Families Hampshire North May/June 2024 PRINT

Find the missing party items, pick a present for the Gruffalo and enjoy lots more fun trail activities!

The Gruffalo ©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/ Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

The Team:

EDITOR: Lesley Chambers 07863 790592

editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk

SALES SUPPORT: Claire Clarricoates 07812 218331 claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk

DESIGN: Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk

NEXT ISSUE: JULY/AUGUST

Booking deadline: 31 May Feature: Summer holidays

If your school or family-friendly venue would like to receive FREE copies of Families Hampshire North magazine, contact us at editor@ familieshampshirenorth.co.uk FREE Magazines!

Editor’s Welcome

Welcome to our parties issue! Whether or not you’re planning a celebration at this time of year, you can find useful information for now or the future inside, including details of local party venues and providers of other party services. Do you have any special birthday traditions? Check out the article in this feature for inspiration!

We also have an early years special, including a directory of local early years settings and a useful article on choosing a nursery or pre-school.

The What’s On guide is as busy as ever, with outdoor events making a welcome appearance, and we also look ahead to the summer holidays with a handy guide to local holiday clubs.

Our usual features on education, local clubs and classes and parenting are in here too – I hope you enjoy it!

Competition winner

Congratulations to Andrew Slipper, who won three new Factology books in our March/April 2024 giveaway.

Where is Families Hampshire North?

We distribute 16,000 copies every issue!

Summer in the Alps

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your family’s lungs.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family-friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter, visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine, visit www.morzine-avoriaz.com/activites-de-pleinair-ete.html

Family fun with National Children’s Gardening Week

This summer, why not get involved in National Children’s Gardening week?

Taking place from 25 May to 2 June, in the ‘warm’ half term at the end of May means that pretty much throughout the UK, children can plant all their favourite plants with less fear of weather damage or the need for complicated protective growing.

As well as simply good outdoor fun, gardening has been shown to have many benefits to health and wellbeing including being more physically active and feeling happier and more connected with the natural world.

There are many ways to get involved with National Children’s Gardening Week from DIY activities at home, to attending an event at a local garden centre.

More info at www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk

Mental Health Books for Children

Confidence is something many people struggle with throughout their lives and it can hold us back. Supporting children as they face this challenge can help them grow into self-assured, happy individuals.

On the other side of the coin, worry is a part of being human, but high levels of stress and anxiety can hold your child back. Equipping children with coping strategies to tackle worries enables them to be their calmest, most content selves.

Written by bestselling author Poppy O’Neill, these positive and playful books are full of fun activities and handy tips to help children 7+ feel calm, content and confident. Combining CBT and mindfulness methods, as well as practical information for parents to support their children’s mental health, these peer-reviewed books will help kids grow into happy, selfassured individuals.

We have a copy of each of these books to give away. If you would like to be entered into a draw to win them, please e-mail your name and address to editor@familieshampshirenorth. co.uk by 31 May 2024. After this date a winner will be chosen at random.

NHS to open new specialist clinics for obese children

Thousands more children and young people who are severely obese will receive intensive support from the NHS, with ten new specialist clinics set to open across England. The new services will launch this year, bringing the total to thirty clinics able to provide expert help to children and families which can prevent long term conditions including Type 2 diabetes.

Around three thousand obese children and young people aged between 2 and 18, will receive help to lose weight, treatment for complications as well as tailored care packages developed with their family, which could include diet plans, mental health care and coaching.

‘Obesity can lead to a string of serious illnesses such as cancer and diabetes – bringing a terrible human cost and also a real pressure on the NHS’ according to NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard. More info at www.england.nhs.uk

Enjoy the scenic Basingstoke Canal

Galleon Marine Boatyard has been judged a quality accredited boatyard by Visit England and British Marine and is based in Odiham on the beautiful Basingstoke Canal. They offer narrowboats, rowboats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and electric boats for hire.

The online booking system allows you to book ahead for small boats and holiday narrowboats. Why not pack up a picnic and come and spend a few hours by the water in their canal-side garden or on a boat? Fresh coffee, tea and snacks are also available from Hettie, the fabulous vintage horsebox.

There are a few parking spaces available on site but also plenty of free parking nearby in Colt Hill Wharf car park.

Please visit the website www.galleonmarine.co.uk for more information.

Navigating the ‘big little leap’ to school

No matter how well children are prepared for school, their transition to the classroom during the first few months plays a key role in their success, a new study suggests. Researchers found that kids who made a more successful transition in the first ten to fourteen weeks of school scored higher than others on tests of academic and socialbehavioural skills at the end of the school year.

Important parts of the transition - what the researchers called a ‘big little leap’ - included making new friends, learning to work with others and adapting to new academic demands. And a crucial finding was that this transition was important for all kids.

‘Transition difficulties hurt children’s development, regardless of the initial readiness skills that they entered with,’ said Jing Sun, lead author of the study from Ohio State University. More info at www.bit.ly/BigLittleLeap

Meet the Head: Alex Gair, Horris Hill Nursery

Horris Hill School in Newbury are delighted to welcome Alex Gair to the leadership team as their Head of Nursery!

Along with a BA Honours from the University of Durham and an Independent PGCE degree from the University of Buckingham in Primary Education, Alex has a wealth of experience teaching nursery, reception and primary year groups. Coming to Horris Hill from her role as inaugural Headmistress of Miss Daisy’s Nursery Knightsbridge, Alex’s ethos has always been that the happiness, safety and wellbeing of each

Suitable for age 2 to rising 5s, Horris Hill’s warm, welcoming and fully-equipped nursery offers high-quality wraparound care and fantastic outdoor learning opportunities in 65 acres of grounds and woodland. Personal tours can be arranged via www.horrishill.com/nursery

Join in during Walk to School Week

A generation ago, seventy percent of us walked to school – now it’s less than half. So Walk to School Week was started to encourage more kids to get out of the car and walk to school.

Walk to School Week is held from 20 to 24 May and is organised by the UK charity Living Streets to celebrate the health and wellbeing benefits of walking.

Families will be encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or Park and Stride to see the big differences that can come from small steps - from healthier and happier children who arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn - to less congestion and fewer cars outside the school gates.

Download the Family Walk to School Kit, designed to help parents, carers and children make the walk to school work for them, by visiting www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school

Broadening your child’s vocabulary

By Jemma Z Smith

Vocabulary development is often something that parents mention when they approach a tuition company. Unfortunately, this area of learning does not have a ‘quick fix’ solution. Vocabulary acquirement, retention and application takes a long time.

Children need to be exposed to new vocabulary several times in several different contexts in order to fully absorb it and use it in their own writing and speaking, recognise it in a range of uses and be able to adapt it (for example, adding prefixes and suffixes) when questioned in a test environment.

Vocabulary is a vital aspect of primary education, especially for pupils preparing for entrance exams. A rich vocabulary not only enhances language skills but also serves as a key tool for academic success.

Understanding words in various contexts is fundamental for primary pupils. It allows them to grasp the meanings and usage of words, which helps to improve their comprehension skills.

Additionally, a strong vocabulary assists in spelling tasks, making children more aware of homophones and homographs, thus avoiding common pitfalls in their writing, particularly in time pressured test conditions.

For example, in some verbal reasoning papers, children may be presented with a choice of synonyms to match together: wind, reign, meander. In this example, wind (verb) and meander are synonyms but the child may read it as wind - the noun - due to its position next to a word that sounds like another type of weather but is spelt differently.

Keeping children busy this summer!

Here are four fun activity books for children aged 2+ which will engage and delight while they learn and practise key skills: Little Hands Picture Matching: Farm and Under the Sea - Bold and colourful pictures for children to complete using over 100 stickers. (2 separate books)

Mix & Match Tracing: Animals: Children can create new imaginary animals, while learning about the world around them.

Magic Transfers: Unicorns: Children will delight in decorating six magical scenes with over 200 rub-down transfers

Who’s Next? Guess Who! Toddlers will enjoy searching for fun animal characters that come and go on each page.

GIVEAWAY

We have a bundle of these four books to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, please e-mail editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk by 31 May 2024. One entry will be chosen at random after this date and the winner will be contacted.

Having a broad vocabulary proves invaluable when preparing for entrance exams as it enables children to infer meanings and understand the overall message of a text without constantly referring to a dictionary, which although a useful skill, can break the flow of reading.

Encouraging reading for pleasure is a powerful strategy to improve and develop children’s vocabulary. Parents should emphasise the importance of reading anything and everything, from storybooks to comic books, menus during meals and signs while out and about. Such diverse reading opportunities expose children to varied language structures and expressions, contributing significantly to the expansion of their vocabulary banks.

If you can convince them to read some of the classic works of Dickens and perhaps some JRR Tolkien, that is great but all reading material can be useful.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

Reading with your child

Reading to your child and encouraging independent reading both play important roles in shaping vocabulary and overall academic success.

When parents read to their children, they introduce them to a rich and varied language, using texts that they may not yet have the ability themselves to read; but they can still enjoy the entertainment factor and absorb the rich vocabulary used.

Children love to feel involved in what the ‘grown ups’ are doing and this can be true quality time shared. The shared experience fosters a love for stories and language, laying the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of reading.

Encouraging children to ask questions about what they have heard, searching for similarities between other authors’ work or other characters who may be similar, again broadens their vocabulary and helps them to consider how vocabulary can be used in different contexts for a different impact.

This could also be an opportunity to use audiobooks and ageappropriate podcasts, perhaps on the way to and from school, before bedtime and at the weekends.

It’s time for summer camps

By Ellie Malt

I once spent a freakishly hot week in the summer holidays learning to sail near the Isle of Wight. As a tween, I was dazzled by the teenaged sailing instructors who seemed endlessly cool. I’m not saying my sailing skills were Olympian but it felt like a modern version of Swallows and Amazons. The sense of freedom and adventure was amazing. My point? Any programme run with experience and enthusiasm can be more than just a childcare solution.

Holiday camps can be daunting and my children enjoy them more if they go with a friend. Perhaps the pandemic made them cautious? Having asked around, it seems they are not the only ones.

Jenny, a mother of a 7 and 9-year-old told me: ‘My kids weren’t interested in going at all but three hours at a tennis camp turned out to be a good first step.’ Half-day camps are a great introduction to camp life.

It’s also important to think carefully before automatically sending siblings to the same camp. ‘Choose carefully!’ warned Maggie, who has two girls with very different interests. ‘I sent both of mine off to the same sports camp. At the end of the first day, one came home on top of the world, the other refused to go back.’

If it is your child’s first time at a summer camp, you can ease their worries by choosing something that really dovetails nicely with their hobbies and personality.

If you think a tech camp might hit the mark, try something with a more specialist focus on robotics, coding and inventions. Next Thing Education run programmes across the UK led by professional creators, inventors and tech enthusiasts. The children learn creative, technical and logical skills. See www.nextthing.education for details.

For outdoorsy kids, summer is the perfect opportunity to immerse them in the most inspiring local scenery.

Do you live near a woodland? Forest Schools are ideal for nature loving kids, encouraging play alongside learning bushcraft skills, all in a natural setting. You can find your nearest by looking on the database of the Forest School Association which ensures site leaders have Forest School L3 qualifications or equivalent. Visit www.forestschoolassociation.org for details.

If you are heading to the coast for a holiday or even a short break and your child can swim and enjoys being in the water, a surf school is a good option to consider. Surfing England (www.surfingengland.org) has a list of more than fifty accredited surf schools and coaches. They’ve also created the Grom Squad programme for kids to learn about protecting the environment and sea safety.

Scott Centre Holiday Club

Offering the perfect mix of fun and learning, this Ofsted-registered holiday club in Andover will ensure your children are able to make the most of their holiday.

Open from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday, highly trained and dedicated staff will run a variety of arts & crafts, cooking, STEM and sporting activities. They also take the children on some great days out.

Cost: from £26.95 per child. Early Bird and Sibling Discounts available. For more information, please email Paige Richards at scottcentre@youthoptions.org.uk

Summer Holiday Clubs 2024

Yes, summer is coming and you might be thinking about how to fill some gaps in the school holidays! Summer holiday clubs are a great way for children to meet new people and try different activities. Here are a few local providers you might like to try:

Elite Holiday Clubs eliteholidayclubs.co.uk

Based in Eversley, there is a selection of different clubs, including musical theatre and football.

Jubilee Jets Holiday Club jubileejets.co.uk

Located in Padworth, this friendly provider has a range of sessions - open during the West Berkshire school holidays.

Perform perform.org.uk

With a superheroes theme for summer 2024, these courses use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential, various local venues.

Scott Centre Holiday Club youthoptions.org.uk

Based in Andover, the club is open from 8am – 6pm and has a wide variety of activities on offer.

Stagecoach Camberley stagecoach.co.uk/camberley

Week-long courses in Camberley: ‘Let It Go’ (ages 4-6) and ‘Frozen Jnr’ (ages 6-18), 5–9 August.

Stagecoach Fleet stagecoach.co.uk/fleet

Come and perform in a rock and pop show inspired by the classic musicals We Will Rock You, School of Rock, Rock of Ages and so much more...

Fleet Summer Workshop: 1216 August at Stockton House School, Basingstoke Summer Workshop: 5-9 August at Sherfield School

Ultimate Activity Camps

ultimateactivity.co.uk

Taking place at Wellesley Prep School, there is a choice of exciting Ultimate Activity, Survival and Tech programmes.

The benefits of nursery and things to consider

By Gabrielle Nash

For more from Gaby, follow her on Instagram @thelondonishmum

Choosing good quality childcare is one of the most important decisions a parent will make. Whether you are a new parent assessing options for returning to work or a stay at home parent considering the benefits for your toddler, finding a good nursery may very well be your best option.

A day nursery provides a structured and safe environment. Assessed by Ofsted, the UK’s school and childcare regulator, nurseries must meet certain requirements on areas like staff ratios and hygiene. Additionally, a quality nursery will support your child’s development by offering a stimulating environment, providing a foundation for school and benefiting their social skills.

Sally is mother to Finn, aged 18 months. She describes the experience of her son starting nursery as amazing, with his development quickly accelerating: “Within weeks, Finn was walking and starting to understand so much more. It’s been wonderful to see how social he’s become and how much he enjoys spending time with the staff as well as other children.”

Assessing whether a nursery is suitable for you and your child, depends largely on your circumstances. If you want a stimulating pre-school environment, then it is undoubtedly a good option. However, if you are a working parent, who needs to leave the house to go to work, there are a few things to consider.

What hours do you work?

If you have a set start and finish time, this aligns well with a nursery as they generally work on set hours. If you need more flexibility, you may need to consider your options, because late pick-ups from a nursery are discouraged. Of course, this is less of an issue if you can work from home.

Where do you live and how do you get to work?

The logistics of drop-offs and pick-ups are important when considering childcare options. Is there a nursery on your way to work or close to home?

What is your child’s personality? Your child may be gregarious and outgoing, in which case nursery is ideal. Or you may have a more reserved child, for whom a large nursery could be overwhelming.

With babies, this is more difficult to assess. It’s worth remembering that a nursery may not offer the same one-toone care as a childminder or nanny, but they will have more staff in a baby room.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Nursery

Word of Mouth: Whilst the regulator’s report is important, many parents trust word of mouth reviews more, so speak to other local parents about their choice.

Parental visit: There are a few things to watch out for. Sometimes, a nursery can seem chaotic with lots of noise and potentially crying, but this does not necessarily reflect the nursery’s quality. Are you greeted warmly? Do the staff seem stressed or responsive?

Staff: Ask about staff turnover, staff ratios and whether your child would have a ‘key person’.

Environment: This should be clean, not necessarily tidy! The children should have regular and structured access to the outside, as this supports their physical development.

Play: Young children learn best through play. Ask about the options and how activities are introduced.

Routine: How does the nursery meet basic needs? e.g. meals, hygiene and naps. Does the environment for these seem appropriate?

Child’s progress: How are parents updated on their child’s progress?

Good luck!

Early years providers

We are lucky to have some great early years providers in the local area. If you are looking for an early years setting for your child, here is a selection of places to try.

Alphabet City Day Nursery

Falconhurst, 20a Basingstoke, RG21 3DT

Highfields, Basingstoke, RG21 5TG 01256 322090 alphabet-city.co.uk

Busy Bees at Basingstoke Hatch Warren Lane

Eggesford House, Hatch Warren Lane, Basingstoke, RG22 4RA 0330 333 8133 busybeeschildcare.co.uk/ nursery/hatchwarren

Busy Bees in Basingstoke Chineham, Basingstoke, RG24 8PT 0330 333 8133 busybeeschildcare.co.uk/ nursery/basingstoke

Busy Bees Nursery Alton

Hawkins Headquarters, Chawton Park Road, Alton, GU34 1RQ 01420 549593 busybeesalton.co.uk

Buttercups Day Nursery

14 Tweseldown Road, Church Crookham, Fleet, GU52 8DE 01252 669982 buttercupsdaynursery.co.uk

Cornerstone Day Nursery Basingstoke, RG24 9PU 01256 818118 cornerstone-nurseries.com

Cornerstone Miss Muffett

Nursery

Abbey Court, Popley Way, Basingstoke, RG24 9DX 01256 840300 cornerstone-nurseries.com

Country Day Nursery

The Stables, Newbury Hill, Penton Mewsey, Andover, SP11 0RD 01264 773655 countrydaynurseries.co.uk

Cuckoo Meadow Pre-School

Rathbone Pavilion, North Waltham, Basingstoke, RG25 2BL 01256 398172 cuckoomeadow.org

Cygnets Day Nurseries

Hartwood House, High Street, Bordon, GU35 0AU 01420 487000 cygnetsdaynurseries.co.uk

First Steps Nursery School Lane, Yateley, GU46 6NW 01252 746963 firststepsnursery-yateley.co.uk

Greatham Village Nursery School

Greatham, GU33 6EY 01420 538893 greathamvillagenursery.co.uk

The Scott Centre Pre-School

Located a short walking distance from Andover town centre, The Scott Centre Pre-School is an Ofsted registered PreSchool for children aged 2-5 years.

Run by a fantastic team, The Scott Centre offers a bright, spacious, and well-equipped setting with a secure outdoor play area that is great for exploring! All activities are run in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage and focus on the individual interests of the children and their environment.

Staff aim to assist children to develop their emotional, social and communicative skills as well as academic skills such as prereading, pre-writing, counting, size and shape recognition, and problem solving. They promote creative skills including music and art, and physical skills to improve their balance, movement and awareness of the world around them.

The Scott Centre Pre-school is taking bookings now for September 2024! Please contact Mariangela Bryant at mariangelabryant@youthoptions.org.uk or 01264 332188 for more information.

Heather Rabbit Nursery

Heather Row, Hook, RG27 9JP 01256 763227 heather-rabbit.co.uk

Horris Hill School Nursery

Newtown, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9DJ 01635 40594 horrishill.com/nursery

Impstone and Cherry Trees Preschool

Pamber Heath Memorial Hall, Pamber Heath, Tadley, RG26 3TQ 07733 898914 impstoneandcherrytreespre schools.co.uk

Jubilee Day Nursery

Rectory Road, Padworth Common, Reading, RG7 4JD 0118 970 1600 jubileedaynursery.co.uk

Little Elves Pre-School

The Key Centre, The Key, Elvetham Heath, Fleet, GU51 1HA 01252 625332 little-elves.co.uk

Otters Nursery School

The Old Dairy, Farleigh Road, Basingstoke, RG25 2JL 01256 336880 ottersnursery.co.uk

Piccolo Pre-school Nursery

The Chute Recreation Ground, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, RG24 9HX 07528 726 248 piccolopreschoolnursery.co.uk

Pumpkin Patch Day Nursery

129 Albert Street, Fleet, GU51 3RP 01252 678623 pumpkinpatch.org.uk/fleet

Rising Fives

Old School Canteen, Wells Lane, Whitchurch, RG28 7FG 01256 893708 risingfives.co.uk

St Bernards Nursery

Oakridge Methodist Church, Vivian Road, Oakridge, Basingstoke, RG21 5QB 01256 465274 stbernardsnursery.com

St Neot’s Prep School Nursery

Eversley, Hook, RG27 0PN 0118 973 2118 stneotsprep.co.uk/nursery

The Ark Pre-School

The Ark, Church Centre, Liphook, GU30 7DJ 07775 394230 thearkliphook.co.uk

The Scott Centre Pre-School

The Scott Centre, Mead Hedges, Andover, SP10 2LB 01264 332188 youthoptions.org.uk/ preschools/scott-centre

Tiny Town Kindergarten

Tadley, RG26 4JH 0118 981 4325

Wellesley Prep School Nursery

Stratfield Turgis, Hook, RG27 0AR 01256 882707 wellesleyprep.co.uk

Welcome to Wellesley Prep

Wellesley Prep School is an independent co-educational school set in 100 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside with 300 children from ages 2 to 13.

Wellesley Prep offers a healthy environment for children to grow and prosper as individuals. Teaching groups are small, which affords teachers the opportunity to understand pupils’ individual needs and provide the appropriate levels of educational support. The purpose-built nursery offers the very best environment for growing young bodies and minds. Children can take risks, solve their own problems and explore their individual fascinations; they learn through trial and error and have time and space for creativity. Nursery pupils share their extensive outdoor play area with Reception classes, where they learn to garden and discover the woodland areas during Forest Friday sessions. Muddy welly boots. Nursery children have access to specialist teachers for music, swimming, PE and gymnastics.

Nursery intake is accepted throughout the year from the term children turn 3 years old. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.wellesleyprepschool.co.uk or call 01256 882 707.

PARTIES

Eco birthday gifts

By Tamsin Ryan

At a time when we are all trying to reduce the amount of plastic we consume, it seems toymakers and our little ones are against us every step of the way, filling our homes with plastic toys and gadgets everywhere we look. Moreover, these colourful and joyous pieces of plastic often provide precious little fun before they are pushed aside for the next in line.

When the inevitable birthday party season comes along, gifting something that is a little kinder to the planet might also provide some longer lasting fun.

Garden games are a long standing favourite gift. They are great for getting kids outside and provide the opportunity for lots of family fun. Lovely wooden games such as quoits, Jenga and skittles will provide years of fun and last a lifetime.

Books are often overlooked but can be such meaningful and enjoyable gifts. Favourite stories can be read and loved again and again and then passed onto siblings, friends or the next generation. Alternatively, a book token gives children the fun of browsing a real bookshop.

No presents! If you are having a party for your child, you may just want to ask for no presents at all, if you feel your child has more than enough. Alternatively, ask everyone to bring along a book that they have enjoyed reading and then do a book swap, so everyone goes home with a gift.

Preloved gifts are also a great option. As children often outgrow their toys before they really get a chance to play with them, you can find plenty of preloved toys that are like new. You save money, kids barely know the difference between new and preloved and aren’t bothered anyway. Try nearly new sales, charity shops or school fairs. If you’re short on time, www.rumage. com can search all your favourite marketplaces for you and filter by location so you can find a seller nearby, saving on postage.

Lasting gifts. A subscription is a gift that keeps on giving, perhaps a monthly magazine or a craft box.

Non-physical gifts. Instead of stuff and more stuff, consider a fun day out or an experience that the whole family can enjoy or some dance, music or sports classes. Another idea is an annual (family) membership to a local amusement park, museum or similar, which means your gift can be enjoyed again and again throughout the year.

‘Fiver’ parties are also rising in popularity and it’s easy to see why. They reduce the pressure on parents to search for the perfect gift and also mean the birthday child can use the combined monies to buy a meaningful gift that they would really like.

For more birthday tips, read Tamsin’s blog at www.icecreamandjelly.com or check out her Instagram page @icecreamandjelly_uk

Handmade and upcycled presents add a really personal touch. You can make something bespoke that will be unique to the lucky recipient. Previously I’ve upcycled a scooter and a guitar for my daughter, which have been loved and adored.

Whatever gift you decide to go with, by consciously avoiding new plastic and making sustainable choices, your biggest gift will be to the planet - and thus the future of the birthday child. What more could they ask for?

Birthday traditions

By Tamsin Ryan

The lovely thing about birthday traditions is that they don’t have to be big and expensive to be really fun and meaningful. They’re all about creating lasting memories and providing the perfect opportunity for a family photo, captured every year to see your family grow and change.

In our household, we have a ‘birthday book’ for our daughter. Every year we fill out a new page with what makes her special; from her favourite food or toy, to what she wants to be when she grows up. It’s going to make a lovely book to look back on in years to come! She also opens her presents first thing in the morning, before we’ve even got out of bed. Later, we’ll eat out with wider family members, at the favourite ‘fancy’ restaurant that we always go to for birthday celebrations.

Another great bonus of family traditions is that they can potentially replace the need for an all-singing, all-dancing birthday party. Sometimes quality time with the ones we love is more than enough and parties can take a back seat.

Here are a few fun ideas for you:

Add decorations and leave their presents at the end of your child’s bed, while they sleep. A lovely surprise when they wake!

Write your child a letter every year for their birthday, for a lovely keepsake when they are older. Or they could write something each year for a time capsule of their letters and drawings.

Write little post-it notes for the birthday child and hide them round their room, the house, in their school bag and their lunchbox.

Ask the birthday child to donate a toy of theirs to charity before they receive any new gifts. It’s a lovely way for them to acknowledge how lucky they are to receive gifts on their birthday and also clears some space to accommodate any new gifts.

Plan a scavenger hunt around the house and garden and ask the birthday child to solve clues in order to hunt down their gifts.

Party guide 2024

There are lots of local companies that can help when you are planning a party for your child. Here are some favourites.

Atmosphere Trampoline Park activenation.org.uk/venues/ atmosphere

Bouncing and soft play in Basingstoke.

Basingstoke Aquadrome basingstokeleisure.com/ basingstoke-aquadrome

Different packages include use of the party room, lagoon pool and flumes.

Basingstoke Gymnastics Club basingstokegym.co.uk

Partygoers will experience an exciting range of gymnastics and free-running activities.

Blacknest Golf and Country Club

blacknestcountryclub.co.uk

Footgolf and discgolf party packages available.

Finkley Down Farm

finkleydownfarm.co.uk

Parties include all-day entry to the farm in Andover.

Hawk Conservancy Trust

hawk-conservancy.org

Delight in a day filled with owls,

eagles, vultures and falcons, near Andover.

Jungle Jungle jungle-jungle.co.uk

Andover’s indoor jungle adventure; party packages are available.

Knights Realm Adventure Golf knightsrealm.co.uk

An epic crazy golf adventure with an 18-hole course in Basingstoke.

Monkey Music Fleet monkeymusic.co.uk/area/fleethartley-wintney-hook-yateley

Great musical fun for babies and children of all ages.

Planet Ice Basingstoke planet-ice.co.uk

Party package includes an iceskating session and food to suit everyone’s needs.

Riverside Bowl riverside-bowl.co.uk

Packages include bowling or glo-golf.

Learning to swim

Learning to swim is the only physical activity which can save your life.

In recognition of this, all schools must provide swimming lessons in Key Stage 1 or 2 (ages 5 to 11), as a statutory sport within the Physical Education (PE) curriculum.

In particular, pupils should be taught to perform safe selfrescue in different water-based situations; swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of AT LEAST 25 metres and use a range of strokes effectively, for example, front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke.

However, Swim England recommends that your child doesn’t give up on regular private swimming lessons once they start swimming with school as these are crucial to their continued development and ultimately safety.

The aim of school swimming and water safety lessons during PE are to teach your child to be safe in and around water, with the emphasis on water safety.

At private lessons, your child will be taught more in-depth skills and techniques than they will at school. Regular private lessons progress way past the minimum national curriculum requirements and your child continues their aquatic education towards an active and healthy future.

What will my child learn during school swimming?

As well as learning to swim the basic strokes, your child will learn how to be safe around different water environments eg beaches, lakes, canals. Your child will be taught how the skills they learn in their swimming lessons can be used in an emergency situation.

Join Perform for fairytale Magic and Adventure

Perform’s confidence-building summer term classes are off to a flying start, and there’s no better time for your child to try a class. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, these weekly classes are the best fun of the week for every type of child. They help reticent children develop confidence in their abilities and provide an outlet for energetic children to sing, dance and make friends.

The curriculum is focused on building the 4Cs - confidence, communication, concentration and coordination - using drama games, improvisation, role-play, catchy songs and funky dances. This summer term, ages 4-7s are entering the Fairytale Forest for an adventure based on favourite well-known stories. Ages 7-12s are blasting off on a journey with Robinson Crusoe where he gets stranded in space!

Every child is welcome to try a FREE class. Local classes are held in these venues: Andover Leisure Centre (Mondays), Beggarwood Community Centre (Tuesdays), Clift Meadow Pavilion, Bramley (Fridays), Zebon Community Centre, Church Crookham (Mondays) or Victoria Halls, Hartley Wintney (Fridays). Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book.

Your role

As a parent, guardian or carer you play a vital role in encouraging your child to swim and learn about water safety, survival and lifesaving. You can help your child grow their water confidence through enjoying fun family swimming sessions together and also talking about water safety know-how.

Make sure your child has everything they need to take part in their swimming lessons and also find out what their current attainment level is and what they should be achieving.

If you are in a Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

You have an important role to play. Children who don’t learn to swim at school often never learn at all. In your regular meetings, you can encourage and support your school to sign up to the Charter and take swimming and water safety seriously, as well as making sure it stays on the agenda.

For further information, visit www.swimming.org

Vivace’s music classes grow with your child

At Vivace Music School, children discover a love for music that lasts a lifetime!

Rooted in the ingenious Kodály approach, Vivace’s birth to senior school curriculum leads children to joyfully discover their voices, grow in confidence and learn the language of music.

Music classes with a difference - little ones are immersed in imaginative songs and sensory musical play, while school-age kids’ classes burst at the seams with fun, helping them playfully learn key skills such as playing, reading and creating music.

Expert teachers love nurturing children’s innate musicality and creativity through games, songs and real instruments.

Now’s a great time to join - visit www.vivacemusicschool. co.uk or email info@vivacemusicschool.co.uk to book your FREE class in Fleet, Farnham or Yateley.

What’s on

May & June 2024

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

lives in a house on East 88th Street in New York City. 11am phoenixarts.co.uk

4 May

The Anvil at 30 Come and find secret places backstage, take a selfie in the star dressing room, see special demonstrations of sound, lights, and stage equipment, enjoy the Musication Station, meet the team and sample products from some great local suppliers. anvilarts.org.uk

4 May

Flotsam and Jetsam’s Voyage to the Trash Vortex at The Phoenix Arts Centre

An interactive, relaxed and accessible experience, with the odd movie reference, for all the family about recycling with a piratey twist. 2:30pm phoenixarts.co.uk

4–6 May May Bank Holiday at Finkley Down Farm

Celebrate the May Bank Holiday with farm-tastic play and adventure for all the family! finkleydownfarm.co.uk

5 May Magical Honey at the Corn Exchange, Newbury

Young Maya loves to draw and read and harnesses her own magic with the help of the celestial being Saraswati. 2:30pm cornexchangenew.com

10 May

Dragonfly Accessible Performance: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile at The Phoenix Arts Centre

This charming movie follows a singing crocodile called Lyle who

11 and 12 May

Fabulous Fashion Show at Festival Place

Back for 2024! festivalplace.co.uk

11 and 12 May

National Mills Weekend at Whitchurch Silk Mill

In celebration of the engineers and millwrights who built and now restore and maintain Whitchurch Silk Mill, Nigel Spender of G&H Spender will be there to talk about the recent conservation of the Mill’s historic waterwheel. 10:30am–5pm whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk

11 May–3 June Mysteries and Mayhem at Winchester Science Centre

Will you join the Science Spy School and help shed some light on what’s contained inside the mystery safe? In this brand new science show Inspirers will be delving into the science of light. Through enlightening experiments and dazzling demos, they will illuminate some hidden clues. winchestersciencecentre.org

12 May Nature Day at Gilbert White’s House and Garden

A family fun day where the team is joined by nature and conservation organisations for a day packed with family-friendly activities, crafts and workshops. 10:30am–5pm gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

16 May Graffiti Classics at the Corn Exchange, Newbury 16 strings, 8 dancing feet and

Enjoy The Gruffalo Party Trail at Alice Holt Forest

The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday with a fun forest adventure at Alice Holt Forest, the Gruffalo Party Trail.

The interactive family trail features party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures. Follow the trail and find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember.

Pick up your pack for just £4, with fun things to do on your party adventure. Whilst you’re there, find the brand-new Gruffalo sculptures, enjoy the play areas and treat yourself to something from the popular café.

The trail is ongoing throughout the year. Find out more at www.forestryengland.uk/gruffalo-party-trail

4 voices with 1 aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and exhilarating for young and old alike. 7:30pm newburyspringfestival.org.uk

17 May

Disco Skate at The Harlington, Fleet

The Harlington have combined with Disco Skate to bring the joy of roller disco to Fleet! 6–9pm theharlington.co.uk

18 May

Mum2mum Market at Hatch

Warren Community Centre

Pop-up baby and children’s market where parents and can buy or sell preloved baby and kids’ clothes, toys and equipment. mum2mummarket.co.uk/ m2mmbasingstoke.html

18 May

Wind in the Willows at the Corn Exchange, Newbury

Adapted from Kenneth Grahame’s novel and music by Elgar, this performance combines enchantment, humour and audience participation to captivate young imaginations. 10am/ 11:30am newburyspringfestival.org.uk

18 May

Raw Clay Workshop at the Allen Gallery, Alton

Join ceramicist Bridget Macklin to create ‘seedy beasties’ using clay mixed with wildflower seed. 2–4pm hampshireculture.org.uk

19 May

Flowers Band at the Corn Exchange, Newbury

A mixed programme giving an insight into the varied sounds of the brass band world, suitable for all the family to enjoy. 3pm newburyspringfestival.org.uk

20 May

Good Vibes Music Academy

Showcase at the Corn Exchange, Newbury

A jubilant performance that unites school and community music groups from across the region in a joyous celebration of musical creativity. 7:30pm newburyspringfestival.org.uk

25 May

Dragonfly Accessible Performance: Elemental at The Phoenix Arts Centre

Disney and Pixar’s Elemental is an original feature film set in Element City, where residents of Fire, Water, Earth and Air live together. 11am phoenixarts.co.uk

25 May

Grooving with Pirates at the Corn Exchange, Newbury

Come on a swashbuckling adventure with family favourite Groove Baby as it sails the seas in this exciting, jazz- and funkfuelled show especially for 3-7s and their grown-up crews! 10:30am newburyspringfestival.org.uk

Science spies and curious kids needed this May half term

Find out where your curiosity will take you this May and June with the return of Mysteries & Mayhem at Winchester Science Centre.

Between Sat 11 May and Mon 3 June, including every day during May half-term, there’ll be all the usual Science Centre fun, plus even more to excite children aged five to twelve and their families.

Visitors are invited to join the Science Spy School live show and help use light to uncover the secrets contained in the mystery safe. There will be a chance for little and big scientists to put their forensic skills to the test in an indoor and outdoor Hide and Seek activity trail. Plus, there’ll be space adventures in the Planetarium, huge ‘don’t try this at home’ demos in Science Live and two floors of hands-on exhibits not to be missed.

Find out more at www.winchestersciencecentre.org

Galleon Marine

WHAT’S ON

25 May – 2 June

Half-Term at Finkley Down Farm

All the amazing live children’s shows and hands-on animal activities are included in the allday entry to Finkley Down Farm. finkleydownfarm.co.uk

25 May – 2 June

Half-Term Wildlife Bingo at The Vyne

Pick up a free wildlife bingo sheet from Visitor Reception and see how quickly you can spot all the creatures, sights and sounds on it. 10am–4pm nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ hampshire/the-vyne

25 May – 2 June

Half-Term at Mottisfont

Choose from one of three themed activity packs to help you explore Mottisfont. 10am–5pm nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ hampshire/mottisfont

26 May

Fireman Sam at The Haymarket

A spectacular live show for all the family! 12pm/3:30pm anvilarts.org.uk

27 May–4 June

Dinosaur Invasion at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park

Meet dinosaurs during half term! 4-kingdoms.co.uk

28 May Wonka at The Phoenix Arts Centre

This vivid and inventive big-screen spectacle will introduce audiences to young Willy Wonka. 11am phoenixarts.co.uk

28 May

Pop Divas Live! at the Corn Exchange, Newbury

With family-friendly choreography and lyrics, your little divas will have the best time. 2pm cornexchangenew.com

28 May

Marvellous Moths at Night at the Allen Gallery, Alton

Enjoy the nightlife of a secluded walled garden and learn how light traps are used to study moths. 8:45pm–10:30pm hampshireculture.org.uk

29 May

Marvellous Moths and Minibeasts at the Allen Gallery, Alton

Discover the wonderful variety of moths found flying in the Garden, then hunt for beetles, bugs, snails, slugs and all sorts of other minibeasts. 10:30am–12:30pm hampshireculture.org.uk

29 May

Amazing Animals at the Corn Exchange, Newbury

The only showou get to see lifesized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, dinosaurs, penguins, orangutans and more. 2pm cornexchangenew.com

30 May

Playtime: A Woodland Wonder at Proteus Theatre, Basingstoke

Enjoy silliness, play-acting, games and music in this play-along theatre adventure. 10am/ 11:30am/2pm proteustheatre.com

30 May

Teddy Bear’s Picnic Theatre

Show at Hinton Ampner

The show incorporates, puppets, well-known songs and dancing, together with numbers, colours and shapes. Ages 2-6. 11am/2:30pm nationaltrust.org.uk/hintonampner

30 May–29 June

Rose Season at Mottisfont

The blooming season for roses is an extraordinary annual sight. 10am–8pm nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont

JUNE

2 June

Fireman Sam: Pre-show Workshop at the Corn Exchange, Newbury

Join artist Gemma Kirby in the for a family craft session. 11am/2:30pm cornexchangenew.com

2 June

Fireman Sam – The Great Camping Adventure at the Corn Exchange, Newbury

It’s up to Fireman Sam to save the day and ensure everyone is safe on their camping adventure! 12pm/3:30pm cornexchangenew.com

8 June

Mum2mum Market at Hatch Warren Community Centre

Pop-up baby and children’s market where parents and can buy or sell preloved baby and kids’ clothes, toys and equipment. mum2mummarket.co.uk/ m2mmbasingstoke.html

8 June

Cyanotype Workshop at the Allen Gallery, Alton

Join wildlife photographer Alex Potts for an introduction to the fascinating world of photography and chemistry, using sunlight to create beautiful blue and white prints from leaves, grasses and flowers. 2–4pm hampshireculture.org.uk

11 June

Every Other Mother at The Phoenix Arts Centre

Covering the highs and the lows to the hormones and the mum guilt, you’ll laugh, cry, and be surrounded by women who get it. 12pm phoenixarts.co.uk

14–16 June

The Tiger Who Came to Tea at The Haymarket

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with magic and sing-a-long songs. anvilarts.org.uk

15 and 16 June

The Wizard of Oz at Holybourne Theatre

Stroll down the Yellow Brick Road with Holybourne’s talented Youth Theatre and follow Dorothy on her travels through the magical Land of Oz!

holybournetheatre.co.uk

16 June

Father’s Day at Finkley Down Farm

Meet the animals including farmyard favourites, meerkats, birds of prey and more. finkleydownfarm.co.uk

16 June

Tales from the Riverbank: Children’s Poetry Workshop at the Gill Nethercroft Centre, Whitchurch

Take a walk along the Upper Test,

using your senses to explore this special habitat. Head indoors to turn what you’ve learned into a poem. 1–4pm hiwwt.org.uk

21 June

Disco Skate at The Harlington, Fleet

The Harlington have combined with Disco Skate to bring the joy of roller disco to Fleet! 6–9pm theharlington.co.uk

21–23 June

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book at the Corn Exchange, Newbury Delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book. cornexchangenew.com

22 June

Tales from the Riverbank: Children’s Poetry Workshop at Andover Library

Start by taking a walk along the Upper Anton, using your senses to explore this special habitat. Then, head indoors to turn what you’ve learned into a poem. 1–4pm hiwwt.org.uk

29 June

Treasure Island at Holybourne Theatre

This family friendly adaptation remains faithful to the novel with ten songs, plenty of silver and lashes of swashbuckling. 7pm holybournetheatre.co.uk

COMING SOON

5-14 July

Family Fun at Alton Arts Festival

Top events for families include: ComedyClub4Kids (6 Jul), Wondergig early-years theatre (6 Jul), Clayful Playful family clay workshop (7 Jul), world record breaking human beatboxer Testament (10 Jul), a showcase from Strictly Showtime youth theatre (12, 13 Jul), Children’s Creative Writing Workshop hosted by Pen2Paper (13 Jul), plus two big free celebrations for all - Art in the Park (6 Jul) and Party in the Park (14 Jul). altonartsfestival.com

Our Nursery offers high-quality wraparound care for busy parents and is available 50 weeks of the year. Parents can expect Horris Hill’s excellence in care, provided in a modern, purpose-built facility.

Girls and boys are given an abundance of opportunities to explore and develop both indoors and within our 65 acres of picturesque countryside. FROM AGE 2 TO RISING 5 s Free weekly toddler sessions, every Monday during term time: www.horrishill.com/toddler