International Opera and then Disneyland Paris!’

She continued that ‘It’s not all about the performances though – we are committed to helping children with their overall confidence and social skills, that’s at the heart of everything we do at Stagecoach.’

Classes take place at Portsmouth High School, offering acting, singing and dancing training for children aged 4-18. No experience is necessary.

You can book a two week trial at Stagecoach Portsmouth by visiting www.stagecoach.co.uk/portsmouth, text: 07498 997 606 or email: portsmouth@stagecoach.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

Book now

winchestersciencecentre.org

Families Solent East 5

EDUCATION

Beyond the school system

By Ana Fábrega It’s a fact that the traditional school system doesn’t suit everyone, yet many parents aren’t in a position to take their children out of school. The good news is that there are some fabulous learning opportunities available outside of the school system, which can be used to complement school learning. Consider these: Self-directed learning communities. Programmes like Kubrio (www.kubrio.com) bring kids together to share interests and design their own curriculums. Over one hundred classes cover coding, game design, art, writing and entrepreneurship.

Academy (www.khanacademy.org) offer amazing courses.

Forest Schools. Forest School programmes (www.forestschoolassociation.org) put kids at the centre of learning, connect them with each other and nature and challenge them to take responsibility and make meaning for themselves.

Foster a love of reading. Let kids read freely and widely. Let them skim through books and dive deep into what interests them: poems, comic books, non-fiction, magazines, cookbooks or even the same book over and over. Choice is the secret recipe for fostering a love of reading. Once they develop this, they will be able to teach themselves anything.

Team problem-solving. Synthesis School (www.synthesis. com) empowers kids to solve the world’s hardest problems.

They compete in teams, debating ideas, testing tactics, communicating decisions, taking ownership and drawing out the best in each other.

Alternative schools. If you are thinking of a different school, consider alternatives such as Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia. For specific alternative schools, research Sora Schools (www.soraschools.com), Higher Ground (www.higherground. com) and Acton Academy (www.actonacademy.org).

Project-based learning. Programmes like Arduino (www.arduino.cc) cover chemistry, physics, electronics, coding and more. They ship all the components to your door, with online training and support to allow kids to learn by doing.

Microschools. Microschools are also wonderful options, like those available through Prenda (www.prenda.com) and other networks. To find a good one, look for mixed age groups, a childcentred curriculum and project-based learning.

Online STEAM classes. Many schools struggle to provide enough opportunity to explore science, tech, engineering, art and maths (STEAM subjects). Platforms like Brilliant (www.brilliant.org), Skillshare (www.skillshare.com) and Khan

Ana Lorena Fábrega is a teacher, turned edupreneur and author of The Learning Game: Teaching Kids to Think for Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning, available from www.bookshop.org

The Lindy Effect

Lindy ideas in education

Lindy ideas refer to concepts or principles that have demonstrated resilience and longevity over time. The term ‘Lindy’ comes from the Lindy Effect, a concept introduced

by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his book Antifragile. In essence, it says that ideas age differently from people. The longer ideas have been around, the longer they’re likely to last.

Play. Free play is our natural method of learning about the world. Since ancient times, we’ve used it to explore, experiment and build new knowledge by venturing into the unknown.

Each of the learning options explored above share common traits. Although each is unique, they all take Lindy ideas from the past and apply them to today in various ways. Lindy ideas stick around for a reason: they often work quite well and have proven themselves across generations. We should leverage wisdom from the past and adapt it for today.

The teacher as facilitator. Throughout history, the best educators acted as wise guides. Rather than conveying knowledge, they facilitated questions and dialogue until students arrived at their own understanding. It was a collaborative model of truth-seeking.

Although most traditional schools today do not follow Lindy ideas, there are an increasing number of alternative schools and educational programmes that do things differently. These can help parents of children for whom traditional education is not working to replace or supplement it with learning experiences that are grounded in Lindy ideas and updated for today.

6 Families Solent East

Learning by doing. Hunter-gatherers of the past let kids learn survival skills through practice. They played with bows, spears and cooking tools and participated in the work of the tribe.

The Socratic method. For hundreds of years, teachers used the method of the Greek philosopher Socrates. Instead of lecturing, they asked penetrating questions to help students use reasoning to develop their own beliefs.

One-room schoolhouses. Historically, kids attended one-room schoolhouses (or ‘microschools’ today) where they learned in small, mixed aged groups. Older kids taught younger kids, younger kids learned from older ones.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Speech, language and communication at school

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

A new report from the charity Listening to unheard children found that an estimated twenty percent of school age children are behind in talking and listening. There is an increase in children who can’t articulate their needs or how they feel or who struggle with sentence construction, sounds and vocabulary.

Speech develops gradually in children and this can look different for everyone but difficulties may be deemed to be present when their skills are behind for their age group. Good speech, language and communication skills have a positive impact on confidence and self-esteem.

Communication difficulties affect children in many ways.

For some, their understanding of language is stronger than their speaking skills or vice versa. Not understanding the definition of words or concepts impacts their ability to follow instructions and make sense of what is happening around them. Children who struggle with understanding spoken language rely heavily on visual aids or clues from people around them to keep up with tasks.

Those who find producing spoken language challenging may find it hard to make specific sounds or they may speak in a way that is cluttered and doesn’t appear to have much order. This can make it difficult for these children to express themselves in conversation, during lessons and when playing with peers, making some feel self-conscious and affecting their confidence.

Receptive language can also be problematic for some children with speech and language difficulties. For instance, understanding and processing what has been said to them. They may need instructions broken down into small chunks and visual cues to support what has been said verbally. It may be necessary for them to practise paying attention for gradually longer periods of time.

Given the impact speech and language difficulties can have on children’s confidence, self-esteem and social skills, early intervention is important, as well as adaptations to their learning environment. If your child’s speech is behind for their age, it is important to seek advice from a speech and language therapist who can devise an appropriate support plan.

Through interacting and playing using speech and language, a child or young person develops social skills and friendships that will last into adulthood and beyond.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

a Bookand r tou ster ta ys da

Identifying speech and language difficulties Between the ages of five and seven, children should have good communication skills. If they are finding language difficult, you might notice that they find it hard to: Learn and understand the meanings of words or phrases that can mean more than one thing; Grasp and respond to simple instructions; Form complex sentences in the correct word order; Make up stories, written and oral; Learn at school - for unexplained reasons; Make and keep friends.

From ages seven to eleven, children may also struggle to learn at school and understand what they are supposed to be doing.

They may find it difficult to join in group conversations where there is too much language. Making up stories, both oral and written, may be challenging and stories may be muddled and difficult to follow. They may find it hard to learn and understand the meanings of words and understand language about the past and the future where the meaning isn’t clearly stated.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Searching for the right school for your child?

Come and visit us and see our school in action. From Pre-school to GCSEs (rising 2 to 16 years), we offer an academically outstanding yet supportive education setting in the heart of the South Downs National Park

Contact admissions@ditchampark.com

www.ditchampark.com Ditcham Park School, GU31 5RN, 10 mins from Petersfield @Ditchampark

DitchamParkSchool

ditchamparkschool

ditcham park school

Families Solent East 7

EDUCATION

What to expect from ICT at primary school

By Zuzu Jordan When managed well, technology can transform learning into an engaging and interactive experience. Yet technology now develops and changes so fast that parents may find it difficult to keep up with what their children are learning.

Schools are constantly reviewing their ICT (Information Communication Technology) practice and policies in light of the forever evolving technological world. Additionally, the Covid home schooling experience made schools, parents and carers evaluate both the available tools and what children need in order to access learning, whatever the situation.

At primary school, parents can expect their children to be taught ‘computer science’ in ICT lessons including coding, algorithms and writing programmes to improve the world around us. They will be encouraged to use technology and logical reasoning purposefully. The range of devices and software used to achieve this will vary from school to school. For instance, there are a number of free online games which help children learn to code such as www.studio.code.org and www.scratch.mit.edu With ICT integrated across the whole curriculum, children will be using some form of technology in most subjects. This may include using tablets, laptops, cameras and the internet.

Teachers use SMART boards allowing children to directly interact with devices in lots of different ways.

Students will use technology for research and presenting information. Schools buy software to help teach some of the curriculum; for instance, Duolingo to support modern foreign language lessons. Some standard tests are even administered online such as the multiplication check in Year 4.

Schools and parents have a dual role in teaching children to be responsible users of communication and information platforms.

Children learn about the benefits and uses of these platforms but the inherent risks involved in online activity is what receives most attention during ICT lessons.

The online world is hard to control and monitor and can be very daunting for parents. All schools should hold an Online Safety Agreement Policy which outlines their plans to safeguard children online. This may tie in with their anti-bullying and child protection policies. Part of these policies involves families agreeing to clear expectations and boundaries. In schools,

pupils are explicitly taught to use technology safely and report any unacceptable behaviour. They are taught about privacy, protecting their online identity and knowing where and how to report anything disrespectful. In addition, teachers discuss the importance of critical thinking when children obtain information from the internet.

Meanwhile, at home, we are now surrounded by multiple devices to monitor including phones, tablets, smart TVs, smartphones and speakers. Games consoles are increasingly connecting people to the online world too, with children as young as age 2 able to work these devices independently.

It’s a great idea to devise your own family online safety agreement such as this one from Childnet (www.childnet.com) at www.bit.ly/OnlineFamilyAgreement It’s also important to set clear time limits on devices, check parental controls on websites and consider the location of the devices in your home.

One thing that children fear the most is having devices taken away so encourage transparent communication between you and an atmosphere where they feel comfortable to tell you about anything that worries them.

Other useful links for parents include NSPCC at www.bit.ly/ NSPCCOS and Think U Know (www.thinkuknow.co.uk).

Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Facebook page Edumateuk.

Homework tech tool kit

FREE websites or apps

Online English dictionary and thesaurus; YouTube (vetted by parents) for education videos to help clear up misconceptions and consolidate learning; Timers help kids improve their awareness of time constraints; Cameras can evidence homework or present information differently; Word processing software; Calculator.

Tip: Schools increasingly set homework using apps and websites with unique logins and passwords for pupils.

Download and bookmark the app/website and save the password.

As a teacher and parent I highly recommend the following: White Rose Education 1 minute maths (www.bit.ly/1minute maths) is great for practising the four mathematical operations.

BBC Touch Typing dance mat teaches touch typing in steps essential for navigating a keyboard.

Topmarks (www.topmarks.co.uk) has many interactive games for lots of subjects. Handy if you want visual representation in maths.

BBC Bitesize - you can’t go wrong! It covers so many aspects of learning and is up to date.

8 Families Solent East

Familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

What makes a good pre-school or nursery?

By Justina Gapper When choosing a nursery or pre-school, most parents base their decision on a combination of personal recommendation, the vibe of the setting, how much they like the staff and the setting’s Ofsted report and rating.

But what are the other features that contribute to the success of a nursery or pre-school setting? What really makes the difference between your child having a great experience, rather than just an acceptable one? Here are some things to take note of when you are visiting potential nurseries for your child.

Staff team Recruiting the right staff and ensuring they work closely as a team is crucial to the success of a nursery setting. Look out for the way staff interact with each other. Are they supporting each other, anticipating issues and problems and each other’s needs, as well as those of the children? Look out for nursery managers who are present in the main part of the nursery, as opposed to spending all their time sitting in an office. When they are working alongside their staff, they can steer the ship and also offer support at particularly busy times of the day.

Communication Communication between nursery key workers and parents is a number one priority. Can you see evidence of nursery staff working closely with parents to help new children settle?

Settling a child into nursery or pre-school can be a stressful and anxious experience for both parent and child. Not all children are the same, so settings should, where possible, be flexible enough to adjust their procedures to suit each child.

Good nurseries provide daily feedback to parents, send weekly emails and use social media to show the nursery in action.

Parents should expect to receive regular updates from their child’s key worker and be kept informed of their child’s progress and what is happening more generally at the nursery.

Look out for nurseries and pre-schools that help parents understand and support at home what their children have been learning at the setting. For instance, use of Home-Link Books

The ‘£50K Parent Penalty’ is Real One in five parents in households earning less than £50,000 leaves the workforce due to childcare costs, new research from a women’s charity has found.

Pregnant Then Screwed surveyed 11,811 parents with children under age 5 – and over half said childcare costs and availability were now ‘more of a concern than the cost of living’ with those at the lower end of the income scale more likely to be affected.

For those households with an income of less than £50,000 in total, where parents do stay in employment, over threequarters (76.6%) reduce their hours to make childcare feasible, the research found.

More info at www.pregnantthenscrewed.com Familiesonline.co.uk

which suggest small, achievable, fun activities that parents can do with their children at home.

Structure, routine and safety To feel safe, children need routine, so it is important that staff are able to maintain this. Parents also need complete peace of mind that their child is safe at the setting and may want to check whether the nursery has installed CCTV and telecoms on its entrances to ensure secure access.

Thinking ahead to school Nobody wants to rush children or parents towards school and nursery should be viewed as an experience that is important in its own right and not simply about preparing little ones for school transition. Having said this, it is useful to understand what kind of process and support system a nursery has in place for transitioning children to school.

For instance, does the setting provide provide transition reports for schools? These are generally, based on several areas of learning and give teachers a detailed account of the child that will be joining them.

Is a child’s Reception teacher invited to visit them at the setting before they start school? It’s clearly very valuable for little ones to meet their school teacher for the first time in a relaxed and familiar environment.

Primary teachers say it is social, emotional and self-care skills and a desire to learn that are important when children start school. Ask the nurseries you are visiting to explain how they go about nurturing these skills.

UK families missing out on a £2,000 childcare benefit Almost two-thirds of families do not claim the tax-free childcare to which they are entitled.

It is estimated that 1.3 million families are eligible for up to £2,000 a year per child (or £4,000 for those with disabled children), through the tax-free childcare (TFC) scheme. Under this scheme, the government will add £2 to every £8 you pay your childcare provider but just 36% (470,000) of families claimed in June, according to the latest data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

To be eligible for the £2,000, each parent or carer, must be earning at least the minimum wage and not more than £100,000 and working 16 hours a week or more.

More info: www.theguardian.co.uk Families Solent East 9

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Twelve months to It’s the New Year! This is the perfect time for a reboot designed for the whole family. Get started February Grow more veg & herbs

January Eat less meat Veganuary takes place every January. Having started in the UK in 2014, it now has global traction. If going vegan is a step too far for your family, how about Meatless Mondays? Even reducing red meat by a small amount can improve heart health. Try a half-and-half approach; instead of using just minced beef in recipes, replace half with beans, lentils or mushrooms. It increases the amount of fibre in your diet.

It might be looking a little bare out there but the frostbitten days of winter are coming to an end. What better time to visit the garden centre, shake out the gardening gloves and push some seeds into the soil. Assigning individual pots to the kids might encourage them to get more involved in growing their own veggies and herbs - and eating them!

March Bake healthier snacks

April Take up a sport together Biscuits and cakes are often the easiest snacks to reach for after school. With forward planning though, we can all do a little better.

Homemade snacks don’t have to look or taste too different from shop-bought ones; by just by adding less refined white flour and more fibre you can improve gut health over the course of a year.

For biscuits, try a bit less flour and a few more oats. With cakes and traybakes, using wholewheat flour is a great way to introduce more fibre, antioxidants and protein, along with tonnes of important nutrients like B vitamins, iron, magnesium and zinc.

Finding an active challenge you can enjoy as a family, can be loads of fun and healthy. But finding something that works for every age is tricky. Ice skating and golf can be good levellers and appealing to older children. If nothing else comes to mind, swimming or cycling usually work for most; it’s all-round physical exercise and always seems to have an immediate and positive effect on appetite and sleep.

June Go dancing!

May Tackle anxiety At this time of year, school tests and exams can pile on extra pressure. Meditating regularly, even for a few minutes a day, can make a difference and there are lots of meditation apps designed for children, as well as adults. More effective than yoga, meditation is proven to reduce the reactivity of the brain in response to stress and a Harvard-based study in 2011 demonstrated that you can even reduce the size of the amygdala (the bit of the brain associated with the stress response) when you meditate for a longer period of time.

10 Families Solent East

The days are long and the sunset casts a rosy glow… well hopefully!

The festival season has arrived and it’s time to embrace the midsummer madness and go dancing. The health benefits of dance are impressive; cardio, weight-loss, strength, agility and balance are just the start. To top it all off, dancing brings joy and is a natural form of stress relief. Throw in some choreography and you’ve even got a workout for your memory too.

Familiesonline.co.uk

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

a healthier family with our step-by-step guide and let every month take you closer to a happier, healthier, family life.

August Drink more water

July Tech-free weekends Or, more realistically, just one day! As it gets brighter and sunnier, it’s much easier to come up with tempting outdoor alternatives and any reduction in screentime is likely to improve sleep and mental health.

Consider device-free times or designated tech-free zones at home.

Are you keeping to your own weekly or daily limits? Revisit the rules, especially with older kids and discuss what a healthy balance looks like. Visual timers help some children keep screentime under control.

Yawn, we know this, yet we are probably still not drinking enough.

Let’s just recap how essential it is for our health. The blood is ninety percent water so good hydration basically effects every single organ and cell in the body, from heart to brain to skin. How about trying a different strategy for each family member? For one child, a new water bottle. For another…. deploying the dark art of parental bribery. For yourself, water infused with lemon instead of a coffee.

September Enrol in a new class

October The vitamin refresh It’s a new academic year and there is no need to limit the anticipation and thrill of a new start to just the children in the family!

There’s also no need to spend a penny. Start by visiting your local council website to find out about free short adult education courses.

Or you could check out the online learning platform backed by The Open University called Future Learn (www.futurelearn.com). Most of their courses are also free.

Perhaps you’ve dished out vitamin C to head off colds, tried some probiotics for gut health or have been taking Omega 3 to improve focus? The chances are you probably have some unfinished bottles lying around in a cupboard somewhere. October is a good time to sort through what you already have and set your priorities for the winter ahead. The NHS recommends all children under age 6 (who are not being fed formula) should have vitamins A, C and D as daily supplements. Vitamin D is particularly important as winter approaches, as we get less sunshine.

November Switch to sugar alternatives

December Family cooking day Adding more spices to our diets benefits us by replacing sweetness with flavour. Other sugar alternatives, like agave or stevia, convert to glucose more slowly, helping improve our energy and health over time. Date sugar is made from dehydrated dates, retaining more of the fibre and vitamins than standard refined sugar. Monk fruit is a natural sweetener made from a south east asian fruit.

It’s increasingly available in health food shops and is many times sweeter than sugar, yet it has no calories or effect on blood sugar.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Help! It’s nearly Christmas again! This year, it might be a good idea to get some meals in the freezer before the holidays start and relatives descend. Dedicate a day to cooking as a family and let each member choose a healthy recipe. It’s great for teamwork and even better if you discover some new family favourites. Younger members can get to work on healthier versions of seasonal staples like mince pies or gingerbread men.

Families Solent East 11

FESTIVALS

Top family-friendly festivals for 2024 Time to plan ahead! The UK has loads of family-friendly festivals happening this year and, from music and comedy to food and drink, there’s really something for all ages. Some festivals offer plenty of activities for little ones to enjoy, as well as great music line-ups, whilst others are dedicated solely to family entertainment and activities. Here is our selection of some of the stand-out festivals with dates to help you plan.

Gone Wild Festival Powderham Castle, Exeter 22-24 August and Holkham Hall, Norfolk 8-11 August

Celebrating the great outdoors with fabulous music alongside family-friendly, outdoor activities for all ages. Where else can you push your mum down a 50m mud slide, learn new survival skills then dance the night away? Activities include kayaking, Nerf battles, circus workshops, high ropes, tree-climbing, adventure art and more. www.gonewildfestival.com

Just So Rode Hall, Cheshire 16-18 August This weekend-long camping festival aims to help families make memories together in the great outdoors whilst enjoying the very best music, theatre, circus, storytelling and much more. Child-friendly loos, baby change facilities, breastfeeding tent and even a bath time tent, offer families practical assistance, while attractions include an exhaustive range of activities and workshops for kids. www.justsofestival.org.uk

Victorious Festival Southsea, Portsmouth 23-25 August

Set on the stunning Southsea seafront, this festival not only features some of the biggest names of the UK music scene during its three day run, but it also has a great comedy line-up with some big names. A newly expanded Kids’ Arena offers face painting, zip wires, skate sessions and family activities, all of which are free. www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

Gloworm Festival Holme Pierpoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire 16-18 August

Festival of Sport Venue and dates to be confirmed Festival of Sport is the ultimate family sports festival, with entertainment, camping, competitions and coaching from world-class sporting legends for kids ages 5 to 17.

Sports on offer range from hockey, rugby, netball, cricket and football to kayaking, golf, trampolining, lacrosse, boxing, skateboarding and climbing. www.festivalofsportuk.com

Standon Calling Standon Lordship, Hertfordshire 25-28 July

An independent boutique music and arts festival with big acts and emerging talent which features a whole area dedicated to entertaining babies, kids and teenagers during the daytime. It also offers on-site baby sitting for evenings, a swimming pool and dedicated family campsites only ten minutes from the car park. www.standon-calling.com

Aimed at children ages 0 to 13, expect music, activities and arts all geared towards different age-groups. From well-known children’s artists and headline acts, through to a funfair, farmyard, facilities for families, meet-and-greets with their heroes and places to play, every corner of this festival is an incredible adventure for all ages. www.glowormfestival.co.uk

Deer Shed Festival Baldersby Park, North Yorkshire 26-29 July

Deer Shed is a three-day wonderland of music, arts, science and sport, set in beautiful North Yorkshire parkland. Choose from forest bathing, a circus masterclass, soft play, robotics, forensics, cinema and baby massage - there’s plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. www.deershedfestival.com

12 Families Solent East

Camp Bestival Lulworth Castle Dorset 25-28 July and Weston Park Shropshire 15-18 August

This award-winning festival is known for its diverse line up of musical acts and its wide range of family-friendly activities and entertainment. In addition to music, the festival offers a variety of other attractions, such as comedy performances, theatre, circus acts, workshops and interactive art installations. Some areas are specifically geared towards children’s activities. www.campbestival.net Familiesonline.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Helping children embrace the great outdoors Gemma Hunt, children’s storyteller and long-time presenter of CBeebies show Swashbuckle, tells Families about her role as ambassador for The Waterproof and Wellies Project for The Outdoor Guide Foundation (www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org) and why she’s passionate about getting kids and families outside.

Tell us about The Waterproof and Wellies Project?

To motivate our daughter, we turn outside time into an adventure or give ourselves a purpose. Like going out to collect leaves or feathers for an art project or going on a litter pick.

We’re looking to raise £6m to provide ten sets of waterproof jackets, trousers and wellies to the twenty thousand state primary schools in the UK. Unfortunately around thirty percent of children do not own their own wellies. So having these sets in schools enables them to play outside in all weathers without ruining their shoes!

If we take her bike or scooter that usually stops the moans about her legs aching if we’ve walked too far!

What advice would you give to families whose access to green spaces is limited?

Why do you feel particularly passionate about this project?

Make the most of the outdoor spaces you do have access to. Take outdoor games if there is no play area. If it’s rainy, put your waterproofs on and take a flask of hot chocolate and a big umbrella!

I long for children to enjoy the physical, mental and spiritual value of getting outdoors more. It’s so good for their appreciation of our great British countryside, wildlife and nature.

I love to see my daughter play outside, climbing trees, investigating flowers and spotting insects, coming back with flushed cheeks and grubby knees!

On occasion, we’ve ruined clothing or footwear as we haven’t had the right gear with us BUT we’ve been able to replace them. This isn’t possible for all families so to have the right outerwear to enjoy time outside together is essential.

How do you think children’s experience of outdoor time today compares to yours as a child?

I don’t think we get outside as much as we used to – there are so many inside distractions. It used to be a treat to run around outside, play games and let off steam. Now children seem to view it more as a punishment as they’d often prefer to stay indoors connected to electronics and Wi-Fi.

What has The Waterproof and Wellies Project achieved so far?

Of course, we had more freedom to roam safely and I understand why we may not be so willing for our children to go out alone now but that is all the more reason to try and do so as a family.

How much time do you spend outside with your family?

Honestly, not as much as we should.

We do walk to school or play in the garden every day and we like to take our daughter out on her bike.

Luckily we live near the coast and great country parks like Betteshanger Park near Deal in Kent where we can walk, cycle and scoot. There’s also a great play area there and the most delicious café (I recommend the sweetcorn fritter burgers!).

Since Covid, we have donated more than three thousand sets of waterproofs and wellies to UK schools. We need more support from businesses and individuals as we’re still a way off our target and there are more than three hundred schools on the waiting list who are desperate for the gear.

You can see how you can support us at The Outdoor Guide Foundation website at www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org You’re also a writer. Tell us about your new book.

My newest book is about helping children to express and deal with big feelings like anger, jealousy and frustration.

I understand the power of imitative behaviour and wanted to write something that children could read (or have read to them) that would inspire them to better manage their behaviour.

My favourite role model has been Jesus so I wanted to take some stories told by or about him and re-tell them from the perspective of a mixed race family like mine. My husband and daughter and my parents and I all appear in the stories.

What motivated you to write it?

I wanted to write a series of children’s books that represented our own mixed race family. I struggled to find good books for my daughter that depicted our family dynamic - so I wrote them! The first book is about encouraging children to be a good friend and is called See! Let’s Be A Good Friend; the newest one has five helpful short stories which explore emotions. It’s called See! Let’s Be ME and is available from www.bookshop.org

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families Solent East 13

Your family guide to

What's On Ongoing Ocean at the End of the Lane Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, PO1 2LJ portsmouthmuseum.co.uk Find out more about how we use and change our coastline and the affect this has on our environment and wildlife. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm.

FREE. Ongoing Treasure Trails Across South East Hampshire and West Sussex treasuretrails.co.uk A self-guided spy mission walking trail or treasure hunt inspired walk.

Trails are 2 to 2.5 miles and take approximately two hours. Print a map at home or buy online.

Ongoing ‘50 Things’ Activities The National Trust: Petworth House, Uppark House www.nationaltrust.org.uk Why not try some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges?

There’s something for every young explorer to do.

Every Wed (term time only) Mini Makers & Shakers Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk Brand new workshops and activities for Early Years. Take part in fun activities for 2-5 year olds.

Choose from Storytime Rhymes,

Little Artists and Mini Movers, and be prepared to join in as each child will need a grown-up partner to enjoy the session with.

Every Thu & Sat Family Fun Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk A weekly expansion of CFT’s family-friendly spaces which invite you to bring your pre-schoolers and catch up with some parent pals. Children can discover toys, colouring-in and chalkboards, fancy dress and books in our nooks, while grown-ups can indulge in delicious coffee and cake. Thu 10am–12pm, Sat 9am–12pm Ages 0-5. FREE. Every Thu (term time only) Little Notes Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk Take part in live music, led by classically-trained opera singer and musician Mark Bradbury from Little Notes. Spring term runs from Thu 11 Jan to Thu 21 Mar with a break on Thu 15 Feb for half term. Ages 0-4.

Sat 6 & Sun 7 Jan The Three Billy Goats Gruff Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk Baby, Middle and Big are three very hungry goats and there is absolutely no grass left to eat on their side of the valley. Come on their adventure as together with

Take part in the 2024 Big Garden Birdwatch Get your family involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and help monitor bird life in the UK. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 26 and 28 January.

Challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

You can also watch Big Garden Birdwatch Live! on YouTube and Facebook to discover what birds are being spotted across the UK with live commentary, interviews and chats with special guests and wildlife experts and the chance to ask them questions.

To learn about ways to attract birds to your garden and get your FREE guide, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch 14 Families Solent East

All listings correct at the time of going to print.

Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and the venues are open.

Little Bo-Frilly they hatch a plan to cross the bridge to the lush green grass on the other side. They just need to outwit that horrible tricksy troll first. Ages 3+.

Sun 14 Jan Wassailing Day Weald & Download Living Museum, Chichester, PO18 0EU wealddown.co.uk Come and bless the museum’s orchard at their winter Wassailing!

Watch traditional activities and join a procession with music, songs and short performances from the House from Sole Street to the orchard for the wassail to ensure a good harvest. 10.30am-4pm.

Sun 14 & 28 Jan Wintertime Stars, Moon And Planets South Downs Planetarium Chichester, PO19 8EB www.southdowns.org.uk We are often treated to clear, crisp nights over the New Year holiday period, and many people take the chance to have a look at the night sky. Come to the Planetarium for a guided tour of what’s up in the starry sky at this time of the year.

3.30pm. 60-minutes. Adults £8, Children 6-16 £5. Ages 6+.

Mon 15 to Wed 17 Jan The Gruffalo’s Child New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, PO1 2DD newtheatreroyal.com Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood… Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation. Ages 3+.

Thu 25 Jan & Sun 25 Feb Relaxed Open Morning Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth, PO1 SPY, maryrose.org Relaxed open morning from 10am-12pm, where the lights in the museum will be at a higher level, and sound effects will be turned down. Suitable for SEN children.

Fri 26 Jan James Webb Space Telescope South Downs Planetarium Chichester, PO19 8EB www.southdowns.org.uk James Webb Space Telescope – latest images, discoveries and puzzles. Award-winning shows for the family. 7.30pm. Ages 10+.

Come out of hibernation this February half term It’s hibernation season but the fun doesn’t stop at Winchester Science Centre this winter. Between Saturday 27 January and Monday 19 February, there’ll be all the usual Science Centre fun, plus even more to excite all ages with the return of Zero Degrees.

In The Hibernation Station families will learn all about what native species are up to during winter. And, for those feeling brave, there’ll be a chance to step outside and try some hibernation den-building. Back inside there’s a brand-new action-packed live science show, Test the Water, that will use exciting experiments to delve into the science of water temperatures. Plus, there’s two floors of interactive exhibits, huge ‘don’t try this at home demos’ and lots more!

For more information and to book tickets visit www.winchestersciencecentre.org Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Fri 26 Jan You Are The Sun Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk A very first opera for babies and grown-ups that explores the magic of nature. 9.30am. Ages 0-2.

Fantastically Great Women at Chichester Festival Theatre

Sat 27 Jan Brick Fest Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX petersfieldmuseum.co.uk Join Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery as they mark International Lego Day and shine a spotlight on hometown treasure, Minibrix. Dive into the world of blocks and bricks and let your imagination run wild!

10am-5pm.

Sat 27 Jan to Mon 19 Feb Zero Degrees Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ winchestersciencecentre.org Enter The Hibernation Station learn all about what native species are up to during winter. Together with all the usual Science Centre fun all this is included free with general admission. 9.30am-5pm.

Sat 3, 16 & Thu 29 Feb Trainmaster trainmaster.co.uk Train lovers come and visit for an hour of play. Refreshments available. See online for details.

Sat 3 Feb Hayling Island Sat 16 Feb East Meon Thu 29 Feb Waterlooville Wed 7 to 28 Feb Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, PO1 2DD newtheatreroyal.com Come and enjoy an uplifting 45minutes with your little one as you listen to live musicians playing beautiful acoustic versions of well-known pop songs, all arranged to be enjoyable for both big and small ears alike. Accompanied by beautiful sensory activities from Filskit Theatre, each gig will explore a new theme from colour and shape to nature. 10.15am. £3.

Sun 11 Feb Diversity – Supernova Portsmouth Guildhall, PO1 2AB portsmouthguildhall.org.uk Britain’s most-successful dance group, Diversity, head out on a brand-new UK and Ireland tour, Supernova. 6.45pm. Book online.

Thu 15 Feb Doodle Room Westbury Manor Museum, Fareham PO16 0JJ hampshireculture.org.uk/events Free-form drawing on a large sheet.

Let your imagination run wild with the theme of spring. FREE. All ages.

Tue 13 Feb Get Arty Gosport Museum and Art Gallery, Gosport, PO12 1NS hampshireculture.org.uk/events Drop-in and get creative at this mini make session. Be inspired by the Open Art exhibition in the gallery and create a picture frame for your own masterpiece. £1 per maker. 10.30am-1pm. Ages 6+.

Thu 15 to Sun 18 Feb We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk See the smash-hit production at CFT this half term! Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, adventure and a few surprises along the way. Ages 3+.

Wed 14 to Mon 19 Feb Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk This ‘pop-fuelled, upbeat’ hit musical, comes to Chichester for February half term. Join our inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum.

On her journey she meets the incredible wonder women Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart and Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few. From explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest women; all independent icons who really did change the world. From £10-£26. Ages 7+.

Get the best out of family life!

Sign up now to receive every issue.

IT’S FREE!

Sign up at

familiesmag.co.uk/go Familiesonline.co.uk

Fri 23 Feb Subdays Museum Engineers Royal Navy Submarine Museum Gosport PO12 2AS nmrn.org.uk Enjoy an open-ended play session.

This specially designed drop-in activity uses loose parts to encourage engineering skills such as creative thinking, problem solving, fine and gross motor skills, and curiosity. £5 per child. 12-3pm.

Ages 3-7.

Solent East

Sat 24 Feb Creative Saturday: Stitch and Sew Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX petersfieldmuseum.co.uk Enjoy a hands-on workshops led by an experienced artist educator, Jo, from The Craft Zen. Create your own fashion-inspired patterns using a range of basic embroidery stitches. 10.30am-12pm. £8.

Sun 25 Feb The Sooty Show: 75th Birthday Spectacular Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, PO5 2QJ kingsportsmouth.co.uk Celebrating 75 amazing years in show business, Sooty, Sweep and Soo are planning a very special birthday party and you’re all invited. With buckets of audience participation and gallons of giggles, this spectacular celebration of the longest-running children’s television show in the world will delight Sooty fans old and new and is a must-see treat for the whole family. 2.30pm.

Mon 26 Feb Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk The UK’s premier baby friendly comedy club. With shows featuring the funniest comedy stars from the circuit and TV, the event is all about you, the parents! But don’t worry – we take great care of our younger guests. Ages 18+.

Tue 27 Feb to Fri 1 Mar The Boy at The Back Of The Class Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s classmates have ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family.

An unexpected and often hilarious adventure follows, all topped off with a terrific twist. Ages 7+.

Please say you saw these listings in Families Solent East Magazine

WIN a family ticket to Camp Bestival!

WIN

One lucky family has the chance to score a family ticket to Camp Bestival.

This four-day safe, fun, magical and adventurous festival for kids of all ages, takes place during the summer holidays in both Dorset and Shropshire.

Multi award-winning and designed specifically for families, enjoy hundreds of activities from bushcraft, circus schools, sports and immersive theatre to incredible live acts and DJs, family raves, circus spectaculars, wellness, award-winning street food and cabaret. www.campbestival.net Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go T&Cs: www.bit.ly/cmpbest

Families Solent East 15

Ages 8+ National Geographic Science Kit Bundles Giveaway

T&Cs apply

Educational * Immersive * Interactive

Discovery and hands-on learning

Worth £77 each

Geodes Kit Glow in the Dark Science Kit Gemstone Dig Kit 3 bundles available

APPLY at familiesmag.co.uk/go

An

Island School with a GLOBAL Outlook

An independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2 ½ to 18 NEXT OPENMORNING: MORNING: NEXT OPEN Saturday 4 February 10.00am to 12.30pm Saturday 7 October, 10am to 12.30pm Excellent GCSE, A Level and IB results Scholarships and bursaries available for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and the Sixth Form FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call +44 (0)1983 617970 or visit www.rydeschool.org.uk/open-days-and-visits Queen’s Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE

16 Families Solent East

Familiesonline.co.uk