Under 5s special

PULL OUT AND KEEP!

SEVENOAKS

Tuesday Mothers & Others 10am-11.30am Vine Evangelical Church, Dartford Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3AT www.vec.org.uk

01732 469833 Hope Church Cafe Parent & Toddler Group 9.30am-12pm Hope Church, The Mill Lane Centre, Mill Lane, Sevenoaks, TN14 5BX www.hopechurch7oaks.org

01732 464456 Parent & Toddler Group 10am-11.30am St Peter’s Church, The Rectory, Bates Hill, Ightham, Sevenoaks, TN15 9BG www.ightham.org/church 07972 376601

Wednesday Rascals, Kiddies & Carers Playgroup 10am (term time only) The Vine Baptist Church, Park Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 3UP www.vinebaptistchurch.org.uk

01732 740634 Top of the Tots 10.30-11.30am Bessels Green Baptist Church, Sevenoaks, TN13 2PS www.bgbc.co.uk/activities

01732 454921 Mum & Co Playgroup 10.45am-12pm and 1.45-3pm St Nicholas Church, Rectory Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 1JA www.stnicholas-sevenoaks.org

01732 740340 St Mary’s Monkeys 10am-11.30am Kippington Centre, Kippington Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 2LL www.stmaryssevenoaks.org/stmarys-monkeys 01732 451117

EARLY YEARS’ SPECIAL

Playgroups in your area

Low cost, friendly, local and accessible – playgroups can be a life line when you are at home with small children. We asked mums via Facebook across the whole area to recommend groups they know and enjoy – and we were overwhelmed with the response! Thanks to their generous help we have compiled a comprehensive and up-to-date list of playgroups across the whole area. We have checked details but just in case of disappointment, please do your own checks before setting out.

Thursday Jolly Tots 9.30-11.30am St John’s the Baptist Church, 62 Quakers Hall Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 3TX www.stjtb.com/children-and-families

01732 451 710 Tiddlers 9.30-11.30am Seal Church Hall www.sealparishcouncil.org.uk/ clubs-and-associations

01732 763488 Baby Plus 9.30-11.30am Bessels Green Baptist Church, Sevenoaks, TN13 2PS www.bgbc.co.uk/activities

01732 454921 Babies Club 10am-11.30am St Nicholas Church, Rectory Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 1JA www.stnicholas-sevenoaks.org 01732 740340

Friday Little Drivers Baby & Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am (term time only) The Cornwall Hall, behind The Drive Methodist Church, 6 The Drive, Sevenoaks, TN13 3AB www.thedrivemethodistchurch.org. uk/toddler-group 01732 465071

TONBRIDGE

Monday Tonbridge Mums Buggy Walk Meet every Monday at 10am for a couple of laps around Tonbridge Park and then go for a coffee and a chat. Everyone welcome and there is no fee to pay. Info at www.facebook.com/groups/2393140 59756403/?ref=share

Little Stars 9.30-11.30am (term time only) Tonbridge Baptist Church, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, TN10 3HZ www.tonbridgebaptist.church/get-involved/kids 01732 352824

Tuesday Teddies 9.30am-11am (term time only) Church Centre at St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge Parish Church, Church Lane, Tonbridge, TN9 1DA www.tonbridgeparishchurch.org.uk/ Groups

01732 770962 JellyTots 10.30am-12.30pm (term time only) Tonbridge Free Evangelical Church, 34 Douglas Road, Tonbridge, TN2 www.facebook.com/pages/Tonbridge-Evangelical-Free-Church/ 437965349639249 01732 355987

Wednesday Tiny Acorns 10.30am-12pm Church Centre at St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge Parish Church, Church Lane, Tonbridge, TN9 1DA www.tonbridgeparishchurch.org.uk/ Groups

01732 770962 Tots & Co 1.15-2.45pm (term time only) St Philip’s Church, Salisbury Rd, Tonbridge, TN10 4PB www.tonbridgeparishchurch.org.uk/ Groups

01732 770962 Sunbeams 10am-11.30 Tonbridge Christ Church, High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1SG www.christchurchtonbridge.com/about 01732 770334

Thursday Toddlers 10am-11.30am (term time only) St Stephen’s Community Centre, Waterloo Road, Tonbridge, TN9 2SW www.ststephens.org.uk/get-involved/ kids 01732 771977

Babes in the Church Toddler Group 9am-11am (Term time only) Tonbridge Methodist Church, Higham Lane, Tonbridge, TN10 4JG 01732 354338 www.tonbridgemethodistchurch.org.uk/

babes-in-the-church Angel Cafe Thurs & Fri 10am-2pm (Play area with FREE entry) LifeSprings Cafe at Christ Church Centre, High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1SG www.christchurchtonbridge.com/about 01732 770334

HILDENBOROUGH

Monday Sunbeams 2pm-4pm (term time only) St John’s Church, 194 Tonbridge Rd, Hildenborough, TN11 9HR www.stjohnshildenborough.co.uk/community 01732 833867

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Monday Mummy & Me 9.30-11am (term time only) St Peter’s Church Tunbridge Wells, Bayhall Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4UX www.stpeterstw.com/groups

01892 327734 Stay and Play 9.15-10.30am and 10.45am-12pm (BOOKING REQUIRED) Little Forest Children’s Centre www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/ childcare-and-pre-school 03000 420892

Tuesday Little Saints Playgroup 9am -11am (term time only) All Saints Church, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0JB Info at www.langtongreen.org.uk Parent & Toddler Mornings 9am-12pm (every Tues & Thurs morning) with rhythm-time taking place from 10-10.30am Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG www.salomons-estate.com 01892 515152

Bishops Down Preschool and Nursery

Bishops Down Nursery, Rydal Drive, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SU We’ve Got you Covered Nursery Sessions: 8.45am to 3.30pm Breakfast Club from 7.30am After School Club until 6.00pm Holiday Play Schemes during all school holidays

● From Age 3

● 30 hours Funding Available

● Cooked School Dinners

● Beautiful Outdoor Space

● Qualified Teacher led

● Forest School

● Extra Buy In Sessions available

BISHOPS DOWN NURSERY SCHOOL Call Jo Sheldon on 01892 520114 - Open Sessions thoughout the year or private tours available. office@bishops-down.kent.sch.uk www.bishopsdownprimary.org

8 Families West Kent March/April 2019 www.familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS’ SPECIAL

- brought to you by local mums!

Little Fishes Baby & Toddler Group 10am-11.30am The Stables Village Hall, Church Lane, Frant, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9DX Info at www.frantchurch.org

Wednesday Little Stars 10am-11:30am (term time only) Christian Fellowship Church, Christian Centre, Hanover Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1EY www.twcf.org/little-stars

01892 521320 Parent & Toddler Group 10am-12pm St Augustine’s church, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LY www.st-augustine.co.uk

01892 522525 Stay & Play 1.30pm-3pm Southborough & High Brooms Children’s Centre, Broomhill Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 0JY www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/childcare-and-pre-school 03000 420891

Thursday ABC Baby & Child Group 10.15-11.45am (term time only) St James Church Ferndale, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3RL www.stjamestw.co.uk/abc

01892 521703 Pippins 10am-11.45am St Philip’s Church, Birken Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3TE www.stphilipstw.co.uk/about/whats-on 01892 531031

Saturday Who Let the Dads Out? 9.30-11.30am (second Saturday of each month) Dads and male carers with babies and children under 6. www.stjamestw.co.uk 01892 521703

BOROUGH GREEN

Monday Sticky Fingers - Crafts with Sue 10am-11am (every 2nd and 4th Mon & Weds) Sweet Sensations Tea Room, 34 Western Road, Borough Green, TN15 8AG FB page: www.facebook.com/StickyFingersCrafts 01732 886068

PLATT

Thursday Club Hub Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am Scout Hut, Stonehouse Field, St Mary’s Platt, TN15 8LH www.clubhubuk.co.uk/clubs/toddler-group

LARKFIELD

Wednesday Little Larks Playgroup 1:30-3:30pm Larkfield Methodist Church, New Hythe Lane, Larkfield, Aylesford, ME20 6PN www.larkfieldchurch.co.uk 01732 220820

DITTON

Tuesday Cheeky Monkeys Toddlers 9.15am-12.45pm Ditton Community Centre, Kiln Barn Road, Maidstone, ME20 6AH www.facebook.com/Cheekymonkeysdittontoddlers 07984 619292

KINGSHILL

Thursday The Hub Community Cafe 9am-12pm (1st and 3rd Thurs of the month) Kings Hill Cricket Pavilion, Tiffen Way, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4GZ www.kingshillchurch.org.uk/thehub 01732 844194

LEYBOURNE CHASE

Thursday Leybourne Chase Playgroup 9.30-11.30am Leybourne Chase Community Centre, 82 Hawley Drive, Leybourne Chase, West Malling, ME19 5FL www.facebook.com/ groups/375599262913868/ 07826 874525

NETTLESTEAD

Thursday Baby & Toddler Group 9.30am-11.30am Nettlestead Village Hall, Maidstone Road, Nettlestead, Maidstone, ME18 5ER Organised by Nettlestead and

Wateringbury Pre-School & Clubs Call 01622 813120 for info. www.facebook.com/NettlesteadandWateringbury

MAIDSTONE

Tuesday Stay & Play 9.30-11.30am The Meadow Children’s Centre, Christ Church Hall, Wallis Avenue, Maidstone, ME15 9JJ FB page: www.facebook.com/maidstonechildrenscentres

03000 412700 Little Shoots 10am (at the Northumberland Road Centre) The Vine, Maidstone, ME15 9QF www.thevineuk.net 01622 746839

Wednesday Parent & Toddler Group 10am-11.30am (term time only) Maidstone Family Church, 94 Boxley Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BQ www.maidstonefamilychurch.co.uk/ mfc_activities

01622 695604 Parent & Toddler Group 10am-11.45am St Paul’s Church, Boxley Road, Maidstone, ME14 2AN www.stpaulsmaidstone.org/groups/ toddlers

07973 142716 / 01622 762370 Little Fishes Parent & Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am Maidstone Baptist Church, Knightrider Street, Maidstone, ME15 6LU https://www.facebook.com/LittleFishes- ParentcarersAndUnder5sGroup/ (01622) 743634

Thursday Downswood Under Fives 1pm-3pm Downswood Community Centre, Chiltern Close, Downswood, Maidstone, ME15 8XG www.facebook.com/pages/category/ Community/Downswood-Under- Fives-232050590141585/ 07958 315073

Toddler Praise 9.15-11.15am (term time only) All Saints’, Church Street, Loose, Maidstone, ME15 0BU www.allsaintsloose.org.uk

01622 741265 Toy Box Mother & Toddler Group 9.45am United Reformed Church, Week Street, Maidstone, ME14 1QU www.maidstoneurc.co.uk 01622 686053

Friday Little Lambs Playgroup 9.30-11.30am The Vine, Boughton Lane, Loose, Maidstone, ME15 9QF www.thevineuk.net

01622 746839 Café n Tots 9.30-11.30am (Mon & Thurs) 130-3.30pm (Mon) St Luke’s Church, Foley Street, Maidstone, ME14 5AR www.stlukes.org.uk/about-us/children

01622 661169 Mums & Babes (Dads and grandparents too!) 10am-12pm (2nd Friday monthly) St Nicholas church, Poplar Grove, Allington, Maidstone, ME16 0DE www.stnicholasallington.org.uk 01622 299715

BEARSTED

Tuesday & Thursday Holy Cross Toddler Group 9.45-11.45am Church Room, Holy Cross Church, Bearsted ME14 4EE www.holycrosschurch.co.uk/children.htm 01622 737135

CREATIVITY FOR ALL AGES

PARTIES, WORKSHOPS, DROP INS

✱ Keepsake Handprints

✱ Fun with Clay

✱ Pottery painting

✱ Mosaics & lots more

✱ Make a pot on the wheel

✱ Adult evenings and hen parties

www.atouchofclay.co.uk O7796878371

Support your child with essential skills for learning

yoohoo, speech and language therapy practice, are running Chatty Magpie Classes within the Tonbridge area to support families with children 3 years and up.

Classes are led by an experienced early years practitioner and use enjoyable, engaging activities from yoohoo’s Chatty Magpie. To find out more please visit the classes page on our website www.yoohoo.org.uk

Classes

© 2015 Yoohoo Ltd

www.familiesonline.co.uk Please tell advertisers you saw them in Families West Kent Magazine. 9

EARLY YEARS’ NEWS

Writing a Birth Plan that works for you

By Charlotte Edun of the Good Birth Practice Birth plans, eh? Write one, unpredicatable, and it isn’t helpful and you might be ridiculed to have a rigid plan you feel you for daring to hope you ‘should’ stick to. Ask me, and I’ll can control something so tell you that the point of the birth famously uncontrollable. plan is plan what you need to Don’t write one, and, well... this help you feel as comfortable and is going to be the biggest day of safe as you can be. You should your life, so do you really want definitely NOT be suffering. to just free-style it?

Here’s my 3 point plan for birth The meanies who mock women plans that work; for writing plans are right 1 Think about the practicalities in some ways – birth can be What are the pros & cons of

Create lasting memories with A Touch of Clay

A Touch of Clay is a ceramics studio offering all sorts of creative activities, from pottery painting and holiday craft activities, to handprint mementoes and pottery parties.

Easter holiday workshops are running at the studio in Sevenoaks, and also sessions to create unique and personalised Mother’s Day keepsakes.

Artist Jackie Topping owns the studio and is always on hand to help and guide.

where to have your baby, who to have there, and what help, relief or assistance you want? 2 Think about what you want it to feel like What makes you feel comfortable? Make a list; take it with you; make a nest on the day 3 Think about contingencies

When might you want help? Make sure you know your options, and what you can do to make that experience as positive as possible. Charlotte Edun is a doula, hypnobirthing practitioner & Positive Birth Movement facilitator.

For more information about writing your birth plan, classes, courses and workshops, visit www.thegoodbirthpractice.co.uk or email charlie@thegoodbirthpractice.co.uk

One very popular aspect for parents is the keepsake hand and footprints in clay and silver jewellery. These can be created, painted and personalised at the studio for special family occasions.

Older children can also make their own mosaics and design their own jewellery. New craft activities include canvas painting and silk painting.

Jackie also offers pottery and craft parties for children. Half

term and holiday workshops run each school holiday with dates on the website.

A Touch of Clay is at 61 St Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, TN13 3NY. Info at www.atouchofclay.co.uk or call O779687837

10 Families West Kent March/April 2019www.familiesonline.co.uk