Families Thames Valley West 82 Mar-Apr 2016

Thames Valley West March/April 2016 Issue 82 www.familiestvw.co.uk

Easter Special Try before you buy!

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Easter Egg Hunts and Crafts Family Days out on a budget – a Dragon shares her tips

How to talk to your teenager Mindful parenting – what’s it all about?

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MARCH/APRIL 2016

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MARCH/APRIL 2016

Contents Families® Thames Valley West • Issue 82 • March/April 2016 • Visit us at www.familiestvw.co.uk

4 News & Views

20 Mindful Parenting

8 Days Out on A Budget Dragon Sarah Willingham shares her Easter Holiday money saving tips

8 Easy Easter Crafts Try your hand at making bunny ears, rabbit eggs or Easter bunting – perfect for a rainy day!

11 Primary Schools Appeals Guide

21 Competitions

15 The Secret Life of Four Year Olds

Cover image courtesy of Moira Lizzie Photography

16 Easter Clubs, Camps and Classes

19 Baby and Child First Aid

Dealing with burns and scalds

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Win tickets to Abingdon Air Show

The only guide to activities, shows, museums, special events and days out you need

28 Easter Days Out

Parks and more

12 Education News

Easter is finally here and spring is just around the corner! I’m already appreciating the lighter evenings and the opportunity to get out in the fresh air for a bit more time each day.

22 What’s On

Editor‘s Letter

Baby Lambs, Steam Railways, Country

31 How to Talk to Your Teenager

Offers and Competitions: Win a year’s membership to MumsDateDads.co.uk – see p21 Win a family ticket to Abingdon Air and Country Show – see p21 Last issue’s winners: 4 free weeks at Razzamataz - Linda Thorn Editor: Lucy Heather Listings: Sam Cross & Laura Wood To Advertise: 0118 974 5398, editor@familiestvw.co.uk Designed by: Graphic Resolutions 01438 871 600 Next Issue: May/June - Party Special Advertising Deadline: 1st April

I moved to the Thames Valley from London nearly 10 years ago, and before moving here I had never realised how beautiful the countryside is in Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. Just 40 miles outside the capital and you can enjoy rolling green fields and of course the lovely River Thames. I never thought I’d shake off my city roots but I have finally adopted the countryside as my own and love waking up to see horses and deer in the fields behind my house, whilst knowing I’m just a stone’s throw away from the civilisation of Newbury, Reading and Henley.

I’m looking forward to taking my girls to see baby lambs being born during the holidays – there are a number of farms and country parks offering special lambing days, check out our guide on p28-29 for your nearest one. If you’re thinking of taking part in an Easter Egg hunt, we’ve done the hard work for you and checked out all the places that have had a visit from the Easter Bunny, from National Trust properties to shopping centres and museums. Our pick of the best Easter Egg Hunts is on p30. Also, this month sees the re-opening of some of our favourite country parks including Wellington Country Park and Beale Park, both of which have lots of fun activities planned to keep the kids entertained this Easter.

We know how expensive days out with the family can be, so we’ve asked local mum of four, consumer champion and BBC ‘Dragon’ Sarah Willingham to share her top tips on cutting the cost of days out on p8. You can also be in with a chance to win a family ticket to the fantastic Abingdon Air Show on p21.

Finally, if like me you’re waiting to hear if your 4 year old has been given a place at their chosen primary school, you will be interested to read our appeals guide on p11 should they not be allocated their first choice.

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.

Lucy

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News & Views Local sporting hero Jonathan Joseph officially opens new David Lloyd Newbury

Diddi Dance expands across the country and beyond Already well established across Reading and Wokingham, award winning diddi dance classes are set to grow across West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire this year. The educational classes provide little ones with the ideal introduction to dance in a relaxed, yet highly professional environment. With over 12 years’ experience, diddi dance is the market leader in dedicated toddler dance classes exploring 16 different styles. Classes improve gross motor skills, rhythm, co-ordination, confidence, creativity and social skills.

Lesson plans are designed to complement and enhance the EYFS and nursery workshops and parties are available too!

As the company expands, diddi dance are looking for dance teachers who love working with young children to join their team. For more information or to book a free trial please contact lisa.jenkins@ diddidance.com for West Berks/South Oxfordshire or andrea.bickford@ diddidance.com for Reading and Wokingham. Further details at www.diddidance.com

England Rugby star Jonathan Joseph cut the ribbon to open the new David Lloyd Health, Sport and Leisure Club in Newbury last month. After hosting a DL Kids activity session with local youngsters, Jonathan was joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Newbury and club members to enjoy the celebrations which included a live band, refreshments and a spectacular fireworks display.

The club has proved to be a big hit amongst the residents of Newbury with nearly 3000 members already signed up before the doors opened. The club is David Lloyd’s 92nd club and represents an investment of £9.3m, creating more than 70 new jobs locally.

Situated next to Newbury Rugby Club on Monks Lane, David Lloyd Newbury offers the whole family unrivalled facilities, services and programmes to achieve their health and fitness goals.

Make Mother’s Day memorable with the National Trust Mother’s Day falls on 6 March this year and this year, the National Trust in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire has several ideas to show mum how special she is. Whether you decide to have a delicious afternoon tea, take a spring time stroll or make your very own gift, you can really treat Mum! Basildon Park near Reading is hosting a Mother’s Day craft and trail where you can make a special gift for mum and follow the daffodil trail (£2 plus normal admission charge). At Cliveden, near Maidenhead, bring Mum for a free visit on Sun 6 March and enjoy wine tasting from midday.

Further afield are Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe, which was home to Benjamin Disraeli, Queen Victoria’s favourite Prime Minster, and Stowe, near Buckingham, which boasts vast landscape gardens that have attracted visitors for 300 years. The gardens and grounds at Hughenden and Stowe are full of daffodils and spring blossom during March and April and several special Mother’s Day activities are running over the weekend of 5 & 6 March.

For more information and ideas, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out For more Easter Egg Hunts in the Thames Valley, see page 30.

The Village Montessori Nursery School

We are nestled within five acres of meadowland in an area of outstanding natural beauty half-way between Newbury and Reading.

Ofsted Outstanding on three consecutive inspections and Montessori Accredited 2015.

A warm and friendly welcome awaits all visitors, so please call us on 0118 974 4643, info@montessorinursery.org.uk visit our website our www.montessorinursery.org.uk Follow us on Facebook.

The Village Montessori Nursery School, Cock Lane, Bradfield Southend, Berkshire RG7 6HW

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MARCH/APRIL 2016

News & Views Zika virus raises more questions than answers for pregnant women As public health officials race to understand the Zika virus and get it under control, doctors in the UK are struggling to ease patient’s fears amid a flood of constantly changing information.

The Zika virus has now spread across several countries including Central America, the Caribbean and the Cape Verde islands. It is spread to people through mosquito bites and the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. The illness is usually mild, with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.

However, the disease which is mildly inconvenient for the average holidaymaker is extremely dangerous for pregnant women.

The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes. There is no vaccine currently to prevent infection or any medicine to treat Zika. Until more is known, the

Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant avoid travel to affected areas.

If you have already booked a holiday, check with your travel operator about their specific arrangements. Most of the main UK holiday operators are offering alternative arrangements for pregnant women and their holiday companions. Virgin Holidays and BA are offering the option to rebook on a later flight or a different destination, whilst Thomson, the UK’s biggest holiday company, says that pregnant women due to travel to Mexico, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Cape Verde and a number of other destinations can change their booking without incurring a fee, but anyone booked to travel by the end of April must take the alternative holiday on or before that date, and anyone booked to travel by the end of October must also travel on or before that date.

For the latest updates

on the Zika virus visit

www.cdc.gov

Abingdon Air and Country Show tickets on sale The Abingdon Air and Country show is back for 2016 and advance priced tickets are now on sale for this notable regional charity event. The show features a stunning three hour arial display, alongside a varied ground show with a fly-in of modern and vintage aeroplanes and vintage and classic vehicles.

RAF Abingdon traditionally held big annual airshows until 1990. In 2000, Neil Porter, the main organiser, had an idea to revive the show and the volunteer run event is now one of the biggest on the regional calendar.

This year’s show takes place on Sunday 1 May and gates open at 10am. Advance tickets are available from the website www. abingdonairandcountry.co.uk priced £12 per adult, £8 for OAPs and £4 for children 5-15. Children under 5 go free.

Families Magazine has a family ticket for four people to be won! See our competitions on page 21 for details of how to enter.

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Visit www.familiestvw.co.uk for the latest news

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News & Views Chilly Powder offers year round holiday fun for families If you already planning a ski trip for next season, check out the family run company Chilly Powder who have three ski to the door luxury catered ski chalets in Morzine, France.

All of the bedrooms in each chalet have en-suite bathrooms, there is an outdoor hot tub, sauna and massage room and in-house childcare is provided in their very own crèche which is run by a team of qualified and experienced English nannies. When the kids aren’t out having fun on the slopes there is a superb kids club to keep them entertained – in fact they probably won’t want to come home!

For children aged between 4 and 15 there is the opportunity to enrol in ski school and have private lessons with other Chilly Powder guests.

For those not old enough to ski, there is sledging, a merry-go-round and snowmen to keep them busy whilst you are off trying out the many slopes that Morzine has to offer.

It is not just all about the children though and after a busy day on the slopes, Chilly Powder can offer you treatments in their spa or ice skating, snow shoeing, segways and swimming for the non-skiers. There is the option of going self-catering or if you want a fully catered chalet you will be treated to delicious food and wine pairing 6 nights a week.

During the summer Chilly Powder offer the same level of catered chalet service as the winter with the lakes and mountains scenery, activities and sunshine making Morzine an ideal summer Alpine destination.

A Chilly Powder holiday has something for everyone – exceptional childcare, excellent food, comfortable accommodation benefitting from a ski-in, ski-out location and professional staff. You won’t be disappointed! www.chillypowder.com

Eamonn Holmes reads children’s book Oh No, George!

Popular TV breakfast presenter Eamonn Holmes has brought Chris Haughton’s Oh No George! to live in an interactive storybook.

Eamonn partnered with BookTrust to bring families a fun online storybook in the hope they will be encouraged to read more with their children. The book, published by Walker Books, follows the adventures of George, a dog with a big personality who loves cake, rubbish bins and chasing Cat. Families can read along with Eamonn, while also getting top tips on how to make reading with their children fun. It is also available in sign language.

Parents can read along at www.booktrust.org.uk

Runny eggs could back on the menu for kids and expectant mums A new report by Government food safety advisors has concluded that British Lion eggs can safely be eaten runny, even by pregnant women, babies and the elderly. The report recommends that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) should now consider amending its long-standing advice that vulnerable groups should avoid raw or lightly cooked eggs, for eggs produced under the British Lion scheme or a demonstrably equivalent comprehensive scheme.

The report acknowledged the significant efforts undertaken by the UK egg industry to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis in laying flocks, which it says has made a ‘remarkable impact’ in reducing Salmonella infections in humans.

Andrew Joret, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, which runs the British Lion scheme has welcomed the review. ‘We have been confident for some time that the safety record of British Lion eggs means that vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, babies and elderly people should be able to consume them when runny,’ he said, ‘we know that many people in these groups would love to enjoy a traditional soft-boiled egg again. The report is particularly relevant for mothers – the current health advice has meant that many women avoid eggs during pregnancy and weaning, yet health experts say that eggs are an important food for both mothers and babies. Not only are they highly nutritious, but emerging research also suggests that eating eggs in both pregnancy and early in the weaning process is likely to help reduce the risk of the baby developing an egg allergy.’

There will now be a 12 week public consultation on the report and the BEIC is urging the FSA to amend its official advice promptly.

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Ages from 6 weeks to 5 years Open 52 weeks a year (excluding bank holidays)

Fun is an essential ingredient at Pelican Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as the staff who provide them.

Inclusive practice – All inclusive service Ofsted say:

“Children thrive in this warm and welcoming environment where their personal, social and emotional development is very positively nurtured. This is because staff work closely with parents during the settling-in process, finding out about children’s individual needs and home routines.”

Ofsted inspection 2014, www.ofsted.gov.uk

Please call 01635 46494 or email pelican.nursery@childbase.com Pelican Day Nursery and Preschool, Speenhamland School, Pelican Lane, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1NU Part of Childbase Partnership

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Leap Frog Ceramics Call 01344 868445 or visit our website www.leapfrogceramicswarfield.co.uk Moss End Garden Village, Warfield RG42 6EJ

Laser Tag parties and 8 Themed party rooms including:

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Call 0118 3272022 or visit our website

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Laser Party – Take a look upstairs…

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MARCH/APRIL 2016

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Family Life

Easter Days out on a Budget BBC Dragon, Entrepreneur and local Mum Sarah Willingham shares her top tips to cut the cost of days out this Easter holiday • Day trips are when supermarket loyalty points can be invaluable.

Nectar points are worth twice as much if you put them towards tickets to theme parks and attractions like Legoland, meaning that 500 points will get you £5 off, rather than the usual £2.50 discount.

Tesco Clubcard offer a Boost where they are worth up to 4 times as much when you redeem them on days out or in restaurants. For example, £2.50 worth of clubcard vouchers will give you a £10 voucher off your food in a Café Rouge.

• Before going anywhere, it is always worth checking that you can bring your own food. If you can’t consume your own packed lunch, then eat elsewhere BEFORE or AFTER your trip as cafes and restaurants are usually overpriced and poor quality. Rather than buying bottles of expensive mineral water when you are out and about, take a flask or a ‘bobble’ which is plastic bottle with a filter to purify your water as you drink it.

•

•

•

•

The filter lasts for over 300 uses and you can buy new ones easily in department stores or online.

Don’t forget that for many holiday clubs and play schemes you can use childcare vouchers as payment. If you are a basic rate taxpayer you can claim £243 per month in childcare vouchers and £124 a month if you are a higher rate tax payer. Speak to your employer about whether your company offers them.

It is a sad fact of life that you will probably be forced to exit through the gift shop, which can lead to spectacular toddler tantrums. Try and set a gift shop challenge where your children are given a limit and they have to come back with the best gift. They end up completely preoccupied and you save a small fortune!

Always read the small print as what can appear to be a FREE activity can end up being anything but.

The cost of extra rides and games soon adds up.

If you use the train for your day trips then the Family and Friends railcard could save you a packet. If you travel with a child between five and 15 years old then you’re eligible. It costs £30 for a 1 year Railcard or £70 for a 3 year Railcard, and saves you a third off adult and 60% off kids’ fares across Britain.

• If you live close to an amazing theme park or zoo then it can often work out cheaper to buy an annual pass than to keep buying daily tickets. Places like Peppa Pig World, Legoland and Beale Park all offer discounted annual passes.

Work out how many times you’ll need to visit to make it worthwhile and then decide.

• Keep your eyes peeled for CHEAP cinema tickets. Vue offers Mini Mornings, Cineworld has Movies for Juniors and Odeon Kids all offer discounts on selected family films during the holidays or at weekends.

The films may not be new releases but there are usually some great Disney classics and tickets are all less than £2.50.

• Try geocaching, the FREE hi-tech outdoor treasure hunt. Using a GPS or smartphone you follow co-ordinates to try and find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. The container usually contains goodies like plastic toys or games. Whatever you take, you must replace with something of equal value, but most of the fun comes from the looking anyway! Visit the geocaching site to find out the nearest locations to you.

• Vouchers are great but many voucher sites contain vouchers that are MONTHS out of date so don’t get caught out. When you are googling for a voucher put in the month and year too e.g. The Living Rainforest voucher April 2016. If you forget to get a voucher code whilst out and about then don’t worry as you can usually search for one using a smartphone.

Find more great money saving tips and advice at Sarah’s website: www.letssavemoney.com

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ideas www.familiestvw.co.ukFind Tel: lots 0118 of 9745 398

for days out at www.familiestvw.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Family Life

Simple Easter crafts for children Get creative with your little ones this holiday with these easy and fun craft ideas

Easter Egg Bunny

Egg Bunting

You’ll need: 1 hard-boiled egg Yellow and white felt PVA glue Felt tips pens in yellow, orange and black

You’ll need: Plain white paper Poster paints Stickers Glitter Glue Scraps of paper, fabric and wool Mini pegs String

• Take a freshly cooked and cooled hard-boiled egg.

• Cut shapes for the bunny’s feet and hands out of the yellow felt; then cut larger ears shapes out of yellow felt and smaller ones from the white.

• Stick the feet on the base of the egg, making sure the egg can stand upright on them.

• Stick the white ears onto the yellow and when they have dried a little, stick them on to the rear of where the face will be.

• Finally, draw a rabbit’s face on the front of the egg with the pens and decorate with patterns as your child likes.

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• Cut out lots of Easter egg shapes from the paper • Get the kids to use paint to create patterns on the eggs; stripes and circles work well.

• Next, use the scraps of craft fabrics and stickers to make the eggs even more decorative.

• Use some glue to create lines or shapes and scatter the glitter for the final touch.

• When the egg shapes are dry, hang them on a piece of string with the colourful pegs. If you can’t find pegs, use coloured paper clips or simply thread the string through a hole in the top of each egg.

Bunny Ears You’ll need: White cardboard Grey and pink paint Scissors PVA glue An Alice band • Get the kids to paint sheets of paper plain grey or plain pink • Help your children (using childsafe scissors) to cut out larger grey ears shapes and smaller pink ear shapes from the painted paper.

• Be sure to leave a longer bit of paper at the bottom of the grey shapes • Stick the pink inners on the grey ears.

• Next, attach the shapes to the Alice band with the glue and leave to dry.

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Meadowbrook Montessori School

Independent School of the Year TES Independent School Awards 2015

A personalised educational journey with high academic standards delivered through an innovative yet robust marriage of Montessori practice and the National Curriculum.

Offering a seamless transition through Parent and Toddler sessions at 15 months to fully accredited Montessori Pre-school classes and onward to quality Primary education.

Highly qualified and experienced teachers who get to know your child well & prepare them fully for a range of secondary school options.

Tailor-made education from 2 to 11 years in an atmosphere of mutual respect with high expectations for both academic and personal skills.

www.meadowbrookmontessori.org

Next Positive Discipline in Home Workshop: Saturday 23rd April Malt Hill Warfield RG42 6JQ Tel: 01344 890869

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Open Afternoon Early Years (Nursery Education) Thursday 12 May, 4.15pm - 5.30pm Year round nursery education and holiday club from age 3.

Children can be registered from birth or before.

To book your place on the Open Afternoon, please email admissions@sjcr.org.uk or call 0118 984 6910.

www.sjcr.org.uk

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MARCH/APRIL 2016

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Education

The Ultimate Homework Guide Helping your little one with their homework needn’t be difficult if you follow these simple tips.

homework and the items required, e.g. a dictionary or ruler. You may also need to clarify what a question means or provide support if they’re stuck. But do remember it’s their homework not yours – if you’re having to do it all for them on a regular basis, it may be too difficult for your little one - discuss this with their teacher.

By Liat Hughes Joshi Like it or not, homework is a necessary part of school life. However, it does bring benefits: helping you see what your children have been doing in class, understanding their strengths and weaknesses and reinforcing learning.

So how can you make homework run as smoothly as possible and avoid it becoming a chore for the whole family?

Incorporate homework into a routine Many children benefit from having a set homework time - they’re somewhat less likely to push back if it is just what happens at 5pm.

However you might both prefer homework to be completed at the

How much is too much?

earliest opportunity so they can go off and relax, or favour a spell of winding down after school – simply see what works for your child. If, like many primary schoolers, they only get one or two pieces of homework a week, it might be best to tackle it at the weekend when they’re not tired from school.

Help, yes, but don’t do it for them!

As a parent your key role is to ensure that your child has somewhere comfortable and quiet to do their

Most primary age children will get 30 to 60 minutes a week plus reading and perhaps spellings and times tables. If you think your child is being set too much homework, again, it’s definitely worth having a chat with their teacher.

Additionally, if it’s taking what you feel is an inappropriate amount of time on a particular day, don’t be afraid to stop and write him or her a note along the lines of ‘X spent an hour doing this and we felt it was enough’.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Oldfashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Primary School Place Appeals April 16th is the big day for finding out which primary school your child has got into. For many, it will be a day of excitement and happiness but for others, it will mean disappointment. If your child didn’t get a place at their chosen school, what can you do?

• Firstly, you have a legal right to appeal against a school place decision. When you receive your written notification (not the email), the letter will give full details about how to embark on the appeal process and all of the important timings and deadlines which you will have to work towards.

• When you start your appeal it is important to do your research – check previous admission numbers, distance from the school of other children who HAVE been offered a place, class sizes…..you just never know what errors may have been made so leave no stone unturned.

• If your circumstances have changed since you made the

MARCH/APRIL 2016

application (for instance you have moved closer to your chosen school or your child has had a special educational needs diagnosis) you may be able to make a completely new application to the school of your choice.

• When appealing, you should give reasons why you want THIS school, rather than give negative reasons about the school you have been allocated.

• Remember, don’t panic if you find yourself 50th on the waiting list. If you appeal, where you are on the

waiting list is irrelevant. You could be at the bottom of the list and still win a place at appeal.

• Now is a good time to visit alternative schools, especially ones you may have dismissed in the past.

Some schools get an unfair press but you might uncover the gem that is right for your little one.

• Finally, if you need any help or have any concerns with your appeal then you should contact your LEA who can talk you through the process.

GOOD LUCK!

More education features at www.familiestvw.co.uk/education

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Education News Empowering with Technology at Luckley House School Part of the vision at Luckley is for each pupil to be proficient in widely-used information systems in such a way that their work and other activities are enhanced.

Information and Communication Technology has had a huge impact on all our lives, not least in education. The pace of change is unprecedented and the expectation is that all young people will leave school proficient in the use of this technology.

After a review of the IT strategy for the school, it was decided to introduce a oneto-one scheme in which every pupil will be issued with a Microsoft Surface 3 from September 2016, which will be theirs until they leave the school. In brief, this device combines the best features of a Windows based computer, with tablet technology.

The Luckley staff are committed to continuously improving the quality of teaching and learning and it is hoped that the ability to take written notes, collaborate on class projects and receive and hand in homework electronically will permit staff and pupils to work more efficiently. Quite simply, the aim is that the introduction of tablets will make great lessons even more exhilarating!

Government announces an end to judging schools on GCSE results From 2017, schools will not be judged and ranked on their raw GCSE results but will instead be measured by a broader range of criteria across eight subjects.

The government says this will toughen standards.

Currently, if fewer than 40% of a school’s pupils get five GCSEs at A* to C grades, the school is considered to be ‘underperforming.’ The number of those schools has remained stable in the UK at 312.

Head teachers have complained that basing a school’s performance on GCSE results alone was unfair and unrepresentative, as it did not take into account factors such as a school’s intake. Disadvantaged children often achieved poorer results, with just 36% of children who receive pupil premium attaining five good GCSEs. Gender differences are apparent, with 60% of girls receiving good GCSE results compared to just 50% of boys.

The new ranking system will see schools judged on a system called Progress 8. This replaces the 5 or more GCSEs benchmark with a system that studies progress made by students between Key Stage 2 tests (taken at the end of primary school) and performance in eight subjects at the end of secondary school.

Malcolm Trobe of the Association of School and College Leaders said: ‘Measuring schools on GCSE attainment does not take into account the fact that children are at different points when they start their secondary education. Schools may be doing a fantastic job in helping struggling pupils make great progress but judging them on GCSE results does not reflect this because it is based on the grades achieved rather than the progress made. ‘This particularly penalises schools in challenging areas. It can unfairly stigmatise schools which are actually doing superb work in difficult circumstances and this can be damaging to the morale of school leaders, staff, pupils, parents and communities,’ he said.

No PJ’s Says Head A Darlington Head Teacher has sparked controversy by complaining that some parents are doing the school run in slippers or even in their pyjamas.

Kate Chisholm of Skerne Park Academy primary school sent a letter out to parents asking them to ‘set a good example’ to their children by being properly dressed before leaving the house.

The response has been mixed. Some agree with Kate, saying they would never dream of leaving their house in their night clothes. Others have accused the teacher of imposing her ‘middle class values’ on them.

In an interview with the Press Association, Ms Chisholm said: ‘It is not too much to ask parents to have a wash and get dressed’ before taking their children to school.

She later revealed to the BBC that some parents had told her it was their ‘human right’ to wear what they choose.

Piers Morgan has waded into the debate, saying on Twitter ‘I’m right about this. Women should NOT wear pyjamas on the school run. Ever.’ What he thinks about men doing it has not been reported!

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MARCH/APRIL 2016

Education News Faith schools will only accept objections from local parents, say Ministry

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Uniform rules scrapped for transgender pupils A school in Brighton has relaxed its uniform rules to accommodate transgender pupils. Brighton College has brought in a ‘trouser uniform’ and a ‘skirt uniform’ that can be worn by children of any gender. They say one pupil with gender dysphoria has taken up the option.

Head Teacher Richard Cairns revealed that the school had made changes to its 170 year old uniform rules to help a small number of families.

‘It ties in with my strong personal belief that youngsters should be respected for who they are,’ he said.

School celebrates first British astronaut by creating Space Station Staff and children turned Waverley School into their own activity-filled space station and took part in various space-themes events to celebrate the landing of the first British astronaut in space, Tim Peake.

Activities include Year 2 entering a nationwide competition with other schools to compose questions to ask Tim live in space on Skype.

Questions included: ‘How did you feel when you took your first steps in space?’

‘How long did it take you to become an astronaut?’

‘How does it feel to be floating around all the time?’

‘When you were a child, what did you study to be come an astronaut?’

Younger Reception children built their own rocket and re-enacted being in the Space Station. Dressed in astronaut costumes, they were encouraged to imagine what it feels like to be in space and control a space station. The space topic was then expanded on to think about what it must be like to live in space

MARCH/APRIL 2016

and learn more about different planets, heat sources and the changing state of water.

Charlotte Holland-Wright, Science Coordinator at Waverley School in Finchampstead, explained, ‘Having our first British astronaut has been a great celebration at Waverley, involving all ages at the school. By entering the competition, we wanted to encourage the children to think about the wider world and be aware of their global community, not just their local community. We have also been keen to use this opportunity to demonstrate to even the youngest children that they really can be anything they want to be.’

The schools admission watchdog has said it will crack down on ‘vexatious complaints’ to faith schools from secularist campaign groups. The groups have made several objections to the manner in which faith schools refuse students, without fully disclosing their admissions criteria.

Education secretary Nicky Morgan said that public money is being wasted by the complaints and that the new rules will make it easier for parents to have a say. The Schools Adjudicator Elizabeth Passmore says that handling complaints against school admission policies rom those with ‘no connection in terms of seeking a place for their child’ is ‘not a good use of an adjudicator’s time and public money.’

However, the National Secular Society has suggested that some parents do not wish to make a complaint personally but turn to a group such as theirs to help them.

Their spokesman Stephen Evans says that the new rules will allow faith schools to break admission rules with impunity.

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Education

Secret lives... essential experiences The Abbey School’s head teacher Nicola Dick-Cleland on what we can learn from The Secret Lives of 4 Year Olds

‘Why,’ I am sometimes asked, ‘having spent many years working at high level in the corporate world, and having benefitted from an excellent education yourself, do you choose to work with young children?’

There are a number of responses to this, but the question contains the implication that young children do not offer the challenges and rewards to adults that older students might.

However, as children and parents of young children know, small people are equally, if differently, fascinating and demanding!

This is wonderfully demonstrated in the recent Channel 4 documentary, ‘The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds’ (and 5 and 6 year olds for that matter). As both a trained psychologist and as a teacher, what struck me when watching this well-constructed programme was the evidence it gave of the huge sophistication and complexity of the lives and world of the 4 year old. We, as parents and MARCH/APRIL 2016

teachers, deny this at our peril and to our children’s detriment. We so often tend to imagine that because young children have less developed skills and have less life experience, that their world is somehow ‘simple.’ Being a fly on the wall courtesy of the hidden cameras and microphones, it was clear that this is certainly not the case and that these children were dealing with complex social, emotional and intellectual challenges.

Growing pains…

A tough part of the programme to watch is when the children are upset or distressed by an event or by the behaviour of their peers. Watching a child seek to be included in a game and fail to be welcomed pulls on the heart-strings. As a parent, it is natural to want our children to have a happy and pain-free route through childhood.

However, if we eliminate or deny the difficult experiences of childhood, we do our children no favours. It’s hard to

watch our child going through tough times, but it is far better for them to explore the complex world of social interaction at 5 rather than 25; to learn to regulate your emotional response at 6 rather than 36 when the consequences of an uncontrolled response can be so much more serious.

Our job as adults, teachers and parents is to support the child in this learning by helping them make sense of their emotions and responses and ‘handing them back’ in a form that is manageable to the child. This can be very hard at times as we can so easily get ‘hooked’ into our child’s distress and feel as if it were our own.

Understanding this and separating our feelings from those of our child’s is vital if we are best to help and support them.

Unwitting role models…

Also notable in the series was the extent to which the children spoke and played in ways which clearly reflected what they had observed in the ‘adult’ world.

Listening in on the 4 year olds laying the table was very revealing of how their parents or carers spoke to one another….it is a common trap we can fall into as parents or teachers: we expect children to follow our example – but only when it is good! It’s also interesting to ponder on some of the differences displayed between the boys and girls – were the girls generally more articulate and socially empathetic innately or because of their life experience to date?

Having worked in both co-ed and at an all-girls school, and as the parent of each, I am increasingly convinced that the interaction between nature and nurture is very complex. How did Lola get the idea that, ‘boys are brainer than girls,’ as she says with all the conviction of a knowing 4 year old. Yet the gentle Theo is both articulate and caring and wants ‘love for everybody’ – in line, interesting, with his zen-like parents.

The key messages I took from this programme were a reminder that children inhabit a similarly complex world as do adults, it’s just the context that is different. It also demonstrated that difficult experiences are necessary for children to learn and develop and we need to make those experiences manageable.

Finally, it’s clear that children draw on what they see and hear around them and then apply this logic to their ‘secret lives’. If you have not yet watched the show, it’s worth finding on More 4 if only for the memorable moment when the children empty a sweetie machine over the floor and when a slightly precocious but charming 5 year old tells his new friend, ‘my dear old fish, go and boil your head!’ www.theabbey.co.uk

More education features at www.familiestvw.co.uk/education

15

Easter Fun Easter Holiday Camps and Clubs Our pick of the best all round, sports, music, dance and drama day camps for the Easter Holidays Super Camps are putting the

magic back into the Easter Holidays with their daily activity camps that are jam-packed with fun activities that will keep your children entertained for hours. The ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating gives you peace of mind that your children are in the best possible care. Camps include a variety of sports, games, arts and crafts. No two days are the same and the price includes all activities. Multiactivity Camps from 29 March-8 April at Trinity School, Newbury and Hurst Lodge School in Ascot. These offer over 40 different sports, arts

and crafts activities for 4-14yrs, from archery to quad bikes.

There are also Passion for Food Bake-Off courses for budding Berrys and young Hollywoods aged 7-13yrs running from 29 March-1 April at Trinity School.

Hurst Lodge School also has a RAW Adventure camp for 7-14yrs, between 29 March and 1 April offering the chance to reconnect with nature, mastering skills like orienteering, shelter-making, firelighting and archery. All camps offer optional extended hours from 8am-6pm. 01235 467 300 www. supercamps.co.uk

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FREE TRIAL SESSIONS AVAILABLE Contact Helen Davey for more details 0118 973 6711 helen.davey@tumbletots.com www.tumbletots.com/reading 16

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Easter Fun Go Beanies (formerly Full of Beans) Easter Holiday camp returns to Beale Park this March after a successful second season in 2015. Go Beanies is an activity day camp with something for every 5-12 year old, with different themed activities to keep your child entertained. With the support of a talented team of inspiring instructors who understand what children and parents need, they have designed an exciting range of activities and games aimed at developing your child’s confidence. The Clubhouse is located within the beautiful surroundings of Beale Park and provides a safe and stimulating environment for children. Easter holiday course from 29 March to 8 April offering activities for 5 to 12 year olds. Go Beanies is open from 8.30am to 5.15pm with flexibility if you need a longer day. Activities include swimming, craft, archery and gymnastics. Book and pay online. Childcare vouchers are also accepted. 0118 984 1684, www.gobeanies.org Stagecoach Wokingham is running Easter Workshops at St Crispin’s School in Wokingham from 5-8 April. ‘From Film to Stage’ workshop for 4-6yrs runs daily from 9.00am-12.30pm. Spend a funpacked time preparing and rehearsing for a final production to friends and family at the end of the course. Open to all regardless of experience or ability. 0118 371 2998, wokingham@stagecoach. co.uk Jubilee Jets Holiday Club runs

at Ark House, School Rd, Padworth Common, RG7 4JA from 29 March8 April for 5-11yrs. Enjoy woodland adventures, animal care, quad biking, football, team challenges, arts, crafts and much more.

8am-6pm.Day or Morning sessions available. Book and pay online.

Childcare vouchers are also accepted. 0118 983 4108, www.jubileejets.co.uk

5+ on Tuesday 29 March and 5 April. £6.50 per hour session, £13 for two hours. 0118 926 3686 www. bulmershegymnastics.co.uk

Dinton Multi-Activity Centre at

Dinton Pastures near Hurst is running its popular Wild Days weekdays during the school holidays. These multi-activity days offer sailing, rock climbing, map reading, raft building and other adventurous activities for 8-18yrs. Book for a day or a week.

There’s also a Junior Sailing Scheme course for 8-13yrs and Adventure Days featuring paddle boarding and kayaking. Gain qualifications, keep fit and active, develop selfconfidence and have fun. 0118 974 6343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/dac

Eddie Catz Newbury is running a range of workshops over the holidays with something for everyone. Take a look at their website for details and to book. 020 3475 5268, www.eddiecatz.com Berzerk Productions are running an Easter theatre school at South Street Arts Centre in Reading from 29 March-1 April, 10am-4pm. ‘You Can Fly’ is a fun-filled four-day theatre course for 6+yrs based on Disney’s favourite musicals with games, mime, music, singing, dance, team work, make-up, costume and crafts. Work on a script, songs and dances from the Disney classics, meet new friends and go berzerk! 07976 652 742.

Book online at www. berzerkproductions.com

Perform Wokingham is running

The Apollo Holiday Care Club,

close to Reading town centre is open from 29 March to 8 April for 4-11yrs. 8.30am-5.30pm. £19 full day, £9.50 half day. Childcare vouchers accepted. Need to bring packed lunch. Activities include cooking, drama, special trips and arts & crafts.0118 916 8416, www.apolloyouthclub.org.uk

Barracudas Activity Day Camps at The Holt School,

Wokingham is running from 28 March -8 April. For 4½-16yrs, the camp offers a varied choice of fun and exciting activities including archery, motor sports, fencing, football, art & crafts, dance and circus skills to name a few! They offer fun at a fair price and the great option to use childcare vouchers as payment. The camp runs from 8.30am-5.30pm with 8am-6pm extended day available. 0845 123 5299, www.barracudas.co.uk

another exciting drama, dance and singing course for 4-7yrs. This time is the turn of the Wizard of Oz and you can have fun with costumes, live music, scripts, improvisation and dance.

Children can meet new friends and develop their social skills along the way. Courses run 30 March - 1 April or 4 - 6 April and cost £230 (sibling and group Bulmershe Gymnastics Club in 55x90_multiple3_Layout 2 29/01/2015 10:08 Pag discounts available).

0845 400 Woodley has holiday sessions for 3-5 year olds and children aged 1283, www.perform.org.uk

Energy Kidz Holiday Club

Quality, fun and affordable holiday clubs, from 29 March to 8 April in, Crowthorne, Spencers Wood, Wargrave, Woodley, Caversham, Addlestone, Maidenhead, Windsor and Wokingham. Activities include, arts & crafts, sports and specialist activities for 4-11yrs. Energy Kidz are Play Champions recognised

by NCDUK. Prices: (10am-4pm).

10% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT when you book 3 weeks before the start of the Holiday Club. 0845 519 4470, www.Energy-Kidz.co.uk

Kings Camp is running a choice

of Easter Camps at Queen Anne’s School, Caversham 29 March -8 April. Multi-Active for 4-14yrs, Rookie Sports Leadership Camps for 14-17yrs and International Soccer Schools, a specialist football programme, for 5-10yrs.

There are also Multi-Active camps and Rookie Sports Leadership Camps at the University of Reading from 4-8 April 0114 263 2160, www.kingscamps.org

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Star Hotshots Multi Activity Sports Camps run at St Joseph’s

The Watermill Theatre in Newbury has a Play in a Week workshop from 29 March-1 April for 8-11yrs (mornings) and 12-16yrs (afternoons). Create, rehearse and perform a play. No experience necessary. £75. 01635 570 934, www.watermill.org.uk/take-part

the following workshops, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk 28 March-10 April Oliver Easter School - young performers aged 6-16 will create their own version of Oliver to perform; 29 March Easter Play with Clay explore the exciting possibilities of pottery for 8-12yrs, 10am-12noon; 31 March Easter Parent & Child Play with Clay Workshop - explore and learn about pottery together, 10am-12noon, £36/£34 for parent and 1 child, £16 per extra child.

6 April Easter Art Factory- spend the morning using clay, collage, drawing and sculpture, 4-11yrs, 10am-12noon. Both these workshops cost £18/£17 members.

College, Reading; Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning; Newbury College; and St Pirans, Maidenhead staffed by qualified PE teachers. For ages 5-10yrs there are games and activities to develop sports skills plus specific sessions including swimming which is available every day. Ages 11-14yrs can enjoy a variety of new sports such as archery, golf, handball, street dance and Taekwondo. Open 28 March-8 April from 8am-6pm (half days also available). OFSTED registered. 0845 301 0450, www.star-hotshots.co.uk

running an exciting 4-day ‘Raiders of the Lost Settlement’ course at St.Gabriel’s, Newbury from 4-7 April where young ‘Raiders’ embark on an investigation to find missing ancient history scientist, Dr. Jones!

Survivors will work in teams to find and investigate clues, whilst learning and using bushcraft skills to survive in the ‘remote’ woods.

From 29 March – 8 April they are also running Ultimate Activity camps for 4-14 year olds at Cranford House School, near Wallingford, Oxon. 0844 870 7077 www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

Waverley School Holiday Club

based at Waverley School in Finchampstead is open from 29 March – 11 April for 3-11yrs.

Themed weeks with arts, crafts, cooking, sports, dance, music and Forest School. Open 7.30am-6pm, half days available. Call 0118 973 1121 or email info@waverleyschool. co.uk for more information.

Booking forms available at www.waverleyschool.co.uk

Award winning music classes for babies & young children NEWBURY, HUNGERFORD & HENLEY T: 01635 860959 E: newbury.henley@monkeymusic.co.uk

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www.familiestvw.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Parenting Treating Burns and Scalds in Babies and Young Children professional (GP or nurse) even if an ambulance has not been called.

You must not: • Pop the blister • Touch the burn • Peel clothing away that is stuck to the burn • Apply any lotions, ointments or fats • Apply any form of adhesive dressing

Some tips to avoid burns and scalds at home:

It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, but knowing what to do and acting quickly if your child is burned is crucial to help them avoid long term injury. Rachel from Ladybird First Aid shares her advice Did you know?

• A cup of tea is so dangerous it can scald a child 15 minutes after it has been made.

• Hair straighteners can reach 220°C hot enough to fry an egg.

On average 30,000 children under the age of 5 attend A. & E. with burn and scald injuries each year and the majority of these accidents are due to hot drinks.

Young children’s skin is much more delicate than an adult’s as it is 15 times thinner, has less protection and damage tends to be more severe.

What are Burns and Scalds?

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat and are treated in the same way. A burn is caused by dry heat – e.g. an iron or fire. A scald is caused by something wet, such as hot water or steam.

How to treat a Burn or Scald If your baby or child experiences a burn MARCH/APRIL 2016

or scald, knowing how to treat them quickly and efficiently is crucial.

• Remove the casualty from the area of heat.

• Start cooling the burn as quickly as possible. Run it under cool water for at least ten minutes, cooling the burn, not the casualty.

• Assess how severe the burn is. If it is serious (a large area is affected, or the skin is broken/blistered or if the patient has breathed in smoke) call 999 or 112 for emergency medical help. Keep cooling the burn whilst waiting for the ambulance.

• Remove any jewellery or clothing near the burn (unless stuck).

• Cover the burned area with cling film or other clean, non-fluffy material (clean plastic bag). This will protect from infection. If using cling film, place across the wound, do not wrap. (NHS 2013) • Monitor the casualty for signs of shock.

All baby and child burns must be checked over by a medical

• Don't leave hot drinks where your baby can reach them.

• Don't carry hot drinks around whilst holding or feeding babies.

• Install smoke alarms on each floor and test regularly.

• Run cold water into the bath before adding hot – test the temperature before use.

• Keep saucepans at the back of the hob with handles turned to the back.

• Keep hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs unplugged and out of reach.

• If you have a fireplace, put a fireguard in front of it.

• Store household chemicals out of reach or put a sturdy lock on the cupboard.

• If microwaving food or milk, shake thoroughly before using as microwave heating results in hot spots which can burn.

• Cover hot radiators with radiator guards.

• Keep matches and lighters in a lockable place.

Ladybird First Aid offers 2 hour baby and child first aid classes, at local venues or in the comfort of your home, from £15.00 per person (minimum 4 people). Babies under 1 are welcome.

The class covers baby and child CPR, choking, recovery position, febrile seizures, meningitis, burns, anaphylaxis, head injuries and more…

All attendees receive a certificate of attendance and a ‘recap’ sheet of the CPR and choking procedures.

Other workplace certified courses are available including 6/12 hr Paediatric First Aid and Emergency First Aid at work.

For more information please visit www.ladybirdfirstaid.com or e-mail rachel@ladybirdfirstaid.com 19

Parenting

Can Mindfulness help you be a better parent? give them more emotional balance and leave them more resilient when it comes to dealing with difficult situations in their lives around school, their own peers and personal relationships. Research has found the mindfulness training for children and young people increase attention, social awareness and other interpersonal skills.

Two simple exercises for the family: Mindful Square Breathing This exercise can be done anywhere, at any time. All you have to do is focus on your breath for 60 seconds.

Mindfulness is the phrase du jour, but it it a passing fad or can it really help us become calmer, less stressed mums and dads?

Georgina Rodgers explains more…

Picture the scene: You are trying to get out of the house in the morning. One of your kids has lost their shoes, the other is asking where their PE kit is.

You’re doing your best to reply, while also thinking about the day ahead and all the things you need to do. Your phone then starts ringing. Your feel yourself start to raise your voice and are close to losing your temper…

Sound familiar?

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs we will ever do but by adopting a more mindful approach, you will not only improve your own personal health and become a happier and more settled mother, but you will help your children learn to regulate their own emotions.

Why mindfulness works Mindfulness works because it is simply a way of living and not another job on the ‘to do’ list. At its core it encourages us to be present in our own lives when we are distracted by worries or intrusive thoughts about the past or 20

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future. Studies show that our minds wander for nearly as much time as they are actually focussed on what is in front of us and worse than this, we seem less happy in the moment our minds are drifting. The practice encourages us to focus on the moment, to observe any thoughts but to just let them go, like bubbles popping in the air. Experts say that the more we practise mindfulness, the easier it becomes.

Importantly, mindfulness allows us to regulate our own emotions and reactions more effectively, so when we are dealing with a toddler tantrum or an unhappy child, we can relate to them better. There is no doubt that our children are able to make us feel a whole range of emotions but by flying off the handle and losing control, children become more scared and do not learn how to be better behaved themselves. In those times we are modelling aggressive behaviour. Being mindful importantly helps us be present with our children. In moments of stress, it allows us to step back and give ourselves time to calm down and act in a rational manner. By staying calm, making your child feel safe and then as the emotional storm calms, you can divert their attention and any upset passes more quickly.

• Start by breathing in and out slowly and purposefully, then there are four simple breath segments done to the count of four.

• Inhale 2 3 4 • Hold 2 3 4 • Exhale 2 3 4 • Hold 2 3 4 • Repeat • When your mind wanders, try to bring your focus back to your breath and the sensation of breathing in and expanding your lungs.

Rainbow Walk This is a simple exercise you can do with your child regardless of their age.

• The idea is to look for different colours of your walk, so you need to see something red, orange, green, blue, indigo and purple.

• If your child is older they might like to take pictures of the colours with the camera on a phone or they might want to write down what they have seen. Young children will want to discuss what they can see as you walk together.

• Enjoy focusing on the present moment and the scenes around you.

Georgina Rodgers is a journalist and author of new book and journal, Peace of Mind: A Book of Calm for Busy Mums, published by Hodder & Stoughton.

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What’s On

Events in March & April Every Tue from 1 Mar – BOARD GAMES CLUB at Reading Central

explore something a little different and will be available between 10.30am and 11.30am. Aprons will be provided if necessary!

Library, Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BQ, 0118 937 5950 Board game club welcomes groups and individuals to Reading central library, all games provided.

10:30am

2 Mar – TALES FOR TOTS – STORY TIME FOR THE UNDER 5’s at Reading Museum, The Town Hall, Blagrave St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH 0118 937 3400, www.readingmuseum.org.uk Enjoy a story using objects from the museum’s collection. Every Wednesday in the Green Space or Window Gallery. 10:30-11:30am

Every Tue from 1 Mar – AFTER SCHOOL CRAFT SESSION (term

time only) at Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road, Binfield, Berkshire, RG42 4JZ, 01344 306663 After-school crafts session on Tuesdays in term time only from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

3 Mar – CHILDREN’S KNITTING CLUB at Sandhurst Library, The

Every Tue from 1 Mar – BOUNCE AND RHYME (term time only) at

Broadway, Sandhurst, Berkshire, GU47 9BL, 01252 870161 Knitting club on Thursdays between 3.30pm to 4.30pm. A chance for children to learn and enjoy all aspects of knitting. Help and materials provided.

Crowthorne Library, 162 High Street, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7AT, 01344 776431 Bounce and rhyme singing and nursery rhymes especially for the Under 2’s. Sessions run during term time only. 9:30am-10:00am

4 Mar – ALPHABET CLUB at Whitegrove Library, 5 County Lane, Wargrave, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 3JP, 01344 424211 Activities, stories and rhymes based on the letters of the alphabet for children aged three to four years old. Sessions are 50p or £3 per half term towards craft materials used. Parental supervision is required. Please contact Whitegrove Library for more details 2pm. 50p per session or £3.00 for the half term

Every Tue from 1 Mar – HENLEY LIBRARY RHYMETIME (term time only) Henley Library, Ravenscroft Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 2DH 01491 575278 Fun, free, and interactive sessions for the under 5s. Join in with singing or rattle a shaker to well-known songs and rhymes. 9:30-10:00am Every Tue from 1 Mar –

MULTIPLE BIRTH PLAY TIME

at Active Tots, 5-7 Granary Court, Stratfield Saye, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 2DL, 01256 880 220, www.activetots.org Every Tuesday morning from 10am until 12 noon, multiple birth families are invited to play for the special play price of just £6.00. An extra adult free is also included free, for those who need an extra pair of hands!

Single child families are also welcome on these mornings.

10am-12pm.

Easter events at National Trust venues, see 4, 5, 6, 30 March, 31 March-1 April and 6 April Every Tue from 1 Mar - STORYTIME (term time) at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2BB, 0118 978 1368 Fun stories and rhymes for under 5s and parents to share together.

Sessions are free and there is no need to book - Just drop in. 2-2.30pm

2 Mar – MESSY PLAY at Active Tots, 5-7 Granary Court, Stratfield Saye, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 2DL 01256 880 220, www.activetots.org Outdoors in the Active Tots garden on a Wednesday morning, subject to dry weather. Messy play activities provide an opportunity to

4 Mar – NATURE WALK at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9NR 0118 984 3040, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/basildon-park A fun nature walk around the magnificent parkland of Basildon Park, led by a warden or a member of the Reading and District Natural History Society.

Walks leave from the stableyard at 11am. Free with admission.

Please tell advertisers you found them in Families!

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www.familiestvw.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398

MARCH/APRIL 2016

What’s On 5 Mar – DADDIES’ BREAKFAST TIME at Active Tots, 5-7 Granary

17-19 Mar – NEWBURY YOUNGSTARS PRESENT FAME JR. at Arlington Arts Centre, Mary

Court, Stratfield Saye, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 2DL, 01256 880 220, www.activetots.org Every Saturday morning from 9.30am onwards. Bacon rolls and the morning papers are the order of the day. A great opportunity for Daddies to spend time with the little ones whilst mummy has some time to herself (mummies welcome to come along too if they want to!).

5&6 Mar – THE SLIME SHOW at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 400 Why are slugs and snails so slimy?

Can you really cut, bounce or stretch slime? All very repulsive! This show is suitable for children aged 3 years old and over who can sit down for half an hour. Shows run at weekends and during school holidays. Show times are at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm, subject to minimum numbers. Shows run at weekends and Bracknell school holidays. £1.85 per person in addition to the entrance price.

5&6 Mar – MOTHER’S DAY CRAFT & TRAIL at Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Berkshire, RG8 9NR, 0118 984 3040, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ basildon-park Basildon Park is an impressive Georgian mansion which was lovingly rescued from ruin by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the mid 1950’s. The house you see today is a recreation and restoration of the 18th Century mansion and has been featured in Downton Abbey. Over this weekend make a gift for mum and follow the daffodil trail. Cost £2 plus normal admission charge. Booking not needed. Enjoy a light lunch or cream tea afterwards in the restaurant.

6 Mar – MOTHERING SUNDAY CRUISE, The Rose of Hungerford, Hungerford Wharf, Town Centre, Hungerford, RG17 0DN, 01635 30267, www.visitnewbury.org.uk Every mother deserves a treat and a Mothering Sunday Cruise aboard The Rose is the perfect way to celebrate. All mothers will receive

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Hare School, Snelsmore Common, Newbury, RG14 3BQ, 01635 244 246, www.arlingtonarts.co.uk Set during the last years of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street, FAME JR. is the bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. With candour, humour and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today.

Tickets Adults £10, Concessions £8. Performed by Newbury YoungStars, the Youth section of Newbury Musical Theatre Society.

Easter events at Dinton Activity Centre, see 27 March a bunch of flowers and a cup of tea or hot chocolate. The Rose has central heating to make even the coldest days more pleasant.

All profits go to the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust to protect, enhance and promote the canal. Adults £8.50, children 3 and over £3.50.

6 Mar – MOTHER’S DAY at Cliveden, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069, www.cliveden.com Celebrate Mother’s Day at Cliveden by taking your mum for free and treating her to free wine tasting from midday (while stocks last!). Free event plus normal admission charges – except for mums!

9 Mar – CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN at The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com Local schools get together for a spectacular charity evening of dance and song in aid of

Creating Better Futures and Heartline Families. This will be the third concert showcasing the talents of young people. Set up

by Reading mum Dorothy Dix, Creating Better Futures works to help vulnerable children in Zimbabwe to get to school and gives them the support they need to make the most of the opportunity. Heartline Families provides help and support to children who are sick, disabled or convalescent from heart disorders. 7pm. Adults £11.20, Child/concession £8.

11-17 Mar – HENLEY YOUTH FESTIVAL, various locations around Henley-on-Thames, www.hyf.org.uk Organised by parents on a voluntary basis, the week-long Henley Youth Festival features a range of performing arts events including music, dance, drama and singing as well as sports and other competitions in and around Henley.

21-29 Mar – LEMUR WEEK at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire, 01993 823 006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Lemurs are now one of the most threatened groups of mammals on the planet and the Cotswold Wildlife Park are hosting a week of fun activities and keeper talk to help raise awareness and funds for Lemur conservation in Madagascar.

23-24 Mar – 13 THE MUSICAL at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk This amateur production is presented in arrangement with Josef Weinberger on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York. 13 is a Broadway smash that is all about becoming a teenager.

Growing up in New York, Evan Goldman finds his life turned upside down when he is forced to move to the middle of nowhere – Appleton, Indiana! This fast moving, funny show deals with relationships, getting things wrong (and right) and proves that being 13 is a pretty unsettling ride! With a large talented cast, great score and plenty of fun, 13 is a show not to be missed. 2pm & 7.30pm, £15 adults, £10 children/concessions.

Lots more Easter Holiday ideas at www.familiestvw.co.uk/whatson

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What’s On 25 Mar – KIDS AND ADULT’S DINTON DUATHLON at Dinton Activity Centre, Sandford Lane, Berkshire, RG10 0SU, 01189 746 343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/ dac. New: online booking: http:// booking.wokingham.gov.uk Adults 5.5km run, 20km bike ride, 5.5km run. For kids, distance depends on your age (400m to 2km run, 800m-6km bike, 200m-800m run) for kids 8-14 years. £40 adults, £15 kids. Adults duathlon starts at 8.30am, kids duathlon starts 10am.

27 Mar – SPRING WATCH PADDLE at Dinton Activity Centre, Sandford Lane, Berkshire, RG10 0SU, 01189 746 343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/ dac. New: online booking: http:// booking.wokingham.gov.uk View the park from a different perspective and enjoy a relaxing morning canoeing on the lake.

See the water birds up close before enjoying a coffee and freshly baked cake in the centre.

10.30-12.30. Min age 4+ £8 adults, £6 children.

28 Mar – ASHLEIGH & PUDSEY IN MISSION IMPUDSEYBLE at The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com Mission ImPUDSEYble is a brand new interactive spy adventure starring Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey. Also featuring a supporting cast of ten West End performers, amazing special effects from Twins FX and plenty of audience participation. 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Adults £20, Child £17, Family £68.

29 Mar – EASTER STORYTIME at New Greenham Arts Auditorium, 113 Greenham Business Park, Newtown, Thatcham, RG19 6HW, 01635 517 964, www.cornexchangenew.com A sensory storytelling session for young children to enjoy with their families in a fun and relaxed environment. Hear an original Easter story brought to life by Education Officer and theatre practitioner Charlotte Cassey using props, projection and music and join in with Easter themed songs and rhymes.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments provided. Suitable for under 5’s.

10.30am, £4 adults and children.

29 Mar – DOODLE TREE TRAIL at Reading Museum, The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading,

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Doodle Tree Trail at Reading Museum, see 29 March

RG1 1QH, 0118 937 3400, wwwreadingmuseum.org.uk A family friendly walk through Reading town centre to discover and doodle some very special trees. Workshop hosted by Nature/ Nurture CIC and The Reading Tree Warden Network. Suitable for ages 5+. 10.30-12.30 and 2.30-4.30. Free, booking essential: www.naturenurture.co.uk/doodletreetrail

RG13 2DR, 01635 279 279, www.westberkshireheritage.org Make a Tudor tyg (cup) out of clay. There will be a replica tyg to handle. There will also be an Easter house trail. £2 per child, suitable for 4-11 year olds but younger and older children welcome. No need to book, just drop in. Free entry to Shaw House. 10am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm).

30 Mar – WILD WEDNESDAY at Cliveden, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cliveden The first Wild Wednesday of the year kicks off at Cliveden with a session all about planting, growing and eating your own food.

Discover some of the edible plants at Cliveden before you sow your own runner bean seed to take home. There will be plenty of tips from the National Trust’s gardeners on how to look after the seeds and hopefully a week or so later children will be able to watch them grow on their windowsill.

30 Mar – PUSS IN BOOTS at Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare School, Snelsmore Common, Newbury, RG14 3BQ, 01635 244 246, www.arlingtonarts.co.uk Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of this story, brought to vivid life on an incredible sloping stage

by Patrick Lynch from CBeebies.

Using smoke and mirrors and hidden trapdoors, he’ll show you how this sure-footed feline fools both the King and the Ogre to put his master at the top. With a host of puppets, a working windmill and an avalanche of fruit and nuts, this classic fairytale is the cat’s whiskers!

Suitable for ages 4+, Tickets £8, Family ticket £27

30 Mar – EASTER BONNETS at New Greenham Arts Studio Two, 113 Greenham Business Park, Newtown, Thatcham, RG19 6HW, 01635 517 964, www.cornexchangenew.com Make your own Easter bonnet with artist Clara Flintoff. Perfect for budding artists (or even fashion designers!) you’ll use cardboard plates, bowls and cups to make a headpiece and then decorate it with tissue paper, stickers, wool and ribbon. Be prepared to get messy and creative! Light refreshments will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Suitable for age 3-8, 10.30am, £4 (adults and children).

31 Mar – FAMILY FUN – WHO’S HATCHING? at The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham,

RG18 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.uk Find out who’s hatching during this interactive session. Follow a quiz trail and discover all the different creatures in the animal kingdom who hatch from eggs.

Take part in games and crafts.

Event suitable for children aged 4+. Activities aimed primarily at primary school aged children. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please come dressed for the weather!

10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-3pm. £4 per child. Booking essential.

31 Mar-1 Apr – TREE CLIMBING at Cliveden, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/cliveden Ever wondered what it’s like to be high up in the tree tops?

Now’s your chance to explore a whole new side of Cliveden’s woodlands. As well as using ropes and harnesses to climb up into the trees, there’ll be a zip wire and rope swing to play on with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company. £18.50 per session, ticket price includes admission for climbers, usual admission charges apply to accompanying adults/ spectators. For children aged 6+ accompanied by an adult.

1 Apr – POND DIPPING DAY at The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG18 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.uk Join the team for a pond exploration session. Discover what lives beneath the depths! Suitable for children aged 3 and above.

Younger children are welcome to attend with their families but will not be able to take part in the activity. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is outside so come dressed for the weather! 10.30-11 and 12.30-1.30pm.

Rumpelstiltskin at New Greenham Arts Auditorium, see 2 April

30 Mar – FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY – MAKE A TUDOR TYG at Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury,

www.familiestvw.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398

MARCH/APRIL 2016

What’s On 2 Apr – RUMPELSTILTSKIN at New Greenham Arts Auditorium, 113 Greenham Business Park, Newtown, Thatcham, RG19 6HW, 01635 517 964, www.cornexchangenew.com A fairytale favourite spun before your very eyes. A woolly wonderland of a show with spinning, weaving, lively puppetry, music and storytelling, perfect for little ones. Auntie spins as hard as she can to make the wool for the King’s special jumper. But the royals are out of cash, the girl who is helping is useless at spinning and the Prince just wants to be a shepherd. Everyone gets their threads in a twist and then Rumpelstiltskin steps in. Who is he, where does he come from and can they guess his real name before he gets them all in a spin?

Suitable for ages 3+, 11.30am, £10.50 2&3 Apr – BEAR BEHAVING BADLY at The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060, www.readingarts.com Get ready for chaos and calamity as the hilarious CBBC show Bear Behaving Badly takes to the stage in its first ever nationwide live tour. Laugh with Nev, boogie with Beatrice and sing along with Blue Peter’s Barney Harwood as they are joined by Crazy Keith, Aunt Barbara and Mr. Prank in an adventure that’s full of mischief, laughter and mayhem. 1.30pm and 4.30pm, £16 adults, Children £14, Family £54 5 Apr – A WHALE OF A TIME! At The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Learn all about whales and the unique art form they inspired. Sculpt your own version from soap. Suitable for 7-11 yrs, £8.50, to book call 01491 415 600.

5 Apr – DUCKLINGS AND DAISIES at The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk Welcome spring by making a duckshaped container for a real Easter flower. Suitable for 4-7 years. £8.50. To book call 01491 415 600.

6 Apr – WILD ONES at Jennet’s Park Community Centre, Tawny Owl Square, Jennetts Park, Bracknell, RG12 8EB, 01344 308 571, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Discover spring wildlife, make a clay bug and a giant flying butterfly puppet plus a mini-beast hunt. Best suited for 5+ years. £2 for materials.

6 Apr – WILD WEDNESDAY – COLOURS OF CLIVEDEN at Cliveden, Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden A colourful adventure hunting for brightly coloured flowers. Can you find a rainbow of colour running through Cliveden’s spring blooms?

This outdoor adventure will see you follow a trail through the gardens to take a close up look at the brightly coloured flowers from red through to violet. Then take inspiration from the garden to make your own paper flowers to take home. Ideal for children 4-11 yrs, £2 per child in addition to normal admission charges.

Easter events at Dinton Activity Centre, see 27 March

Lots more Easter Holiday ideas at www.familiestvw.co.uk/whatson

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What’s On 6-7 Apr – THE MARVELLOUS MYSTICAL MAGIC SHOW at Wellington Country Park

Meet the magnificent birds from Millets Farm Falconry. A unique opportunity to get up close to hawks, eagles and owls. Also enjoy nature-themed art and craft activities. 10.30am-4pm.

Free with admission.

6-9 Apr – THE RAILWAY CHILDREN at The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, RG20 8AE, 01635 46044, www.watermillorg.uk Story by Edith Nesbitt, adapted

by Beth Flintoff. Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter are three ordinary London children whose lives are turned upside-down when their father disappears. Transported to a new life in a rural village, the children discover the railway on their doorstep and life becomes one long adventure, filled with the faces of people who work and travel on the trains. E.Nesbitt’s classic adventure is brought vividly to life by the Senior Youth Theatre with their signature sense of humour and exuberance. Tickets £11.50 & £11, concessions £6.50 and £6.

Show time 7.30pm (Sat 9th show at 6.30pm)

8 Apr – WILD ONES – WILD CRAFTS at Sandhurst Memorial

Park, Yorktown Road, GU47 9BJ, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Discover spring wildlife in this ‘make and take’ craft drop-in. Make a kite to fly and enjoy a bird spotting trail. Best suited for 5+ years. £2 for materials.

9-10 Apr – ALL ABOUT DOGS SHOW at Newbury Showground, Priors Court, Hermitage, Berks, RG18 9QZ, 01635 30267, www.visitnewbury.org.uk A weekend packed with fun, competitions, shopping and activities for dogs. Your dog is a major part of the family and that entitles your dog to a special day out every so often, where other doggie people (and their dogs) can meet and have some fun joining in a host of activities especially designed for four-legged friends. The show includes a fun dog show open to all dogs, Kennet Flyball Club, Ask the Experts, The Deaf Dog Network, Doggie Obstacle Challenge, Shopping Parade and much more. All tickets £7, free parking.

6-10 Apr – OLIVER! At South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.co.uk Watch a classic story come to life before your very eyes with Charles Dickens’ most loved tale, Oliver! Set amidst the dark, sooty alleyways of Victorian London, follow the journey of a young orphan who faces the trials and tribulations suffered by simply asking for more. With an infamous score by Lionel Bart, Oliver!

Is a must see show for grown ups and little urchins. 2pm & 7pm, adult £18, child £15, family £52.

7 Apr – WILD ONES – MINI BEASTING at South Hill Park Arts Centre, RG12 7PA, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk Have fun discovering the mini-beasts of South Hill Park. Meet in the Arts Centre courtyard. 1pm-2.30pm.

7 Apr – SPRING FAMILY WILDLIFE DAY at The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG18 3FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.uk

9-10 Apr – BIG FOOT THE ENTERTAINER at Wellington Country Park

The Railway Children at The Watermill Theatre, see 6-9 April Learn all about local wildlife on this popular day out. Take part in quizzes, games, bug hunting, pond dipping, den building and much more. Drop in throughout the day and explore the reserve. Please note some activities will need to be booked on arrival. Suitable

Mega Make and Do at New Greenham Arts Centre, see 9 April

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www.familiestvw.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398

for ages 4+, activities primarily aimed at primary school children. 10.30am-4pm, Free.

7 Apr – BIRDS OF PREY at The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, RG9 1BF, 01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.uk

9 Apr – MEGA MAKE AND DO at New Greenham Arts Studio 2, 113 Greenham Business Park, Newtown, Thatcham, RG19 6HW, 01635 517 964, www.cornexchangenew.com A bigger, better, messier version of Make and Do! A morning of arts and craft activities that will let you get creative on a bigger scale and you can take your creations home with you! Studio 2 is the regular art space at Greenham Arts Studio, and is used for all sorts of painting, drawing and sculpture classes for adults and children. Light refreshments will be provided and disposable aprons will be available, but please come dressed for mess! All children must be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am, £4 adults and children.

17 Apr – PLUNDERED! at The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, RG20 8AE, 01635 46044, www.watermillorg.uk Presented by The Really Big Pants Theatre Company, a show especially for primary aged children. Whilst searching for hidden treasure, Captain Blackbeard, a famously selfish pirate, has left a once beautiful tropical island littered with rubbish and its inhabitants struggling to survive. It’s up to Maggie and Roy to save it. Teleported from their school trip into the centre of the Amazon, can they restore the place to its natural glory? Tickets £6. Show at 11am.

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What’s On 17 Apr – DAWN CHORUS at Dinton Activity Centre, Sandford Lane, Berkshire, RG10 0SU, 01189 746 343, www.wokingham.gov.uk/ dac. New: online booking http:// booking.wokingham.gov.uk Join Friends of Lavell’s Lake (www.foll.org.uk) on a gentle dawn stroll and immerse yourself in the uninterrupted glory of birdsong. 4.45am-8.30am £1 adults, children free.

17 Apr – THE CAT IN THE HAT at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344 484 123, www.southhillpark.org.uk Based on the much loved book

by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for children aged 3+.

From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure, but what will mum find when she gets home? 2pm & 4pm. Adult £12, child £8, family £32.

23 Apr – BABY FIRST AID at Southcote Community Centre, Reading, RG30 3QP, 07540 433 658, firstaid.reading@nct.org.uk Reading NCT have partnered with British Red Cross to provide first aid training for parents of babies under 1 year and older children up to age 12. These interactive, confidence building courses are held locally and will provide plenty of opportunity to practice techniques and ask questions. Courses are suitable for parents, expectant parents and carers of babies and young children. Topics covered include unconscious babies and children, choking, bleeding, burns, raised temperature, meningitis.

Baby & Children’s Markets 5 Mar – NEWBURY AND DISTRICT NCT NEARLY NEW SALE at Kennet

All About Dogs Show at Newbury Showground, see 9-10 April 24 Apr – WORLD PENGUIN DAY at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP, 01993 823 006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Penguin keepers will be providing a

range of fun activities to help raise awareness for Humboldt Penguin Conservation in support of Sphenisco.

There will be extra Penguin Talks and feeds as well as competitions and activities for visitors to join in.

School, Stoney Lane, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4LL, www.nct.org. uk/newbury Bag a bargain at the Newbury and District nearly new sale at Kennet School from 11.15am - 12.30pm.

You’ll find top quality maternity, baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment at bargain prices, laid out department-store style.

Entry is £1. Early entry at 11am for NCT members. The twice-yearly NCT Nearly New Sales raise funds to help the NCT provide support to parents locally. New volunteers and sellers always welcome. To find out more, visit www.nct.org.uk/newbury or email nns.newbury@nct.org.uk.

5 Mar – BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET at Bulmershe Leisure

Centre, Woodlands Avenue, Reading, RG5 3EU 40 stallholders selling excellent quality nearly new baby and children’s items fro birth to 6 yrs, plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby and children’s industry showcasing and selling their products under one roof. £1 entry, children free.

Yvette: 07979 867 004, Yvette@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

23 Apr – BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET at Academy Sport Leisure Centre, Northumberland Avenue, Reading, RG2 8DF. As above, contact leon@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / 07868 305 807

Easter events at National Trust venues, see 4, 5, 6, 30 March, 31 March-1 April and 6 April

24 Apr – BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET – at St Bart’s School, Andover Road, Newbury, RG14 6JP As above, contact Tom McCarthy, 07940 835 792, tom@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Amners Farm Lambing Days 6 / £7.50* Adults: £ 4.50 / £5* :£ n re d Chil 20 / £23* Family: £

Open 23rd & 24th April 30th April, 1st & 2nd May 2016 11am-6pm (last entry 5pm)

Prices ren) Pre-sale the day s, 2 Child ased on es 2 Adult *If purch ket includ (Family tic

A Great day out!

• See lambs being born • Steam train rides • Pets Corner • Straw play barn • Crafts & refreshments • Archery • Tractor and trailer rides • Pony rides • Falconry and more...

Find us between Junction 11 and 12 south of the M4.

Follow the signs on the day.

Amners Farm, Burghfield, Reading, Berkshire RG30 3UE

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Lots more Easter Holiday ideas at www.familiestvw.co.uk/whatson

n go to informatio o.uk For more farm.c rs ne m .a www 833 437 on 01189 or call us Pregnant women are advised not to attend the Lambing Days.

No dogs allowed.

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Easter Fun

Easter Activities and Days Baby Lambs Top spots to see cute fluffy lambs being born:

Amners Farm Lambing Days Amners Farm is a working farm set just outside the village of Burghfield between J11 and J12 of the M4.

For two weekends a year, Amners opens its doors to the public for its very popular Lambing Days.

Amners Lambing Weekends offer a real family day out. Not only will you be able to see lambs being born but there are also a host of other exciting activities including pony rides, archery, an area where you can hold chicks and lambs, miniature railway rides, tractor and trailer rides, craft stalls and much more. You can choose to bring a picnic or visit the on-site café. This year’s Lambing Weekends are 23-24 April and 30 Apr-2 May, 11am-6pm (last train ride 5pm). For more information visit www.amnersfarm.co.uk

Kids and Dogs Workshop If your child loves dogs, Dog Trouble in Wokingham is hosting a two day dog behaviour workshop for young people aged between 6-12 years old. A fun but informative practical workshop educating young people about basic dog behaviour and how to behave around and care for dogs in a safe, balanced way. Workshop times are 9.30-3.00pm. Each young person must attend each day and bring a packed lunch. Young People will get to work with their own dog or care for a balanced dog from the Dog Trouble Pack and will learn how to walk a dog by their side, how to play with them safely, how to keep a dog healthy and how to understand a dog’s body language. Course costs £95 for a 2 day course per child www.dogtrouble. co.uk/dog-centre/kids

Easter Family Fun at Odds Farm Park Guaranteed to give you the ahhh factor, there’s plenty of Family Fun this Easter at the award-winning Odds Farm Park.

Children can bottle feed goats, jump on board the daily tractor and trailer rides for a fun tour of the farm and from 25 March until 12 April solve the Spring Trail to earn a yummy treat. Plus, there’s plenty of opportunities to see the Easter lambs and you may be lucky enough to see one being born.

Elsewhere you can meet the farmers and get extra close to the animals in the undercover animal barns. Stroke bunnies, hand feed goats and sheep, meet cheeky pigs and take part in the daily animal activities programme.

Odds Farm also boasts a giant indoor playbarn – a massive adventure play area including a 4 lane slide, 2 large drop slides, a netted area with zig-zag chicanes and tunnels, swinging ropes and much more. Adults can relax with a coffee from Marmalade’s Tea room, and with special toddler and Under 5’s areas, there’s bags of fun for all ages.

Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40 near Beaconsfield.

For full details, visitors should call 01628 520 188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Manydown Farm Welcomes Ewe Between 18 March and 10 April 2016 the Manydown estate begin to welcome their baby lambs. As part of the fun-packed event you can also hold baby chicks and bunny rabbits. There is even sheep racing and the chance to see farmyard pigs, sheep, goats, ponies and geese. Set in acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside there’s acres of outdoor play with The Mega Bale Mountain, Tractor Tyre Mountain and Human Rabbit Warren ready for kids to have a good run around and blow off those winter cob-webs! There is also a Tractor & Trailer ride that will take you around the fields of Manydown – with a few bumps the kids will love along the way! http://www.manydownfamilyfun. co.uk

Millers Ark Open Days Millers Ark, near Hook has open days throughout the Spring where you can go in to every pen and handle all the animals. Families are given the chance to groom baby donkeys and ponies, cuddle lambs and baby goats, stroke rabbits and guinea pigs, hold tiny chicks and ducklings and tickle the piglets tummies.

Looby Loo the land train will be giving rides throughout the day weather permitting for £1 a ride. Entry is £7 for adults and for children aged 2 and over.

Children under 2 are free. There are NO credit card facilities at the farm. For more information visit http://millersark.co.uk/opendays.aspx

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www.familiestvw.co.uk Tel: 0118 9745 398

Paultons Park now open for 2016 season The ever popular family theme park, Paultons Park, opened its gates for the 2016 season on February 14th.

Guests visiting the park this year will be treated to a prehistoric adventure at its state-of-the-art 4D cinema which will be screening animated dinosaur adventure The Lost World 4D. Moviegoers will be thrown into the on-screen action and taken on a wild jeep ride through dense tropical rainforest, whilst experiencing the cinema’s 4D effects including moving chairs, water sprays, blasts of air, leg tickers and even bubblers.

And if that’s not enough excitement, guests will also be able to enjoy more than 60 rides including favourites such as EDGE, Cobra, Magma, The Raging River Ride, Critter Creek and of course Peppa Pig World.

Tickets from £25.75 from www.paultonspark.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Easter Fun

Out in the Thames Valley Slime Time

Wellington Country Park Easter Eggs-Travaganza

The Look Out in Bracknell is playing host to The Slime Show every weekend and during the school holidays Why are slugs and snails so slimy? Can you really cut, bounce or stretch slime? All very repulsive but perfect for children aged 3 years and over. The show runs until 2nd May and take place at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm, subject to minimum numbers. The cost of the show is £1.85 per person in addition to the main entrance price to the hands-on science and nature exhibition. Please note that a minimum of 10 people are needed for shows to proceed. There is no need to pre-book tickets for the shows; tickets can be purchased from reception on the day. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Roll up, roll up the circus is in town… and it’s bigger than ever! Wellington Country Park is hosting loads of brilliant events over Easter. With Easter crafts, egg hunts, Big Top Circus, Circus Skills and The Marvellous Mystical Magic Show and ‘Big Foot’ the Entertainer Shows there is something for everyone over the holidays. www.wellington-countrypark.co.uk/

Wolf Conservation Trust The Wolf Conservation Trust is now open every Wednesday from 11am until 4pm and is a wonderful day out for all the family, with photo opportunities from a photographic platform area, guided tour of the Trust and the opportunity to watch the wolves being fed at 2pm. Additional children’s activities will be held during school holidays. Adults £8, Children 3-12 £5, under 3's free. No booking required. https://ukwct.org.uk/

Railway Fun Cholsey and Wallingford Railway welcomes back Ivor the Engine this Easter. He will be steaming between Cholsey and Wallingford over the Easter weekend where you can go along to meet those favourite characters such as "Jones the Steam".

The event will feature a full size Ivor the Engine locomotive, with his memorable signature whistles. No need to book. There will also be steam trains running on St George's Day, the 23rd April. http://www. cholsey-wallingford-railway.com/ Events.html At Didcot, the Easter Steamings will be running between 25 a at Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, OX11 7NJ, 01235 817 200, www. didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk There will be Easter Specials between 25 and 28 March at Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway with four days of steam hauled trains and Hot Cross Buns for Adults and Chocolate Treats for Children during the journey www.chinnorrailway.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Mini Mudder is back The junior version of the infamous Tough Mudder returns to Fawley, near Henley-on-Thames on 30 April. The Mini Mudder is a 1-mile obstacle course designed specifically for kids over 42” tall and between ages 7 and 12. Fruit Shoot Mini Mudder gives kids a chance to work as a team, get muddy and experience the thrill of adventure. Entry is £10. www.toughmudder.co.uk/fruitshoot-mini-mudder

Classical Concerts for Children Hear Palmer Ensemble's Rebekah Frost and Kate Addis play beautiful classical pieces for viola and double bass in a relaxed and informal concert for little ones and their families. The concert takes place on 3rd March and 7th April at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Goring. Doors open at 10am, the concert starts at 10.15am and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Adults £7 and free entry for children. This can be a great introduction to classical music for little ones with music by Bach and Dragonetti and the chance to move around if your child doesn’t like sitting still! www.palmerensemble.com

My First Ballet The New Theatre in Oxford is playing host to the English National Ballet's production of Sleeping Beauty between 30 April and 1 May 2016.

My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty is an enchanting version of the fairy tale ballet created especially for children aged three upwards. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music, this is the perfect introduction to the beauty of ballet, and a fantastic family day out. The ballet is performed by second year students from English National Ballet School. www.ballet. org.uk/whats-on/myfirstballetsleepingbeauty/ 29

Easter Fun

Easter Egg Hunts Easter egg hunts are great fun for all ages and there are plenty of places to spot the Easter Bunny, become a chocolate detective and hunt down some Easter treats around the Thames Valley.

Cliveden near Maidenhead has a host of activities this Easter to make your family time full of new discoveries and adventures. From 25-28 March Cliveden invites you to their annual Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. Bunny has been spotted hopping along the garden paths looking for the perfect spot to hide some of his Cadbury’s chocolate. Luckily, he’s left some clues to point you in the right direction….follow his trail of giant eggs to find a yummy choccy at the end before his bunny friends do.

You and the whole family will have to navigate past the ducks and geese in the Water Garden, skirt round the giant fountain, pass thousands of sweet scented hyacinths and traverse daffodil-lined paths to claim your tasty prize. The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt will be on from 11am until 3.30pm Friday to Monday over the Easter weekend and costs £3 per child plus normal admission charges.

On Easter Saturday 26 March the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be hosting an Easter Egg Trail in the lovely riverside gardens. All young competitors will receive an Easter Egg prize. The event runs from 2pm-4pm and is completely free. Visit www.fccg.org.uk for more details.

Newbury’s Giant Easter Egg Hunt takes place from 25th March-9th April throughout the town centre, offering fabulous fun for all the family.

Between the 24 March and 12 April, The River and Rowing Museum in Henley will be running an Easter Egg hunt every day between 10am and 5pm. Follow the Easter Bunny’s trail, solve a puzzle and enjoy a mini Easter egg. Free with admission. There will be lots of other events running over the holidays. Visit www.rrm.co.uk Between 25-28 March you can join the EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA at Bucklebury Farm Park, Bucklebury. Help bottle feed the baby lambs and then go on a great Easter egg hunt through the woods! www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk National Trust properties will be running special Easter Egg trails in their beautiful gardens over the Easter weekend between 25 and 28 March. Trails cost £3 per child. Don't forget to claim your Cadburys Egghead at the end. Normal admission charges apply. Local properties taking part include: • Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NR, 0118 984 3040 • Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, RG9 4PG, 01494 755 564 • Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA, 0844 249 1895 On 25 March you can join the Easter trail at Maidenhead and Cookham Commons National Trust and navigate your way through the wildflowers, solve the clues left by Bunny and complete the challenges to find some yummy Cadbury chocolate at the end. £3 ticket price. Meet the Rangers to start the hunt any time between 11am and 2pm. www.nationaltrust. org.uk. There are also hunts at The Vyne on 27 and 28 March and Runnymede Meadows on 26 and 27 March.

Take part in the Wild Egg Hunt at Marwell Zoo over the Easter weekend and collect your very own chocolate egg.

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More Easter EggTel: hunts other www.familiestvw.co.uk 0118 and 9745 398

Don’t forget to meet the Easter Bunny too and join in with the other Easter activities including face painting and photo competitions. Admission charges apply. www.marwell.org.uk The Easter trail at Beale Park, Lower Basildon is back between 24 March and 11 April. Just complete the trail, hand it into the Park's restaurant and you will get an Easter treat in return (while stocks last). 10am-4pm. Cost: 50p plus normal admission charge. Plus special Meet the bugs sessions and Mini bug hotel workshops on 30 March and 6 April. www.bealepark.co.uk At Odds Farm Park in Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, there’s heaps of Easter Fun! From 25 March until 10 April, youngsters can follow the Easter Trail around the farm and get a Yummy Treat. Plus, with plenty of cute Lambs to Bottle Feed and meet, the return of Tractor & Trailer Rides (weather permitting) and fun in the Giant Indoor Playbarn, there’s so much to do. 01628 520 188 www.oddsfarm.co.uk Eggs-plorers should head to Wellington Country Park for their Mega Egg Hunt Trail on 27 March. There are also loads of other Easter activities to join in with as well as their normal attractions. www.wellington-country-park.co.uk Drop in for some egg-citing family fun on Easter Sunday between 11am and 3pm! Eggs-plore the Earth Trust Farm and meet some of the spring arrivals - including lambs, piglets and goats - plus bring an egg (hard boiled!) to roll down the Clumps! More Easter-themed activities to be confirmed. £5 adult, £2 child, £12 family. No need to book. http://www.earthtrust.org.uk/ Go to Jennett’s Park, Bracknell on Tuesday 29 March from 12pm to 3pm for an action-packed Easter adventure exploring the park and learning about nature as you follow the egg trail, with a prize at the end. The course will take an hour to solve and costs £2. Booking required. 01344 354441.

On Thursday, 31 March between 1pm and 3pm there will be an Easter treasure hunt at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell. Solve a series of clues and earn yourself a chocolate prize. The course should take about an hour to solve and costs £2. Booking required. 01344 354441.

STOP PRESS: Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices have announced that the popular Easter Egg Hunt at Highclere Castle will not take place in 2016

days out ideas at www.familiestvw.co.uk/whatson

MARCH/APRIL 2016

Parenting

Help! I’ve got a TEENAGER!!

So your little darling is about to become …a teenager! If the thought fills you with dread, Suzanne Virdee, author of A Teenage Girl’s Guide to Being Fabulous, shares her wisdom to keep those lines of communication open Growing up used to be a lot easier. There was no social media, no internet with its easy access to a full on adult world of porn and trolling and cyber bullying.

No smart phones and thankfully the concept of ‘sexting’ (sending naked pictures of yourself via your mobile phone) hadn’t even been heard of.

Now pornography is being watched in school playgrounds and on children’s smart phones.

Yes, really! Recently Childline reported that use of social media and cyber bullying is making children ‘deeply unhappy.’ It’s causing children to deal MARCH/APRIL 2016

with fears and worries that didn’t exist 30 years ago and it’s affecting their confidence and self esteem.

Don’t get me wrong, I think that social media and the internet can be brilliant tools, but from the research I’ve done, must of what young people are looking at and sharing is giving them some very skewed ideas about their roles in life. Many rap and hip-hop songs contain vile misogynistic lyrics, the pornography online is so graphic and degrading it’s giving children some very unhealthy ideas of what is ‘normal’ and how

relationships between boys and girls should be.

Not many teens want to talk to their parents about sex. I bet you’re not relishing the prospect either!

The first step is to fully understand their world.

Know what they’re being exposed to, the pressures being put on them, and how likely these are to affect them. It doesn’t matter if you are responsible and use parental controls on computers. Teenagers will still see the stuff on friend’s phones or computers.

When you can show them you know what their world’s like and they see you taking an interest in it, it will be easier for them to open up to you about issues affecting them. It also gives you the chance to bring up tricky subjects you want to explore with them. By helping them to make sense of what they are seeing they will become more resilient, their self

www.familiestvw.co.uk/parenting

esteem and confidence will be boosted.

If you think all this seems a bit sudden, it is. It’s all happened in a few years.

But if you are under any illusions about how damaging their world can be, read on. An NSPCC report into ‘sexting’ concluded: ‘There is a deeply rooted notion that girls and young women’s bodies are somehow the property of boys and young men.” The charity End Violence Against Women says: ‘One in three girls think it’s sometimes OK for a boy to hit her or force her to have sex.’ Two in three boys think this too. It seems to me that if we don’t do something now, we are in danger of turning back the clock on equality.

My top tips on talking to your teenager about social media: • Let them know you understand social media and how it works and use it yourself.

• Let them know you know the sort of things some young people are sharing and watching online and openly discuss issues such as ‘sexting’, trolling, grooming, online pornography.

• Make sure you lock down their profiles and use privacy settings to help keep them safe. Explain your concerns about ‘stranger danger’ (the average 12-15 year old doesn’t know one in four of their online friends!).

• Regularly ask about what they’ve done or seen online and ask how it’s made them feel.

• Remind them that once something is posted online, it’s there for good and can be seen by anyone.

• Never laugh at their fears or get angry about the things they tell you – that’s a sure way to shut down lines of communication.

A Teenage Girl’s Guide to Being Fabulous is available on Amazon.co.uk, Paperback £7.99, Kindle, £6.01

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