Families Herts Jan-Feb 2012

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Issue No. 42 Jan/Feb 2012

Happy New Year!

Nursery Feature Family Health · Win a family trip to The Snow Centre Family Travel What’s On

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

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From your Editor…

In this issue:

Well, the year has once again turned and we’ve welcomed in 2012.

Despite the gloomy economic outlook I am looking forward to continuing to bring you Families Herts magazine over the coming year, full of useful local information. Starting in this issue we have our Nursery Feature with helpful advice on what to look for when choosing a nursery as well as information from the nurseries themselves. There's a great Family Health article about preventing childhood obesity by encouraging a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. Plus, a local homeopath suggests complimentary remedies for coughs and colds.

Our Family Holiday page has a variety of suggestions for summer getaways both at home and abroad.

If you are one of our competition fiends you’ll be keen to enter our Snow Centre competition and – if you’re not yet converted because you don’t think you’ll win – you’ve got to be in it to win it!

News & Views: 3-5 Nursery Feature: 6-11 Family Travel: 12 Competitions: 13 Family Health: 14-15 What’s On: 16-19

Back in March, Shelley Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Get in touch to request copies for your venue.

Next Issue: Childcare Mar/Apr copy deadline: 3rd February

Don’t miss a copy. Families Herts by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email for a subscription form.

Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel/Fax: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk

Front cover image courtesy of Marks and Spencer Indigo jumper - £12 Jeans - £11 Boots - £8 www.marksandspencer.com

News & Views Get down to Gambado Gambado Stevenage is located on the Roaring Meg Retail Park and is the perfect indoor play and party centre.

Every day during term time we offer free toddler classes with entrance, and what’s more its only £4 for toddler and adult Tuesday-Thursday before 12pm! We have after school meal deals and lots of indoor space to tire the older kids out before bed! Birthday parties are our speciality, from toddler through to Phazerzone and private hire we have a package to suit all. What’s more if you quote Families Winter Party Offer you will receive a free place for the Birthday Child*. (*1 child per party). To qualify your party must be booked by 29th February 2012.

For more information plus terms and conditions visit www.gambado.com. You will find Gambado at Roaring Meg Retail Park, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 1XN. Main number: 01438 745823

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News & Views Little Kickers SW Herts has New Boots!

Football enthusiast, Jamie Lustigman has recently taken over the management of Little Kickers & Little Rugby in the SW Herts area. Jamie said “I have always dreamed of getting involved in a business that combines my hobby with my career and I am naturally delighted that I have now found that balance.

I personally get enormous pleasure from watching young children learn, develop skills and have fun. When I was a young child, there wasn’t anything like Little Kickers available and it is gratifying to see the enormous benefit that children gain when they are able to express themselves in a noncompetitive environment.

The goal of Little Kickers & Little Rugby is to use sport as a fun forum to instil our growing children with extra confidence and to teach control and co-ordination skills as well as engendering a strong sense of camaraderie which will stand them in good stead for their future. The classes are educational and incorporate early learning goals and concepts whilst providing children with a positive

Super Camps Can Save You Money

Jamie with a Lit tle

Kicker ww w.littleki

ckers.co.uk

introduction to sport. The classes provide a fun and safe learning environment where children are encouraged to move from parentsupported participation to active, independent interaction.

Jamie and his fellow franchisee Melanie & Sarve Jassal offer classes for children aged 2 – 7 years. For classes in Harpenden, St Albans, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead call 020 8349 0239 or email jlustigman@littlekickers.co.uk.

For classes in Stevenage, Hatfield and Potters Bar call 07930 647 813 or email mjassal@littlekickers.co.uk

Ill Mums benefit from Laptops Hertfordshire Postnatal Illness Support (HPIS) has presented Thumbswood Mother and Baby Unit at the QEII Hospital, Welwyn Garden City, with their first ever laptops. Mums in the unit suffering with postnatal illness find it hard not being able to speak to and see their older children on a daily basis. The innovative idea of bringing a Skype facility to Thumbswood came from Sally Tyers who is a trustee and group facilitator for the charity.

Sally explained, “The laptops will enable families to be in closer contact when geographically it may be difficult for them to regularly visit.”

Thumbswood is a six bedded specialist unit, designed for mums and their babies. It has its own nursery and provides a homely atmosphere for the mums and babies. It offers supportive therapies, social events and a dad’s support group. The unit works proactively with the HPIS charity who run a

monthly support group for the mums. Ward Manager, Elizabeth Evans said of the charity “The women who come to see us from HPIS give our ill mums hope for their recovery and for their future, as they know they can use the charity’s services for as long as they wish.”

For more details call Sally Tyers on 01707 262790 or visit www.postnatalillness.co.uk.

Scientists and campaigners call on the Government and phone companies to protect children from the health risks of mobile phones A recently published report by UK charity MobileWise warns that children’s health is being jeopardised by the failure of Government and phone companies to respond to the growing body of evidence linking mobile phone use with health hazards. The new report: ‘Mobile Phone Health Risks: the case for action to protect children’ brings together, for the first time, more than 200

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peer-reviewed studies from a range of research institutions that link mobiles to serious health problems. Endorsed by a number of eminent doctors and scientists, the report highlights the growing and substantial body of evidence that has been obscured in the debate over these risks.

You will find the report here: www.familiesonline.co.uk/EMRresourcepage.

If you are one of the millions of working parents in the UK, you’ll probably not only be worried about the cost of living rising but also the cost of childcare. Getting your children looked after in the school holidays can be expensive, Super Camps is one of the leading activity camps in the UK and offers significant discounts for early booking.

Super Camps also offer an Early Booking Rate which launches on 3 January and finishes 1 March. You can save up to £40 per week or up to £8 per day per child (site dependent).

You can book all your days for Easter and summer and use the Flexi-Change facility if you need to move these dates around later on.

Childcare Vouchers can also be used to pay for childcare at Super Camps as all their sites are Ofsted registered Big savings can be made, as one 2011 Super Camp customer explains, ‘We were planning our childcare for the year. I paid for four days at Super Camps during the summer with my Childcare Vouchers and used the Early Booking rate and saved £32 off the standard rate.

The provider runs from 8am to 6pm, so the childcare works out at about £2.68 per hour’.

Corporate Discounts are available, so if you work for an organisation where there are a parents looking for childcare please contact the customer service team.

For full details visit www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 832222.

Kiddikicks Public health minister Anne Milton said tackling obesity was not just about eating better but about children spending at least an active hour a day. (The Guardian, November 2011) Raise your child’s heart rate and support their physical literacy at Kiddikicks toddler football classes. Kiddikicks go the extra mile helping children develop co-ordination, strength and agility whilst being super-fun. Using football and other sports as the theme, children are encouraged to let off steam and burn off energy as they learn super-skills.

Kiddikicks are now at Bourne End Village Hall, London Road, Bourne End, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2RQ. Mondays 10-10.40am, 10.45-11.30am for boys and girls aged from 18 months up to age 3 ½ years old.

Book online at www.kiddikicks.co.uk , call 020 7937 7965 or email sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk. Kiddikicks services are also available for nursery, private and birthday party settings.

For inclusion in News & Views pages please ring 020 8428 6384 or email editor@familiesherts.co.uk

Perform – New Year Update This term Perform is inviting all local 4-8 year olds to the Big Top where they will discover the delights of the circus. Whether building confidence with the dashing Lion Tamer, developing hand-to-eye co-ordination with the Duelling Jugglers or discovering the magic of mime with the Clown with a Frown, Perform’s inspirational team of leaders will ensure that each child gets swept up in the excitement. Classes on Mondays (Rickmansworth), Wednesdays (Northwood, Berkhamsted, Radlett and Goffs Oak), Thursdays (Sawbridgeworth, Elstree), Fridays (St Albans) Saturdays (Welwyn Garden City, Chorleywood, St Albans, Tring, Bishops Stortford, Harpenden). And that’s not all …

For older children (8-12 years) there’s Perform Plus where the focus is on The 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration.

This term's exciting theme is Hercules Beat! This energetic musical features swinging superhero, Hercules, and his quest to inspire the laid-back Greeks to take a break from eating, bathing and philosophising and start dancing.

Classes on Tuesday (Harpenden), St Albans (Wednesdays, Saturdays).

To sign up for a Free Trial Session call 0845 400 1272 and for more details email enquiries@perform.org.uk or visit www.perform.org.uk And finally, Perform Drama School is thrilled to announce the launch of its new website www.performplay.co.uk. Perform Principal Lucy Quick said: “Children love dressing up and now they can buy costumes for their characters and CDs to practise our music at home, or put on their own performances.”

Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense Classes Come to Herts Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense are two unique programmes that have been specifically designed

by Dr. Lin Day (PhD, Dip. Ed, BSc, PGCE, M. Phil).

The Baby Sensory programme (birth to 13 months), which will introduce your baby to many new and exciting sensory experiences such as fibre optic light shows, amazing bouncy light balls, sign language, rainbows, bubbles, bells, holistic massage and more, is designed to encourage early development.

The joy and sense of awe gained from seeing your baby learn, communicate and develop is unmatched by anything else and is well worth fitting into your weekly schedule. Parents can join at any time and activities are suitable for all babies.

As babies grow into toddlers they can join the Toddler Sense programme (13 months-3 years). Each week toddlers are introduced to a whole new world of adventure with inspiring music, exciting equipment and stimulating new ideas: imagine climbing a snowy mountain, going on safari, digging for fossils, swimming with dolphins or hunting for dinosaurs! The emphasis is on mobility, excitement and adventure. It is a fun, fast-moving, action-packed programme that is very different to Baby Sensory, but equally addictive.

Classes are run in Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn, Buntingford, Broxbourne and surrounding towns.

For more details on either programme or to book your Free Trial call 07773 306406 or email eastherts@toddlersense.co.uk.

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Nursery Feature

What’s in a nursery?

By Joanna Parry

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o, your little one’s growing up and it’s time to start thinking about nurseries.

Day nurseries, nursery schools, preschools – nurseries come in all shapes and sizes and navigating your way through them can be daunting. Whether you’re going back to work or just want your child to benefit from all that nursery has to offer, here is our guide to finding the best, and right, nursery for you.

shapes, numbers and sometimes even earlystage reading. Nursery schools give children the opportunity to make friends of the same age as most require children to do either 5 morning or 5 afternoon sessions, so the same children will be there everyday. They are often smaller scale with a personal touch but perhaps are not so convenient for working families.

than the ‘three Rs’. See ad on page 7 and information on page 11 for more about the local Herts Rudolf Steiner School and Kindergarten.

Both these options can be great, but might not prepare a child who is going on to a particularly academic school (with entrance exams perhaps) but they do offer a more holistic approach to learning.

Day nurseries

Nursery classes in schools

Workplace nurseries

Open usually 8am-6pm, day nurseries are a good option for working parents as many will take babies from 3 months. The day follows structured activities interspersed with naps, meals and outdoor play. Day nurseries offer continuity of care and your child doesn’t have to stay all day – many day nurseries will do half days or you can collect early.

The first step in ‘real’ school life, these can be excellent for children who are ready for school and structured, educational play. They are convenient if you already have siblings at the school, but again sessions are often only 3 hours long which may not be practical.

Nursery classes in independent schools are more likely to offer full school-day sessions but nursery classes attached to state schools are free! It’s important to remember that a school nursery place does not automatically guarantee a place in Reception.

Much sought-after, workplace nurseries provide full or part-time childcare, but think about the location. If your journey to work is an hour long your toddler may not appreciate the trip home at 6pm and a nursery around the corner from home might be a better idea.

Nursery schools Nursery schools are often more formal in the way they structure sessions. They usually take children from 2 1/2 - 3 years and provide a grounding for starting school, teaching letters,

Pre-schools and playgroups Playgroups usually take children from 2 1/2yrs, offering short sessions to ‘ease’ your child out of the home and into a more sociable learning environment where they can play, learn and have fun. Playgroups have a varied mix of toys, games, singing, story-time, arts and crafts and usually an outdoor area. Parents are encouraged to be active members of the playgroup and their small-scale settings are less daunting for shy children. They are also excellent value for money as they tend to be not-for-profit and are sometimes staffed by volunteers, with parents staying to help out.

Montessori nurseries and Steiner schools Montessori teaching is based on a method which fosters and guides children’s in-built curiosity for learning. In a Montessori nursery it is the children themselves, who choose from the range of activities offered.

Using sensory materials to provide intellectual, physical and psychological stimuli, Montessori schools aim to develop the child’s whole personality.

The aim of Steiner schools is to foster imagination and creativity; they don’t introduce formal education before the age of six, concentrating on creative play rather

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SureStart Children’s Centres A number of Centres offer affordable, flexible childcare for up to 10 hours a day. Worth considering! Go to www.hertschildrenscentres. org.uk to find out more.

How to find the right nursery – a parents’ guide: Start early! “It sounds ridiculous, but I put my bump down for nursery when I was pregnant,” says Camille, mother of one.

Near or far? Think about the time it takes to get to nursery. There’s a lot to be said for a nursery around the corner.

Does the nursery have a welcoming, happy, cheerful atmosphere? Some nurseries offer cosy, home-like environments whereas others have more room to run around in. A childfriendly outdoor space can be a real draw when choosing a nursery, especially for lively boys. Also, check basic things like security, cleanliness and equipment.

“I wanted a nursery for Annabel where her key worker would chat to me every day and tell me what she had been up to. Some nurseries I looked around seemed too busy to do that,” says Sarah “Looks aren’t everything,” says Kate, mother of 3. “If a nursery is a bit shabby it could still be fantastic in terms of quality of care.

Watch the staff. Look at their ages – the younger staff may have energy but the older ones have experience and usually more patience. Are the carers interacting with the children or are they just chatting to each other? Look at staff turnover and ask if the nursery ever uses agency staff.

Consider your child’s routine. “My little one sleeps 1-3pm,” says Alice, “so afternoon nursery is no good for me.” Many parents also want a nursery that provides all meals – but do consider what your child is being fed and where it is cooked!

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Nursery Feature What does the nursery offer? Look for a mix of fun along with quieter activities. Are there additional classes such as French and ballet? Do they take the older children on outings? How much is your child learning in preparation for school? Do you want them to learn letters and numbers?

Read the latest OFSTED report - a great way to discover detailed info on everything from quality of care and education to cleanliness and opportunities for play. Although all nurseries follow OFSTED guidelines, there’s room for interpretation!

How flexible will the nursery be if you need to swap a day or add an afternoon? You’ll soon discover how useful this can be The best way to choose a nursery is gut instinct. Look at whether the children are relaxed, happy, stimulated and engaged. “If it clicks, it’s probably right,” says Jo.

Nursery News Kinders Mill Day Nursery At Kinders Mill Day Nursery in Hitchin we work hard to ensure that the service that we offer is the best available in the area and we will always go the extra mile to ensure that your child’s experience with us is happy, stimulating and rewarding. Our unique family grouping system means that siblings can be cared for in the same room and strong bonds are built between carers, children and parents.

Here’s what our parents think: “We couldn’t ask for more from a nursery: The staff are friendly and care about the children, the activities are varied and interesting, the food is fantastic and the mixed age groups a real bonus in terms of diversity. Our daughter loves Kinders Mill and so do we!” Christine Wareham (Parent) “Kinders Mill is like a big family. We are so happy we chose to send our son here as staff daily go the extra mile to ensure he is entertained, stimulated and above all, cared for.” Christine Hone (Parent) “We are very happy that our son comes here – we love the mixed age rooms, the friendly staff and seeing Samuel grow and develop under their care” Sarah Parkinson (Parent)

Sherrardswood School Nursery Children in the Nursery at Sherrardswood School have enjoyed an exciting and fun-filled term. Our Badgers (3-4 year olds) have been introduced to new activities including French, aerobics, gardening and Forest School.

The Forest School has been particularly popular with the children and they have enjoyed making clay hedgehogs, a journey rope using 5 things found in the wood and sailing boats on the River Mim. Our Hedgehogs (2-3 year olds) have been enjoying mixing colours, finding out about dinosaurs, making popcorn and making Christmas cards.

All the children gave fantastic performances in the Christmas Nativity play, some excellent singing and lovely costumes all contributed to a wonderful morning.

To see our Nursery at play, call the Registrar on 01438 714282 x279 or email admissions@sherrardswood.herts.sch.uk

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Nursery Feature Westbrook Hay Is An Excellent School – Fact!

Staff, pupils and parents from Westbrook Hay Prep School in Hemel Hempstead have been celebrating following the excellent outcome of school’s inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

The ISI inspectors are experienced professionals, most of whom have been or are current school leaders.

The first two days of the visit was focused on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which was reported to be outstanding, the highest level for this year group. “The quality of the provision is outstanding.

Through excellent understanding of differing development stages and careful observations, staff are able to plan challenging and enjoyable work for each child across all learning areas.”

“We were delighted with the outcome of the inspection, although our parents would expect nothing less, it recognizes the work of the children and the staff” explained Keith Young, Headmaster at Westbrook Hay. To view the report in full visit www.isi.net/schools/7232/.

For more information or to arrange a visit call 01442 256143 or visit www.westbrookhay.co.uk

Beech Tree Day Nursery celebrates ‘Nursery Group of the Year’ Staff and children at Beech Tree Day Nursery in Welwyn Garden City, are celebrating – their company has just been made Nursery Group of the Year.

Bluebelles are Growing at Northwood College The Day Nursery at Howlands is part of the employee-owned, Childbase Partnership, which achieved the top accolade in the Education Investor Awards. The award recognises “excellence and innovation in an organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the sector.”

Beech Tree Manager, Nikki Hammond, said: “We take great pride in providing excellence as standard for the children in our care but to win this award, in the face of such competition, is absolutely wonderful,” she said.

Staging the next in a series of Open Days, starting on February 13, staff are relishing the opportunity of showing off the facilities and equipment at the nursery and the displays produced by the children in their care, who range in age from just six weeks to nearly 5 years.

The ‘Let’s be creative’ week offers a varied programme including: singing and dancing, baking and ZooLab, whose experts are regular visitors to the nursery bringing unusual animals as part of themed learning activities.

“We love welcoming new children to our Nursery as we never know where they will take us. Each child’s journey is different,” said Nikki.

For more details call 01707 326001 or visit www.childbase.com

High Achievers at High Elms Manor High Elms Manor Prep Montessori School is located in the elegant High Elms Manor which is a 200 year old grade 2 listed house set in 21 acres.

The school supports its pupils to achieve and all pupils have attained level 4 or level 5 in Key Stage 2 Sats. The school's dedicated Head Teacher, Sheila O'Neill, is very proud that her school has received a ‘Good’ OFSTED report, with outstanding features.

In addition to her teaching role Sheila also has the duty of caring for this historic building

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and has spent over ten years renovating it.

The latest developments were chronicled by The Country House Rescue team (which you may have seen on TV in Autumn 2011). The extensive gardens now include a terrace with a gazebo as well as an illuminated fountain.

Since the restoration project the Manor now opens its grounds for school treasure hunts. High Elms Manor is also available for weddings, conferences and training sessions.

For more details call 01923 681103 or go to www.highelmsmanorschool.com

Northwood College has renamed its innovative Early Years Centre as Bluebelle House and the Nursery and Reception girls will now be known as ‘Bluebelles.’

Bluebelle House is a spacious, modern and colourful building, which includes classrooms and teaching rooms equipped with interactive white boards and computers, a library, a kitchen with a viewing window and extensive outdoor play areas with swings, adventure playgrounds, a bicycle and scooter track, providing a safe and fun environment for play.

In Nursery and Reception, the emphasis is on ‘learning through play’, enabling the girls to develop their literacy and numeracy skills.

All the girls enjoy a weekly Music lesson and a Ballet lesson and in Reception the girls are also taught PE and swimming. In Reception (age 4+), there are more opportunities for the girls to socialise and develop friendships.

Here teaching is more structured and greater emphasis is placed on reading and writing.

Girls can join the Nursery in the term after their third birthday. This can either be in September, January or April. Flexible hours are available including full and half day sessions.

There is also an After-School Club on-site which is open from 7.45am in the morning and again till 6pm at night.

For further details and to book a tour call 01923 825446 or visit www.northwoodcollege.co.uk.

PlayPlus Kindergarten Established for 23 years, PlayPlus Kindergarten is set within beautiful, secure gardens in Bourne End village. We have a separate Baby Unit with a staff ratio of 1:2, with children moving to ‘Kingsway’ between 12 –15 months.

Our fully qualified staff team are the heart of the nursery and in February 2011 the Ofsted Inspector rated us ‘Good’, stating: “there is a high staff child ratio with a well established team of knowledgeable and experienced staff.”

Your child’s safety is paramount within our

loving and homely nursery. The inspector affirmed: “the setting ensures that the arrangements for safeguarding children are robust and regularly reviewed.”

We aim to be ‘green’ by using washable nappies and getting the children involved in recycling. The children have also grown a variety of fruit and vegetables in our garden.

The care of animals is introduced with twice yearly visits from a farm and an animal education company who bring in reptiles, mini-beasts and mammals on a termly basis.

Whilst we can care for your children for 50 weeks of the year, we also offer a Term Time calendar – ideal for teachers and parents with older school age children.

Parents are welcome to visit or to come to one of our Parent & Toddler groups on a Thursday morning.

For more information call 01442 879762 or go to www.playpluskindergarten.co.uk

St Edmund's College – a happy, vibrant and successful school When you arrive at St Edmund’s College, England’s oldest Catholic School, you cannot help but be impressed by the grandeur of its buildings and delightful location: when you leave, however, what you will remember will be its people.

St Edmund’s is a day and boarding school combining excellent facilities and teaching standards with a friendly atmosphere and a strong emphasis on learning and mutual respect.

St Edmund’s does not turn out stereotypes.

By the time they leave school, the students are confident and caring team players, but most importantly they are secure individuals,

The Kindergarten at the Rudolf Steiner School Families with young children from birth to three are welcome to visit the parent and child groups at the Rudolf Steiner School in Kings Langley. Our sessions offer the opportunity to relax, have a cup of tea and enjoy some peace in the warm, family-like atmosphere.

Children enjoy purposeful play with natural toys in a safe, friendly environment. Sessions include a wholesome snack, seasonal songs and rhymes, outdoor time in our lovely spacious garden and a gentle puppet show at the end.

Three to six year olds may attend our kindergarten, where children have time to grow and develop through gentle nurturing and support of their teacher. At the age of six, they may continue to the main school.

The Rudolf Steiner School Kings Langley is coeducational, fully comprehensive and welcomes boys and girls from all backgrounds, cultures and creeds.

Parent and Child Sessions: Mon 10.45am -1pm, Tues 9.45am -12 and 1 -3.30pm (£6.50 ), Wed, Thurs and Fri 9am-12am, (£7.50 ). For details: www.rsskl.org or email monilebon@gmail.com or call Moni on 07989 572585

comfortable in their own skin and ready to contribute to society.

For the younger pupils, St Edmund’s Prep, which is located on the same site, offers a sound preparation for the Senior School, providing a healthy balance between academic work and recreational activities with plenty of opportunity for creativity and physical exercise. The Prep School also includes Cygnets which is a nurturing nursery featuring dedicated facilities including its own fun and safe outdoor play area.

For further details about St Edmund’s College and St Edmund’s Prep, please call the Admissions Office on 01920 824247 or visit www.stedmundscollege.org

Find out what’s been happening at Artisans Kindergarten This term we have welcomed lots of new children and had great fun getting to know their personalities and making friends. We have been honoured to have the children who left us in July coming back to visit showing us their smart school uniforms.

We have loved our outside space in the autumn days. Collecting, arranging and laminating golden leaves; finding the frogs snuggling down to hibernate; planting the bulbs ready for spring, splashing in puddles, kicking the leaves, making a Guy and dancing like fireworks.

Inside we have been exploring winter festivals and celebrations. We have tasted festival foods from different cultures and celebrations; curries, dates, St Nicholas Wreath, hot dogs, sweet pastries, mince pies.

We have cooked lots of them too and looked at where the ingredients come from and how they travel round the world to reach us.

We had a wonderful time when the Gingerbread Man panto came to visit and great fun performing our Christmas show to our parents. This term we can’t wait to begin our project on the Polar Regions and penguins and polar bears are arriving already. Do come and visit us. Call 07787 535135 or 07795 510130 or visit www.artisans.uk.com

Barnardo’s Big Toddle at Abbot’s Hill School Nursery pupils at Abbot’s Hill School in Hemel Hempstead recently took part in a sponsored toddle as part of the charity’s ‘Big Toddle, Big Fun’ week, raising money for Barnardo’s ‘Early Years’ work with disadvantaged and vulnerable children in local projects throughout the UK. The toddle took place in the school’s grounds and there was ample time to do a bit of nature watching along the way. In total £420 was raised for Barnardo’s. Caroline Potts, Head of EYFS said: “It was a long walk for the children but they took part with enthusiasm and enjoyed exploring our beautiful grounds.”

Abbot’s Hill School is an independent Day School for girls aged 3-16 and boys 3-5. At Abbot’s Hill the aim is to nurture the whole child, enabling pupils to develop their talents.

Girls are treated as individuals and small class sizes, excellent pastoral care and high quality teaching helps them attain their full academic potential.

The school is holding a Working Open Afternoon for the nursery, infant and junior school on Friday 27 January 2012 and there will be a whole school Open Day on Saturday

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17 March. For more information visit www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk or call 01442 240333.

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Family Holidays All aboard for summer 2012 It’s the depths of winter, so every family’s thoughts naturally turn to where they will be this summer.

Joanna Moorhead has lots of ideas …

The Alps in August

The kids have fun & Parents can relax & enjoy the peace.

Switzerland isn’t just for skiing: in fact, the Alps can be one of the loveliest places in Europe for a summer holiday en famille. As well as beautiful weather, there’s a wealth of sporty things to do for both smaller children and teenagers. Chilly Powder runs its Morzine chalet hotel through the summer as well as the winter, offering the same attractions (professionally-cooked food, childcare etc) and with the emphasis on comfortable living alongside a wealth of outdoor pursuits.

Morzine is an eight-hour drive from Calais, or fly to Geneva and hire a car; the chalet has 17 bedrooms and there’s even a hot tub in the garden.

Perfect for: sporty families with children in different age ranges Midsummer prices: from around £120 per adult per night, discount for children, half-board Website: www.chillypowder.com

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This is what La Garenne is all about, Specialising in family holidays in the Charente Maritime region of France. Delightfully warm from May – October it is the second sunniest region in France! At La Garenne there are 6 stylish gites, fully equipped for a fantastic family holiday. All the charm and beauty of this 16th Century fortified farm has been retained, with beautiful exposed Charentaise stone walls and oak beams throughout.

Children play at La Gar

Away from the crowds in Norfolk If you love Cornwall and Devon, but are frustrated by the prices and the crowds, why not head instead for Norfolk? Cottage prices for midsummer are cheaper, it will take you less time to get there and it’s much easier to get to and from the beaches and other attractions because the roads are far less clogged. For a comfortable, child-friendly cottage look on the Recommended Family Holidays website under the ‘East of England’ tab. Poppyland Cottages, for example, have a range of properties dotted around a series of beautiful villages, and within easy reach of lovely Blue Flag beaches – and everything on the website has been checked for familyfriendliness. Great pubs for lunches and suppers out, too – and Norfolk is also a very good option for families who love cycling.

Perfect for: Families with young children wanting to get away from the crowds Midsummer prices: from around £21 per person, per night Website: www.recommendedfamilyholidays. com

enne

Each gite has its own patio facing the communal walled garden, where children will enjoy ride-on-toys, a climbing tree, tree swings, slides, a wooden play house and trampoline. There is also a fully fenced swimming pool and a small heated toddler and baby pool. The children have freedom to run around and have fun while parents get a chance to relax in the sun. There are lots of activities at La Garenne including a kids club for the over 3s, pottery painting classes and a welcome BBQ. Baby sitting can be booked if you want to go out.

You can pre-order a meal for your arrival so that you don’t have to spend time shopping on route. More then that, why not treat yourself at any time during your stay? So, while our children play or are safely tucked up in bed you can savour a delicious three course meal.

If you don’t fancy driving you can fly into Poitiers, La Rochelle, Cognac or Bordeaux.

Easyjet, Flybe, BA and Ryanair all fly to these destinations. Change over day is either Friday or Saturday. Discounts are available when booking two weeks and on some weeks in May, June and September. For more details contact Dorte on dorte@triliving.co.uk (Quote Families).

Website: www.livingfrance.org

Poppyland Co

ttages

Hideaway in

Robin Hood’s forest What child wouldn’t be excited to be holidaying in the centre of the wood made famous by the legendary Robin Hood? And what parent wouldn’t be happy to join them, now Forest Holidays are extending their venues to this one? The new lodges, which open this spring, will be set in the middle of 3,300 acres of forest, and include basic cabins to de luxe ‘golden oak plus’ cabins with their own hot tub. Loads to do for all ages – Sherwood Forest has a glorious labyrinth of cycle trails, plus farm parks, arts and craft centres and play areas.

Perfect for: active families in search of a change from Center Parcs (and more of a bargain) Midsummer prices: From around £30 per person per night Website: www.forestholidays.co.uk

Win a 1 hour n tio Family Recrea Session at tre The Snow Cen

Competitions

It’s cool fun!

Families in Herts don’t need to travel to experience real snow; conditions are always perfect at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. With fresh snow falling daily and an impressive 160m main slope combined with the UK’s largest indoor lesson slope visitors will have fun no matter how experienced they are.

You can enjoy recreational skiing or snowboarding; join in with special daytime sessions for ladies or the over 50s; after school or holiday sessions for kids or come for Friday Freestyle evenings and spin off the biggest snow kickers in the UK. And it makes for a great family outing where all ages can enjoy the snow followed by a meal or a snack in The Edge café.

For children it’s the ideal place to build up ‘snow confidence’ , especially if you’re planning their first winter sports holiday – and for adults it’s perfect for honing your technique so you’re ‘mountain-ready’ before your leave. You can even book a full day course and progress from ‘beginner’ to ‘confident’ between breakfast and dinner!

But best of all The Snow Centre gives you a year round opportunity to enjoy the thrills of snow sports and the satisfaction of improving your skills on perfect snow. For more information visit www.thesnowcentre.com or call 0845 258 9000

To enter go to www.familiesherts.co.uk.

Closing date: 29th February

Win a copy of ‘Is Your Child Safe Online?’ By Pamela Whitby Is Your Child Safe Online?, by journalist and mother of two, Pamela Whitby bridges the widening gap between this new generation and their parents as technology sweeps society along at an eye-watering pace. Her message applauds the exciting possibilities the internet has to offer our children, while keeping the risks in perspective, but also warns parents that tuning out of a world that they may not relate to can have devastating consequences.

Whitby talks to the people at the centre of this new technological era – children in the 5 to 16 age range and their parents. At the same time she draws on the expertise of a wide range of people including educational psychologists, IT professionals, academics, teachers and criminologists to offer practical and supportive advice for parents. RRP: £6.99. ISBN 978-1905410-94-1 (ebook ISBN 978-1-905410-95-8).

Available from all good bookshops and www.crimsonbooks.co.uk To win one of six copies go to www.familiesherts.co.uk.

Closing date 3rd February.

Say you saw it in

13

Family Health

Obesity -Teaching children to look after their bodies

by Caroline Sherry

Motivating children to exercise is all very easy if you have a child who is keen and up for anything. But what about those that need lots of encouragement to be more active and who will opt out of school sport given half a chance?

Well - that’s not so easy.

How much exercise do your children get?

Childhood obesity is a growing problem

For parents it is hard to know exactly how much or how little exercise your child is doing at school and in other activities or how effective it really is. As your child gets older it becomes increasingly difficult to manage every aspect of their diet as much as the level of exercise they should be getting. Ultimately we want to be good role models to our children, but as busy parents there isn’t always time to cook healthy meals from scratch and to lead by example in exercising every day without exception.

Following a host of national studies and surveys over the past few years it has been shown that children’s waistlines measure up to 3 inches larger than those 30 years ago and that childhood obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and many other health problems as they grow into teenagers and adults and this can also cause psychological effects leading to low self-esteem.

We need to show them how Therefore it is essential that we educate our children about their own health, to show them how to make good choices about meals and snacks (even ready-made options) and that being active is important and can be fun and social. It is up to us to help them understand the significance of how they treat their bodies and where necessary the effects of not taking care of themselves.

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What can we do?

If you’re worried your child is overweight, first seek advice from your GP and follow up with advice from a dietician if necessary. Try not to start fad diets or an aggressive reduction in food. Look into making long–term changes to healthy eating by increasing your child’s intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and reducing their fat intake.

Do it together Getting the whole family involved makes it less directed at one or two individuals – and it’s good for everyone to learn how to eat well.

Sitting down together at mealtimes allows your children to see you eating the same

things plus giving them an opportunity to discuss the food they want to eat. Try giving them options to pick from for tomorrow’s meals or let them help you cook. This should help to reduce resistance to new/healthier options as they have been able to pick and prepare for themselves.

If your child is not keen to join in with school sports, clubs and classes get them to exercise with you - work out an exercise plan together, set goals and monitor them. For instance, how long did it take to walk/jog to the park and back? Is that faster than last time? (see Get moving below for more ideas). There are also fitness centres and gyms that provide programmes for primary aged and teenaged children which include fun games and routines. Keep in mind it is recommended that children aged 5–17 should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.

Making good Choices Even if you’re not worried about your children being or becoming overweight, educating them on how to eat a balanced healthy diet (which includes snacks and treats) as well as the importance of exercise and rest will enable them to make good choices for their own bodies.

Get moving – ideas that a child might not even consider exercise: • Walking to school rather than going by car. This is great if you live close enough, if you have to drive try leaving earlier and stopping before you get there and walking the rest of the way.

• Riding scooters which are great fun and use lots of energy • Swimming once a week choosing a pool with waves and slides to make it more fun • Dancing - have a family disco and give out prizes for the funniest or most impressive dances • And for those who like their Games Consoles try out the fitness Games. There is a great selection available including yoga, zumba and aerobic games – remember you can rent them you don’t need to buy them.

Ideas to encourage children to eat healthily • Give them more of the veggies and fruit they do like rather than buying and throwing away food they won’t eat.

• Remember it’s better to grill and bake rather than fry or microwave and limit portions.

• Keep your cupboards stocked with healthy snacks and drinks instead of less healthy alternatives so children get used to eating them.

• Breakfast is important in helping kids focus better at school so if your kids like the sweeter cereals mix them half and half with a healthier option or add fruit to whole grain cereals to sweeten them rather than sugar.

• Add more veggies to favourite meals – hide them if necessary in a sauce or by chopping them small. A regular favourite in our house is the ‘Veggie Draw Sauce’, recipe below:

Winter Colds and Coughs Homeopath, Helen O’Sullivan LCPH CthA, suggests some complimentary remedies for your winter colds and coughs.

Colds Aconite - When the cold starts suddenly after exposure to a cold, dry wind, with chilliness, followed by fever, Aconite will be the remedy.

It should be administered as soon as the patient realizes that he has got a cold.

Arsenicum - Especially useful in winter colds where there is a thin, watery discharge from the nose but where, despite this, the nose still feels blocked. The discharge will make the nose and upper lip feel sore. There is also a dull, throbbing frontal headache and sneezing.

Allium cepa – Some say this is the best remedy for a head cold and it is indicated when the patient experiences profuse nose mucus and smarting in the nose and eyes.

Coughs Coughing is an important way to keep the throat and airways clear. Excessive coughing, however, may mean there is an underlying disease or disorder. Some remedies are:

Spongia - This will help a hard, barking, ringing, metallic sounding cough, which is made worse from deep breathing and excitement, often causing the patient to wake up at night with a suffocating feeling.

Bryonia – This remedy might be indicated when the cough seems to come from the stomach area, and is preceded by a tickling sensation in the throat. While coughing the patient holds the sides of the chest.

Antimonium tartaricum – This may work for a cough that feels loose and where the patient coughs to try and bring up the phlegm but it will not budge. They may also feel drowsy.

This cough tends to worsen at night and in bed.

It is important to note that while I have outlined several remedies for both coughs and colds, there are many more. It is important to find the one that most closely fits your symptoms. Make sure that you always consult a qualified practitioner.

Contact: Helen O’Sullivan LCPH CthA on 07585 924803 or email homeopathyhealswithhelen@gmail.com Society of Homeopaths www.homeopathy-soh.org

What to do with those leftover veggies: At the end of the week, I usually have a selection of odd vegetables left over which are still good to eat. I steam the veggies. Heat up a large tin of tomatoes. When it’s all cooked, mix it together. Add seasoning for taste if needed. Puree and freeze in batches. I usually add this to wholemeal pasta twice a week for a good dose of veggies!!

Say you saw it in

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What's On Theatre ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk CINEMA Arthur Christmas (U) 7 Jan – 11am Santa’s youngest son looks to use his father’s high-tech operation for an urgent mission.

Tickets: £4 Happy Feet 2 (U) 28 Jan – 11am Mumble and his family and friends discover a new threat to their home.

Tickets: £4 The Adventures Of Tin Tin (PG) 15 Feb – 1.30pm & 7.30pm Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded

by Haddock’s ancestor.

Tickets: Matinee £4; Evening £6, £4 Concs Puss In Boots (U) 25 Feb – 11am Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty.

Tickets: £4 THEATRE Little Princess – Live on Stage “I Want to Celebrate!”

16 & 17 Feb – 12pm & 2pm Action and songs as Little Princess, Puss & Scruff discover the best way to celebrate.

Tickets: £12, £10, Family £36 BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL High Street, Hoddesden, EN11 8BE 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk CINEMA Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG) 14 Feb – 1pm THEATRE Jack and the Beanstalk 6-8 & 12-14 Jan – times vary A colourful and spectacular show. For everybody aged 3 to 133.

Tickets: £9.50 to £15, concs from £8.50 Little Big Club 12 Feb – 1pm & 3.30pm A 90-minute stage show that includes Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Pingu, Thomas the Tank Engine and Fireman Sam. Tickets: Adults £12 Children £10 Family £42 GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1LZ 08700 131030 Moscow State Circus 20-21 Feb – 8pm (also 5pm on Tues) See Russia’s greatest and most talented circus artistes.

Call Box Office to book on 01438 363200.

Tickets: £14, £18 & £22; Under 16s: £3 off the top two priced tickets; Family Ticket: £65 in top price tickets.

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Little Big Club 26 Feb – 1pm & 3.30pm A 90-minute stage show that includes Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Pingu, Thomas the Tank Engine and Fireman Sam. Tickets: £13, £11, Family £44 HAWTHORNE THEATRE Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.welhat.gov.uk/campuswest CINEMA The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of The Unicorn (PG) 2 & 3 Feb – 5.45pm Puss In Boots (U) 7 Jan – 10.15am 27 Jan – 5.45pm Arthur Christmas (U) 7 Jan – 12.15 8 Jan – 5.45pm HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.eastherts.gov.uk A Little Bit of Dickens 28 Jan – 11am & 3pm Naughty schoolboy Charlie travels back in time to meet some of the characters from Charles Dickens’s classics. Sing and dance along and learn how different life was 200 years ago.

Tickets: £8 & £6 A Little Bit of Rodgers and Hammerstein 28 Jan – 7.45pm Songs from shows such as ‘Carousel’, ‘South Pacific’ and ‘Oklahoma’.

Tickets: £15, £12 concs, under 12’s £6.50 Charlie and Lola 11 Feb – 11am, 1.30pm & 3.45pm Will Charlie get Lola to sleep, even though she is not sleepy? Ages 3+.

Tickets: £13, £11.50 concs, £47 family ticket LEIGHTON BUZZARD THEATRE Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 1RX 0300 300 8125 Cinderella 5 to 21 Jan – Thur & Fri 7.15pm; Sat 10.30am, 2pm & 5.30pm Baron Hardup has remarried and it’s not good news! The new Baroness and her two daughters, Asphyxia and Euthanasia, cause trouble for Cinderella and Buttons.

Tickets: £9.50; Concs £8.50 THE MARKET THEATRE Sun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE 01462 433553 www.markettheatre.co.uk Jack & the Beanstalk (Family Panto) Until 7 Jan Jack & His Giant Stalk! (Adult Panto) Various dates & times until 31 March The Royal Storyteller 28 Jan, 25 Feb – 2pm Her Majesty Queen of Everywhere reads you a story from the Magical Book of Ancient Tales.

Age 3-7. Last Saturday of each month - a different story each time.

Tickets: £5

THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE 01442 228091 www.oldtownhall.co.uk A Bird In Your Ear 25 Feb – 2.30pm Genies in teapots and hat-munching squirrels.

Puppetry, song, and a chance to join in!

Ages 3-11. £6.25 / £4.25 Dacorum Card holders KATT (Kids at the Theatre) Club Various dates A fantastic way to make new friends and enjoy everything your local theatre has to offer.

Ages 5 - 11 Joining is FREE! THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk The Little Big Club 4 Feb, 1pm & 3.30pm 5 Feb, 11am & 1.30pm A 90-minute stage show that includes Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Pingu, Thomas the Tank Engine and Fireman Sam. Tickets: £14.50, £12.50, Family £48 RHODES ARTS COMPLEX South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG 01279 651746 www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Chris and Pui Live on Stage 17 February – 11am CBeebies fans have the chance to sing, dance and join in with their favourite double act.

TRESTLE ARTS BASE Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 0JQ 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk Story Tent Weds in term time – 10.30-11.30am & 1.30-2.30pm Professional storytelling and captivating craft creation for ages 18 months to 4yrs (baby siblings welcome free of charge); to book contact: Kathryn Holt 01727 839784/07758667624 or Email: kathryn@kathrynholt.com £6 at the door, £5.50 booked half termly/ termly in advance The Velveteen Rabbit 5 Feb – 2.30pm Laugh and shout and be a part of the story.

With stunning and realistic puppetry. Ages 4+ Tickets: £10, £8 concs, £32 Family WATFORD PALACE THEATRE 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ 01923 225671 01923 235455 www.watfordtheatre.co.uk The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark 4 Feb – 11.30am & 2.30pm A funny, gentle and reassuring tale written especially for ages 3-7 Live music, puppetry and storytelling.

Tickets: £6.50, £5.50 concs

Half Term Fun & Workshops CATHEDRAL AND ABBEY CHURCH OF ST ALBAN Sumpter Yard St Albans AL1 1BY 01727 890280 www.stalbanscathedral.org Fun Family Trail 28 Jan – 11am-3pm 29 Jan – 1-3.30pm Someone’s been ringing the Cathedral bells in the middle of the night. Help to find out who!

Christopher Family Discovery Mornings All in the Family 16 February – 10.30am-12.30pm This trail looks at families connected to the Abbey; the famous, the infamous and the outrageous. Ages: 3–11. Free Christopher Family Trails During school holidays, daily at 11am & 2pm Tours, specially designed for younger visitors and their families, around the cathedral, led by a Cathedral Guide, exploring the heritage of this great building.

BIRCHWOOD LEISURE CENTRE PLAYSCHEME Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN 01727 270772/3 www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk 13-17 Feb – 8.30am-6pm Sports, Arts/Crafts, Cookery, Games, Funzone soft play area, dancing, and Wii console games. Ages 4-12.

CAMP GOSLING Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, 01707 331056 www.goslingsports.co.uk 13-17 Feb – 9am-3.30pm Multi activity sessions: Tennis, athletics, football, trampolining and more.

Junior Base Camp (4- 7 yrs), Base Camp (8-9 yrs), Sports Academy (10-15 yrs).

Early drop off and late pick up facility: 8am 6pm at extra cost.

Daily: Members £23.50, Non Members £28.50

HATFIELD SWIM CENTRE Lemsford Road, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 0EB Tel: 01707 276276 Fun Sessions Sat and school holidays 1.30-3pm Energetic, fun sessions with inflatables and floats. £3.20. Ages 8-15 HERTFORDSHIRE SPORTS VILLAGE University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9EU www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk Junior Sports Camps 13-17 Feb Sport camps for all abilities. Fully qualified NGB coaches work with the children to develop the skills of their chosen sport in a fun and safe environment. Age: 5-17 Prices vary depending on the camp.

HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com 13-17 Feb Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities during the half-term holidays. Enquire for specific details.

KOOL KIDZ CAMPS St John Fisher School, Hazelmere Road, St Albans AL4 9RW 0845 6032858 or 07966 483508 www.koolkidzcamps.co.uk 13-17 Feb – 9am-4pm Activities include arts/crafts, sports, go karts, Bouncy Castle, radio-controlled cars and more. Ages 4-11, extended sessions available.

Cost: £30 per day, except Wed, a special themed day, £35 WELWYN HATFIELD PLAY RANGERS Outdoor Play in your local park this Half Term.

Ages: 6– 12 (Siblings aged 5-13 welcome).

Rounders, Dodgeball, Football & Crafts. No need to book. Free Digswell Playing Fields, Hertford Road, Digswell, AL6 0BX, Enquiries on 07508 268580 13-16 Feb – 1.30pm-3.25pm Roe Hill Hall Playing Fields, Briars Lane, Hatfield, AL10 8EY, Enquiries on 07508 268580 13 Feb – 1-2.55pm

Say you saw it in

Village Hall- Newgate Street, SG13 8RA, Enquiries 07508 268579 13-16 Feb – 10.30am-12.25pm North Mymms Youth & Community Centre, Station Road, Welham Green AL9 7PF, Enquiries 07508 268579 13-16 Feb – 10.30am-12.25pm De Havilland Grange, Cornflower Way, Hatfield, AL10 9FY, Enquiries on 07508 268580 14 Feb – 1-2.55pm Stanborough Park, Stanborough Rd, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6DQ, Enquiries on 07508 268580 15 Feb – 1-2.55pm Moneyhole Lane Park, Sylvan Way, Panshanger, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 2LU, Enquiries on 07508 268580 16 Feb – 1-2.55pm King George V Playing Fields, (car park end), Beehive Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4BP, Enquires on 07508 268580 17 Feb – 1-2.55pm WILDCHILD ACTIVITIES 0845 3717099 www.wildchildactivities.com Wild Fashion Designers 14 Feb – 10am-3pm St Albans Girls’ School Explore the fashion industry. Explore illustrations and mood boards. Take ordinary pieces of clothing and use fabulous fabrics and decorations to produce something unique.

Age 8-12 Wild Wheels Skateboarding 15 Feb – 10am-12.30pm Beaumont Secondary School, St Albans Dive into the world of skateboarding. For beginners and anyone who wants to learn new cool skills and tricks. We even bring the equipment. Age 7-12 WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans.

0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com February Frolics 11-19 February - Open Daily from 10am-5.30pm See lambs born daily in the Lambing Marquee

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What's On and you can see what’s happening 24/7 with the Willows ‘Lamb Cam’! Just log on from home.

Children can also learn all about the lambs from Tuck the Shepherd. Plus there’s a prize for every child in the fun Bo Peep’s Lost Sheep hunt.

The Mad Science scientists are back with a host of wacky experiments. Other activities will include Farmyard Favourites, Tristan the Runaway Tractor, Meet the Falconer and Fun Fair Rides. Indoors Captain Chicken’s Egg Dodge and Woolly Jumpers play barn and you final chance to experience the Willows Magical Ice Rink.

PLACES TO GO ADEYFIELD ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND Turner Hill, Adeyfield, Hemel Hempstead, AP2 4LD 01442 242852 paul.banks@dacorum.gov.uk Term time: Mon-Fri 3.30-6.30pm, Sat-Sun 1-5pm School Holidays: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, closed weekends and bank holidays Arts & crafts, cooking, sports, free play and a pool table, table tennis and computer games.

Outside: enclosed area with wooden play structures; football pitch; zip wire and nest swing. 6-12 years; under 6s welcome (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Free BUTTERFLY WORLD Miriam Lane, Off Noke Lane, Chiswell Green, Herts, AL2 3NY 01727 869 203 info@butterflyworldproject.com 19 Jan – 10am-3pm Facepainting Workshop Learn how to paint faces. Beginners level.

COURTYARD ART CENTRE Hertford Museum, Port Vale, Hertford SG14 3AA 01992 50959 admin@courtyardarts.org.uk Children/Families Art & Clay Activity 16 Feb – 10.30am-3.30pm Drawing and clay activities based on an historical theme. Ages 2+.

FROGMORE PAPER MILL The Paper Trail Frogmore Paper Mill & Visitor Centre, Fourdrinier Way, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9RY 01442 234600 www.thepapertrail.org.uk Half Term Craft Activities Crafty fun during half term. Check website for dates and times.

GAMBADO STEVENAGE Roaring Meg Retail Park Stevenage, AG1 1XN 01438 745823 www.gambado.com Sun-Thurs – 9.30am-6pm Fri & Sat – 9.30am-9pm Indoor soft play centre –special activities in half term.

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HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLS Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PD, 01582 767525 Brambleton Model Railway Club 21 Jan – 10.30am-5.30pm Each railway layout will represent a different country in celebration of the Olympics.

HEARTWOOD FOREST Sandridge. AL3 6JE www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/heartwood LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins, Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF 01992 892781 www.leevalleypark.org.uk Walking, wildlife, birds, gardens, sport, kids’ activities and boat trips.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD STEAM RAILWAY Pages Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4TN 01525 373888 www.buzzrail.co.uk LETCHWORTH ARTS CENTRE 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW 01462 670 788 www.letchwortharts.org Schools Exhibition 2-24 Feb: Mon-Fri – 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm ‘A’ Level students from the Fearnhill and Highfield schools exhibit their work Free admission MEAD OPEN FARM Standbridge Road, Billington, Nr. Leighton Buzzard 01525 852954 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Open daily 10am-6.30pm (last entry 5.30pm) Play in Shaggy’s Huge Indoor PlayWorld, pet the animals, go karts, crazy golf and much more.

Prices vary, see website for details.

PERFORM DRAMA COURSES Call 0845 400 1272 www.perform.org.uk Theme: The Big Top Roll up and join the circus!

Weekly courses run on various days and times in different Herts towns.

Children have fun while developing confidence and co-ordination.

Age: 4-8 yrs.

Theme: Hercules Beat!

Hercules gets the Greeks dancing.

Tues in Harpenden, Weds and Sat in St Albans.

A unique mix of drama, dance and singing formulated to bring out every child’s potential.

Age: 8-12 yrs.

ROLLERCITY Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.welhat.gov.uk/campuswest OZ Sats – 10am-12pm Beginners’ session. Family fun with games and obstacles to enjoy. (Children must be with an adult)

Boppin’ Stoppers Sats – 3-5pm Advance booking advised. For ages 12 and under and accompanying adults.

Breeze Suns – 11.30am-1.30pm For less confident skaters Sparks Suns – 2pm All welcome.

Check with the box office or online for prices.

ST ALBANS CHILDREN’S BOOK GROUP St Paul’s Church Hall, Blandford Road, St Albans AL1 4JP Bob Hartman’s Storyshop 11 Feb – 2-3pm Traditional tales for all ages from a master storyteller.

Tickets £2 - available online at www.allaboutstalbans.com STOCKWOOD DISCOVERY CENTRE London Road, Luton LU1 4LX 01582 548600 www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com Browse the collections and exhibitions, then play in the playground or explore the gardens.

Free.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK Woburn, Beds MK17 9QN 01525 290407 www.woburn.co.uk/safari Open daily (Winter hours) – 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) Animal encounters and wonderful wildlife over 80 species. Drive through the park and enjoy close encounters with magnificent and endangered animals.

Entry: Adult £14.95, Child £9.95 WOODSIDE FARM AND LEISURE PARK Slip End Village, Luton, LU1 4DG 01582 841044 www.woodsidefarm.co.uk Open Mon-Sat – 8am-5.30pm, Sun 9am-5.30pm (last entry 1 hour before closing) See the animals, visit the Cheeky Monkeys’ play barn, play crazy golf or have a tractor ride. Traditional fun fair open 11am-4pm weekends and school holidays.

Weekend entry: Adult £7, Child £5 (midweek discounts apply)

MUSEUMS HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org Toddler Tuesdays at Hertford Museum Tuesdays – 10.30am-12pm Themed crafty activities, toys and a story!

Ages 2-4. £1.50 – including tea, coffee and squash for all –book in advance.

MILL GREEN MUSEUM AND MILL Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD, 01707 271362 www.welhat.gov.uk Down on the Farm 14-16 Feb – 10-11am & 11.30am-12.30pm Art & craft activities and exhibition.

14 Feb – Make a Fun Farm mobile.

15 Feb – Create a beautiful padded picture frame to hold a drawing of your favourite farm scene.

16 Feb – Clay all day! Make some models of your favourite farm animals.

MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS 9a Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR 01727 819340 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 1960s Crafts 8 Jan Exhibition on 1960s St Albans. Make a fabulous souvenir to take home. Drop in any time. Age: Under 11s.

Cost: £1 Dickensian Days 28 Jan Find out about life when Dickens was a boy.

Handle mystery objects, play with Victorian Toys, craft activities. Storytelling by Charles Dickens.

Free (small charge for craft activities) Story Time 29 Jan 3-4pm Migrating to the Museum, Borka the Goose with no Feathers and other John Burningham stories. Plus a craft activity.

Cost £1 Super Sixties Half Term Holiday Activities 13-15 Feb – 10.30am-12.30pm Various creative activities. The Monday session is for 6-13 year olds, all other sessions are for 8-13 year olds.

Cost: £5 (£4.50 for Museum Friends) Book and pay in advance either in person or on 01727 819340 Incredible Icarus 16 Feb – 2-4pm Hear this Greek myth and create you own picture of Icarus with his beautiful wings.

Ages: 6–11.

Cost: £5. Book and pay in advance in person or on 01727 819340.

Story Time – Hats off to the Quangle Wangle 26 Feb 3-4pm Children’s Book Awards voting and activities.

Cost £1.00 (Free to members of St Albans Children’s Book Group on the production of a membership card) NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AT TRING The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman Street, Tring, Herts, HP3 6AP 020 7942 6171 www.nhm.ac.uk/tring Mon-Sat – 10am-5pm, Sun - 2-5pm Messy play for under 5s Aprons provided Brilliant Birds 12 Jan – 10.15am & 2pm Make a card bird with moving wings and decorate it with crayons.

Creepy Crawly Caterpillars 7 Feb – 10.15am & 2pm Make and paint a colourful caterpillar from everyday items.

Tickets £1.50, available on the day Animals after School Ancient Animals 26 Jan – 4-4.45pm Animal Giants 23 Feb – 4-4.45pm Discover incredible animals and make something to take home. Ages 5+ Tickets £1.50, available on the day Half Term Activities 30 minute workshops at 10.15am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 11.45am, 2pm & 2.30pm. Suitable for all ages.

Archer Fish – The Best Shot 13 , 14 Feb Archer fish accurately squirt their prey with water. See if you can compete by making your own squirting crafty card fish.

Penguins – Birds’ Fastest Swimmers and Deepest Divers 15 Feb Make a Rockhopper penguin to take home.

Lizard 16 & 17 Feb The Komodo dragon is one of the most feared lizards. Keep out of danger and make your own friendly dragon.

Tickets £1.50, available on the day Wildlife Photography Workshop 14 Feb – 10.15am-12pm Budding photographers: bring your camera to Tring Reservoirs. Pick up useful tips and improve your photography skills with wildlife photographer Jill Pakenham. Ages 8+ and adults.

Tickets £4, advanced booking required VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael’s Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Meet Queen Boudicca 15 Feb – 2.30-4.30pm Meet this amazing queen in the Museum galleries. Plus, story telling sessions by Boudicca at 2.30pm and 3.30 pm.

Free (entry charge for non residents)

FESTIVALS & FUN DAYS

SHENLEY PARK Stanley Lord Orchard, Shenley Park, Radlett Lane, WD7 9DW 01923 852629 www.shenleypark.co.uk Wassailing 7 Jan – 6.30pm An ancient practice of blessing Apple Orchards to ensure that there is a plentiful crop. Wassail song and fireworks then soup and bread, cups of mulled wine and mulled cider. Meet at The Orchard Tea Room from 6pm.

Suggested donation: £2

DIARY DATES NCT NEARLY NEW SALES Everything for children 0-5 years including: clothing, equipment, toys, books, videos, maternity wear.

Leighton Buzzard Branch Cedars Upper School, Mentmore Road, LU7 2AE 18 Feb – 11am-12.30pm (10.45am with a membership card) £1 WEST HERTS BREASTFEEDING PEER SUPPORT NETWORK www.westhertsbreastfeedingpeersupport.com Daily drop-ins for breastfeeding support across Dacorum, sponsored by the NCT and local Children’s Centres. Free.

LGBT PARENTS’ GROUP Alban Way Children’s Centre, Marshalswick, Sherwood Avenue, St Albans, AL4 9RW 01727 260041 www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/albanway groups.yahoo.com/group/stalbansgayparents A friendly group of gay parents, their children and parents-to-be. The group aims to support both parents and children by sharing experiences and friendships.

Meetings: 2nd Thurs of each month – 3-6pm Cost: 50p per family. Refreshments provided.

CHILDCARE

PARTIES

BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9TS 01462 420144 admin@hitchinbritishschools.org.uk www.hitchinbritishschools.org.uk Dancing For Fun Maypole & Country Dancing for Children 14 Feb – 10am-12pm For children under 8 years old, book in advance.

Cost: £3 to include light refreshments.

Say you saw it in

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