Families Thames Valley East Magazine March/April 2019 Issue 101

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley East IN THIS ISSUE

Under 5s Special Plus

Easter Fun RECRUITING NOW

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

please call Diana Page

*Applies to new customers and Summer 2019 Term only.

No equivalent money value.

Issue 101 March/April 2019

01235 533362 07747 086518

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Open Events and Headteacher Tours Dates for Spring Term 2019

Open Events and Headteacher Tours are a fantastic way to see the school in action, to meet our Headteacher, Joanna Leach, and all our staff. For girls from 3 - 11 years.

Open Events

Wednesday 13th March 2019 9.30am – 11.30am Friday 3rd May 2019 9.30am – 11.30am

Friday 28th June 2019 9.30am – 11.30am

Headteacher Tours

Friday 29th March 2019 9.30am – 11.30am Friday 7th June 2019 9.30am – 11.30am

To book your place call 01628 624918 Or email

Connect

Independent Prep School & Nursery Girls 3-11 years and Boys 3-7 years

Open Morning Friday 27 March Tuesday 4 June

| Wednesday 8 May | Friday 21 June

Valley End, Chobham, GU24 Near Windlesham, Sunningdale and Virginia Water 01276 855707

www.coworthflexlands.co.uk 2 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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In this issue...

3-5 News & Information

EDUCATION

6 Education News 9 Supporting your child with exam stress 10 Learning the Times Tables 13 Schools’ Open Days update

UNDER 5s SPECIAL

14 Cutting the cost of childcare 15 Raising a supported child 16 Early years News

...endless ideas for families of young children in Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

........From the Editors........

If, like us, you’re looking forward to getting out and about this Easter holidays, this issue has plenty of ideas for family days out and clubs and classes for the kids. Take a look at p.17 onwards.

It’s also our annual under fives issue. Find out about how to cut the cost of childcare on p.14 and raising a supported child on p.15. Plus, there’s some advice on finding more family friendly work on p.29.

However you choose to spend it, have a lovely Easter break!

EASTER HOLIDAY FUN

17-19 Spring Days Out 20-21 Easter camps and activities

22-26 WHAT’S ON

27 COMPETITIONS

PARENTING

28 Why children misbehave

SHE MEANS BUSINESS

29 Finding more family friendly work

www.familiesonline.co.uk E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editors: Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey circulation: 19,500 next issue: May/June 2019 due out: May 2, featuring: Holiday activities & camps!

T: 01628 788058 Copy/advertising deadline: March 29 Cover image: depositphotos.com

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9 year old Leon fills us in on the latest news from Busy Buttons Design Centre Dear Diary, It is two years now since Busy Buttons has been at the Design Centre. It has been an exciting time in my life as I have seen my Mum and Dad work very, very hard to help me and all the children have a fun time. They always come up with great things to create at Busy Buttons. Last year we all made the world’s longest card as a Guinness World Record attempt. It was a gift for Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex for their wedding. I was 8 years old then. After a great summer we all got to design, make and act in the first Busy

Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4-18 year olds

Buttons theatre performance called, ‘The Treasure Boxes’ for Windsor Fringe. Lots of children and adults came to see the show. We did an even bigger show for the Christmas Lights Switch On in front of Windsor Castle. I remembered my cues from the rehearsals.

Even the children whom I helped with the lanterns came onstage for the show.

Thousands enjoyed watching us. Now I see my Mum and Dad working even harder as we are busy getting ready to make our charity. I will tell you when it’s done or you can find out at www.busybuttons.org

Find out more today: ASCOT 01344 206466 stagecoach.co.uk/ascot

HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe

BRACKNELL NORTH (Warfield) 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth

MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead

HENLEY AND MARLOW 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow

WINDSOR 01932 988086 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor

®

Creative Courage For Life

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Families Thames Valley East • 3

News & Info Ginny’s bugs join the jungle for parties and occasions Creepy crawlies have been Virginia Cheeseman’s passion since childhood, so much so that she has been running a postal business around them, from her home for many years.

Ginny commented, “I breed and supply a large range of tropical bugs for schools, the media and private individuals. Many of my customers exhibit bugs up and down the country so it was a logical step for me to join them. I love animals, children and talking!”

Join All Stars Cricket Today!

All Stars Cricket is a programme aimed at children aged 5-8 years old to give them a great first experience in cricket. Sessions are accredited by the England & Wales Cricket Board and delivered nationwide at over 2,000 centres. All Stars Cricket will help your child develop key skills in a fun and safe environment where parents can join in too and help create #BigMoments you’ll both treasure!

Following successful registration, All Stars Cricketers will receive a brand-new kit bag full of goodies to help them get their summer

Off the back of this, she introduced ‘Ginny’s Jungle’ where she provides animal entertainment for parties and other occasions.

The children’s parties are different, fun and unforgettable. Everyone has a chance to handle a range of exotic animals from giant snails and hissing cockroaches, to snakes and more, plus learn interesting fun facts about them as they go along. For super keen fans, Ginny also offers a ‘Bug Keepers experience’ in her very own bug room.

To find out more visit www.ginnysjungle.co.uk

of cricket started and fully look the part when they attend their 8 weekly sessions. This year we have a brand-new Cricket World Cup themed activity book that is full of top tips, games and, it’s a great place to keep those weekly stickers to celebrate your All Star's achievements. Plus, it’s all delivered straight to your door.

To find out more about how to get involved this summer, simply visit www.allstarscricket.co.uk and get your place booked as sessions begin May 2019.

Tara Mehmet and Odette Meredith talk about stress and how to manage it Ever felt stressed or overwhelmed? How do you feel when you’re around someone who is anxious or depressed? Tired or drained? Ever noticed how moods can rub off on each other? The things we cannot see affect us the most. We can’t see thoughts and emotions but they impact us more than we realize. We talk about the ‘vibes’ or ‘atmosphere’ between people or in places. Ever wondered why? Stress, amongst other emotions, is not just a feeling but also an energy. This energy is transferred between people and can alter their moods as well as affect the environment. By removing this energy we can feel calmer, more relaxed and achieve mental clarity as well as positively affect those around us.

Some of the best ways to manage stress are through exercise, deep abdominal breathing, Meditation on Twin Heart*(clinically proven to reduce anxiety), getting organised (make a schedule) and being kind to yourself. *To discover the inner secrets of this energy and how to remove it to improve relationships and the health of your family visit ukpranichealing.co.uk

4 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Perform’s Four Ways to Boost your Child’s Self-Esteem A child’s self-esteem is influenced by feeling loved, valued and believing good things about themselves. Perform have teamed up with positive parenting expert, Anita Cleare, to bring Families top tips for boosting self-esteem.

Encourage Independence When children do things for themselves and are praised for this, they feel proud. Teach your child to dress themselves and wash their own hair.

Use Believable Praise It’s not believable to tell your child he did something well when he clearly didn’t. Praise concrete achievements. Saying ‘Well done for keeping on running' (even when he lost the race) tells your child exactly what they have done well.

Listen to their Ideas Expressing ideas and being listened to, help children feel valued. Involve them in practical family problem-solving by asking for their input. This helps them feel they are making a positive contribution.

Encourage Laughter and Show you Care Play, chat, share jokes and funny stories.

Laughter helps children relax and feel good about themselves. Be affectionate. Snuggle and cuddle! Show your child they are utterly lovable exactly as they are.

More tips from Anita can be found at www.anitacleare.co.uk To book a FREE confidence-building Perform drama class in Iver, Maidenhead, Marlow or Windsor, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Kew to open giant new Children’s Garden in May 2019 The garden will be 10,000m² of natural space designed around the elements that plants need to survive: earth, air, sun and water, hold over 100 mature trees and a 4m high canopy walk wrapped around a 200 year-old Oak tree. Children will enter the Garden through a tunnel of scented Star Jasmine plants and arrive at the Earth Garden, a giant sand pit with a quirky play hut village surrounded by Bamboo plants and tunnel slides for muddy adventures. Next along is the Air Garden, with winding paths, giant windmill flowers, pollen spheres, hammocks, swings and trampolines. A mini amphitheatre nestled under the trees can be used for storytelling, and the seating area for parents

keeping an eye on their little explorers lies in the shade of some of Kew’s oldest Eucalyptus trees. The Sun Garden is next; a large open space where children can let their imagination run wild beside a ring of sunflowers, cherry trees and pink candy floss grass. Intricate pergolas festooned with edible fruits will take children on a sensory adventure. Lastly, the Water Garden is filled with water pumps for kids to use to control the flow of the water through to another splash pool. Water lily stepping stones will engage children in the water cycle and why it is important to plants. Look out for this great family experience, coming soon. www.kew.org

To Advertise here

call: 01628 788058

We are an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ nursery providing high quality day care for children from three months to five years. Set within bright, modern Windsor Leisure Centre, our setting includes a large toddler room, pre-school room, a new snuggly baby room, and spacious outdoor garden.

Open 51 weeks a year – Accepts 30 hours funding – Highly trained team Come and look around today: Call: 01753 855543 or email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

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Families Thames Valley East • 5

Education News Upton House to welcome boys Mrs Rhian Thornton, Headmistress of Upton House in central Windsor has announced the School will extend its provision for boys from age 7 through to age 11. Upton House is currently Co-ed in the Early Years to the end of Year 2, with only the girls continuing to Year 6. Upton now extends this provision to provide the same excellence in education for boys and girls right through the school.

Mrs Thornton said, “Upton exists to educate children to the highest levels and to equip them with all the life skills they need for their important next steps. In recent years many of our parents have expressed genuine sadness that their boys could not stay through to Year 6. This is, without doubt the most common request I have received since joining Upton. We are delighted to address this need and proud to be able to offer the same excellence in education and preparation for Senior school entry for all children.”

She continued, “Our focus here at Upton is always on the individual, whether boy or girl. Our small, nurturing priority and strong family ethos and values will continue, alongside our commitment to class sizes not rising above twenty. Small class sizes as well as smaller tailored teaching groups and high staff to child ratios are extremely important to us.”

The new model will be implemented on a gradual basis with the boys currently in the Pre-Prep department moving through the school into the Prep department by September 2020.

Personal tours of the school are welcomed to view their facilities including Gymnasium, Arts block, Media room, Drama studio and IT suite. www.uptonhouse.org.uk

Long Close School receives Literacy Award Long Close School has been appointed as a Ruth Miskin Read Write Inc. Model School as a result of their outstanding literacy teaching. The phonics-based programme is for 4-8 year-olds and is taught for 1 hour every day. Lively reading books are closely matched to the children’s increasing knowledge of phonics. Along with a thought-provoking introduction, prompts for thinking out loud and discussion, children are helped to read with a storyteller’s voice.

The children write every day, rehearsing out loud what they want to say, drawing upon their own experiences and talking about the stories they read to build their ideas, vocabulary and grammar.

“Our Model Schools demonstrate an inspirational passion and excitement for teaching. Their attention to detail and focus on continuous professional development marks them out and is the key to their success in getting every child to read by 6.”

Ruth Miskin, Creator of Read Write Inc. The Head of Long Close, Miss Nijjar was thrilled to receive the award: “It is wonderful to see the hard work of our staff and excellent progress of our pupils acknowledged and it will be fantastic to be able to inspire other schools.” www.longcloseschool.co.uk

Nursery School t

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WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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Established in 1980

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Where children are motivated to learn independently

A UNIQUE, AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI EDUCATION THROUGH THE SCHOOL & NURSERY

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WINDSOR MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN

Recent Ofsted inspection: OUTSTANDING in all areas

NO 4 DATCHET ROAD (OPPOSITE THE WINDSOR FARM SHOP)

Farnham Royal Village Hall, Farnham Lane, Slough SL2 3AX

We cater for Children from 2-5 years old in a thriving educational setting We accept 15 and 30 hours funding Limited spaces for Summer and Autumn term

Book now - 01628 620013 info@wiseowlschildcare.co.uk | www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk

6 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

OLD WINDSOR SL4 2RQ

HOME PARK, ROMNEY LOCK ROAD, WINDSOR SL4 6HX

01753 830525 • 6 months to 6 years.

01753 868399 • 2 years to 6 years.

• 3 year nursery funded children accepted.

Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment.

• Baby and toddler parent sessions to include four free settling in sessions, prior to start.

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www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

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Out of school hours: 01344 844592 • E: menik@windsor-montessori.com

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Families Thames Valley East • 7

8 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Supporting Your Child with Exam Stress

By Vicky Bellman

We have come to the time of year when many children are preparing to face exams or tests at school. These exams or tests vary in their significance for your child’s future. For some, they will be the stepping stone to the next part of their educational journey, for others an assessment of their progress this academic year. Regardless of which category the exams or tests fall into, exam time is likely to be a pressured and overwhelming time for most children and their parents.

S

tress and anxiety in young children is particularly heightened at this time of year as they deal with performance-related concerns related to their educational tests.

These tests can often feel like tests of who they are. Their behaviour may suffer during a stress peak and it’s important to do what you can to respond from a place of calm.

Invite them to join you in feeling calm, rather than you joining them in emotional chaos.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you support your child at this time: Keep it in Perspective Yes, of course exams are important, but everyone involved needs to remember it's not the end of the world if there’s a hiccup and things don’t go as well as expected. There is almost always another chance.

Help Manage Expectations Working longer than is advisable for their age, or expecting grades significantly higher than their capabilities, could well be detrimental to your child’s emotional and mental well-being.

It’s important you guide your children appropriately in this area.

Encourage Good Work Habits Primary school children may find it hard to sustain concentration for longer than 30 minutes without a break. It’s important not to schedule too many study sessions in one day – one or two would be familiesonline.co.uk

the appropriate maximum for this age group on a weekend or school holiday day, but less if they are also managing homework. Your child will become stressed and it’s much harder for them to learn under pressure otherwise.

Remember the Building Blocks Again, when it comes to the real basics, we can easily forget the building blocks for emotional wellbeing. Make sure that your child is getting enough good food, water and sleep!

Free time is Vital It’s a difficult balancing act, but it’s important to remember that primary school age children need plenty of free time - structured studying has to be balanced with plenty of unstructured free time.

Relaxation and fun are vital. Getting outside to play and spending time relaxing with family and friends are super-important at this time.

A useful analogy to share with your children is that human beings are basically machines. We need fuel and we also need to switch our engine off every now and again, otherwise, we risk overheating! On any long-term journey in a machine, comfort breaks and fuel fill ups would be an accepted and necessary part of the journey.

Humans are no different.

Make Time for You You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Your children need more from you when preparing for and going

through exams or tests. To be able to give more, you need to be able to have more fuel in the tank.

Connection is Important Make sure you have family down time; perhaps, watching a movie one night with popcorn, or going for a family walk, or day out. Don't just save the treats for the exam results, as this reinforces to children that they have more value when they achieve more. Let them

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

know that their wellbeing and enjoyment of life is as vital when they're striving for success, as well as when they're achieving it.

Vicky Bellman is a counsellor at Fegans, a Christian charity which counsels children and provides support for parents.

For more parenting advice on stress and mental health, visit www.fegans.org.uk/parent

Families Thames Valley East • 9

Education

Learning the Times Tables

– Tips & Tricks In 2020, it becomes compulsory for all Year 4 students to undergo a new times table test and this is likely to put additional pressure on parents to help their children get to grips with their times tables.

C

hildren’s inability to instantly recall times tables and manage simple multiplication is a recurring theme of mathematics teaching reported by teachers in primary schools.

These skills need to be embedded

by Year 4 in order to prepare for the maths teaching for the next two years. At secondary school, lack of basic numeracy, including not knowing their multiplication tables really well, can lead to an inability to grasp new concepts and really slow children's mathematical progress.

While it may seem tedious to practise times tables with your child, by ensuring your child is

confident with times tables you will be equipping them with essential tools for success in maths.

Getting Familiar with Multiplication Concepts The first step with multiplication is to make sure your child understands what multiplication really means. In other words, they need to understand that 4 x 3 is the same as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 and be confident with such number sequences.

The Rule of Commutativity Show your child that each answer repeats, so, technically, they only have to learn half of the tables. In other words, 4 x 5 is the same as 5 x 4. The rule of commutativity

11+ Mock Tests

Slough Grammars (CEM 11+) 6th July 2019 (Saturday) Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm 17th Aug 2019 (Saturday) Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm Langley School, Langley Rd, Slough SL3 7EF Fee: From £27.50 per paper including detailed feedback.

BOOK NOW - www.mocktestmasters.co.uk ✔ Detailed feedback report on your child’s strengths & weaknesses ✔ Access to mock test questions and answers ✔ Answer sheets returned ✔ In excess of 20,000 pupils have taken our tests

10 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

helps them understand that they know more than they might think.

Point Out Patterns It doesn't all have to be memorised by rote. There are clues and helpful hints that can be learned.

For example 2x is just doubling the number. This is the same as adding the number to itself: 2 x 2 = 4, 2 x 3 = 6, 2 x 4 = 8 etc. So the pattern is 2, 4, 6, 8 etc. Once these are remembered then the rule of commutativity above means they also know 3 x 2, 4 x 2 etc.

9× has a pattern too: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90. Notice how the tens (first digits in every number) go up by one and the units (second digits) go down.

All the multiples of ten end in zero.

All the multiples of 5 end in either 5 or 0 and are half as large as the multiples of ten. (10 x 5=50 which is half of 10 x 10 = 100).

Any number x 0 is always 0. No matter what.

The answers to the 4 times table are double the answers to the 2 times table. For example, 3 × 4 = 12 is the same as 3 × 2 × 2.

Likewise, the answers to the 8 times table are double the answers to the 4 times table. For example, 5 × 8 = 40 is the same as 5 × 4 × 2.

Learning the 11 times table is actually easy up to the number 9. It is simply doubling the appearance of the number you wish to multiply by. For example, 2 x 11 = 22, 3 x 11 = 33, 4 x 11 = 44 and so on.

Teach the Tricks The great thing with times tables is that there are many tricks that can help your child memorise them more easily. Let's take a look at a couple of tricks: 2 times tables: Double it! Two times a number simply means add the number twice. 6 x 2 is actually 6 + 6 and 8 x 2 is the same as 8 + 8.

4 times tables: Double the number you are multiplying, then double it again! It is simply a matter of doubling the number, then doubling the answer. For example, 4 x 5 is 5 + 5 = 10 and then 10 + 10 = 20. 4 x 5 is 20.

12 times table is 10x plus 2x. For example: 10 x 4 = 40, then add 2 x 4=8 Drilling Some drilling is inevitable. Drilling should be done once the child is familiar with their tables or at least a set of numbers. Drilling should be started in order and once you feel they are getting there you can mix it all up. They may hesitate at the beginning but the more you drill the more the times tables will be embedded into their memories.

Everyone’s Different Some children like to learn by rote; for others it doesn’t work at all. To support their learning, work out what will make times tables stick in your child’s mind, whether that’s singing them, putting them into practice with puzzles, playing games with them or writing them out.

Good luck! familiesonline.co.uk

Every day is Fun

at Poppies Come and see what makes our nurseries special!

Organic food provided Bourne End 01628 521522 Marlow 01628 487772

Beaconsfield 01494 677116 Old Windsor 01753 313030

Holmer Green 01494 716789 Maidenhead 01628 629716

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Families Thames Valley East • 11

Schools’ Open Days Call to book your place now!

019 Spring Term 2

School name: CLAIRES COURT for girls and boys from 3 to 18 years Address: see website for the division you are visiting Dates:Thursday 7th March, Friday 26 April Times: 9.30am – 11.30am Book: phone/email 01628 327710 registrar@clairescourt.com Website: www.clairescourt.com

School name: HERRIES SCHOOL CO-ED PREPARATORY SCHOOL AND NURSERY 3-11 years.

Address: Dean Lane, Cookham Dean SL6 9BD Dates: Thursday 21 March and future dates: www.herries.org.uk/Open-Morning Time: 9.30 to 11.00am Book: via website: www.herries.org.uk/OpenMorning www.herries.org.uk

School name: COWORTH FLExLANDS Address: Valley End, Chobham, GU24 Dates: Friday 27 March, Wednesday 8 May, Tuesday 4 June and Friday 21 June Time: 9.15am Book: phone 01276 855707 Website: www.coworthflexlands.co.uk

School name: HIGHFIELD PREPARATORY SCHOOL Address: 2 West Road, Maidenhead SL6 1PD Dates: Open events: Wednesday 13 March, Friday 3 May, Friday 28 June and Head teacher tours: Friday 29th March, Friday 7th June. (school offers private tours all academic year) Time: 9.30 to 11.30am Book: phone: 01628 624918 email: office@highfieldprep.org Website: www.highfieldprep.org

School name: ETON END Address: 35 Eton Road, Datchet SL3 9AX Dates: Saturday 2 March and Saturday 18 May Time: 10am-12pm Book: phone 01753 541075 and for further dates Website: www.etonend.org School name: GODSTOWE PREPARATORY SCHOOL AND NURSERY from 3 to 13 years Address: Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe HP13 6PR Dates/times: Wednesday 6 March (Early Years and Pre-Prep) 9am-12pm, Thursday 7 March (Years 3-8, inc. boarding) 9.30am - 12.30pm, Saturday 11 May (Whole School) 10am-1pm Book: phone/email 01494 529273 registrar@godstowe.org Website: www.godstowe.org School name: HEATHFIELD SCHOOL Address: London Road, Ascot, Berks SL5 8BQ Dates: Saturday 9 March and Saturday 11 May Time: 9.45am to 12 noon Book: email: registrar@heathfieldschool.net Website: www.heathfieldschool.net

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School name: LONG CLOSE SCHOOL Address: Upton Court Road, Slough SL3 7LU Dates/times: 8 March 9.30am, 11 May 10am Book: on website or email admissions@longcloseschool.co.uk Website: www.longcloseschool.co.uk School name: LVS ASCOT INFANT & JUNIOR SCHOOL Address: London Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8DR Dates: Saturday 23 March, Tuesday 30 April (Reception only), Wednesday 8 May, Saturday 15 June Time: 9.30-12pm Book: online: www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk, email: registrar@lvs.ascot.sch.uk call: 01344 882770 Website: www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk School name: ST PIRAN’S SCHOOL Co-educational nursery and Prep School for children aged 3 to 11 years Address: Gringer Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 7LZ

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Date: Saturday 11 May Time: 9.45-12pm Book: Please contact Deena McLelland 01628 594302 or email registrar@stpirans.co.uk Website:www.stpirans.co.uk School name: THE ABBEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL for girls aged 3 to 18 years Address: 17 Kendrick Road, Reading Dates: Friday 8 March Senior School.

Friday 3 May Junior School.

Time: Each session runs 9.15 to 11am Book: www.theabbey.co.uk/events School Name: THE MARIST SCHOOL Address: Kings Road, Sunninghill, Ascot, SL5 7PS Dates: Prep: Thursday 2 May, Senior: Thursday 9 May. Personal tours are also available.

Time: 9.15am – 11.15am Book: Phone: 01344 624291 Email: admissions@themarist.com Website: www.themarist.com School name: UPTON HOUSE SCHOOL Windsor Address: 115 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor Berkshire SL4 3DF Date: Saturday 16 March Time: 9.30am – 11.30am with headmistress talk at 10.30.

The school offers private tours all academic year Note: Upton House now educates boys, alongside girls through from age 2 – 11yrs Book: email: rachelatkins@uptonhouse.org.uk Tel : 01753 862610 Website: www.uptonhouse.org.uk Twitter/Social Media: @uptonhousesch #uptonhouseschool

Please ring the school to check the Open Day or Evening is still going ahead.

Families Thames Valley East • 13

Under 5s

Cutting the Cost of Childcare

By Stephanie Rough

Childcare can cost parents up to 45% of their disposable income; after housing, it is the second largest household cost. At the most expensive end, a full-time nursery place or child minder can set you back over £1,300 per month. When you factor in other costs such as commuting, it’s no surprise that many parents decide it is not financially viable for both parents to continue working.

H

owever, with some foresight and planning, there are some ways to cut your childcare costs.

Family Members Many parents turn to family members for at least some element of their childcare. From full-time care, to part-time regular days to ad hoc school holiday care, childcare from family members is free! In fact, paying them anything at all has tax implications, but, you can pay their expenses without being seen to employ them.

Help from Friends Building a network of local working parents offers the opportunity for sharing childcare responsibilities. Looking after each other’s children on days when you are not working can reduce costs especially during school holidays. Providing no cash exchanges hands, you don’t need to register as a childminder, but if the arrangement is regular and more formal, you may want to consider public liability insurance in case a child has an accident in your home.

Nanny Sharing Nannies are expensive which is why it’s common place now to share, particularly when/if you only have one child. Whilst it’s not as easy as a 50/50 split in relation to costs, as each family must be registered separately as an employer, there are definite savings on both employer National Insurance and the nanny’s salary.

It’s important to be realistic in your needs.

Paying a nanny with her own car may come at a premium (simple laws of supply and demand!) but if you only need her to drive once a week, would it be cheaper overall for her to use public transport or take a taxi instead?

Au Pairs Live-in au-pairs are now very popular providing families with childcare and help with general household duties. At £100 to £140 per week for 25 to 30 hours of work, au pairs are considerably cheaper than nannies and many other forms of childcare.

Company Benefits Are there benefits available from your employer? Whilst company childcare vouchers are now closed to new entrants, those already in the scheme can continue to save up to £243 per month tax free to pay towards OFSTED registered childcare. In addition, companies may also offer discounts at certain childcare providers to help save you money or offer a back-up care provision.

Re-Consider Working Hours Childcare is inherently inflexible but maybe your working arrangements don’t have to be!

So before searching for childcare see if you can make them more flexible. If you are considering working part-time, check whether local nursery providers offer discounts on less popular days (some do!) before confirming your work days. Remember that employees

14 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

have the statutory right to take reasonable time off to deal with an emergency involving a child and the right to up to 13 weeks unpaid parental leave prior to a child’s 5th birthday.

Employees are also entitled to make a formal application for flexible working hours annually and many employees arrange informal flexible working direct with their line manager.

Can you work from home to help take the pressure off commuting and being late to collect your child? Are compressed hours or term time only working an option?

Co-ordinate a plan with your partner to work out a weekly routine. If one of you starts work early and the other later, this may reduce childcare costs.

Free Hours and Tax-Free Childcare Tax credits and a new style of childcare voucher (replacing the employer scheme) can create savings of up to £2,000 per child for parents meeting the eligibility criteria. In addition, children ages 3 and 4 in England are entitled to 15 hours free childcare for 38 weeks per year. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to 30 hours free. Whilst most nurseries do offer these free hours, you do need to check (especially for the 30 free hours) and calculate if any additional costs must be factored in.

To check if you are eligible, go to www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Stephanie Rough is Corporate Childcare Manager at Parental Choice, the essential one-stop shop for guidance on making the right decisions on your childcare needs. For further information, visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk

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Under 5s

Raising a Supported Child

By Pam Rowe

It can be hard to know what to do to ensure your child feels well-loved and supported. Especially if you thought you were doing everything you could to ensure this, only to discover later on that your child does not feel good about themselves.

H

ere are some pointers to help you to support your child to become the adult you know they can be.

Always Show Love When I first had my son, I remember feeling overwhelmed by his total dependency on me.

This innocent baby was reliant on me for his survival. The hours spent with him in the first few months after his birth gave us a deep emotional connection that has resulted in a life-long bond like no other. Our children rely on the love that this connection generates, but they also need their parents to show them and tell them regularly that they are loved.

Throughout my son’s life I told him I loved him all the time. Now he regularly says this to me and I think it is likely that he will be comfortable telling his wife or partner and children the same. Similarly, I cuddled him a lot when he was young and he is now comfortable hugging both me and his friends.

Lead by Example – Be the Person You Want Your Children to Be If you want your children to be honest, show them how by being honest yourself. If you want them to be tolerant, avoid being judgemental about people and things you see

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around you. If you are angry and lose control, think about the impact this has on your children. Usually, they will feel fear. They are also more likely to mirror your behaviour when they feel angry. Show them how important it is to talk about their feelings, rather than act out.

When they are young or find it hard to communicate, you can help them to express how they feel by drawing pictures or using feelings charts - there are lots of free printable charts on the internet which are useful. Talk and read to your child about the importance of morals and values, being kind and caring, sharing, handling dilemmas and expressing their feelings. But remember, talk is cheap. It’s important to make sure you positively demonstrate these in your own behaviour.

Reinforce Positive Behaviour Whatever you reward will be reinforced as important and will stick. So decide what is important and reward it with words and/or actions that make your children feel your praise.

For example, do you want your child to be confident to express their opinions and to be a critical thinker? If so, reward them when they do these things. Try to teach them how to communicate respectfully and clearly from an

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early age. The earlier these skills are learnt, the easier and more naturally children apply them.

Take Care of your Emotional Health Parents who are physically and emotionally healthy are more likely to raise happy children.

Bringing up children is a long term commitment which can be very challenging for parents at times. Take care to eat and rest well and carve out some time to do something you find relaxing. Find a way to share your feelings with an appropriate adult in a place where you feel supported and loved. If you don’t have family or friends that you feel supported by, remember there are plenty of counsellors or therapists that can offer a safe place where you can off-load.

Pam Rowe has 30 years experience working as a social worker and in Children’s Services. Her memoir, Clear Water, is out now and is available from Amazon.

Families Thames Valley East • 15

Why you should consider looking for a Permanent or Temporary Nanny through KiddyKare…

Early Years News

Are you struggling to find time to manage everyday life, work and childcare? When considering all the childcare options out there it is difficult to know which one would best suit your family.

As a working Mum herself, founder Jen is very aware childcare is a key issue for many working families and child sickness or lack of childcare can resort in non attendance at work. KiddyKare can support you with permanent, temporary or ad hoc last minute support.

They have a bank of experienced nannies who have been interviewed face to face and background checked to ensure their suitability.

Childcare qualified Nanny Consultant Kayla, has worked as a

Nanny and in nurseries herself and is available to meet and talk through your options. nannies@kiddykare.co.uk 01628 675828 www.kiddykare.co.uk KiddyKare Nannies is a respected and reputable recruitment agency established in 2008 by childcare trained Jen Wilson who worked as a Nanny and in childcare herself. As a growing company they offer a reliable, professional and proactive service.

Intergenerational ballet class comes to cookham In January, Twinkle tots dance launched their wonderful new concept, an Intergenerational ballet class at Harwood House Care Home in Cookham Dean.

Local pre-schoolers participated in a ballet class, with the elderly residents joining in from their chairs. Everyone had a wonderful time and it was touching to see the different generations interacting and socialising. Twinkle Tots Dance will hold another intergenerational class at Harwood House Care Home on Friday 8 March from 2.30-3pm and more dates will be

A new baby can cause untold disruption to routine and life in general. This is where the right apps can come into their own and make life a little bit easier.

The following apps can help you track feedings, sleep times, decipher developmental milestones and build the most beautiful selection of photos.

White Noise There are lots of apps that play ‘white noise’ to help your baby go to sleep. White Noise Lite is on android and iPhone and plays ambient sounds such as waves crashing or rainfall. However, Spotify also has a great selection of white noise – and you reap the benefit of everything else Spotify has to offer. www.tmsoft.com/white-noise British Red Cross Baby and Child First Aid A brilliant app created by the experts at the British Red Cross to help you keep your little ones safe.

announced if there’s demand.

Kayleigh, activities co-ordinator at Harwood House said “The elderly residents of the care home just love watching the little ones dance, enjoy the music and sometimes even join in with a bit of chair dancing too! Parents are welcome to watch and then stay around for cake and coffee with the residents.” There’s no need to book in advance. Pre-schoolers age 2-4 can drop in with their families and pay £5 cash. For more information please contact Maggie on maggie@twinkletotsdance.com

Dedicated Baby Room Opening at the Riverside Day Nursery, Windsor New arrival! Early February sees a new dedicated Baby Room opening at the popular Riverside Day Nursery in Windsor Leisure Centre. Warm and welcoming, the nursery’s new additional room has been completely custom designed to cater for babies from three to 15-months-old.

Alongside comfy cots for snoozing, the space has super-soft furnishings, a sensory and messy play area and lots of colourful toys to stimulate little ones’

Best Baby Apps for New Parents

Packed with videos, easy to follow advice and a test section, it offers great reassurance on a range of baby-related issues at the click of a button, enabling you to act fast. www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/firstaid-apps NCT Baby Change This helps you to locate changing facilities to use in your surrounding area and aims to take the stress away from being out of the house.

16 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

The app relies on parents providing feedback on changing facilities after use and adding any new locations to the map. www.nct.org.uk/parenting/nctbabychange-app Baby Monitor 3G Allowing you to turn any connected device into a baby monitor, this app acts as a live audio and video baby monitor over Wi-Fi or mobile data and claims to

imaginations. There is even an established garden for the babies to explore. The Riverside team offer personalised care for young babies, supporting their home sleep, feeding and play routine, so babies always feel settled and secure.

To look around and meet their highly trained nursery staff, please e-mail: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk or call 01753 855543.

have unlimited reach, working in a similar way to FaceTime or Skype. www.babymonitor3g.com Evergreen Life This app helps you keep track of your child’s medical history, including vaccinations, making it accessible to you on the move and whenever it is needed. It stores information such as blood group, vaccinations, allergies, diagnostic tests and results and medications as well as growth and development data. www.evergreen-life.co.uk Baby Tracker This helps you track feeds, whether breast, bottle or solid so you can keep an eye on when and how much your baby is eating. There are also other baby feeding apps which can track things like which breast you last fed from, pumping sessions and how much breast milk you have stored in the fridge or freezer. www.nighp.com/babytracker

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Easter Holiday Fun

Spring Days Out

If you’re looking to get the whole family out and about this Easter, we’ve put together our pick of the best ways to keep the children entertained in and around the local area. With everything from Easter egg hunts to family shows, there’s something on offer for everyone!

Easter at the National Trust's Cliveden Spring offers the perfect time to head outdoors and explore nature at the National Trust's Cliveden near Maidenhead. Popular with families, features such as the storybook play area and giant Cliveden maze, have been designed especially with little ones in mind.

From Saturday 6 to Saturday 27 April, join the annual Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt through Cliveden's colourful spring-filled gardens on a fun family exploration. There will be nature

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themed activities to complete along the way with children needing to keep a look out for hidden clues, before enjoying a Cadbury’s chocolate treat at the end! The hunt is open from 10am until 3.30pm and costs £3 per child.

Normal admission charges to Cliveden apply, but no advance booking is needed. As the hunt is available for 2 weeks, you can avoid the queues on Easter weekend and visit earlier on in the school holidays. For those with a head for heights why not take part in the tree

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climbing event taking place from Wednesday 17th to Friday 19th April. Challenge yourself and your friends to see who can get the best view from up high. Booking for this event is required and is suitable for ages 6 and up. £20 per place. Throughout April, families can also take a self-led bluebell walk around the estate.

Walks run between 10am and 5pm and are free (usual entry applies).

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden or call 01628 605609.

Families Thames Valley East • 17

Spring Days Out Odds Farm Park

Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park Daily 6th April – 23rd April.

This year, the Easter Holidays are all about Carrots at Odds Farm Park!

Join the quirky ‘Quest for Carrots’, taking you in and around the Farm Park. Follow their trail to earn your special treat and take part in a most unusual Easter Egg & Carrot Hunt.

Plus, enjoy fun shows with the Oddsocks Family, in addition to Spring-themed arts, crafts and games.

Combined with the fun of the giant indoor playbarn, awardwinning Marmalade’s Tearoom, acres of outdoor play and plenty of animals to meet, including lots of adorable baby lambs and cheeky kid goats, you won’t want to miss it! Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For more information, including opening times and prices visitors should call 01628 520188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Explore the Outdoors Blow away the cobwebs and run off those Easter eggs. Maybe even pack a picnic, there’s no shortage of picturesque spots in the area.

Here are just a few of our favourites: Higginson park in Marlow boasts a great playground with a coffee shop. It’s close to the river, perfect for a walk to feed the ducks and you might even fit in time for a spot of shopping in the high street too. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake at either Herschel Park in Slough or Black Park in Wexham and keep an eye out for family friendly events taking place at the latter. Langley Park in Iver has plenty of open space, perfect for post lunch ball games, whilst the nature reserve at Denham Country Park provides an abundance of wildlife and there are often events such as river dipping taking place during the holidays. Wander through the woods in Burnham Beeches or Ray Mill Island at Boulters lock in Maidenhead, has an aviary and guinea pig enclosure and little ones might also enjoy watching the boats through the

lock. Plus there is now the new footbridge and landscaped grounds past the Jubilee river and new housing area. Perfect for exploring in Taplow. Cycle round Dorney Lake or Dinton Pastures and lose track of time in Dinton’s huge adventure playground. With 4,800 acres of parkland, there’s so much scope for outdoor play in Windsor Great Park. Spot the deer wandering through the deer park, visit Savill garden, walk the Long Walk to the Copper Horse, or just pack a football and make your own fun!

Looking for some Indoor fun?

Jump In trampoline park in Slough offers the whole family some bouncing fun and calorie-burning exercise, plus it gets the kids off the screens and encourages an early night’s sleep; perfect for the holidays! The Jelly Lounge and Phoenix gym also offer great indoor places for children, allowing parents some peace while the children play.

Why not consider a trip to a local museum? A day trip to Oxford makes a great trip out; take the

Norden Farm Quest

18 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Spring Days Out

Norden Farm Quest

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park and ride, get the bus into town and visit the Oxford Museum of Natural History (a mini-version of the London Natural History Museum, without the hassle of getting into London!) to see the ever-popular dinosaurs and much more. The Lookout Discovery Centre in Bracknell houses some great activities, from water-play, brick-building and educational shows to interactive displays and experiments. There’s also the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden which has hands-on activities perfect for 6 to 12 year olds. Find out about Roald Dahl's school pranks, peek into the author's original writing hut, and discover how Roald Dahl's real-life adventures inspired his stories. The museum puts your child’s imagination centre-stage to help them create their own swashboggling stories. How about visiting The Chiltern Open Air Museum which focuses on historical buildings, a working farm, how people lived and hosts many family activities? Plus, the familyfriendly River and Rowing Museum in Henley which houses The Wind

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in the Willows exhibition, is well worth a visit and usually puts on extra activities during the holidays.

Pop down to Quest Family Fest at Norden Farm Navigate your way through creative adventures and fearlessly explore a land where imagination rules supreme! Quest is a fun packed fortnight of new experiences for children and families at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead this Easter! Including family friendly shows, films and activity clubs - plus daily craft and storytelling. On Friday 19 April, get involved in a full day crammed with low cost Explore! workshops. Try something different, from robot making to x-ray spex comics. All workshops are £4 per person.

Booking essential. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Box Office: 01628 788997 www.nordenfarm.org Don’t forget to turn to our What’s On pages 22-26 for other Easter events too!

Families Thames Valley East • 19

Signing up for a club or class can be a great way to learn a new skill and keep the kids entertained over the two week holiday. Whether they’re creative, sporty, or just need to burn off some energy, these clubs and classes offer something for everyone.

Don’t forget to say you saw it in Families when you ring!

ARTSPIRATION is offering a 4 day Holiday Workshop over the Easter break in Maidenhead, and Guildford.

Children (Ages 5-10 years) will enjoy making friends, creating their own unique works whilst developing and exploring new art methods and artists. They will also be running an 11 to 16yrs workshop over 3 days in Reading, ideal for students taking or

thinking of taking GCSE Art. Individual day bookings are available. Contact us below to find out more about our holiday courses or our regular term time classes, new adult classes, parties and events www.artspiration.co.uk 07930 859567 artspirationinfo@gmail.com

Stagecoach Maidenhead

PUT ON A SHOW

H WO OLIDA RKS Y HO P

Make friends and build confidence at our theatre workshops

AMANDA’S EASTER ART CLASSES www.amandasart.co.uk for small groups of children aged 6–13.

Amanda will be running two hour Easter Art Classes in Ascot. Call 0796 882 4560 or 01344 885086 or email a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk for further details BUSY BUTTONS Creative Wellbeing Camp offers 3 -14 year olds fun with great hands-on experiences. With a focus on art, children get exposed to 2D and 3D art, sewing, traditional crafts and more while being tutored by professional creative educators from the film and television industry.

Educational day trips, team building and confidence boosting challenges, yoga, sports, nutrition, fitness and customised insights by professionals give children a diverse, whole experience. One 11 year old

camp enthusiast says: "I enjoy Busy Buttons. It is the best holiday club I've been to in my whole life. I hope I come back soon because I've learnt so much." The camps are held at Windsor Leisure Centre, St Georges School (Windsor Castle) or Busy Buttons Design Centre during all school holidays. Camp: 8:30am 4pm (extended hours 8am - 6pm) Easter Early Bird offer until 15 March 2019 + Block Booking, Siblings and RBWM Advantage Card discounts.

As little as £3.85 per hour!

07952 418212 / 0800 101 8332 www.busybuttons.org COURT GARDEN LEISURE COMPLEX has Intensive Swimming courses running in the Easter holidays. Intensive courses are a great way to boost your child’s swimming progress. From nonswimmers to the more advanced they allow the perfect opportunity to help improve water confidence, stroke technique or even practice certain skills to pass their next level.

Availability from Tuesday 9th to Thursday 18th April 2019. Contact their helpful team today to find out more 01628 405200 HANDS-ON ART ADVENTURES in Old Windsor: Art & Clay workshops; Potters Wheel experiences; Story Ceramics; Pop-in & Paint, DecoPatch or Foam Clay onto ceramics. Free Parking! For more details go to www.handsonartadventures.co.uk or call Janet on 01753 206265 PHOENIX GYMNASTICS CLUB is running Easter Gym! At Unit 1, Water Oakley Farm, Windsor Road, Windsor, SL4 5UJ during the Easter break. Gymnastic sessions for children aged 5 to 12 years of age.

Choose from a range of classes and clinics with fully qualified British Gymnastic coaches. Children will have the opportunity to try Olympic

9th - 12th APRIL 2019

01628 821145

07721 422554

Bringing all the fun of the farm to your school, Home, Private Party, Family Funday or Fete, also providing beneficial therapeutic/sensory sessions for visits to Nursing Homes or Special Needs Activities.

Call Pete to discuss your requirements, and obtain prices e: farm@basilandcrew.co.uk • www.basilandcrew.co.uk

EARLY STAGES Age: 4 - 6 year olds Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm Performance: Fri 12.00pm Cost: £95 (£50 for siblings)

MAIN STAGES Age: 7 - 18 year olds Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm Performance: Fri 3.00pm Cost: £125 (£70 for siblings)

Venue: Altwood School, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PU stagecoach.co.uk/ maidenhead

0808 208 5134

Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd

20 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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gymnastic apparatus. Price: £10-25 per session.

Look out for PlayGym Plus too - an hour's gym play for 4-9 year olds. www.phoenixgym.co.uk PLAYBALL CAMPS IN WINDSOR Are you are looking for something active for your kids to do during the Easter school holidays? Why not consider Playball? Sports holiday camps, full of fun-filled games, skills and drills! The camps cater for a mixture of ages from 3-8 and encourage social interaction and non-stop fun!

Camps start at 10:00 and run through to 13:00.

Contact windsor@playballkids.com to find out more details or have look at their website: www.playballkids.com QUEST is a fun packed fortnight of new experiences for children and families at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts this Easter! Including family friendly shows, films and activity clubs plus daily craft and storytelling. On Friday 19 April, get involved in a full day crammed with low cost Explore! workshops. Try something different, from robot making to x-ray spex comics. All workshops are £4 per person.

Booking essential. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Box Office: 01628 788997 www.nordenfarm.org REDROOFS THEATRE SCHOOL WILLY WONKA'S WHIPPLESCRUMPTIOUS WEEK runs Monday 15th to Thursday 18th April (10-3pm) for ages 5-9+. A whipplescrumptious week themed by chocolate! You've won the Gold Ticket so join Charlie on his journey through the famous chocolate factory. You could be the spoilt Veruca Salt, the bubble popping Violet Beauregarde, the repulsive Augustus Gloop, the horrible Mike Teavee, or even Charlie himself!

Performance on the final afternoon. See below for booking.

REDROOFS THEATRE SCHOOL SCHOOL FOR STARS TRIPLE THREAT WEEK runs Monday 15th-Thursday 18th April 2019 (10-5pm) for ages 9-15+. Improve your triple threat skills, extend your training and explore an array of workshops with our 4 day triple threat intensive for beginners to advanced level. Timetable may include: Acting, Jazz Dance, Tap, Directing, Script Writing, Street & Commercial Dance, Limber and Stretch, Contemporary Dance, Tumbling and Tricks, Devised Theatre, Singing, Acting through Song, Audition Skills, Writing a Musical, Triple Threat Talent Competition. Q&A with Industry Professionals. (Dance classes will

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Easter Camps & Activities be streamed according to ability). Booking: www.redroofs.co.uk/Easter-Courses-2019 info@redroofs.co.uk for more information or call 01628 674092. Venue:Redroofs, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT SHOWSTOPPER TOTS offers a unique blend of popular musical theatre show tunes and themes together with original songs, that let your tots experience the sights and sounds of the theatre. Termly or Drop in classes are available for 18 months - 4.5 years on Mondays from 3pm at St. Peter’s church hall in Maidenhead. Classes run over the Easter holidays (excluding Easter Monday).

Showstopper Parties are also available.

Call 07885 150034 or email mairi@showstopperuk.com for more information. www.showstopperuk.com STAGECOACH HIGH WYCOMBE, HENLEY AND MARLOW - 5 day Easter Holiday Workshops from 8th - 12th April at Wycombe High School.

4-6yrs from 9.30am-12.30pm, £95 Standard and £80 Sibling. 6-18yrs from 9.15am-4.15pm, £160 Standard and £125 Sibling. Their fun filled energetic 5 day workshops are open to all. You do not need previous dancing, singing or acting ability – just a willingness to give it a go! On Friday 12th April, family and friends are invited to watch a sharing of the work that has been learnt during the week. Places are limited so book online now at www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe#workshops STAGECOACH MAIDENHEAD are also running 5 day Easter Holiday Workshops called ‘Put on a Show’ from the 9th-12th April at Altwood School in Maidenhead. 4-6yrs from 9.30am12.30pm £95 standard (and £50 for siblings). 618yrs from 10am-4pm, £125 standard (and £70 for siblings. On Friday 12th April, family and friends are invited to a final performance. www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead THE ADVENTURE LEARNING CHARITY Longridge Activity Centre is running School Holiday Activity days at their riverside site on Quarry Wood Road, Marlow during the Easter holidays. The activity day starts at 8:45am and finishes at 5pm, with a sandwich lunch provided for only £40. Call 0330 303 0101 or book online www.alfvillages.org.uk

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

THE JELLY LOUNGE FAMILY CLUB- workshops, holiday camps and creche (cookery, arts & craft, slime, disco, messy play and more)…

Fun workshops and camps for all ages for the holidays. For under 4’s they offer a fabulous creche (all year round). Check out their website or Facebook page for the latest goings on.

More than just a soft play. Ages: all; Location: Windsor. Call: 01753 290 175 or visit www.thejellylounge.co.uk for further information.

THE LITTLE GYM WINDSOR runs Easter Holiday Camps for just three exclusive days this Easter – Monday 8th, Thursday 11th and Friday 12th April! Fun daily themes mean every gymnastics camp is an adventure all of its own.

Vaulting Volcanoes, Caribbean Cartwheels, Hawaiian Handstands, Super Heroes, Secret Agents and more! Don't worry if you have children of different ages – sessions cater to children from 3 years to 12 years. Camps run as morning and afternoon sessions: 9.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Book now as camps at The Little Gym fill up fast!

Call on 01753 968 488 or email: windsor@thelittlegym.eu WISE OWLS CLUB are running an Easter Holiday Club Monday 8th – Thursday 18th April at Highfield School, Maidenhead for children aged 3-14 years. Lots of activities planned as well as outings. Times: 9.00am-5.00pm, extended day 8am-6pm. Limited offer of £27.99 per day. Book Now by visiting www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk JUMP IN AND WISE OWLS Holiday Camp operating Monday 8th – Thursday 18th April from Jump In Trampoline Arena, Slough for children aged 5-14 years. Activities and at least 2 hours of jump in fun! Open 9am - 5pm. £25.00 per day.

Book Now by visiting www.wiseowlschildcare.co.uk Details correct at time of going to press (February 2019) but may be subject to change.

Families Thames Valley East • 21

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

It’s World Book Day at Windsor Castle on March 2 and 9

Feed the kids and lambs at Odds Farm Park this March

Royal Holloway hosts a science festival on March 9

Mondays SALSA DANCING Tithe Barn, Hurley, SL6 5LX 07518 727363 Fun and friendly salsa dancing classes in a beautiful setting with a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic teachers Times: 8.15pm to 9pm. www.salsastyle.co.uk Mondays and Thursdays WOODLAND CAPERS Under the Canopy Forest School, Dukes Valley, Windsor Road, Gerrards Cross SL9 8SR, 07971 406 671 Outdoor adventures and crafts finished with a snack around the campfire. Accompanied 2-4 year olds. Six week block booking, three session flexipass and single session passes available. www.underthecanopy.org.uk Saturdays STORYTIME AT MARLOW BOOKSHOP 22-26 Spittal St, Marlow SL7 1DB Enjoy a story at the town’s independent book store. 10-10.30am, ideal for babies and pre-schoolers. www.marlowbookshop.co.uk Saturdays ROLLER DISCO at Magnet Leisure Centre Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW Get your wheels on and whizz to the disco. There’s Scooter and Skate school from 3-4pm. Under sevens and beginners skate 4.15pm to 5.30pm, family skate 5.45pm to 7.30pm. www.leisurecentre.com/magnet-leisure-centre Sundays VISIT ETON NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Eton College, South Meadow Lane, Eton SL4 6DW Thackeray Collection of British Birds and other collections with more than 15,000 specimens. 2.30 to 5pm. Free. Etonnhm.com

Ongoing SCIENCE EXHIBITION The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7QW 01344 354400 More than 90 activities which children of all ages can enjoy and learn from: launch a hydrogen rocket, play with boats in the indoor stream or build a house with your friends.

Until Sunday March 19 SCIENCE SHOW: UNDER THE SEA takes you the through the wonders of the deep. Discover the creatures that live there and help protect them through different challenges.

Weekends at 11am, noon, 2pm, 3.15pm, £1.95, on top of entry fee. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/leisure-services/look-out Ongoing SPRING LAMBS AND KIDS at Odds Farm Park Wooburn Common Road, HP10 0LX, 01628 520 188 The newborn lambs will be wobbling to their feet this spring, see them on the farm and in special timed talks and feeding sessions. Plus enjoy the giant playbarn, water play features and all the other animals. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Saturday March 2 and 9 WORLD BOOK DAY Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ Family Saturdays this month focus on World Book Day. Join storyteller Olivia Armstrong for special stories in the State Apartments. Come dressed as your favourite book character to claim a memento from your visit. Usual admission charges apply.

Storytelling sessions run at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. www.royalcollection.org.uk Monday March 4 NATURE TOTS Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead 01628 829 574 Each session will

include activities such as bug-hunting, mud-digging and mask-making. Games, story-time and refreshments also included. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children aged 18 months to four years. 9.30am to 11.30am or 1pm to 2.30pm. £7 per child. Booking essential. www.bbowt.org.uk Monday March 4 COFFEE AND CPR/ FAMILY FIRST AID SESSIONS Danesfield House, 1 West Street, Maidenhead SL6 1RH 01628 569922 Learn the essentials of First Aid in a friendly group of likeminded people. There is no exam and no obligation to participate – if you just want to watch, that is fine, although practising will give you the best opportunity to learn. Coffee and CPR is 2 hours long, Family First Aid is an extra 1 hour. 9.30am to 12.30pm. Booking recommended, discount for advance payment (£25 on the day).

Wednesdays from March 6 CLIVEDEN CRITTERS Cliveden NT, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069 Little ones can join a fun workshop 10.3011.30am. Explore the estate and learn about nature.

Until April 9, £5, usual entry applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Friday March 8 INTERGENERATIONAL DANCE CLASS with Twinkle Tots Dance, Harwood House Care Home, Spring Lane, Cookham, Maidenhead SL6 6PW 2.30-3pm Local pre-schoolers participate in a ballet class, with the elderly residents joining in from their chairs! Parents are welcome to watch and then stay around for cake and coffee with the residents. Age 2-4years. Drop in. £5. For more information contact Maggie on maggie@twinkletotsdance.com

MARCH

Whatever place you’re into A fun introduction to ballet for 2-4 year olds

“learn to swim for life!”

Register online at www.twinkletotsdance.com Classes in Sunningdale,Windsor, Warfield, Burnham and Bracknell RAD ballet grades from Age 5+

Pre-school lessons available now 3-4 year olds

Why not try a themed birthday party for your son or daughter!

Encourage a love of swimming!

NO joining fee with this advert Court Garden Leisure Complex 01628 405200 Visit website for full terms and conditions.

Operated by Places for People Leisure Ltd in partnership with Wycombe District Council

22 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

What’s On

Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Science day at Royal Holloway, March 9

Legoland Windsor reopens with a new Haunted House attraction on March 15

Stroll in Great Missenden before tea at the Roald Dahl Museum, March 30

Saturday March 9, 16, 23, 30 FAMILY SATURDAYS AT THE CASTLE Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ Get creative with arts and crafts inspired by Windsor Castle's rich tapestry of stories. www.royalcollection.org.uk Saturday March 9 STUBBINGS HOUSE OPEN GARDEN Henley Road, Maidenhead SL6 6QL 01628 825454 Parkland garden next to the wellknown garden nursery. Set around an 18th century house, home to Queen Wilhelmina of Netherlands in WW2. Large lawn with ha-ha and woodland walks. Historic cedars and monkey puzzle trees.

Admission £4, children free. www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk Saturday March 9 SCIENCE FESTIVAL Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Runnymede, TW20 0EX Celebrate British Science Week for free with interactive displays and talks from, and for, people with a passion for science. All ages. Details still to be announced but previous events have included live leeches and ice cream making with liquid nitrogen. www.royalholloway.ac.uk/sciencefestival Saturday March 9 and Sunday 10 WORLD BOOK DAY WEEKEND Hughenden NT, Valley Road, High Wycombe HP14 4LA 01494 755573. Dress up as your favourite book character and visit the Victorian dressing up room for storytelling and more. Head over to the gift shop and find the perfect book to spend your £1 token on. 11am to 5pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Sunday March 10 STUFF Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF 01628 788997 Norden Farm Youth Theatre Academy stage this exciting new play as part of National Theatre Connections 2019. Vinny's organising a surprise birthday party for his mate, Anita. It's not going well: his choice of venue is a bit misguided, Anita's not keen on leaving the house, and everyone else has their own stuff going on. A play about trying (but not really managing) to help.

Led by Troublemaker Theatre Company. Studio, £5, 2pm and 7pm. www.norden.farm Monday March 11 and Friday 15 NATURE TOTS Windsor Great Park, Forest Gate (off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot) SL4 2BY 07493 649 667. Sessions for pre-school little ones to experience and enjoy nature outdoors. Suitable for children aged 18 months to four. 10-11.30am and 12.30pm. £7 per child. 10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm (Mon only) www.bbowt.org.uk Tuesday March 12 3 STEPS TO A HAPPY, HEALTHIER MIND SEMINAR Chalfont St Peter

Community Centre SL9 9QX 730pm £20 www.ukpranichealing.co.uk Thursday March 14 and Friday 15 LEVEL 1 PRANIC HEALING COURSE Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road SL8 5XF £340 www.ukpranichealing.co.uk From Friday March 15 OPENING OF HAUNTED HOUSE AT LEGOLAND Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY, 0871 2222 001 Get ready for a monster party at Lord Vampyre's spooky new Haunted House, celebrating his arrival in the LEGOLAND® neighbourhood. Plus all the park attractions and shows. More details to be announced at www.legoland.co.uk Friday March 15 NEST Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF 01628 788997 House presents a stunning multi-sensory experience for pre-walking babies and their parents and carers. Unfolding in a custom-built performance tent, Nest takes audiences on a journey through the seasons, using playful poetry, sound and song, captivating movement and tactile and sensory play. www.norden.farm Saturday March 16 SECRET GARDEN The Abbey Junior School 30 Christchurch Rd, Reading RG2 7AR. Free activity morning for 2-5 years. 9.30am12.00pm. Children and their families are invited to spend the morning following the challenge trail and enjoying craft, action and music activities with the help of staff and pupils. Refreshments will be provided during the morning and there will be an opportunity for parents to talk with experienced teaching staff. www.theabbey.co.uk/events/secretgarden to book.

Saturday March 16 to Sunday 31 (weekends only) LEGO MOVIE DAYS at Legoland Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY, 0871 2222 001 Celebrate the Lego Movie 2! Join Emmet, Wyldstyle and the gang for exclusive building activities, out of this world character experiences, interactive photo opportunities and more! Use your imagination to create your own The Lego Movie-inspired builds. www.legoland.co.uk Saturday March 23 and Sunday 24 LEVEL 1 PRANIC HEALING COURSE Holiday Inn Express Watford Junction WD17 1UE £340 www.ukpranichealing.co.uk Saturday March 30 SCOFF ’N ’STROLL The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL Book on 01494 892192 Enjoy a guided Roald Dahl countryside walk followed by an afternoon tea packed with sandwiches, scones and cakes. Walk in the woods and fields that inspired Roald Dahl, listen to extracts

from Roald Dahl’s My Year, then get stuck in to a delicious afternoon tea in the Café. See the birds and buzzing things Roald saw in his garden at this time of year, and find out about Roald Dahl’s Mum, Sofie. 50-minute (3km) guided walk 6+ years 2pm and 3pm, £12 per person.

Saturday March 30 and Sunday 31 OPENING WEEKEND WITH NEW NISSEN HUT Chiltern Open Air Museum Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB 01494 871117 The musuem opens for the season and will be officially opening its completed WWI Nissen hut to the public. Visitors can take part in a poppy trail and dress up in WWI officer and nurse costumes. www.coam.org.uk Sunday March 31 SPRING FAMILY RACE DAY Ascot Racecourse High Street, Ascot SL5 7JX Jumps, racing and activities for racegoers of all ages.

Activities include Willow Bank 'build a den', foraging and cooking demos with James Wood, bird of prey and dog agility displays, ferret racing, clip-clop pony rides, a petting zoo and Retrained Race Horses Falconry display. Kids can take part in a 20 things to do before you are 12 experience. Each of the Lawns will feature a different theme, with racegoers of all ages encouraged to explore. Under 18s free. www.ascot.co.uk Sunday March 31 GOSPEL CONCERTINI: MUSIC FOR MOTHER'S DAY Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Celebrate Mother's Day with an uplifting family concert featuring the astonishing vocal talents of London’s dynamic IDMC Gospel Choir.

Bring the whole family and enjoy singing, dancing and clapping along to hits by Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers and Jackie Wilson as well as traditional Gospel Songs and Inspirational melodies. 11.30am. www.norden.farm

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APRIL

Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7 HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BRAND NEW BARMY BRITAIN The Pearce Suite, Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW After a hit West End season, the gag-filled show is on tour.

Gallop through British history with just two actors playing all of the roles! 65-minute show, adults £15, under 16's £13, no reserved seating. www.leisurecentre.com/magnet-leisure-centre Saturdays in April and daily through school Easter holidays (April 6 to 17) INSIDE THE ROYAL WARDROBE Windsor Castle Thames Street,

Families Thames Valley East • 23

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

WW1 history at Chiltern Open Air Musuem, March 30-31

Gospel Concertini at Norden Farm, March 31

Hit the floor at Family SIlent Disco, Norden Farm, April 14

Windsor, SL4 1NJ Easter activities looking at 300 years of royal fashion. Become a dedicated follower of royal fashion in the art workshop.

Listen to an interactive talk at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm (selected dates) and transform yourself into a Tudor, Stuart or Georgian monarch.

Activities 11am to 4pm, standard entry costs apply (free to RBWM Advantage card holders) www.royalcollection.org.uk Throughout April BLUEBELLS WALK Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL1 8NS 01628 605069 Follow the planned walk around the estate to see the blanket of purple. Dependent on weather, call in advance or check website and social media. 10am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday April 6 to Thursday April 18 FAMILY TRAIL: TYRANNICAL TUDORS Runnymede National Trust, North Lodge, Old Windsor, use Sat Nav code TW20 0AE 01784 432891 Find out about the people who have helped shape the landscape. £1. 10am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede Saturday April 6 to Monday 22 EASTER EGG HUNT Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow SL1 8NS 01628 605069 Hop into spring with this nature-themed trail, complete with chocolate treat. 10am-3.30pm, £3. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday April 6 to Monday 22 WOODLAND WONDERS - EASTER TRAIL Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive, Hawthorn Lane, Burnham, SL2 3TE Call 01753 279488 or see Facebook page for information. Have some family fun in the woods this Easter. Trail is aimed at children from five to 95. Just pick up a leaflet from the Information Point and guide yourself along the route.

Suggested donation £2. Bring a pencil. www.eventbrite.co.uk Saturday April 6 to Tuesday 23 EASTER EGG HUNT Greys Court, near Henley-on-Thames, RG9 4PG 01491 628529 Hunt for clues around the estate to win a Cadbury chocolate prize. There are two separate trails this year, one in the run up to, and one on the Easter weekend. £3. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greyscourt Sunday April 7 FAMILY CEILIDH Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF 01628 788997 A live band, easy-to-learn dance steps and lots of laughter. Join in the fun for a reel and a jig around the Long Barn. It’s a great way for families to spend some quality time together. 4pm, £11 (£9 under 16s), family and friends (4 people) £36. www.norden.farm Monday April 8 to Monday April 22 HUGHENDEN EASTER EGG HUNT Hughenden NT, Valley Road, High Wycombe HP14 4LA 01494 755573. Hunt for giant eggs in the gardens and receive a chocolate prize. Trail suitable for little ones and older explorers. Child £3, 10am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Monday April 8 to Friday 12 THE ENORMOUS TURNIP Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Mr and Mrs Chickweed’s prize-winning vegetables have taken over everything but before they retire, they can’t resist planting one last seed…Unswerving energy, eccentric puppetry and live music in a re-potted version of this worldfamous and much loved children’s story! £11 (£9 under 16s), family and friends (4 people) £36.

Children under 18 months on laps go free. www.norden.farm Monday April 8 to Thursday April 19 STORYTELLING IN THE DEN Norden Farm as above. Interactive storytelling in the magical story den. £2 per person. Check for times.

Tuesdays April 9 and 16 TERRIFIC TUESDAYS Chiltern Open Air Museum Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB 01494 871117 Family activities, games and crafts all for the standard admission price! If you’d like to attend multiple Terrific Tuesdays (nine during the 2019 season), and museum events then you can purchase an Annual Pass which costs £30 per adult, £18 per child and family pass prices start from £65. Activities run from 11am – 3.30pm. www.coam.org.uk Tuesdays April 9 and 16 BUGSY MALONE Theatre Royal Windsor Thames Street Windsor 01753 853888 Splurge guns and great songs! A local amateur production from Rare Productions the team that bought Fame, Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz to Windsor. It all ends in a gooey pandemonium of splurge, custard pies and flour bombs. Will Dandy Dan get his just desserts? Will Bugsy and Blousey have a sweet ending? Come to downtown Windsor and find out! www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Tuesday April 9 and 16 TRAIL TRACKERS Hughenden NT, Valley Road, High Wycombe HP14 4LA 01494 755573. Join the ranger, become a ‘mini-ranger, and explore the wildlife trails and tracks. Child £4, 10.30am to noon. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Thursdays April 11 and 18 GREAT BIG TREE CLIMB Hughenden as above. Join expert instructors for an adventure into the canopy of a

24 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.

What’s On

Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

Peek inside the Royal Wardrobe at Windsor Castle in April

Nick Sharratt’s Right Royal Drawalong April 15

Chicken Licken is at Norden Farm, April 18

giant horse chestnut. £20, 10am to 5pm.

Information at www.bigtreeclimbing.co.uk Saturday April 13 DAWN CHORUS Maidenhead and Cookham Commons, Pinkneys Green, Pinkneys Drive, Maidenhead SL6 6Q D344 249 1895 Experience the orchestral sounds of Maidenhead Thicket as it comes to life on a spring morning, £18, 5.30am to 8am. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/maidenhead-andcookham-commons Saturday April 13 THE GREATEST SHOW: SONGS FROM HOLLYWOOD Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 Unleash your passion to sing-a-long to famous songs from best-loved films in this exciting concert celebration. Featuring the biggest hits from the hit musical phenomenon The Greatest Showman plus songs from Frozen, Dreamgirls, Dirty Dancing, Shrek, Moana, Mamma Mia and more! With an all-star cast from London’s West End. 2.30pm and 5.30pm. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Sunday April 14 MEET REPTILES WITH THE RANGER Burnham Beeches, Lord Mayor’s Drive, Hawthorn Lane, Burnham SL2 3TE Call 01753 279488 or see Facebook page for information.

Meet the Ranger near the café with some of the reptiles and amphibians that can be found on site.

2pm and 3.30pm www.eventbrite.co.uk Sunday April 14 SILENT DISCO FOR ALL THE FAMILY Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Silent Discos have been so popular, that we’ve decided to host one where all ages can join in the fun!

Grab your grown-ups and head on down to the friendliest disco in town. Pull some shapes, bust a

move and get into the groove on the studio dance floor. 2pm, £11 (£9 under 16s) family and friends ticket (4 people) £36. www.norden.farm Monday April 15 NICK SHARRATT’S RIGHT ROYAL DRAWALONG Norden Farm as above.

Draw along with acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt. See how to sketch favourite characters like Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, sharing ways of creating fantastic creatures like dragons and unicorns, and giving loads of top tips. To celebrate his book Nice Work for the Cat and the King everything will have a special 'royal' twist! Bring pencils, paper and something to lean on. 4+ years Monday April 15 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA RACE DAY Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road. First ever Easter Eggstravaganza Raceday!

Win some amazing prizes in our inaugural Easter egg hunt, get your face painted or bounce off all your energy on the bouncy castles! All the entertainment on this day is free. Under 18s go free, adult tickets £14. Times of gates and races still TBC www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk Tuesday April 16 SINGALONG CONCERTINI Norden Farm as above. The R’n’Beatles perform a blistering set of terrific tunes all played in that great Beatles style! Bring the whole family, dance sing or just chill out on our bean bags. Relaxed concerts at 11.30am followed by 2pm ‘Family Concertini’, everyone welcome but especially suitable for children age 3-8 and their families.

Wednesday April 17 YOU CHOOSE Norden Farm as above. A different story in every show – where you choose what happens! Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt.

Nonsense Room Productions, which staged the

popular Hairy Maclary, will use the picture book as inspiration. The cast embark on a series of games and challenges and each show will come up with a unique story. Ideal for ages two to seven years.

Courtyard Theatre, 11.30am.

Wednesday April 17 ANIMAL ANTICS River and Rowing Museum Mill Meadows Henley -onThames RG9 1BF 01491 415600 Meet the amazing animals from Mill Cottage Farm Experience including goats, rabbits and chicks and get crafty on an animal theme in the Museum.10.30am to 4pm. Free but usual entry applies. www.rrm.co.uk Wednesday April 17 to Friday 19 GREAT BIG TREE CLIMB Cliveden NT SL6 0JA 6+ years. Booking essential £20 www.bigtreeclimbing.co.uk Thursday April 18 CHICKEN LICKEN Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, as above DNA presents a trilogy of classic tales from the Ladybird books: Chicken Licken, The Little Red Hen and The Fox and the Hen. A recipe of food, puppets and music following the adventures of a growing chick and her encounters with a hungry fox. 3-8 years Friday April 19 FAMILY TASTER DAY Longridge Quarry Wood Road, Marlow SL7 1RE 0330 303 0101 Fancy a day filled with laser tag, water orbs, leap of faith, dragon boating or a climbing wall? Try out adventurous activities for only £3.50 per session. The cafe will be serving teas, coffees, cans of drink and cold snacks all day. A great day out in a beautiful riverside location. 8+ years www.alfvillages.org.uk Friday April 19 to Monday 22 EASTER AND LAMBING WEEKEND Chiltern Open Air Museum Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB 01494 871117 Take part in fun family

Yvonne Thomas - Holistic Multi-Sensory Tutor using structured touch-typing techniques

Cert Ed, SpLd Level 5 - Literacy/Numeracy ADD/AHD Coach

Weekly Classes & Holiday Classes for all children • Supports phonics • Improves written expression & creative thinking • Helps fluency and spelling • Muscle memory development through fast, accurate typing • Technique also helps Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia or Dyslexia • Dedicated teaching room DTTTS.co.uk Tel: 07929 528642

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Families Thames Valley East • 25

MORE

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Try activities for £3.50 at Longridge on Good Friday, April 19

Explore the grounds of the Odney Club and support TVAP, April 28

crafts, Easter trail and activities. Meet the spring Oxford Down lambs born at the Museum and explore our traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold, where you can learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns. Standard admission prices apply. www.coam.org Friday April 19 to Monday 22 EASTER EGG HUNT AT RUNNYMEDE North Lodge, Old Windsor, use Sat Nav code TW20 0AE 01784 432891 A traditional Easter Egg Hunt across the Runnymede meadows. Hunt for hidden clues across the meadows and slopes of historic Runnymede. Trail £3 per child. 10am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede Saturday April 20 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Maidenhead and Cookham Commons, Pinkneys Green, Pinkneys Drive, Maidenhead, SL6 6Q D344 249 1895 Explore Pinkneys Drive wildflower meadow and crack the clues to win an Easter treat. Trail £2. 11am–2.30pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/maidenhead-andcookham-commons Saturday April 27 WINDSOR GHOST TOUR From outside Windsor Castle SL4 1NJ 07305826116 Discover the bloody tales of Windsor in a theatrical ghost tour featuring live actors, chilling stories and more as your tour guide takes you around the old streets to some local haunts!

watch out, along the way you will encounter Windsor’s notorious ghosts! 8.30pm, lasts approximately 75 minutes. £10. www.supernaturaltoursandevents.com Saturday April 27 DAWN CHORUS Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL1 8NS Enjoy this guided walk and hear early-morning birdsong, followed by breakfast. 5.30-8.30am £25. Booking (required) 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Saturday April 27 BLUEBELL TRAIL Runnymede National Trust, North Lodge, Old Windsor, use Sat Nav code TW20 0AE 01784 432891 Guided walk to see the beautiful carpets of flowers on the slopes at historic Runnymede through the native woodland trees. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede Sunday April 28 THE SOOTY SHOW Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 Izzy wizzy let’s get busy! Direct from CITV, Sooty, Sweep and Soo head into town accompanied by TV’s Richard Cadell. Mr Slater has put Richard in charge of running the show but nothing is going to plan! Sooty’s magic tricks turn very messy and Sweep’s escapology act has him all tied up. Will Soo and her tap dancing save the day? Expect magic, music and mayhem with buckets full of audience participation. Plus a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Sunday April 28 ODNEY CLUB OPEN GARDEN Odney Lane, Cookham, SL6 9QH 01628 520160 This 120-acre site is beside the Thames with lovely riverside walks. A favourite with Stanley

Spencer who featured its magnolia in his work.

The John Lewis Partnership Heritage Centre will be open, showcasing the textile archive. Light refreshments available. 2-6pm. Admission £5, children free. This garden also makes a donation to Thames Valley Adventure Playground. www.ngs.org.uk

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes About: Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions.

Venues: St Peter’s Centre, 1 Thorney Lane North, Iver SL0 9JU. Drama: 4-7s Tuesdays 4pm; 7-12s Tuesdays 5pm.

Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Road, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ. Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am; 7-12s Saturdays 11.15am

Blossom Ballet

Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead SL6 8AW. Drama: 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5pm For a FREE taster class

or for further information please contact Lucy:

07813084283 lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

Blossom Ballet

is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

Classes throughout the week, including weekends, in Windsor, Bray and Maidenhead.

26 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

See the bluebells at Cliveden, April and May

All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA. Drama: 4-7s Mondays 4pm & Thursdays 4pm; 7-12s Mondays 5pm.

Clewer Youth Centre, Clewer Parish Hall, Windsor SL4 5EW. Dance: 6-12s (Perform X), Mondays 5pm. Drama: 4-7s Mondays 4pm & Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5pm.

Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try

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Competitions and Offers with

WIN

a day at Odds Farm Park this Easter

This year, the Easter Holidays are all about CARROTS at Odds Farm Park! Join the quirky ‘Quest for Carrots’, follow the trail to earn your special treat and take part in a most unusual Easter Egg & Carrot Hunt! Plus, enjoy fun shows with the Oddsocks Family, in addition to Spring-themed arts, crafts and games.

Four lucky readers can win a Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for ‘Spring into Easter' at Odds Farm Park which runs daily from 6th April – 23rd April For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk Which of the following activities can you join in with at Odds Farm Park during ‘Spring into Easter’.

1. Sock Hunt 2. Easter Egg & Carrot Hunt

a Family & Friends ticket for 4 people to see The Enormous Turnip during Quest Family Fest this Easter

WIN

Quest Family Fest is the annual Easter holiday celebration at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead.

Navigate your way through creative adventures and fearlessly explore a land where imagination rules supreme! Quest is a fun packed fortnight of new experiences for children and families which includes family friendly shows and films and activity clubs. Plus daily craft and storytelling. Visit www.nordenfarm.org for details.

One lucky reader will win a Family & Friends Ticket (for 4 people) for The Enormous Turnip at Norden Farm, running Monday 8 – Friday 12 April at 11.30am and 2pm.

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk

3. Turnip Trail How long does Norden Farm's Quest festival run for?

Closing date for competition entries is March 29

A) 2 weeks

B) 2 months

C) 2 days

Closing date for competition entries is March 29 *T&Cs - Tickets subject to availability - Cannot be exchanged for any other event - No cash alternative. Further T&Cs apply as below

*T&Cs - Tickets subject to availability - Cannot be exchanged for any other event - No cash alternative.

Further T&Cs apply as below

*Competition Terms and Conditions: 1. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted 2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering 3. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt 4. All decisions of Families magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into 5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize 6. Only the winners’ details will be supplied to the Promoter of the competition 7. Families Magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition 8. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions 9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email address provided by the entrant. If the Promoter does not obtain a response from the winner within 21 days, we reserve the right to select another winner at random 10. Automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties will be disqualified 11. This competition is restricted to UK residents only.

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Families Thames Valley East • 27

Why Children Misbehave… and How to Handle It

By Kristina Bill, Joy Marchese and Jane Nelsen

H

uman beings are fundamentally social beings. Our primary goals are to belong (connection) and to have a sense of purpose and contribution (significance). In their pursuit of these goals, it is normal for children to test the waters by misbehaving. They do so when they are struggling to achieve these goals and feeling discouraged.

When children misbehave and parents feel frazzled, we often resort to quick fixes such as punishment, reward and bribery, because yes, they deliver temporary results. However, many of these approaches do not empower children to find connection, belonging and a sense of purpose and contribution. This leads to a vicious cycle of discouragement and renewed misbehaviour.

To see sustained behavioural change, we need to focus not just on the misbehaviour, but on the belief behind the behaviour – the discouragement our children are experiencing. Then we need to use parenting tools based on encouragement that help our children experience their deep need to belong and feel capable through contribution.

Building Confidence and Resilience Here are some strategies that we can use to help our children develop the skills they need to pursue their goals: Connection before Correction Brain research has shown that children do better when they feel better. This does not mean feeling better because they get everything they want. They feel better because they feel connected (belonging) and responsible (significant). Thus it is very important to make a connection with your child before you attempt correction. One of the easiest ways to do this is to validate their feelings.

Validate Feelings “I know you’re upset because you can’t have that toy, but if you save your pocket money, I’m sure you

can purchase one soon.” You are connecting by showing understanding and validating your child’s feelings AND you are giving them the opportunity to contribute (earn and save their money) instead of rescuing them and buying something for them.

Positive Time Out When your child misbehaves, firstly you need to check in with yourself and make sure you are calm enough to deal compassionately with your child at that time. If you are not, chances are you will react with short-term strategies. Say to your child that you are upset and need some time by yourself. This models self-regulation, an essential life skill. Ask if it would help him to have some chill out time too. To ensure your child understands what you are doing, discuss as a family what happens when we’re stressed – our brains are flooded with stress hormones so we can’t think. Then explain that when one of you is stressed, you can ask for chill out time in a different place in the house that works for each individual. This Time Out should always be a choice and never a punishment.

Focus on Solutions Reduce power struggles by focussing on solutions rather than consequences of bad behaviour.

Learn to think in terms of problem = solution instead of problem = blame and punishment. It can be effective and empowering to help children explore the consequences of their choices by asking, “What do you think caused that to happen, and what ideas do you have to solve the problem?” This teaches them valuable life skills such as problem-solving, respectful communication, decision-making, conflict resolution and negotiating strategies.

Effective parenting means constantly looking for win-win solutions, rather than winning at the expense of your child.

Co-operation is the best way to avoid power struggles and feelings of inadequacy in children, reducing your stress in the process.

28 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

Jane Nelsen is the founder of the Positive Discipline Methodology programme.

London-based educators Joy Marchese and Kristina Bill worked with Jane to co-author the book Positive Discipline for Today’s Busy (and Overwhelmed) Parent: How to Balance Work, Parenting and Self for Lasting Well Being. Published

by Harmony Books and available from Amazon at £12.99.

Joy Marchese

Kristina Bill

To Advertise in

call:

01628 788058

Help your family to achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle both physically and emotionally

Learn easy to apply techniques for every day situations to harmonise relationships and the home environment

Discover the empowerment to transform your life and the lives of your loved ones

Pranic Healing Level 1 with Tara Mehmet

14th & 15th March 2019 Bourne End Library, Bourne End, Bucks Fee: £340

Contact: events@ukpranichealing.co.uk www.ukpranichealing.co.uk

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She Means Business

Finding More Family Friendly Work

By Mandy Garner Flexible working is one of the top three benefits that today’s job seekers look for, particularly if they are parents. Meanwhile, employers are being encouraged to publish their parental leave policies and increasing numbers of employers are offering family friendly parental leave policies, from carer’s leave to the ability to buy extra holiday.

I

t’s not just women who want family friendly working. Workingmums.co.uk’s recent survey of dads shows 73% say they are considering seeking flexible working. The truth is that modern family life requires flexibility and employers who don’t offer it will lose out.

Employers also need to do more than offer flexible working policies; they need to back this up with a culture that normalises different ways of working. Otherwise employees often feel side-lined or end up working overtime because expectations are not reduced in line with hours.

When these flexible working policies and the right culture work together, great opportunities arise.

Samantha Hamilton-Davies is a Senior Associate [Due Diligence] in the home-working legal team of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP,

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based in Manchester. Samantha works four days a week from home and has been promoted since joining the home-working team. In her previous role Samantha had faced a long commute. She says that without her homeworking role she might have eventually left the legal profession.

Claire Brown left a ‘million miles an hour’ job in the City and is now working part-time as Internal Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] Manager at Carpetright.

The post means she can use her skills and experience in a senior role AND still have enough time for her family and voluntary job running her village residents association.

Such cases are not confined to the big corporates. Small businesses like IT firm, Hireserve, has grown by employing experienced professionals on flexible hours.

Their hours have increased as their families and the firm have grown.

So how do you land this kind of job? The answer is research and being clear about what you want and why it is good for your employer.

Research the best family-friendly employers.

Don’t just look at their policies - everyone can look good on paper - but read what others say about them; talk, if possible, to people who work there; find out what the companies offer beyond the statutory requirements and look at whether they are shouting out about it on their careers page or LinkedIn. Does it matter to them? Do they really get it?

It’s not just the provision of a flexible role that matters. It is about the employers’ overall attitude to flexible workers. Line managers’ attitudes, in particular, are crucial to ensuring flexible working doesn’t mean career stagnation.

Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

With regard to clarity, it is best to be upfront about what you need and to put forward a business case for why it is in both your interests and that of your potential employer.

What do they get by allowing you flexi-hours?

What do you bring to the organisation that they need? Remember not to downplay or apologise for skills gained outside the workplace.

When Visa in Europe was advertising the post of Director of Talent, mum-of-four Pippa Edwards, who was a Talent Manager, expressed her interest but told her manager that she didn’t want to work full-time. He said: “Have you considered a job share?” “In that one sentence everything changed for me,” says Pippa. “I started to believe I could have my cake and eat it.” Pippa now job shares with mum-ofthree Vicki Mawson, former Talent Acquisition Director at L’Oréal. Both women think the company has benefited from the job share, getting a depth of expertise that one person alone would not provide.

“Before I thought that I would have to make a choice between working part-time and having a career” states Pippa. I had come to accept that that was the reality, but my boss showed me that I could have both and that was so powerful. So many women should have that opportunity and not have to make that choice.”

Mandy Garner is Editor of www.workingmums.co.uk which links top family-friendly employers with female professionals and highlights examples of best practice to encourage greater innovation across sectors. They have just launched a partner website for dads at www.workingdads.co.uk

Families Thames Valley East • 29

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Email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk • Tel: 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East • 31

Families Thames Valley East is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Thames Valley East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Thames Valley East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.