Families Herts Jan-Feb 2013

FREE Issue No. 48 Jan/Feb 2013

What's On

at half-term

Win

tickets to Rye-Assic

Adventure Park, Justin & Friends and Milkshake!

Is a nursery right for your child (and you)?

Changes to Child Benefit The dangers of excessive sugar

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

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From your Editor…

In this issue:

Welcome to the first issue of 2013. I am looking forward to bringing you the next six issues of Families Herts and am really excited at the prospect of our May/June 50th issue!

But for now you will want to know what’s inside this issue. As always we have our Nursery Feature, so whether you are looking for a day nursery or a pre-school there is information that you can put to good use.

As parents, we are all concerned about our children’s diet and our article about the hidden sugar we eat will help you reduce the amount your family consumes – knowledge is power!

Of course, this month the changes to Child Benefit kick in and you will find what you need to know about the changes on page 16.

We’ve three fab competitions for you to enter. Have a go and you might win a family ticket to see Justin and Friends at the Wembley Arena or to see Milkshake! live or if your children are into dinosaurs, and most are, you could win a family ticket to Rye-assic Adventure Park. Turn to page 6 and find out for yourself.

News & Views: 4 Competitions: 6 Nursery Feature: 8 Family Finance: 16 Health & Wellbeing: 17 What’s On: 20 Mar/Apr deadline: 4th February Next Issue: Childcare

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.

- Alexander Technique - Excessive sugar

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.

Image courtesy of Anna Louise Crossley - www. annalouisecrossley.co.uk 07970 512552

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

Say you saw it in

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News & Views Candy Stripe Party - The Party Boutique!

Candy Stripe Party, the online party boutique, is now open. It is run by two mums who have turned a passion for stylish parties into a new business and who want their customers to enjoy their party as much as their guests do.

As well as selling stylish tableware, invitations and thank you sets, baking

e to m o c l e W

Affordable, quality childcare in the South East!

At only *£20 per day (9.30am – 4.30pm), Base Camps offers piece of mind for working parents and a packed day where children can play and experience new activities at a venue near you. With the option to extend the day from 8.00am – 6pm for only an additional £5, it’s convenient and value-for-money too.

At Base Camps, our aim is to provide safe, stimulating holiday childcare based on team work and fun. All of our staff are over 18,

supplies, decorations and accessories from their online shop the website also provides you with inspiration and ideas on how to bring all these stunning products together to create a party that won’t be forgotten.

They have sourced the very best products from near and far, including Australia, America and, of course, the United Kingdom.

You can buy and browse at www.candystripeparty.co.uk, but keep your eyes peeled as new products will be constantly added.

CRB checked and qualified (or training to be qualified) in a relative field of teaching and coaching.

With Government guidelines recommending 60 minutes of strenuous activity a day, we guarantee 80 minutes of sports and games in our programme as well as our signature team building challenges plus a varied timetable of arts and crafts activities.

All of the Base Camps venues are within easy reach of local communities and locations include: Berkshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire with more to be confirmed across the South East.

Register now on our website and *save 10% by taking advantage of our Early Booking Rate (discounted rate ends: 30/04/13). www.basecamps.org.uk

Brain Tumour Research – Wear A Hat Day Thursday 28th March 2013 Join the fun on March 28th and help fund the fight against brain tumours ‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer.

It’s a day every year that we ask people to wear a hat to raise awareness and funds for vital research into brain tumours. A day when we encourage people to make donations in order to wear a hat to school, at work, at social events or even at home.

From sponsored silences to charity runs and school bake sales, educational facilities around the country are being encouraged to raise money in any way they can. Sue Farrington-

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Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, comments: “Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer so please get involved on March 28th 2013”.

Register your interest today sarah@ braintumourresearch.org

Beep Beep! Day at Strathmore Pre-School Children at Strathmore Pre-School in Hitchin ran a Beep Beep! Day on 21 November as part of a major national campaign to make roads safer for families, kids and adults on foot and bike.

Beep Beep! Day is an initiative by the charity Brake involving schools, nurseries and playgroups promoting road safety and teaching under-eights the road safety basics through fun activities. Strathmore Pre-School joined thousands of nurseries, schools and community groups promoting life-saving messages during Road Safety Week, particularly calling on drivers to ‘GO 20’ to help make their community safer for people on foot and bike. The children’s sponsored walk around their local community raised over £250, which will help Brake provide support services for families bereaved and injured by road crashes and run community road safety campaigns.

To contact Strathmore Pre-School call Diane Grazette on 07593 742755. To find out more about Brake go to www.brake.org.uk

Little Kickers Go Pyjamas!

The Best is yet to come!

Students at Best Theatre Arts recently held a bake sale, played fun games and did their classes whilst wearing scary costumes. It was all in order to raise funds for local District Nurses and was in celebration of the life of Roundwood School’s drama teacher, Conor Geraghty.

“Our students were very saddened by Conor’s recent death and it was their idea to do something practical in his memory,” says Best’s David Bevan. “The older ones worked hard to make some really fantastic cakes and we had lots of fun, games and laughter raising

a massive £334!”

Best’s new ‘School of Acting’ has been very successful. “The first term has been fun and challenging and the students’ progress has been remarkable,” said David Best runs ‘Best Theartre Arts’ – weekend theatre school, ‘Best School of Acting’ – drama school and ‘The Feelgood Factor’ – a musical theatre group for adults that is open to all regardless of talent! Call 01727 759634 or email bestarts@aol.com to find out more.

Are you concerned about your child’s reading?

Erin reading

There can be many reasons for reading difficulties. Each child is unique and will develop at a different rate. Some children may not have developed appropriate movement skills in their early years and so their brain is not yet ready for the complex task of learning to read.

Vision is important for reading but not only the ability to see close up and from a distance. Good eye control is a significant skill for reading; a child needs to maintain focus and to be able to track the words across the page from left to right. Also, both eyes must work together for the brain to convert the two

images into one.

Hearing too plays its part, even a child with good hearing may not be easily able to distinguish between similar sounds such as d, t, f or th. Children with auditory discrimination issues often confuse the sounds with the letter but a standard hearing test will not detect this difficulty.

Centre4Excellence will identify the underlying factors contributing to your child’s reading difficulties and can then refer them to the right professionals for assessment. They also put in place a remedial programme that is tailored to the needs of each individual child.

The programme will help your child to develop the cognitive skills they need for learning and reading: memory, attention, processing and sequencing. Alison Linskey from Welwyn Garden City said: “Erin’s reading is starting to pick up at some speed - in the past month she has moved up 10 levels in her school reading scheme and she is almost at average reading level for her age.”

To find out more call Florence 07831 886711 or email centre4excellence@btconnect.com.

Read more at www.familiesherts.co.uk/C4E

Say you saw it in

Last November, all Little Kickers and Little Rugby classes in South West Herts responded to the Blue Peter appeal for Children In Need, and they all dressed up in their pyjamas left the house and went off to play football and rugby!

They all had great fun. Many children went to their weekly class in their pyjamas to find their coaches also in pyjamas, dressing gowns and even onesies! With huge enthusiasm from the coaches, together with the generosity of families and many smiling children, they collected a brilliant £1,368.10. With the addition of £500 from Little Kickers SW Herts, a grand total of £1,868.10 was donated to Children in Need to help underprivileged children. Well done to everyone who took part!

For classes in Harpenden, St Albans, Redbourn, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead call 020 8440 6195 or email jlustigman@ littlekickers.co.uk For classes in Stevenage, Hatfield & Potters Bar call 07930 647813 or email Mjassal@ littlekickers.co.uk

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Competitions Win a Family Ticket* to experience

Rye-Assic Adventure Park!

Dinosaurs have arrived at Rye House Kart Raceway at Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, with the opening of a new year-round attraction, the Rye-assic Adventure Park. Especially designed for 0-9 year olds, the park brings to life prehistoric creatures from the Cretaceous Period, 144 million years ago, with sight and sound as a backdrop to a collection of new rides and games in six activity zones. Featured giants of the past include Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus and the fearsome predator, Tyrannosaurus Rex, in full life-size splendour. Designed to preserve the natural habitat of today's creatures as well, the park is at Rye House, just off Junction 25 of the M25 and the A10 by-pass. It is five minutes from Rye House Station on the Hertford East line direct from London’s Liverpool Street Station.

Dare to visit and you won’t believe your eyes!

To book call 01992 460 895 ext 1 or to find out more go to www.ryeassicadventurepark.co.uk. *Win 1 of 2 Family Tickets. A Family Ticket is for either 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children. Children are aged from 0 – 9.

Closing date: 28th February

Win a Family Ticket to see Justin & Friends at Wembley Arena For the first time ever fans will be able to see Justin Fletcher’s favourite characters together on stage as Justin & Friends prepare to rock arenas across the UK. With his friends Robert the Robot and Little Monster, Justin gets ready to put on a spectacular rock and roly-poly show for a special visitor! As Robert’s enthusiasm for tidying up threatens Justin’s plans to stage the most amazing show ever, he’ll need your help to keep things on track. Justin and Friends will be at Wembley Arena on 6th April 1.30pm & 4.30pm and 7th April at 11 am & 2pm.

For tickets and all tour information visit www.bbcliveshows.com.

Closing date: 15th March

Win a Family Ticket to see

‘Milkshake! Come Out to Play!’

Milkshake! Come Out to Play! is coming to the Broxbourne Civic Hall on 9th February for two shows only. This fantastic all singing, all dancing show stars milkshake! favourites Little Princess and Scruff, Noddy and Tessie Bear, Roary and Big Chris, Fifi, Bumbles and the Bananas in Pyjamas. They will be joined by two milkshake! presenters who will take you on a magical adventure. This musical spectacular is sure to get the children’s toes tapping and have them singing at the tops of their voices. 1 lucky winner will win a Family Ticket (2 adults/2 children) to see the 1 pm performance and will meet their favourite characters after the show.

For more details go to www.channel5.com/milkshake / www.broxbourne.gov.uk Closing date: 25th January

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Enter all these competitions at www.familiesherts.co.uk/comps

Say you saw it in

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Nursery Feature Is a nursery right for your child (and you)?

By Joanna Moorhead

and how often?

Make sure you understand exactly what the fees include. For example, do they cover meals, nappies, outings? Are there any ‘extras’ to be paid for? How and when will you have to pay? How many weeks of the year is the nursery open? Ask how they involve parents and if there are opportunities for parents to meet one another.

Read the latest Ofsted inspection report for the nurseries you are serious about. Once you’ve seen the nursery for yourself and have all facts, still pay heed to your instincts, especially if you’ve got to the shortlist stage and are finding it difficult to make your final choice. If necessary arrange to visit again!

Is all well when I’m not there?

Joanna Moorhead is a journalist and a mother of four who writes about parenting and family life.

She gives us her take on choosing nursery care.

Studies show that attending nursery can increase a child’s confidence and social skills because they are mixing with other children and adults away from their home.

Nurseries work best for parents who have regular working hours, because it is difficult for staff to deal with erratic collection and drop-off times. Even though nurseries may open early and close late they may not be able to be as flexible as a nanny or a childminder if you need to make last minute changes to your schedule. On the other hand, they are very unlikely to close at short notice, whereas a childminder or nanny may have to prioritise their own families on occasion.

At a nursery, trained and qualified staff will ensure that age-appropriate play and learning activities are offered to your child. They will help your child develop their potential and as they get to know your child they will be aware of their likes and interests. The ‘key worker’ system, where each child is allocated a staff member with whom they can bond also helps to provide your child with a sense of security.

If your work hours fit with nursery opening times and, if you like the idea of a social environment with plenty of activities and stimulation with trained carers, a nursery could be the place for your child and for you.

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How to choose the right nursery Where to start?

Start your nursery search well ahead of the time when you’re going to need to leave your child. The more confident you are of the choice you make, the happier you’ll be when you have to head back to the office. Seek other parents’ views on the nurseries in your area. Consider location; will drop-offs and pick-ups be convenient? Make a shortlist of ones that interest you and arrange visits; don’t be shy in visiting a second time.

What to look for Do the children look happy? This may be a cliché but it is a valuable barometer.

Watch the children as they play and notice how much the staff and children are interacting. Are the nursery staff at ease with the children? Do you feel comfortable speaking with them? Are they interested in your child?

Notice the quality of indoor and outdoor play areas. Are they safe and secure? Are the spaces pleasant, bright and welcoming?

Ask if any additional activities are offered such as ballet, music groups or learning French. Does the nursery arrange trips to the library or the park and how are they organised?

Enquire about meal provision. How and where is the food prepared? What time are meals served? If your child has special dietary requirements, can these be catered for? Will the nursery try to accommodate your child’s food preferences? What snacks are provided

In the early days, your child is likely to be very tired at the end of the day. Starting nursery is a big change emotionally and physically and you will both need time to adjust.

Don’t drag out your goodbyes. At first, leaving your child will be difficult and keeping it brief will help both of you. If your child cries every day when you take them to nursery, accept that for him/her this is a normal reaction to a big change. If the separation is also hard for you keeping in mind why you are leaving them will help you cope.

Remember, your child is in a safe and stimulating place where they are nurtured and cared for, so you’ve no need to feel guilty!

What to do If problems arise Fingers crossed, you’ll never have a problem with your child’s nursery. But what happens when there is an issue? As every working parent knows, nothing undermines your ability to work more than a nagging suspicion that all is not well at your child’s nursery. If you have any worries, don’t let things fester, you must resolve them as quickly as possible. As soon as you notice something is ‘not right’, talk to the nursery manager or your allocated member of staff and explain your concerns. The chances are the issue will be dealt with and speedily resolved to your satisfaction. Many niggles are often simply the result of lack of communication.

If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, then put your concerns in writing to the nursery manager. All nurseries should have a protocol for dealing with complaints - if this is not described in the nursery handbook then ask to see the policy document.

For further advice go to www.hertsdirect.org/ your-community/ fis/dispute

Help with nursery costs If you have to find fees for more than one child of nursery age some nurseries may offer a sibling reduction. The government is considering cutting staff-to-child ratios in nurseries as a way of reducing nursery costs, but the move is controversial, and

organisations such as the Preschool Learning Alliance is warning such a change could risk children’s safety and wellbeing. Under current regulations, there is a ratio of 1:3 for under twos and 1:4 for two and three year olds.

Most nurseries provide funded places for three and four year olds under the government Free Early Education scheme, which will start from the beginning of the term (1 September, 1 January or 1 April) after your child’s third birthday. If your child is younger, your employer may offer help towards your costs through the childcare voucher scheme. This is done through ‘salary sacrifice’ where the amount you want to claim in vouchers is deducted from your pay before tax and National Insurance (NI) is calculated. This means that you are not paying tax and NI on some of the money you use to pay for nursery fees. Currently, basic rate tax payers can claim up to £55 a week, or £243 a month in vouchers.

For more on childcare vouchers see page 16

Try these websites for more on childcare vouchers: www.familiesonline.co.uk, search for ‘childcare vouchers’ www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare

More useful websites: www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk www.hertsdirect.org/your-community/fis www.ncma.org.uk www.ndna.org.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk/early-years-and-childcare www.familiesonline.co.uk www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child

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Nursery Noticeboard How and when to apply for your local Herts Nursery School or Class Parents of children born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010 can apply online for nursery places at Hertfordshire nursery schools and classes from Monday 11 February 2013. Parents should approach private, voluntary and independent providers direct for a place at these settings.

Applying online for a school nursery place: • is quick and easy to do • available 24 hours a day 7 days a week up until the closing date • you will have your own unique log in details • you can change your application right up until the closing date • your information is fully protected and secure

Parents must log back in to the application system on 30 April to view and accept their nursery offer. Allocation emails will not be sent direct to parents.

All you need is an email account and internet access whether it is your home computer, at an internet café or at your local library. Many children’s centres also offer access.

Timetable for admissions to nursery schools and classes Apply online from:. Monday 11 February 2013 Closing date: .Friday 22 March 2013 Offer date: .Tuesday 30 April 2013 Accept your place by:.Wednesday 8 May 2013 Visit: www.hertsdirect.org/nurseryadmissions

Quality Counts at YMCA Nurseries YMCA Nurseries at Peartree Lane, Welwyn Garden City and Countess Anne, Hatfield have gained the Herts Quality Standard Award during 2012.

This quality assurance mark is a county council led scheme that ensures childcare providers are constantly improving and developing through self-evaluation. It is recognised across the county and it validates the work that the dedicated staff do every day at the nurseries. The endorsement of quality continues at Countess Anne in Hatfield which recently attained a ‘Good’ grading in their Ofsted inspection. This recognises the work of the inspiring and knowledgeable staff who keep the children’s development at the heart of what they do.

Whether you are a working, studying or a stay at home parent, evidence shows that regular, good quality early education has lasting benefits for all children. It will benefit children’s social, physical and mental development and helps to give them the best possible start in life.

For more information call 01707 351406 or visit www.ymcacentralherts.org.uk/nurseries

Girls Go Green at Abbot’s Hill School

Pupils at Abbot’s Hill School took part in Girls Go Green Week, a nationwide initiative organised by the Girls’ Schools Association to promote awareness of green issues. Girls

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organised a recycled fashion show, a walking bus to school and sales of second-hand clothing, books and DVDs. Many classes had a green theme with pupils in the junior school recycling plastic bottles to make musical instruments and creating mobiles out of fallen leaves and twigs. Money raised went to the Sunnyside Rural Trust.

Abbot’s Hill School is an independent Day School for girls aged 3 to16 and boys 3 to 5. The school sits in 70 acres of parkland and within this inspirational learning environment children are given the freedom to grow, learn and play. The school’s recent ISI Inspection Report stated that “The EYFS learning environment, both inside and outside, is spacious, well planned and

resourced, and safely organised to provide many opportunities for exploration and childinitiated activities.”

The school aims to nurture the whole child, enabling pupils to develop their talents whether they are academic, artistic, or sporting. Small class sizes, excellent pastoral care and high quality teaching help them attain their full potential. The ISI report stated that “The quality of pupils’ personal development is outstanding”.

The next Working Open Afternoon for the junior school is Friday 1 February 2013 and there will be a whole school Open Day on Saturday 9 March 2013.

For more information visit www.abbotshill. herts.sch.uk or phone 01442 240333.

St Edmund’s College and Prep – a happy, vibrant and successful school St Edmund’s College and Prep is England’s oldest Catholic School. The school’s historic buildings are impressive but when visitors leave us, however, what they remember are our people.

For the younger pupils, St Edmund’s Prep offers an all-round education starting with our nursery, Cygnets; a nurturing nursery with dedicated facilities including its own fun and safe outdoor play area. As the children move through the Prep the school provides a healthy balance between academic work and recreational activities with plenty of opportunity for creativity and physical exercise.

The Prep school benefits from being within the grounds of St Edmund’s College and therefore utilises the many facilities that the College offers including an indoor swimming pool, flood lit astro turf and the acres of grounds which help the children to flourish.

For further details call the Admissions Office on 01920 824247 or visit www.stedmundscollege.org

Say you saw it in

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Nursery Feature Westbrook Hay Prep take to the Stage

The children of Westbrook Hay Prep School took to the stage last December in two colourful productions.

The Lower School children, aged 2 – 6 years, performed ‘Prickly Hay’, the story of Sam, the stable boy and his friends the shrews, who swapped prickly hay for lovely soft hay to make baby Jesus comfortable. “All the children

worked extremely hard to learn their lines and they all sang beautifully,” commented Victoria Gibbs, Foundation Stage Manager.

It was anchors away for the Middle School children (aged 6 – 9 years) who presented ‘Pirates of the Curry Bean’, the story of Jack & Liza Periwinkle who go on a swashbuckling adventure to find buried treasure. Roz Sharp, Second Deputy and Head of Middle School was very proud “The children all played their parts brilliantly and the jokes, singing and dancing were all a big hit with the audience.”

Westbrook Hay Prep is a thriving independent school that educates boys and girls from rising 3 -13 years. It is located in a beautiful rural setting between Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted. Open Morning 9th March 9.30am-12.30pm. For more information or to arrange a visit call 01442 256143 or visit www.westbrookhay.co.uk

Positive Steps Day Nursery in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, has carefully designed rooms where children learn through play and exploration in a happy, safe and stimulating environment.

Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted we are open from 7.30am to 6.15 pm and offer childcare for babies and for children up to five years all year round and school holiday places for children up to seven. The staff are qualified Early Years practitioners and they offer a warm welcome.

Children enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities including construction, physical games, crafts, sensory play, cooking, stories, role play and singing including ‘Tiny Mites’ music sessions.

Our pre-school room for children aged over three is led by a qualified teacher and, in addition to a range of activities, children also enjoy French lessons from a visiting teacher. Our cook prepares tasty, nutritious, homemade meals every day and we were recently awarded five stars by Dacorum Borough Council.

Positive Steps are holding an Open Day on 19th January from 10am until 1pm To find out more or to visit call Linda on 01442 266119 or email apsley@ positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

The Kinsbourne Common Nursery and Pre-School The Kinsbourne Common Nursery and PreSchool in Harpenden is Ofsted registered for children between two and five years of age. The setting is surrounded by beautiful common land and conveniently located.

Our ethos is that children should learn through play where there will be scope for them to use their imagination and develop skills appropriately. The children are supported by a team of highly qualified and dedicated staff. We comply with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and we work closely with parents/carers and regularly update them on their child’s progress.

There is daily access to indoor and outdoor areas. We consider the welfare, learning and all-round development of children with different backgrounds and levels of ability, including those with special educational needs and disabilities Our Nursery and Pre-School provides a valuable contribution to the community and assists the children with their transition to primary school.

To find our more call Anna on 07956 659790 or email kinsbournenursery@btinternet.com

Childcare in the countryside at

A brand new purpose-built Nursery and PreSchool opened at the award-winning Willows Farm Village this January. Combining a unique countryside setting, stimulating learning and an extremely caring Nursery and Pre-School team, it’s childcare at its best.

Ofsted registered for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, staff actively work in

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partnership with parents and guardians to ensure healthy, happy children who are ready for mainstream school.

Open weekdays from 7.30am to 6.30pm and with healthy, nutritious meals included, Willows Farm Day Nursery and Pre-School offers well-equipped Education and Childcare rooms, its own private garden and even its own pony!

Children can enjoy structured educational play following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum with all activities planned to continually develop learning.

There is full access to Willows Farm Village where there are farmyard animals to meet and smaller animals to hold along with Willows Growing Patch and seasonal events such as lambing and potato harvesting. It’s an exceptional childcare opportunity in the

countryside.

Parents and guardians can book a tour of the Nursery and Pre-School by visiting www. willowsfarmdaynursery.com or calling the Manager, Louise Hobbs on 01727 829535.

All childcare vouchers are accepted and funded places are available in Pre-School.

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Nursery Feature Year round fun at PlayPlus Kindergarten At PlayPlus, babies and children receive excellent care in homely surroundings. With the exception of the Baby Unit, children are not separated by age and they choose where, with whom and with what they play.

Our gardens are full of play equipment, Wendy houses, trees and dens and offer a wonderful setting for fun and adventure.

Parents love our flexible approach to settlingin periods, emergency supply days, adding on tea or breakfast at short notice and offering either full year or term time registration. Our staff team are fully qualified, knowledgeable and experienced, having been with us for

many years In addition to our usual day-to-day activities, 2012 saw lots of extra events.

An animal education group visited us with reptiles, ‘mini-beasts’ and small mammals for the children to learn about and hold. We celebrated the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee with games and traditional party food.

Our sponsored walk and BBQ raised £1,749.25 for Marie Curie and the year ended with a visit from Father Christmas.

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

Nutkins Nursery at Kingshott - Where playing and learning go hand in hand Learning is a lifelong endeavour and what better place to begin than at Nutkins Nursery?

Nutkins Nursery is the newest addition to Kingshott School and it provides a purpose built facility for rising 4 year olds.

The children are nurtured in their learning by qualified and caring Early Years staff led by an experienced Nursery Teacher. Mornings are centred on the Early Years Foundation Stage with the activities being focused on new experiences and developing skills and confidence. The light interior has space for the children to experience role play and creative activities, and to play and learn individually and in groups. The secure playground allows the children to take their learning outside.

Afternoon activities encourage the children to use their creativity and imagination. Children are led in their physical and musical education by specialist teachers from higher up the school. There is also a Breakfast Club and

After School Care.

The nursery promotes the Early Learning Goals so that children can fulfil their potential and make a smooth transition into full time education.

To find out more go to www.kingshottschool. com, email registrar@kingshottschool.com or call 01462 432009.

Sherrardswood Nursery Sherrardswood Nursery is a small nursery with traditional values offering extended flexibility to suit modern day life. We are located in a self contained nursery building with its own landscaped garden, surrounded by 25 acres of woodland and fields. Our open plan building provides space for our two settings. With a team of dedicated and experienced Nursery Practitioners who have between seven and 12 years of commitment to Sherrardswood School.

Sherrardswood Nursery take childcare vouchers and we are part of the Government scheme offering up to 15 hours a week of free nursery care. Children can join in the September after they turn two years old. We offer a hot lunch to all children. Our youngest children, Hedgehogs, join us the September after they turn two; they move to pre-school

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Badgers the following September. For further information about Sherrardswood Nursery visit www.sherrardswood.co.uk or call Admissions on 01438 714282. © A2Zoom Photography

Artisans Kindergarten Artisans Kindergarten, for 2 -5 year olds, combines the principles of Montessori education with the National Foundation Stage Curriculum creating a stimulating environment which maximizes a child's natural curiosity and desire to discover, preparing them for a happy education.

Our fully qualified Montessori and Primary teachers organize the activities and learning of the children who thrive with a broad range of experiences and activities suited exactly to their individual needs and interests. We offer flexible times and a daily opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s needs with staff.

One of the projects enjoyed by the children during the autumn term was about food. They experienced flavours from around the world. They cooked some delicious meals and mapped where the food originated from. They looked at the shapes and textures of the foods and produced their own recipe book.

At Artisans Kindergarten we cherish the individuality of each child in our care.

To find out more call 07787 535 135 or email info@artisans.uk.com

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 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 from 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 (£6.50), Tues, Wed, Thurs and Fri from 9.00am – 12noon (£7.50), Wed, from 1pm-3pm (£6.50) For details: www.rsskl.org or email monilebon@gmail.com or call Moni on 07989 572585

Tiny Toes Over the next few months the Gardening Club at Tiny Toes will be planting their spring cabbage, peas and early potatoes.

As we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, which advocates children learn best when engaged in activities that interest them, our themes change on a daily or weekly basis depending on what has captured the children’s interest that day or week.

At Tiny Toes we have a ‘Growing Readers’ initiative where the children choose a book a month that they are interested in, we then display the book and the children’s work related to the book which provides talking points about their learning for the children and parents.

Up and coming events at the nursery are a pancake breakfast where parents join the children for breakfast on Shrove Tuesday. This is followed by an Easter egg hunt and in the summer we have a BBQ and summer fete. To find out more call 01442 233275 or email tinytoes@brighthorizons.com

Say you saw it in

15

Family Finance

Five things you need to know about the Changes to Child Benefit

1.

Child Benefit is not being stopped for high earners.

Anyone receiving Child Benefit, regardless of their income, is entitled to carry on receiving it. But from 7 January, high earners may have to pay a tax charge on any Child Benefit payments they or their partner receive. This applies whether they’re married or not.

2.

The tax charge increases in line with your income.

For every £100 of income you, or your partner, earn between £50,000 and £60,000, there is a tax charge of 1% of your total Child Benefit. Once your annual income is £60,000 or more, the tax charge is equal to the Child Benefit payments.

It’s the higher earner who pays the tax.

3.

Your income is based on your adjusted net income.

Even if you, or your partner, receive an income of £50,000 a year or more, you may find that the tax charge doesn’t apply. This is because the tax charge is based on your adjusted net income.

This is your income less any payments you make to a pension scheme, donations to charity through Gift Aid and reductions due to membership of salary sacrifice schemes (such as childcare vouchers and the cycle to work scheme). You could even consider increasing payments to your pension, for example, to bring your annual adjusted net income down.

4.

You can choose to keep or stop receiving Child Benefit.

If you or your partner’s adjusted net income is over £60,000, it could make sense to stop receiving Child Benefit as the tax charge will wipe out any financial gain to you and you won’t have to complete a tax return. But if you don’t know exactly how much your income will be, or you’re under the £60,000 threshold, it’s best to carry on getting it.

5.

If you decide to keep Child Benefit, you’ll have to do a tax return.

If either you or your partner has an adjusted net income of £50,000 or more then the highest earner must complete a tax return, declaring the Child Benefit as income. It’s that person’s responsibility to make sure they’re registered for self-assessment by 6 October 2013 or they’ll face a penalty. They then have until 31 October 2013 to file their return with HMRC (or 31 January 2014 if filing online). vided to Families This information was pro online ser vice

by MoneyVista; a free financial expert s. to that provides access ation, Money rm info r you g By enterin and national tax at Vista works out wh jected pro r you , pay you insurance r savings, you at wh state pension and ht be worth mig ty per pro and nts investme elements se the all in the future. Joining act on your imp the see you s let together decisions you are overall plan of financial oneyvista.com w.m ww See g. considerin

Using Childcare Vouchers to pay for school holiday play schemes If you’re working during the school holidays and need to pay for childcare you can do this by opting to pay by childcare vouchers. They can be redeemed against holiday play schemes up until your child turns 15 years old. You will pay less tax and if paying for the childcare vouchers reduces your net annual income to below £50,000, you will keep your child benefit.

Childcare vouchers are not just for paying for nursery places they can be ‘banked’ and used in one go for older children during the holidays. With higher earning parents facing a cut in their family budget when child benefit is means-tested, Super Camps are urging parents to sign up for childcare vouchers and to start saving their vouchers, ready for the summer holidays.

If your employer doesn’t run a voucher scheme why not ask them to start one? They could save money as they won’t have to pay National Insurance on wages you use for vouchers. If you are self-employed, ask your accountant as you too are entitled to childcare vouchers.

The Childcare Vouchers Schemes are administered by specialist companies and you should make sure that the voucher company has your childcare provider listed as one of your chosen recipients.

If you claim Child Tax Credits using childcare vouchers may affect the amount you receive.

Use the HMRC online calculator to find out (www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm).

This information was provided by Super Camps: Super Camps (www.supercamps.co.uk) and Base Camps (www.basecamps.org.uk) are both Ofsted registered providers, and they accept all childcare vouchers as a form of payment for bookings.

In addition, parents who qualify for Family Tax Credits can claim back up to 80% of the cost of their booking. For more details visit www.hmrc.co.uk/taxcredits and www.supercamps.co.uk/childcare-vouchers-1

Other useful websites: ww w.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit ww w.which.co.uk ww w.adviceguide.org.uk HM Revenue & Customs flickr.com

16

Health & Wellbeing

The Alexander Technique - its benefits for adults and children

The Alexander Technique was discovered over 100 years ago and, although often associated with sport and the performing arts, its application is in fact far wider. The large majority of my clients come because they are experiencing some form of pain or discomfort. Largely this comes in the form of neck or back ache, tense sore shoulders or problems with joint mobility. All of these symptoms can be greatly reduced by taking a course of lessons.

The Alexander Technique enables the release of long held tension and stress which, quite literally, become ‘stored’ in the muscular system and build up over time. In a lesson the Teacher works to encourage a release in muscles which have shortened and tightened and, as a result, people often report a feeling of lightness and balance. Certainly the aim is to assist in regaining the postural habits we had when we were children and to help us move more easily and fluidly.

The Alexander Technique can address and correct poor posture, coordination and breathing all of which have far reaching consequences to our health and wellbeing in daily life. These underlying issues often manifest in common health concerns such as headaches or poor digestion.

Having had two children I fully understand the stresses and strains of both pregnancy and bringing up kids. Being pregnant, breastfeeding and carrying children can place an enormous strain on the body. It can be a physically and emotionally challenging time. A course of lessons in the Technique can help not only during pregnancy but on an on-going basis for both adults and children.

by Ruth Ingram

To contact Ruth see the advert below.

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17

Health & Wellbeing

Excessive sugar Addictive, unwholesome and everywhere: The toxic truth about sugar in our children’s diet.

By Elisabeth Dolton

S

o you sent your child off to school this morning on a full bowl of cereal and some fresh orange juice. Thinking this is a good start to the day, you may have already given them over half their recommended daily allowance of sugar. This scenario is common across many families. Over the past ten years the use of sugar in foods has undergone a transformation, resulting in us potentially providing a diet for our children that contains more sugar than their bodies can cope with.

A silent revolution

Increasing addiction

Essentially, the mass development of a cheap, highly sweet, glucose-fructose syrup, produced from surplus corn, started in the 70’s, and was soon pumped into every conceivable food: pizza, coleslaw, meat. It provides a “just baked” sheen on bread and cakes, makes everything sweeter, and helps to keep foods moist so extends shelf life from days to years.

At the same time low fat foods were being embraced by dieters, so as fat was taken out of foods, sugar replaced it to maintain taste.

Unsurprisingly, sugar consumption has trebled worldwide over the last 50 years, and this purified sugar (known as ‘added’ sugar) is now an alarmingly major part of the Western diet.

As a result, the amount of sugar going into our bodies has been silently revolutionised.

Moreover, recent research has been looking into a worrying trend that the more sugar we eat, the more we want, and concluding that the addictive nature of sugar for our children is much higher than previously thought. Added sugar dulls the brain’s mechanism that tells you to stop eating, by reducing activity in the brain’s anorexigenic oxytocin system that gives the body the ‘full’ feeling. Without this, our appetite becomes insatiable, making it very easy to overeat.

Unavoidable UK guidelines recommend that added sugars shouldn’t make up more than around 50g a day, equivalent to ten teaspoons of sugar for adults and nine for five to ten-yearolds. Added sugar is now found in almost all processed foods and not just obviously sweet foods - glucose-fructose syrup is found in everyday products, such as cereal, salad dressing, sausages, making it easy to send our children over the recommended limit, sometimes with just one product.

18

The dangers “Sugar is ubiquitous, and the problem with refined sugar as opposed to natural sugar,” says Tracey Harper, Nutritional Therapist, “is that this sugar is an empty food with the goodness striped away, so when eaten it actually robs the body of vital nutrients, resulting in a depleted immune system.”

She goes on to explain that sugar feeds bad bacteria in the gut, the gut lining becomes exposed, so toxins can enter the blood stream, causing allergens to develop and other autoimmune deficiencies. Studies confirm this, showing that excess sugars cause a fiftypercent drop in the ability of white blood cells to fight off bacteria.

The growing problem of obesity in the UK with 31% of children now classified as overweight and the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes, once associated with old people, also points to the overconsumption of sugar in children’s daily diet. Excess sugar rots teeth and poor memory, low moods and depression have all been linked to the over-consumption of sugar. The recognisable ‘sugar high’ you get after eating sugar resulting in more energy and improved mood is temporary. After some time, the body crashes, energy levels plummet, leaving lethargy and tiredness.

Further effects can include hyperactivity in children, crankiness and eczema.

Main offenders

So, as we scratch our heads on how to get our kids to eating less sweets and exercising more, perhaps we also need to start looking more closely at what we are putting on their plates at meal and snack times.

Serving of Kellogg’s Frosties - 4 teaspoons

1.5l bottle of Volvic Touch of Fruit Lemon and Lime – 16 ½ teaspoons of sugar McDonald’s milkshake - 16 teaspoons

How to spot a high sugar food?

Look for ‘total sugars’ on the label which include natural and added sugar A food with less than 5g ‘total sugars’ per 100g is classified as low, more than 15g per 100g is high.

Orangina 500ml - 13 teaspoons Dolmio Bolognese sauce, 500g - 6 teaspoons Walls soft scoop vanilla ice cream, 200ml – 4 ½ teaspoons

Two McVities Jaffa Cakes - 3 teaspoons Muller Light Strawberry yoghurt, 175g – 2 ½ teaspoons (Source: Dailymail.co.uk)

Further information www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/ pages/sugars.aspx www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/ pages/food-labelling.aspx

Reducing added sugar in your family’s diet Remember natural sugars are better - Soak apricots, whizz them in a blender, and use that to sweeten foods Ensure every meal includes protein. Have meat, fish, vegetables or salad with pasta or pizza, so your child is getting everything he/she needs for the body to function properly Eat from scratch. Eat real food not processed food – Porridge with a dash of honey has everything a young child needs to start off the day Make your own pasta sauce, stuffed with lots of pureed vegetables (carrots, peppers, greens.)

Make a large batch then freeze in small portions Make smoothies using a hand blender and a jug. Add in a vegetable, e.g. avocado and strawberry.

They are cheaper and as good as any supermarket brand

www.bbc.co.uk/health www.nhs.uk/change4life www.hungryforchange.tv/sugaris-a-drug Jamie Oliver’s TED Award speech Thanks to Tracey Harper for her contribution to the article and great tips for reducing sugar in children’s diet – to contact email info@traceyharpernutrition.co.uk or go to www.traceyharpernutrition.co.uk

Children eat what is there. Keep sugary snacks and junk food out of the house, instead offer oat biscuits, hummus, chopped vegetables, Whole Earth peanut butter on crackers.

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19

What's On THEATRE BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk Peter Pan 11-13, 17-19 Jan Meet Peter Pan, Wendy and her brothers John and Michael plus Tinkerbell and the wiley Captain Hook and his pirates.

Tickets: £9.50- £15 Milkshake! Live 9 Feb – 1pm & 3.30pm Starring all your milkshake! favourites, this spectacular will get the kids singing at the top of their voices.

Tickets £12, child £10, family £42 The Owl Who was Afraid of the Dark 20 Feb – 2pm Live music, puppetry and storytelling, this beautiful show introduces an old friend to a new generation of theatre-goers. It’ll be a hoot!

Tickets £9, family of 4 £33 GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1LZ 08700 131030 www.gordon-craig.co.uk Sid's Show 24 Feb – 11am & 1pm Join Sid from Cbeebies on an adventure that takes him to the bottom of the sea, deep in the jungle and outer-space.

Ages: 3-7.

Tickets: £12, child £10, family £40

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HAWTHORNE THEATRE Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.welhat.gov.uk/campuswest Cinema Frankenweenie (PG) 3 Jan – 1pm Brave (PG) 5,6 &12 Jan – 10am HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.eastherts.gov.uk Sleeping Beauty 9-12 Jan – 7pm & 12-13 Jan – 2pm This age-old tale is for all panto lovers. Find out if Prince Roderick can reach Princess Crystal before the wicked Witch Wartleberry seeks her revenge.

Tickets: £14, concs £10, groups £8 Farm Boy 7 Feb – 1.45pm & 7.45pm Michael Morpurgo’s sequel to War Horse is a reminder that stories can reach out across the generations. Age: 7+ Tickets: £15, concs £13, groups £10 THE MARKET THEATRE Sun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE 01462 433553 www.markettheatre.co.uk Kids Club Saturdays from 5 Jan Ages 5-7 & 8-10: 9.30-11am Ages 11-12 & 13-16: 11am-12.30pm Ages 16-19: 12.30-2pm All Welcome. £6 per session paid weekly

THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE 01442 228091 www.oldtownhall.co.uk The Nightingale 2 Feb – 2.30pm The story of the Little King and how he is enchanted by a beautiful sound and finds friendship in an unexpected place. Age: 4+ Tickets £5.50, concs £4

Spot's Birthday Party 26 Feb – 1.30pm & 27 Feb – 11am & 2pm Spot, everyone’s favourite puppy, invites you to his birthday bash!

Meet his friends; Steve the Monkey, Helen the Hippo, Tom the Crocodile plus Spot’s mum and dad. Special guest Marco the Rabbit Magician will be there too.

Ages: 3-7.

Tickets: £10

THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk How to Catch a Star 2 Feb – 11.30am & 1.30pm The boy watched the stars every night and wished he had one.

He decided to try to catch a star of his own….but first he had to think of a plan. This new show comes to life with a blend of music, puppetry and storytelling Ages: 3-7 Tickets: £7 High School Rocks!

16 Feb – 7pm A high energy, foot stomping, totally interactive production features all the best hits from High School Musical 1, 2, & 3.

Tickets: £12.50, Family Ticket: £36 (4 people) Milkshake!

18 Feb – 1.30 & 4pm Starring all your milkshake! favourites, this spectacular will get the kids singing at the top of their voices.

Tickets: £13, concs £11, family £44

WATFORD PALACE THEATRE 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ 01923 225671 01923 235455 www.watfordpalacetheatre. co.uk The Talent 2013 18 Jan – 7.45pm Ballet Boyz are back. This new show features 10 exceptional dancers, in an exhilarating evening of explosive dance.

Tickets: £12.50 - £18 How to Catch a Star 19 Jan – 11.30am & 2.30pm The boy watched the stars every night and wished he had one.

He decided to try to catch a star of his own….but first he had to think of a plan. This new show comes to life with a blend of music, puppetry and storytelling.

Age: 3+ Tickets £7, concs £6

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES BIRCHWOOD LEISURE CENTRE PLAYSCHEME Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN 01727 270772/3 www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk 18-22 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 18-22 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.

Ages 8-15 HERTFORDSHIRE SPORTS VILLAGE University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9EU www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk

Kids Village Multi-sports camps 18-22 Feb Take part in a wide range of sport camps for children aged 5-12. Qualified experienced NGB coaches work with the children to develop their sporting skills in a fun and safe setting.

Prices vary depending on the camp.

HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com 18-22 Feb Enjoy Bell boating, climbing, bushcraft, canoeing, caving, kayaking, adventure games and sailing.

Half Day £21, Full Day £36 KOOL KIDZ CAMPS St John Fisher School, Hazelmere Road, St Albans AL4 9RW 0845 6032858 or 07966 483508 www.koolkidzcamps.co.uk 18-22 Feb – 9am-4pm 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 SPORTSPACE / THE XC / LITTLE HAY GOLF COMPLEX www.sportspace.co.uk 01442 507100 Sportspace leisure centres are in Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Tring, Longdean and Kings Langley. They have a variety of children’s activities running in term-time and in school holidays.

At The XC (www.thexc.co.uk) children can learn to climb, cave, skateboard or drop into a BMX workshop.

At Little Hay GC children aged

6-16 can try their hand at golf or improve their existing skills.

See the Sportspace website to download their full programme of activities.

WILDCHILD ACTIVITIES 0845 3717099 www.wildchildactivities.com Wild Fashion Designers A hands-on course where participants will explore illustrations and mood boards and take ordinary clothing, some fabulous fabrics and decorations to produce a unique piece.

Ages: 8-12 Wild Wheels Skateboarding Dive into the awesome world of skateboarding. For beginners and anyone who wants to learn some cool skills and tricks. Equipment supplied. Ages: 7-12 Also available: Wild Archery, and Wild Animation. Check website to see which courses will be run this half term and for locations.

PLACES TO GO ADEYFIELD ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND Turner Hill, Adeyfield, Hemel Hempstead, AP2 4LD 01442 242852 paul.banks@dacorum.gov.uk Term time: Mon-Fri 3.306.30pm, Sat-Sun 1-5pm School Holidays: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, closed weekends and bank holidays Arts, crafts, cooking, sports, free play, pool, table tennis and computer games. Outside: enclosed area with wooden play structures; football pitch; zip wire

Say you saw it in

and nest swing. Ages: 6-12 years; under 6s are welcome with a parent or guardian. Free BEKONSCOT MODEL VILLAGE Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2PL, 01494 672919 www.bekonscot.com Open mid-Feb to end-Oct from 10am to 5pm daily.

The world’s oldest model village has been delighting children and adults since 1929. Colourful play area and train rides at weekends, bank holidays and local school holidays only - 90p for over 2s.

Ages: all.

BLETCHLEY PARK The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB 01908 640404 www.bletchleypark.org The home of the codebreakers during World War II and the birthplace of the modern computer 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 Drop in for some crafty fun.

Check website for dates and times.

GAMBADO STEVENAGE Roaring Meg Retail Park Stevenage, AG1 1XN 01438 745823 www.gambado.com Sat-Thurs – 9.30am-6pm Fri – 9.30am-7.30pm Indoor soft play centre – look out for special activities run during half term.

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What's On SMALL ADS PARTIES

Fun with Decopatch

Creative parties for ages 4 & over.

Decorate and take home fab keepsake.

All materials supplied.

Call Jennifer: 0770 3118 002 www.funwithdecopatch.co.uk

MUSIC TUTOR

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LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins, Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF 01992 892781 www.leevalleypark.org.uk Opening Weekend at the Farms 16-17 Feb – 10am-5pm 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 Indoor PlayWorld, pet the animals, ride the go karts, play crazy golf and more. Prices vary, see website for details.

PERFORM DRAMA COURSES Call 0845 400 4000/ 0207 255 9138 www.perform.org.uk Fleetville Junior School, 228, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 4LW Theme: Superheroes Weekly courses run on various days and times in different cities in Herts. Children have fun whilst developing confidence and co-ordination. Ages: 4-8 yrs.

Theme: Jack and the Wonder Beans Tues in Harpenden, Weds in Welwyn Garden City, Weds & Sat in St Albans, and many other locations. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing formulated to bring out every child’s potential. Ages: 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 children 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.

STOCKWOOD DISCOVERY CENTRE London Road, Luton LU1 4LX 01582 548600 www.stockwood discoverycentre.com See the exhibitions, then play at the playground or explore the gardens. Free.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com Open Daily from 10am-5.30pm Fill your day with adorable animals, acres of adventure play, fun-fair rides and children's shows.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK Woburn, Beds MK17 9QN 01525 290407 www.woburn.co.uk/safari Open Fri, Sat, Sun until 10 Feb (Winter hours) – 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) See over 80 species of animals.

Drive through the park and enjoy close encounters with some of the world's most magnificent and endangered animals.

Entry: Adult £15.99, Child £11.99 WOODSIDE FARM & LEISURE PARK Slip End Village, Luton, LU1 4DG 01582 841044 www.woodsidefarm.co.uk Open – 9am-5pm, (last entry 1 hour before closing) See the animals, visit the Cheeky Monkeys play barn, play crazy golf or have a tractor ride. Fun fair 11am-4pm weekends / school holidays.

Weekend entry: Adult £3, Child £5 (midweek discounts apply)

MUSEUMS BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9TS 01462 420144 admin@hitchinbritishschools. org.uk www.hitchinbritishschools.org.uk Victorian lesson 1st Sunday each month – 2.30 & 3.30pm Clean your finger nails, brush your hair and sample the joys of a Victorian lesson.

Dancing for Fun 20 Feb – 10am-12pm Come and enjoy Maypole Dancing and English Country Dancing for children 6+ and Singing Games for younger ones.

Cost £3/child to include light refreshments. Adults free admission.

HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org Toddler Tuesdays 15 Jan – 10.30-11.30am Clown Puppets 12 Feb – 10.30-11.30am Valentine Crafts Crafty activities, play with toys, share a story! Ages: 2-4 £1.50 per child, including refreshments. Book in advance China in the East 19 Jan – 16 Mar Tues-Sat – 10am-5pm An exhibition featuring Chinese collections from other museums in the Eastern region; revealing the unexpected connections between China and the East of England.

Free Chinese Customs and Crafts 19-21 Feb – 10.30am-3.30pm (last entry 3pm) Craft activities inspired by the ‘China in the East’ exhibition . £1.50 per child, drop-in MILL GREEN MUSEUM & MILL Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD, 01707 271362 www.welhat.gov.uk Half Term Activities 19-21 Feb – drop in Tuesday: Glorious Grain – make a grain picture. Wednesday: Clay all Day! make a model of the mill. £3/child, one accompanying adult free.

RAF MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL, 020 8205 2266 london@rafmuseum.org, www.rafmuseum.org.uk Open daily See an amazing range of aircraft, try a hand-glider, take the fighter pilot test, sit in real and simulated cockpits and try flight simulators.

Free VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael’s Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

DIARY DATES LEAVESDEN CHILDREN'S CENTRE High Road, Leavesden Watford WD25 7QZ 01923 484360 www.hertschildrenscentres.org. uk/leavesden

Family Toolkit From 14 Jan, for 4 weeks A 4 week Parent Support Course, for those with children aged 0-5.

Daytime and evening options.

Free to WD25 residents, £5 for others.

LETCHWORTH CENTRE FOR HEALTHY LIVING Rosehill Hospital Hitchin Road, Letchworth SG6 3NA 01462 678804 jaqui@letchworthcentre.org Support for Carers 11, 18, 25 Jan, 1, 8, 15 Feb – 2-3pm A programme for those who care for people with mild to moderate dementia. Weekly 1 hour sessions for carers and carees.

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. £15/person for six sessions NCT NEARLY NEW SALES Everything for children 0-5 years old including: clothing, equipment, toys, books, videos, maternity wear.

Find a sale near you at www.nct. org.uk/branches/events/nearlynew-sales

WEST HERTS BREASTFEEDING PEER SUPPORT NETWORK www.westhertsbreastfeeding peersupport.com Running daily drop-ins for breastfeeding support across Dacorum, sponsored by the NCT and local Children's Centres.

Free.

VOLUNTEER CENTRE BROXBOURNE & EAST HERTS Silverline House, 1-3 Albury Grove Road, Cheshunt, EN8 8NS 01992 638633 www.vcbroxbourne.org.uk Personal Development and Employability Training Course 28, 31 Jan and 4, 7 Feb Broxbourne 4, 7, 11, 14 Feb - North Herts 25, 28 Feb 4, 7 March Stevenage 11, 14, 18, 21 March - East Hert 11, 14, 18, 21 March - North Herts A four day course designed to help people who want to get back into work or to change their career. Participants will learn the skills they need and build their confidence so that they can be successful in finding employment. FREE

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Printed by Warners Midlands Plc, Bourne, Lincs., PE10 9PH. Copyright Families Herts 2012. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Herts is part of a group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents or for any consequences.