FamiliesHertsMarApr2020

FREE

TAKE M

E HOM

E

®

Herts IN THIS ISSUE WIN a Family Holiday!

WIN tickets to the Herts County Show!

Easter Wizard of Oz 6 - 17 7 Aprill

• Wizard of Oz Walkthrough • Easter Shows NE W Baby La • Bu mbs, nnies & Chic ks • Tractor & Trailer Rides

Plus plenty of Indoor, Outdoor & An imal Activiti es!

Nr Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9J H

MOF-AM-20-019 Ad-Easter (FHerts 118x70).indd 1

Issue 91 March/April 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

meadopenfarm.co.uk

06/02/2020 09:20

familiesonline.co.uk 1

Could you welcome a foster child into your family?

We need foster carers for children and young people in Hertfordshire.

Can you offer a nurturing, safe and stable home?

Hertfordshire County Council provide an allowance, training and unrivalled 24/7 support, every step of the way.

For further information on Fostering call us on 0800 917 0925

FOSTERWITHUS

In partnership with

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fostering @hertfordshirefostering

@HCCFosterAdopt

ES

MARLOW

NEXT EVENT SATURDAY 28TH MARCH Free kids activities the last Saturday of every month Visit themarlowes.co.uk for more information

2

Families Herts

Herts

Hello Welcome to the March/ April issue of Families Hertfordshire Magazine.

Spring is here, and we have some great competitions to celebrate the dryer, warmer and sunnier days the season brings us!

In this issue: News & Views 4-7 Careers & Work 8 Education 10-11 Childcare 13 Parenting 14 What’s On 15-19

You and your family can win a fabulous holiday with Away Resorts, details on page 4, and we’re also giving you a chance to win one of three family tickets to The Hertfordshire County Show, which is a truly great day out. Find out how to enter on Page 5.

days out and activities with the family (and another competition!).

Enjoy the read!

Dale

We have all your usual features too – including Education, Parenting, Clubs & Classes – and don’t forget to check out Spring What’s On for Tel: 07958284983 Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk Editor: Dale Harry Design: 45 Degrees Design & Print Listings editor: Karen Porter /FamiliesHerts

//FamiliesHerts

Market your business with Families Herts • We reach over 45,000 engaged readers each issue • Distribute from schools, tuition centres, leisure attractions and more • We have a high repeat booking rate, so advertising with us works

HER

S

T

Whether it’s a pram, toys or clothing you’re after, there’s a bargain to be had at the Welwyn and Hatfield NCT sale.

High quality items will be on offer on Saturday 21 March from 12.30pm–2pm (NCT members can enter from 12 noon) at Onslow St. Audrey’s School, Old Rectory Drive, Hatfield, AL10 8AB. There’s a raffle, light refreshments and if you’d like to sell or volunteer at the event just email nns.welhat@nct. org.uk for more information.

1 8 7 9

E

trusted, influential, visible 07958284983

Preloved parent, child and baby goods

TFORDSHIRE

COUNTY SHOW

23rd & 24th May 2020 A Showcase of Hertfordshire’s finest farming, food, entertainment and shopping J9, M1 Redbourn

#hertsshow Special Families Magazine DISCOUNT RATE use code HSFamilies for your EARLY BIRD 20 price.

Valid until 22nd May

BOOK ONLINE AT hertsshow.com OR CALL: 0344 850 2122 Adult

Child

Family*

Senior/ Student

EARLY BIRD 20 Oct – 20 Jan

£19

£9

£45

£16.50

SUPER SAVER 21 Jan- 20 May

£20

£9.50

£49

£18

ADVANCE 21 May-22 May ON THE DAY

Adult

Child

Family*

Senior/ Student

£22.50

£10

£55

£20

£24

£12

£58

£21

Families Hertfordshire (FH) is part of the 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 content of FH is fully protected by copyright. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Print Ltd and FH cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

News & Views

COMPETITION

Appeal for foster carer families Hertfordshire County Council is making an urgent appeal to residents to consider opening their homes and hearts to children and young people by becoming foster carers.

There are approximately 950 children in care in Hertfordshire and many of these children need the love and support of a foster family. There are many different types of fostering and foster carers can choose what is right for them and their family. You must be over 21 and have at least one spare room at home.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, Deputy Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “With a new year and decade upon us, many people may feel they wish to make a change to their life. Fostering would not only change their lives but also those of a child or young person.”

Foster carers receive full training, 24/7 support and a generous allowance.

Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fostering or ring 0800 917 0925 for more information.

If you are pregnant or a parent/carer of a child under 19 your local family centre would love to meet you.

What happens at a family centre?

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together to provide a joined up service for children, young people and their families from pregnancy through to when a child reaches 19, offering a range of activities and services to help them grow and develop.

Why should you register your family?

• By registering with a family centre you and your child/children can have fun, meet new people and learn together through activities.

• If you need help and support, the family centre will try and give you what you need.

• To give you the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the family centre and help shape the services on offer.

For more information and to register visit

www.hertsfamilycentres.org

WIN a Family Holiday at an Away Resort of your choice*!

(Just take part in Wear a Hat Day on 27 March to raise money for Brain Tumour Research) Away Resorts offers family holidays at award-winning holiday parks, each superbly located and unique. Mill Rythe on Hayling Island offers a holiday jam-packed with activities from zorbing to an outdoor high ropes course, plus daytime and evening entertainment. Sandy Balls in the New Forest gets you back to nature; delve into the forest with its resident alpacas, enjoy a serene spa, fantastic on-site restaurants, and an array of activities.

Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire is a water world away.

From fishing and pedalos to jet-skiing and a water aqua park, there’s fabulous on-site restaurants, rooftop bars, indoor/outdoor splashpads and activity programmes for all. Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight offers the perfect balance, with rolling countryside on one side and a beautiful sandy beach on the other. The park bustles with great on-site activities for families.

To Enter: 1. Register for Wear a Hat Day 2020 at www.wearahatday.org and take part on 27 March.

2. Email your competition entry, full name and post code to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk or enter online at https://bit.ly/2OytS6D by 30 April 2020.’

Use the same email address, name and post code for both steps 1 and 2.

T&Cs: *Excludes Mersea Island Holiday Park and Barmouth Bay Holiday Park. Prize is for a seven-night stay for two adults and two children. Accommodation provided will be of Superior or Luxury grade at Sandy Balls, Tattershall Lakes and Whitecliff Bay, and Ambassador at Mill Rythe, subject to availability. Prize value will be dependent on location and time of year chosen. More T&Cs online.

ST ALBANS INCLUSION ADVOCACY SERVICE PARENTS – TEENAGERS – YOUNG PEOPLE

Do you sometimes feel Isolated - overwhelmed - not sure which way to turn >V\SK `V\ ILULÄ[ MYVT A friendly listening ear – extra support or advice supported signposting to services >L JHU OLSW MHJL [V MHJL WOVUL Z\WWVY[ The Civic Centre Hub, room 2, Mon 10 – 4 & Weds 10 – 2 Telephone 01992 638000 ias@hertfordshireppp.co.uk www.hertfordshireppp.co.uk

4

Families Herts

News & Views

Don’t miss the spectacular Hertfordshire County Show!

One of the biggest events in the calendar for Hertfordshire families is taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, and is offering the finest farming, food, entertainment and shopping you can find!

The Hertfordshire County Show is even bigger for 2020, with more to see and do for families. In the Countryside Arena, the 2019 favourites The Dog and Duck Show will be returning, alongside the Hilarious Sheep Show, the Bassets, the Beagles and the rare Heavy Horses. New for 2020 is Ferret World, where kids and adults will get the chance to race against the ferrets, and can walk away with their very own County Show rosette.

Across the road in the Village Green you’ll once again find a hub of music and entertainment, from the Extreme Bike Battle team, showing off their BMX skills, through to the climbing wall, which at 7m high is a challenge even for big kids! The Village Green is also the home of the ‘Todd in the Hole’ stage, where you can see local artists perform all weekend, singing tunes you’ll know as well as new favourites.

The Hertfordshire Farmyard is a ‘must see’ every year and 2020 is no exception. Tractor Ted will be back once again, with his bouncy castle, activity trail, driving track and so much more! He will be joined by local farmers and their farmyard animals, all waiting for you to say hello. There will be vintage and high-tech machinery, as well as a local ice cream company, selling delicious, premium ice cream from cows that live in Hertfordshire!

Parking and all entertainment are included in the ticket price. Buy yours at a special discounted rate using the Families Hertfordshire ticket code HSFamilies, until 22nd May from www.hertsshow.com or call 0344 850 2122.

WIN FAMILY TICKET TO THE HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW The Hertfordshire County Show is a celebration of all things Hertfordshire and takes place on 23 and 24 May at The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn. There’s something to delight everyone, from spectacular arena attractions to delicious, locally-produced food. To be in with a chance of winning one of three family tickets to the show (2 adults and 3 children) answer the following question.

Which county does the Hertfordshire County show take place in? a) Essex b) Bedfordshire or c) Hertfordshire?

Email your answer, name, and contact details to editor@ familiesherts.co.uk *terms & conditions apply – see Families website for details. Closing date 30 April.

Registered charity number 271370

TTake a trip tto Land of tthe Tigers!

P Paradise Wildlife Park will soon be opening its w brand new tiger habitat b – Land of the Tigers.

The habitat is the only place in the UK where you can see Amur Tigers underwater and the pool contains tropical fish, making it the first mixed tiger habitat in the UK too.

Paradise Wildlife Park, set in the beautiful setting of Broxbourne Woods in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, has over 800 animals and boasts one of the best big cat collections around.

The Park is also home to Britain’s largest anaconda as well as penguins, red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, camels, zebras and sloths. And you can also take a step back in time to the Jurassic period by visiting World of Dinosaurs, a stunning animatronic attraction within the Park.

For more information, check out the Paradise Wildlife Park website at www.pwpark.com familiesonline.co.uk

Get hands on in Henry Moore’s landscape...

Workshop Wednesdays Family friendly art sessions Wednesday 8 & 15 April

OPEN 3 APRIL - 1 NOVEMBER 2020 Wednesday to Sunday & Bank Holidays 11am-5pm Find out more at henry-moore.org

5

News & Views

Family fun with the Knebworth Easter Trail There is plenty to do for families visiting Knebworth House in the Gardens this Easter – explore the maze, enjoy the spring flowers, listen to the birdsong, and play in the adventure playground.

The Easter Trail is lots of fun; follow Betsy the Knebworth Bunny around the garden’s flowers within the Edwardian maze and Rose Garden to find where she has taken her Easter selfies.

You can spend your day at Fort Knebworth, the fun adventure playground, and go on the trail of 72 life-sized dinosaurs. The park is also the perfect setting for games and picnics, and has 28 acres of formal gardens to explore.

Under 3s go free and if you book your admission tickets online before midnight the day before your visit, you can save 10% on entrance fee. Full price park tickets will be available at the gate on the day.

For more information on Knebworth House, Park, and Gardens visit www.knebworthhouse.com

Invisible goodness wrapped up in fun...

Perform founder, Lucy Quick tells us more.

“Perform classes are a bit like a pasta sauce that’s filled with hidden vegetables: kids think it’s really tasty and don’t realise that it’s full of healthy nutrition. I see our classes like this – invisible goodness wrapped up in an hour of games, role-play, dance routines and songs.

The children think they’re enjoying an hour of fun but they’re also being equipped with essential confidencebuilding social skills.

We all want our children to be happy, feel confident enough to try new things and interact well with others.

Taking part in regular drama activities

encourages confident and fluent speaking, boosts reading and writing abilities and enhances coordination and spatial awareness. Rescuing a mermaid from a pirate ship might seem like just imaginative improvisation for 6 year olds, but it’s teaching problem-solving and team-work too.

Early drama, dance and singing lessons changed my life and helped shape my vision for Perform – to deliver classes with a specific focus on developing a child’s confidence and social skills – not to create just another drama school.”

Try a FREE no-obligation drama class in Borehamwood, Broxbourne, Harpenden, Hertford, Hitchin, Radlett, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City. Visit www.perform.org. uk/try to book.

Open Half Term!

3TIR )EWXIV ,SPMHE] Open Half Term!

Open ALL SUMMER!

Hit the gym with free childcare at The Marlowes Tinies Daycare, the The Marlowe’s latest family and child offering, is providing parents who join PureGym two hours of free childcare whilst they work out.

This gives Hertfordshire parents the opportunity for a tiny bit more ‘me time’, knowing that their kids are having fun too!

Two hours of free childcare is being offered with any spend over £1 at The Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, for children between two and ten years of age.

“It’s fantastic to see so many parents using the Tinies facility,’ says Cassie Peasnell, The Marlowes Marketing Manager. “We launched the crèche for parents using the centre to give them somewhere they felt comfortable 6

Families Herts

leaving their children if they needed some time to run errands alone, do some shopping or even hit the gym!

“We’re excited to be able to offer parents a tiny bit more ‘me time’, and with the opening of PureGym, we’re even more excited to combine these two offerings. For parents who are PureGym members, the crèche is free for two hours.”

The crèche is open between the hours of 9-5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 11-5pm on Sundays, with late hours on a Thursday when the crèche is open until 7pm.

For safety reasons, children aged 2-3 years of age are able to use the crèche from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday during term time only.

News & Views

Getting things right after a separation Debenhams Ottaway Family Partner, Helen Young, discusses some of the key considerations of divorce and the beneďŹ ts of a pre-nuptial agreement both bring to the marriage. Do you want to consider a pre-nuptial agreement? It’s not the most romantic item on your “to doâ€? list but there may be other people to consider and take care of in these circumstances.

Of course, you don’t expect the new relationship to fail but it can really help if you have thought about what everyone will need and how you will manage the separation if it does happen. It can prevent protracted disputes if you do separate because the arrangements will already have been clearly set out in writing and agreed by both of you. It will typically cover issues in relation to the division of assets and detail what

“When parents separate and form new relationships family groups grow and change, and getting it right can sometimes be quite a challenge.

Apart from the practical arrangements and working together to minimise any disruption for the children, there are legal issues you should consider to ensure that everyone is provided for and children are secure and protected.

If you divorce and decide to remarry, what happens to the assets that you

Easter Wizard of Oz at Mead Open Farm Mead Open Farm’s Wizard of Oz is back with stacks of fantastic family fun and adventure this Easter (6-17 April).

Get set for an enchanting and immersive Easter adventure by joining Dorothy and her friends Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow as you follow the Yellow Brick Road through the magical land of Oz. Together you will defeat the Wicked Witch of the West by completing egg-citing Easter challenges. If you’re lucky you’ll meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz himself, plus don’t miss the entertaining Easter shows in the Show Zone throughout the day, and earn a special treat!

actions need to be taken.

At Debenhams Ottaway we can help you to properly consider all of the issues you need to address which will also usually include making or updating your Will. Settling matters properly will leave you and your family free to get on and enjoy your lives together.�

To contact Debenhams Ottaway email hy@debenhamsottaway.co.uk, call 01727 738212 or visit debenhamsottaway.co.uk

Market your business with h

Herts • We reach over 45,000 engaged readers each issue • Distribute from schools, tuition centres, leisure attractions and more

•

We have a high repeat booking rate, so advertising with us works

trusted, inuential, visible 07958284983

For further information and prices visit www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

- ,$! 5 1 - /($ !5 !+ .+ - ,$! 5 ! ,$ /( $!5 !+ .+

'(*$/%, "*-00-+ (, ! ,2/12/(,& %,3(/-,+%,1

+!/0'!*04(#)./%0#'--* &+!(* #-+ 444 +!/0'!*04(#)./%0#'--* #- 2)

!/0'!*04(#) -++2,(15 %,1/% '% ($&%4!5 1 *"!,0 %/10 familiesonline.co.uk

7

Work & Career

Finding a flexible job that works for you

By Mandy Garner

Time becomes an increasingly precious commodity once you have children. For many that means looking to reduce or re-arrange their working hours to give themselves the time they need to enjoy family life.

So what are the alternatives to the traditional full-time job?

Well, these days there are many different options.

Flexible working requests Firstly, you could seek some form of flexibility in your existing job. It’s important to be open-minded as to what that might look like, whether it could be part-time hours, some home working, flexible start and finish times, annualised hours, compressed hours (longer days but fewer of them), or a combination of several possibilities.

In order to make a formal flexible working application you will need to show you have thought through the implications of any changed working pattern on your employer and colleagues. Are there, for instance, parts of your job that could be delegated to others to enable them to get experience? Could you use the flexible working process to review your job and hone in on where you can have the most effect? If you can show that you have thought your case through carefully, weighing up your own and your employer’s needs, you are more likely to be successful.

Bear in mind that flexible working legislation currently only applies to those who have been in position for six months.

Building Bridges: Staying Connected

Achieving successful Work-Life balance A 3-hour introductory course delivered

by Dr Lynda Ince-Greenaway

In the fast-paced work environment, there is increasing awareness of the need to create work–life balance that will ƉƌŽŵŽƚĞ ŽƉƟ ŵĂů health͘ dŚŝƐ ƐĞƌŝĞƐ ŽĨ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉƐ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ƐƉĂĐĞ ĨŽƌ ƉĂƌƟ ĐŝƉĂŶƚƐ ƚŽ ĞdžƉůŽƌĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĞĮ ƚƐ ŽĨ ĐƌĞĂƟ ǀĞ͕ ůŝĨĞ ďĂůĂŶĐĞ. Here are a few of the ďĞŶĞĮ ƚƐ LJŽƵ ǁŝůů ŐĂŝŶ ĨƌŽŵ ĂƩ ĞŶĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞƐĞ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉƐ͗

Be creative Another way around the flexible working issue is to switch jobs or even careers. Having children means that all your creative skills will be in play most of the time, including when it comes to your work life. You could try listing your skills and thinking broadly about any possible available job that might fit around your family’s needs.

Check out family-friendly websites to see who the most flexible employers are and read around about what other parents do. Sites like www.workingmums.co.uk have a regular job alerts and case studies of working parents which can give you suggestions of where to look.

Once you have honed sectors and types of jobs you might be interested in, you could join LinkedIn professional groups and check out company websites and social media.

If the sector you are interested in requires you to re-train, you could look into whether there is any on-the-job training, or short courses taking place locally.

“When parents and individuals achieve a work-life balance, they are better able to safeguard their wellbeing, improve their relationships and promote their success at home and at work,” says Dr Lynda Ince-Greenaway, from Connected Life Coaching. “Training and upskilling invites new opportunities and a new dimension into your life.”

Portfolio career Another potential option is the so-called portfolio career where you juggle several part-time or freelance/selfemployed jobs, creating a kind of tapestry which gives you flexibility around drop-off and pick-up times. You could, for instance, reduce the hours in your regular job and run a franchise or self-employed job on the side either on a permanent basis or until your self-employed work is earning enough to support you. Another advantage of the portfolio approach is that it gives you time to experiment with different work options.

Self-employment You could, of course, choose to jump straight into selfemployed work. If so, ensure you do your business research well. You could also consider becoming a franchisee, which means that you would have the freedom associated with running your own business with fewer of the risks of going it alone.

The important thing is to be creative and to try to think out of the box about your skills. Go back to basics and rediscover what those skills are, who you are, what you like doing.

ͻ ,Žǁ ƚŽ ŝŶǀĞƐƚ ŝŶ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ĂŶĚ LJŽƵƌ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ͻ ŽŽƐƚ LJŽƵƌ ĐŽŶĮ ĚĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ƐĞůĨͲĞƐƚĞĞŵ ͻ >ĞĂƌŶ ŚŽǁ ƚŽ ƌĞĚƵĐĞ LJŽƵƌ ƐƚƌĞƐƐ ůĞǀĞůƐ ͻ Ğ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ƐƚĂƌƚ LJŽƵƌ ŽǁŶ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ͻ /ŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ LJŽƵƌ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ͻ /ŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ LJŽƵƌ ƉŽƚĞŶƟ Ăů ƚŽ ďĞĐŽŵĞ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ͻ ZĞƚƌĂŝŶ ĂŶĚ ƵƉƐŬŝůů LJŽƵƌ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ŽĐĐƵƉĂƟ ŽŶĂů ƐŬŝůůƐĞƚ

Ăůů ϬϳϱϬϴϬϮϬϳϳϴ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟ ŽŶ Žƌ ĞŵĂŝů ůLJŶĚĂůŝĨĞĐŽĂĐŚŝŶŐΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ First course takes place 22 April at St Albans Library. ͞>LJŶĚĂ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ĞdžĐĞƉƟ ŽŶĂů͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ĂƐ Ă ŵĞŶƚŽƌ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƟ ǀĞ ƌŽůĞ ŵŽĚĞů͊ ^ŚĞ ǁĂƐ ĞdžƚƌĞŵĞůLJ ŚĞůƉĨƵů ĂŶĚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƟ ǀĞ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĞŶƟ ƌĞ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĂĐŚŝĞǀŝŶŐ ŵLJ ƋƵĂůŝĮ ĐĂƟ ŽŶ͘͟ 8

Families Herts

Mandy Garner is Editor of www.workingmums.co.uk where you can find more suggestions on flexible working options.

ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

2018 & 2019

Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6BX

campuswest.co.uk

Every Saturday morning from 25 April

Rock, tumble & roll with Gymnastics

Build confidence, skills & ability

in the water

Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced sessions available!

Learn to Swim Crash Courses available this Easter holiday!

British Gymnastics quali f ied coaches will take your child through tumbles, vaults, handstands and cartwheels in a fun and safe environment.

In just 5 days of intense tuition, children can go from nervous non-swimmers to conf ident and happy independent swimmers!

Monday 6 – Thursday 9 April Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 April For more info and to book, visit: hertssportsvillage.co.uk/ kids-village-holiday-activities

ore 2020 bef il ok 1 Apr swim o B ay ee r f d s a g!

0) dne ive We rece dy ba WIM2 S o d R o n E g a ST : EA

Book before Saturday 11 April 2020 and get your first session FREE (Quote: GYMNASTICS20)

For more info and to book, visit: hertssportsvillage.co.uk/ kids-village-term-time-activities

ote

(Qu

familiesonline.co.uk

de Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, AL10 9EU

9

Education

Encouraging reluctant readers There are lots of different techniques you can try to get your child reading Children must read read. It It’ss good for them! Unfortunately, Unfortunately that’s that s the last thing a child who doesn’t like reading wants to hear.

They might think reading is boring. They might have low confidence. They might even have an unidentified issue like dyslexia. Being told that reading is good for them just makes them feel worse.

My mum knew I hated reading. The more pressure she applied the more stubborn I was about it. I reacted to the pressure by defining myself as a non-reader and once I’d told myself that, I became even more entrenched. Then my mum changed tack. She did some things which made me want to read and to eventually call myself a reader.

Make a list of the things your child is passionate about.

Do it now. Write down the five experiences, television shows, sports, interests that enthuse them.

These are the things that are probably going to get your child into reading. For me it was football… and then, football…

Forget that loving reading is good for children. Make reading relate to something they already love.

Start with their favourite television show. Television is seen as one of the enemies of reading.

But it’s so good now, it’s sometimes hard to tear yourself away.

It’s helpful then that

Providing awareness on how to protect children from harm, and getting youngsters to critically think about THEIR decisions and consequences of behaviours.

‘Beauty or the Beast’ – Dating Abuse 1 in 11 boys and 1 in 10 girls experience abuse of some kind while in a relationship. This dating violence can later lead to domestic abuse. Workshops delivered to pupils, teachers and parents in schools on this topic, child exploitation, county lines, and stranger danger (including online).

“The presentations are a must for any school considering the safeguarding concerns that surround young people on a daily basis.”

Assistant Head of a Hertfordshire school.

For more information call 07484 541727 or visit www.freedom-abuse.org 10

Families Herts

By Tom Palmer a lot of shows have books linked to them them. Search for an official book or biography of one of the main characters on the show’s website. Is there spin-off fiction? An annual?

If enough people watch a show – say, like Strictly – then there’ll be a book.

Teachers and school librarians often know more about what a child might like to read than a parent. Talk to your child’s teacher or school librarian. They also know what books have worked for other children in the past. They’re experts.

Have a day out. Football. Cinema. Theme park. Zoo. Whatever you do, there will usually be books available.

Gift shops at the end of museums or theme parks often have books or guides. Theatres and sports venues have programmes. For me, it was Leeds United matchday magazines, but I accept they’re not to everyone’s taste!

Who does your child admire?

A dancer? A singer? A sports person? Has that person written a book?

There are more and more celebrities writing books. As a non-celebrity author I hate it, but, as a parent of an impressionable child, it’s great for you. Look the celeb’s name up on Amazon and see what’s out there. If you don’t want to buy it, then head to the library.

Role models are not just famous people.

Does your child have a coach, teacher, aunt or neighbour that they admire? For me it was my sister’s boyfriend: he gave me books. I read them because they were from him. Get your child’s role model to talk to them about books and recommend titles. A book from someone you look up to is more likely to get read.

You are your child’s number one role model.

Let them see you reading what YOU want to read!

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t finish every book.

I finish less than half the books I read. Borrow from the library and then your child can experiment without it costing money.

Books are not always best.

Does your child have a favourite magazine? There are hundreds of magazines for kids available from supermarkets and high street newsagents. They cost a bit and there are far less words in them, but they’re a great way to get children reading. They’re colourful. They’re silly. They’re exciting.

Get a magazine delivered.

The idea of a magazine arriving for your child (and your child alone) can be exciting for them. I had Match magazine delivered when I was a kid. I couldn’t wait for Thursdays as a result.

Tom Palmer won the Ruth Rendell Award 2019 for his outstanding contribution to raising children’s literacy levels in the UK. He is the author of 45 books for children, many about football, rugby and WW1 and 2; yet he only became a reader at age 17, thanks to his mum and what she did to engage him with reading.

For more information, visit www.tompalmer.co.uk

Education A Catholic co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 -18

OPEN MORNING 20 March 9.30am -11.30am

To attend our Open Morning please register on our website, or by calling us on: 01920 824 247

• Modern facilities and excellent academic support • Full programme of co-curricular activities • Full, weekly and flexi boarding options are offered from Year 7 • Scholarships and Bursaries are available Old Hall Green, Ware, Hertfordshire SG11 1DS

www.stedmundscollege.org

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

An outstanding Independent Prep School for boys and girls aged 3-13 years

Happiness,Confidence,Success Meet our new Headmaster, Mark Brain

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.

Whole School Open Day

OPEN MORNING

Saturday 7th March – 9.30am to 12.30pm Friday 15th May – 10.00am to 12.00pm

Saturday 7 March, 10am-12pm Last tours begin at 11.30am. No booking is required.

Prep School Working Open Event Tuesday 17 March, 9.30am See our Day Nursery, Pre-School and Prep School in action.

Please contact the Registrar on 01442 839169 or visit our website to book your place.

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

familiesonline.co.uk

View our brand new outdoor classroom

Contact: 01442 256143

www.westbrookhay.co.uk London Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2RF

11

Clubs & Classes

Gymnastics – not just flexibility and fun!

Gymnastics is regarded as one of the most comprehensive exercise programmes available to children, incorporating strength, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, power, and discipline. Whether your child becomes involved in recreational gymnastics or with a competitive squad, skills learned in gymnastics can benefit a child’s overall development significantly. It’s also a very exciting, empowering sport.

Physical benefits Gymnastics increases strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination. Balance is vital whilst working on apparatus such as the beam, whilst power is essential when vaulting and tumbling during floor work. The bars and rings encourage lifting, swinging and movement of the body in new ways.

As gymnastics uses so many different skills, classes can help train children for any other sport they choose to pursue.

Cognitive effect Your child will need to visualise the gymnastic skill they are learning before performing it. So gymnastics is a great way for a child to use their brains and their bodies together. The intense movement that takes place in gymnastics opens up neural pathways in the brain, which can lead to increased concentration, focus and success, not just in the gym but at school and at home.

New cheerleading, dance and tumble gym opening in Kings Langley!

Think you know all there is to know about cheerleading? Well think again! Cheerleading has recently gathered wider attention with the release of the latest Netflix series, Cheer, which demonstrates there’s a lot more to the sport than twirling a couple of pom-poms.

Cheerleading involves tumbling, stunting, dance and all

Character building Gymnastics promotes discipline, determination, courage and self-confidence, and requires perseverance to practice and perfect a skill and learn from mistakes.

Social benefits Gymnastics provides children with the opportunity to communicate with other children of a similar age, to work together as part of a team, and to engage with other adults.

Some of the other social skills necessary to pursue gymnastics are listening, following directions, taking turns, being quiet and respecting and encouraging others.

For further information on gymnastics and local clubs visit www.british-gymnastics.org

round athleticism to master, and is a fun, full-body work-out.

Local club Twisted Cheer and Dance continues to bring this exciting sport to youngsters in Hertfordshire after announcing it has opened a new gym in Kings Langley.

“In recent years cheerleading has exploded in popularity and there are national competitions held in large arenas across the country,” says Twisted Cheer and Dance Director Ben Vasey.

“These competitions have great productions and are quite enthralling. Shows like Cheer are helping us to show everyone how hard cheerleaders work and that no, we don’t use pom-poms!”

The gym has a nine-panel sprung floor and all the facilities you’d expect from a well-equipped sports facility. There are classes for all abilities, from 18 months up to adult, and cheerleading and dance birthday parties are on offer too.

Cheerleading offers many of the same benefits as gymnastics (see article above), and more!

“The club has really grown over six years and has won championship titles, which is something we’re really proud,” adds Ben. “No matter what your experience level, if you come with commitment and are ready to work hard, there is a team for you.”

If you’d like to give cheerleading a try pop along to the club’s Open Day on 7 March, or try one of the taster sessions which take place week beginning 16 March.

For more information on Twisted Cheer and Dance visit www.twistedcheeranddance.co.uk

12

Families Herts

Childcare

An Inspector Calls!

The role of an Ofsted Inspector Whilst there are lots of important considerations when choosing a nursery or pre-school for your child, it’s unlikely you’ll make a final choice without at least a cursory glance at the setting’s Ofsted report. But how does a nursery or preschool gets its Ofsted rating?

Sangeeta Gardiner has been an Inspector for The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) since it was set up in 1992 and has conducted over 150 inspections of nurseries, pre-schools, and child-minders.

Becoming and remaining an inspector requires rigorous, ongoing training and examinations, meaning that Ofsted Inspectors are very knowledgeable.

One of the key things an Inspector examines is how a setting safeguards the children in its care.

Inspectors check to make sure safeguarding policies are implemented, that staff have the relevant legal background checks, and have been properly recruited. “I’ll ask staff members how they got their jobs,” says Sangeeta. “Being a friend of a friend is simply not good enough. I also probe more deeply if I discover staff members have moved around a lot.”

“It’s also important that children are being taught how to keep themselves safe,” comments Sangeeta. “For example,

they need to know that it’s dangerous to walk while holding a pair of scissors.” Changes in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework place more emphasis on the importance of a child’s emotional security, so Inspectors also observe how confident and secure children feel in their environment.

Early Year’s Education is all about learning through play but the word “teaching” is still used in the EYFS framework.

Staff “teach” children about their world by asking them open ended questions.

“If a child is upset, the Key Person should be able to tell me about the child’s circumstances, for instance, if they are new to the setting.”

So what happens if there are issues with teaching methods? A lot depends on whether the majority of staff are working positively, and, where there are staff who are performing less well, that the manager of the setting recognises this. “Part of the inspection is a joint observation with the manager,” says Sangeeta. “If a staff member has set up an activity that hasn’t worked well and the manager isn’t aware of this, that needs to be addressed. However, if the manager is aware and can support a staff member to improve their skills, then this provides good evidence that the nursery is working well towards improving its provision.”

You can find Ofsted Reports for settings in your local area at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

Looking for award winning childcare?

Berkhamsted 01442 871777 berkhamsted@ toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Hitchin 01462 450354 hitchin@ toadhall-nursery.co.uk

instagram.com/toadhallnursery/

www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Watford 01923 254637 watford@ toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Little Leaps...

Large Steps 13

Parenting

How to feel closer to your children

By Wendy Mogel, PhD

There is a natural distance between parent-world and child-world, but many ways to bring those worlds, and your relationship, closer You might think it is a sign of progress that parents in the UK now spend more time with their children than they did 50 years ago, but, in fact, they actually feel an uneasy lack of closeness to them. And the children are more anxious. And everyone is feeling lonelier. So why?

It’s always been the case that parents sometimes view their children through a distorted lens. The barrister crossexamines his son who claims his teacher doesn’t want parents correcting homework before it’s handed in; the therapist father thinks the classroom bully is causing his daughter’s tantrums; the full-time parent confuses her child’s achievements with her own worth. But today’s fierce devotion to every detail of a child’s life is an obstacle to intimacy and shared fun.

Think back to your early years. Are you sure your dad knew the name of your class teacher right off the top of his head?

It’s likely your mum didn’t track your moment-to-moment academic and social ranking like a day trader. And this is the paradox. Distance between parent world and child world allows each to get perspective, to really see each other.

So how to avoid this growing divide?

Try treating your child like a stranger! Conduct an experiment.

Think of your son as a nephew from the other side of the country who is staying with your family for a few days.

Imagining this new persona for your son creates curiosity, decorum and healthy interest. Here is this new person! How curious I am about his ideas and interests! Soon he will be gone from here! Through his eyes, I can see the world of 2018

Ready... Steady...

Sleep!

READY ME READY BABY Teach our children the art of sleeping – a 3 hour workshop (across two sessions) for parents and their babies or toddlers When sleep time becomes war zone – Make Sleep Not War!

Children thrive when parents are balanced. Best parenting style is high on warmth and expectations with a balanced structure.

This is also true for sleep. Compatible goals of good sleep and good emotional health feed each other.

• Learn how to step back and let children be in charge of falling asleep and continue to serve their emotional and attachment needs.

• Help your child to master a new skill – sleeping, when ready.

• Let your child grow, progress, and sleep independently.

READY ME workshop (30 April – 7.30pm to 9pm) READY BABY workshop (14 May – 7.30pm to 9pm) The course is delivered by professionals and parents of multiples.

For more information call Sandra Richards on 07539448908 or email expert121consultant@gmail.com 14

from a fresh and fascinating perspective. Find out what makes him tick while you have the chance.

Be the listener with your children: “Tell me more. Ah, I see.

Have you been in a situation like this before? How did you handle it? What are you considering this time? What is the outcome you’re aiming for?” Adults know that their kids get low on emotional fuel after a long day at school. Home is a soft landing. When a child is cross or crabby a kindly listener can be a balm.

‘Welcome in the strange characters in bedtime stories’ What else can you do to feel closer to your children?

It’s a fact that everyone laughs more when watching a comedy in a theatre, in the company of strangers, than they do while watching alone. Take your children to a play or performance. Talk about it afterwards. Why do you think the characters acted the way they did? What parts were the funniest? Did any of it make you tear up?

Go places and talk about where you’ve been and what you’ve seen. It can be as simple as a picnic in a park. There is so much conversation fodder: strangers to observe, ducklings, dogs, kites, small children raising around.

Welcome in the strange characters in bedtime stories. Share imaginative leaps into their world by talking in an unhurried way about what you or your child might do at the chocolate factory or in the forest at night.

When your formerly chatty son becomes more selfconscious and less forthcoming, consider him the newest member of your basketball team or domestic maintenance crew. See if it’s easier for him to talk while shooting hoops or washing the dog.

Don’t mistake your daughter’s verbal sophistication with maturity, when she’s tired it’s normal for her to melt down like a toddler. If she dumps endless social drama in your lap, don’t make her problems your own. Picture her as the garrulous female you’ve been seated next to at a social tea. “Is that so?

How frustrated you must feel.”

Do actually engage with strangers. Take up a hobby or community project. Become a bit of a stranger to yourself and your family. Then tell your child about who you met, what you did and how you felt. It can build a friendly bridge between you.

The German poet Rainer Rilke wrote: Once the realization is accepted that even between the closest human beings infinite distances continue, a wonderful living side by side can grow.

Families Herts

What’s On

We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

SHOWS THE ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk The Tiger Who Came To Tea 14 Apr – 2pm 15 & 16 Apr – 11am & 2pm Musical play based on the classic book by Judith Kerr.

Direct from the West End. Cost: £14 Rapunzel 17 Apr – 2 & 5pm New staging of the popular fairy tale. Meet the characters after the show, Cost: £14 / £12 Swan Lake 25 Apr – 2.30pm Vienna Festival Ballet.

Cost: £24.50. Concs £21.50, £16.50 BROADWAY THEATRE Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DD 01462 681088 www.broadway-letchworth. com Pop Divas Live 14 Mar – 3pm Tribute act featuring songs from female pop performers including Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande,

Beyoncé and Rihanna. Ages 5+.

Cost: £15 Morgan & West - Unbelievable Science 28 Mar – 2.30pm Interactive family science show.

Ages 6+.

Cost: £14. Concs £12.50.

Family £45 HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com Room on The Broom 28 Mar – 11am, 2 & 4pm 29 Mar – 11am & 2pm (School shows 26 & 27 Mar. Public tickets may be released nearer the date) Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of the bestselling picture book

by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages 3-8.

Cost: £13 Horrible Histories: The Worst of Barmy Britain 30 Apr – 6pm 1 May – 7pm 2 May – 3 & 7pm Horrible Histories live on stage with the West End show that’s never toured before.

Most suitable for families with children aged 5+.

Cost: £16. Under 16s £14.

Family £56

Based on the best-selling book by

COMPETITION

Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Rumpelstiltskin & The Snail of Destiny 21 Mar – 2.30pm Theatre of Widdershins aims to create gold on stage with this new version of the Grimm’s classic tale. 4+.

Cost: £7.50. Dacorum Card £6 THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk We Love Little Mix 6 Apr – 6pm Tribute act.

Cost: £16 Amazing Bubble Man 7 Apr – 11.30am & 2pm Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles.

Cost: £13. Under 16s £11 Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever 22 & 23 Apr – 10am, 1 & 4pm Join Peppa & friends for their perfect day out! Ages 2-6.

Cost: £18. Under 16s £16.

Family £64. Babes in Arms £3

THESTAGE STORTFORD Rhodes Arts Complex, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 710200 www.rhodesbishopsstortford. org.uk Meet Me A Tree 1 Apr – 11am & 1pm An interactive first opera for ages 0-2 and their carers.

Cost: 1 adult & baby £11.50.

Extra adult £7.50 Morgan & West - Unbelievable Science 17 Apr – 2pm Interactive family science show.

Real experiments backed up by Morgan & West’s trademark wit, charm and detailed knowledge of the scientific method. Ages 6+.

Cost: £14.50. Concs £12.50.

Family £50 HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLS Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1TE 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk Exciting Science 8 Apr New educational show for ages 4+. Fun, fact-filled experiments recreate a volcanic eruption, turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher and take aim with a smoke blaster!

Cost: £10

LIVE ON STAG E

WIN: Family ticket to Room on the Broom stage show at Hertford Theatre Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog.

Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?

Find out by winning a family ticket to this magical show (for everyone aged 3 and up) at the end of March.

To be in with a chance, answer the following question:

Who wrote Room on the Broom? a) Julia Roberts b) Julia Donaldson c) Julian Clary Email your answer, name and contact number to editor@familiesherts.co.uk. *terms & conditions apply – see Families website for details. Competition is for one family ticket. Closing date Monday 23rd March.

familiesonline.co.uk

THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE 01442 228091 www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show Sat 4th April 11am & 2pm Tickets: £13, £12 child You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before.

Designed for children and adults alike, Mark explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

Beauty and the Beast Easter Show for the Whole Family Thurs 9th Apr 1pm & 4pm Fri 10th Apr 1pm & 4pm Sat 11th Apr 1pm & 4pm Tickets: £19.50, £17.50 child/concs, family of 4 £68 A traditional, professional Easter show for the whole family with audience participation throughout!

15

What’s On THE SANDPIT THEATRE The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX 01727 799565 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 01438 363200 www.gordon-craig.co.uk

Annie 28 Mar – 2.30 & 6.30pm West Herts Music Theatre presents this popular musical.

Cost: £11/£9

Home Education Workshops 11.30am 26 Mar: Easter Arts & Crafts 23 Apr: Shakespeare Day Cost: £15 per person per session. £5 sibling discount

THE SPOTLIGHT High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ thespotlight The Wizard of Oz 7 Apr – 2 & 6pm Easter panto starring comedy legend Bobby Davro.

Cost: £20.50. Concs £18.50.

Family £70 Pop Divas Live 9 Apr – 2.30pm Tribute act featuring songs from female pop performers including Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé and Rihanna. Ages 5+.

Cost: £17

CLASSES, HOLIDAY CAMPS & COURSES

Wild Camp 7-9 & 14-16 Apr – 8.30am5.30pm Arts & crafts; bouncy castle, circle games, multisports, dancing & drama.

Cost: £25. Half day £15

Thurs in term time – 9.45am Fun weekly interactive music and drama shows for under 5s. Trial classes can be booked throughout the term.

Cost: £7 per child. Sibling discounts available

‘BEAUTY OR THE BEAST’ – DATING ABUSE

St Albans Library, The Maltings, St Albans, AL1 3JQ 22 April • 07508020778 lyndalifecoaching@gmail.com

An educational workshop delivered to pupils, teachers and parents in schools.

Providing awareness on how to protect children from harm, and getting youngsters to critically think about THEIR decisions and consequences of behaviours. For more information on booking this workshop contact Freedom From Abuse CIC on 07484541727 or visit www.freedom-abuse.org.

This engaging 3-hour introductory course is delivered

by Dr Lynda Ince-Greenaway and covers how to: invest in yourself and your future; boost your confidence and self-esteem; learn to reduce stress levels; be able to start your own business; increase your income; increase your potential to become successful; and retrain and upskill your current occupational skillset.

TWISTED CHEER AND DANCE Unit 4, 28 Rucklers Lane, Kings Langley www.twistedcheeranddance. co.uk A cheerleading, tumble and dance gym! Free open day on Saturday 7 March, free taster sessions at week commencing 16 March. Mid-season try-outs (where new athletes can join the club’s competitive teams) takes place on Saturday 21 March. All are welcome to try out this exhilarating and fast-growing sport.

TICK TOCK MUSIC St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michael’s Street, St Albans, AL3 4SL 07933 153054 www.ticktockmusic.co.uk

ACHIEVING SUCCESSFUL WORK-LIFE BALANCE

ABBOT’S HILL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY CLUBS Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RP 01442 240333 www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk 6-9 & 14-17 Apr Ages 5-14. Have fun, make friends and learn new skills. Arts and crafts, cookery, hair and beauty, swimming, football, SAS skills, dance, gymnastics and more!

Cost: £35 per day or £140 per 4-day week

FAB SCIENCE EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA www.fabscience.co.uk 10am-3pm Hillmead Primary School, Woburn Avenue, Bishops Stortford, CM23 4PW 14 Apr St Joseph’s in the Park School, St Mary’s Lane, Hertingfordbury, SG14 2LX 15 Apr Garden Fields School, Townsend Drive, St Albans, AL3 5RL 17 Apr Easter egg-speriments and science fun for ages 5-12.

Cost: £32. Sibling discount available TINY T’S STORYTELLING & THEATRE Welwyn St Mary’s Primary School, 15 London Road, Welwyn, AL6 9DJ www.tinytsparties.com Storytelling Adventure Workshops 10am-2pm 8 Apr: The Wind In The Willows 15 Apr: Alice In Wonderland Creating stories inspired by the much-loved characters in these books. Plus outdoor play, games, crafting, drama, and more. Ages 4-10.

Cost: £32 per child. 10% sibling discount Family Workshop 16 Apr – 10am-12noon Storytelling, family games and activities for ages 3-10 inspired

by The Wind In The Willows.

Cost: £30 per family of 4 or £8 each DAISY BAKE Station Approach, Knebworth, SG3 6AT www.daisybake.com 7, 15 & 17 Apr Easter fun baking and making delicious cupcakes, hot cross buns, chocolate treats, carrot cakes and Easter cookies.

Ages 3-16.

Cost: From £15

16

Families Herts

COOKERYEATERY www.cookeryeatery.co.uk Whole day food & cookery camp. Children make (and eat!) the 3 typical daily meals, from menus containing a variety of healthy and delicious dishes.

Hitchin Boys School, Grammar School Walk, Hitchin, SG5 1JB 6, 7, 8, 14 & 15 Apr Ages 4-11.

Cost: £40 per day The Vege Centre at St Christopher School, Barrington Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JZ 9, 16 & 17 Apr Ages 8-16.

Cost: £50 per day KOOL KIDZ CAMPS Sandridge Primary School, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St Albans, AL4 9EB 0845 603 2858 www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk 6-9 & 14-17 Apr Ages 4-12. Half or full days.

Cost: See website BEST THEATRE ARTS Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX 01727 759634 www.besttheatrearts.com Best Holiday Academy: Hairplay 14-17 Apr – 10am-4pm Theatre fun for ages 6-16.

Cost: Week £150. Sibling £120 First Class Holiday: Room on the Broom 14-17 Apr – 9.45am-3pm Drama, singing, dancing & craft for ages 4-6.

Cost: Week £130. Sibling £110 READY… STEADY… SLEEP! READY ME (30 April) READY BABY (14 May) Teach our children the art of sleeping – a 3 hour workshop (across two sessions, evenings) for parents and their babies or toddlers. This insightful course is delivered by professionals and parents of multiples. St Albans location. For more info call Sandra Richards on 07539448908 or email expert121consultant@ gmail.com

We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP All camps take place in Berkhamsted www.berkhamstedbasecamp. co.uk 3, 6-9 & 14-17 Apr Multi activity camps for ages 3-11. Courses in cookery; arts & crafts; computing; high ropes and Forest School.

Cost: See website LANGLEY TENNIS & RACQUETS CAMP Langley Tennis Club, High Woodhall Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RW 01442 230234 www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk 6-9 & 14-17 Apr – 9am-4pm Have fun and improve your tennis and eye hand coordination. Plus table tennis, badminton and touch tennis.

Ages 4-14.

Cost: Day £40. 4-day week £140.

SPEAKING WORKS www.speakingworks.co.uk Young Voices High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RU Alban City School, 7 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR Build confidence, improve social skills and learn vital techniques for acting & public speaking. Ages 3-18.

Cost: £9 per class NCT BABY & CHILD FIRST AID COURSES www.nct.org.uk/branches Fire Station Community Meeting Room, 153 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1TQ 4 & 25 Apr 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm Designed to build confidence as a parent/carer in dealing with emergency situations.

Cost: £35. Couple £60.

Concessions available.

ANIMALS & THE OUTDOORS OAKLANDS COLLEGE St Albans Campus, Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL4 0JA www.oaklands.ac.uk /news-events Lambing Weekend 14 & 15 Mar – 10am-3pm Meet newborn lambs, see the agricultural facilities and grab a bite to eat.

with budding young naturalists.

FREE. Suggested donation £5 (Members £3) HATFIELD PARK FARM Hatfield, AL9 5HX 01707 287010 www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk Farm Opens for the Season 31 Mar Meet the animals, take a tractor ride around the farm and enjoy the play area.

Cost: £6. Child £3.50. Under 3s free PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com Land of the Tigers 4 Apr Launching the UK’s first Amur tiger habitat to feature a pool deep enough for tigers to be fully submerged underwater.

Watch these stunning creatures swim and play.

Easter at Paradise 10-13 Apr Lots of ‘egg-citing’ things to do and ‘eggs-plore’. See over 800 beautiful animals plus children’s competitions, arts & crafts and undercover play.

Cost: see website TRIANGLE COMMUNITY GARDEN Meet at Ransom’s Pavilion, end of Alexandra Road, Hitchin, SG5 1RB www.trianglegarden.org Activity Sundays 29 Mar & 26 Apr – 10am12noon Have fun creating, maintaining and developing areas within the Triangle Garden. Tools and refreshments provided.

FREE POLARIS BUSHCRAFT Private woodland, Brickendon Lane, Bayford, SG13 8QB 07971 289604 www.polarisbushcraft.co.uk Family Bushcraft Weekend 3-5 Apr Young adventurers can learn new skills, develop confidence and learn about the natural world on this two-day/twonight course. For families and children (with parent/guardian).

Cost: From £245 per family

PANSHANGER PARK Thieves Lane, Hertford, SG14 2WN www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Signs of Spring 10 Apr – 9.30-11.30am Join an expert guide to discover more about spring wildlife and flowers. All welcome, including families

Easter Eggstravaganza 4-17 Apr Choc-o-bloc family fun. Egg hunt, Easter arts & crafts, new Peter Rabbit & Friends shows,

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

Tristan the Runaway Tractor and lots more.

Cost: See website HORNBEAM WOOD HEDGEHOG SANCTUARY Common Lane, Harpenden www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Discover Hedgehogs 15 Apr – 2-3pm Learn about the fascinating lives of hedgehogs and get up close to a rescue hog. Ages 6+.

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Cost: £8. Child £6 BATFORD SPRINGS NATURE RESERVE Lower Luton Road, Harpenden, AL5 5AQ www.harpenden.gov.uk Family River Dipping 21 Mar – 11am-12pm & 1-2pm Find out more about the creatures that live at Batford Springs. Wellies and booking essential!

FREE. Suggested donation £5 (Members £3) HARPENDEN COMMON St Albans Road, Harpenden, AL5 1DT www.harpenden.gov.uk Wild Woods Days 6 & 7 Apr – 10am-2pm

Spend a day in the woods, learning about the plants and animals that live thereFamily event with activities for children. Booking essential.

FREE Bat Walk 14 Apr – 7.30-9pm Use a bat detector and find out why bats are so important.

Suitable for all ages. Booking essential.

FREE THE GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN www.facebook.com/ CleanUpWGC 13 Mar-20 Apr Join Clean Up WGC in onehour community litter picks during The Great British Spring Clean. No experience required.

FREE MEAD OPEN FARM Standbridge Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9JH 01525 852954 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Easter Wizard of Oz (6-17 April): Wizard of Oz Walkthrough; Easter shows; new baby lambs, bunnies and chicks; and tractor rides. There’s more too, with indoor play areas, a high ropes course and go karts!

Cost: See website 17

What’s On PLACES TO GO BELISILY - LETCHWORTH KIDS CAFE 58 Leys Avenue, Letchworth, SG6 3EQ 07984 462189 Mother’s Day Craft Workshop 15 Mar. Drop in 11am-3pm Easter Crafts Workshop 5 Apr. Drop in 11am-4pm A range of children’s crafts for all ages to enjoy. Reduced price food & drink menu.

Cost: £3 per child per workshop. Siblings £1.50 TRACK PLAY www.trackplay.co.uk Giant train tracks for kids to play and have fun with.

Everyone Active Leisure Centre, Park Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1JS 21 Mar United Reform Church (Tilbury Hall), Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 1BZ 28 Mar Roundwood Primary School, Harpenden, AL5 3AD 28 Mar The Library, 96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1EB 5 Apr Woodhall Community Centre, Mill Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 3XD 25 Apr Cost: £5-6 per child per hour HENRY MOORE STUDIOS & GARDENS Perry Green, Much Hadham, SG10 6EE 01279 843333 8 & 15 April www.henry-moore.org/ whats-on Workshop Wednesdays: Head down to Henry Moore Studios & Gardens on 8 and 15 April for family-friendly art workshops which take the 20th century artist’s work as inspiration. This Easter holidays the theme is hands and touch. There will be a selection of activities on offer between 12 and 4pm each day, which are included in the admission ticket.

HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org Exhibition: High Streets & Hedgerows - Bayford & Little Berkhamsted 7 Mar-13 Jun Discover the fascinating history of these two villages and the stories of the people who lived and worked there.

FREE 18

Families Herts

Toddler Tuesday 24 Mar & 21 Apr – 10.15-11.30am Ages 0-3. Crafts, singing & stories. Booking essential.

Cost: £3.50 per child, including drink & snack for children Stay and Play 4 Apr. Drop in 10am-4.30pm.

Play with some traditional toys and get hands on with a family craft activity.

FREE. Donations welcome Easter Holiday Craft Activities 7-9 & 14-16 Apr. Drop in 10.30am-3.30pm (last entry 3pm) Get stuck in to some creative family crafts.

Cost: £2.50 per child Behind the Scenes at Hertford Museum: Tours of the Stores Seed Warehouse, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PX 18 Apr. Two tours run simultaneously at 2.30 & 3pm All ages. Discover how the Museum cares for the vast and varied collections. Booking essential.

Cost: £5 per person, includes refreshments KNEBWORTH HOUSE Easter Trail Old Knebworth Ln, Stevenage, SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com 10-13 April Follow Betsy the Knebworth Bunny around the garden’s spring flowers, within the Edwardian maze and Rose Garden, to find where she has taken her Easter selfies. There is plenty to do in the Gardens this Easter – explore the Maze, listen to the birdsong, and play in the Adventure Playground.

ST ALBANS SIGNAL BOX Ridgmont Road, AL1 3AJ www.tlr.ltd.uk/sigbox Open Days 8 Mar, 12 & 26 Apr – 2-5pm Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK. FREE. Donations welcome HATFIELD HOUSE Hatfield Park, AL9 5NB 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk Dogs and Daffs Charity Walk 22 Mar – 9.30am-4pm Includes Fun Dog Show.

2020 Opening Weekend 4 Apr Delve into 400 years of history!

Tudor Legacies – Meet The Six Wives Of Henry VIII 5 Apr – 11am-4pm Tudor Legacies are a living history group of costumed enthusiasts. Find out what it

was really like to be married to one of history’s most infamous kings.

Cost: See website HARPENDEN STREET FESTIVAL Harpenden High Street www.harpenden.gov.uk 22 Mar – 10am-2pm Herts Year of Culture event.

Includes theatre, circus skills, street performers, dancing, face painting, live music, workshops, and Farmers’ Market.

BROADWAY STUDIO & GALLERY 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EW 01462 681088 www.broadway-letchworth. com Family Arts Studio 10-10.45am. 10.45-11.30am.

11.30am-12.15pm. 12.15-1pm 8 Mar: Leafy Collage 12 Apr: Nature Printing Hands-on family craft activities led by professional artists. For accompanied children aged 3+.

FREE THEMUSEUM STORTFORD Rhodes Arts Complex, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 710200 www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Story Time at the Museum 11 Mar & 8 Apr – 1.30pm Story telling for pre-schoolers, followed by a sing song, small craft session or trail around the Museum.

FREE Easter Trail 4-18 Apr Find the Easter chicks, reveal the hidden word and win a sweet treat.

FREE Easter Holidays Children’s Crafts 7-9 & 14-16 Apr. Drop in 11am3pm Make your own Easter bunny.

FREE ARTSHED ARTS Westmill Farm, Westmill Road, Ware, SG12 0ES 01920 466446 www.artshedarts.co.uk Pottery Throwing Taster Sessions 14 Mar & 18 Apr – 30 min slots 10am-2pm 7yrs +. Booking essential.

Cost: £20 including clay, glazing & firing ROYSTON MUSEUM 5 Lower King Street, Royston, SG8 5AL 01763 242587 www.roystonmuseum.org.uk Mother’s Day Cards

14 Mar. Drop in 11am-3pm Make cards for the mother figures in your life. All ages.

Cost: £3 per person HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW Dunstable Road, St Albans, AL3 7PT hertsshow.com 01582 792626 23 & 24 May The Hertfordshire County Show is even bigger this year, with more to see and do for families. The Dog and Duck Show is returning, alongside the Hilarious Sheep Show, the Bassets, the Beagles and the rare Heavy Horses. New for 2020 is Ferret World. The County Show is a fantastic weekend of family fun! See website for ticket pricing and get a special Families Herts discounted rate using the ticket code HSFamilies, until 22 May.

LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk Toddler Thursdays 19 Mar & 23 Apr – 10-11am Learn a nursery rhyme, share a story & make a craft. Ages 2-4 (with adult). Book in advance.

Cost: £2 per child per session Easter Egg Hunt 4-18 Apr Follow the trails around the museum to claim your chocolate prize.

Cost: £2 Family Fun Drop in 11am-3pm 9 Apr: Easter Bunny Mask 16 Apr: Easter Flower Bower Fun crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost: £2 per child per session ASHRIDGE ESTATE Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ashridge-estate Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 6-13 Apr – 10am-4pm Learn about nature on the Easter trail. Solve the clues for a chocolate prize.

Cost: £5 (£3 on 6-9 Apr) Easter Crafts 14-17 Apr – 10am-4pm Make a nature-themed spring craft.

Cost: Child £2 HARPENDEN CRICKET CLUB 104 Station Rd, Harpenden, AL5 1DT foha.ecwid.com

What’s On

We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

Harpenden Easter Egg Hunt 10 Apr – 1-4pm Family fun with an egg hunt for toddlers and a challenge for children 5+, both with a chocolatey prize! Book online.

Cost: £5 per child WARE PRIORY High Street, Ware, SG12 9AL 01920 460316 www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk Easter Fun Day 11 Apr – 1.30-3.30pm Ages 3-16. Egg decorating competition (craft materials supplied). Prizes for ‘best in’ age groups. Easter Egg Hunt in the Priory gardens.

FREE HIGHFIELD PARK West Lodge, Hill End Lane, St Albans, AL4 0RA 01727 847242 www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Young Explorers Trail Fun, do it yourself adventure trail.

Cost: £2 (purchase trail in Cathedral Shop)

STEVENAGE MUSIC CENTRE The Nobel School, Mobbsbury Way, Stevenage, SG2 0HS 01438 844518 www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk

Tree Trail Explore the grounds with this family-friendly trail.

Cost: £2 (purchase trail in Cathedral Shop)

Family Ukulele Workshop 12 Mar – 6-7pm Family Djembe Workshop 29 Apr – 6-7pm Uplifting sessions of musicmaking for ages 5+ (no unaccompanied children).

NCT NEARLY NEW SALES www.nct.org.uk/branches Preloved parent, children & baby goods.

Cost: £1 per adult admission The Priory School, Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 2UR 21 Mar – 10.30am-12noon (Members 10am) Presdales School, Hoe Lane, Ware, SG12 9NX 28 Mar – 11am-1pm (Members 10.30am)

Instruments provided.

Cost: £3 per person per workshop Songwriting Workshop 8 Apr – 10am-3.30pm Ages 8-18, individuals and groups/bands. Learn how to write and perform a song or bring a song to work on.

Informal performance to friends and family at 3pm.

Cost: £25

Market your business with

Herts • We reach over 45,000 engaged readers each issue • Distribute from schools, tuition centres, leisure attractions and more • We have a high repeat booking rate, so advertising with us works

trusted, influential, visible 07958284983 NCT NEARLY NEW SALE

Easter Bunny Hunt 8 Apr. From 10.30am. Last entry 2pm Follow the trail and answer questions to win a prize.

Cost: £3 per child, pay on the day FROGMORE PAPER MILL Fourdrinier Way, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9RY 01442 234600 www.thepapertrail.org.uk Easter Crafts 8, 9, 14 & 16 Apr. Drop in 10am12pm & 1-3pm Children (and adults!) can decorate an egg, rabbit or chick.

Cost: £5 per blank Storyboat 8 & 15 Apr One-hour boat trip along the River Gade and Grand Union Canal with Spring and Easter-themed stories. Book in advance.

Cost: £5 per person ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL Sumpter Yard, AL1 1BY 01727 860780 www.stalbanscathedral.org Family Discovery Morning: Spring!

16 Apr – 10am-12.30pm This trail brings animals and nature to life! See what you can find before getting creative with Easter activities. Ages 3-11 (must be accompanied by an adult).

FREE. Donations welcome Abbey Tots Tues – 9.30am Popular parent and toddler group.

FREE. Donations welcome

familiesonline.co.uk

Onslow St. Audrey’s School, Old Rectory Drive, Hatfield, AL10 8AB 21 Mar – 12.30-2pm (12noon members) High quality, low cost clothes, shoes, prams, equipment, books, toys & games. Car park & secure buggy park. Check out NCT Welwyn & Hatfield on Facebook for details.

Cost: £1 per adult admission LEGO DUPLO MEET & MAKE SESSIONS Ludwick Family Centre Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4PH www.nct.org.uk Fridays 1-2.30pm Follow NCT Welwyn & Hatfield on Facebook for details.

Includes refreshments & free parking.

Opening i Easter E t 2020 20

FREE LEGO DUPLO MEET & MAKE SESSIONS St Mark’s Church Hall, St Mark’s Close, 59 Lancaster Avenue, Hitchin, SG5 1PA www.nct.org.uk 14 Mar & 25 Apr – 10.30am12noon Best suited to ages 18 mths-4 yrs.

FREE. Donations welcome WHEATHAMPSTEAD MEMORIAL HALL Marford Road, St Albans, AL4 8AY Parent Group 27 Mar – 10am-12noon Come and meet other parents. Practical parenting advice, tips and strategies provided by support workers from Hertfordshire Practical Parenting Programme

save 10% when booking online using code: family10 *terms & Conditions: use code FAMILY10 nd save 10% on entry when booking online.

Only valid for online purchases. Valid until 31/04/2020.

No Cash Value. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

19

Herts

T EK JUS WE AY 4A AD £18 £46 OR

A BETTER WAY TO SPEND THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS BETTER STANBOROUGH PARK Looking for something to keep the children entertained during the school holidays? Our Holiday Club is the perfect place for 8–12 year olds to have some fun, try new activities and make new friends, all in the safe hands of our friendly, qualified staff. Holiday Club runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm every school holiday. Children will enjoy: • Kayaking • Rafting

• Bushcraft • Canoeing

• Stand up paddleboard • And much, much more

Book now by calling 01707 276276 or visit better.org.uk/stanborough Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398