Families Suffolk March-April 2013 issue 10

Families Suffolk – The local magazine containing useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds

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In this issue

Local News – Education Feature – Childcare Feature – Birth Choices – Easter Activities & Offers - What’s On and much more I p s w i c h • R U SH M E R E • B E L S T E A D • WH E R S T E A D • P I N E W O O D • K E S G R AV E • H E N L E Y • W I T N E SH A M N A C T O N • H O L B R O O K • SH O T L E Y • C L A Y D O N • Woodbridge • Hadleig h • Sto w market

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Welcome

Lisa Giddings – Editor

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Sleep

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Baby Talk

How to stop your child waking in

the night

Birth choices

10-11 12-13

14 15-17 18-19

Education Feature Childcare Feature The proposed changes to childcare

Readers Competitions Easter Activities and Offers

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editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

RSPB’s Flatford Wildlife Garden & We Have A Voice project

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P.S If you enjoy Families Suffolk magazine why not register for our bimonthly newsletter, this contains more useful articles, information and offers for you to enjoy - www.familiesonline.co.uk/user/register

Our Community

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Happy reading

Parents Place

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Have a fun Spring, keep in touch via FB and Twitter and we’ll see you with the next issue at the beginning of May.

Local News

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We have 3 pages of Local News for you, an Education feature, an interesting article relating to the proposed changes for childcare, an article you need to read if your child has trouble sleeping plus our regular Baby Talk and Our Community pages. PLUS we have 3 pages of Easter offers, activities and events and our usual What’s On pages.

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Welcome to the new issue of Families Suffolk. I hope you all had some fun in the snow but hopefully the cold weather has now moved on and we find ourselves at one of my favourite times of year - Spring. The days are getting longer, the weather better (hopefully), the farms begin advertising baby animals to go and see, the country shows begin, and generally there’s just much more of an My little incentive to get out of the house and monkeys enjoy the Suffolk outdoors. Mother’s Day and Easter celebrations are both in March plus a 2 week school holiday to enjoy/endure whichever way you like to view it. So in keeping with a busy Spring time we have a very busy issue brimming with useful information for you and your family.

What’s On

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Circulation - 13,000 copies of Families Suffolk are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other distribution points throughout Suffolk. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please contact us.

Cover Image: Suffolk Wildlife Trust ‘Springtime at Arger Fen and Spouse’s Vale Nature Reserve’

Contact details 01473 788546 / 07887 945767 editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Editorial, Advertising & artwork editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Events, diary dates, out & about editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

NEW BUILD

REMORTGAGING

MOVING HOME

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FIRST TIME BUYER

You and your place are unique.

That’s why we treat every mortgage application individually.

For a more human mortgage...

We’re Here www.ibs.co.uk 0845 230 8686 Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Applicants must be aged 18 or over. Subject to status and valuation.

Ipswich Building Society is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and is entered into the FSA’s register under number 104875.

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Families Suffolk is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributers can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

Printed promotional items professionally designed & produced t: 01473 422 779 e: info@cresign.co.uk cresign.co.uk

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

Local News sponsored by

Mobile Creche

MID & WEST SUFFOLK SHOW 2013

The Big Pedal 2013

The Mid & West Suffolk Show takes place on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April at Stonham Barns Showground, Stonham Aspal. The show is a family event featuring spectacular arena demonstrations and displays, children’s activities and a wide range of trade stands, craft and charity stalls.

The event will be held on the Stonham Barns Showground set amongst 12 acres of beautiful Suffolk Countryside within Stonham Barns other attractions including fishing lakes, golf course, shopping village, Camping & Caravan Park to name but a few, meaning it isn’t only the show you can take in over the weekend.

Dogs are allowed as long as their kept on leads throughout the entire Event. TICKETS ON THE GATE Adults Children (4 – 16 years old) Under 4’s Concessions for Senior Citizen’s & NUS Card Holders Family Ticket 2 adults & up to 3 children)

£6.00 £4.00 FREE

£5.00

Charity Sustrans is encouraging kids, parents and teachers across the UK to leave the car at home and get on their bikes and scooters for the school run between 28th February and 20th March as part of The Big Pedal. Nearly half of all children want to be able to get to school by bike but only four per cent actually do.

Headlining the weekend is the Knights of the Damned Jousting team, TV celebrity Amy Rouse with her amazing sheep dog display, along a host of other show ring displays packed in over the two days. Steam and classic car exhibitors, archery, craft demonstrations make up just some of the many things planned to give the whole family a packed and enjoyable day out.

Last year over 950 schools took part, from Cornwall to the Highlands, Belfast to East Anglia. The combined efforts of children all over the country travelled a total of 1,140,075 miles saving 59,021 gallons of fuel and £368,484.

Sing & Stretch ‘Spring’ into a New Venue

Families Suffolk caught up with Joseph Young, project manager for Cycle Suffolk and asked him what he thought about this years Big Pedal.

“Anything that gets children and parents or carers onto their bikes is a good thing as far as we’re concerned” said Joseph.

“This is a great scheme and doing the school run on a bike is the perfect way to get people cycling, get them active and help the environment. Going out on bikes with children is often the motivation that parents need to start cycling again, and they quickly realise just how much fun it is.”

Cycle Suffolk is a Suffolk Sport project designed to promote cycling in rural locations across Suffolk and they support many cycling events such as charity rides, cycling festivals, Watt Bike evenings and club development. They also promote many of the beautiful cycle routes that are available in Suffolk and would encourage families to try some of these out now that they’ve taken part in the Big Pedal. So if you want to continue cycling or maybe you want to support a charity ride, there’s lots more information at www.cyclesuffolk.org or you can email joseph.young@suffolksport.com

Activities at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

SPRING IS IN THE AIR at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary - a time of great excitement and activity when many of the 80 resident birds are laying and hatching eggs!

Everyone loves a fluffy owl baby and it is hoped that this year’s expectant Mums will include Ural, Great Horned, Tawny and European Eagle Owls, Red Kites and Falcons. Pop in to catch a glimpse of these little superstars!

The sanctuary’s exciting Spring events start with

SPOIL YOUR MUM DAY on Sunday 10th March. Youngsters can treat Mum to a free photograph with an owl (book in advance) and pot her a plant! Also, watch a bird exercising session, with falconers preparing the birds of prey for the new flying season.

Explore the pretty Woodland Walk - home to red squirrels, rabbits, guinea pigs, chipmunks and an entertaining family of meerkats!

Over Easter Weekend the sanctuary offers its traditional EASTER EGG HUNT as well as daily flying displays and meerkat feeding sessions.

On Easter Monday JENNY’S ARK PETTING ZOO will be in residence, offering handling sessions with rabbits, guinea pigs, lizards and snakes. Jenny’s fascinating creatures will also be visiting the sanctuary on both MAY BANK HOLIDAYS Call: 0845 680 7897 suffolkowlhome@gmail.com www.owl-help.org.uk

Sing & Stretch and Baby Boogie Music are pleased to let you know that new classes have just started in Dedham nr Colchester on Thursdays (term time) at 10 am (for 0-5yrs) and 11am ( for babies 0-18months).

Classes take place at The Sports Club Pavilion, Duchy Playing Fields, Dedham CO2 6AH. (Free

Get your toggles on & get fit!

£18.00

For further information and attraction details please visit www.stonhambarnscomplex.co.uk or telephone 01449 711111.

parking available near the church then follow the footpath across the playing field). Please note that the Dedham classes replace those previously running in East Bergholt. Classes are also available in Capel St. Mary & Hadleigh on Tues, Wed& Fri. First visit always FREE, so come and enjoy a session. www.suffolkkidsparties.co.uk

We all know how much kids love the water... splashing, jumping, floating and generally having a whale of a time (pardon the pun).

But as well as being great fun, swimming is also an excellent way for youngsters to get fit and stay fit. The new 6-week course at Crown Pools, exclusively for 14-25 year olds, is the perfect way to get young people into the habit of swimming for fitness. The sessions are structured and supported by qualified instructors who will motivate and encourage progression in swimming technique and fitness. The course costs just £12 so it’s also good value for money. Find out more and have a chat with our swimming development manager Maxine on 01473 433655 or email maxine.smith@ipswich.gov.uk.

The Ultimate Kidz Pop Party

If you have a 6-13 year old then you need to mark Sat 13th April in your diary. On this day The Ipswich Regent plays host to Best Friends Forever - The Ultimate Kidz Pop Party. This show is the must see event for every kid in town, the show celebrates some of the biggest and coolest young music stars of our time, featuring the world’s number one Justin Bieber impersonator with ‘special guests’ Katy Perry & Jessie J, and brilliantly supported by the award winning BFF Dance Crew. The show delivers a fun-filled experience combining fantastic choreography and multi-million selling hit songs, so Never Say Never and bring out the Belieber in you for some Fireworks and Money Money Money. Let’s get ready for the BFF party!

01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Get your body back in shape from one mum to another Are you expecting a new baby or have you had a baby within the last 12 months? Is it time that you ditch those maternity clothes and get back into your skinny jeans? Is it impossible to imagine that you will ever have time to do this?

Angela Hope is a Pre and Postnatal Fitness Specialist offering a complete fitness programme to help make sure you have a fit, healthy pregnancy from conception to birth and throughout motherhood.

So why should you call Angela? Because she also has two young children and understands better than anyone the difficulties and pressure on new mums to not only regain their pre-pregnancy shape but also the lack of time they have to do it!

Prenatal exercise promotes well-being, keeping you and your baby healthy during pregnancy. It helps prepare you for birth, keeps weight under control and increases energy levels. Postnatal exercise helps you to get your body back, rebuilds your posture and gives you some much needed ‘me’ time.

To find out more call Angela on 01473 611488 or 07801 892713 or visit www.hopefitness.co.uk

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Local News sponsored by Get Outdoors with Suffolk Wildlife Trust With the days getting longer and Spring bursting upon us, it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer. Wherever you live in the county, Suffolk Wildlife Trust has a site near you awaiting your visit.

From strolls in flower filled woods to organized events at their education centres, they have something to offer all age groups.

In the Easter holidays, Knettishall Heath, Bradfield Woods and Foxburrow farm are running nature based Easter Egg hunts. While Lackford Lakes, Redgrave and Lopham Fen, Carlton Marshes and Arger Fen are offering family mornings with spring trails, crafts and games. Other activity sessions at the sites include wild art, Froggy Fun and Terrible Toads!

The young wardens scheme, aimed at children aged 1015, runs every school holiday, giving young people the opportunity to learn practical conservation skills.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust also have regular monthly wildlife clubs for 6-12 year olds, called Wildlife Watch. The 8 groups, based across the county meet monthly for nature discovery and outdoor fun. 2013 will see the launch of two new groups in Bungay and Stowmarket.

For more information about any of the activities mentioned contact 01473 890089 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org info@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Autism Friendly Film Screenings

Little Kickers & Xtra Time Camps Is your school, nursery or club looking to provide a football or sport camp during the school holidays? If so Little Kickers or XTRA TIME would be happy to provide a camp at a very competitive and affordable price. Little Kickers or Xtra Time are also looking to run football/sports camps in Felixstowe, Kesgrave and Ipswich over the Easter period, all days would be 10am-3pm, so if you have a football or sport mad child why not contact Chris to find out more www.littlekickers.co.uk

Midnight Walk 2013

St Elizabeth Hospice’s high-profile ladies-only fundraising Midnight Walk is to break new ground by allowing men to take part.The Midnight Walk 2013 will welcome men and also offer a night-time run through Ipswich town centre.The new-style event – which is the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year - will be held on Saturday 18th May 2013. More than 220 men and women have already signed up but there is still time to register.

Event organiser Leanne Carhart said “We hope women who have taken part year after year will be reassured that the unique atmosphere of this mass participation event will remain intact. They can choose to walk with other women – or invite their husbands, fathers, brothers and male friends to unite with them – running or walking for such a worthwhile cause.”

There will be two routes to choose from – eight or five miles – a carnival theme, exciting warm-up and a hot chocolate and medal at the end for all participants.

Many people take part in groups as a fitness challenge, in memory of a loved one or just to have fun night out.

All participants are asked to raise sponsorship. The Hospice provides services free of charge to patients and their families in East Suffolk, but relies on fundraising and donations to meet most of its £8.7m a year running costs. Midnight Walk 2013 is supported by the East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich Star and Town 102. To sign up visit www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk

On the first Sunday in the month Cineworld, Ipswich working with DimensionsUK will be showing an Autism Friendly Film Screening. The film shown is a mainstream film but it is the differences made to the cinema environment that makes it autism friendly. Lights are left on low, the volume is turned down, people can move around the cinema and make noise as they feel comfortable and people can bring their own food and drinks if they have special dietary requirements. There are no trailers so the film will always start at the time advertised. Autism Friendly Film Screenings are for anyone that would benefit from the subtle differences made to the cinema environment. This might be someone with a learning disability, or it might be the family and friends of someone with autism or with a learning disability who want to enjoy a cinema experience together.

For more information: www.dimensions-uk.org

The Festival of Green Ideas The Festival of Green Ideas, May 11th 10am – 5pm is a celebration of what Our Community is doing to help address both Local and Global environmental issues.

Jam packed with a variety of activities, there will be stalls including recycling, composting and architectural ideas. Fascinating short talks: topics range from climate change denial to the global rise in human population. Films and animations include renewable energy, refugee issues and climate topics.

Families can take part in the Children’s Quiz (with prizes), the lucky dip and visit the kiddies activities corner while the adults rest and enjoy deliciousness from the Local and Fair-trade food Café. A discussion helps conclude the day’s events where the speakers, stall holders, local politicians and the public are invited to enter into a wide ranging exchange of ideas to help further promote, network and share.

Admission Free. All Welcome. Call: 01473 257649 www.suffolkquakers.org.uk/green-ideas.htm

Labels4Kids launches New Website Leading UK based international kids’ labelling specialist Labels4Kids is launching their new look website for March 2013. Attention to detail is something Labels4Kids does well and to make high quality labelling easily available to help families save money on returning property to them is something vital more so than ever before with the cost of new clothing, shoes and other belongings increasing all the time.

The new Labels4Kids website makes ordering so much easier and you can even try designing your labels on the site prior to ordering. The fun site covers labelling for your children, your sport requirements, camping, corporate and even care home items for grandparents. In addition they have a full personalised clothing site with a separate checkout to produce high quality clothing in both climacool and normal ranges. These are not thin cotton material garments but thick, high quality items that will last.

Labels4Kids has very high levels of customer service with a money back guarantee, a free returns policy and a free 1st class delivery option.

See the full range by ordering at www.labels4kids.com/fam today.

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To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

Local News Sponsored By A Tale To Thrill All Ages

and creative. Produced with world-renowned Teatro Kismet, famous for their visually exciting and daring work, the production will feature talented actor musicians, breath-taking movement imaginative costumes and a story that will captivate all ages.

The New Wolsey Theatre presents, I WAS A RAT! The first UK stage adaptation of this funny and gripping story

by Philip Pullman is recommended for ages 7+ and is The central character, Roger, is played by brilliantly acrobatic Fox Jackson-Keen guaranteed to thrill the whole family. The New Wolsey Theatre hope families will see the production together, for (formerly a West End Billy Elliot). this reason they have scheduled evening performances This really is the must-see production of 2013 and with tickets from £5 (under 26’s) to start at 7pm.

Performances: Tue 12 to Sat 16 March at 7pm / Wed 13 & Sat 16 Mar at 2pm This gripping, funny and stylish co-production by Birmingham Repertory To book www.wolseytheatre.co.uk / 01473 295900 Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse and the New Wolsey is fast-paced, colourful

Experience the fun and fulfilment of teaching baby signing.

Have you ever wanted to gain the benefits of working for yourself but never felt brave enough to go it alone?

Join the Baby Senses™ team by becoming a Toddle Talk™ baby signing instructor and enjoy the benefits of running your own business, including the ability to fit classes around your childcare needs, whilst gaining the support, marketing and proven class lesson plans of the Baby Senses™ brand.

Over the last 3 years, they have expanded the number of Toddle Talk™ baby signing classes available, with venues in Kesgrave, east and west Ipswich, but with increasing quantities of enquiries, they need to expand the number of classes in Ipswich and Suffolk to offer more variety of days and locations to suit customer requirements.

By purchasing a license for a small annual fee you would:• • •

• Receive start up guidance and support Be trained by Baby Senses™ Have a set geographical area to work in • Be provided a tailored book keeping system • Gain ongoing business advice Receive a start up kit including; o Class equipment If you would like more information about becoming a Toddle Talk™ o Lesson Plans baby signing instructor, please contact Ann on 07748914370 o Training Manual info@BabySenses.co.uk www.BabySenses.co.uk o Marketing Materials

SWIMMING LESSONS

Two Amazing Shows In One The Framlingham Country Show and The Suffolk Food, Drink and Music Festival on Sat 13th & Sun 14th April is set to become even bigger and better this year with so many attractions for the family to do and see. They have some wonderful ring attractions including gundog demonstrations, geese herding, ferret racing, falconry and chainsaw carving. Alongside the main ring there will be dog shows and dog agility throughout the day. Take the children along to meet the Central Suffolk Rabbit Society who will be hosting pet competitions throughout the weekend or the children can meet and pet the farm animals. Take a donkey ride around the showground, have a go on the funfair or try your hand at the Air Rifle Range. There will be many traditional rural craft demonstrators offering you the chance to try a new skill such as making some pottery. Take your family on a helicopter flight over the surrounding area or stay on the ground and watch our stunt plane demonstration. There really is something for all the family.

This year the shows are supporting Suffolk Driving for Disabled and a variety of Forces Charities with the Art Anglia Art Exhibition been held within the show in aid of several Forces Charities.

For all show information: www.framcountryshow.co.uk wwwsuffolkfoodfest.co.uk

Martial Arts Family Fun. If like me you spend a lot of time driving your children around to various clubs and classes and then if you’re lucky squeeze some class or sport time in for yourself why not try a new sport as a family? Why not try martial arts?

Darren Summers School of Martial Arts based in Ipswich offer classes for all the family from 4 years upwards. With classes such as kickboxing, karate, boxing, zumba, and martial fitness, to choose from not only will you enjoy some family time but there are many health benefits. Martial arts improves flexibility, balance and coordination, builds strength and muscle tone, it increases endurance of the heart & lungs, and helps children understand the need for self-discipline. All classes are taught by qualified instructors who are sports first aiders and fully CRB checked. The school offers a free week’s trial which gives you the opportunity to see if you and your family enjoy martial arts, so there really is no reason not to give it a try.

Darren Summers School Of Martial Arts 01473 464123 www.darren-summers.co.uk

The Kids Cooking Experience is a Fun, Exciting new Cookery School for children aged between 8 and 19.

Our Qualified Chefs will be spending 2 hours with the children, helping them to prepare and cook some amazing dishes from lots of different cultures and countries! After School classes start in March and we have Half Term Courses available in April too. Our Mission is to inspire and encourage all children to learn about different meats, fruits and vegetables and be able to recognise how to eat more healthily in a fun environment.

Our classes and courses are held at two venues. The Cooking Experience in Hadleigh, Suffolk, a fabulous venue that already hosts Adult Cookery Courses. www.cookingexperience.co.uk Jimmy’s Farm is delighted to be associated with The Kids Cooking Experience and endorses our challenge to educate children how to cook and to share his farm with them. We will be supporting Children with Special Needs in separate classes too at Jimmy’s. www.jimmysfarm.com We can also offer Cookery Birthday Parties and Parent and Toddler sessions.

All Enquiries please contact Angela by email or phone thekidscookingexperience@gmail.com or telephone 07824 357705

Swimsure Swim School are offering crash courses of swimming lessons during the Easter Holidays. Children from the age of 3 years upwards can be enrolled. A range of classes are available, suitable for non-swimmers, beginners and those seeking to improve their swimming technique.

A choice of 3 venues - Martlesham, Felixstowe & Ipswich. 4 day course Tuesday 2nd – Friday 5th April 5 day course Monday 8th – Friday 12th April Lessons last for 30 minutes each day, between 8.30am and 10am.

Groups are organised by current swimming ability in small groups (4-6 children per class) and taught by qualified teachers. SwimSure is an established ASA registered Swim School. Advanced booking is required. Swimsure also provide lessons during term time.

Contact SwimSure 01473 613269 swimsure@btinternet.com www.swimsureswimschool.co.uk

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Parents Place

Sherry and her children, (two boys age 2 & 6 & one daughter who is 11) have lived in the Ravenswood area of Ipswich for 5 years.

Sherry owns Love Is Sweet a sweet table hire business which supplies high-quality sweet tables for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, proms and other celebrations for both children and adults. Sweets are presented on a dressed table in tasteful decanters along with striped candy bags in a variety of shades to match the overall event colour scheme. There are a range of sweet table packages from 20 to 80 guests or bespoke packages for smaller or larger events. Sherry explains what her and her family like doing when she’s not busy sharing sweets Why do you like living where you do?

I love living in newly developed area of Ipswich it is in a lovely central location to the coast, the countryside and the city. I’m near to all my family and friends and my children enjoy their schools and the local play area’s.

Favourite shop and why?

The Vanilla Room is my favourite shop as it’s

my hairdresser’s and where my best friend Julie works. I enjoy going there to be pampered and have some me time but it’s also a great family salon which my husband and children enjoy. I recently provided a sweet table for the Vanilla room’s pamper evening which was a great success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Favourite park and why?

We love the parks that are scattered around the Ravenswood area, each one is different and we always end up playing super heroes.

Favourite children’s club/class?

My daughter recently started Copleston High School and has joined Netball and Football and all the family enjoy a good splash about at Crown Pools.

Favourite day out and why?

My family and I love getting down to our beach hut in Dovercourt, where we love going crabbing and having large team water fights with all the other families and having barbeques.

Favourite child friendly restaurant and why?

The Raven, Ravenswood, Ipswich as the staff always make a point of speaking to the children and provide them with crayons & paper to entertain them as well as good food in a friendly and relaxed environment.

What should no parent should be without?

Books, we all love bedtime where we can all snuggle up and read a good bedtime story it finishes the day perfectly together.

Funniest comment?

I took my son to a Fireman Sam stage show and were running late so we were running to the theatre and he shouts out Mummy I can’t run anymore so I’m telling him to hurry or we’ll be late and he says I really can’t run, look Mum and his trousers had fallen down to his ankles.

Favourite family holiday spot and why?

Alcudia in Majorca, we love the beaches and the sunshine.

Best children’s book?

Roald Dahl – The Twits Best children DVD or video?

My son’s enjoy Spiderman or superhero’s as they like dressing up and for a family film we all enjoy Toy Story.

Most played with toys?

Playmobile it lets their imagination flow.

Most successful recipe/food?

It’s hard to choose a favourite as cooking for my family is one of my favourite pastimes but we do all enjoy a Sunday roast. The children enjoy making cakes with me but most of all licking the bowl.

If you would like to visit any of the places mentioned please find the contact details listed below:

The Vanilla Room 184 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich IP3 8EE. 01473 721365 www.vanillaroom.co.uk Crown Pools Crown St Ipswich IP1 3JA 01473 433655 www.ipswich.gov.uk Dovercourt Dovercourt is a small seaside town in Essex, England.

It is older than its smaller but better-known neighbour, the port of Harwich, and appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. www.essextouristguide.com The Raven 1 Hening Avenue Ravenswood Ipswich IP3 9QJ 01473 718704 www.ravenpub.co.uk If you would like to contact Sherry regarding hiring a Love is Sweet table you can do so via the website www.sweet-tables.co.uk or call 07732 794646

Moment for reflection The Good Enough Mother …… by Sonia Richards DIP COUNS

With Mothers Day upon us, it is the time of year when we all recognise that whatever we may feel we do or don’t have in common, what we do all have in common is the fact that we have had or still have a mother.

We may be estranged from our mothers or we may no longer have them around for they have died or we may have a very loving relationship, some might even say their mother is their best friend.

So what is it that makes a good mother? Or a good enough mother as Donald Winnicott (psychoanalyst) would have said.

Is it the fact that our mothers give us gifts or take us on holiday? Or is it the fact that they still take care of us, looking after our own children in turn?

Would we expect a good mother never to lose their temper or be cross, or would we allow them to be human and may in turn resent the boundaries placed on us, but also respect them for it, and so learn to respect ourselves. Or is it all of the above?

Or could it be put more simply and the Good Enough Mother lets us know that we are loved and that in turn allows us to feel good enough about ourselves, and know that we are loveable. To fully accept us warts and all is the act of a mother loving unconditionally.

I often find my patients have poor self esteem, and little belief in themselves and this comes from a lack of belief that they are really loved. It may be that they are loved of course they may even KNOW it but they do not FEEL it for some reason.

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And it is the ability to feel loved, accepted, and treasured that makes us feel secure in ourselves.

So when Mothers day comes around this time, perhaps we need to ask ourselves do we feel that we are loved unconditionally and do we feel good enough? Because if we do, we can treasure our mother because they have given us the greatest gift of all and that is to pass on to the generation the security of feeling loved.

Sonia is a qualified counsellor and also a psychoanalytical psychotherapist. She works by helping people face not only what they are currently dealing with but tries to uncover if there is a cause in the past that keeps bringing up repetitive issues. She will work with someone (or couples) to look at what might have been a difficulty in the past in order to understand better how to move forward in the present.

Many people find counselling/psychotherapy helpful when facing different life stages, such as birth, death, marriage, divorce, career changes and loss of any sort such as children leaving home. These changes may evoke old emotional problems such as anxiety attacks, depression or difficulty controlling anger.

Having someone to talk to in a quiet caring and confidential environment is enormously helpful and allows a space to be listened to and heard and the problems thought about together in a different way.

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

Our Community Sponsored By We Have A Voice The ‘We Have a Voice’ project is a multi–media platform made up of magazine, web-site, radio and music projects, where the content has all been created by young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD or Mental Health Issues.

The platform allows the Young People to share what their lives are like and the challenges they face, and encourages others to increase their knowledge and understanding. One young person who became involved with the project is Billy and he tells us his experience.

Billy was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 8.

“School was really difficult, the teachers didn’t understand. I was loud and disruptive so other students couldn’t get on and this lead to me nearly being excluded. Towards the end of school I got some support, but before that there was very little. I had LSA’s (learning support assistants) but they weren’t trained, they didn’t know what ADHD was or how they could help.” Billy was prescribed drugs, “The drugs did help at first but then I deteriorated, I couldn’t feel any emotions and I didn’t like them so I stopped taking them. For me, ADHD, it’s like a burst of energy, I can’t focus, I have to get up and move!”

the same as every other teacher, LSA, that had come into my life, basically just another adult that was lying to me, but Annie broke down the barriers, we developed a trust so we were able to then start to look at how we could deal with the real issues. “ Billy became involved in the We Have a Voice project, a multimedia platform designed to allow the young people to express themselves, discover themselves and foster understanding.

Billy is now a trainee youth worker with the project, as well as the graphic designer for the magazine. He is able to hold the job down because Annie provides a suitable environment and a structure & framework that he can thrive in, and the rewards for her are immense. Billy has been able to create a whole look and feel for the magazine that is worthy of any glossy!

Individuals, families and organisations can become members of the project and depending on the level of membership, make contributions.

Life was difficult for Billy and he was concerned about the future.

“I met Annie (Clements) when I became a student at Suffolk New College, I was having problems on my course, the usual issues where resurfacing.

I didn’t believe her when she said she could help me, I thought, whatever,

RSPB’s Flatford Wildlife Garden I bet you didn’t know that there was a beautiful garden, with free entry to the public, offering free children’s holiday activities right in the middle of Flatford. I certainly didn’t, so Families Suffolk asked Shirley Boyle, Flatford Project Officer to tell us all about it.

‘Here at the RSPB’s Flatford Wildlife Garden we

believe that nature is good for children, and children are good for nature. It’s our ambition to give as many children as possible a chance to experience the wonder of nature, because one day it will be theirs to look after.

To find out more visit www.wehaveavoice.org.uk

During spring, summer and autumn school holidays we offer children’s activities every day in the garden. What we’re doing will depend on the season, but for example in spring we might be teaching children how to propagate plants by taking cuttings, dividing plants or planting seeds. Or perhaps we’ll be watching garden birds feeding their young, and learning about their needs. In summer we might be hunting for mini-beasts amongst the log piles and in the wildflower meadow, and in autumn we might be looking for fascinating toadstools, and collecting up autumn leaves for leaf rubbing or making collages.

There are lots of other things to do in Flatford, in summer you can hire boats or canoes to explore the cool reaches of the River Stour; you can relax in the National Trust’s pleasant riverside café for a coffee or for lunch; you can stroll across the peaceful water meadows to the picturesque nearby village of Dedham… So why not treat yourselves to a lovely tranquil day out?

The Wildlife Garden is open from Good Friday 29th March to October, 10:30 – 4:30. We’ve usually got something going on - have a look at the website to find out what we’re up to: www.rspb.org.uk/flatford or ask for an events leaflet on 01206 391153. To find us, follow the signs to Flatford from East Bergholt, and park in the National Trust car park. Parking £3. Remember, entry to the garden is free, and we only ask for a small donation towards materials for our various activities.

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

7

Health Feature How to stop your child waking in the night

By Kathryn Mewes

Do you walk around in a daze, feeling you are in a permanent cloud? Rest assured you are not alone. Deprivation of sleep is something that every parent experiences, but when it starts to become part of your everyday life then it is time to stop and ask “Is this how I want it to stay?”

First of all, it is important to understand children’s sleep cycles. Children tend to be awake for a 12–13 hour day before they reach their ‘window of tiredness’. If a child wakes at 6–7am they will need to be in their nursery by 6.50pm with lights out by 7pm if they’re to get to sleep easily. If you miss this window of tiredness your child will get their ‘second wind’, lasting for one sleep cycle (90 minutes).

This means that they will not settle again until 8.30pm.

Night 1

Secondly, it is good to remember that all of us, even adults, wake on average 6 times a night. The difference is we know how to settle ourselves and return to sleep. Babies are not born with this skill of self-settling and need to be taught. You can’t make your baby sleep, but you can teach them how to put themselves to sleep.

After 30 minutes my son realised that this was the way it was going to be. This may sound a long time but it was taking longer when sitting on his carpet waiting for him to fall asleep.

A top tip to help your baby settle themselves is to keep their room dark. If your child comes into a light sleep and can see things around them they won’t be encouraged to go back to sleep.

Sprinkle water over the window panes in the nursery and press sheets of foil to the windows.

Cut the foil close to the frame and this will block out 100% of the light.

Samantha’s story: Enough is enough – I need someone to help me!

I called on Kathryn Mewes, author of The 3 Day Nanny, to help with my 5 year old’s sleep problems. We had got ourselves into a situation where we sat with him for up to 45 minutes each night until he fell asleep. It didn’t stop there. If he woke in the night he would come into our bed, and I would be breastfeeding my daughter while losing precious sleep space to my son.

I had got to a stage of thinking my son would never sleep in his own bed. Kathryn claimed that she could solve any challenge in 3 days, but she hadn’t met my son!

However, Kathryn soon devised a reward system, giving my son incentives.

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When it came to bedtime the message was simple. A relaxing routine followed by saying ‘Goodnight. I’ll see you at breakfast time.’ Kathryn walked out of the bedroom with ease and confidence … only to be followed by my son! She returned him to his room with an air of calm even though he was protesting, and every step of the way she explained what she was doing.

He did wake that night, but instead of allowing him into my room Kathryn guided him back to bed. In the morning I found Kathryn and my son working on their reward system. I could see a change in him instantly - he had someone believing in him.

He could sleep through the night.

Night 2 As you can imagine, my son gave me a quite a run for my money, but the most important thing Kathryn taught me was how a child can sense your emotions. If I wanted to get him to stay in his bed he had to believe that I was serious and that I was not going to back down. I had to remain calm yet in control, and 20 minutes later he stayed in his bed. That night he slept through until morning.

Night 3 By night 3 my son knew the routine. He let me put him to bed and leave the room.

It was all so straightforward. Why hadn’t I done this sooner?

Kathryn’s Top Tips for Solid Sleep

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Remain consistent with the 3 B’s – Bath, Book/Bottle, Bed Get your children to bed at the right time – aim to be leaving their bedroom at 7pm Have your own little routine in the bedroom that should last no longer than 20 minutes. The longer you stay the harder it is to leave Ensure the room is dark when you leave Have the door closed or pulled to. The door only opens when it is breakfast time Don’t react to your child’s requests. No more talking after ‘See you at breakfast time’ Create a reward system for an older child to encourage them to remain in their bed

A silent night can be achieved. Believe in yourself and your child, remain consistent and it only need take 3 nights.

I promise!

By Kathryn Mewes, author of ‘The 3 Day Nanny’ published by Vermillion, £12.99.

Kathryn also provides a bespoke service.

Call 07787 821525 or go to www.bespokenanny.com

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

Baby Talk Sponsored By

birth choice

By Clara Wiggins

You’ve recently found out you’re pregnant, you’re already eyeing up the latest buggy and thinking about turning the spare room into a nursery.

But one of the most important choices you will have to make is one most women in this country take for granted – where are you actually going to have your baby?

In many counties across the UK women are spoiled for choice, with everything from traditional hospital maternity wards with obstetric-led delivery suites to midwife-led natural birthing units. Home births are also often well supported, and many of the birthing facilities available are new or recently refurbished. But imagine if you didn’t have these choices? Imagine if you were told where you would have your baby, even how it would be born? Worse still, imagine if you thought you had made your informed choice only to find that when it came to it you had no control over what happened during the birth? Unfortunately this is the reality for many women in the world, even in the UK, and it is what prompted two documentary makers to produce a film that has been shown all over the world.

Freedom for Birth is based around the story of Hungarian midwife Agnes Gereb, who was jailed for supporting women during their home births, and the subsequent European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling that stated all women within the ECHR jurisdiction should have the right to choose where they give birth. As well as Gereb’s story, the film includes comments from some of the most prominent birth experts in the world, all united in one thing: that the situation around birth and the way women are treated is substandard – and it’s not getting any better. In fact, French doctor Michel Odent even described the situation as being “at the bottom of the abyss”, while American midwife Ina May Gaskin states in the film: “If you keep people afraid, you can make a lot of profit”.

Mama2mama www.Mama2mama.co.uk

Shocking stuff, but information that the filmmakers, couple Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford, felt was vital to get people starting a conversation about the problem. “In terms of our human rights about birth, there is a sliding scale, with forced caesarean sections in countries like the Netherlands and America at one end and uninformed consent at the other”, Toni said.

“Women are not being given choices, they are not being told the full implications of what is being done to them. If women are not fully informed, I would call that assault”.

Toni’s own birth experience in Brighton involved an induction, which she said she wasn’t given a choice about. She also said a friend was automatically signed up for a caesarean because her baby was breech. “I respect women’s rights to have a caesarean. But we need a cultural shift – instead of doctors saying, “This is what is going to happen to you”, mothers should be saying, “I will let you...”. Our human rights are not being respected, we need better education, better awareness that you have rights, that you have a choice”.

One of Toni’s main concerns is that we are going the way of America, where the caesarean rate is high, and rising – up to 45%. In this country, the rates are lower but still unacceptably high at 25%.

In one county in the UK, though, the head of midwifery for a local NHS Trust believes we do have a good story to tell. Proudly showing off a poster for a Promoting Normal Birth study day the hospital is running, Vivien Mortimore believes Gloucestershire is at the fore-front of change, that they are amongst those leading the way in women-focused birth and that where they lead, others will follow. The Trust are proud of the number of choices women have about where to give birth in Gloucestershire, as well as the facilities on offer. They also try to accommodate the wishes of every woman, even if it means a very detailed care plan, and it is now assumed that women will go to a mid-wife led unit unless she has complications or wishes to go to the delivery suite.

Unfortunately though, however much the Trust tries to accommodate the wishes and needs of women, there will always be a gap between what the medical community thinks is best for women, and what those who believe in complete freedom of birth choice want. It is, for example, rarer and rarer for women with breech babies to have natural births, as medical research has shown there are doubts about this method of delivery being the safest. With fewer midwifes having the experience of delivering a breech baby, the skills are being lost and the choices are getting narrower. So whilst initiatives like those being pushed in Gloucestershire should be applauded for trying to change things, is it inevitable that women in this country, and in the rest of the world, will never feel that the choice really is all theirs? www.freedomforbirth.com Buy the film for £19.99 and hold screenings to share the info more widely? www.oneworldbirth.net Watch a 15 mins film for free online. Then tell 10 people. Save birth, change the world.

Mama2mama Offering Daisy Birthing and Daisy Baby classes in and around Ipswich

Mama2mama Pregnancy yoga/Active birth Baby yoga and massage www.Mama2mama.co.uk Call Shelley on 07761 345897

We would love to hear your thoughts on this article: email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or find us on facebook: facebook.com/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Education Feature Education News Long division rules From now on, children are to be awarded extra marks for using long division in maths, as long division and multiplication make a return to maths exams. As part of a Government incentive to increase standards in primary schools, 11 year olds will receive extra marks for using traditional methods of calculation in their Sats tests. Even if they end up with the wrong answer, the workings-out of sums will receive additional marks. The changes are due to be introduced from 2016 and coincide with the introduction of a new primary maths curriculum which places greater strength on times tables and mental arithmetic, plus calculators will be banned in maths tests sat by 11-year-olds at the end of primary school.

The draft national curriculum for primary maths says that children should learn “efficient calculation methods”, such as short and long multiplication and division, and that nine-yearolds should know all their times tables up to 12x12 and confidently work with numbers up to 10 million by the end of primary school.

It’s true – phonics works!

English schools climb the international league table in reading thanks to phonics. PIRLS, the international comparison of reading teaching achievement, has published results which show that figures for reading in England have improved significantly, with the country moving up 8 places to number 11th. “It’s incredibly good news to see England rising up the table,” said Chris Jolly, Publisher of Jolly Learning, the synthetic phonics programme of choice for many primary schools. “There is still work to be done though; we need to work harder in reducing the widespread range of achievement in England, and the huge difference between girls and boys which is unreasonably high. Synthetic phonics has shown over the years what a fantastic difference it makes for helping children to learn to read and write. I see no reason why we shouldn’t be challenging for the number 1 position currently held by Hong Kong and Russia.”

Reading out loud in class ‘does children no good’ Well-loved children’s author Julia Donaldson has said that reading aloud in class is too “wooden” to interest children in books, and instead they should be taught how to read by acting out plays. The Children’s Laureate has suggested that reading aloud makes children feel like they are being tested, rather than inspiring them. The author of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom said that when she visits a classroom she takes small groups of students aside and works on the play with them, before reading it to the rest of the class. “It can develop children’s reading” as well as build confidence, she said. The author launches a new series of short plays written especially for schools this winter, including plays by authors such as Vivian French, Alison Hawes and Steve Barlow.

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Failing counties could benefit from the return of tried and tested maths techniques.

Text written by Kumon The reformed primary school maths curriculum unveiled at the North of England Education Conference in Sheffield in January indicates a recall of tried and tested maths techniques in schools.

New methods such as chunking and gridding will be recalled, with teacher’s instead teaching long division and multiplication techniques.

Kumon, the country’s leading supplementary education provider, places great importance on children understanding how a calculation works. They achieve this through instruction of arithmetic operations using traditional methods, as visible in their unique maths programme.

Through this practice, students develop their mental agility and thus are able to maximize their ability.

The return of tried and tested maths techniques may do well to increase the performance of some areas, such as Suffolk, where numeracy trends are failing. National figures recently showed that Suffolk has again dropped down the national league table and is currently the third lowest performing authority in the country. Given these recent reports, many parents are now looking for additional ways they can support their child’s learning. More and more families are looking towards supplementary education to help their child develop their maths and English skills, to give them the best chance of succeeding in school and beyond.

There are numerous Kumon study centres throughout Suffolk, which offer unique maths and English study programmes for children of all ages and abilities. Through individualised, advanced study, students at these centres are bucking the downward trend and studying above the international standard for their age.

One such student is 16-year-old Hemani Patel from the Kumon Ipswich Central Study Centre, who excelled in her GCSE’s last year, gaining 10 A*s and a distinction. Hemani studies maths at the study centre, where she is currently learning to apply skills in higher degree, fractional, irrational and exponential functions.

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

Suffolk School Open Events 2013 Mervin George, a Year 7 student at Ipswich Central Study Centre said:

“Kumon has definitely improved my mental maths massively and I believe that it helped me do well in my SAT’s and helped me pass the 11+ to get into Colchester Royal Grammar School.”

Sangeeta Kumar, Instructor at the Ipswich Central Study Centre, said:

“I am really proud of what Hemani, Mervin and all of my students have achieved and being able to recognise their commitment and hard work is really important to me. They have really benefited from the Kumon programme and I look forward to supporting more students to see the benefits in their school work and beyond.”

The Kumon Maths Programme progresses from the very basics of counting to calculus and beyond, all without the use of a calculator.

Through daily study of this programme students develop an affinity for mental maths and the confidence to apply a range of skills when faced with a new challenge. Each level of the maths programme builds incrementally on the skills developed in the previous level, ensuring a solid understanding and the ability to put learning into practise.

Kumon places great importance on children understanding how a calculation works and therefore the use of the most efficient method. This is achieved through individualised instruction and the use of traditional methods, enabling students to develop their mental agility and maximise their ability.

Sally Leedham, Instructor at the Ipswich South Study Centre, said:

“When parents ring me they are looking for information to help support and develop their child’s ability or confidence. Using Kumon’s structured programme and careful individual assessment, we have been able to develop the potential of all students who have visited the centre and support the needs of a new generation of students.”

Lisa McNulty, Instructor at the Stowmarket Study Centre, said:

“Parents worry their kids are not learning to concentrate at school. The biggest thing they need to overcome in order to be able to achieve is the ability to concentrate for an extended period of time and that is something that I have found all Kumon students acquire early on.”

There are currently over 67,000 children studying at more than 670 Kumon study centres across the UK and Ireland.For more information, and to take advantage of a Free Assessment for your family, contact your local Instructor today.

Ipswich Central Study Centre Sangeeta Kumar 01473 614665 Ipswich South Study Centre Sally Leedham 01206 863242 Stowmarket Study Centre Lisa McNulty 01473 413118

Ipswich High School for Girls aged 3-18 Woolverstone, Nr Ipswich Tel: 01473 780201 www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk • Friday 15th March 2013 10am-1pm - Whole School • Thursday 20th June 2013 10am-1pm - Woodland Pre- Prep and Junior School Ipswich Prep School Ivry Street, Ipswich Tel: 01473 281302 www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk • Open Afternoon - Thursday 25 April 2013 Ipswich Senior School Henley Road, Ipswich Tel: 01473 408300 www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk • Open Morning - Thursday 2 May 2013 Woodbridge School Burkitt Road, Woodbridge Tel: 01394 615000 www.woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk • Saturday 28 September 2013 - 10.00am - 1.00pm -

Senior School • Friday 4 October 2013 - 9.30am - 12noon - The Abbey (ages 7-11) & Queen’s House (ages 4-7) The Royal Hospital School Holbrook, Nr Ipswich Tel: 01473 326200 www.royalhospitalschool.org • Saturday 11 May 2013 - 9am - 12.30pm - Whole School Framlingham College Framlingham, Suffolk Tel: 01728 723789 www.framcollege.co.uk • Saturday 4 May 2013 - 9:30am - 11:30am - Senior School • Monday 6 May 2013 - 9:30am - 12:00pm Brandeston Hall (ages 2 ½ - 13) St Joseph’s College Belstead Road, Ipswich Tel: 01473 690281 www.stjos.co.uk • Saturday 9 March & Saturday 11 May 2013 - 9.30am 12.30pm - Whole School • Friday 4 June 2013 - 9:30am – 12:00pm Informal Open Morning Orwell Park School Nacton, Ipswich Tel: 01473 659225 www.orwellpark.co.uk • Saturday 11 May 2013 - 10am to 12noon • Saturday 5 October 2013 - 10am to 12noon Open Event information for some schools in our area was not available for publication, most are happy to show you around at a time convenient for both parties. Please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

11

Childcare Feature

By Joanna Moorhead

Childcare in Britain costs more than childcare almost anywhere else in the world – according to recent figures, 27% of the income of families with young children is spent on the costs of a nanny, a childminder or a nursery. Everyone agrees it would be better if childcare was more affordable – especially for parents with two or more children, many of whom say it doesn’t make financial sense for them both to be at work.

But how can childcare be made cheaper without compromising on quality? That’s the question everyone, from government ministers to childcare providers, is grappling with at the moment.

What the government is saying: In late January the government announced a new plan to change child:staff ratios for childminders and nurseries, in a move it says will cut costs for parents and raise pre-school standards.

Early years minister Elizabeth Truss is proposing that:

• Childminders, who are currently restricted to looking after three children aged one to five, should in future be able to look after four • They would also be allowed to look after two children aged under one, instead of being restricted to one child under one • Nurseries will be allowed to increase their staff-to-child ratio from the current 1:4 to 1:6 • For under-ones, the ratio will rise from 1:3 to 1:4 • Qualifications would be raised for new nursery staff – they’ll be required to have a GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths Other changes include the introduction of a new graduate-level early years teaching qualification.

Truss says the proposals won’t lead to children being neglected: she points out that the changes she is suggesting will still leave England with higher staff:child ratios than those for childcarers in France, Denmark and Germany, three countries that are often cited as providing high-quality care for pre-school children. Her basic argument is that the current relatively tight ratios have two main effects: they mean higher costs for parents, and lower pay for staff.

The changes she’d like to see would, she believes, lead to lower fees for parents and higher pay for staff, and this in turn would improve the quality of childcare workers over time. But Labour’s shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg says he believes the plans would undermine the quality of the UK’s childcare. “I think this is one area where we’ve got something to teach other countries,” he

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© Alliance - Fotolia.com

How childcare is changing

says. “If you look at France, there’s quite a big public debate about whether they’ve got this right.”

Marg Randles, managing director of Busy Bees, the UK’s largest childcare provider with 213 nurseries across the country, says This flexibility already exists within settings for 3-5 year olds where providers can choose to adopt a 1:13 ratio where there is a qualified teacher or EYP working directly with the children.

She believes Busy Bees baby ratios of 3:9 and toddler (2-3’s) ratios of 3:12 works best across its 213 settings, but others may find they can work within the new ratio guide lines. She welcome changes that put the decisions in the hands of individual childcare experts and trust they will make the right choice for their children, parents and business.”But the important issue for Busy Bees is childcare vouchers: currently, employers are allowed to give employees up to £55 a week in tax-free vouchers to pay for childcare; raising this to £75 a week would make a real difference to parents, the chain argues. In comparison, the saving to families if the Truss proposals go through would amount, says Busy Bees, to less than £3.00 per week.

What about tax breaks?

Childcare vouchers are one form of tax breaks for parents paying for childcare. However, before the recent Truss announcement it had been hoped that the scheme would be reformed and extended, allowing more parents to benefit from the scheme, and those already using it to save more.

Unfortunately these hopes haven’t come to fruition: Ms Truss has said changes are in the pipeline, but that they’re “going to be slightly longer in the gestation than would be ideal”.

So the details of the scheme are still being worked out, and it’s been widely reported in the press that there are ideological differences within the Coalition. Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat deputy prime minister, has suggested that changes should be for those on lower incomes, while the Conservatives are believed to want the breaks to be universal.

While we wait for another announcement, it’s being reported that the scheme under consideration could be worth thousands of pounds – sources close to the government have said working women with children aged under five could become entitled to claim a flat rate tax allowance of £2,000 a year to pay someone to look after their children.

But if that’s the good news, the bad news – sadly – is that with all the political wrangling going on behind the scenes, the plan could take some time...though some experts still believe it could be introduced before the next General Election.

For more on childcare go to www.familiesonline.co.uk

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

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Families Suffolk asked for comments from some of our local nurseries, please see below three of the many comments received.

‘I find it quite extraordinary that anyone can believe that by increasing staff ratios to what I consider to be potentially dangerous levels will reduce costs to parents. At Presmere we already run at a high staff ratio as I believe we are caring for parent’s most precious processions and we have to do it in a safe and caring way. I do not believe that anyone would want to look after six 2year olds on their own and how can one person look after 4 babies? As for the introduction of higher qualifications is a maths and english GCSE at grade C or above really going to make a difference? This is a vocational profession and we need caring people to be part of it not academics.

Parents need tax breaks to help with the cost of childcare not understaffed nurseries.’

Debbie Hayward Proprietor - Presmere Day Nursery

‘I am very against the changes in ratios in respect of the value and quality of childcare that can be offered with these higher ratios as well as the stress on staff of having to manage so many more children with no support from a health and safety point of view I also feel that things such as fire alarms would be unsafe with so many children to so few staff to have to evacuate in an emergency situation. We have already sent our parents a statement saying that we do not intend to lower our ratios and several have emailed back saying they are glad to hear this some of those I know are parents who find the cost very hard to manage but feel like us that it is not something they wish to compromise. We would probably be able to easily apply the new ratios as all our staff are level 3 or above except 1 + our annual apprentice and have 4 EYP’s double the amount the government was looking to work towards for children centres let along normal settings’ Mini Shakespear, Proprietor – Birch Farm

‘Whilst the proposed changes to staff/child ratios may offer a degree of flexibility in certain situations, I seriously doubt they would result in either lower fees for parents or better care. At Rainbow Bright we have no plans to alter the way in which we currently work.’

Tracy Mason, Owner Manager Rainbow Bright Day Care and Nursery School.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this article: email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or find us on facebook: facebook.com/FamiliesSuffolk www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Readers Competition & Offers

Fabulous family prize

Now the whole family can take part in the Great East Swim We’ve teamed up with Suffolk County Council and organisers of the Great East Swim to offer one lucky family the chance of free entry to this year’s Great East Swim on 22nd June 2013. This wonderful prize is worth over £150 and includes entry for two adults and up to three children.

With around 3,000 participants the Great East Swim is South East England’s biggest open water swimming event. Held in the beautiful clean waters of Alton Water reservoir, near Ipswich, swimmers can choose from 1/2 mile, 1 mile, 2 mile and 5k swims, participants set off in waves of approximately 300 every half an hour. The course starts and finishes on dry land with a run or walk into the water and swimmers can relax safe in the knowledge that expert kayakers and safety boats are with them, every stroke of the way. Our advanced safety system also lets us know exactly who is in the water at all times For children aged between 12-16 years the ½ mile swim is a great introduction to outdoor swimming, and is equivalent to around 32 lengths of a 25m pool. The ½ mile event will start and finish in the same location as the one mile swim where

the whole family can then enjoy the rest of the day’s activities including lots of sport, culture and super food and drink.

Competition question How many distances are there in

this year’s Great East Swim

a) 1

b) 5

c) 4

d) 9

Competition details To enter email your answer either a,b,c, or d, plus your name address and telephone number to editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk.

Prize details: The prize will include free entry for up to 5 people (2 adults and 3 children) plus event pack, medal and t-shirt). Wetsuit is NOT included but is necessary for each of the swims. Children must be aged 12-16 to take part in the ½ mile swim.

Terms and conditions apply visit www.familiessuffolk.co.uk/competitions.

Closing date: Tuesday 30th April 2013

Helping to make Suffolk the most active county in England

Brigadiers Choice Premium Dog Food With over 100 years of history in supplying quality pet and animal food in and around Suffolk it is no wonder that H.G. Gladwell and Sons Ltd at Copdock Mill have seen fantastic growth in their own branded premium dog food “Brigadier’s Choice”. Made at Europe’s leading premium dog food manufacturing facility it delivers top quality nutrition for your dog. Ensuring your dog gets the best is what all dog lovers want and is what is delivered with Brigadier’s Choice. Available in small 2.5kg bags and bulk 15kg packs with bulk 15kg bags starting at £31.00.

New for 2013 Brigadier’s Choice Premium cat food. Available in 2.5kg compostable packs, this new addition also delivers top quality nutrition for your feline friends as well as being environmentally friendly.

Both our Brigadier’s Choice Cat and Dog foods are available through Copdock Mill’s retail stores; Gladwells Pet & Country Stores. Go online to www.copdockmill.co.uk and follow the link to our country stores. Or call 01473 730246 for directions or more information. Also, now on in store, the Brigadier’s Choice loyalty card scheme!

Brigadier’s Choice Premium cat food …Buy one get one free until the end of March 2013 or whilst stocks last!    

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Brigadier’s Choice Premium dog food …Simply quote “Families Suffolk Magazine” to receive 10% off your retail purchase, until the end of March 2013.

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

Families Suffolk Easter Fun We try our best to ensure the information listed is correct, but please always check with the venue before setting out in case things have changed

Before we launch you in to a fantastic list of Easter activities, events and offers to enjoy we thought it would be interesting to find out some facts about our friend the Easter bunny and other Easter traditions.

Where the Easter bunny comes from and other Easter traditions

by Alison Thomas

• Easter was originally a pagan festival – the ancient Saxons celebrated spring with a party in honour of its goddess, Eastre.

•

The date of Easter changes every year because of Roman emperor’s Constantine’s Easter rule, which stated that it should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. This was because it was a day of maximum light (12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of moonlight).

• The Easter bunny also originated with the pagan festival of Eastre, as she was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit.

• The first documented use of the bunny as a symbol of Easter appears in Germany in the 1500s, and it was the Germans who made the first edible Easter bunnies in the 1800s.

• 14 Glow Ten Pin Bowling Lanes • Indoor Children’s Play Area: Ritchie’s Adventure Island – only £2 per hour

• Children’s Parties: Choose from Bowling Party or Indoor Play

• • • •

Bowl N Bites Parties Cityscape Bar with Sky TV Galley Diner & Restaurant Amusements

Buy one game get one free!

Subject to availability. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Photocopies not accepted. Valid until 31 May 2013.

Excludes School & Bank Holidays. Valid for up to 4 people.

Richardson’s Family Bowl, Whapload Road, Lowestoft (Opposite the wind turbine) Tel: 01502 519200

•

Some believe hot cross buns predate Christianity, as buns decorated with a cross were eaten by Saxons in honour of the goddess Eastre, with the cross symbolizing the four quarters of the moon.

• According to English folklore, buns can be kept for medicinal purposes – if you give a piece to someone ill, it will help them get better.

• Eggs are a symbol of rebirth in most cultures and had already been given as springtime gifts before Easter was first celebrated by Christians.

• Eggs are coloured brightly to symbolise the sunlight of spring.

• Medieval records note that eggs were often given as Easter gifts to servants by their masters.

• The most ornate Easter eggs are probably the jewelled and enamelled eggs that Fabergé was made for the Russian tsars.

Family holidays on the Norfolk coast Holiday Parks based in Hemsby & Scratby.

Range of accommodation, including pet-friendly.

On-site entertainment including talent and sports competitions, team shows and children’s clubs.

On-site facilities including amusements and swimming pool.

And the beach right on your doorstep for sand castles, fish & chips, picnics and ice cream!!

Call 01493 809907 for Hemsby 01493 809935 for Scratby. Or visit www.richardsonsholidays.com www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Families Suffolk Easter Fun pages in association We try our best to ensure the information listed is correct, but please always check with the venue before setting out in case things have changed

Easter Dates 2013 Good Friday – 29th March, Easter Sunday – 31st March, Bank Holiday Monday – 1st April

Eastertime at Kentwell Hall Long Melford

Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April, 11am -5pm

See 120 Tudors about the manor celebrating Easter Tudor-style including making hot cross buns in our Bakery or try your hand at the Great Easter Quiz for a chance to with a 2’6” chocolate egg! www.kentwell.co.uk Easter Fair - Felixstowe Seafront Friday 29 March 2013 – Sunday 1 April 2013, 11:00 - 22:00 All the fun of the fair on the seafront, with rides, stalls and sideshows.

Admission free (individual prices for rides, etc). Please note: opening times may vary depending on weather. www.visitfelixstowe.co.uk Baylham House Farm - Easter Fun Easter Speggtacular - Friday 29 March – Monday 1 April 2013 Easter Lambing - Friday 29 March – Wednesday 10 April 2013 www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk Landguard Fort Children’s Easter Trail Felixstowe Friday 29 March - Sunday 14 April 2013, 10am – 5pm

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A fun trail for the children at Easter. Can you find the hidden clues that will win you a chocolate treat? www.landguard.com Easter Wonderland at Colchester Zoo Fri 29 March - Sun 14 April, (Activities at various times) Celebrate Easter as Easter Wonderland returns to Colchester Zoo. Enjoy a host of additional feeds and themed displays www.colchester-zoo.com Easter Egg Hunt at Elmhurst Park, Woodbridge Saturday 30 March 2013, 10am – 2pm This legendary Easter egg hunt is the very best way of spending Easter Saturday, Elmhurst Park is already starting to show signs of Spring and the swarm of children hunting for eggs is a sight to behold! A face painter and other activities will be there but the FREE chocolate Easter Eggs are the main attraction – guaranteed to add to the fun and produce lots of happy faces!

For further information visit www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk or email info@choosewoodbridge.co.uk Easter Fun Day at Museum of East Anglian Life Stowmarket Sunday 31 March 2013 Get ready for an egg-tastic day of fun filled family activities at the Museum of East Anglian Life this Easter! www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

Hunt for Easter eggs at Easton Farm Park Easton, Woodbridge Sunday 31st March – Monday 1st April 2013 www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk Mid Suffolk Light Railway - Easter for Children Wetheringsett, near Stowmarket Sunday 31 March – Monday 1 April 2013 For times and ticket info www.mslr.org.uk The Annual Pin Mill Duck Race Pin Mill, Chelmondiston Monday 1 April 2013, 11am Free event to watch; donations are asked for to enter ducks into one of the heats. Prizes are awarded for winners of the grand finale! No need to bring anything to join in, but do wear wellies. Money raised goes to RNLI and Chelmondiston Playgroup.

Ipswich Transport Museum Easter Egg Hunt Monday 1 April 2013, 11am-4pm Go and see what’s been happening over the winter.

Easter Eggs for the youngsters to find, and free bus rides from the museum. Standard museum admission www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk Easter at Pakenham Water Mill, Bury St Edmunds Monday 1 April 2013, 1.30pm - 5pm Meet the Easter Bunny, join in the Easter egg hunt and have lots of fun with loads of other great Easter craft activities etc.

Adult entry £3.50, children are free, but pay for the activities that they participate in. Booking is not required, but please come early to avoid disappointment. www.pakenhamwatermill.org.uk

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

with www.richardsonsholidays.com Easter EGGstravaganza at Foxburrow Farm Woodbridge Tuesday 2 April 2013, 2 - 4pm Trails, crafts and egg activities Adults and children £2.50 Contact 01394 380113 or visit www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org Chelmondiston Playgroup Easter Egg hunt Ipswich Wednesday 3 April 2013, 10am Eggstraordinary Creatures at Needham Lake Kings Meadow, Needham Lake, IP6 8NU (Follow the signs around to the wood at the back of the lake) Wednesday 3 April, 12 - 3.30pm Join us for an afternoon of “eggcellent” adventures in the wood. Take part in the egg trail, make crafty creatures and perhaps take home a tasty treat.

Children £3.00 (accompanying adults free) www.midsuffolk.gov.uk Landguard Nature Reserve Easter Bunny Hunt Felixstowe Wednesday 3 April 2013, 2pm to 3pm A children’s tour on the Nature Reserve - with fun facts on rabbits and a quiz too. Watch out for the giant Landguard bunny with his goodies.

No need to book. Meet outside the main entrance to Landguard Fort.

Children £3.00, Adults free.

01394 675283 www.landguardpartnership.org.uk

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Suffolk Food Hall, Ipswich Wednesday 3 Apr 2013, 3.30pm to 6.00pm Join The Mad Hatter for high tea, fun & games including: Face painting, Seed art, Stamp collecting in the Food Hall, Cookie decorating, Colouring, Musical statues/ other music themed party games. There will be an Alice in Wonderland themed fancy dress competition and a best Easter bonnet.

To book visit www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk or call 01473 786 610

Ickworth, Bury St. Edmunds, Sun 31 March – Mon 1 April - 11am – 3pm

Felixstowe Museum Easter Fun Day Wednesday 10 April 2013, 12 to 4pm Easter fun including face-painting, a Easter trail, egg and spoon fun, crafts, colouringin,story-telling and the giant Landguard bunny too!

01394 675283 www.landguardpartnership.org.uk

The Suffolk Punch Trust - Easter Activities Weekend Hollesley Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April Go along and join the Easter fun including an Egg Hunt and activities.

For more info visit www.suffolkpunchtrust.org

National Trust Easter Egg Trails Each trail is unique to the place and challenges all members of the family to take part in fun-filled activities and games. Small Fee applies.

Dunwich Heath, Saxmundham, Friday 29 March – Mon 1 April - 10am – 4pm Flatford, East Bergholt, Friday 29 March – Mon 1 April 11am – 5pm Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Friday 29 March – Mon 1 April 10:30am – 5pm Melford Hall, Sudbury, Sat 30 March – Sun 7 April - 1 – 4.30pm (closed 2 April)

Bourne Mill, Colchester, Sun 31 March – Mon 1 April – 2 – 4.30pm www.eastereggtrail.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk/eastofengland Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Easter Fun Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April 2013 Monday 1 April 2013 includes Jenny’s Ark Pet Zoo For more info visit www.owl-help.org.uk

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Easter Fun Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April 2013 Monday 1 April 2013 includes Jenny’s Ark Pet Zoo For more info visit www.owl-help.org.uk The Suffolk Punch Trust - Easter Activities Weekend Hollesley Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April Go along and join the Easter fun including an Egg Hunt and activities.

For more info visit www.suffolkpunchtrust.org

If you fancy venturing further afield the trials occur throughout the UK For more info visit www.eastereggtrail.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk/eastofengland

Easter School holiday fun...sorted!

Most mums and dads know that it can be a real headache keeping kids occupied during the school holidays, not to mention causing a healthy dent in your bank account. So it’s re-assuring to know that for just £10 your kids can take part in loads of sport this Easter.

Our programme of activities include something for everyone including swimming every day, sport-schemes, rollerskating, trampolining, football, dance, bouncy play for the little ones, tennis and lots more. Many of these fun sessions don’t even need to be booked although a few do, so it’s always best to check. Our Easter programme will be available online and in the centres from 14th March when you can also sign up for the spring saver Junior iCard for just £10.

That’s Easter sorted!

Find out more at www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Families Suffolk What’s on pages in association We try our best to ensure the information listed is correct, but please always check with the venue before setting out in case things have changed

THEATRE Bringing Down The Moon Sat 9th March New Wolsey Theatre Mole burrowing out of the ground sees the moon for the very first time. He thinks it is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen and wants to play with it.

Suitable for ages 3+ This production is at the New Wolsey Studio, St. Georges Street, a five minute walk from the Main Theatre on Civic Drive.

01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk I was a rat Tues 12th March-Sat 16th March New Wolsey Theatre “I Was A Rat!” insists a scruffy page boy who turns up one evening on the doorstep of old married couple Bob and Joan.

Recommended for ages 7+ 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk Blown Away Sat 23rd March New Wolsey Theatre The wind can whisk you up into the sky. The wind can take you on an adventure!

Suitable for ages 3 to 5 What if, one windy night, a little girl arrives in your bedroom and tells you she’s the wind?

Join us as a small boy finds himself swept up and whisked away on an unforgettable journey with her.

A beautiful and engaging show containing live music, shadow puppetry and movement.

This production is at the New Wolsey Studio, St. Georges Street, a five minute walk from the Main Theatre on Civic Drive.

01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk My Brother The Robot Sat 30th March New Wolsey Theatre Once upon a time in the future... ... there will be a little girl called Bobbie. Bobbie will live with her inventor dad in a house filled with technology. One day Bobbie announces that she’s lonely and she wishes she had a little brother. So Bobbie’s dad locks himself away in his lab and works day and night to create a special present for Bobbie... a robot little brother. Bobbie loves her new little brother, and tells him all about how the world works.

But when Bobbie gets into danger one day, will her robot brother save her?

Suitable for ages 4+ This production is at the New Wolsey Studio, St. Georges Street, a five minute walk from the Main Theatre on Civic Drive.

01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk The Sun, The Moon And Half A Chicken Sat March 30th at 3pm The Quay, Sudbury Based on a traditional Spanish tale, this magical and atmospheric show also tells the story of The King Who Wanted To Touch The Moon, and Aesop’s fable of The Wind and the Sun. Storybox Theatre’s Rod Burnett uses his formidable skills as a storyteller and puppeteer to send magic tingling up the spines of children and adults alike.

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Indoor Fun

Designed for primary school aged children (4-11) and adults.

Please note: this performance is not suitable for Birch Farm – Playbarn, Hintlesham, Nr children under 4.

Ipswich 01787 374745 www.quaytheatre.org.uk The Activity Play Barn is a large indoor play We’re Going On A Bear space open EXCLUSIVELY to children 5 yrs & Hunt under.

Tues 2nd April - Fri 5th April 01473 652152 www.birchfarm.co.uk New Wolsey Theatre Look out for the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud-fight. Suitable for ages 3+ What a surprise awaits you in the cave on the other side of the dark forest! Rosen’s ever popular We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is brought vividly and noisily to life on stage by director Sally Cookson’s loving adaptation and Benji Bower’s versatile lively score.

This production is at the Main Theatre on Civic Drive and NOT the New Wolsey Studio, St. Georges Street.

01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk The Sun, The Moon And Half A Chicken Sat March 30th at 3pm The Quay, Sudbury Based on a traditional Spanish tale, this magical and atmospheric show also tells the story of The King Who Wanted To Touch The Moon, and Aesop’s fable of The Wind and the Sun. Storybox Theatre’s Rod Burnett uses his formidable skills as a storyteller and puppeteer to send magic tingling up the spines of children and adults alike.

Designed for primary school aged children (4-11) and adults.

Please note: this performance is not suitable for children under 4.

01787 374745 www.quaytheatre.org.uk Family Story Sessions Sat 9 Feb-Sat 13 Apr Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Lively and entertaining family stories that willl capture any imagination, suitable for 5 years and over 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org Best Friends Forever -The Ultimate Kidz Pop Party Sat 13th April Ipswich Regent This totally awesome show is the must see event for every kid in town! Join us for an amazing celebration of the biggest and coolest young music stars of our time, featuring the world’s number one Justin Bieber impersonator with ‘special guests’ Katy Perry & Jessie J, and brilliantly supported by the award winning BFF Dance Crew.

Recommended Age Group from 6 – 13 years Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult.

01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com The Elephant Bridesmaid Sun 28 April Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Based on a story from the best selling book How The Koala Learnt To Hug and Other Australian Fairytales, The Elephant Bridesmaid is a magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known.

01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

10 March 2013, 11am – 4pm Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply) Free entry for all mothers. Listen to a special talk on women in Anglo-Saxon society and then indulge in a scrumptious lunch from the special menu in our café. Take a special tour of Mrs Pretty’s house, decorated in spring flowers. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo

CurveMotion, Bury St Edmunds CurveMotion is an exciting interactive venue in Bury St Edmunds.

01284 765168 www.curvemotion.com Funtasia, Felixstowe Children’s indoor play centre within Felixstowe leisure centre 01394 670411 www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk

Science and Nature Festival 2013 Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich Saturday 16 March to Sunday 17 March 2013, 10am –4pm Meet the mini beasts and animals - Build a Bug Hotel - RSPB Workshops - Sports Science Demos - Interactive Science from leading universities - Animal Petting - Live Chainsaw Carving - Water Experiments - Join our own Bio Kids Play, Bury St Edmunds Kids can brave the speedy drop slide, shoot the Blitz On the Demo Stage: - BBC Presenter Marty fun ball cannons and scramble through tunnels Jopson - Mad Science - Martin Rapley and his on the giant playframe, bounce on trampolines, creatures - Jimmy Doherty and many more... dive into the ball pond or spin on the tyre swings Kids Entry Fee. Adults Advance tickets £5 or £6 on the day. Advance tickets available online – something for everyone. www.jimmysfarm.com 01284 763799 www.wherekidsplay.co.uk Play2Day, Martlesham NCT Nearly New Sale Play2Day has plenty of play for the most Copleston High energetic children.

School, Ipswich 01473 611333 www.play2day.biz Sunday 17 Playworld - Ocean Adventure, Stowmarket March 2013, Within Mid-Suffolk Leisure Centre 1.15-3pm 01449 674980 www.everyoneactive.com NCT members 1pm with membership card Snakes and Ladders, Ipswich Huge sale of quality nearly new baby clothes, Snakes and Ladders is a huge indoor children’s clothes, toys and games, books, playground filled to the brim with climbing baby equipment and maternity wear. frames, ball ponds, cargo nets and slides.

01473 255000 www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk Admission £1, entry free after 2:15.

For more info email nearly.new.sale@nctThe Giggle Factory, Sudbury ipswich.org.uk or phone 0844 2436174 Children’s indoor playcentre in Sudbury.

Access All Arts 01787 311143 www.thegigglefactory.co.uk Ipswich Town Hall and Corn Exchange Wacky Warehouse, Punch and Judy, Ipswich Sunday 17 March 2013, 12 – 4pm Great for wet days when you could do with an A range of activities and workshops for the hour and the kids need a good run-around. whole family have been organised at Ipswich 01473 210979 www.wackywarehouse.co.uk Town Hall and Corn Exchange throughout 2013. ‘Access All Arts’ will showcase local talent and provide opportunities for the community to participate in the arts. Activities include craft workshops, music lessons, dance workshops, Snobs Coffee Café-Bar, Suffolk Nearly New Sale of Children’s Clothing, Craft Society and much more! Admission Free Toys and Equipment www.ipswich.gov.uk Saturday 9 March 2013, 10 am - 12 noon Museum of East Anglian Life Tattingstone Village Hall Stowmarket Free Day Whether you are looking to buy for a new baby or Sunday 17 March 2013 equip your children as they are growing, this will The Museum of East Anglian Life opens for the be a good chance to grab some bargains. Sale 2013 season with its annual free Stowmarket is a fund-raiser for Tattingstone School. day, with a special 25% discount on all Season For a sellers pack please contact Tickets.

Sarah 07803 252892, rookeryfarm.shop@ www.eastanglianlife.org.uk btinternet.com Parent and Toddler Open Afternoon Barn Owl Bonanza Chelmondiston Playgroup, Ipswich Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve, Brandon Thursday 21 March 2013, 2pm - 3.30pm Sunday 10 March, 3pm-6.30pm For 18 month + children Barn owls are such iconic birds of the British countryside. Come and learn more about them Inventive Victorians with an introductory talk and a chance to dissect Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich their pellets. We will then go for a walk to look for Saturday 23 March 2013, 10:30am - 4:30pm Come and meet some ‘real characters’ in the these beautiful birds.

Mansion today and discover how Victorian Adults £6, children £3, RSPB members half inventions transformed our lives. Discover price. Booking essential the mystery of a Victorian ‘talking’ picture Tel: 01842 863400 or visit www.rspb.org.uk book, make your own moving toy, meet the Modor Daeg housemaid and see if you can work out what Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge her latest gadgets are for and much more. An

Activities & Events

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

with www.richardsonsholidays.com action packed, fun, interactive day for all ages.

Drop in, No need to book. Free entry. Moving toy activity £1.50 per person www.ipswich.gov.uk All About Dogs Show

Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, Ipswich Sunday 31 March - Monday 1 April 2013, 10am – 5pm A weekend packed with fun, competitions, entertainment, shopping and activities for dogs. www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk Medieval Day Colchester Castle Museum Monday 1 April 2013, 10am - 4pm Watch knights in combat, meet the wise woman with her medicines, take part in crime and punishment trials, meet Nick the Gaoler in his dark prisons and make your own medieval clay goblet! £5 adults, £3 children and concessions (under 5s free) Two clay goblet making sessions from 10am - 12.30pm and 1.30 - 4pm - £1 per person. www.cimuseums.org.uk West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village Activity Thursday Bury St Edmunds Thursday 4 & Thursday 11 April 2013 A day of free have-a-go activities for all the family including Archery, Pottery, Mini Archaeological dig, storytelling, etc. No need to book.

Included in normal admission www.weststow.org Woodland explorers for 6-10 year olds Foxburrow Farm, Nr Woodbridge Friday 5 April, 10am-2pm Tracking wild animals, building shelters and outdoor cooking £6 (discounted for siblings). Please book Contact 01394 380113 or visit www. suffolkwildlifetrust.org Family Fun Day Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve, Brandon Sunday 7 April, 10am-4pm Join us for a free fun-packed day of activities indoors and out, including pond dipping, and owl pellet dissection. Collect a goodie bag when you have completed all the activities. Free event. No need to book. www.rspb.org.uk Mad Science Easter Camps 36th Ipswich Scout Hut, Ipswich Monday 8 April – Friday 12 April 2013, 10am – 3pm Spark the Imagination of your Mini Mad Scientist during the Easter Holidays with Fun Filled, Hands on, Interactive Day Camps for ages 4 – 11 years.

Monday 8 April – Dinosaur Adventure Tuesday 9 April – Radical Robots Wednesday 10 April – Mad Messages Thursday 11 April – Opposites Attract Friday 12 April – Construction & Destruction To find out more contact Plasma Penny on 01245 363 670 email plasmapenny@ madsceinceeast.co.uk or visit www. madscience.org/east

Terrific Toads and Nimble Newts Foxburrow Farm, Nr Woodbridge Tuesday 9 April 2013, 10.30am - 12.30pm Amphibian search in the meadow and pond, trails and crafts £2.50 each. Please book Call 01394 380113 or visit www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org Rendlesham Fire Craft Rendlesham Forest Centre, Nr Woodbridge Sunday 14 April 2013, 10.30am -1.30pm Learn about tinder and fire making, then try out friction fire lighting and enjoy a snack perpared on an open fire.

For ages 10 years and over. £12 per person To book call 01842 816000 or visit www.forestry.gov.uk Framlingham Country Show 2013 Framlingham College Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 April, 10am - 5.30pm This year’s festival is a truly homespun celebration and invites the people of Suffolk and beyond to indulge in all things locally sourced and produced. There will be demonstration rings showcasing everything from dog agility to falconry and even geese herding and the event will feature the best of Suffolk’s food and drink with live cookery demonstrations on both days from top local chefs, butchers and bakers.

The Framlingham Country Show runs alongside the Suffolk Food, Drink & Music Festival. For more information visit www.framcountryshow.co.uk

Ladies Pamper Night Friday 19th April Shotley Village Hall 7pm Massage,reflexology, tarot reading, jewellery, handbags plus may other crafts and beauty treatments. Entrance £2 includes a raffle ticket refreshments available. www.shotleykidzone.co.uk The Mid & West Suffolk Show The Mid Suffolk Showground, near Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April 2013, 10.00am 5.00pm Packed full with local entertainment, activities, shopping and crafts to ensure you have a spectacular day out.

For ticket info and booking visit www. midandwestsuffolkshow.co.uk

Farms Alder Carr Farm Creeting St Mary, Ipswich 01449 720820 www.aldercarrfarm.co.uk Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm Mill Lane, Baylham Open for half-term Lambing 01473 830264 www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk Easton Farm Park Easton, Woodbridge 01728 746475 www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk Hollow Trees Farm Shop Semer, Ipswich 01449 741247 www.hollowtrees.co.uk

let’s get

suffolk CyCling www. cyclesuffolk .org

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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and finally... sponsored by

play complex and nursery

Birch Farm Nursery  Quality Assured Full Day Care Nursery  Varied Sessions from 3hrs to Full day 7:30am - 6:30 pm  Impressive indoor and outdoor facilities  15 hours a week FREE termly Preschool care for 3 to 4 yrs  Extra curricula activities from Jo Jingles/Swimming/Ballet For more information contact Sarah or Nick  01473 652249  birchfarm@uk2.net  www.birchfarm.co.uk

School stops over Easter, learning doesn’t have to

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the year to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

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Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

Sweet tables for weddings, parties and proms Choose from a range of sweet table packages - just perfect for weddings, parties, proms and other events, catering for anything from 50 to 120 guests. l A mouth-watering selection of sweets for your guests to enjoy. l The perfect addition to your wedding or celebration, appealing to both adults and children. l Coordinated to complement your event colour scheme. l Prices include delivery, set-up and collection. l Available throughout Suffolk and North Essex.

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www.sweet-tables.co.uk or call Sherry on 07732 794646