FamiliesDorset_10_JanFeb2020

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Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

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IN THIS ISSUE Eco-friendly New Year’s Resolutions Family Health & Wellbeing Clubs & Classes Inspiration Your Essential What’s On Guide

THINK BIG Kindergarten, Pre-Prep & Junior

Open Morning Fri 6th March Named as one of the most innovative & influential independent schools in the UK. (i25 Excellence in Education Awards 2019)

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

Issue 10 January/February 2020

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Editor’s Welcome Happy New Year!

Follow Families Dorset Magazine on: @FamiliesDorsetMag @FamDorsetMag Managing Editor - Keren Moseley editor@familiesdorset.co.uk 07518 514012 Advertising - Claire Clarricoates Claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk 07812 218331 Design - Matthew Craig mattcraigdesign.co.uk © Families Dorset Magazine January/February 2020.

Families Dorset is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Dorset are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Dorset. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Dorset, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Our magazines are produced from well-managed forests and/or recycled materials.

The new year is a time for reflection and growth, so in this issue we have some inspiring articles on how to be a mindful parent and nurture your child’s imagination.

You could always give our top eco-friendly new year’s resolutions a try too!

Don’t miss our handy health and well-being tips and our latest round up of local Clubs and Classes opportunities near you. As always, our definitive guide to things to do and places to visit over the weeks ahead will help you banish those winter blues.

If you have something you’d like to share with our readers – whether news, events or promote your business in our Easter March/April issue please do get in touch. And for more up-to-date information, competitions and more, don’t forget to like us on Facebook!

Best wishes,

Editor

In This Issue 3 News & Views

4

4 Eco-friendly New Year’s Resolutions 5 Out of School Activities & Your Child’s Development

5

8 How to Nurture Your Child’s Imagination

8

EASTER ISSUE

14 What’s On This January & February

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Next Issue: March/April 2020 Booking Deadline: 31 January Copy Deadline: 6 February

11 Mindful Parenting 13 Health Spotlight on Bronchiolitis

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Easter Holidays & Days Out, Education, Classes & Clubs, Early Years and much more!

Distribution: Throughout Dorset including Bournemouth, Blandford Forum, Broadstone, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, New Milton, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Verwood, Wareham, Wimborne and more.

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s& w s Ne iew V

Sleep Lessons for School Children

Air Quality is Worse Indoors

The Big Garden Birdwatch

School children across Britain may be offered sleep lessons to help tackle the problem of insomnia in young people.

A new report into the state of air pollution in UK households has found that our homes are experiencing dangerous levels of indoor air pollution.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 25 to 27 January and is the largest wildlife survey in the world. The information collected helps monitor bird species in the UK, and is great fun for children.

Children and young people’s sleep is being seen as an increasingly important issue.

According to the British Medical Journal, there is increasing evidence emerging that lack of sleep has a major impact on children’s mental and physical health, as well as learning.

A recent study by the BMJ suggests that sleep has a greater impact on an adolescent’s mental wellbeing than bullying, physical activity and screen time.

The sleep lessons are aimed at children aged 7 to 16 years and are available as part of the PSHE curriculum. The lessons focus on giving children strategies for falling asleep and raising awareness of how sleep needs change in adolescence.

Experts say the increase in sleep problems is down to a combination of higher obesity levels, excessive use of social media before bedtime and a mental health crisis among young people.

More info: www.pshe-association.org.uk www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk

The report commissioned by Clean Air Day found that nearly half of UK homes have high indoor air pollution as a result of dangerous levels of formaldehyde and other pollutants.

Data also shows that outdoor air pollution adds to indoor air pollution; it builds up in the home, taking longer to disperse inside than outside.

You can request a FREE Big Garden Birdwatch pack from the RSPB which includes a bird identification chart and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden.

According to the British Lung Foundation children are particularly sensitive to poor indoor air quality as their lungs are proportionally larger in relation to their body weight than adults and immature immune systems mean they are less able to fight off any problems that arise from polluted indoor air.

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

Sources of indoor air pollution include smoking, faulty boilers, open fires, gas cookers and heaters, as well as irritant chemicals from new furniture, air fresheners and household cleaning products.

Ofsted Ratings Driving Up House Prices

More info: www.cleanairday.org.uk & www.blf.org.uk

Children of similar cognitive ability have very different chances of educational success; it still depends on their parents’ economic, socio-cultural and educational resources. This contradicts a commonly held view that our education system has developed enough to give everyone a fighting chance.

Children of Same Ability Missing Out Britain’s got talent – but we’re still wasting it.

That’s the main finding of a recent report by researchers from Oxford University.

familiesonline.co.uk

To take part, you need to watch the birds in your garden or local park for just one hour at some point over the three days and report your results to the RSPB.

The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, found that only about half of the difference in educational attainment between children from advantaged and disadvantaged parental backgrounds is due to differences in their cognitive ability. The other half is due to other factors associated with their backgrounds.

Experts are now calling for government to acknowledge that formal qualifications are only one channel for upward mobility for children of disadvantaged backgrounds.

More info: www.ox.ac.uk/news

More info at www.rspb.org.uk

Families in England are paying a house price premium of as much as £100,000 to make sure their children live within the catchment of schools rated 'outstanding'

by Ofsted, new analysis suggests.

Researchers analysed the Ofsted ratings of 20,545 secondary and primary schools in England and found that average house prices often reflect the quality of the local school.

The average price of a house in England with top-rated schools nearby stands at £331,605, according to research by comparison website Confused.com. This is about £38,600 more than the average price of homes with schools rated ‘good’ by Ofsted nearby, about £78,000 more than in areas with schools that ‘require improvement’ and nearly £100,000 more than in postcodes with schools rated ‘inadequate’.

A similar study by the Department of Education found that house prices are 8% higher near the best performing primary schools.

To view the report, visit www.confused.com

Families Dorset 3

, ar ! e Y u w Yo e N ew N

Your Top 8 Eco-Resolutions for 2020

Resolutions are on everyone’s mind at this time of year. Whether you love or loathe them, there’s no avoiding the fact that they can be a great way to kickstart the new year.

2019 was a turbulent year, which saw a significant rise in eco-activism.

Concentrating on consuming less and being more environmentally aware has never felt more urgent.

So why not make your sure your list of resolutions is focused on sustainability for this year?

Take a No-Waste Pack Encourage the whole family to be prepared and to take a refillable water bottle, coffee cup, and canvas bag with them when they go out.

Cutting down on disposable coffee cups, plastic water bottles and bags will dramatically reduce the amount you add to landfill each week.

Skip Meat One Day a Week Research shows the drastic effects of raising cattle and other livestock on the environment. Raising meat consumes both water and land. Why not start dropping meat from your family’s diet one day each week?

Start with a meat-free Monday and remember every meatless meal you consume helps the environment.

Avoid Plastic

Start a Compost Bin

Avoid Fast Fashion

Plastic is terrible for our environment as it needs a huge amount of petroleum to produce it. It also never breaks down and adds to the world’s water pollution problems.

Set a goal to avoid plastic as much as possible. Buy your food in glass jars and investigate local shops that offer refill services for your shopping basics. You can also try to buy from companies that use environmentallyfriendly packaging. Ask for change, call out shops and restaurants that use too much plastic on social media by tagging Greenpeace and use the hashtag #pointlessplastic.

Composting is a great way to reduce the amount you throw away.

Composters work better in the sun as they yield the best results at high temperatures. Ensure that the compost receives heat and water and make sure to rotate the contents in the compost bin occasionally. You can fill your compost bin with lawn clippings, brown paper bags, and organic food scraps. This will help you to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil that you can use in your garden.

Fast fashion is killing the planet. The resources needed to produce and dispose of all the clothing produced globally earns the fashion industry the title of the world’s number one pollutant. Can you buy second hand clothes or reduce the amount you are buying? Think about investing in a smaller capsule wardrobe, which contains interchangeable pieces instead of buying throwaway high fashion clothes.

Avoid Wet Wipes

Consider your purchasing decisions around the food you buy for the family. Make it your new year’s resolution to only buy seasonal and local foods. If you can afford it, buy organic because fewer pollutants and pesticides are used in the production of organic food. Visit your local farmer’s market to buy soap, honey, and jewellery from the stallholders.

Investigate the journey each food makes and buy goods with the shortest travel time. Do you really need asparagus or green beans from another continent?

Install Rain Barrels Rain barrels are an easy way to save water. Head to a local home improvement store or surf online stores for a rain diverter. Install to gather the rainwater from your gutter system. You can use this water during the summer for your lawns, gardens or animals; it will also help reduce your water bill.

LOVE

SO DO WE!

That’s why at Families, we love going the extra mile to give you MORE!

4 Families Dorset

By Claire Winter

Wipes that are flushed away are responsible for clogging up our sewers. Even if you don’t flush them, they are another singular-use disposable that is filling up our landfills every day. If you use them to take makeup off, could you make reusable wipes from soft cotton squares that you simply wash and reuse?

Buy Seasonal and Local Foods

We can all do our bit. Small actions undertaken by large numbers of people really can make a big difference.

?

MORE readers MORE success MORE relevant MORE targeted MORE value MORE quality

Families reaches 40,000+ involved parents & carers in Dorset Families has 71% advert response rate according to our readers* Families delivers content on the things that matter most to parents Families outlets are cherry picked to reach the best family demographic Families offers great value tailor-made packages & added extras Families is more durable so your ads look great for longer

If you think we’re on the same page, contact Families Dorset today & see how we can help your business do more. Email Keren at editor@familiesdorset.co.uk *2018 survey

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s& ub ses l C las C

Activities

Away from School Activities that take place away from the school environment don’t just keep restless children busy or entertained and help working parents manage their child’s spare time, they can also offer great developmental benefits that will help them academically, physically and socially.

New Friendships

Positive Role Models

A Brighter Future

Outside of the school environment, your child is likely to make friendships with children that don’t go to their school and get used to socialising with children of all ages outside the structure of the school day.

Sports coaches, group leaders and other responsible adults who are sharing their skills provide role models and a valuable new take on the world for children.

The skills and habits a child learns during his or her school years help to shape the kind of future they will lead as an adult. As a result, outside activities that promote everything from healthy-living habits, to leadership skills, good time-management, and better social or academic performance have plenty of advantages to offer.

Improving Life & Social Skills Outside school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social skills and confidence. Many activities teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal — a skill that will benefit them in their future endeavours.

Boosting Academic Performance Discovering that they have a talent can give a child a new source of confidence or a passion that translates into their engagement and behaviour at school. For example, performing in drama club can improve confidence in speaking up in class and inspire creative writing.

Building Self-Esteem In a busy classroom it can sometimes be hard for a child to make themselves heard. Outside of school activities will give your child the chance to build their self-esteem and be more interested and engage more easily with the activities involved.

Most groups or teams are more intimate than the classroom environment, making them less intimidating for children.

Happier Children Outside of school activities promote emotional well-being by allowing children to work off excess energy, relax their minds, and overcome the stress associated with school life.

Chance to Shine Outside of school activities offer your child the chance to be themselves away from the influence of their school friends. Without being judged by their peers as “not cool” or “geeky” your child may thrive in developing new outlet for creative, sporting or intellectual pursuits.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t push children to over-do it when it comes to extra activities. It’s better for your child to choose something that they really enjoy doing and stick to it, rather than attempt numerous different activities that quickly become overwhelming. If your child just wants to try everything, it may be best to let them do so and try to narrow down their commitments when you see which ones they particularly favour.

Sense of Commitment Children who participate in outside of school activities develop a sense of commitment to whatever they are involved in, and this commitment starts to extend to other areas of their lives.

Explore Interests When children participate in multiple different activities, they get the opportunity to explore a range of interests which subsequently broaden their world view.

The 115 Club Half-Term Fun Are the school holidays a challenge in finding suitable clubs for your children? Help is at hand at the Bournemouth-based 115 Holiday Club!

This February Half-Term, your children will love our action-packed week of space themed events, including a special Space Show by Science Zone and a space art workshop. Plus, there’s plenty more fun activities to enjoy including swimming. It’s going to be out of this world!

Spaces are already filling up fast, so please book early to take advantage of our Early Bird rate and to avoid disappointment. Booking couldn’t be easier – go online and click the bookings tab where you can also advance book onto any other holiday clubs too!

Book now before the Early Bird Discount offer ends on 28th January!

familiesonline.co.uk

Don’t Push Them

songs | rhymes | instruments | movements & more!

Award Winning

Music Classes for Babies, Toddlers & Pre-Schoolers

@ Littledown & Westbourne

musicalsteps.co.uk |

musicalstepsbournemouth

Half-Term Holiday Club Out of this World Fun for All Ages!

17 - 21 February From 8am – 5.45pm

Early Bird Offers End 28 Jan!

Moordown St Johns School, Bournemouth BH9 2SA Inspiring & Engaging Holiday Clubs for Children Young & Old

Fun Activities & Day Trips for Under 8s, Over 8s & 11 Plus | From £24

Book now!

115club.co.uk

Families Dorset 5

3-Week Ballet Trial for Only £20! babyballet dance classes give every child from six months to six years the chance to dance and have fun! babyballet dance classes bring joy as learning to dance makes an unforgettable and magical experience – for you and your little star. The successful babyballet programme, founded 14 years ago in the UK, gives your child the chance to dance, gain confidence and shine, in a fun, caring and supportive environment.

By learning through play, their qualified and welcoming teachers give babies, tots, toddlers, preschoolers and young children the chance to dance in their own unique way, having fun and making friends along the way. For your added reassurance, all ballet lessons are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFSF), making them the perfect activity choice for you and your child.

Classes are taught in a safe, caring, relaxed and informal environment with the use of props and musical instruments to aid the classes! babyballet also provide you with a gorgeous range of uniform and merchandise to choose from to enhance your experience of babyballet even more (however, uniform isn’t compulsory – simply optional if you choose!)

Welcome your child into the magical world of babyballet today with a 3-week trial for just £20!

Lessons For All Ages & Abilities at Individuality At Individuality Swimming, parents and children can start their journey with Aqua-Natal classes. Parent and Baby classes involve lots of play and use submersion techniques to help children feel confident in the water and, from six months, children can also enjoy Aqua Sensory lessons with a focus on early developmental skills.

Children’s swim classes follow with no more than five in a class to give your child the attention needed to develop their swimming skills, while one-to-one and two-to-one lessons are also available. Classes available across various venues in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood and Wimborne.

For childredn age 6mths to 6yrs

Football Fun with Little Kickers Little Kickers is THE home of pre-school football. Children are given a positive introduction to sport by teaching high quality football skills in a friendly, fun and pressure-free environment.

There are four different classes tailored specifically to the needs of children between 18 months and seven years of age. It’s the perfect way to ignite an enthusiasm for sport that will stay with them for life.

Classes are available in Bournemouth and Poole. Please contact Gary Darling for details on 07896 009 651 or email gdarling@littlekickers.co.uk.

6 Families Dorset

Approved soccer training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years Approved soccer training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years

Local classes at a venue near you Local classes at a venue near you

Call 07896009651 Call 07896009651 For Details Email gdarling@littlekickers.co.uk For Details Email gdarling@littlekickers.co.uk

Where Where Learning’s Learning’s a a Ball Ball familiesonline.co.uk

Get Active with Purbeck Sports Centre

Gymstars Classes for Reception Age Children

Get set for 2020 with Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham. If you are looking to smash your New Year fitness goals, Purbeck Sports Centre is the place for you with memberships starting from as little as £27 a month and offer you full access to gym, swim and exercise classes, plus half price exercise courses.

Gymstars Gymnastics Academy runs a fully-equipped gymnastics facility in Ferndown, where children’s classes start from just 18 months.

There is a busy programme of over 30 exercise classes a week and a range of fantastic exercise courses for adults and children, including new Children’s yoga for ages 6 plus and Ballet Tots for children 2 to 5 years.

For more information on what’s on in 2020, check out Purbeck Sports Centre at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/purbecksportscentre

From Reception age, ‘Stepping Stone’ sessions allow children to familiarise themselves with the four main pieces of apparatus – vault, bars, beam and floor – while introducing them to gymnastics foundation skills in a quiet and calm environment, so as not to overwhelm them.

The children are integrated into the ‘Gymnastics For All’ classes towards the end of the summer term, as and when spaces become available, providing an enjoyable learning experience with the chance to perform to friends and family at the annual Christmas Competition.

Book your child’s space today at gymstarsgymnastics.co.uk

Fun Gymnastics Classes for ages 18 months to 18 years

Book your place today! Call 01202 986871

or email info@gymstarsgymnastics.co.uk www.gymstarsgymnastics.co.uk

“

Great teachers, fantastic facilities, my daughter loves it!

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Stepping Stone Classes from Reception age Gymnastics For All Classes from age 5-17 Learn to Swing, Climb, Jump, Balance & Roll with Fun, Safe & Structured Gymnastics Classes

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editor@familiesdorset.co.uk 07518 514012 Salisbury Advert 87mmW x 85mmH 06.02.19.pdf 1 07/02/2019 14:18:10

Free Parkour Class Offer The springboard to confidence for your child The UK’s Leading Active Physical Play Programme for Children from 6 Months C

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Our progressive programme is made up of structured classes, which are tailored to suit the age and stage of a child's development. Using colorful wooden and foam equipment and supported by fully trained and friendly staff, children develop their physical skills of agility, balance, climbing, and co-ordination through hand held items enhancing their brain development as well as building their self-confidence.

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Parkour is the discipline of overcoming obstacles safely and efficiently, teaching people to move better through their environment, face their fears, and problem-solve their way to solutions.

Parkour helps to build resilience, confidence, physical strength, ability to manage risk and effectively problemsolve, co-ordination, social skills and much more!

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Families Dorset 7

& ion rs t a a uc Ye d E rly Ea

The Importance of

Imagination

By Dr Neel Burton

Einstein held that imagination is more important than knowledge: “I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

It’s hard to disagree. Imagination is the highest form of thought, and almost divine in its reach.

With enough imagination, we could identify and solve all of our problems. With enough imagination, we would never have to work again—or, at least, not for money. With enough imagination, we could win over, or defeat, anyone we wanted to. But our imagination is so poor that we haven’t even imagined what it would be like to have that kind of imagination.

Most children begin to develop pretend play at around 15 months of age. What are children doing when they pretend play? And why are they so absorbed in works of imagination? By playing out scenarios and extending themselves beyond their limited experience, children seek to make sense of the world and find their place within it. This meaning-making is full of emotion—joy, excitement, awe—and finds an echo in every subsequent act of creation.

Think back to your favourite teacher at school. The teachers whom we hold dear to our hearts, who changed the course of our lives, are not those who assiduously taught us the most facts, or fastidiously covered every bulleted point on the syllabus, but those who moved and inspired us, those who fired up our imagination and opened us up to ourselves and to the world.

Building Happy Life Habits

8 Families Dorset

Despite its importance to the individual and society, our system of education leaves very little place for imagination. Our schools and universities and wider society are often forced to prioritise knowing over thinking, and equate thinking with reasoning, and reasoning with logic. We need to make more time and space for thinking, and rehabilitate alternative forms of cognition such as imagination, inspiration, and emotion that can support, supplement, or supplant reason and return us to wholeness.

In recent years, I’ve been trying to recover the bright and vivid imagination that I left behind in primary school. For that, I’ve been doing just three things, all of them very simple to explain: • Being aware of the importance of imagination.

• Making time for sleep and idleness.

• Taking inspiration from the natural world.

How might that translate to you and your children?

Don’t skimp on sleep. Don’t fill every hour of the day with scheduled activities. Make time for idleness, for daydreaming, and long walks in nature.

Above all, don’t worry about ‘wasting time.’ While we are idling, in bed, in the bath, our unconscious mind is busy assimilating and processing disparate pieces of information, and making all sorts of novel connections and projections. Time is a very strange thing, and not at all linear: sometimes, the best way of using it is to ‘waste’ it.

Dr Neel Burton is a leading psychiatrist and author of Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking, out now, priced £12.99.

To find out more, visit www.neelburton.com

We all want our children to be happy. We want them to be confident and be able to deal with the everyday challenges of life.

Trick Box, as seen on South Today and BBC Online News, aims to equip children to do just that. Evidenced with over 1,000 children, Trick Box offers interactive stories, fun activities and engaging ‘tricks’ to help children to develop a range of positive personal habits and skills.

12 tips for

Nurturing Imagination in Your Children:

1. Allow for unscheduled down-time, even for ‘boredom.’

2. Discourage passive TVs, tablets, and other electronics.

3. Encourage reading, make sure there are plenty of age-appropriate books around.

4. Encourage story-telling and writing.

5. Encourage pretend play, even if it gets messy!

6. Spend time in botanical gardens, zoos,

art museums, science museums, natural history museums…

7. Spend a lot of time outdoors.

8. Travel to different places: forest, beach, mountains, abroad.

9. Encourage contact with different people and cultures.

10. Encourage thought-provoking questions, and ask some yourself.

11. Try not to impose pre-conceived

notions, especially pre-conceived notions of what it means to be successful.

12. Allow your children to follow their

enthusiasms, however eccentric, impractical, or disruptive they may seem.

You never know where they may lead!

Accessed through Nurseries/Pre-schools, First and Primary Schools and supported at home by parents, Heads have described it as “inspirational” and “a powerful whole child approach” with the Nursery Manager of the Year saying, “Children love it! It makes a positive impact, bringing children, parents and practitioners together.”

With wellbeing high on the agenda we could all do with a few tricks up our sleeves.

Ask your Nursery or School about Trick Box or visit trickbox.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

OPEN MORNING

OPEN MORNING

21 March

5 March

Harness a Love of Learning at Moyles Court

Yarrells. Where Children Love to Learn

We know how difficult it is to decide which school to select for your child’s first steps on the educational ladder. Here are Moyles Court not only can we offer an academic grounding but also much. Much more.

Yarrells is an independent day school and nursery for boys and girls • happy and motivated children • specialised subject teachers from age 5 • dedicated nursery for 2 to 4 year olds enriching environment indoors and outdoors aged between 2 and 13. Located in the town of Upton, ••near Poole, • small class sizes dynamic and extensive curriculum: integrating competitively low fees the arts and sport Yarrells gives every child the•• confidence achieve bestrunsinfroman individualised learning to with high academic their • minibus Dorchester, Blandford, standards Bournemouth & Poole enriching, happy and creative learning • proven exam resultsenvironment. at 11+ and 13+ • FREE parent and baby/toddler groups

At Moyles Court we believe that being confident, happy and stimulated leads to a successful academic experience. This experience starts from the moment your child sets foot through our door to begin their educational journey with us and our dedicated Pre-School is the perfect environment to nurture and develop a love of learning.

Learning in a smaller, safe environment whilst having access to the whole school’s facilities and resources, enables your child to benefit from a rich and broad curriculum and to engage in our wider school environment.

Our school is set within the beautiful New Forest with extensive grounds, affording your child the most wonderful opportunities to thrive outdoors as well as in the classroom. Come and meet our Moyles Court School family at our Open Morning on Saturday 21st March from 10am to 12.30pm.

Pushing the Frontiers of Teaching

9:3

Poole “Our I Dorset I 01202 622229 I www.yarrells.co.uk The Head, Sally Weber-Spokes, says, gorgeous school is filled with I admissions@yarrells.co happy and spirited children, curious about the world and eager to learn, in the broadest possible sense. They are supported and challenged by the most committed team of specialist staff and we are a warm and nurturing community of practitioners.

Our curriculum is diverse and enriching in its scope, and we prepare children for whatever path they choose to take for senior school, whether it is a state grammar school place at 11+, an independent or state senior school place at 13+ or the pursuit of a scholarship into Year 7 or Year 9. Therefore, we are truly independent in our outlook and will help parents navigate the many options available to their children as they prepare for senior school life.”

“At Yarrells, our children believe that there’s little they cannot achieve if they set their mind and energy to it. Come and see us soon!”

Imagine a lesson where you are able to interact with moving blood cells on a floor and wall that responds to your steps or touch; a lesson in which you can see a beating heart holographically; a lesson where an augmented reality app allows you to transport a Tyrannosaurus Rex into your classroom. Such lessons take place daily at Talbot Heath School for its pupils aged 3-18, transforming their world of learning as they harness the possibilities of new technologies.

Having developed their drawing skills, Year 7 pupils are lectured on architecture by a university expert, before designing their own buildings on paper and digitally using Computer Aided Design. Finally, they step into their buildings using virtual reality and can modify their design accordingly.

A sense of awe, wonder and curiosity is developed on a daily basis as pupils explore, discover and experiment. The size and scale of the interactive wall enables them to develop a sense of spatial and dimensional awareness, thereby understanding the difference between the macro and the micro.

familiesonline.co.uk

MO TH 5

Yet, while experiencing augmented OPEN and virtual reality, they have a MORNING broad range of hands on, ‘real’ 6 March experiences that are so important to developing all-round skills. Within the design studio they learn to saw, shape, mould, join; in forest school they bake, whittle, carve and drill; in Food and Nutrition and Textile lessons they devise and create, working skilfully with their hands while musical and dramatic performers learn the power of voice and physical expression.

The human is cherished while the understanding of the digital is enhanced. Ethics is taught, as is personal, spiritual and moral development. Pupils learn the importance of the value and worth of the individual in this technological age, so that their decisions and actions demonstrate an appreciation of our planet and all those sharing it.

Pupils view the future as something to be embraced rather than feared, knowing they will leave school with the knowledge and skills needed for this rapidly changing world. At Talbot Heath, the future is already here.

Families Dorset 9

OPEN DAY 6 March

Skills for Life at Sheiling School & College

Traditional Values Mean BIG Results at St Martin’s

The Sheiling Ringwood School and College offer a broad, balanced, developmental curriculum, covering all the subjects in the national curriculum, including the ASDAN Personal Progress qualification and the OCR Life & Living Skills qualifications.

Are you thinking, “How can I make a difference in my child’s future & education?”

At the Sheiling, students are encouraged and supported to become resourceful and caring individuals, to explore the world of feelings, behaviour and values. We focus on building confidence and skills in different environments and social groups, whilst also developing functional independence, in preparation for adult life.

We build positive relationships with students that acknowledge their value, believing that every young person can be empowered to find meaning and purpose in life.

With small class sizes and a hard-working ethos, your child can achieve big results.

Come and get a taste of life at St Martin’s friendly, welcoming school in Bournemouth, where children can succeed in a happy, caring, family environment and where small class sizes allow your child to academically thrive and be themselves.

On average 90% of our pupils reach the top 16% of the national ability range, and our commitment is to produce well-rounded happy individuals with a passion to learn.

We understand that one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent is choosing the right school for your child. So, come and have a look around for yourself and see why St Martin’s is a wonderful, unique school at our Open Day on Friday 6th March.

Independent school for boys & girls 4-11

The Sheiling Ringwood School and College (6-25 years)

Ringwood

Set in a stunning, sustainable and eco-friendly 40-acre site close to the New Forest and Dorset coastline, the natural surroundings of our school and college provide a rich, enabling and therapeutic learning environment for students who have special educational needs.

ge (6-25 years)

We offer an individualised and flexible approach to placements. Day and residential. We also offer respite services for our students during the holidays.

Call 01425 477488 www.thesheilingringwood.co.uk

e and eco-friendly 40-acre and Dorset coastline, the

Traditional Values.

BIG results.

Welcome to St. Martin’s, an independent school with a commitment to produce well-rounded, happy individuals with a passion to learn.

Small class sizes and a caring, family environment sees over 90% of pupils reach the top 16% of the national ability range.

15 Stokewood Rd, Bournemouth 01202 292011 | admin@stmartinsschool.net stmartinsschool.net

10 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk

h &ng t l a i He ellbe W

How to Respond Rather Than React Mindful Parenting

By Gillian Higgins

Parenting can be a minefield. For most people, the joy of bringing up a child is tinged with frustration and disappointment when things go wrong.

Losing the ability to think straight in the middle of a toddler tantrum or when your child refuses to eat the meal you’ve cooked is an all-too-familiar occurrence. So is it possible to approach parenting more mindfully and if so, what difference could it make? Here are my tips for practicing mindfulness in turbulent times.

What is Mindful Parenting?

Mindful parenting takes the principles of mindfulness and applies them to how you parent. The concept of mindfulness is about purposefully, curiously and openly paying attention to moments of everyday life. It involves dropping into your present moment experience and being aware of what you’re doing, while you’re doing it, with a non-judgemental attitude. It sounds easy, but increasingly it’s hard to find time to pause and take stock – especially as a parent.

How Do You Practise Mindfulness?

One way to learn mindfulness is through meditation, by using a point of focus, such as the passage of the breath. When your mind gets distracted and wanders off into thinking, worrying, or planning, simply notice where it has wandered to and gently guide it back to following the physical sensation of the in-breath and the out-breath. Do this every time the mind wanders - with kindness to yourself.

In time, you start to recognise that thoughts will come and go of their own accord, if you allow them to do so.

What Difference Does it Make?

Mindful parenting invites you to think about how to become more responsive and thoughtful in the way you parent. It encourages you to pause, and experience the ‘here and now,’ rather than hankering after how you would like life to be. It’s about witnessing the essence of the moment, just as it is, so you focus on what’s going on, right now. So how does mindful parenting look and feel in practice?

• I t encourages you to engage, actively listen and talk things through with your child, no matter how difficult the situation. It encourages open communication as an alternative to emotionally charged reactions.

• W hen you feel able to cope, you’re more able to care for and feel affectionate towards your children, which improves the wellbeing of you all.

First Aid for BABies & toddlers

• M indfulness grows your self-awareness so you become more alert to negative emotions arising. You can then pause before you respond, rather than move straight into anger or frustration mode.

• I t helps you to move on more quickly from your own disappointment at your handling of a situation. It helps you be non-judgemental and let go of negative feelings before they drag you into further conflict or despair.

• M indfulness helps you to repair difficult situations more quickly as you become more willing and able to accept the challenges you face – rather than resisting or denying them.

• M indful parenting puts compassion for yourself and your child at the centre.

Compassion helps you to be more forgiving of yourself and more aware of your child’s needs.

• A parent’s ability to be present ‘no matter what’ is capable of revolutionising how you deal with and emerge from conflict.

• F ocusing on your present moment experience, without judging your parenting skills or worrying about the future boosts wellbeing – for you and your child.

So the next time you’re feeling overwrought or overwhelmed, see if you can consciously take a moment to pause and breathe to create the space you need to decide how to respond – rather than knee jerk react.

[

Gillian Higgins is the author of Mindfulness at Work and Home, published in September 2019 by RedDoor Press and available from www.practicalmeditation.co.uk, Amazon and all good book stores.

]

Forest Yogi Minds Forest Yogi Minds Children’s yoga, mindfulness, and forest school combines fun and creativity to make people smile and feel connected.

Yoga and mindfulness positively impacts your well-being, physical and mental health, raises awareness of self, calmness, self-esteem and acceptance and reduces anxiety. With over 25 years working with and teaching children, instructor Claire studied with The British Mindfulness Institute and qualified as a Kids Rainbow Yoga teacher in 2019.

Find Forest Yogi Minds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @forestyogiminds or contact Claire on 07979 867631 or at Forestyogiminds@yahoo.com

Basic first Aid for new/expecting parents from the experts in Paediatric first Aid training.

2 hour (baby) and 3 hour (toddler) classes locally (babies welcome!) or in your own home when convenient for you.

To book a place, call or visit: 07810 116673 | med-star.co.uk

Free ClAsses

Med-Star Paediatric helping you to care

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Dorset 11

Babyology in Dorset Rebecca is a midwife, health visitor, reflexologist and mum. She set up Babyology Dorset to support new parents in Bournemouth, Wimborne, Ringwood and surrounding areas.

As a mum to two lovely boys, Rebecca recalls the support and friendship she found at postnatal groups after their births. She also remembers one particularly special midwife who supported her after the birth of her second son.

BABY

REFLEXOLOGY

CLASSES RINGWOOD & WIMBORNE

“Even though I was a midwife myself when I had my boys, I really valued visits from my midwife.

Meaningful support, sharing information and nurturing confidence are central to Babyology’s ethos.”

Rebecca offers home visits, bespoke postnatal courses and maternity reflexology and runs Baby Reflexology classes in Ringwood and Wimborne. The 3-week course focuses on the special relationship between parent and baby and is suitable for babies from 4 weeks old.

You will learn techniques to support: Sleep, Digestion, Wind & colic, Reflux, Constipation & the Immune System Find out more about Rebecca and how she can support your parenting journey at: www.babyologydorset.co.uk.

Email rebecca@babyologydorset.co.uk or call for a chat on 07557 906418

Private Swimming Made Easy Would you like a peaceful and private swim in lovely surroundings?

Secluded Swim’s beautiful state-of-the-art swimming pool for hire in Ferndown is for you. Many people love to swim or need the hydrotherapy that moving in the water brings; however, most do not want to use the local public pools.

Located on Ringwood Road, this wonderful private pool is available for private and exclusive hire by couples, friends, family groups, clubs, personal trainers and swim schools. It’s great for general exercise and fitness, for those who are body conscious, looking for a spa pool experience or just need a quiet environment to relax in the water.

The pool is beautifully clean and heated to 33 degrees.

To book or find out more, call 07403 400 641, email bookaswim@gmail.com or visit www.secludedswim.co.uk/book

A Swimming Pool All To Yourself!

Book private use of our beautiful, warm & clean swimming pool in the centre of Ferndown!

First Swim Special Offer Available

Perfect for: baby’s first swim, families & groups.

Book Today!

www.secludedswim.co.uk/book • 07403 400641 Pool Time Pro, 352 Ringwood Road, Ferndown BH22 9AT

Make Space to Breathe The Breathing Space is Dorchester’s leading women’s wellness centre, offering expert-led fitness & wellbeing classes for women, specialising in pregnancy & postnatal.

Founded by award-winning women’s wellness coach, Sammie McFarland, The Breathing Space is about community and friendship, bringing joy to movement, and offering every woman the opportunity to move appropriately and enjoy the body she is in. There’s also a social café and free creche to give Mums a little time to themselves.

Choose from a full range of expert-led pregnancy & postnatal classes, Dorset’s only Holistic Core Restore® pelvic health classes, FREE support groups and a wide range of fitness, dance and relaxation classes.

Discover more at www.thebreathingspacedorchester.com

Dorchester’s Leading Women’s Wellness Centre, Specialising in Pregnancy & Postnatal • • • • • • • •

Every Woman Pelvic Floor Recovery Holistic Core Restore Pelvic Health Diastasis Healing C-Section Recovery Pilates Mum & Baby Yoga BumpFit Pregnancy Fitness MummaVibe Postnatal Fitness

And Many More Plus Classes Specifically for Children. www.thebreathingspacedorchester.com

12 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk

Parent’s Guide to Bronchiolitis Winter. It’s that time of year for streaming colds when school & nursery children are sharing their germs and still needing reminding to ‘use a tissue’ and ‘cover your mouth’.

Bronchiolitis is very common in the winter months and in their first year, 1 in 3 children will develop it.

Families has teamed up with multi-award-winning paediatric first aid specialists, Mini First Aid, to tell you more about what symptoms to look out for and when to seek medical help.

What is Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is most commonly caused by RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and is an infection which affects infants’ lungs. It cannot be treated by antibiotics. Most children will have caught RSV by the time they are two. Most will have a cold-like illness and get better on their own.

What are the Symptoms?

It often starts with cold-like symptoms – a snuffly nose and slightly high temperature, and over the next few days will develop into a cough, wheezy chest and breathlessness.

Most babies start to improve after 2 days and are usually better after 2 weeks, although the cough can hang on for up to a few weeks. Adults and older children can get RSV as it is very contagious – however their symptoms are usually only a mild cough or cold.

What Should I do if I am Concerned?

Young babies will always be treated with caution, so if you are concerned ring 111 for advice or if your baby is struggling to breathe or becomes unresponsive call 999. Above all, trust your instinct.

Even if you have seen a doctor who tells you everything is OK, but you don’t feel satisfied or happy, then get a second opinion. You know your child best. Don’t settle unless you are 100% sure that they are ok to be at home. No one will ever tell you off for being over cautious.

For more health and safety tips for your child, or to find out about essential paediatric life-saving first aid courses near you, visit minifirstaid.co.uk

However, for some babies, the smallest air passages (bronchioles) in the lungs become moist and inflamed, leading to problems with breathing. Your baby may struggle to keep any feeds down due to coughing, and may need fluids and extra oxygen to help them breathe.

Would you know what to do in an emergency?

We offer first aid classes to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency

Baby & Child First Aid Classes BOOK YOUR CLASS NOW: www.bournemouth.minifirstaid.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Ring 111 to Seek Medical Advice if: • Your baby is only taking half their normal feeds over several hours.

• No wet nappy for 12 hours.

• Persistent high temperature over 38 degrees Celsius.

• Breathing very fast or baby is working hard to breathe.

• Baby is very tied or irritable and not waking as normal.

Call 999 if: • Your baby has difficulty breathing or there are long pauses.

• Their lips and tongue are turning blue.

• You can see the muscles under the ribs are being sucked in with each breath.

• You are unable to work your child or unable to keep them awake.

• Skin goes pale or blue.

Award-winning Mini First Aid Classes for Parents Whether you are a parent, carer, grandparent, babysitter or older sibling looking for a first aid class, or a child keen to know the basics of life saving first aid, multi award-winning Mini First Aid have a class or workshop for you.

Classes cover the Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Ringwood, Wareham, Swanage, Fordingbridge and New Forest areas and can be held privately at your home, at a scheduled class or within a school setting. Our two-hour adult baby and child class teaches you what to do in a medical emergency situation and covers choking, CPR, bleeding, burns & breaks, febrile convulsions and Meningitis awareness.

For more information, visit bournemouth.minifirstaid.co.uk or find us on Facebook @minifirstaidbournemouth.

Families Dorset 13

n O s ’ t a h

18–25 January

W

s event ities & v i t c a nd. family de to uary & beyo i u g e t r omple ry, Feb Your c this Janua

Broadmayne Village Hall, Dorchester DT2 8EW Corn Exchange, Blandford DT11 7AG Village Hall, Lytchett Matravers BH16 6DD

Jack and the Beanstalk The Regent Centre, Christchurch BH23 1AS

Until 31 January

10–12, 17–18 January

Reduced Price for Locals

Little Red Riding Hood

Shire Hall, Dorchester DT1 1UY

Theatre Centre, Ringwood BH24 1SF

Come and enjoy Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum for a reduced price this January and explore the amazing history of social justice! DT locals need to bring in a letter or bill with their address for reduced £5 adult and child £2.50.

Includes free annual pass!

Forest Forge Theatre have teamed up with Bumblefly Theatre to bring you a traditional dollop of storytelling with madcap humour, memorable songs and beautiful imagery. Performance times vary. Tickets from forestforgetheatre.co.uk

6, 13, 20, 27 Jan, 3, 10, 17, 24 Feb First Aid for Babies Tesco Tower Park, Poole BH12 4NX Med-Star Paediatric basic first aid skills for new and expectant parents and carers of babies during their first 12 months.

Session includes looking after a baby who is unresponsive but breathing normally, CPR, choking, fever in babies and febrile convulsions, when to seek help if your baby may be unwell including “Baby Check”, sepsis, meningitis, wounds and bleeding, burns, head injuries.

9.30–11.30am. Advance book. Free.

8 January First Steps to Safety for 2-4 Year Olds SafeWise, Bournemouth BH11 8JJ Life skills education for pre-schoolers in an indoor learning village complete with a beach, house, shop, a street with road crossing, car, bus and more. Activities include role play, dress up, games and exploring. From 9.45am. Advance booking. Child £5. Adult & under 2s free.

10, 17, 24, 31 Jan, 7, 14, 21, 28 Feb Natter & Nurture Postnatal Support Group The Breathing Space, Dorchester DT1 1GH Come & make friends at this support group for new mums and get support from a Feeding Support Specialist.

12.30–2pm. Free.

10–11, 17–18 January Dick Whittington Mowlem Theatre, Swanage BH19 1DD Swanage Drama Company brings their annual family pantomime to the Mowlem.

Performances at 7.30pm with 2pm matinees on Saturdays. Adult £11, child £5.

WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR LOCAL EVENT IN THE NEXT ISSUE? email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk

10, 24 Jan, 7, 21 Feb Blashford Buggy Walk Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Ringwood BH24 3PJ Get outside, get fit and discover the wonderful wildlife living on your doorstep with a guided walk around Blashford Lakes with your little ones. Meet at the Education Centre. 10.30am–12pm.

12, 19, 26 Jan, 2 Feb New Milton Junior Parkrun

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum, it’s panto fun for everyone, in a show which promises laughter, sparkle and excitement. When Jack sells his beloved family cow for magic beans, his mother, the outrageous Dame Trott, is not best pleased! Little does she know that those beans hold the key to a thrilling adventure with one Giant problem! Show times vary. Adult £13.50, child £11.50.

18 Jan, 15, 18, 20 Feb Kids Clay Time Moon Studio Ceramics, Christchurch BH23 7AB A practical, hands on creative class that’s perfect for families to have quality time & messy fun. There’s plenty to do including sculpting your clay into a work of art, decorating your creations with coloured underglazes and more. Suit age 4+.

Child £20.

18, 22–25 January

Fawcetts Field, New Milton BH25 6QB

Cinderella

Come out for some fresh air and fun exercise. The course uses the all-weather Trim Trail, so it’s never muddy and usable all year round (unless it snows!). Age 4–14.

9am. Free. Advance register at www.parkrun.org.uk/register.

The Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE

12, 19, 26 Jan, 2, 9, 16, 23 Feb

Beat the January blues with all the singing, booing and all the ‘he’s behind you’s’ you can imagine in this fun, family pantomime.

Weekday performances 7.30pm & Saturdays 2pm & 6.30pm. From £7.

19 January

Kids Club

Introduction to Orienteering

Laser Quest, Bournemouth BH1 2LZ

Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL

Your kids can burn off some excess energy with up to 2 hours of safe, non-stop fun.

10am–12pm. £11pp.

Learn to read an orienteering map and navigate a course. Age 6+. 2–3.30pm.

Booking essential. Child £3.

16 January

25 January

Nappy Chat

Toy Story 4 (U)

Allendale Centre, Wimborne BH21 1AS

Forest Arts Centre, New Milton BH25 6DS

Drop-in group for parents and parentsto-be and connect with other cloth nappy using parents. Demo reusable nappies to see and try out. With soft play £1.50 hour.

1.30–2.30pm.

When a new toy called “Forky” joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy. 10.30am. From £3 at forest-arts.co.uk.

17 January The Snow Queen West Parley Memorial Hall, Ferndown BH22 8SQ This pantomime for Home Educating Families is immersive, up-close and interactive, written with children at its heart. Up to 30 audience members can take part on stage with live music, modern songs, dancing and sing-alongs all feature. Age 4+. £7 each or family £25 via Eventbrite.

25 Jan, 15, 29 Feb Inflatable Museum

Children’s Yoga & ‘Pop up’ Café Druitt Hall, Christchurch BH23 1AB Come along for a kid’s yoga session that incorporates games, stories and sensory activities. 10.45–11.45. £5.

Tomorrow’s Museum for Dorset on Tour is a great opportunity to sample the museum experience. Take part in engaging activities and handle real objects from our Archaeology, Natural History, Social History and Fossil collections and more.

25 Jan – Dorchester, 15 Feb - Blandford, 29 Feb – Poole. 11am–3pm. Free.

26 Jan, 23 Feb Have a Go Day Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore BH23 8EE Enjoy a multi-activity taster day with family and friends and have a go at archery, bushcraft, build a catapult and adventure course. Age 8+. 10am–12pm, 11am–1pm, 12–2pm. £6pp.

29 Jan – 1 Feb Beauty & the Beast Bridport Electric Palace, Bridport DT6 3NY Bridport Pantomime Players bring this fun panto to the Electric Palace, so get ready to boo and hiss the baddies and cheer and clap the goodies. Performances 7.30pm and matinees Thursday & Saturday. Adult £10, child £8 (under 12).

1 February The Curious Garden Sherling Studio, Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG Join The MakeShift Ensemble as they bring to life New York Times Award-winning children’s book about one boy’s quest for a greener world... one garden at a time.

Age 3+. 11am & 2pm. Adult £8.85, child £8.

7 February Harry Potter Night Lytchett Matravers Library, Poole BH16 6BN Enter the magical world of Harry Potter at our evening of wizarding fun and games.

Come dressed as your favourite character (optional) and be sure to bring your wand!

Ages 7-11. 5.30–6.30pm. Free.

7–8 February Alice in Pantoland Village Hall, Crossways DT2 8JA Crossways Pantomimers’ present a magical and unusual twist on a the original story of Alice in Wonderland with a mixture of your favourite Pantomime characters! Adult £6, child £3.

8 February Museum Make and Take: Sun-Catchers Poole Museum, Poole BH15 1BW

DON’T FORGET

check with the venue before setting off just in case anything’s changed since we went to print.

And remember to tell them you heard it first in Families Dorset magazine!

Get creative and make your very own sun-catcher to take home and hang in your window! Use colours, shapes and a mixture of materials in this drop-in session. 1–3pm. Free.

14 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk

10 February

17 February

Valentine’s Mini Makes & Bakes

Family Pond Dipping

Monkey Madness, Christchurch BH23 2BT

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth BH6 4EW

A chance to enjoy Valentine biscuit decorating and themed crafts with free soft play. Age 2–5. £8.

11–12 February

Get up close with pond creatures. Suit age 5+. 10.30–11.30am, 12.30–1.30pm.

Advance booking. Child £3.

Birdbox Building Avon Heath Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2DH Why not construct your own nestbox in this fun and constructive workshop?

Book on 01425 478082. 11am–1pm. £8.50 per birdbox.

Children Love Disco

Mucky Monday

Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth BH1 2BU

Discover animal tracks, get mucky and create arty animal footprints at the Learning Centre! Advance booking. 2–3.30pm. £3.

This is a Half-Term special daytime party for parents and their children, with a real DJ playing tunes from the 80s, 90s and now!

With dancing and face-painting for the little ones, adults can socialise and enjoy a drink.

Suit >10 years. 2–5pm. Adult £3, child £4.

Peppa Pig is going on a day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Get ready for a road-trip full of adventures from castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more!

10am, 1pm, 4pm. From £14.75.

13 February

The Chesil Challenge Fine Foundation Centre, Portland DT4 9XE Can you complete the Chesil Challenge?

Join the children’s treasure trail inside and outside the Centre looking for clues to solve puzzles about Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon. 11am–12.30pm. Child £3.

Adoption Information Event Families for Children, Dorchester DT2 9PU Considering adoption but not sure where to start? Could you consider adopting a child aged 3+? A disabled child? Or siblings? Could you consider Foster to Adopt? Come along to Families for Children’s info session for a short talk from an adoption specialist, Q&As and info about the adoption process, the children waiting and the help and support available. 4–6pm. Book your place on 01364 645480. Familiesforchildren.org.uk

15 February I Love Wildlife Fine Foundation Centre, Portland DT4 9XE Show how much you love wildlife! Join in and celebrate Valentine’s weekend by making gifts for the wildlife in your garden. All ages welcome. 11am–3pm.

Crafts from £1.

15–21 February Half Term Family Fun Tank Museum, Bovington BH20 6JG Take part in a range of family activities.

Kids can also let off steam in our outdoor play area and in our inside soft play area, adjacent. 10am–5pm.

15–23 February Be Prepared this February Half Term Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour BH13 7EE Celebrate World Thinking Day and Founder’s Day with a week of scouting and guiding inspired activities suitable for kids of all ages. Activities include scouting themed ranger days, free ‘scouting’ trails and campfires and marshmallow toasting at the weekends. 10am–4pm. Free event.

Normal admission charges apply.

15, 23 February Sunset Family Evenings Knoll Beach, Studland BH19 3AH Spend an evening with the National Trust round a firepit on the beach watching the sun go down over the horizon and play beach games and roast marshmallows.

4–6pm. £5.

familiesonline.co.uk

17–21 February The 115 Half-Term Holiday Club Moordown St John’s Primary School, Bournemouth BH9 2SA This February Half-Term, your children will love our action-packed week of space themed events, including a special Space Show

by Science Zone and a space art workshop. Plus, there’s plenty more fun activities to enjoy including swimming. It’s going to be out of this world! For under 8s, over 8s and 11+. 8am–5.45pm. £24 day.

115club.co.uk Early bird discount until 28 Jan!

18 February Bird Safari and Crafts for Kids Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth BH6 4EW Come on a bird safari and let your kids take part in crafting sessions. 10.30am– 12.30pm. Advance booking. Child £3.

Making Shadow Puppets: Family Workshop Poole Museum, Poole BH15 1BW Have a go at making your very own shadow puppet to perform with and take home. Age 7+. Places limited. Advance booking 01202 262600. Child £5.

18, 21 February Multi Sports Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch BH23 1HW A very popular and fun-packed day in which your child will enjoy a multitude of sports including football, hockey, tag rugby, dodgeball, swimming and more.

Age 5–13. 8.45am–4pm. £19.50.

19 February Amazing Bubble Man Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG Experience the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks. 2–3.10pm.

Adult £13.75, child £10.

20 Feb – 29 Mar

19, 20 February Bounce, Bend & Boogie Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch BH23 1HW A great day to enjoy gymnastic activities, trampolining, swimming and dancing. It’s enough to tire even the liveliest children!

Age 5–13. 8.45am–4pm. £19.50.

20 February Wild Days Out: Outdoor Artists

Mathmos Lava Lamp Trail and Lounge Poole Museum, Poole BH15 1BW The original lava lamp was invented in Poole in the 1960s and to celebrate Light Up Poole, Poole Museum has teamed up with Mathmos to create a range of engaging activities. Take a selfie at the ‘Mathmos Lava Lamp Window’ installation, enjoy swirling projections and follow the trail around the museum to the retro lava lounge for a chill out with a difference.

10am–4pm. Free entry and trail.

28 February

Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, Ringwood BH24 3PJ

Ballard School Open Morning

Creative outdoor craft and art using natural materials to sculpt, weave and create along with a fire to melt and create with pewter! Booking essential via Eventbrite. Age 5-8. 10am–3pm. Child £21.

Come and visit Ballard for a tailored-tour of the award-winning day school to find out why Ballard has been judged to be ‘excellent & outstanding’. Booking essential. 8.50am–12pm.

Until 20 February

Ballard School, New Milton BH25 5SU

29 February

Cool Coast Ice Rink

Lego Walk

BIC Purbeck Hall, Bournemouth BH1 2BU

Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch BH23 4LE

Embrace that wintry feeling at the south coast’s biggest indoor seasonal ice rink.

There’s a mini rink for those first nerveracking glides and skate mates for hire for the youngsters. £10.50.

Can you conquer walking barefooted over thousands of LEGO pieces? Why not give this is a brilliant, unique, family friendly, extreme challenge a go! Age 6+. 6–10pm. £10 via Eventbrite.co.uk

20–22 February

5 March

Light Up Poole

Yarrells School Open Morning

21 Kingland Road, Poole BH15 1UG

Yarrells Preparatory School, Upton BH16 5EU

Light Up Poole, the annual festival of digital light art, brings three nights of extraordinary light spectacles and community events that transform the town after dark. Events at various times and locations over Poole High Street, Poole Quay and Old Town include talks, workshops and ticketed events including a family rave! 6–10pm.

See lightuppoole.co.uk for details.

20–23 February Peter Pan Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth BH1 2BU Swish of the Curtain return to Pavilion with this aerial extravaganza that promises to capture the imagination of all ages – especially those who never want to grow up! 2pm & 7pm. From £16.25.

A wonderful opportunity to see the school in action and the facilities as you tour the school and grounds with senior pupils, and meet with our friendly staff and our Head. Book your place on 01202 622229.

9.30–11.30am.

6 March St Martin’s School Open Day St Martin’s School, Bournemouth BH3 7NA Get a taste of life at St Martin’s friendly, welcoming school at our Open Day from 10am–6pm. Experience our happy, caring, family environment and small class sizes in action with demonstrations and discover our fantastic range of activities.

Book your place on 01202 292011 or at stmartinsschool.net.

Talbot Heath School Open Morning Talbot Heath School, Bournemouth BH4 9NJ Kindergarten, Pre-Prep and Junior Open Morning is a wonderful opportunity to see the school in action, the facilities and meet with staff. Book your place on 01202 763360. 9.30am.

Families Dorset 15

• • • • •

happy and motivated children dedicated nursery for 2 to 4 year olds small class sizes competitively low fees individualised learning with high academic standards • proven exam results at 11+ and 13+

• specialised subject teachers from age 5 • enriching environment indoors and outdoors • dynamic and extensive curriculum: integrating the arts and sport • minibus runs from Dorchester, Blandford, Bournemouth & Poole • FREE parent and baby/toddler groups

OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 5 MARCH 9:30 - 11:30AM

Poole I Dorset I 01202 622229 I www.yarrells.co.uk I admissions@yarrells.co.uk