Issue 46 : March / April 2016
FREE
Pick me up
www.familiessussexcoast.co.uk Brighton, Worthing ,Lewes, Littlehampton and everywhere in between!
Easter Issue
The really useful magazine and website for families with children
Whats inside?
2
Ed’s Reading Room
Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Spring book selection for you to enjoy. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website for primary children in homes and schools. See these reviews, download the specially written reading activities for these books and buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com.........Have fun reading!
FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS
Welcome....
FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS Elspeth Hart and the School for Show-offs by Sarah Forbes (Stripes £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Elspeth has had to live with her disgusting aunt Miss Crabb in the attic of the astonishingly awful School for Show-offs since her parents disappeared in a flood. Her aunt won’t allow her outdoors telling her that she is allergic to fresh air. Elspeth’s memories of life before the flood are rather hazy but when she is hit on the head by a falling book, things began to change. With Rory, her only real friend, can Elspeth work out the truth of why she is being kept against her will in this dreadful school? ‘This is a very funny and fastpaced story. If you enjoy reading about this delightful and determined heroine, look out for other books in the series.’
Pugly Bakes a Cake by Pamela Butchart (Nosy Crow £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Meet Pugly, the dog who thinks big and has great ideas. His latest brilliant idea is to bake the yummiest cake ever for an exciting television show he would love to be on. However Pugly doesn’t get any help from Clem the cat – In fact she goes out of her way to cause problems, even suggesting some very strange. in ingredients for the cake! When it seems things couldn’t be any worse, Pugly gets stuck in the cat flap.
to the March and April edition of Families Sussex Coast Magazine, I hope that you all have had a wonderful Half Term – we were really lucky with the weather. This issue is all about Easter and we have four pages of places to visit, where you can find Easter Egg Hunts in our area and also arts and crafts for the little ones which are fun and easy to make. We also have some fantastic competitions online as well so please don’t forget to email your answers to editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk for your chance to win, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/sussexcoast Have a lovely Easter! Enjoy,
Lucy
What’s Inside 4 News - Local news and events in our area 6 Education News 8 Easter Feature - How to hold the perfect Easter Hunt 10 Local Easter Egg Hunts and News 11 Easter Arts and Crafts 12 Clubs and Classes News and Listings 14 What’s On
Families Sussex Coast covers: Brighton, Hove, Fontwell, Worthing, Arundel, Steyning, Lewes,Hassocks,East Preston, Rustington,Littlehampton, Seaford and everywhere in between. Next Issue : May/June Advertising & editorial deadline is 4th April and artwork 10th April 2016 You can contribute to Families Sussex Coast through advertising, editorial and our What”s On pages. Contact Families Sussex Coast 02393 117 561
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk
Front Cover credit - Moira Lizzie Photography Design by Sanderswhite. Contact sue@sanderswhite.co.uk Printed by Evonprint at www.evonprint.co.uk
‘This is a super story with fantastic illustrations. It is full of fun and is sure to delight boys and girls reading on their own or reading together.’
Please recycle your copy of Families Sussex Coast when you have finished with it. Copyright: Families Sussex Coast March 2016. Data protection: If you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the samples or prizes. If you would prefer us NOT to do so, please state this clearly on your entry.
Disclaimer: Families Sussex Coast is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazine Ltd, Remenham House,Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Sussex Coast are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care in 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 consequence, including competitions.
French Holiday Club NEW Warning Cry by Kris Humphrey (Stripes £5.99)
Thunderbot’s Day of Doom by Alan MacDonald (Bloomsbury £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Stan and his pals at Mighty High are training to be superheroes. The three finalists for this year’s Science Awards are about to be announced and there is much excitement about the special guest. When they are told it is to be a weatherman, the children couldn’t be more disappointed. But things hot up – or cool down! – when the weatherman becomes an evil robot. Can the Invincibles stop Thunderbot in his tracks before it is too late? ‘Here is another Superhero School adventure – a lively and entertaining story from start to finish with great illustrations.’
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
ED SAYS: ‘Nara was chosen at birth as a Whisperer, a guardian of the wild. Although Nara’s family are not altogether supportive of her role as a Whisperer, she knows she must head north for the Whisperers’ council of war, accompanied only by her loyal leopard friend Flame. The shape-shifting enemy the Narlaw threaten to invade the kingdom of Meridina but with so few others able to help, will Nara and Flame be able to achieve what they set out to do? ‘This is a wonderfully written dramatic story with the characters of the Whisperers and their companions beautifully drawn.’ Ed’s Reading Room is at www.EdontheWeb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com
Bonjour Kidz and Les Franglophones are joining together to create a new club this Easter & this Summer in Brighton and Hove! ........“Le Tour de France” A FRENCH ADVENTURE on your door step! Our French Holiday Club offers your child the chance to spend up to 5 days in a row learning French in a fun and safe environment. All our teachers are qualified native speakers and are DBS checked. Your child will learn through various fun activities: crafts, drama, games, sports and much more – both indoors and outdoors! They will make new French speaking friends in the process. In no time, you will hear your child sing and speak in French at home too! French Holiday Clubs take place on:
* 4th - 8th April - Balfour School (Brighton) * 4th – 8th July - St Christopher’s’ School (Hove) * 11th – 15th July - St Christopher’s’ School (Hove) * 25th – 29th July - Balfour School (Brighton) Book early as places are limited! For more information, visit our website:
www.bonjourkidz.com or call Gabrielle on 01273 921821.
Bonjour Kidz and Les Franglophones have more than 20 years experience in teaching French.
Distributor wanted for Families Magazine! We are looking for a distributor to deliver the Families magazine in the Rustington, Worthing and Steyning, East Preston and Five Ways areas. You would need access to a car and it would take around two to three school days to complete, every two months. It would involve delivering the magazines to a list you are given. The magazines are delivered to your home, they are then sorted into individual drops and delivered. This position has recently been held by one person but we are willing to separate it into two different runs. If you think you might be interested in doing this and earning a little extra money please email
editor@familiesussexcoast.co.uk
02393 117561 Sussex Coast
3
4
Local News
News
Let The Kids’ Take Control With The Launch Of a Major New Fundraising Event
Dressed by the Kids’ Day 29th April
Transform your look and help transform people’s lives Ever wondered what it would be like to let the kids’ take control of your wardrobe? To give them complete power over your outfit selection? Well now is your chance. On 29 April 2016, the country will unite in a day of completely uncoordinated clothing chaos, with the launch of Oxfam’s exciting new fundraising event, Dressed by the Kids’ Day. From sequin tops paired with baseball caps and cartoon socks, to your favourite suit jacket worn over that novelty neon vest from your hey-days, it’s time to embrace the unorthodox, throw open the wardrobe doors and let the little one’s loose. Parents, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents nationwide will be wearing creative outfit concoctions to the office, on the school run or just loudly and proudly at home. What could be more fun?
Welcome to the 2016
Brighton Marathon Weekend
Once again the city will be hosting a full weekend with the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Mini Mile Races for youth runners and are open to 7 - 17 year olds of all abilities, covering a one mile distance at Preston Park on Saturday 16th April and the BM10k and the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 17th.
There is also an exhibition at the Brighton Centre from Friday 15th to Saturday 16th with a host of seminars led by fitness experts and hundreds of sportswear brands to cater for all running needs, not to mention the ever popular Beach Village at the finish with its big screen coverage of the races. For more information about the day please visit:
Uniform scrapped for transgender pupils
Register now for
A school in Brighton has scrapped its normal uniform rules to accommodate transgender pupils.
Wear A Hat Day is a fun-filled, annual brain tumour awareness event helping support research. The organiser, Brain Tumour Research, is asking families and children and schools across the UK to put Thursday 24th in their diaries and don a hat to support the cause.
Sussex school breaks the mould Brighton College has brought in a “trouser uniform” and a “skirt uniform” that can be worn by children of any gender. They say one pupil with gender dysphoria has taken up the option. The head teacher, Richard Cairns, revealed that the school had made changes to its 170 old school uniform rules to help a small number of families. “It ties in with my strong personal belief that youngsters should be respected for who they are,” he said.
www.brightonmarathon.co.uk
WEAR A HAT DAY24th March
Involving families and school children in the campaign is poignant, given that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Children have lost parents, family members and teachers, and in many classrooms there remains a tragic reminder of a child whose life has been lost or damaged by this cruel cancer. Schools, nurseries, organisations and individuals can all register by visiting
braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday
Note: Just to be safe it is always best to avoid prolonged proximity of any wifi enabled devices next to your child; this includes your wifi router. A simple basic precaution consists of turning it off at night. Ed.
Cue lots of giggles from the little one’s as you give them free reign to become your stylist for the day. Those embracing the opportunity and taking part in Dressed by the Kids’ Day, will support Oxfam’s fight against poverty by seeking sponsorship from friends and family. Those that want to unite the family in something truly fun and unique are encouraged to sign-up to Dressed by the Kids’ Day via www.oxfam.com/ dressedbythekidsday (page opens in March) where they will be issued an interactive fundraising pack designed for adults and children, alongside a unique text code to allow making sponsorship donations even easier.
No PJs, Says Head Head Teacher asks parent not to do the school run in their nightwear
One Day. Your Outfit. Their Rules
Jamie Oliver in Victory over McDonald’s
Celebrity Chef has claimed he has forced the burger giant to change its recipe Jamie Oliver is no stranger to a controversial but well-meaning campaign. He has frequently lambasted the food industry for failing to provide nutritious school meals for our children and the government for avoiding legislation to cut down on sugar in food. However he took on even more of a giant when he criticized McDonald’s for using meat suitable for animals in its burgers.
A Head Teacher at a school in Darlington has sparked controversy by complaining that some parents are doing the school run in slippers or even in their pyjamas. Head Kate Chisholm of Skerne Park Academy primary school sent a letter out to parents asking them to “set a good example” to their children by being properly dressed before leaving the house. The response has been mixed. Some agree with Kate, saying that they would never leave the house in their night clothes. Others have accused the teacher of imposing her “middle class values” on them. In an interview with the Press Association, Ms Chisholm said: “It is not too much to ask parents to have a wash and get dressed” before taking their children to school. She later revealed to the BBC that some parents had told her it was their “human right” to wear what they chose. Piers Morgan has waded into the debate, saying on Twitter: “I’m right about this. Women should NOT wear pyjamas on the school run. Ever.” What he thinks about men doing it has not been reported!
Arundel Castle Re-Opens it’s doors for 2016 On Good Friday 26th March, Arundel Castle re-opens it’s doors until Sunday 20th October, the Castle and grounds will be open Tuesday to Sundays inclusive plus all bank holiday Mondays. On the weekend of the 26th -28th they hold their Normans and Crusaders Day and set within a historical tented encampment, Raven Tor Living History Group will recreate the crafts, weapons training, and battle tactics of the period. With falconry a Story Teller, and archery demonstrations the weekend will be filled with the sights, sounds and smells of the late Norman Period. For more information on forthcoming events check our What’s On listings or visit: www.arundelcastle.org
One of the ingredients in hamburgers from the worldwide chain in the US is a processed food type that Oliver calls ‘pink slime.’ He was shocked when he discovered that ammonium hydroxide was being used to convert fatty beef offcuts – the kind usually suitable only for dog food – into a ‘beef filler’ for the burgers. Though the filler is not used in the UK, Oliver has denounced the process on his show, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. “Basically, we’re taking a product that would be sold at the cheapest form for dogs and after this process we can give it to humans,” he explained. The burger chain has now removed the beef filler from its burger patties.
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
02393 117561 Sussex Coast
5
6
Education
Nursery News
Bede’s Expands ‘Outstanding’ Nursery Bede’s Prep School is set to open a newly expanded and dedicated site for its ISI-rated ‘Outstanding’ Nursery and Baby Unit on Duke’s Drive in the coming weeks, doubling its capacity for early years children. “The decision to open a new state-of-the-art facility for babies and pre-school children was taken as a result of the high demand for places at our existing Nursery,” explained Bede’s Head of Nursery, Louise Hackett. “We are thrilled to be entering this new chapter of development.” While the substantial investment made by Bede’s in this new Nursery facility will ensure that the School’s provision for babies aged 3 months to three years will be improved even further, the current Bede’s Baby Unit, Nursery and Pre-Prep facilities at its Holywell site will now be redeveloped to transform the building, which opened in 2010 and boasts outdoor classrooms, dedicated computing facilities, library and bespoke dance studio, into a custom-crafted space for young learners aged 3-7. Dr Richard Maloney, Chief Executive of the St Bede’s School Trust, said, “The growth and increased interest we have seen in our Nursery is testament to Bede’s unique philosophy of holistic education. I am exceptionally proud of the care and enrichment we offer to pupils from infancy right through until they leave us at eighteen.” Giles Entwisle, Headmaster of Bede’s Prep School, added, “We are delighted to be completing the expansion of what is already the premier nursery experience in Eastbourne. Increasing numbers of families are deciding to raise their children here – something which I’m sure the local community and economy will celebrate and no doubt benefit from over the coming years.”
abc
Giving every child the best possible start.
Nurturing, engaging, inspiring Beautiful, extensive play areas and gardens | Heated swimming pool Freshly cooked lunches | All-through integrated environment | Early Years funding
OPEN EVENING, Monday 9th May, 6pm - 8pm Tel: 01273 592681 | info@shorehamcollege.co.uk | www.shorehamcollege.co.uk
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
Little Lions Nursery at Shoreham College benefits from the same facilities, educational focus and nurturing ethos of the whole school, yet is situated within its own specially designed classrooms where a safe and stimulating learning environment is fostered. With an excellent child/teacher ratio, individual attention is plentiful, care is paramount and all children are assessed and provided for according to their different needs and abilities. The curriculum is broad and balanced, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, and we offer an exhilarating and inspirational learning journey. We welcome and encourage our parents to liaise with us and to be a significant part of this journey, starting with an invitation to come and look around at any time of the school year, or visit us on at our whole school open evening on Monday 9th May, 6-8pm 02393 117561 Sussex Coast
7
8
Easter Fun
Easter Egg Hunt Feature
The Great Easter Egg Hunt
Some ground rules
So that the children all feel they have been treated fairly and for safety, have some rules.
By Sally J. Hall
Here’s how to make this year’s Easter’s egg hunt one that will be talked about for years to come.
What is an Easter Egg Hunt?
If you’ve never done this before, you – and your kids – are in for a treat. The day or evening before Easter Sunday, the grown-ups go around the house and possibly the garden too, including any safe sheds or garages, hiding Easter eggs and other treats. Then the kids have to find them on Easter morning. For many parents, the planning and organising beforehand is almost as much fun as watching the kids chasing around trying to find where you have hidden the eggs.
• When they have collected three eggs, they must come back to ‘base’ before going off again. • Give the kids clear boundaries that they must not stray outside. If you’re outdoors, place small kids with grown-ups or older children for safety.
Some nice ideas to do the day before, especially if it’s raining
Encourage the children to decorate the bags or bowls that they and their friends will use for collecting the eggs in. If you’re using paper bags, make potato stamps and use poster paints to stamp on bold egg or bunny shape designs, then add stickers or glitter. • If you have found little wicker baskets, line them with straw or shredded paper and tie ribbons to the handles. • If you’re using plastic flower pots, tie a ribbon around each and add a paper label with the child’s name on it.
First, the shopping list
• You’ll need a few eggs per child – perhaps one large one each and then several eggs of smaller sizes and colours. Look for bumper packs that will be cheaper to buy than lots of individual eggs.
• The final thing you’ll need is a list of where you have hidden all the eggs. You don’t want to find melted chocolate later on where the kids have failed to notice those eggs under a sofa cushion!
Happy Easter
• Help kids get a fair share by collecting different colour eggs each –wrap them in coloured paper. Make those for the small kids easier to spot. • Get older children to help younger ones. • Don’t allow the kids to eat the eggs as they find them – they have to bring them all back to base. • Once the game is over, allow them to eat one or two and then the rest should be taken home.
Make it better
If you want to increase the amount of time the hunt takes up, you could have some challenges or activities along the way. For example, when they all get to a particular place, they could sit down on a picnic blanket for an Easter themed story, or play some games like “What’s The Time, Mister Wolf?” This helps to slow down the hunt and to let off steam too.
Give us a clue
Add an extra dimension with clues. You could also make a treasure map for them to follow. Think of a theme; numbered pictures of bunnies, pirates looking for buried treasure, fairies looking for magic eggs. A number of local attractions including National Trust and English Heritage properties have Easter Egg Hunts and activities, so check out those local to you on page 10.
• Next, you need holders for the children to collect the eggs in. Though this could be as simple as paper bags, you could find some inexpensive baskets in a craft shop, some plastic bowls or even washed plastic flower pots. • If you don’t want the kids to overdose on sugar, a few small gifts may be nice among all the eggs. Perhaps some small books or colouring pens.
As an extra cute idea, why not make bunny footprints near each hidden egg? Cut the shape out of a piece of card and sprinkle flour or talcum powder through the template. In the woods. If you live near some open space, gather the kids and their parents together and delegate one or two members of the grown-ups to keeping them amused (perhaps with an egg themed story) until the other adults have planted the eggs and clues around. Then let the little ones loose!
Keep up this fun tradition with your children this Easter Easter means different things to different people; for some it’s a religious celebration, for others a few days off work and the chance to meet up with friends and family for meals and outings together. But for the kids it is quite simple; it means time off school and plenty of Easter eggs! So why not organise an Easter Egg Hunt with your children and their friends?
Can you do an Easter Egg hunt?
At home, inside the house. This is particularly good if the weather is bad and as Easter is very early this year, it may be cold or wet. Make sure you lock or mark out-of-bounds rooms that you don’t want the children in – such as the kitchen and your own bedroom.
Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).
In the garden. If it’s fine, this is ideal. Don’t put the eggs out the night before though, as animals may eat them, leave this until the morning. editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
9
02393 117561 Sussex Coast
10
Easter Arts and Crafts
Easter Fun
Easter Egg Hunts & Easter Family Fun in Sussex
25th March – 10th April Easter Events at Fishers Farm Park
Unwrap a delicious selection of egg-citing activities at Fishers this Easter holidays during the “Easter Eggstravaganza”! All children will discover a FREE* Cadburys Créme Egg to take home from the “Easter Egg Hunt*” and watch as they are magically laid by the ‘chocolate-laying hens’. (*Easter weekend only). Help find a name for the fluffy fellow in the “Name The Chick Competition” or shout and cheer at the Farm Show– a favourite for the whole family.
25th March and 27th March Events at Amberley Museum
Easter Trails and Museum Working Day – see the museum come alive!
For some magical family moments this Easter, hop through Hever Castle Gardens on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny to win a chocolaty treat. There’s family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays from March 25th – April 10th designed to put a spring in everyone’s step. Besides following the Easter trail to hunt for Golden Bunnies, children can make their own Easter bonnet at daily craft workshops* (*small additional charge). There’s an opportunity to parade their creation in the Best Easter Bonnet competition in front of the Castle each day with treats for the winners. Enjoy more family fun with an Easter themed quiz in the Castle. Event supported by Lindt chocolate. A visit to the Adventure Playground is ideal for young children, while energetic families can venture out on the Hever Lake Walk. Then round off the day with seasonal home cooked food and hot cross buns in the restaurant followed a visit to the Gift Shop stocked with Easter goodies including Lindt chocolate eggs and treats. Admission Prices – Castle & Gardens: Adults £16.50; Seniors £14.40; Children (5-15) £9.30 (under 5’s free); Family ticket £43.60 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children). For further information and opening times please visit the website: hevercastle.co.uk or call Hever Castle on 01732 865224.
You’ll need: Plain white paper Poster paints Stickers Glitter
Glue Scraps of paper, fabric and wool Mini pegs String
National Trust Easter Egg Hunts near you – time for an
26th March
Easter Family Fun at Hever Castle
Egg Bunting
www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk
Easter Trails – follow the bunny and solve the clues
www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
Simple Easter crafts for children
25th – 28th March Easter Bunny Cruises on the Wey & Arun Canal,
Loxwood RH14 0RD. Take a trip on the beautiful Wey & Arun Canal on one of the special Easter-themed boat rides, cruising the idyllic Loxwood Link section of the canal on the Surrey/West Sussex border. Adults can unwind, enjoy some refreshments and take in the beautiful scenery, while children receive a chocolate gift from the Easter Bunny. Booking in advance is advisable. Trips are taking place daily from Fri 25th- Mon 28th March 2016 at 11am, 12pm and 2pm. Price is £10 per person. Trips depart from the Canal Centre behind the Onslow Arms in Loxwood. Tel: 01403 752403.
eggsellent adventure! Bring Cadbury magic to your family by joining one of their Easter Egg Trails. Follow the clues, answer the questions and follow your way to a prize just for you!
Devils Dyke 26th – 28th March
Trail opens at 11am – 3pm Trail cost is £3 plus normal admission fees
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke
Monks House 25th – 28th March
Trail opens at 12.30am – 5.30pm Cost is £1.50 plus normal admission fees
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/monks-house
Sheffield Park & Gardens 25th – 28th March
Easter Egg Bunny You’ll need: g 1 hard-boiled eg lt fe te hi w d an w Yello PVA glue d black yellow, orange an Felt tips pens in
Trail opens at 10.00am – 4.00pm Cost is £3.50 plus normal admission fees
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-andgarden
25th – 27th March Easter Eggstravaganza at Springbarn Farm
They say the clue is in the name, and it’s fair to say that Spring is in full swing at Spring Barn Farm, Lewes! Lambing season is underway, head on down to the barn to meet all the beautiful new arrivals and their lovely mums. Expect fleecy tails, lots of gamboling around, and even some bottle feeding sessions for the orphan lambs! Join in the interactive daily activities schedule and meet bunnies, chicks and more up close and personally, perfect for both little one’s and grown ups alike! The ever popular Eggstravaganza Easter Hunt will be running all day on Good Friday 25th–Easter Sunday 27th March; take your egg box, find all the clues then trade it for your chocolaty treat! For tickets, times and prices head to www.
Petworth House 25th – 28th March
Trail opens at 10.00am – 3.30pm Cost is £3 plus normal admission fees
www.nationaltrust.gov.uk/petworth-house
Slindon 26th March
Trail opens at 10.00am – 1.00pm Cost is £3 – no other fees
Bunny Ears You’ll need: White cardboard Grey and pink pa int Scissors PVA glue An Alice band
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate
Nymans 25th – 28th March
Trail opnes at 10.30am – 3.30pm Cost is £3.00 plus admission fees
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans
springbarnfarm.com
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
02393 117561 Sussex Coast
11
12
Clubs and Classes
Top Tips for taking your little one to the pool for the first time
13
Keep them warm...Children lose body heat
much faster than adults and can seem unhappy in water because they are cold. At the little swim school we use private pools that are about 34 degrees, but most public pools are between 28 and 30 degrees, so it’s definately worth investing in a little wetsuit.
Be calm and happy yourself...young children take their cues about situations from their parents – if you aren’t happy in water and take them swimming in a nervous and stressed way, they will pick up on this and not be happy themselves. Spring is the perfect time of year to introduce your little one to the water so you can really enjoy the water when summer comes! If you’re not going to an organised lesson, taking your little one to the pool for the first few times can be a little bit daunting so here are a few tips from Vicki at the little swim school.
Have a bath... If you’re not sure how happy your little one will be,
encourage them to be happy in the water using the bath. You can gently splash, get their face wet, look under the water (with goggles if needed) and play with watering cans and plastic toys. When they are fairly happy playing in the bath, you can take the next step to the pool!
Get your timing right... for your first few visits especially, pick a time
where your little one isn’t tired or hungry and this will mean they are at their best. Take a favourite toy...as the pool will be new to them and children do love the familiar! Ideally the toys they use in the bath at home, then you can play some of the games you play in the bath, in the pool.
And the most important thing: HAVE FUN!! I believe that being happy in the water at a young age is the most important thing – if a child is happy in the water, they will feel confident, be safer in the water, and learn to swim much faster. If your little one isn’t as happy as you thought, or seems to have had enough after minutes, don’t be discouraged, just wrap them up, dry off, have a lovely snack and tell them how great they were. Next time, try for a few minutes more, building it up slowly, it often takes a few visits anywhere for them to feel happy and secure. For information on lessons with the little swim school, visit
thelittleswimschool.co.uk or call 01273 207992
Clubs & Classes Swimming Schools: MXT Swim School
Lessons are designed to teach children at a much faster rate using MXT’s unique accelerated teaching system Tel: 01903 202700
www.mxtswimschool.com Seriously Fun Swimming Schools
Small classes and personal service that are structured, safe and most of all fun! East & West Sussex: Tel: 0844 35 11 409
www.seriouslyfun.com Little Swim School
Specialising in teaching babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, from 1 to 5. Teaching water safety, water confidence and swimming skills in a happy, fun, relaxed and reassuring environment. Classes in Brighton, Lewes and Hove. Tel: 01273 207992
www.thelittleswimschool.co.uk
Performing Arts, Singing, Singing and Dance Classes Perform
Fitness and Gymnastic Classes Bee-fit
Baby and Toddler fun fitness classes, action songs, parachute and fitness circuits Worthing: Tel : 01903 241740
www.bee-fit.co.uk
South Down Leisure Centre
Join Fit 4 or choose a particular activity, set over 4 venues including Splashpoint for swimming. Tel: 01903 502237
www.worthingleisure.co.uk Activ 8
Fun physical activity classes for children from 18 months to 12 years Tel: 01903 785785
www.activ8forkids.co.uk
Martial Arts Samurai
A full time Martial Arts School for students aged 3.5 years old to adults with an on-site cafe. Brighton: tel: 01273 570940
www.samuraibrighton.com
Football
Tiny Soccer Stars
Sing & Sign
A new and exciting football and ball games club where young children aged 2-5 can learn ball skills, confidence and teamwork. Classes are held in various locations including: Worthing, Brighton and Hove.
www.singandsign.co.uk
Language Classes and Tutors
A fun-packed mix of energetic dances, games and catchy songs West Sussex: Tel: 0845 400 4000
www.perform.org.uk
Helping you and your baby enjoy the process of learning to talk Brighton: Tel : 01273 550587
Brighton & Hove Dance Academy
Offering Tiny Tots ballet, RAD ballet, kids jazz and creative classes and adults jazz and ballet classes Tel: 07500 724236
www.brightonandhovedanceacademy.co.uk Rockabubz
Parent and toddler dance and music class held on Monday mornings in Worthing and Thursday mornings in Littlehampton. Dani: Tel :07863 105453
www.rockabubz.com
ACT Theatre School for Kids
Running on a Saturday morning for children aged 6 – 18 years in Brighton during term time. Tel: 01273 818268
www.actbrighton.org
www.tinysoccerstars.co.uk
Buenos Dias
Join the fun with lively, engaging Spanish classes for children aged 6 months and up. Free trial session available. Hove: Tel : 01273 323431
www.buenosdias.co.uk Fleet Tutors
Private tutoring either at home or on-line, providing children of all ages complete support across the full academic range.
www.fleet-tutors.co.uk Bonjour Kidz
Offering fun and active French classes to children aged 2-11, various options available – parent and child classes, afterschool classes, pre-school classes. Tel: 01273 921821
www.bonjourkidz.com
Razzamatazz
Get involved in performing arts in a funky, fresh and vibrant atmosphere! Littlehampton: Tel : 01903 680600
www.razzamatazz.co.uk editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
02393 117561 Sussex Coast
14
What’s On
What’s On
National Awareness Days for March/April MARCH
Sports Relief 18th – 20th March 2016
National nutrition month
18th, 19th and 20th March
Swimathon Uckfield Leisure centre Distances are 1.5K or 5K either on your own or a team of up to 5
simply turn up and have fun, it’s FREE to take part.
Arundel Wetland Centre, BN18 9PB
01903 883355 wwt.org.uk/arundel
www.kidsrunfree.co.uk
19th and 20th March
2 March
National School Breakfast Week
2 March
National Sleep Awareness Week
3 March
World Book Day
Sports Relief is running over the weekend of the 18th-20th March, listed below are all of the events in our area that you are able to enter. To enter any of the events below go to: www.sportrelief.com 20th March
Shakespeare Week
Worthing Mile Southdowns Leisure Centre Athletics Track Distances are 1, 3 or 6 miles
St. Patrick’s Day
10th March
6 March
Mothering Sunday
14 March 17 March
Swimathon Splashpoint Worthing Distances are 1.5K or 5K either on your own or a team of up to 5
25 March 27 March
18th or 20th March
Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week Good Friday Easter
APRIL 1 April April Fool’s Day 1April National Fun Day
Swimathon Steyning Swimming Pool Distances are 1.5K or 5K either on your own or a team of up to 5
19th March
Swimathon Wadurs Pool Distances are 1.5K or 5K either on your own or a team of up to 5
20th March 2 April World Autism Awareness Day 20 April Allergy Awareness Week 23 April St George’s Day
SimplyCycle There are no events within our area, but if you wanted to organise a 3 mile Family Cycle event you can go onto the website www.sportrelief.com where they will give you advise on how to do it ‘in your own way and in your own time’. Have fun ... and good luck it is for a great cause!
On Going Events through March and April
The Burgess Hill Mile Burgess Hill Rugby Club Distances are 1, 3 or 6 miles
19th and 20th March
Swimathon Lewes Leisure Centre Distances are 1.5K or 5K either on your own or a team of up to 5
Animals in the Frame Hove Museum Animals both domestic and wild are featured in this display of paintings from the collection of the Royal Pavilion & Museums. In this family-friendly collection artists have captured aspects of our relationship with animals, whether it is admiration for the majesty of a stag or exactly why dogs are known as man’s best friend.
http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/hove/ what-to-see/exhibitions-and-displays/ animals-in-the-frame/
28 April Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day
18th,19th March
Swimathon Seahaven Swim and Fitness Centre Distances are 1.5K or 5K either on your own or a team of up to 5
Pond Dipping Holidays & weekends Visit the Pond Explorer station on weekends & holidays to discover mini-beasts that live below the surface. 11.00-13.00 & 14:00-16:00. Included in your admission ticket price. Arundel Wetland Centre, BN18 9PB
01903 883355 wwt.org.uk/arundel
Picture Time and Story Hove Museum Thursdays, 10am-12pm £2 per child, drop in, 2-5 years. Use craft materials to make a picture based on things you can find in the museum, and listen to a story.
Wed 2 – Sun 6 March
Sat 5 March
Fairytale Fair Patcham Methodist Church Get your Easter and Mother’s Day gifts handmade, unique and one off this year! Great chocolate alternatives, pocket money buys, one off artworks and much more. 10.30am-3:30pm, free entry
Wetland Discovery Boat Safari Every day Glide with a wildlife guide on quiet electric boats through the reedbeds of Wetlands Discovery. First boat 11:00 last boat 15:30. Included in your admission ticket price. Suggested donation of £1
Mother’s Day Beach Volleyball Session Yellowave, Brighton This hour long session will include fun beach volleyball drills, tag races and volleyball games. Watch out mums and dads your little one might just show you up! Midday, £5.50 per child, £10 for two, £15 for three. Parents FREE!
Dogs don’t do Ballet Connaught Theatre, Worthing Full of fun, magic and one special dog.
Sun 20 March
The Brighton Chicken Run Hove Park Brighton wants you to Run like a chicken and earn your egg!! Everyone is provided with a chicken costume and all finishers will get a chocolate egg at the finish. There will be a 5km chicken fun run for adults, a 1 mile chicken run and a 500 metre dash for children.
www.brightonandhove.chick.wix.com
Tues 29 and Thurs 31 March and Tues 5 and Thurs 7 April
Baskets, Bonnets and Bunny Ears Hove Museum Can you make a crazy bonnet or maybe some bunny ears? Get creative in our sticking, making and painting workshop this Easter. £2 per child 10.30 – 12.00 or 1.20 – 3pm drop in sessions
29 March
Thurs 24 March - Mon 10 April
GIANT Duck Hunt Arundel Wetlands centre Go quakers on our GIANT rubber ducky hunt trail and see new life emerge as wild ducklings hatch out across the reserve. Included in your admission ticket price. 9:30-17:30
Shepherds, Witches and Myths Brighton Museum and Art Gallery Discover more about the ‘Sussex Lucky Stones’. With Curator of Local History & Archaeology Andy Maxted.
http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/ discover/events/event/bite-size-museum-shepherds-witches-and-myths/
www.worththeatres.co.uk
Sat 2 – Sun 3 April
Sat 26 – Mon 28 March
Normans & Crusaders Arundel Castle Set within a historical tented encampment, Raven Tor Living History Group will recreate the crafts, weapons training, and battle tactics of the period. With falconry a Story Teller, and archery demonstrations the weekend will be filled with the sights, sounds and smells of the late Norman Period.
www.arundelcastle.org Sat 26 March
Kids Run Free East Hill Park, Portslade All ages welcome from toddlers to teenagers and everyone in between. No running experience required,
Life in a Medieval Castle Arundel Castle The weekend is a real opportunity for visitors to see how armour and weapons changed, how the knights, archers and men-at-arms would fight, how fashion developed, and to see some of the many crafts from the Medieval Period.
Sat 23 April
By George There’s Dragons Arundel Wetland Centre Discover wetland dragons & other English wildlife as we celebrate St. George’s Day. Included in your admission ticket price. 9:30-17:30 BN18 9PB, 01903 883355
wwt.org.uk/arundel
Fri 9 April
Children’s Disco The Ballroom, Blind Veterans Uk, Ovingdean A fun-packed afternoon for 5 - 11 year olds, £5 per child. Music and games, dance tuition, refreshments and a goodie bag to take home. Call Rachel on 01273 391455.
wwt.org.uk/arundel
Gansta Granny Theatre Royal Brighton Fantastic family production based on the best selling book by David Walliams. Morning, matinee and evening shows.
Sun 6 March
20th March
The Eastbourne Mile Eastbourne Sports Park Distances are 1, 3 or 6 miles
Fri 9 – Sat 8 April
http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/ discover/events/event/picture-timeand-story-4/
20th March
Brighton & Hove Mile Preston Park Distances are 1, 3 or 6 miles
18 March
Swimathon Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne Distances are 1.5K or 5K either on your own or a team of up to 5
15
Sun 10 April
Pedal along the prom Worthing Starting at George V at 10.30am
Sun 24 April
Primitive Fire Lighting Arundel Wetland Centre Learn to make fire without matches. Experience the joy of lighting a fire by sparks or by friction just as our ancestors would’ve done. Price includes admission. £25 pp. Price includes centre admission ticket price. Age 10+ to adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 9:30-17:30 BN18 9PB,
01903 883355 wwt.org.uk/arundel
www.guildcare.org
www.arundelcastle.org
Sat 16 April – Sun 17 April Sat 2 April
Skips Family Workshops Theatre Royal Brighton The sessions are designed for children and accompanying adults to make, play and have fun together. £7 per person. 10.30 – 12.30
Discover Birds Weekend:Spring Arundel Wetlands Centre Enjoy seasonal walks & talks with WWT experts on the wild & living collection birds at Arundel. Included in your admission ticket price. 9:30-17:30
wwt.org.uk/arundel
02393 117561 Sussex Coast
16
The Kenwood store Price offers
*
SAVE
£213
On selected products in store now
ECAM45.760
SAVE
*
*
£89 KVC5000Y
£69
IS5043WH
Minimum 2 Year Guarantee on all products *OFF RRP
SAVE
Open 9am - 5pm Monday - Saturday
Prices are correct at time of print.
New Lane, Havant Telephone 023 9239 2111 www.kenwoodworld.com/uk
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
Available Now Free Kenwood Kitchen recipes app available to download on iPhone and Android
AUTHORIZED ServiceCentre