Families Herts Lockdown 1 Apr/May 20

FREE

Herts Lockdown Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Image: Speedy McVroom from Pixabay

Lots of resources to keep the family busy!

Comprehensive business directory

Win ÂŁ100 Amazon Vouchers!

To enter, sign up to our FREE digital magazine Delivered directly to your inbox!

T&Cs apply

FREE

TAKE

ME HOME

Lock Down Issue 2

We're all in this together Late Spring 2020 FC Families Lock

Down issue 2 with

free tab.indd 1

familiesonline.co.uk 06/04/2020 11:57

April/May 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk April/May 2020

STAYING SAFE & WELL

Here are some great printables to help you and your family stay safe, well and sane during lockdown!

Hand Washing Song Infographics

Covid-19 Parenting Tips

Encourage the whole family to wash their hands for 20 to 30 seconds! You can get printable handwashing infographics for each family member based on their favourite song lyrics.

The World Health Organisation and UNICEF have come up with these great printable sheets covering topics like encouraging good behaviour, managing stress and talking to your child about Coronavirus.

Covid-19 Time Capsule Journal for Children

Families Magazine Colour-In Reward Chart The Grrreat Colour-In Reward Chart

ALL ABOUT ME I AM

MY FAVOURITE THINGS Toy

STEP 1

STEP 2 Tell your Fill in daily child when to Explain behaviour rewards your colour in the targets animals! child will receive

Colour YEARS OLD

I AM

Animal

MY 2020 COVID-19

Food Show Movie

METRES TALL

I W EIGH

Book Activity

TIME CAPSULE

Place Song

KILOS

SH

MY BEST FRIENDS

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THEM

WIN Family Tickets for a day at a UK Zoo or Wildlife Park of your choice!

Tickets are valid for two adults and two children.

How to Enter: Email an image of your child’s completed chart to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your child’s name, age, your postcode and up to 50 words from you or your child explaining how the chart has helped them achieve their targets. You have until 30 June 2020 to enter.

I will...

✹ ✹ ✹ Reward

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

I will...

Reward

BY:

O E SIZE

Name:

t the Real Animals!

Visi

STEP 3

I will...

Reward

When I have coloured in all my animals, we can enter the competition to go to the zoo!

Email info@familiesmagazine.co.uk for extra copies of the chart!

Competition T&Cs at www.bit.ly/37LNg7w reward chart landscape.indd 1

We are living in challenging and difficult times. It may help your child to document their experiences in this journal.

2 April/May 2020

15/01/2020 16:44

Set “lockdown” goals and encourage your children to behave well with our printable colour-in reward chart.

There’s even a competition to enter for when we are allowed out again! familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome Welcome to the first “surviving lockdown” issue of Families magazine!

We can’t get our print magazine out to you right now. So we’ve gathered together the best of all the resources available for parents at this time and put them in one place to help you get through the next few weeks.

We are centralising enquiries right now, so if you want to get in touch, please email info@familiesmagazine.co.uk

Contents Staying Safe and Well - Fun Printables!

2 4-7

Home Learning

8-9

Pre-School Play

10-11 Family Health 12-14 Best Virtual Tours Zoos, Natural Wonders, Space 15

16

Bear Grylls #TheGreatIndoors

17

Lockdown Fun From a Herts Mum

18

Best Art, Craft, Games Activities

19

Community and Helplink Directory

20

Birthdays in Lockdown

22-29 Business Directory

Nature and Outside

Win £100 Amazon Vouchers!

FRE E

TAKE

ME H

OM E

Lock ckdo Down Issu suee 2

2

T&Cs apply

To enter, sign up to our FREE digital magazine

We're all in this together

Delivered directly to your inbox!

Magazine

Late Spring 2020 FC Families Lock

Down issue 2 with

free tab.indd 1

familiesonline.co.uk 06/04/2020 11:57

familiesonline.co.uk

April/May 2020 3

HOME LEARNING

Best Home Learning Resources Our guide to the best FREE online learning resources

BBC Bitesize

Daily online lessons for ages 5-14 starting on 20 April. Also on TV.

Book Trust Home Time

Classroom Secrets Kids

Free books, games, quizzes and recipes.

Free resources for teaching English,

Doorway Online

Teacher’s Pet

Pobble 365

Interactive games to practice phonetics, numeracy and money.

Free weekly downloadable home learning packs.

Up to age 11.

Inspiring creative writing every day of the year.

Oxford Owl for Home

BBC Teach

Brain POP

Resources divided into primary school year groups. Free ebooks.

4 April/May 2020

Advice for teaching at home, video resources for kids up to 16. Free interactive live lessons.

Short animated videos to create curious learners – free access during school closures. familiesonline.co.uk

HOME LEARNING

Supporting Home Learning Supporting your child to learn at home probably feels daunting.

Leslie Saffron is a member of The Otherwise Club, a community of families choosing to learn together without school.

Leslie advises: “To prepare for the jobs of the future, we need curious, creative, flexible people, with a strong sense of self. You can build your child’s sense of self just by listening to and working alongside them, and showing them that their thoughts are valuable.”

Mike Wood from Home Education UK says: “The strength of home learning is the freedom for children to follow their own interests and learn naturally. Real learning is driven by intrinsic curiosity. The trick is to encourage your child’s curiosity and use it as a basis for them to develop learning skills. Knowing how to learn can help motivate them to fearlessly harness new skills in later life.”

SEN Resources London Grid for Learning Inclusion resource centre.

Nessy

English help for dyslexia.

Busy Things

Learning through play.

Helpkidzlearn

Games/resources – some free.

Win £100 Amazon Vouchers!

T&Cs apply

To enter, sign up to our FREE digital magazine

FRE E

TAKE

Delivered directly to your inbox!

ME HO

ME

Lock do Down Iss Issue ue22

Understood

For people who learn differently.

We're all in this together

TES Special Needs

Free learning resources.

TES Autism/ Tess Dyslexia Free learning resources. familiesonline.co.uk

Late Spring 2020 FC Families Lock

Down issue 2 with

free tab.indd 1

familiesonline.co.u

k

06/04/2020 11:57

Magazine April/May 2020 5

HOME LEARNING

Best Subject-Specific Home Learning Resources

Teach Your Monster to Read

Wow in the World Podcast For curious kids interested in science, tech & innovation!

Games testing knowledge of countries, flags and more.

Duolingo

Big History Project

Numbots

An award-winning game that makes learning to read fun.

Learn 30+ languages for free! Access via website or app.

Free online social studies course for secondary school kids.

World Geography Games

A fun robot game for addition/subtraction.

Free via web or app.

Credit: Autodesk Tinkercad

History Hit TV

Interesting historical videos from World Wars to creepiest toys in history.

6 April/May 2020

Tinkercad

Children’s Classic Books

Free easy to use app for 3D design, Wow! Loads of free electronics and coding. children’s classic books to read/listen to. familiesonline.co.uk

HOME LEARNING

Lockdown School Day Timetable 8.00-9.00

Plan the Day. Get out school books/resources.

9.00-9.30

Get Moving. PE with Body Coach Joe Wicks. Check out these options too.

9.30-10.30

Expand your Mind. Try Maths with Carol Vorderman.

10.30-11.00

Fresh Air. Skip in the garden or scoot to the local park!

11.00-12.00

Expand your Mind. English with David Walliams.

12.00-1.00

Lunch! Your kids can help make it.

1.00-2.00

Chill Time. Read/listen to a podcast.

2.00-3.00

Art & Culture. Draw, do Lego or learn about different cultures.

3.00-4.00

Get Active. Play football in the garden, or go for a walk/run.

4.00-5.00

Let’s Cook with Theo Michaels or Jamie Oliver.

5.00-6.00

Have Dinner! Clean up together.

Story Podcasts All Ages BBC School Radio Storytime

Motivating your Child to Read During Lockdown

Stories from popular picture.

Bedtime FM

Stories to help children relax.

CBeebies Radio Podcast

Stories with favourite characters.

Little Stories for Tiny People

Original audio stories and poems.

FunKids Story Quest Stories for of all ages.

Circle Round (4-10 years) International folktales.

The Creeping Hour (8-12 years) Horror anthology series. familiesonline.co.uk

Every parent understands the tremendous value of their children reading regularly.

Given our current experience of the extraordinary Coronavirus lockdown – without the input of typical school life – reading daily at home matters more than ever.

READ MORE April/May 2020 7

PRE-SCHOOL PLAY

Structuring the

By Daisy Upton Day

Example of a dinosaurthemed day: 9.00 Musical phonics. Every time the music stops, children jump on a letter on the floor and make its sound.

9.30 Write the word dinosaur as large as possible on a big piece of paper. Children can colour in the letters, adding shapes and patterns.

10.00 Snack and fresh air.

For some of us, having a loose structure for the day can really help with little ones at home. It’s not something I would stick to rigidly. If a child is happily playing independently, then I’d sneak off for a cuppa! But having a rough plan means I always have ideas ready to go. I am currently doing a theme a week to keep things interesting.

10.30 Make holes in empty shoe box. Get kids to post dried pasta through holes. Great for number recognition and learning to count!

11.00 Read dinosaur book/act out with toys.

11.30 Lunch/play.

12.30 Make a dinosaur jungle with sand/earth in trays, leaves, rocks and twigs. Add in dinosaurs and play!

Tips

1.30 TV and clean up time.

• The activity doesn’t always have to fill the time slot.

• If you’re sharing childcare, do shifts.

• If you’re overwhelmed, take a few minutes alone, somewhere where you can see but not hear the kids.

• Do ‘tidy up time’ at the end of an activity before introducing the next.

2.30 Outside play/walk.

8 April/May 2020

3.00 Snack.

3.15 Jigsaw puzzle and board game 4.15 Film e.g. The Good Dinosaur

More great ideas from Daisy at Five Minute Mum in her book Give Me Five. familiesonline.co.uk

PRE-SCHOOL PLAY

Home-Based Fun for Under 5’s Mum to Martha (3) and Freddie (2), Families Editor, Rebecca Lewis, shares ideas for playtime in lockdown.

Pocket money jobs

10p is the daily going rate for odd jobs in our house: weeding (AKA pulling up lawn daisies), bagging up old clothes for charity, sorting the recycling into the correct coloured bags. Bargain!

Big bug watch

Naps are a distant memory, so this is our version of ‘quiet time’. I’ve repurposed the wooden pallets my magazines arrive on as a creepy-crawly sanctuary. Fortunately for the woodlice, my two are finally getting the hang of ‘be gentle!’

Virtual gardening

Martha’s a keen gardener, specialising in growing dwarf beans. She’s planted them for her nursery buddies, decorated the cups with their names, and showed them off over FaceTime. Her friends love seeing how they’ve grown.

Storytime for Under 5s Oliver Jeffers reads:

The Day the Crayons Quit Rob Hodgson reads:

The Cave

Emily Gravett reads:

Cyril and Pat

Malachy Doyle reads:

Big Pig

Benjii Davies reads:

The Storm Whale Chris Haughton reads:

Shh! We Have a Plan Zanni Louise reads:

Archie and the Bear familiesonline.co.uk

Win a Copy of Give Me Five!

Over 150 easy and fun activities for guilt-free parenting created

by Daisy Upton in her new book.

Each game uses objects and materials available in any household and takes just five minutes to set up and tidy up.

WIN!

Enter here before 31 May 2020.

April/May 2020 9

FAMILY HEALTH

Best Family Health and Wellbeing Resources

NHS Every Mind Matters

Jump Start Jonny PE with Joe Wicks The Body Coach Exercise/dance work

Ten tips to help if you are worried.

outs for children.

PE/work out sessions for children.

The Little Gym at Home

Headspace

Mind

Fitness for primary and pre-school children.

Anxiety UK

Coronavirus support resources.

10 April/May 2020

Audio guided meditation/relaxation for all.

Resources for wellbeing.

Nuffield Health Wellbeing Journal

Fegans Online Counselling

Downloadable daily journal for children.

Therapy for children (year 7+) and 1-1 parent support. familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY HEALTH

Talking to Children about Coronavirus It’s understandable if your child is feeling anxious about Coronavirus (Covid-19). The British Psychological Society (BPS) stresses the importance of being truthful and giving children factual information, but adjusting the amount and detail to suit their age.

For example, you might say: “we don’t yet have a vaccination for Covid-19, but doctors are working hard on it” or “lots of people might get sick, but for most people it is like a cold or flu and they get better.”

Download full BPS guide Families also recommends the following blogs from Understood.

• How can I calm my child who won’t stop talking about the virus?

• What to do when your child WON’T talk about the Coronavirus.

• What to do when your child is anxious about Coronavirus.

And this great blog from Hand to Hand Parenting.

Dealing with your Coronavirus Anxiety

Your Child’s Mental Health: Spot the Signs

Perhaps you find yourself obsessively checking the news for fresh information on Coronavirus? Maybe you are constantly symptom checking, washing your hands, feeling consistently fearful or tearful, and playing potential scenarios through in your mind?

READ MORE

Would you recognise the signs?

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week between 8 and 24 May and since March, large numbers of families have been dealing with much more anxiety than usual: about their health, their jobs, their finances and their futures.

READ MORE

By Anna Mathur

familiesonline.co.uk

By Ian Soars

April/May 2020 11

ENTERTAINMENT

Best Virtual Zoo and Aquarium Tours!

Chester Zoo

San Diego Zoo

Cincinnati Zoo

Learn surprising animal facts and download fun activities

Animal art & craft.

Baboon, Polar Bear & Penguin live cams.

Enjoy home activities or watch a Home Safari Facebook Live

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Watch fishes, penguins and sharks on webcam

New England Aquarium

Hosting daily virtual visits.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Zoo Atlanta

Smithsonian National Zoo

Ouwehand Park Polar Bear Cubs

Check out the Pandacam for some cute furry creatures!

12 April/May 2020

Live webcams of naked mole rats, elephants and lions.

Meet the koalas of the world’s largest sanctuary.

Watch cute twin polar bear cubs live from the Netherlands! familiesonline.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

Lockdown Family Fun It’s a tough time. So, try to make sure you have something to look forward to each day. Here are some ideas: • A kitchen disco burns off lots of energy! Lots of DJs are live streaming on social platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Defected Records are hosting regular live events and mini ravers can go to a midday party hosted by Big Fish Little Fish every Sunday.

• Plan a games night or classic movie-thon with popcorn.

• Host a virtual quiz night with friends/family over Zoom. Everyone loves Bingo and you can make your own cards.

• Host a ‘Come Dine in with Me’ night where each family member cooks or designs a meal and the rest of the family gives it a score.

• All out of ideas? Try the random idea generator, the brainchild of 11 year old Sam Bennett from Birmingham.

Explore the World Take your family on a global tour of famous sites and natural wonders.

Machu Picchu Mount Rushmore Buckingham Palace Pyramids of Giza

Win £100 Amazon Vouchers!

T&Cs apply

To enter, sign up to our FREE digital magazine

FRE E

TAKE

Delivered directly to your inbox!

ME HO

ME

Lock ckdo Down Iss Issue ue22

The White House Visit the Colosseum

We're all in this together

The Great Wall of China Head inside the heart of a volcano

Late Spring 2020 FC Families Lock

Down issue 2 with

free tab.indd 1

familiesonline.co.u

k

06/04/2020 11:57

Magazine familiesonline.co.uk

April/May 2020 13

ENTERTAINMENT

Best Virtual Space Experiences Learn about the solar system, build your own rocket and wander on Mars – all without leaving your living room!

Hubble Space Telescope

Interactive Solar System Tour

International Space Station

360 degree virtual tour at NASA.

Explore the solar system like an astronaut.

Free exciting game simulation.

Mars Surface

NASA at Home

NASA Exoplanet Exploration

NASA Kids Club: Rocket Builder

National Geographic Videos

Twinkl Space Activities

Walk along the real Learn about NASA with surface of Mars with these virtual tours and Explore planets outside NASA’s Curiosity Rover. apps. of the solar system!

Build your own rocket with this free fun game.

14 April/May 2020

The solar system, the universe and black holes

Worksheets and colouring pages. Plus special offer. familiesonline.co.uk

NATURE & OUTDOORS

Making the Best of Outdoor Time By Claire Winter Getting fresh air is vital, so make sure you make the most of your garden (if you have one) and daily exercise outings.

Walk ideas • Go on a rainbow hunt and count how many you see in people’s windows; • Ask local friends to put soft toys in their windows for children to spot; • Give your children a list of things they need to find/take photos of; • Develop a nature trail, where your children have to look up and identify the birds/flowers/insects they see; • Change it up by taking bikes, scooters, skateboards and skipping ropes.

Garden ideas • Plant a mini veg patch/herb garden if you can find some seeds; • No garden? Make a cress head; • Go on a mini-beast hunt and build a plush bug hotel; • Little ones will enjoy painting the shed/fence with a big brush and bucket of water; • Invest in chunky coloured chalks for patio or pavement drawing; • Enjoy a night under the stars.

Tent share is encouraging families to dust of their camping gear and hold a mini-festival in their garden!

Play-at-Home-Fest on 23/24 May is another virtual family festival packed with children’s characters, celebrities and brands, and funds raised going to the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal. You can register free.

familiesonline.co.uk

April/May 2020 15

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Five Ways to Make the Most of #TheGreatIndoors

By Bear Grylls, Chief Scout Before you climb a mountain or sail an ocean, you need a plan. The same is true for getting through the next few weeks. Families are spending more time together than ever, and without a plan, getting to bedtime may be as tough as climbing Everest.

That’s where #TheGreatIndoors comes in. It’s a collection of over 100 fun, free activities from the Scouts that your family can try at home. And you don’t need to be a Scout or an expert to deliver them!

Families has chosen its favourite ideas from #TheGreatIndoors collection and you can find these on the next page (page 17)

Make a daily plan Do this the night before. Choose activities for the morning and afternoon.

Start the day with something active Take part in a family work out. You’ll find plenty online or you could just do some gentle exercises together.

Don’t forget to warm up and give each other plenty of space.

Keep learning It’s a great time to learn a new skills, whether improving your French or learning to play the ukulele. What can you teach each other?

Get some fresh air If you have a garden, make the most of it. Eat your lunch outdoors. If you don’t, try to get out into some open space while respecting the rules, social distancing and staying safe.

Be kind Respect each other’s personal space and make an effort to do nice things for each other. Why not think about making a thank you card?

Good luck and stay safe.

16 April/May 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

More Ideas to Keep the Family Busy

By Claire Balkind, Hertfordshire mum and FAMILY LOCKDOWN TIPS & IDEAS founder Parenting is a tough gig. Even on good days. As a secondary school teacher, I like to plan ahead and as mum to two young girls aged 1 and 5, I can often be found searching for If you are looking for some creative things to do at home on a inspiration, here are three really rainy weekend. popular ideas from the page that you could try at home: Salt Dough When lockdown was imminent, I Handprints, Scavenger Hunt, DIY panicked. What if I was stuck at Obstacle Course. home and ran out of activities?

READ MORE What if I needed to homeschool my kids and didn’t have the right resources? What if I simply couldn’t cope? I looked for a Facebook group to join for support, and when I couldn’t find one, I set up FAMILY LOCKDOWN TIPS & IDEAS in the middle of March.

Since that point, the group has grown to over 1 million members.

The main principle of the group is to share good ideas for being at home in a positive space that is free of news.

Never did I imagine seeing so many deeply creative, innovative and resourceful ideas as I have on the page. It just goes to show what parents are really capable of when they need to be. familiesonline.co.uk

April/May 2020 17

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Art & Craft The Imagination Tree

Activities using sensory play.

Red Ted Art

Easy crafts for all ages.

Facedrawer

Become a budding artist.

Activities & Games 10 Nature Activities

Bring nature into your home or garden!

Earn Blue Peter Badges!

Get a famous badge.

PawPrint Family

Hundreds of challenge packs.

Hello Wonderful

Roll20 - Virtual Games

Art for Kids Hub

Board Game Arena

CBeebies

Highlights Kids

The Artful Parent

Activity Village

Best of #TheGreatIndoors

Win ÂŁ100 Amazon Vouchers!

Activities using household items.

How to draw‌videos for kids.

Making and colouring activities.

10 things to do at home.

Be a Blackout Poet

Try this alternative style of poetry.

Best Concert Ever!

Design posters for best concert ever.

Got it Covered

Create a cover for your favourite book.

Show your Art to Grow your Art

Something for the older kids.

Play board and card games.

Games, jokes, science, activities.

Downloadable activity packs.

T&Cs apply

To enter, sign up to our FREE digital magazine

FRE E

TAKE

Delivered directly to your inbox!

ME HO

ME

Lock Down Iss ckdo Issue ue22

Create/exhibit masterpieces.

Storm in a Teacup

We're all in this together

Understand energy by creating your own tornado.

Leaf Animals

Use leaves to make an animal collage.

Late Spring 2020 FC Families Lock

Down issue 2 with

free tab.indd 1

familiesonline.co.u

k

06/04/2020 11:57

Magazine 18 April/May 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

COMMUNITY

We’ve Got this People!

Five ways of pulling together until the world starts turning again.

• Good-hearted souls across the country are volunteering help to those in need. Two excellent co-ordinating resources working at local level are: BBC’s Make a Difference Campaign and Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK • Share this Families magazine link with other parents, via email, Facebook, WhatsApp. Like and Follow your local Families magazine on social too so you can share the tips and good news you find.

• Thank supermarket and home delivery staff who are working their socks off – show them they’re appreciated.

• Phone friends/relations to chat, particularly those who are living alone.

Ask how they are, recount a heart-warming anecdote. You’ll both feel better for it.

• Smile at people on your essential outings – spread simple cheer across the 2 metre safe space!

Helplink Safety

Latest Government Advice

Domestic Violence/Abuse

National DA Helpline Women’s Aid Men’s Advice

Giving Community Support

How to Help Safely Do-IT Local Volunteer Centre Finder Helping Elderly People

Seeking Help

Care and Essential Supplies Lockdown Tips and Advice Your Local Delivered familiesonline.co.uk

Helplink Financial

Claim Universal Credit Working Families Help Coronovirus Finance & Bills Help Self-employed and Employment

Family Disputes

Family Mediation Child Law Advice Family Breakdown Advice Co-Parenting During the Crisis

Parenting Advice

Dad.info Fegans Family Hub Free Parenting in a Pandemic email course April/May 2020 19

BIRTHDAYS

Celebrating Birthdays in Lockdown

By Rebecca Lewis

Movie and bowling night Download a movie and a bowling app game, and hey presto your home becomes a makeshift entertainment complex. Google cinema ticket template and popcorn box template

Hold a teddy bears’ picnic

From teddy bears’ picnics to neighbourhood poster parties, a birthday under lockdown can still be special.

Turn their bedroom into an escape room Create your DIY version with clues to help them unlock their birthday gift. Google easy riddles for inspiration.

Involve your local community Ask members of your community or school’s Facebook/WhatsApp group to create a happy birthday poster or put up a balloon in their window. See how many you spot on your daily walk.

20 April/May 2020

Invite your child’s favourite soft toys to a special picnic at home!

Decorate with bunting and balloons; draw paw prints in chalk; hunt for the ‘missing’ bear; end with a calming game of sleeping bears.

Water lot of fun!

Create an aqua park in your back garden! Use dunked sponges for a water fight; play skittles with open bottles of water; run a hose along a sheet of tarpaulin for sliders; fill the paddling pool with warm water and bubbles for an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Tips Invite your child’s family and friends to a virtual celebration via Zoom or similar! Make sure you prepare beforehand by reading the Zoom Help Guide.

Consider a virtual party.

Google virtual birthday party entertainers kids uk familiesonline.co.uk

Win £100 Amazon Vouchers!

Independent Day School for girls 4 - 16 years Day Nursery & Pre-School for girls and boys from 6 months

T&Cs apply

To enter, sign up to our FREE digital magazine

FRE E

TAKE

Delivered directly to your inbox!

ME HO

ME

Lock Down Issue 2

We're all in this together Down issue 2 with

free tab.indd 1

Every step of the way Prep

Senior

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

Rated ‘excellent’ in all areas by ISI January 2020.

Late Spring 2020 FC Families Lock

Nursery

familiesonline.co.u

k

06/04/2020 11:57

Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8RP E: registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

Magazine

Independent day and boarding school for girls and boys, aged 3 to 18.

A small number of places available in Year 7 for September 2020. +44 (0) 1462 650947 admissions@stchris.co.uk stchris.co.uk

Where enjoyment creates achievement

familiesonline.co.uk

April/May 2020 21

DIRECTORY

Business Directory This directory was compiled in support of local businesses operating remotely during lockdown. Please support them in any way you can. If you would like to market your business here in a future issue, email Dale Harry at editor@familiesherts.co.uk

Supporting Steps

Baby Sleep the Night

Sleep Coach

Just Like Mum Nanny Agency

PARENTING

Supporting Steps provides parent support and advice, via workshops, one-to-ones and online programmes.

It aims to prevent the development of mental health issues in adolescence and beyond, by teaching parents ways to support and nurture their children’s emotions and behaviour at home. www.facebook.com/ supportingstepssocial/

Frequent night wakings? Cat napping? Endless hours trying to get your little one back to sleep? Bedtime battles an issue in your household? Sophie is a certified sleep consultant who offers sleep solutions tailored to your baby or toddler’s needs. www.facebook.com/ sophielucaswilkinson/

Daisy First Aid

Having knowledge of first aid in the current climate is a must. Baby and child first aid classes provided by Hannah.

Book online and complete an e-learning course or a live course via Zoom. There are fantastic packages. Designed for parents, parents-to-be, grandparents and carers these courses will make you feel less anxious during these difficult times. 07480 064843 22 April/May 2020

Maria Murphy is a sleep consultant working with parents of newborns, babies, toddlers and children up to 6 years old. She helps parents teach their children how to sleep well and works on a one-to-one basis with families. www.facebook.com/ babysleepthenightmaria murphy/

A family run nanny agency in Hertfordshire. They match each family with the nanny who best meets their needs. They believe compassion is key, and a harmonious relationship between children, parents and their nanny starts with this. www.justlikemum.co.uk/

Antenatal Classes

Being pregnant is exciting, but much is unknown. That’s why high quality, evidence-based antenatal classes in small groups where you can ask all your questions are essential.

These live, interactive online classes will prepare you for birth and early parenting and you’ll meet other parents to support you on your journey.

07789928530 or www. parentpartner.co.uk

TUITION

Guitar Tutor

Stuck at home and want to try something new? Or would you like your children to pick up a new hobby? Charlie Hodgson is a guitar tutor with over 15 years’ experience and a professional musician.

He offers remote/online (and face-to-face in normal circumstances) tutoring for all ages and abilities (aged 4+). 07709118932 or www. charliehodgsonguitartutoring. com

English Tutor

Philip Niland is a popular English tutor, teaching English from years 6 through to 11. A relaxed friendly approach gives his students the confidence to succeed in their SATS, GCSE and A-Level exams.

Call 07809476876 for friendly classes online.

English Tutor

Nkem Ivara is an experienced English tutor based in Welwyn Garden City. He runs structured, small online groups for the 11+, KS2 and KS3 (year 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10).

07939565592 or wordsmythetutoring@gmail. com

familiesonline.co.uk

100% of our family law clients would recommend us to their family, friends and colleagues.*

Your aspirations are our inspiration

T: 01727 837161

W: debenhamsottaway.co.uk

*Based on client survey results returned in 2019. For more information, please visit our website

familiesonline.co.uk

April/May 2020 23

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

KB Tuition

Online sessions provided via Zoom for primary aged children, one-to-one or small groups. Katie has 10 years’ experience of teaching and tuition. 07933359563

CHILDREN

Tick Tock Music

Fun, interactive music and drama shows provide by Abi and her team. These popular sessions have currently moved online. For more information or to get your child signed up call 07933 153054 or email abiticktock@ yahoo.co.uk

Spanish Classes

Mini Lingos delivers fun, engaging and educational musical Spanish classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children using recognisable children’s songs and nursery rhymes.

Jo uses sensory props, puppets, bubbles, maracas, ribbons and more, making Spanish language learning fun and exciting! Online classes via Zoom. https:// www.minilingos.co.uk/

Baby Sensory Classes

‘At Home’ online classes bring all of the regular fun activities direct to your front room. Each class lasts between 45-50 minutes and gives mums the opportunity to spend quality one-to-one time with their baby (13 months or younger).

Connect and chat to other parents too during the play breaks – share ideas or troubles.

Siblings can join in too! www. babysensory.com/stalbans 24 April/May 2020

First Steps PreSchool Dance

Exciting pre-school dance classes for boys and girls (from 18 months to 4 years) provided by professionally trained Gwen and her talented team. Classes in ballet, modern and tap will resume after lockdown in Harpenden and Redbourn. For further information call 07792309401 or visit www.ghdance.com

Storytelling

Tiny T’s Storytelling is run by Tara Harris, a professional actor who recently performed on stage in Julia Donaldson’s ZOG. Log onto Tiny T’s Facebook page – @tinytsparties to find FREE live storytelling sessions that children can engage and interact with, as well as crafting throughout the week. www. tinytsparties.com

Emily and the Blue Rabbit Book

Follow Juggi the rabbit on her adventure into the big town.

Join her as she gets lost, accidentally turns blue, and is adopted by Emily and her family. Despite being happy, she still misses home. Will she ever find her way back to her real family by the big oak tree?

Get this captivating children’s book and others here: http:// www.colmanthony.com

Twiggles Explorers Forest School

Parent/carer and child outdoor sessions and holiday clubs in local woods – learn about nature and have fun. Will resume after lockdown. http:// www.twiggles-explorers.co.uk

Reading Fairy Classes

Classes in North Hertfordshire for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Fun phonics, first word games, sensory stories and picture book time, all with loveable and engaging characters. Zoom sessions now available. https://www. readingfairy.com/northherts/

Kids Party Finder

Kids Party Finder is the easy way to find suppliers for kids’ parties in your area. Their website has an extensive and easy to use directory filled with everything you could need for your kids party, from local entertainers to cake makers, and party planning tips to help make your life easier when planning your little one’s big day. http://www.kids-partyfinder.co.uk

HEALTH, WELLBEING, FITNESS

Counselling

Being at home throughout this unpredictable time may bring up difficult feelings and can cause your mental health to suffer. If you are struggling and finding life hard, Roxanne is here to support and help you find a way through.

Online, video, and telephone counselling appointments available. 07857836390 or http://www.psychologytoday. com/profile/454170

Therapeutic Counselling

Snakes and Ladders Therapeutic Counselling is for children over 3 years, and familiesonline.co.uk

BUSINESS DIRECTORY adults. They are currently offering telephone sessions and online counselling via Zoom at a 20% reduction until end of May. 07891209081

help you find your confidence, self-worth and self-esteem; so you can heal and thrive. Text 07400279673 or http://www. selfloveafterabuse.com

Victoria Bell Nutrition

Bodhi Aspirations

Victoria is a registered nutritional therapist. She helps busy mums to overcome health niggles such as tummy troubles, food intolerances, poor immunity and low energy.

Clients can have online consultations (or visit clinic when reopened). http://www. victoriabellnutrition.co.uk

Life Coaching

Life Coaching with Dr Lynda Ince-Greenaway. One-toone and group online lifecoaching sessions via Zoom to help you connect with your passion and realise your ambitions. Included in the coaching is how to set goals, understand your life purpose, how to visualise, write clear affirmation statements, challenge limiting beliefs, and a host of other topics. Lynda is warm and inspirational and will take you on a journey of self-discovery. There is no better time than the present to engage in online life coaching. 07508020778 or email lyndalifecoaching@ gmail.co.uk

Life and Relationship Coach Zoe provides coaching via video call for men and women who have been in a narcissistic or domestic abusive relationship. She will familiesonline.co.uk

Meditation can help you find peace and calm amongst chaos. Whether you are a complete beginner or have meditation experience, Bodhi Aspirations can enhance your wellbeing through a variety of techniques. Online pay-asyou-go classes and monthly subscription options available. http://www.bodhiaspirations. com

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Body THERAPY Hyperbaric Oxygen & Drug-Free Healing Ltd. Therapy is for all ages and takes approximately an hour.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is known to boost the immune system, enhance sports performance, detox, promote accelerated healing, and improve antiaging, when done regularly.

Therapy can help with many conditions. FREE consultation in St Albans.

07889759677 or https:// www.bdytherapy.co.uk/

Love Happens To Me

A mindset coach with a spiritual twist, working online to motivate, inspire, encourage and empower women to be confident, powerful and create the lives they dream of, whilst navigating life’s struggles.

More information and latest courses online. http://www. lovehappenstome.com

Stress Balance

Galina Ganzenko Boggis-Rolfe is an integrative medicine consultant and specialist in stress-related disorders. She uses Holistic Mitochondrial supplements, herbal and homeopathic remedies, psychosomatic and epigenetic approaches. She also has her own range of natural remedies (Absolute Health Blends). She can help with a wide range of physical problems and emotional issues. 07913 204 465 or http://absolutehealth. pro/en/

Reiki and Reflexology

Caroline is a therapist offering reiki, facial reflexology, meditation coaching and journaling support. Online she can offer reiki, meditation coaching and has recently launched a FB journaling group to help people steer their way through these challenging times. 07973196 950

Transformation Health

FREE health and fitness classes to join in with from home. Family friendly workout sessions from HIIT to Pilates – lead by a qualified personal trainer.

Qualified nutrition coaching, fun cooking ideas and classes you can do at home with the kids, and meditation sessions. http://www.facebook.com/ groups/foodfitnessmindset/ April/May 2020 25

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CORE

Small group combined yoga and pilates classes, suitable for all levels. Two experienced, friendly instructors. Online sessions every week, and private sessions available too.

07815317579

Massage

Joanna is a massage therapist offering bespoke massage services in sports, remedial, deep tissue and pregnancy.

Treatments start from £20 and there will be a 25% discount to clients when the clinic reopens (Stanstead Abbotts location).

07903500440.

Life Coach

Jazz Pitt is a life and mindset coach for professionals, helping to reignite and prioritise your happiness. Support is offered in achieving goals, managing stress, anxiety and living the best version of yourself. All sessions are carried out remotely. 25% discount offered. Book a FREE Discovery call: 07863 122068.

Magda Pearson Pilates

Online 45-minute pilates classes (via Zoom). All levels and experience catered for.

Drop-in classes or All Access Passes available. 07970055156 or http://www.facebook.com/ MagdaPearsonPilates/

Massage and Holistic Therapy Training

Offering professional, accredited, insurable, courses in massage and holistic therapy, from complete 26 April/May 2020

beginners to advanced Level 3. This training will enable you to provide treatments as a qualified therapist.

Online courses available.

07864353486 or http://www. holistictherapytraining-herts. co.uk

Personal Training

Michael Davis PT & Training Systems covers post-natal personal training (online and face-to-face, post-lockdown) helping mothers to get their bodies and confidence back. http://www.michaeldavispt.com

RETAIL

Nature’s Little Ones

Nature’s Little Ones is home to a carefully curated selection of modern, eco-friendly, essentials for babies and toddlers. With a focus on eco-friendly products, muted colour palettes, style and quality, Nature’s Little Ones is the perfect boutique destination for gorgeous gifting as well as eco-friendly items for everyday use. http://www. natureslittleones.com

Squidge & Smudge Re-usable nappy and baby and toddler wear from two eco-conscious mums. Items are handmade, comfortable and unique! http://www. squidgeandsmudge.co.uk

Toys

Happy Cat Kids is a unique online collection of children’s toys and gifts, featuring wooden toys and games, puzzles, notebooks, teddies, bags and more. The site sources quality gifts at great value. http://www. happycatkids.co.uk

Toys

After Alice is an independent family-run, online toy shop in Hertfordshire. It provides all your entertainment and home learning needs: games, puzzles, activity books, arts & crafts, garden pursuits, greetings cards and plenty of birthday presents. Inspired by girls, to be enjoyed by all. http://www.afteralice.co.uk

The White Lotus Cake Company

This is a St. Albans based business run by Crishi White, who offers a personalised service, specialising in bespoke cakes, cupcakes, cookies and brownies for any occasion. Free local deliveries now available, as are postal brownies. Visit @ thewhitelotuscakecompany on Instagram/Facebook for more information.

Books

Jenny Ford is an award winning author from St Albans. She writes story colouring books for children, including dyslexia friendly formats, and uplifting fiction for adults. She also offers writing tuition. http:// www.jennyfordauthor.com

Creative Critters

Creative Critters with Lauren, can provide all your arts and crafts essentials, to keep everyone entertained. The award-winning sand art, for example, is therapeutic, calming, unique and ideal for children and adults with additional needs. More info at kidsbeehappy.biz/ creativecritters

familiesonline.co.uk

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Goosepig Furniture Illustrator for Goosepig are a small company Family Portraits specialising in upcycled furniture. They stock both pre-loved and re-loved furniture, and are stockists for the Autentico paint range. https://www.facebook.com/ goosepiginteriors/

Baby Lujo

Unique Spanish made and Spanish inspired baby clothes and accessories, as well as one off commissions designed exclusively by the BabyLujo team. Currently offering 50% discount. http://www.babylujo. com

Visala

Visala make beautiful handmade curtains, blinds and soft furnishings to your requirements. They supply fabrics, poles, tracks, roller blinds, vertical blinds and venetian blinds. To arrange a free no obligation quote call Laura on 07870 262675

MEDIA/DESIGN

Graphic and web designer

Thinking of starting a business that is creative or hobby based, Sabi offers low cost logo and promotional design. She also offers website design that is focused on making sure your business is accessible on mobile for bookings and sales.

07876235197 or http://www. creativeyedesign.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Digitally illustrated family portraits. Taking your favourite family photos of your loved ones and creating stunning, pop-art style artwork. The design can then be printed and framed or ordered as a canvas and other products for your home, or to gift to friends and family. 07876 235197 or http:// www.sabikoz.com

Digital Marketing

Amber Mountain offers affordable, outsourced digital marketing support for businesses. They ensure marketing activities have a clear direction to really influence the customer base and deliver results – elevating your brand to the next level. https:// ambermountainmarketing. co.uk/

Cobweb Digital

Cobweb Digital specialise in creating, hosting and maintaining affordable web sites for small businesses.

Prices start at £99. https:// cobwebdigital.co.uk

45° Design & Print

45 Degrees offer a complete design and print solution.

From a simple business card or leaflet design & print to full corporate brochure design print. They also offer a range of bespoke lasercut and engraved products, including chopping boards with childrens drawings engraved onto them, ideal for grandparent presents. www.fortyfivedegrees.co.uk

GENERAL

Recruiting

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking five working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, call Diana Page: 01235 533362 or 07747 086518.

Proactive Medical & Life

A leading insurance broker in the UK. The award-wining team offers health insurance, life insurance and income protection. If you would like to review your policy or are looking for protection contact Peter Lurie 0208 2077394 / 07854284141 or http://www. proactiveinsurance.co.uk

Organise and Declutter

Do you feel overwhelmed by too many toys and clothes that constantly need moving on as your children grow, and that your house is constantly in a mess? Sarah Owen is a professional organiser, who can support you to get back in control and tame the chaos. http://www.

FlamingoOrganising.com

April/May 2020 27

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

SMB HR Consultancy

SMB HR provide personable and tailored HR services to suit the size, budget and requirements of all businesses and individuals.

Get support for your business to navigate the current climate – continuity planning, flexible working, alternate working arrangements, school closures sick pay, absence reporting and more.

01992642368 or http:// www.SMBHR.co.uk

Portrait & Wedding Photographer

Sharon Kaplan is a Hertfordshire based photographer with many years of experience, shooting in locations across the counties and in Europe.

07981668077 or http://www. sharonkaplanphotography.com

Beautician

Lash and brow technician offering lash extensions, lash lift and tint, brow shaping, waxing, tinting, henna brow tinting and brow lamination.

Available to take bookings after lockdown. 07956482776

The Hairforce

Lice treatment that guarantees the elimination of headlice without the use of chemicals.

Their specialist process deals with both the lice and eggs in an entirely natural way.

Available to take bookings, treatment after lockdown.

01923 545500.

28 April/May 2020

Photography and Social Video

Business Support (Administration)

Architectural Design Services

Travel Consultant

John Griffith has been taking pictures and making videos for businesses, charities, and individuals for over 12 years. He works effectively to tight timescales – weddings, interviews, properties, and much more, all on highresolution Sony Alpha cameras. http://www.socialvideouk.com

Help with planning submission for your extensions, loft conversions, change of use etc.

They can work remotely and offer free consultations. http:// www.ricardopelayo.com

Songbird Hypnotherapy

Offering online, solution focused hypnotherapy sessions via Zoom. Sessions are just as effective as in person. Free consultations and discounted rates for all new clients.

07933359563 or http://www. songbirdhypnotherapy.co.uk.

Financial Advice

Switch4Profit is a small St Albans based consultancy who are experts in Fintech financial products, suppliers and reducing SME costs. They can review your business to see if you qualify for immediate business funding, as well as save money on your utilities and merchant services.

Contact them for free advice on what you can do now to reduce costs and keep your business afloat. 0330 094 5884 or http:// www.switch4profit.co.uk

Are you a small business looking for some support?

Need help with admin tasks, recruitment or business planning so that you can focus on priorities? Yvette helps small businesses review their business and help them grow.

07789 966256 or http://www.

NowPA.co.uk

Denise is an independent travel consultant with over 30 years’ experience. She specialises in holidays to North America, Europe, Israel and cruises, and also has a wealth of knowledge for holidays to the Far East and Australasia, and family holidays. Look to a brighter future and plan next year’s holiday. ABTA and ATOL bonded. 0208 7360424

Animals At Home

Cheryl and her team at Animals at Home provide a bespoke service. No pet is the same.

Being pet parents themselves, they understand the importance of having trust with your pet carer. They are fully insured, fully licensed, CRB checked, council registered, and vet trained. They also hold a Purina Nutrition Certification. 07400 444484 or http://www.facebook.com/ animalsathomesoutheastherts/

Hypnotherapist and Talking Therapist Linda can help with anxiety, stress, sleep and more. http:// www.hypnosisforhealth.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Remraf Pet Services

Compassionate, experienced animal lovers providing outstanding pet services in Hatfield, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. 07415 276623

Painting and Decorating

A St Albans based company with over 16 years’ experience in all aspects of decorating, wallpapering and spraying. http://www.jradecorating.co.uk

MR.PW Gardens

Garden services – maintenance, tidy ups and much more. Specialists in the installation of irrigation systems and living walls. For more information or a quotation call 07801822866.

Small Appliance Repair

Dave Barker repairs small appliances, and can supply new small appliances, spare parts and accessories. 01438 869385

familiesonline.co.uk

Drones For Roof Inspections

Specialising in drone roof inspections and surveys, as well as 3D mapping services to the construction and architecture industries.

Full roof reports including measurements and 3D models of roofs, and other aerial photography/videography services. 07541045674 or http:// www.parklanedrones.co.uk

MIDS Pest Control

Expert pest control service run by Steve Middleton. Tailor made pest control solutions for all situations and locations.

0800 9997600 or http://www. midspestcontrol.co.uk

Freedom From Abuse

Providing awareness on how to protect children from harm, and getting younsgters to critically think about THEIR decisions and consequences of behaviours. Workshops delivered to pupils, teachers and parents in schools (when fully reopened). 07484541727 or www.freedom-abuse.org

Herts volunteers supporting the NHS SERV Herts and Beds Bloodrunners are providing vital support to the NHS during the coronavirus crisis.

The team of volunteers – who give up their own time and use their vehicles to deliver blood and other vital supplies to hospitals and hospices across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire – is also now helping to transport samples for analysis from patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

On call every day of the year, the free out-of-hours courier service transports blood, drugs and medical equipment for patients.

Anyone who would like to support the Bloodrunners can donate via their website: http:// servhertsbeds.squarespace. com/

April/May 2020 29

Herts

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

April/May 2020

familiesonline.co.uk