Families Central Scotland Mar-Apr 2013

FREE

Central Scotland’s really useful magazine for busy families of children age 0-12

Issue 15 Mar/Apr 2013

In This Issue • • • •

Ideas for the Easter holidays Child care feature Baby page Out and about guide

10:16 Page 1

Celebration Candy Cart Cart hire and candy buffet services throughout Central Scotland, including pick & mix stand and kids party bags. www.celebrationcandycart.co.uk 07896 971258 www.facebook.com/CelebrationCandyCart @candy_cart

FREE

DELIVERY!

Is your next local Jack & Jill Market on this weekend?

FREE

DELIVERY!

www.jackandjillm arket.co.uk Scotland’s Quality Nearly-New Baby & Children’s Market

WIN a family ticket to see The Mark of Zorro at the Macrobert

The Wallace Monument, 2 for1 voucher on page 9

www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk FREE

DELIVERY!

FREE

DELIVERY!

Special family photo offer from Lighthouse Studios

editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk

079302 64979

contents Local news and views...................................................................................4-6 Hi and welcome to the March/April issue of Families Central Scotland. In this issue you will find a really useful article on choosing a nursery, as well as your guide to nursery provision in the local area. We have a great article on local supports for you and your baby and as the days are getting longer and lighter we have ideas for the Easter holidays as well as our handy out and about guide to family friendly events and activities. Email, facebook or tweet us your favourite holiday suggestions.

Parent to parent ................................................................................................. 7 What to do in the Easter holidays........................................................8-9

Fiona & Louise the editors Win a family ticket to see The Mark of Zorro at the Macrobert on 6th April 2.30pm.

To enter our prize draw email your name and address to editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk

Childcare and nursery feature...........................................................10-13 Baby feature.................................................................................................14-15 Out and about............................................................................................17-19

Reader offer for a fantastic 2 for 1 voucher for the Wallace Monument, see page 9 Lighthouse Studios are offering a family photo session and 2 prints for £50, see page 7

contact us Check out our website on www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk where you will find more articles and information.

Follow and ‘like us’ on face book by clicking on www.facebook.com/FamCS and on twitter @familiescentral where you will get regular updates of local events for you and your kids.

If you are interested in advertising with us we are now taking bookings for our May/June issue which will be our summer clubs and classes feature. Deadline for copy and adverts is 1st April so email us at editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk for our media pack.

Circulation 12 000 copies delivered directly to nurseries, playgroups, health centres, libraries, leisure facilities as well as selected shops, cafes and schools.

Please contact us if you wish to receive our media pack, detailing costs and sizes of adverts.

Design – Gillian Lamb of Lamb Designs Printers – J Thomson Colour Printers

Families Central Scotland is part of a larger group of magazines headed

by Families SW London who are celebrating 20 years of publishing. All Franchised magazines are operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials are sent at the owners own risk and while every care is taken neither families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Where the individual matters At Beaconhurst School we focus on developing the talents and abilities of every individual. Call us to sample the unique Beaconhurst experience.

Financial planning expertise available.

Tel. 01786 832146 www.beaconhurst.com

3

Beaconhurst nursery is first class Beaconhurst School’s talented team of nursery staff are celebrating after receiving a first class report from the Care Inspectorate. The School’s Junior Start (nursery) was awarded Excellents in all four categories – the highest level possible – following an inspection. The achievement by the Bridge of Allan based nursery, which caters for children aged 3-5, is recognition of the high quality care it offers. Delighted Junior Start Team Leader Laura John says “We are ecstatic to receive such a fantastic report from the Care Inspectorate. It recognises the hard work carried out by staff and the structures and opportunities we have in place for our pre-school children.”

Happy birthday Kip McGrath, Stirling!

Stirling’s Kip McGrath Education Centre is celebrating 10 years of quality tuition. With student numbers now around 200, Centre Director, Fiona Macdiarmid can hardly believe she welcomed her first student in January 2003 and since then, has seen well over 1000 children pass through the Centre.

Now located in Stirling University’s Innovation Park, Kip McGrath is often the first port of call for parents seeking extra help for their children. There are many reasons for this but Fiona and her team always provide an individual programme for each student. “Individualised tuition is the key to helping every child reach their potential”, says Fiona “and we would like all our students to join in the celebrations for our 10th anniversary.”

Kip McGrath Education Centre, Unit 4 Scion House, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF. Telephone 01786 474818

The Care Inspectorate Report gives Beaconhurst Grade 6 (Excellent) in each of its categories which are: Quality of Care and Support, Quality of Environment, Quality of Staffing and Quality of Management and Leadership. The report concludes ‘The service consults with children and parents to an excellent degree. A committed staff team work hard to provide a warm, welcoming environment for children who attend the service and to challenge them with a variety of learning experiences.’

Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema

Beaconhurst School, 52 Kenilworth Road, Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4RR. Tel: 01786 832146 www.beaconhurst.com

The many highlights include ‘The Film Explainer Returns’: entertaining interpretations of films from the Scottish Screen Archive performed by, Andy Cannon: co-founder of family theatre company ‘Wee Stories’. The popular Saturday morning Jeely Jar screening, when you can bring a clean jam jar with matching lid for 2-for-1 tickets at just £2.25, will star two of the greatest film comedians in a Charlie Chaplin / Buster Keaton doublebill. The comedy greats will be accompanied by live improvised piano performed by the wonderful showman: Neil Brand – a festival favourite who will be judging the fancy dress competition. Come to the screening dressed as your favourite silent film star to be in with a chance of winning Bo’ness shopping vouchers: 1st prize £20 and two runners-up prizes of £10.

Little Paws

Take the whole family to the Bo’ness Hippodrome for an extraordinary cinema experience in magnificent surroundings. The programme for the third Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema has been announced and is full of events that all the family can enjoy. In an extended festival running from Wednesday 13th March to Sunday 17th March the exciting line-up of screenings with live music and accompaniment by an impressive array of musicians and performers also includes workshops and a fancy dress competition.

Why not come along to ‘Little Paw’s Shop and Party Den’ in the Stirling Arcade to stuff your very own teddy Tickets are on sale from 5th February and the full programme can be downloaded at bear! The shop is brand www.hippfest.co.uk Box office: 01324 506850 Twitter: @FalkirkCultural #HippFest new, and opened its doors Hippodrome, 10 Hope Street, Bo’ness EH51 0AA in January this year. With over 25 different bears to choose from there is definitely something for everyone; from traditional bears to mystical unicorns making as much mess as you like with the stuffing! You can even dress them up! and dinosaurs! You’ll get to pick a seat in the All bears are £12.50 and outfits start from only £6.99. Little Paws, Stirling Arcade – colourful den and hand-fill your new best friend – www.littlepawcompany.co.uk

4

families central scotland / issue 15

re

gis t & er sa ve !

Kids Play Kit Kids Play Kit is a premium quality and award-winning wooden furniture and toy supplier for the Early Years Market within the UK. The fast growing business which, has now furnished over 20 nursery schools and supplied over 50 small kids clubs and organisations, was started in 2012 by Joanna Hancock. The entrepreneurial mother of three was inspired to provide better quality, longer lasting, yet affordable wooden furniture designed for children in their younger years. Joanna said “By carefully sourcing manufacturers and selecting a concise but comprehensive range of wooden educational furniture and toys, I set up Kids Play Kit. We only source the best quality products at highly competitive prices and aim to be more than just another online educational supplier.

We are continuously expanding and evolving our range to meet our customers’ needs. We offer a personal, bespoke service and plan to build on these core aspects of the business throughout 2013.”

For more details about Kids Play Kit visit www.kidsplaykit.com or to arrange an appointment or call 08000 965865

Acrewood has been established as a leading Private Day Nursery and After School Club for over 21 years and is registered with the Care Commission. Acrewood offers free government funded places to children aged 3-5yrs.

Visit us online www.acrewoodnursery.com

Woody’s Youth Club offers quality childcare for your children morning, after school and during school holidays.

Bearheart Castle is a large soft play centre based on a castle theme, with ball pools, flumes,

aerial slides and lots more. Available for childrens’ parties and school outings. Open every Saturday and Sunday and all Stirling school holidays.

Labels4Kids launches new website Leading UK based international kids’ labelling specialist Labels4Kids is launching their new look website for March 2013. Labels4Kids make high quality labelling easily available, to help families save money on returning property to them, which is something vital more so than ever before with the cost of new clothing, shoes and other belongings increasing all the time.

The new Labels4Kids website makes ordering so much easier and you can even try designing your labels on the site prior to ordering. The fun site www.labels4kids.com/fam covers labelling for your children, your sports requirements, camping, corporate and even care home items for grandparents. In addition they have a full personalised clothing site with a separate checkout to produce high quality clothing in both climacool and normal ranges. Labels4Kids has very high levels of customer service with a money back guarantee, a free returns policy and a free 1st class delivery option. See the full range by ordering at www.labels4kids.com/fam today.

register online for future offers!!!

Acrewood Nursery, 35 Colquhoun Street, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK7 7PX, Scotland Tel: 01786 462621, Fax: 01786 446541. www.acrewoodnursery.com

Stagecoach Stirling is now taking bookings for the Summer term!

For a Prospectus call Stagecoach Stirling now on 0131 337 7774 or email: stirling@stagecoach.co.uk

Jack and Jill market news

You can make a difference

The Jack & Jill Market runs monthly quality nearly new baby & kids markets throughout Scotland. They are a not for profit community interest organisation, dedicated to helping local families make and save money!

Each market has between 40-60 stalls and attracts anywhere from 500 to almost 1000 shoppers!

Could you offer a child a good family home, opportunities to grow, the confidence to fulfil their potential and childhood memories to last a lifetime?

Fostering with Falkirk could give you the opportunity to do this and we need carers particularly for older children and sibling groups.

We offer training and support to ensure your fostering experience is fulfilling and the difference you could make to a child’s life could be remarkable.Our information evening is being held on the 27th March at The Park Hotel, Falkirk from 7pm-9pm. Come along and meet some of the team and hear foster carers share the rewards and challenges that experiences of fostering can bring. If you are unable to attend the information evening we would still like to hear from you. For more information please contact us on 01324-508656 or email fostering@falkirk.gov.uk

You can make a difference...

Foster.

Sweet treats Celebration Candy Cart offer traditional cart hire and candy buffet services throughout Central Scotland. Not only do we cater for weddings, parties and other special occasions, we also provide children’s sweet cone party bags, and have a range of sweets for sale throughout the year. We sell a range of seasonal sweet gifts for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, Hallowe’en and Christmas. We have a range of sweets in stock and can make up a bag as a little treat any time of year.

We are also available to attend fun days and other events to sell sweets on the day. Please see our website for full details on the services that we offer at www.celebrationcandycart.co.uk Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CelebrationCandyCart Follow us on twitter: @candy_cart or phone us on 07896 971258.

When local mum of 2, Pauline Macmillan from West Lothian first went along to a Jack & Jill Market as a shopper in July 2011 little did she know that just 18 months later, she would be Company Director.

After chatting to Nicole Diamond, the founder of the Jack and Jill Market, Pauline’s mind was racing so she contacted Nicole to enquire about working with her, and soon Pauline became an Events Co-ordinator , then Marketing & Events Manager for several of the markets, and soon after that was appointed National Development Manager to help Nicole grow the business.

Just before Christmas Nicole decided to move away from the live events and is now working on setting up The Jack & Jill Market online, and so of course was only too happy to pass over the reins to Pauline’s capable hands! Whether you are looking for clothes, cots, buggies, bikes, books, toys, games, high chairs, garden toys or in fact anything else for babies and children… you are sure to find it at your local Jack & Jill Market!

Get your skates on!

From 7th March Dai-Ola Rolla Discos will be holding 2 sessions of roller skate discos in Clackmannanshire each week. They will be at the Tullibody Civic Centre, Abercromby Place every Sunday from 2pm-4pm and in Hawkhill Community Centre, Hillcrest Drive, Alloa every Thursday from 730pm-930 pm.

Monthly Markets across Scotland, for a full list of dates and venues visit the website www. jackandjillmarket.co.uk or like Pauline did 18 months ago find them on Facebook!

The Roller Discos are for all ages – take your own skates or hire skates at the venues! For more information contact Michele - 07413 914861 daiolarolla@gmail.com

PlanetKeys Music Centre S t i r lin g

Fun, fully interactive and creative music classes starting from £12 per hour Keyboard / Piano / Guitar and much more..

Classes for 5 years and over..

FREE 1 hour Trial Lesson/Class To book your free trial lesson call us:

01786 448 417 or visit

PlanetKeys.co.uk

www.

6

families central scotland / issue 15

7 High Street - Dunblane - 01786 825933 www.toyhubdirect.co.uk

A

nn-Maree Morrison lives in Stirling and is a happily married mother of 3 boys aged 15, 14 and 10. She started Labels4Kids in 2004 and has won a number of high profile awards for supply of personalised name labels to the children’s market internationally, including last year - Entrepreneur of the Year in the Women in Retail Awards UK . The website www. labels4kids.com sells personalised name labels specialising in the children’s market that are high quality and offer a 100% guarantee and free postage.

Favourite child friendly restaurant Got to be Corrieri’s every time! We love it as it is relaxed, noisy and friendly with fantastic food.

Meadowpark is also nice now it has been refurbished but I think more for older children as it is quieter. We love Sara’s brownies and scones at the Cowane’s Coffee House in the Cowane’s Hospital, the baking is well worth the trip.

Why you like living where you do?

Stirling is a beautiful city steeped in history and close to the countryside, yet big enough to offer everything a large city can offer.

Favourite night out without the kids The Vue Cinema or Corrieri’s for a meal.

Favourite shop For younger children and wine supplies it has to be Toy Hub in Dunblane High Street, a wonderful range of high quality toys and wines. For clothing and shoes for women I check out Woodlane in Doune every now and then.

Favourite park Got to be the Kings Park for the view of the Castle, the park and the climbing frame and there is plenty of green space to set up a picnic.

Favourite children’s club/class The University of Stirling for children’s tennis and swimming, and Livilands Tennis Club for the children’s tennis lessons. The kids used to play Rugby and I found Stirling Rugby Club fantastically well ran and very friendly. For educational classes I can’t recommend Fiona Macdiarmid at Kip McGrath Stirling and Cellfield Stirling more.

Favourite day out For me it would be a walk around the Kings Park, a visit to Xtreme Karting or a game of tennis at Livilands with the family. Also a walk around the lake at Stirling University to feed the swans is nice.

parent to parent

No parent should be without Labels4Kids name labels of course and Herbalife Nutrition which I am now also a distributor for in Stirling.

Parenting pet hates XBOX…worse purchase ever. Don’t do it if you want them to study. It’s addictive and a constant source of argument in the family with the shoot ‘em up nature of the games.

Most embarrassing moment When we posted on my kids facebook pages, by accident, instead of labels4kids and it said “debating with mum about how much the tooth fairy should pay these days”…caused a laugh in the office but the kids were horrified and let us know as much on return from school!

Most loved children’s book The Gruffalo and Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy. For older kids we like Chill and Shiver, both by Alex Nye based in Dunblane at Sherrifmuir.

Most played with toys When they were little it was a chain of plastic rings joined together that we received from Australia, then toy trains. We would never be without our lego collection and a chess set.

Most successful recipe We love chicken in mustard sauce. Just cook the chicken in butter and remove then add cream, a teaspoon of mustard, a drop of lemon, salt and pepper, a chicken stock cube - simple and great. We use Dijon mustard.

Ann-Maree’s local recommendations Cellfield, Stirling Corrieri’s, Causewayhead Cowane’s Coffee House, Stirling Kings Park, Stirling.

Kip McGrath, Stirling Meadowpark, Bridge of Allan Toy Hub, Dunblane University of Stirling Sports Centre

7

Easter holidays What to do in the Easter holidays?

There are lots of great things happening locally this Easter. Read on to find out what you can do with the kids and to make sure you don’t miss out on what’s happening! For more great Easter ideas see our Out and About pages 17-19 and visit www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk

Telling the story of Scotland’s ‘Braveheart’

To some he is Scotland’s national hero, to others he was a freedom fighter who challenged an oppressive English king, but to millions he is known simply as ‘Braveheart’, the legendary figure from the Oscar-winning movie which still brings visitors to Stirling to discover the story of Sir William Wallace. Since Victorian times the National Wallace Monument has told the story of everything that Wallace achieved in his short dramatic life, and as visitors admire the magnificent broadsword with which he struck terror into the hearts of his enemies, they can follow the tale of his exploits and adventures.

The story of Wallace is most engagingly told when it is brought to life by the costumed historians, whose informative presentations take place all year round at the Monument, and the Easter weekend marks the start of a programme of events and activities which will provide visitors with a captivating experience when they visit one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks. Use your 2 for 1 voucher on page 9 of the magazine to get one admission FREE 1st March-30th April. www.nationalwallacemonument.com

Be a safe cyclist

We are running on road cycling beginners courses, during the Easter holidays for children aged 7 & 8 and 9 – 13.

The courses are suitable for children who have done no previous cycle proficiency training or those who feel they need more practise to cycle safely on the road. The training starts in a traffic free area before moving on to quiet roads. The classes for children aged 9 – 13 are over 4 mornings, 10am – 12 noon, cost £45 per child. The classes for children aged 7 & 8 are shorter, 2.00pm – 3.30pm, cost £40 per child. Full information at www.stirlingcycletraining. com phone 07966 201 519 If these courses are not convenient we will be running Summer Holiday courses.

Even experienced cyclists say they find our 1:1 adult training sessions useful and report increased confidence when riding on the road. Happy cycling!

University of Stirling Easter programme

Mastering a new activity takes time and expert coaching so where better for your child to hone their skills than at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Our packed Easter children’s programme is led by skilled staff with the knowledge and experience to ensure your child develops their full potential. The 2013 programme continues our ever popular activities in athletics, golf, gymnastics, kayaking, swimming, tennis, trampolining and triathlon. And new classes this year include hockey and Dance Cheer. The programme runs in two week-long blocks starting on Tuesday 2 April. Activities are priced from as little as £15 with special booking offers posted on the Sports Centre website. Bookings can be made by phone or in person at the Sports Centre. T: 01786 46690 www.stir.ac.uk/ sports-centre

Easter at Callendar House

A great day out for all the family – here’s what’s on at Callendar House this EasterMinted -An exhibition detailing the history of a subject of great interest to virtually everyone – MONEY! Exhibition on until 19th May, entry free (appropriately), as is entry to the historic house. Wish boxes – craft activity -Make your own money box in this family fun craft activity. Sessions on Tuesday 2nd & 9th April, Thursdays 4th &11th April from 11am-12 & 2-4pm. This is a FREE family activity for children aged 3-12 years and there is no need to book. Visit the Georgian Kitchen - Costumed interpreters create an exciting interactive experience. Some free Easter treats are on offer to sample , Simnel Cake and Hot Cross Buns and a wee hot chocolate 2-4pm a special Easter treat, the new Tearoom also serves a full helping. On Saturday 30 March a leg of lamb will be roasted over the fire, pop in for a sample or just to wallow in the delicious smells. www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Pirates and Princesses Parade

On Saturday 13th April there is lots of fun to be had for all the family at the Pirates and Princesses Parade in Falkirk High Street. At 1pm there will be free face-painting and pirate hat making at the Steeple area. Barbossa and his band of Buccaneers will search the town for treasure at 2pm and at 3:30pm the pirates will board their ship and parade along the High Street. The parade will leave the East end of the High Street and run all the way to Lint Riggs and back down the High Street. Make sure you find a spot to enjoy the parade anywhere along the route. There will be prizes for the best dressed pirates and princesses. Keep up to date with what’s happening at www.facebook.com/falkirkdelivers

8

families central scotland / issue 15

Easter holidays WIN a family ticket to see The Mark of Zorro at the Macrobert on 6th April 2.30pm.

A mysterious figure has arrived in town. A flurry of a cape, the glint of a sword and a flash of a mask; who is this baffling character? Exciting friend or formidable foe? If you’re looking for some swash buckling fun, come and lock swords with Zorro. Watch as our masked champion ricochets from one sticky situation to another in a world where adventure is the name and justice is the game! Suitable for ages 5+

To enter our prize draw email your name and address to editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk Closing date is 20th March 2013.

The high point of your visit to Stirling • Live Actor Performances • William Wallace’s Battle Sword • The Hall of Heroes • Souvenir and Gift Shop • Panoramic Views • Legends Coffee House • Free Car Parking • Woodland Walks

k the Chec details for e t s i s web event ecial of sp

• Hear the stories of The Battle of Stirling Bridge!

• Come face to face with a soldier

Easter at Hamleys, Glasgow Afternoon Tea with the Hamleys Bunny Bear this Easter!

from Wallace’s army

• Hear how battles were fought and won - with the weapons of Wallace’s time Live presentations Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays The National Wallace Monument Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road Causewayhead, Stirling FK9 5LF

www.nationalwallacemonument.com Open Every Day • Tel: (01786) 472140

Spring Saver

2 for 1

Present this voucher on arrival at The National Wallace Monument to receive

ONE FREE ADMISSION with an adult paying the standard entrance charge.

• Valid from 1st March to 30th April 2013, excluding 29th March to 1st April.

• Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

Visible Fictions

THE MARK OF ZORRO SAT 6 APR 2:30PM Monday 1st April – Friday 12th April (week days only) Hamleys, St Enoch Centre Glasgow How would you like to have Afternoon Tea with the Hamleys Bunny Bear? Join us this Easter as the Wonderlicious fun begins!

A swashbuckling adventure for ages 5+

01786 466666 / www.macrobert.org

We will take you on an adventure through our magical toy shop to the Easter Party Room where we will serve up a wide variety of treats from chocolate eggs to yummy muffins. You’ll even get to decorate your very own Millies Cookie!

There are lots of activities planned with Hamleys Bunny Bear. Listen to his bunny tales and join in the arts & crafts activities and games. Why not bring your own bear along and we will show you how to make your very own bunny bear. You can take part in our Easter egg hunt and also have the opportunity to have your photo taken with Bunny Bear. Before you leave each child will receive a special Hamleys Easter goodie bag!

But wait...there’s more!!

We have a live petting farm in store, a visit from a surprise Sylvanian Families character and thousands of Scrumpalicious sweets! There are so many reasons to spend your Easter holidays at the finest toy shop in the world!

For all details on how to book your place visit www.hamleys.com/glasgow or for more information email glasgowparty@hamleys.co.uk or call 08717 042 990 and ask to speak to a member of the Events Team.

www.macrobert.org/facebook www.macrobert.org/twitter

MACROBERT MAINHOUSE

UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING FK9 4LA

Childcare and nurseries a day) of free pre-school education from the age of 3, this usually starts the term after their 3rd birthday. This can be provided in a local authority nursery, a partnership private nursery, a nursery within a private school, a playgroup or with a childminder. If your child is younger, check whether your employer can offer help towards your nursery costs through the childcare voucher scheme. Under this, money is taken out of your pay packet before deductions, giving you savings on tax and National Insurance - in return, you are given a voucher or e-voucher that you forward to your nursery, and the amount is deducted from your bill. So it’s a way of getting more childcare for your money - though it requires your employer’s cooperation.

S

tudies show that attending nursery can increase a child’s confidence, because it involves mixing with adults, and other children, from outside the family group. It gives children social skills, and experience from an early age of an environment outside the home. The nursery ‘key worker’ scheme, under which each child is allocated a special member of staff with whom they can bond, helps provide security.

Healthy food and menus are another big plus of nursery provision, staff work hard to ensure children are given a balanced diet. And as your child gets older, play and learning opportunities will be targeted appropriately. Staff are trained in what young children can do when, and will be conscious of a child’s likely interests and potential.

Nurseries work best for parents who have regular working hours, because it’s difficult or impossible for staff to deal with erratic patterns of collection and drop-off. Nurseries often open early in the morning and some close late in the evening, but they are not as flexible as, say, a nanny or a childminder. On the other hand, they have the big advantage that only very, very rarely will they be closed at short notice - so they’re more reliable than one carer who may be ill or have to cope with a sudden family emergency.

How to reduce nursery costs All children in Scotland are entitled to 12.5 hrs a week (2.5 hrs

Lecropt Nursery

Make sure you read the most recent Care Inspectorate report for the nurseries you are considering. Be guided by your instincts when looking at a nursery. It may seem a cliché to say do the children look happy, but it is an important barometer of whether a nursery is good. Be aware of the quality of both indoor and outdoor play areas, are the spaces pleasant, bright, welcoming, and do they seem safe? Ask about meals, how the food is prepared, and what time meals are served. What kinds of snacks are provided and how often are they available?

Watch the children while they’re playing, and pay attention to how much they’re interacting with the staff. How do the staff come across - do they seem happy, relaxed, fun to be around?

Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do they seem interested in your child and his/her likes/dislikes and interests?

Ask about organised play sessions - weekly music groups, perhaps, or storytelling. Are there trips to the library, and to the

Old Doune Road Nursery

• Easy drop off and pick up point • Located near local train station and bus stops nearby • Daycare for 3 mths - 5 years old • Child centred care • Large outdoor secure play area • Healthy snacks provided • Full & Part Time Places • Professional & Experienced Early Years Practitioners • Member of NDNA • Established 2003 • Mon Fri 8 am. 6 pm • work in partnership with the local authority

Tel 01786 834596 www.lecropt-nursery.co.uk

10

How to choose the right nursery Start your nursery search well ahead of the time when you’re actually going to need to leave your child. The more confident you are of the choices you make, the happier you’ll be when it comes to the day you have to head back to the office. Ask around so you get other parents’ views on what nurseries are like in your area. Make a shortlist of ones that might work for you (remember to take geography into account: how easy will it be for you or your partner to do the drop off/collect?) and don’t hesitate to ask to visit a second time.

families central scotland / issue 15

• Easy drop off and pick up point • Located near local train station and bus stops nearby • Daycare for 3 mths - 5 years old • Child centred care • Large outdoor secure play area • Healthy snacks provided • Full & Part Time Places • Professional & Experienced Early Years Practitioners • Member of NDNA • Established 2006 • Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm • work in partnership with the local authority

Tel: 01786 822854 www.olddouneroadnursery.co.uk 4A Old Doune Road. Dunblane, FKI5 9AG

Bridge of Allan OSC After school care dedicated to Bridge of Allan Primary Provided on school premises Term Time - Mon to Fri, 3.15 till 6.00 pm • • • •

Enjoy healthy snacks A place for children to relax Or simply just have fun Service provider also owns the wellestablished Lecropt Nursery

For further details please contact Lorna Jack Mob: 07812997850 Email: manager@bofa-outofschool.co.uk

park? How are these organised, and how often do they take place?

Make sure you understand what the nursery charges, how payment is made, and exactly what the fees include (for example, do they cover meals, nappies, outings). How many weeks a year is the nursery open?

How are parents involved in the nursery, and are there opportunities for parents to meet up?

Is all well when I’m not there?

As your child is settling into nursery, trust your instincts about how well it’s going. You know your child better than anyone else, so if your hunch is that your child is happy and contented, that’s almost certainly the case. Remember that in the early days, he or she will probably get more tired than usual - nursery is a big change, emotionally as well as physically. Both your child and you need time to adjust to the new set-up.

Try not to drag out your goodbyes.

Leaving your child will be difficult, especially at first, but keeping it brief will help you both. Remember that your child may cry every day when you drop them off (and so might you!) for quite a while; this is a normal part of getting used to this big change in your lives. Cope with it by emphasising the positives.

Think about why you’re working (to make money and provide a better standard of living; to ensure you have an interesting life, and income, in the longer term) and how much your child will benefit from a wider social network.

Troubleshooting Fingers crossed, you’ll never have a problem with a nursery your child attends. But what happens when there is an issue? As every working parent knows, nothing undermines

Childcare and nurseries

your ability to work more than a nagging suspicion that your child isn’t happy, or isn’t being looked after as well as possible.

Cherry Tree Nursery Full and part time places Fully qualified experienced staff Caters for children from birth to 5 years

If you have any worries at all about your child’s nursery you must resolve them, and as quickly as possible. So as soon as something strikes you as ‘not right’, talk to the nursery manager or your allocated member of staff - many niggles are simply down to a lack of communication. Explain what’s up, and the chances are you’ll never have to mention it again, and things will all be smoothed over.

Large secure outdoor walled garden Open from 8:00am-6:00pm 51 weeks per year Established Children’s Nursery providing quality childcare Located at Beancross Farm Polmont with easy access to motorways Contact Anne/Kathrine @ 01324 716900 Email: 1cherrytree@btconnect.com

 

But if you’re not satisfied that all is well, put your concern in writing to the nursery manager. All nurseries should have a protocol for dealing with complaints - ask to see this if it’s not spelled out in the nursery handbook.

   

More information You can download a guide for the Childcare Voucher Scheme at www.childcarevouchers. co.uk or find out more about Childcare Vouchers at www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm For local nurseries Education Scotland reports and Care Inspectorate reports go to www.hmie.gov.uk and www.scswis.com The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) provides information for parents.

Search for NDNA member nurseries at www.ndna.org.uk/parents To find out if you are eligible to recoup some of your childcare costs through the tax credit scheme go to www.payingforchildcare.org.uk

  

Learning through the seasons

High Quality Care for children 0 - 5 years providing a safe happy stimulating learning environment • Convenient for M80 motorway links to Glasgow/

• • • • • •

Falkirk/Stirling Qualified and Experienced Staff Large Secure Outdoor play areas Open 7am - 7pm 51 weeks of Year Out of School Club (Opening August 2012) Located in the village of Longcroft, Bonnybridge Competitive Schedule of Fees. Discount available for pre-school children

Where the stars of the future shine!

ALLOA, FALKIRK, STIRLING and now GLASGOW

To arrange a visit please contact Joan/Janine Tel 01324 876949 or e mail joan@firststepsnursery.uk.com www.firststepsnurserylongcroft.co.uk First Steps Day Nursery Allandale View Glasgow Road Longcroft FK4 1QN

5% off your first year for all new bookings Jan - April

www.littlestarsnurseries.co.uk Banner Advert Little Stars.indd 4

14/01/2013 16:54

11

Childcare and nurseries Arnhall Day Nursery, Dunblane

Bertram Nursery Group, Falkirk and Stirling Looking for childcare? Well maybe we can help!

Why should you choose us? Well first and foremost our Bright Beginnings Nurseries in Falkirk, Bridge of Allan and Stirling and Hummingbird House Nursery in Dunblane have been successfully delivering high quality childcare for over a decade. As a well established provider we are the ideal choice to help meet the busy demands of working parents and provide stimulating safe environments so you can be sure that your children are happy and learning whilst in our care.

We have been established in the beautiful rural surroundings of the Keir Estate, on the outskirts of Dunblane, for over 20 years. We operate in partnership with Stirling Council enabling pre-school grant Arnhall Nursery is a private funding to be used with us.

Curriculum for Excellence that provides high quality ch and Pre-Birth to Three birth up to 5 year planning documents are followed and children from We have pre-school grant funded p birth up to 5 years receive high quality childcare byand have been graded Excellent & qualified and fully trained SCSWIS in our recent report; the Nu staff, who work closely with beautiful rural surroundings of the K parents to ensure an excellent service is provided at all times.

outskirts of Dunblane with ample

We pride ourselves on our exceptional service standards tailored to meet the needs of individual families, businesses and the wider community.

Our nurseries are unique yet all operate to the same standards of excellence, delivering an exceptional level of service through continuous reflection and development. With flexible opening hours and fully inclusive packages we offer our customers great value for money and work to ensure that all our families needs can be met. Our delicious menus have been designed in consultation with food nutritionists and all food is freshly prepared on site offering a well balanced diet to all ages of children. Our great staff teams are passionate and committed and work hard to create an atmosphere of care, respect, learning and fun which radiates throughout our happy establishments. Each site has a dedicated manager who leads a team of qualified professionals to work in partnership with our parents to ensure that the needs of all children are met.

We feel that we have many things to offer all families but believe that seeing is believing and welcome all visitors to the nurseries at any time of the day.

Please visit www.bertramnurserygroup.com or call our head office on 0131 Cherry Tree Nursery 662270 from more information.

Nutritional lunches and healthy snacks are provided by our • Open allexperience year round fromof7.30a in-house chef enabling your child to a variety homemade foods. We work alongside local outside • All meals included homeagencies cooked by such as Fitkids, LazyTown, Jo Jingles•and Littlequalifed Kicks to ensure Fully & trained fitness is part of your child’s routine. Visits to the MacRobert Centre and local attractions are arranged for all age groups For further details or to arran throughout the year.

please contact the Nursery

Open all year round between 7.30am andon 6.30pm we 822 391 01786 have ample car parking facilities for drop-off andDunblane picking up. FK15 Keir Estate, Children who come to Arnhall will experience playtime in www.arnhallnursery.co our fabulous gardens and outdoor classroom and enjoy walks through the woodland on the Estate. For further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Nursery direct on 01786 822391. Arnhall Day Nursery, Keir Estate, Dunblane, FK15 9NU www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

Full and part time places

Cherry Tree Nursery, Polmont

Fully qualified experienced staff Caters for children from birth to 5 years Large secure outdoor walled garden

Cherry Tree Nursery was established in 2006 and the tastefully converted farmhouse offers a Open from 8:00am-6:00pm 51 weeks per year warm, caring environment for your child. We have a large, fully enclosed, walled garden where your child can play and providing quality childcare learn safely. We have ample car parking and the perimeter Established is covered Children’s

by CCTV.Nursery We offer a range of care options for Located at Beancross Polmont withexcellent easy access to children from birth to five years with our fully qualified experienced childcare Farm staff who have professional motorways standards of care, this includes our team of bank staff who ensure our staff ratios are never compromised. The nursery provides a wide range of Contact 716900with the Care Inspectorate and are members of extra curricular activities including La Jolie Ronde, Enjoy-a-Ball and Mel’sAnne/Kathrine Melody. We@are01324 registered the Scottish Pre-School Play Association and National Day Nurseries Cherry Tree Nursery, East Beancross Farm, Polmont, Falkirk, FK2 Email:Association.

1cherrytree@btconnect.com 0XS. For more information please call Kathrine or Anne 01324 716900 www.cherrytreenurseryltd.com

Kidz Stop, Bo’ness and Linlithgow The Kidz Stop opened for business in Bo’ness in 2003 and in 2012 we opened in Linlithgow Bridge. This year we celebrate our 10th anniversary and we will be marking the occasion throughout the year with a number of exciting events. We have had a number of highlights over the 10 year period with the most memorable being in 2010 and 2011 when The Kidz Stop were runners up across Scotland in the competition for NDNA Nursery of the Year.

Nomination for this prestigious award is proposed solely by parents and is a huge vote of their confidence in the service we provide.In 2011 we were also voted ‘Training Provider of the Year’ by the Council at their annual awards ceremony. We were delighted to be recognised for our investment in training.

Parents choose The Kidz Stop because our staff are carefully chosen and committed to regular training. We are a partnership nursery with Falkirk Council and we have a high grading from the Care Inspectorate. We have a dedicated cook in Bo’ness providing healthy meals and we have gardens that offer a variety of outdoor play opportunities. We provide end to end service from Nursery to Out of School Club and a Holiday Club with trips and outings covering all the school holidays. Visit our website today at www.thekidzstop.co.uk or call Caroline on 01506 828007

12

families central scotland / issue 15

Childcare and nurseries Little Stars Nursery, Stirling

Little Stars Nursery at Craigforth, Stirling, off the M9 Junction 10 is open for all families in the Central Belt. Although situated in Prudential, it is currently used by families in Doune, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane and Stirling and you don’t have to work there to have your children use the facility. Little Stars is set in 20 acres of parkland with an outdoor classroom and play area and also an outdoor camp, that the children use one day a week come rain or shine to learn and understand about nature and all the wonderful benefits it brings.

We cater for children 6 weeks up to 51 weeks of the year, opening 8am -6pm Monday - Friday. A recently opened library specialising in outdoors and nature sets us apart from other nurseries in the area, add in the sensory room and garden and no wonder parents are impressed when they see what we have to offer. Our recent very good SSCWIS Report, information pack and monthly newsletters can all be downloaded at www.littlestarsnurseries.co.uk or tel 01786 445552 to book a show round and take advantage of our current offer. Little Stars Nursery, Prudential, Craigforth, Stirling, FK9 4UE

First Steps Day Nursery, Bonnybridge At First Steps the aim for our Nursery is to be a safe, happy and secure environment, where your child will be cared for and looked after by our highly experienced and qualified staff team.

We are very proud of our Nursery and are knowledgeable of the importance of having a favourable environment to support children’s creativity across the curriculum and of creating rich, varied and imaginative experiences for young children’s overall development.

At First Steps we offer a very competitive “ Schedule of Fees” and will offer discounts for children in their Pre School Years.

We do believe we are the best nursery in the Bonnybridge and surrounding area, and do offer fantastic value for money.

We will help your child to develop through risk taking challenging experiences, which will build their self esteem and confidence in their own abilities and which will enable them to become confident individuals. First Steps Day Nursery, Allandale View, Glasgow Road, Longcroft, FK4 1QN 01324 876949 www.firststepsnurserylongcroft.co.uk

Acrewood Nursery, Stirling At Acrewood Nursery we are passionate about getting it right for every child.Your child is at the centre of all that we do. We aspire to becoming a learning organisation capable of continuous improvement – renowned for the excellent quality of learning and teaching, care, welfare and support that we provide.

We aim to create an enriching, caring and safe environment for all the children in our care. Create a sense of belonging where all feel valued and respected. Enable children to make choices and become directors of their own learning. Create opportunities for parents and other professionals to support children in being happy, healthy and enthusiastic learners. Promote a sense of wellbeing both physically and mentally.

We know that your child will leave us at the end of each day with a smile on their face, with positive learning experiences ready to come back again and learn some more. Acrewood Nursery. 35 Colquhoun Street, Braehead, Stirling FK7 7PX www.acrewoodnursery.com

Lecropt Nursery, Bridge of Allan and Old Doune Road Nursery, Dunblane Choosing a nursery or after school club can be a daunting task for parents, especially with your first child. Different settings suit different families but try and visit as many as you can and go with your instincts.

A first time parent recently called the nursery specifically to say she didn’t know what to expect from a private nursery but the team had exceeded her expectations and were excellent. Lecropt and Old Doune Road Nurseries and Bridge of Allan Out of School Care provide care for small numbers of children in each of their age groups, which allows the staff team, children and parents to form excellent relationships in a homely environment. We are very keen for all our children to learn about healthy lifestyles and the environment. Each of our settings provides regular outdoor physical activity, exploration and healthy food. Lecropt Nursery, The Old School House, Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan – 01786 834596. www.lecropt-nursery.uk Old Doune Road Nursery, 4A Old Doune Road, Dunblane – 01786 822854 www.olddouneroadnursery.co.uk Bridge of Allan Out of School Care – 078129 97850.

13

Baby feature It can be tough, but there’s help out there

S

o, you’ve had a baby.

You’re a new mum and of course you’re tired, but you’re also elated and amazed at this tiny new being that has entered your life. You spend every waking hour staring in adoration at their tiny little toes and gorgeous little mouth. Your exhaustion doesn’t matter as you drift from day to day in a haze of milky delight.

Or maybe you don’t. If you are like me then those first few weeks, even months of being a new mum are the hardest days of your life. Not only are you exhausted after weeks of unbroken sleep but you’re also struggling with breast feeding or getting your baby to take a bottle, your baby is unsettled and suffers from reflux and why oh why won’t it just go to sleep? Even if it’s your second or third baby, it’s still just as hard. You’ve got baby blues, or perhaps even post-natal depression. Now the most important thing you can do, even if you don’t feel like it, is to get out there, meet some other new mums and get some support.

Support groups If you’re tired, struggling to bond with or feed your baby or have a touch of the baby blues, there are plenty of support networks out there.

• Health visitors – Health visitors are there for the welfare of babies and their parents, and your health visitor should support you in whatever way they can. They should get in touch with you in the first few days of you returning home from hospital, but if you don’t know how to reach your Health Visitor your doctor’s surgery will be able to tell you.

Ask your health visitor about local parent and baby groups or baby massage groups.

• Step Forth Buggy walks - Run by Step Forth and local health visitor’s buggy walks available in Bannockburn, Bonnybridge, Denny, Grangemouth and Polmont. www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org/fitness/step-forth/buggy-walks. aspx • Home Start - Is a charity that helps parents by providing

14

families central scotland / issue 15

by Joanna Parry

volunteer support. Whether you’re struggling to look after your baby or suffering from postnatal illness or even just feeling lonely and isolated, Home Start can help. Home Start is available in Stirling, parts of Falkirk and Clacks, see www.homestartstirling.co.uk www.hsclacks.co.uk and contact Falkirk on 01324 829 444 • NCT runs Bumps, Babies and Beyond groups, where you can make friends and share experiences with other new mums. There is a group at the Mayfield Centre in Stirling, on a Friday 9.30-11.30am • Parent and baby groups, and playgroups offer vital postnatal support and advice. Most importantly, they don’t cost more than a pound or two. See our local directory on www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk • Check out your local library. Most libraries will run either a Bookbug session or Baby Rhyme Time where you can go for ½ hour songs and stories and its FREE! There are also specific Dad Toddle Time sessions.

Postnatal depression Postnatal Depression (PND) is often not fully understood by mums who experience it, yet one in three mothers will suffer from it. Becoming a parent can be a shock and it is perfectly normal to feel emotional, vulnerable and sensitive after your baby is born. Some mothers may feel confused about their feelings - they feel they should be overjoyed and instantly fall in love with their baby but this is not always the case, especially if you’ve had a difficult labour or a traumatic delivery. Baby blues typically occur between 3-5 days after the birth, and one theory is that they coincide with the hormonal changes that occur as the breast milk starts to come in. Another theory is that they are due to the ‘come down’ after the effects of endorphins, or a sort of physical shock reaction after the upheaval of birth. You may feel weepy, irritable, have a low mood and feel that you lack confidence in being able to look after your baby but these feelings usually subside after a week or so. However, postnatal depression is more serious and must be treated immediately.

Symptoms of PND can include: • sleeping problems • crying a lot • not eating or over-eating • physical pains such as headaches or stomach pains or blurred vision • a lack of motivation to get up and do anything • a constant sense of anxiety, sometimes escalating into panic attacks

• a feeling of being lonely or isolated • having difficulty concentrating • feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope • having no interest in sex • feeling guilty about everything and wondering if you are a bad mother • being overly protective of your baby • feeling emotionally disconnected from your baby • having frightening thoughts about harming yourself or your baby or about bad things happening If you feel any of the above, it is important to seek professional help. Your GP may suggest antidepressant medication and/ or counselling and your health visitor will know about local postnatal depression support groups. You can also go to www.apni.org or www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk for information, support and advice. Also, tell your family and close friends, as talking about your feelings is part of the cure.

Meet a mum and join a class Whether it’s a picnic in the park, or a mother-and-baby group, it’s important to get out there and meet other new mums.The NCT arrange regular coffee mornings and local playgroups often arrange get-togethers outside of the playgroup.You don’t have to ‘join’ these groups or come every time, but you’ll be sure to get a warm welcome and you will find these meet-ups invaluable.

Alternatively, join a class.This will give you an opportunity, not only to meet other mums but also to bond with your baby. There are a number of local classes specifically for babies offering a variety of activities from swimming, music and action.

Baby Sensory - Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Alloa, Falkirk, Larbert, Redding and Grangemouth. www.babysensory.co.uk Bouncing Beans (Active Stirling) - Stirling and Dunblane www.activestirling.org.uk Jo Jingles - Falkirk, Stirling, Polmont and Stenhousemuir www.stirling-area.jojingles.com Mini Music Makers - Falkirk, Stirling and Linlithgow www.nycos.co.uk/mini-music-makers Rhythm Time - Linlithgow and Bonnybridge www.rhythmtime.net Tiny Talk – Dunblane, Camelon, Denny, Polmont, and Kincardine www.tinytalk.co.uk Turtle Tots – Livingston www.turtletots.com Water Babies – Stirling and Falkirk. www. waterbabies.co.uk Wee Boppers Disco - various locations www.weeboppersdiscos.wix.com

Treat yourself If you feel up to it, get a babysitter for an hour or two and treat yourself to some quality ‘me’ time. Or persuade your husband to have some daddy/ baby bonding time too and you can pop out for a coffee with fellow mums.

Alternatively, take a walk in the park with a hot chocolate. It will do you the world of good!

Baby feature

K dsP ayK Award-Winning Educational and Play Furniture

08000 965 865 kidsplaykit.com

TM

com

Enter c FMCS2 ode 0 for 15%13 discou nt!

sales@KidsPlayKit.com KidsPlayKit Ltd, Hillhead Business Park Kirriemuir DD8 4PB Scotland offer ends 30/06/2013

Helpful websites www.nct.co.uk (there is a Central Scotland branch and a Falkirk and West Lothian Branch) www.direct.gov.uk/en/ Parents www.nhs.uk Support for twins www.twinsuk.co.uk www.tamba.org.uk

SPECIALIST BABY AND TODDLER SWIMMING CLASSES. NEW CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE IN WEST LOTHIAN.

w

No

i

g

in

irl

St n

OUR CLASSES: • Teach you to teach your baby to swim above and under the water • Have fantastic physiological, social and emotional benefits for baby • Help support the work of CHAS • Are fun & a great opportunity to bond with your baby COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL AND LEARN TO SWIM THE TURTLE TOTS WAY Contact Kirsty McNiece on 07855 395899 or kirsty.mcniece@turtletots.com

s en rch p O a M 29

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that provides high quality childcare from birth up to 5 years.

We have pre-school grant funded places available and have been graded Excellent & Very Good by SCSWIS in our recent report; the Nursery is set in the beautiful rural surroundings of the Keir Estate on the outskirts of Dunblane with ample car parking.

• Open all year round from 7.30am to 6.00pm • All meals included - home cooked by our in-house chef • Fully qualifed & trained staff.

For further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Nursery direct on 01786 822 391 Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

University Golf Course

Swing into action at our family-friendly course • Nine-hole par-three Airthrey GC • Putting green • Easter golf lessons for children • Equipment available for hire

01786 466915 www.stir.ac.uk/sports-centre

The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

You can make a difference...

Falkirk council urgently needs full time foster carers for young people either on a long term or short term basis.

Can You: • Provide a stable and loving home?

• Work as part of a team?

• Encourage a brighter future for a young person, unable to live with their own family?

In return you will receive: • A competitive tax free fee and allowance • Advice and guidance from an allocated and qualified worker • An opportunity to gain a recognised qualification • The knowledge you are helping to shape a young person’s future.

If interested we will be having an information night on 27th March 7pm- 9pm, at The Park Hotel, Falkirk. Qualified workers and current foster carers will be there to answer any queries you may have.

Foster.

01324 508656 • fostering@falkirk.gov.uk 16

families central scotland / issue 15

Saturday 1st September Present to Sunday 21st April Reggie’s roller palace at Callendar House A fun and free exhibition with life size ceramic creations of dogs on roller skates by artist Olivia Brown. FREE Present to Sunday 19th May Minted: A History of coins, notes and banking at Callendar House The history of Scottish banking was a global template for banking for many years.You can find out more about early forgery and see bank notes from local Falkirk banks.

FREE Saturday 2nd March Jupiter Wildlife Centre in Grangemouth Junior watch club – Bush crafty Would you be able to survive a night in the wilds of Jupiter? Hopefully we won’t have to, but have fun learning some skills that would be handy if you did. Booking essential. Contact the ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt.org.uk 10.30-12.30pm.

Monsters Inc (U) Macrobert.

Saturday 2nd and Thursday 7th March

Make a bird box workshop at Jupiter Wildlife centre in Grangemouth Make your own bird box which you can take home and help the wildlife in your own area. Suggested donation of £4 per box. Children must be accompanied. Booking essential.

Contact the ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt.org.uk 2-4pm.

Explore tracks and trails with the Hopetoun ranger Explore the depths of Hopetoun’s woods searching for tracks, trails and footprints of the animals which make Hopetoun their home.

Booking is essential, contact the Ranger on 0131 319 3956 or email ranger@hopetoun.co.uk 10.30-12 noon.

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd March Hyde Park in Hudson (12A) Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Friday 15th March

Sunday 3rd March Baby Booty Sale Stirling Rugby Club Nearly-new baby & children’s market. Buy pre-loved prams, toys, cots, high-chairs, books and much more all at affordable prices! To book your stall or for more information, please visit www.babybootysale.co.uk 10.301pm.

Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies Children will make a wind chime or paint their own plant pot to give their mums on Mother’s Day. FREE but children must be accompanied.

Mini Monster concert at the Albert Halls Presented by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Mini Monster Music brings the wonder of live music to a younger audience through stories, interaction and a sing-along or two! Although devised for pre-school children, the concerts are suitable for children aged 2 - 6 years old. FREE but you must have a ticket. 01786 473544 1.30pm.

Creative Stirling and Dyslexia Scotland present ‘The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia’ Destiny Church (formerly Allan Park Cinema) Suitable ages 8 upwards.

For more info www.creativestirling.org/events/ big-picture-rethinking-dyslexia 7-9.15pm.

Saturday 9th March Rise of the Guardians (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th March Looney Tunes Allstars 2 (U) Macrobert .

Wednesday 13th to Sunday 17th March Bo’ness Hippodrome Festival

times gone by. Journey into the imagination of the Scottish Gaels.

Faerie Stories is an enchanting show for children aged 6-11 that uses puppets, music and dance to share this unique part of Scotland’s history and culture in a fast, furious and fun way. For tickets phone the box office on 01324 506850 www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org 10.15 and 2pm.

NCT Easter Egg Hunt Kings Park Stirling. FREE event for children age 5 and under. Non member are welcome. For more information contact Tracy on 0844 2436079 10-12noon.

Looney Tunes Allstars 1 (U) Macrobert various times.

Tuesday 5th March

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12A) Bo’ness Hippodrome.

of Silent Cinema 2013 The Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema is back for a third year of classic and rare silent movies accompanied by music and theatrical storytelling performed live in the glorious Hippodrome cinema, Bo’ness. www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

out & about

Comic Relief Red Nose Day Saturday 16th March Falkirk and West Lothian NCT Nearly New sale Linlithgow Academy. Stock up on maternity wear; top-quality baby and children’s clothes; toys, books and games; as well as equipment, including prams, cots and baby baths, all at bargain prices. Cafe and home baking available. 1.30-3pm.

Chaplin and Keaton double bill (U) Part of silent film festival at Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings (U) Macrobert.

Sunday 17th March The Jack & Jill Market Falkirk 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearlynew baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). Shop Smartly, Spend Less, and Save! Grangemouth Sports Centre, Abbots Rd, Falkirk FK3 8JB: To book a stall visit www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk 10.30am – 1.30pm.

Science Sunday Funday at Mugdock Country Park Join the British Science Association to celebrate National Science and Engineering Week. There will be lots of experiments to try, activities to join in and science films to watch. FREE For information visit www.britishscienceassociation. org/national-science-engineeringweek11-3pm Thursday 21st March Round String Theatre presents Faerie Stories at Falkirk Town Hall Sit by the fire while we share with you ancient Gaelic Fairy Tales from

Friday 22nd March balletLORENT presents Rapunzel at the Macrobert Stirling A new take on the classic fairytale.

Full of colour and emotion, this spellbinding retelling is narrated by Lesley Sharp, and choreographed and directed by Liv Lorent. Suitable for ages 7+. Phone 01786 466666 for tickets and details. 7pm.

Saturday 23rd March Family Day at the Macrobert It’s the Big Dance Day, as part of Let’s Dance Festival 2013. Highlights include Scottish Dance Theatre’s unique theatrical playroom Innocence (for ages 2-7) and a Community Dance Showcase, together with workshops and demos throughout the day. Get your dancing shoes on!

Scottish Dance Theatre presents Innocence at the Macrobert Stirling. A unique theatrical playroom, Innocence is an exciting opportunity for 2-7 year olds (and their adults), to explore the world of William Blake’s childhood.

Innocence invites children to dance, play and sing, on a magical theatrical journey shared with Scottish Dance Theatre’s band of accomplished dancers. Join Scottish Dance Theatre as they pioneer a wonderful dance experience for children and their families. Suitable for ages 2-7.

Phone 01786 466666 for tickets.

Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists (U) Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Our Amazing and Expanding Universe Join the Rangers and Stirling Astronomical Society to find out more about our amazing night skies. This event starts outdoors, then moves up to the Stirling Observatory.

For booking details call 08452 777 000 or e-mail countryside@ stirling.gov.uk 7.15 -10.15pm.

17

out & about

aturday 1st September

Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks in advance of the event. Please call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out. and Hot Cross Buns. As a special Easter treat, a sample of Hot Chocolate will be served every afternoon from 2.00pm-4.00pm.

FREE. Saturday 30th March

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March Bedknobs and Broomsticks (U) Macrobert.

Sammy’s Great Escape (U) Macrobert.

Sunday 24th March The Jack & Jill Market 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs).

Shop Smartly, Spend Less, and Save! West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, EH54 7EP, Livingston www.jackandjillmarket. co.uk 10.30am – 1.30pm.

Wednesday 27th March

Easter Eggstravaganza at Jupiter Wildlife Centre in Grangemouth.

2-4pm. Come along to Jupiter for some Easter themed fun and games. Bring a hardboiled egg with you. Suggested donation of £2.

Children must be accompanied.

Booking essential. Contact the ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt.org.uk Easter craft session at Bonnybridge Library Come along to our fun, free and friendly craft session for 5 – 12 year olds.

01324 503295. 11am.

Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st March Monsters Inc (U) Macrobert.

Information evening to find out more about foster care in Falkirk 7-9pm The Park Hotel, Falkirk.

Thursday 28th March Wear a Hat Day Support Brain tumour research by getting involved either with a group at school or a local club or class.

To find out how to register visit www.braintumourresearch.org Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April Easter Egg Specials at Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Railways A free tasty Easter treat for every child and a chance to win a prize in our Easter Egg Hunt. Wear your Easter Bonnet! See www.bkrailway.co.uk for details.

Friday 29th March to Sunday 7th April The Croods (U) Various times at Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Friday 29th March to Friday 12th April Easter treats in the Georgian kitchen at Callendar House Meet Cook in the authentic atmosphere of the preserved kitchen and sample period recipes, listen to stories of life below stairs and watch the staff go about their duties. Sample popular dishes of the season, including Simnel Cake

18

Monday 1st April Easter Egg’stravaganza at Hopetoun House 10.30am - 12pm. Come along for this traditional workshop that involves egg painting, egg rolling and other eggciting activities. Don’t forget to bring along a hard-boiled egg or two. Booking is required, call the Ranger on 0131 319 3956 or email ranger@hopetoun.co.uk.

details visit www.creativestirling. org or enquiries@creativestirling. org or 01786 475 654.

Wednesday 3rd April Tall Stories presents My Brother The Robot at the Macrobert Stirling. 12pm and 3pm. Once upon a time in the future there will be a little girl called Bobbie. Bobbie will live with her inventor dad in a house filled with technology.

Bobbie and her dad will have everything they need –until one day, Bobbie announces that she’s lonely and she wishes she had a little brother. So Bobbie’s dad locks himself away in his lab and works day and night to create a special present for Bobbie, a robot little brother. Tall Stories presents its brand new show, combining humour, music and storytelling.

Suitable for ages 3+. Phone 01786 466666 for tickets.

Bug Bonanza at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre Grangemouth 2-4pm Have you ever seen a leopard slug, a wolf spider or a devil’s coach horse? Join us if you dare on a mega minibeast mission!

Suggested donation of £2. Children must be accompanied. Booking essential. Contact the ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt.org.uk Thursday 4th April Wish boxes craft activity at Callendar House for details see entry for 2nd April.

Saturday 6th April Tuesday 2nd April Wish boxes craft activity at Callendar House With our exhibition ‘Minted’ at Callendar House this season, we know you’ll be thinking about your own collection of cash! Make your own money box in this family fun craft activity. FREE Suitable for children 3-12 years; no need to book, first come first served. Sessions last approximately 20 minutes. Children must be accompanied. 11-12noon and 2-4pm.

Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th April Creative Stirling presents: Discovery Easter Film Club at Stirling Boys Club. A mixture of films and workshops for children of all ages during the day. For more

families central scotland / issue 15

Visible Fictions presents The Mark Of Zorro at the Macrobert Stirling 2.30pm. A mysterious figure has arrived in town. A flurry of a cape, the glint of a sword and a flash of a mask; who is this baffling character? Exciting friend or formidable foe? If you’re looking for some swash buckling fun, come and lock swords with Zorro.

Watch as our masked champion ricochets from one sticky situation to another in a world where adventure is the name and justice is the game! Watch out for ‘Z’s scratched into the ground, it might mark the start of a thrilling escapade. Suitable for ages 5+.

Phone 01786 466666 for tickets.

Jupiter Wildlife Watch club in Grangemouth 10.30-12.30pm.

Our wee Watch garden could do

with a bit of a spring clean now winter is finally over. £1. Suitable for ages 8+. Booking essential.

Contact the ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt. org.uk Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat sing a long at the Falkirk Town hall For tickets phone 01324 506850.

2.30pm.

Sunday 7th April Baby Booty Sale 10.30-1pm.

Stirling Rugby Club. Nearly-new baby & children’s market. Buy pre-loved prams, toys, cots, highchairs, books and much more all at affordable prices! To book your stall or for more information, please visit www.babybootysale. co.uk Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies The Enormous Turnip. Come along and hear the tale of the Enormous Turnip and learn all about root vegetables. The children will get to plant their own turnip to take home. FREE but children must be accompanied.

Tuesday 9th April Young ranger morning at Linlithgow Palace A fun way for youngsters to learn more about wildlife and the countryside.Young Rangers welcomes children from 5 to 15 years of age accompanied by an adult. Meet at Linlithgow Palace car park. FREE but booking essential. Contact the ranger on 01506 824065 or email hs.rangers@scotland.gis.gov.uk 10-12noon.

Wish boxes craft activity at Callendar House For details see entry for 2nd April.

Wednesday 10th April Pond Dipping at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre Grangemouth 2-4pmThe pond has woken up after winter and is now bursting with life! Have a go at dipping and see what you can catch. Suggested donation of £2. Children must be accompanied. Booking essential.

Contact the ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt.org.uk Thursday 11th April Wish boxes craft activity at Callendar House For details see entry for 2nd April.

Saturday 13th April Pirates and Princess Parade in

Falkirk There will be free face painting and hat making at the steeple at 1pm. The parade will start at the east end of the High street at 3.30 and run along Lint Riggs and back down to the High Street. www.falkirkdelivers.com Cirque du soleit: Worlds apart (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Family Day at the Macrobert Stirling It’s a special Fairytalethemed Family Day with aerial dance show Catch Me, and Scottish Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel , And Me. With workshops film and theatre, fun for all the family.

Scottish Ballet presents Hansel & Gretel, And Me at the Macrobert Stirling Scottish Ballet community performers invite you to take a magical journey through the forest. Inspired by the classic fairytale Hansel and Gretel, this enchanting dance piece set in a woodland environment features an intergenerational cast and is accompanied by live music. Tickets are FREE but availability is limited.

To reserve your place contact: education@scottishballet.co.uk or 0141 331 6285.

Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre presents Catch Me at the Macrobert Stirling. 2pm. The chase is on. Red Riding Hood takes flight in this classic fairy tale with an aerial circus spin. Full of Fidget Feet’s trademark playfulness, Catch Me is a stunning mix of aerial feats and theatre. Using an original score and visual projections that come alive around the performers, no two shows can ever be the same.

Come and watch as Red Riding Hood and the Wolf swing high above the audience through a forest of ropes. Suitable for ages 8+ phone 01786 466666 for tickets and details.

NCT Nearly New Sale Bridge of Allan parish church. Toys, baby equipment, clothes, maternity clothes and much more. Tea/coffee and baking available to buy. www.nctcentralscotland.org 1-3pm.

Saturday 20th April Sammy’s Great Escape(U) Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Wee Boppers Disco 11-1pm and 2-4pm. Beancross Farm Restaurant Polmont. Dance the afternoon away with live DJ, small soft play, baby chill out zone and healthy snack Fantastic fun for children ages 0-8 and their parents.

To book tickets email weeboppersdisco@live.com or visit www.weeboppersdiscos. co.uk or on facebook at www. facebook.com/wee.discos 11-1pm and 2-4pm.

Ladies Disco and cocktail night Fun night out for mums organised

by Eventulitious Events by Tamsin.

For tickets visit www.facebook. com/wee.discos 7.30-1pm.

Sunday 21st April Join Owen and Olly from the Children’s Classic Concert series, for an exciting family drumming workshop 11am and 1pm. Tickets £5 or just £2 when bought with a ticket for East Meets West on Sunday 28th April. Call the Macrobert Box Office on 01786 466666 for more info.

Saturday 27th April Wildlife photography at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Grangemouth Photography is a great way to explore the natural world.

Suggested donation of £2. Children must be accompanied. Booking essential. Contact the ranger on

01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt.org. uk 2-4pm.

out & about

Wreck it Ralph (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Monday 27th April Family fun day at St Ninians playgroup . All are welcome. St. Ninians Church Hall. Kirk Wynd.

Stirling 11-1pm.

Sunday 28th April Children’s Classic Concerts: East Meets West at the Macrobert Stirling 3pm. Join Owen and Olly as they set off on a global musical adventure meeting furry pandas, Wild West cowboys and African drummers on the way. With a world-class line-up of international musicians this high-energy whistle-stop tour has something for everyone.There will be fun for all the family with special surprises and lots of joining in. Around the world in 60 minutes and no passports required! Suitable for ages 4-14. Phone 01786 466666 for tickets.

The Jack & Jill Market 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs).

Shop Smartly, Spend Less, and Save! West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, EH54 7EP, Livingston www.jackandjillmarket. co.uk 10.30am – 1.30pm.

Our holiday courses for children aged 7 & 8 and 9-13 are suitable for those who have either done no cycle proficiency training or who feel they need more practice to cycle safely on the roads. We start in a traffic free area before moving onto quiet roads.

Holiday courses available during the school Easter and Summer holidays

Families Central Scotland Magazine now on facebook.Visit us for regular what’s on updates. www.facebook.com/FamCS

Sunday 14th April The Jack & Jill Market Falkirk 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearlynew baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). Shop Smartly, Spend Less, and Save! Grangemouth Sports Centre, Abbots Rd, Falkirk FK3 8JB: To book a stall visit www. jackandjillmarket.co.uk 10.30am – 1.30pm.

Cinema Listings For cinema listings at Bo’ness Hippodrome call 01324 508850 or visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/ venues/hippodrome

For cinema listings at the Macrobert call 01786 466666 or visit www.macrobert.org

19