Thames Valley East March/April 2016 - Issue 83
FRE
E!
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
01235 533362 07747 086518
Try before you buy!
01628 660 893
www.justoutdoortoys.co.uk
BIGGEST Display in the Thames Valley (just 5 mins from M4 J7) Abbey Rose Nursery, Nashdom Lane, Burnham SL1 8NJ
Easter Fun! Under 5s Special Great Competitions
...endless ideas for families of young children. Packed with interesting features and fun things to do with the family in Maidenhead - Windsor - Marlow - Ascot - Slough - Egham
i n thi s
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3 News & Information 6 Clubs & Classes News EDUCATION 7 Education News 8 How to boost your child's literacy and numeracy 9 Sats Survival Guide UNDER-5'S SPECIAL 10 What's new in childcare 12 Choosing the right nursery 14 Spotlight on nurseries 15 Mothering Sunday 16 Paris en Famille 18 Spring Days Out 20 Easter Camps & Activities 22 What’s On 26 COMPETITIONS - Win a Gazillion Bubbles Tornado Bubble Blower - Win a monthly delivery of flowers through your letterbox - Win a LEGO® juniors prize bundle - Win tickets to see Jungle Book at the Theatre Royal Windsor 27 Do we need lessons in parenting? 28 Easter Crafts 29 How to cope with separation anxiety 30 Mums Who Mean Business 31 Classifieds www.FamiliesTVEast.co.uk T: 01628 627586 F: 08717 146 305 (calls cost 10p/min) E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editor: Claire Winter circulation: 19,500 next issue: May/June 2016 due out: May 1, featuring: Holiday Activities and Camps
Spring has finally sprung, which means we’ve got some great ideas for fun days out during the Easter holidays on pages 18-19. Plus some fab competitions on page 26, including winning tickets to the Jungle Book at the Theatre Royal in Windsor. Are you stuck for Mother’s Day ideas? Then turn to page 15 for some inspiration. And if you are looking at childcare options we have a great Under-5s special from pages 10-14 too. Whatever you do, have fun with the whole family and don’t eat too much chocolate! We’ll back in May with our Summer Camps and Activities special.
Happy Birthday Ma’am
H
er Majesty The Queen will be 90 on April 21 and while the whole nation will be celebrating, her home town of Windsor will be raising the roof (respectfully). The monarch will be at Windsor Castle when her birthday comes around, and Buckingham Palace is expected to announce public engagements in the Windsor area on or very close to the day itself, possibly a royal walkabout. A more official celebration takes place
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Government to introduce parenting classes David Cameron has announced that the Government are pledging an extra £70 million to tackle family issues, including offering families vouchers for parenting classes. His aim is to make it normal for parents to seek help raising their children and says that parenting classes should be accessible to all families, not just those at greatest risk. He said: “We’ve got to start talking about parenting and taking action to get it right.” Do you agree? Turn to page 27 to read our columnist Natalie’s Trice’s opinion.
copy/advertising deadline: April 1 Cover Image: bigstock.com
twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE
Enrolling Now! Call your local school for details
three weeks later - the Queen's 90th Birthday Celebration runs from May 12 to 15. It’s a 90-minute long extravaganza with 900 horses and more than 1,500 riders and performers. Tickets have already sold out and a ballot for 5,000 free tickets to watch the show on giant screens next to Windsor Castle is open until March 14. For more 90th Birthday events, See hmq90.co.uk for information. .
Ascot: Bracknell: Bracknell Warfield: Henley, High Wycombe & Marlow: Maidenhead: Windsor:
01344 206466 01342 833380 0800 915 0199 01494 533 203 0118 9712870 0845 293 7207
Holiday workshops booking now! Age 4-18 Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.
Telephone: 01628 627 586
www.stagecoach.co.uk
MARCH/APRIL 2016
QUALITY TRAINING
ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
3
News & Info
Get your hat on! Don’t forget to don your silliest headgear for this year’s ‘Wear a Hat Day’ on March 24. This great event is to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease. By taking part in the ‘Wear a Hat Day’ you can make a difference and help raise funds for a network of seven research centres that are looking into brain tumour research. To find out more go to wearahatday.org Search for #hattastic on facebook and twitter.
Boditrax coming to Bisham
• We will teach your child to swim • Pre-school children will participate in Forest School activities • We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum • We are competitively priced and accept all childcare vouchers • We have free on-site parking
Bisham Abbey National Sport Centre welcome a new elite piece of equipment which will benefit all members. Boditrax is a body composition measuring device which gives the user 14 different body statistics in just 20 seconds! It helps measure your BMI, calculates your ideal weight and creates fitness goals which be tracked and reviewed online. All Bisham members will have access for a trial period to this equipment which is used at numerous NHS institutions, private medical centres and Premier League football clubs to help manage weight loss and increase energy and fitness levels. To find out more about Boditrax and memberships at Bisham visit bishamabbeynsc.co.uk.
• We offer a free family complimentary health club membership for all full-time children
Nuffield Health Day Nursery - Stoke Poges
Wexham Street, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6NB
Tel: 01753 663996
Email: SouthBucks.Nursery@nuffieldhealth.com
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Advertise for as little as £60 plus VAT.
Call: 01628 627586
Windsor or Marlow could feature on its own Monopoly Board A new competition has been launched by Monopoly for two of our well-loved towns to feature in a Home Counties version of the game. Winning Moves UK has announced a contest to find the most ‘beautiful’ location in the Home Counties. Six locations have been shortlisted to appear on a new edition of Monopoly. The six locations in the running are: Windsor, Marlow, Cranbrook, Guildford, Epping Forest and St Albans. The winning town will then feature with all new property locations in the game, which is due to hit the shops this October. To vote email homecounties@winningmoves.co.uk or write to Home Counties Monopoly, Winning Moves UK, 7 Praed Street, London W2 1NP. Polls close at midnight on March 18.
Keep skating alive for local special needs skaters Slough Borough Council's decision to close Slough Ice Arena for nine months and not provide temporary facilities puts the future of several skating clubs in jeopardy. It includes the 120-strong SPICE group, which provides skating activities for children and young adults with special needs. In 2015 SPICE was awarded Club of Year by the Sports and Recreational Alliance and was runner-up in the Daily Mirror Pride of Sport awards. Slough's four synchro teams, the Slough Jets hockey team and numerous junior and adult hockey teams face an uncertain future. Staff will lose their jobs and coaches will disperse to other rinks making it unlikely for clubs to simply pick up where they left off. Meanwhile, local teenagers who utilise the Friday 'club night' will have nowhere to 'hang out'. Please sign the petition to build a temporary rink: www.change.org/p/fiona-mactaggart-mpkeep-skating-alive-in-slough
We are a super-friendly Ofsted registered day nursery providing high quality childcare for babies from three-months-old to children up to the age of five set within the bright, modern surroundings of Windsor Leisure Centre.
Open for 51 weeks a year! To find out more about our excellent new childcare facility and meet our team: Call: 01753 855543 • Email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk Visit: www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
MARCH/APRIL 2016
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Have you considered fostering?
Networking group celebrates second anniversary Maidenhead Business Girls founder Amanda Ayres is gearing up celebrate the all female networking group’s second birthday alongside International Women’s Day, with a special event this March at the Golden Ball in Maidenhead. The day will have two special guest speakers and the opportunity to network informally. The group for local business women has gone from strength to strength and now has over 1500 members in the facebook group with a growing paid membership. The group started with a facebook group and now has a membership scheme, which includes monthly meetups and a programme of useful workshops for new and more established businesses, including: ‘Learn how to start a blog’, ‘Mailchimp email marketing’ and ‘Social media’. To find out more to go to thebusinessgirlsnetwork.com or email info@thebusinessgirlsnetwork.com.You can also join the facebook group facebook.com/groups/MaidenheadBusinessGirls/
The slide of your life Coral Reef Waterworld has pulled the plug on swimming and sliding fun but don’t worry, it’s all for good reason. The water park in Bracknell is now 26-yearsold and is looking its age. It shut on January 24 so contractors could start work on a £11.5m facelift and upgrade. The refurbished facility will have five state-of-the-art flumes for thrillseekers to enjoy and at least one ride will be accessible for disabled people. The designers hope to cut queues and make the flumes see-through to add to the fun. The cafe, changing rooms and sauna/ spa area will also be upgraded and an outdoor seating area will be added. Coral Reef is scheduled to reopen in January 2017.
Telephone: 01628 627 586
Fostering is a way of providing care in a family for children who cannot live within their own family; this may be for a very short period of time or it could be a longterm arrangement. In Slough, they are looking for carers for children aged 0-18 from a range of ethnic backgrounds and are particularly looking for carers who may be able to look after school age children, teenagers, sibling groups and children with special needs. If you have a spare room, please call the Family Placement Team, they’d love to hear from you. Please call 01753 875133. email: familyplacement@scstrust.co.uk
News & Info HOWLAND TUTORS (MAIDENHEAD/MARLOW and WINDSOR/SLOUGH areas)
Expanding local agency
(established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers)
offers individual tuition in twenty subjects including: all primary; Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Maths and Physics. Further tutors welcome Tel. (01628) 477164 www.howlandtutors.co.uk
fosterforslough www.scstrust.co.uk.
Save clothes from the landfill by donating them to charity From a Mother to Another, the initiative from JoJo Maman Bébé, is collecting unwanted children’s clothes in their shops. The aim: to reduce the shocking levels of clothing waste that end up in a landfill whilst helping those in need in the UK with distribution via food banks, plus helping thousands of Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. JoJo will be collecting good quality outgrown or unwanted baby and children’s clothes in, sizes 0-6 years, at their 72 stores across the UK and Ireland, the nearest local stores are Windsor and Marlow. Customers are requested to make up complete outfits to give something worthwhile this mother’s day. For information on how to donate, please visit jojomamanbebe.co.uk
MARCH/APRIL 2016
Wednesday 16th March 2016
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Clubs & Classes News
New theatre school in Burnham Mellor Performing Arts School is based in Burnham and was officially opened by its patron actor Will Mellor in January this year. It is founded and run by his wife Michelle an ex-performer. The school offers fun classes for all ages from tots through to adults. Amongst the many classes on offer are Baby ballet, Cheerleading and Musical theatre. There really is something for everyone. During the classes children will gain new skills, build confidence and make new friends. Check the website www.mpaschool.co.uk to find your class today!
New class from the creator of Showstopper Parties Mairi Cowieson has launched Showstopper Babies - Musical Theatre music and sensory classes for Babies from birth to walking in Maidenhead. She was inspired to create the classes after the birth of her son, “I've created these classes over the last year with my own baby boy. It's been a wonderful experience, which I now want to share with everyone else.” Mairi still works in theatre and has directed and performed in West End shows too. She has created these unique classes, which have a blend of popular musical theatre and show tunes using the sights and sounds of the theatre world and songs created especially for Showstopper Babies with lots of sensory props. Classes are held on Mondays at St Peter's church in Maidenhead at 1pm and 2pm. £6 drop in, £5 when signing up. Booking is recommended. Contact Mairi on 07885 150034 or visit www.showstopperuk.com for more information.
Go Mad for singing and dancing MAD Academy offers a mixture of high energy music and movement classes, combined with carefully structured learning for babies and toddlers. Rosie runs her classes in Wraysbury, Staines and Stanwell. New classes are launching in Langley and Iver very soon for babies and toddlers on weekdays and weekends! To receive special offers ‘like’ her facebook page ‘MAD Academy Staines’. Contact rosie.bancil@madacademy.com for a free trial. Kate has been running classes in the Windsor, Ascot and Sunningdale area for over 5 years! She will be launching a new class at Doodles Den in Windsor Library from February half term. To book a trial please contact Kate on kate.lawrence@madacademy.com. Emma runs her upbeat and funky sessions in the mornings at Twyford Scout HQ on Wednesday, Boyne Hill Cricket Club in Maidenhead on Thursday and Charvil Village Hall on Friday. For a free trial, please contact Emma on emma.hester@madacademy.com or call on 07935 248749.
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
MARCH/APRIL 2016
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
.............Education News...............
Parents campaign on school admissions criteria
Inspiring tuition– free trial session! Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life. As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.
Get reading with World Book Day World Book Day is the biggest annual celebration of books and reading in the UK and this year takes place on Thursday 3rd March. Encouraging children to explore the pleasures of books and reading, the event is marked in 100 countries all over the world. This is the 19th year and schools and nurseries have been
Would you like your child to begin their life-long love of learning...
Improve 11+ Vocabulary in a Flash
The schools admission watchdog has said it will crack down on ‘vexatious complaints’ to faith schools from secularist campaign groups. The groups have made several objections to the manner in which faith schools refuse students, without fully disclosing their admissions criteria. Education secretary Nicky Morgan says that public money is being wasted by the complaints and that the new rules will make it “easier for parents to have a say.” The Schools Adjudicator Elizabeth Passmore says that handling complaints against school admission policies from those with “No connection in terms of seeking a place for their child” is “not good use of an adjudicator’s time and public money.” However, the National Secular Society has suggested that some parents do not wish to make a complaint personally but turn to a group such as theirs to help them. Their spokesman Stephen Evans says that the new rules will allow faith schools to break admission rules with impunity. sent resource packs and tokens, packed full of activities, ideas and display material. The first event planned is on February 22 which is a world record attempt to hold the world’s largest Quiz! For more information, see www.worldbookday.com
It is widely acknowledged that parents have a crucial part to play in helping a child develop a rich vocabulary, which is critical to success in the 11+. Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards has developed a comprehensive vocabulary-building resource with clear child-friendly definitions, the perfect tool for parents working with their child to enrich vocabulary and help them succeed in the verbal reasoning element of the 11+. Levels 1 and 2 focus on laying down the foundations of a broad vocabulary, Opposites 1 and 2 take an intense look at antonym pairs, and the fifth box supports work on tricky Compound Words. Creator Mary Farquhar says: “We’ve done the hard work so you can focus on your area of expertise: your child. Don’t just “do” vocabulary once a week - repetition is the key to internalising new words. Stick the cards up in the kitchen; practise them on the go; challenge each other to sneak new words into conversation; even act them out! A great vocabulary is an asset for life, not just for the 11+: it’s worth the effort.” For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk - don’t forget to mention Families magazine
Dair House School Farnham Royal
An independent prep school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11 years
in a school where they can freely explore their curiosity...
and be an important part of our caring community?
At Dair House School your child will look forward to each new school day.
01753 643964 admissions@dairhouse.co.uk Telephone: 01628 627 586
MARCH/APRIL 2016
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Education Feature
HOW TO BOOST YOUR CHILD’S LITERACY AND NUMERACY
By Liat Hughes Joshi
Literacy and numeracy are central to your child’s learning in primary school and are of course crucial to later life too. Here are some ideas to give these key skills a boost.
A little extra learning at home can work wonders… In busy classrooms of 30 pupils, teachers understandably can struggle to provide one-on-one attention. By working on specific areas with your child, you can make a huge difference. Keep it sensible– even ten or fifteen minutes a day can have an impact yet still leaves hours for playing. Find out about the methods their school uses Reading and numeracy are both typically taught quite differently to when most of us were children, so it’s certainly worth finding out how their school does things to avoid confusing your child.
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
Let tech teach There are some brilliant educational apps and websites with masses of kid appeal. Try to find ones which align with the National Curriculum or at least use British English. Encourage reading Reading opens the door to almost endless learning and enjoyment. Some children are naturally enthused by books, others need nudging to get the reading bug. At first encourage any reading at all – comics, magazines, the cereal packet – without worrying much about what they are reading. Home in on your child’s interests and give them books relating to these.
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Incorporate ‘stealth learning’ into everyday activities Sneak maths and literacy into day-to-day life and you can improve skills without it feeling like schoolwork. Adding up the cost of the shopping, dividing the restaurant bill, playing snakes and ladders, or writing a postcard to the grandparents can all help.
Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children:The Primary Years (Pearson).
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
TESTING TIMES
This summer, children in year 2 and year 6 will be the first to take the new SATs papers. The tests in English and maths will be based on the new national curriculum, and are supposed to be more rigorous. There is also a new marking scheme to replace the existing national curriculum levels.
Y
ear 6 children will sit tests in reading, maths, spelling, punctuation and grammar. The tests will be set externally but marked internally and the results will be used to measure the school’s performance (Ofsted and published league tables).Your child’s results will be used alongside a teacher assessment to give an appraisal of their progress.
Here’s our SATs survival guide: Parents can do much to alleviate the pressure: • Don't let your child pick up on any anxieties you might have about the tests • Don't abandon all their usual after school activities in test week • Don't try last minute cramming or overdo the practice papers at home. On the other hand: • Do make sure they get to bed on time and are fully rested (not always easy with lighter evenings) • Send them off to school with a decent breakfast
Telephone: 01628 627 586
• Do reassure them you will be happy as long as they try their best. SATS survival guide for year 6 pupils • Your child will perform better if they are relaxed, and they will only relax if you do • Secondary schools nearly always retest children in September and often again at the end of year 7, so SATS are not the be all and end all of their education • If your child copes well with SATs, they will find it easier to stay calm when the pressure ratchets up to GCSEs and Alevels. In the run up to SATs, what can you do? • Remind them to read the whole question. Many pupils get caught out by not reading a question in full. A good way of doing this is to underline the key words • Advise them to skip difficult questions and go back later if they have time. Even a confident child can get thrown if they get stuck on an unfamiliar problem. Moving on to questions they can do will stop the panic setting in, and they won't waste time
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and forfeit easy marks elsewhere • Reinforce the fact that they should show all workings out in maths because they can pick up marks for method, even if a calculation error means they get the wrong answer • In reading comprehension, remind them that three mark questions will mean they should give broader answers than one mark questions. This seems obvious to an adult used to sitting exams, but it’s not always to a child. • Tell them if they finish before time’s up, to use the extra minutes to check their work. It gives them a chance to correct any silly mistakes and can mean additional marks. Finally, but most importantly, reassure them that you don't mind what result they get as long as they have tried.
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Under 5’s Special
WHAT’S NEW IN CHILDCARE? By Maxine Henderson
There are a number of changes proposed by government which should supposedly make the cost of childcare cheaper in the near future. Here’s what you need to know about these changes and how they will work.
Free childcare for children aged 3 and 4 As you will probably now be aware, the government has offered 30 hours of free childcare a week for children aged 3 and 4 from September 2016. But is it really that straightforward? When does the scheme start? In September 2016, but the scheme is not launching everywhere at this time. Instead, it will be piloted in some areas, and these are still to be determined. There is currently still no indication as to when the scheme will be available nationally.
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
Which parents will be entitled to the 30 hours? Unlike the current scheme, under which all parents of 3 and 4 year olds are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare a week, the additional 15 hours will only be available to working parents. A statement on the government website says it will support up to 600,000 working families, but it is not clear at this stage how many hours parents should be working to qualify as “working parents.”
MARCH/APRIL 2016
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Under 5’s Special Which children will be eligible? Children aged 3 or 4 in September 2016 living in the pilot areas with working parents (as stated above, the definition of ‘working parents’ remains unclear) who have an annual household income of less than £150,000. Nurseries have already raised concerns about their ability to offer 30 hours of free, flexible, childcare. There is concern within the nursery industry that the money they receive from government to run the current grant scheme of 15 hours does not cover the costs they incur in providing these hours, meaning that an increase in free hours is simply not sustainable. The Employment Minister, Priti Patel, has been tasked with launching a policy that will actually work in practice – no mean feat! Replacement of childcare vouchers with tax-free childcare scheme Last year, the government’s proposals for delivering Tax-Free Childcare were found to be lawful by the Supreme Court and the changes should come into force early in 2017. The Tax-Free Childcare
Telephone: 01628 627 586
scheme will replace the current Childcare Vouchers system, although, parents who are currently signed up to the Childcare Vouchers scheme will be able to continue using it. The key differences between the two schemes are as follows: The current Childcare Vouchers scheme is a tax and National Insurance saving scheme, offered as a benefit from the employer of a parent, but only where the employer chooses to offer the scheme. The good news is that the new policy is expected to be open to all working parents who meet the set criteria. Where both parents work, families can save around £1,800 a year under the Childcare Vouchers scheme, but will save £2,000 per year under the new scheme.
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Self-employed parents will also be eligible for support under the Tax-Free Childcare scheme. It appears that under the new proposals, the Tax-Free Childcare scheme will only be available to one earner in a family where both parents are working. Families with a single earner will be excluded. To find out more go to www.gov.uk/government/news/tax-freechildcare-10-things-parents-should-know
Maxine Henderson is Operations Manager at Tinies Childcare, a leading childcare specialist which helps families, nurseries and other childcare settings find the right childcare professionals to suit their needs. For more information, visit www.tinies.com .
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Under 5’s Special
CHOOSING THE RIGHT NURSERY By Hannah Hunter
Taking your child to nursery for the first time can be nerve wracking. It’s often the first time you will have left your precious offspring in someone else’s care for the day, so you want to feel sure that they’re getting the best care.
Here we look at the different types of nursery that are available, and how to find the right one for you. Types of Nursery Day Nurseries – great for working parents, as they are usually open from 8am-6pm. Nursery Schools – for older toddlers (usually about 2 and a half and up) these nurseries offer a more structured preparation for school. Nursery classes in school – usually run for the year before reception, though sometimes taking younger children, they have a similar structure to nursery schools, though often only run halfday sessions. Montessori and Steiner nurseries – Montessori (montessori.org.uk) is the original childcentered learning, developing the individual child’s independence and skills. Focusing on creative play, Steiner schools (steinerwaldorf.org) provide a creative environmentt to foster joy in learning through play, rather than a structured curriculum. Finding your local nursery Some nurseries are so popular that parents have their child’s name down practicallywfrom birth – so you need to get researching as early as possible.
Look at this page to find the local authority’s family services page, with a list of local childcare providers for the Royal Borough directory.rbwm.gov.uk and search via the childcare tab at www.bucksfamilyinfo.org for Buckinghamshire. We also have a great directory of nurseries familiestveast.co.uk/nurseries Your first visit Make time to look around potential nurseries, well before you are going to need to use them. Read the Ofsted report ofsted.gov.uk and make a list of your priorities before you go. See if you can find out any first hand information from friends (though bear in mind what’s good for one family might not work for another). Things to consider: Staff and ethos See what the turnover of staff is (always a good indicator of happiness) and check their qualifications. The presence of older staff members brings added life experience and suggests that the nursery values its staff enough to pay for this. Check out the routines, such as what food they offer and when it’s served, or when and where the children can nap.
Cost Be realistic in how much you can pay. A perfect work-life balance doesn’t mean working more hours to pay for a ‘better’ nursery! Most nurseries have funded places for 3 to 5-year-olds and some 2-yearolds are also eligible.Your workplace may offer childcare vouchers, a tax-free way to pay.You may also be entitled to childcare tax credits, to find out more go to www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs The ‘feel’ of the place Going by gut instinct alone isn’t advisable, but if you don’t get a good feeling, it might not be the place for your child. Happy staff and children can make up for a lack of perfection in other areas. Look out for children’s work on the walls, and staff who actually play with the kids rather than stand around chatting. Your child’s personality Is your child quiet and shy, or loud and outgoing? Do they love playing outdoors, or prefer indoor games? It seems obvious, but try to match the nursery to your child’s interests. Your own needs! There might be a wonderful nursery half an hour drive away from you, but consider how will both of your tiredness levels be after this daily journey - would you be better to find somewhere closer that is a good fit? Equally the most convenient, say a work-place nursery, may not be the best for your child. Go to familiestveast.co.uk/nurseries to see our directory of nurseries.
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WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL t Established in 1980
Newly ed open rly in ea 15 0 Nov 2
Where children are motivated to learn independently
WINDSOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL
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Romney Lock Road, Home Park, WINDSOR SL4 6HX Tel: Email: Website:
01753 868 399 or 01344 844 592 menik@windsor-montessori.com o www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk
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w We provide care and Montessori education for infants and children – from 6 months to 6 years. o
We are open 50 weeks of the year. You will find us in the stunningly renovated Crown Estate building in Old Windsor opposite the Windsor Farm Shop.
w Montessori education for 2 – 9 year olds
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Well resourced school, within a nurturing environment.
Windsor Montessori House of Children 4 Datchet Road, Old Windsor, SL42RQ For all enquiries: Tel: 01753 830 525 or 01344 844 592 Email: menik@windsor-montessori.com Website: www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk
Providing care and education within a loving nurturing environment.
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Windsor Montessori House of Children E Providing development for life
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
MARCH/APRIL 2016
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Meadowbrook Montessori School A personalised educational journey with high academic standards delivered through an innovative yet robust marriage of Montessori practice and the National Curriculum. Offering a seamless transition through Parent and Toddler sessions at 15 months to fully accredited Montessori Pre-school classes and onward to quality Primary education. Highly qualified and experienced teachers who get to know your child well & prepare them fully for a range of secondary school options. Tailor-made education from 2 to 11 years in an atmosphere of mutual respect with high expectations for both academic and personal skills.
www.meadowbrookmontessori.org rd
Next Posi ve Discipline in Home Workshop: Saturday 23 April Malt Hill Warfield RG42 6JQ Tel: 01344 890869
Telephone: 01628 627 586
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Under 5’s Special
Spotlight on Nurseries Dair House School and Nursery
3 months - 5 years
Choosing your child’s Nursery is a big decision, but is a big Nursery always best? At Dair House School Nursery, with its big facilities but small classes, your child will always stand out from the rest. Your child will be encouraged to explore their curiosity in a caring, compassionate environment, which balances play with education.You can enjoy your child’s learning journey via their real time app.Your family will enter the special, caring Dair House community in which you will all make life-long friends and build remarkable relationships. Please do arrange to visit their small Nursery with a big, big heart! 01753 643964; admissions@dairhouse.co.uk; www.dairhouse.co.uk
Expect a warm welcome at the Marist Nursery Choosing the appropriate nursery for your little one, can be both an exciting and unnerving process for parents. The Mini Marist Nursery has a family feel; especially important in transitioning your child from home to nursery. The nursery experiences less settling-in issues because of this, reducing stress for both child and parent. As an all-girls nursery, their qualified and experienced teachers can nurture specifically girls’ interests and ways of learning. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and children learn through self-initiated play and carefully planned, adult-led activities. Due to popular demand they have introduced a second Reception Class, opening September 2016. 01344 626137; officeprep@themaristschools.com; www.themaristschools.com
Life in the Early Years at Upton House School By Mrs Sue Bish, Head of Early Years Foundation stage. At Upton we offer a stimulating and encouraging environment in which the children can develop their confidence and self-esteem. Whilst we are concerned with nurturing the children, they themselves have been enjoying a wonderful start to the New Year with explorations about growth and gardening. We had a very exciting outing to the local garden centre to choose seeds, purchase soil and observe some wonderful tropical fish. Returning to school there was much enthusiasm to make a start and soil was placed in pots and trays, marigold seeds and runner beans were planted, the potatoes were made ready for chitting and the grass seed was placed in a drainable tray in preparation for a dinosaur garden. The younger children in the Pre-Nursery have been exploring and learning about herbs and have developed an herb garden which provoked some fascinating comments and lots of close observation. We are looking forward to the spring and to seeing how all our preparations bear fruit. 01753 862610; info@uptonhouse.org.uk; www.uptonhouse.org
Enjoy the outdoors at Silchester Manor Nursery
BOOK NOW for advertising in our May/June 2016 issue Due out May 1 email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years
Lea rnin g thro ugh play !
Explore independent play at Edith Rose Nurseries
Both our Nurseries were awarded an 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in June 2015
Edith Rose nurseries aim to enhance children's lives working alongside parents to provide consistent care that caters for each individual child. Staff take every child’s interests and learning needs into account and create opportunities for them to learn whilst having fun. Staff act as appropriate role models and confidants and provide a comfortable environment that is both supportive and empathetic. The rooms are resourced to provide a good learning environment in which children can play both independently and alongside others. Children can explore safe in the knowledge that staff are always on hand to step in and offer support when required. Ascot: 01344 885800; Windsor: 01753 833766; www.edithrose.co.uk
Ascot 01344 885800 Windsor 01753 833766 www.edithrose.co.uk
Making a good start at the Little Graduate Montessori School At the Little Graduate Montessori School, in addition to providing an excellent Montessori education in a lovely rural setting, they have revised their foods and drinks policy. Their menus are now based on a low fat, high fibre diet in accordance with proportions of the four food groups, as set out by UK Food Standards. Their aim is to encourage all children to eat a wide variety of foods and develop good dietary habits to take them to late childhood and beyond. Water and organic milk is provided throughout the day, so there is no risk of tooth decay. Health and self-care is a key part of Physical Development, which is one of the Early years areas of learning and development. If you would like more information, please call 01628 828258 or visit their website www.lgmontessori.com
Please call and come and see us in action!
Places available, you can also reserve a place for your child in September now.
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At Silchester, they have an incredible outdoor space for children to learn, discover and play in. The nursery supports holistic learning and development for all the children. Outdoor play is really important to the staff because it creates many opportunities for the children to interact with the natural world, providing a diverse learning environment. In the garden, children have space, freedom, fresh air and time to learn and explore. Their outdoor area is a complete learning environment, which caters for all children’s needs including their cognitive, linguistic, emotional, social and physical development. 01628 778890; info@silchestermanordaynursery.co.uk; www.silchestermanordaynursery.co.uk
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
MARCH/APRIL 2016
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Mothering Sunday
SPOIL YOUR MUM THIS MOTHER’S DAY Families has put together some great present ideas to show your Mum how much you care this March 6.
Make an impression this Mother’s Day Even though you might not love them on your walls right now, their mucky fingerprints won’t last forever. Time goes so quickly and our children aren't little for long. Why not create a lasting memory with the Dinky Fingerprint Company, by capturing tiny hands, feet or fingerprints forever in silver. They can also engrave a special message or turn one of your child’s drawings into a range of different gifts, from bracelets, necklaces and individual charms to cufflinks, bookmarks and key rings. Call 01628 623386 or go to dinkyfingerprintjewellery.co.uk Spa Day with Lunch Treat your mum to a spa day this Mothering Sunday. Throughout March, Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow is taking bookings for the ‘A Day with Mum’ package for £49 per person. This includes a 25minute treatment, a glass of fizz and lunch in the Agua bar & café, as well as full use of the Quad Club facilities (including pool, hot tub, steam and sauna). Call 01628 496 957 to book. The hotel is also offering a 3-course Mother’s Day meal in their Glaze restaurant. The lunch will be £24.95 per adult, and £14.95 for 3-12 year olds (under-threes are free). The price includes a small gift, and they’re even providing a bouncy castle for the kids, so you can have time to relax. Book in advance at cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on
Label with Love After attaching another sticky name tag to her daughter's dance bag, Rachel, creator of Tagged With Love decided to research the availability of quality bag tags and found there was very little in natural leather. The tags and key rings, which cost between £15-£18, are beautifully crafted from 100% leather and can be personalised with three lines of hand stamped lettering, finished with a ring, leather cord or chain. Rachel developed different designs appealing to a range of users. They make the perfect gift for anyone to adorn bags or keys, and with giftwrapping included, offer a refreshing alternative for the numerous children's birthday party presents required each year! taggedwithlove.co.uk
Send bespoke flowers Following her passion for gardening and flowers, Emma Villiers left the corporate world of communication and branding, to set up her own bespoke, luxury floral design company. From her studio in Shurlock Row, Emma creates stunning, bespoke floral arrangements– be this miniature ‘jam jar’ arrangements or luxury installations, for weddings, parties and corporate events. With 24hrs notice Teasel & Twine will also deliver gorgeous luxury flower arrangements and hand-tied bouquets locally, perfect for a mother’s day gift. Like and share Teasel&Twine Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ TeaselandTwine for a chance to win a beautiful handtied bouquet. (delivery within 15kms of studio only, closes 4th March 2016)
Tour Windsor Great Park in style If you (or your mother) fancy yourself as a Bronte heroine, why not take a ride in an elegant horse drawn carriage around the Royal
Park? Ascot Carriages are running 30-minute carriage rides, for up to 4 people, on both days of the Mother’s Day weekend (5 and 6 March), for £45 per carriage. Your driver will provide you with information about the area, which includes Acer woodlands, lakes and gardens. For bookings email your name, address, phone number and tour duration to info@ascotcarriages.co.uk or call 07811 543019. (The rides will not happen if the weather is bad, but can be rescheduled). ascotcarriages.co.uk Telephone: 01628 627 586
MARCH/APRIL 2016
• Kids Art Clubs • Pottery Painting • Adult Art Classes & Workshops • Corporate Meetings & Events • Parties
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Paris en Fa mill Paris isn’t just for romantic weekends away. It’s easy to get to and a great destination for families. Claire Winter took her three children to the French capital for a weekend of fun and culture. My twin girls have wanted to visit Paris since they were little, so when we got the opportunity to visit in January this year, we jumped at the chance. After an early start, we embarked on the Eurostar for our muchanticipated weekend in Paris. We were going to be staying at the Pavillon de la Reine, a small luxury family-run hotel, in Le Marais. This beautiful hotel is hidden behind a small archway at the edge of the Place des Voges, a 15th century square, famed for being the first square in Paris, it is a well known historic site and well worth a visit. On our arrival the
polite and friendly staff showed us to our suite of rooms that included a lovely double en-suite room, a huge room for the kids with their own bathroom, as well as a third interconnecting room that became our eldest’s bedroom. The whole hotel has an understated elegance and peacefulness that, after walking the busy streets of Paris, make it a truly tranquil haven. I know what you are thinking; how can you be calm when you’re travelling with three children! It is possible - the hotel offers four hours of babysitting, so you can relax in your room or visit their spa, which includes a gym and inviting jacuzzi. Or you could visit a nearby local restaurant to have a romantic meal with your other half. This time we opted to stay with the children as it was their first visit to Paris and we wanted to see as much of the city as we could. We decided to walk to Notre Dame, arriving at dusk to see the magnificent Gothic Cathedral immortalised by Victor Hugo’s novel of course the children knew it from Disney’s version. After tucking up in our luxurious beds we woke up late to have a fantastic leisurely breakfast in the library. Served until 11, you can have a continental option or continental with a cooked breakfast. We had made reservations for a late lunch on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower – we took the Metro to the Champs-Élysées and walked along the river. It was great to see the kids’ faces when they saw this iconic monument for the first time. After a lunch with amazing views of Paris, we climbed the stairs to the second floor for a 360-degree view of the city. One benefit from visiting out of season is that queues are smaller for all the attractions
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
MARCH/APRIL 2016
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Travel Review
le In the late afternoon we headed back to Le Marais and the Picasso Museum. The children love art and it is great to see such a large collection of his work under one roof. The shops in Le Marais were fantastic, from designer boutiques to specialist tea and chocolate shops. My eldest daughter and I resolved to return without the others, who are ‘allergic’ to shopping. On Sunday night we opted for a trendy Pizza Place called Grazie, near St Paul. There was a young local crowd, a great bar with good cocktails and gourmet, oven fired pizzas. The kids were impressed and so were we! On our last morning, we had another sumptuous breakfast, and then spent a delightful hour or two wandering the Louvre museum, taking in the infamous Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. If you want a luxurious break for the family the Pavillon de la Reine ticks all the boxes - fantastic service, luxurious rooms and a brilliant location. My children are already asking when they can visit again!
Maidenhead Gymnas cs Club & Gymtots Gymnas cs based physical educa on for pre-school and school aged children at our gym within the grounds of Altwood School, Maidenhead. Visit:-
MaidenheadGymnas cs.uk
Or Telephone / Text
07 957 223 124
for details
R
Family stays start at £840 based on two adults and two children under twelve sharing a two-night stay in a Junior Suite on a B&B basis. www.pavillon-de-la-reine.com
Enjoy an Alpine Adventure
Thames Valley East
BOOK NOW for advertising in our May/June 2016 Issue Due out MAY 1 Featuring Holiday Activities & Camps email: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
In Case of Emergency Identification
Have you ever had that sinking feeling in a crowded public place that your child has wandered off?
Holidaying in the French Alps during the summer is probably one of the best kept secrets in travel. Chilly Powder is based in Morzine on the Swiss border and has been offering activity holidays since 1995.They have hotel rooms and large, self-catered chalets set in a beautiful location. Paul and Francesca Eyre’s expertise provides a wonderful Alpine experience, with crèche and kids club available for parents who need a bit of time to themselves or who want to do more adventurous sport. There is something to suit all families in the beautiful Alps.To find out more go to www.chillypowder.com Telephone: 01628 627 586
Panic sets in because they have no ID on them and they don’t know your mobile number, especially when scared and upset? If YOU OR YOUR CHILD has an Allergy • On any medication • Or have any medical conditions They should never leave home without proper Identification!
MARCH/APRIL 2016
Orders can be placed ONLINE at www.iceid.co.uk or email Gila on info@iceid.co.uk
In Case of Emergency Identification
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Spring Days Out EASTER HOLIDAY FUN
Looking for something to do with the family this Easter? Here are some ideas for fun days out for all ages Enjoy an Easter lunch with all the family Visit the Crowne Plaza in Marlow on Easter Sunday for a delicious lunch followed by an Easter egg hunt in the grounds. The 3course lunch at Graze will be £21.95 for adults, £14.95 for kids (free for 2 and under), which will include entry into the Egg Hunt. To keep little ones entertained, there will also be face painting and a bouncy castle, and the egg hunt can be booked separately in advance for £7.50 per child. The hunt starts at 12pm, and tickets must be booked in advance at cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on Enjoy the spring flowers and lots of adventures at Cliveden Cliveden near Maidenhead is the perfect place to enjoy your precious family time over the Easter holidays. Spring through daffodils, breath in the scent of thousands of hyacinths and let little ones run wild in the Storybook Play Den while enjoying the glorious surroundings of Cliveden’s gardens.
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Over Easter weekend join the chocolatefilled fun with the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. Bunny has been spotted hopping along the garden paths looking for the ideal place to hide some of his Cadbury chocolate. Can you follow his trail to find a yummy choccy at the end? Drop in from 11am until 3.30pm for just £3 per child plus normal admission charges.
Other local National Trust sites that have Easter hunts this holiday: Maidenhead and Cookham Commons on Friday 25 March, 11am-2pm, £3 per child. Stowe in Buckingham.Visit Friday 25 – Mon 29 March 10am–4.30pm, £2.50 per child (normal admission applies). Hughenden in West Wycombe, Trail runs from Friday 25-Mon 28 March, 10am-3pm, £3 per trail (normal admission applies). Waddesdon Manor from Friday 25Monday 28 March 10am-4pm £3 per child, plus a gardens admission on arrival. To find a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt near you, visit easter.cadbury.co.uk Jump In! and get involved at Norden Farm this Easter This Easter holiday Norden Farm is packed with family friendly shows and films Plus, daily craft and storytelling sessions. On Friday 25 March, get involved in a full day crammed with low cost Give it a Go! workshops. Try something different, from circus skills to chocolate making. All workshops are £3 per person or buy a Give
There are also plenty of events for all the family including Cliveden’s ever-popular Wild Wednesdays which this Easter holiday include ‘Plant it, grow it, eat it’ and ‘Colours of Cliveden’ helping you to get outdoors and up close to nature. Each Wild Wednesday session costs £2 per child plus usual admission charges. Drop in from 11am until 2.30pm.Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden to see all their events, or call 01628 605 069.
it a Go! Pass and take part in four workshops for just £10! Booking essential. Box Office: 01628 788997; nordenfarm.org
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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Easter Dragon Trail at Savill Garden Bring the whole family for a journey to the Far East at The Savill Garden this Easter. Collect your adventure packs and take the Easter Dragon Trail, as you travel through the spectacular Savill Garden searching for clues amongst the amazing collections of exotic plants, flowers and trees from distant lands to win a delicious chocolatey prize. With delicious food and a gift collection inspired by the Far East waiting for you on your return to the Savill Building you can really make a day of it. £2.50 per trail. Admission fees apply. windsorgreatpark.co.uk Take a trip to the museum There are lots of local museums with fabulous Easter Holiday activities for kids, from Easter crafts to storytelling. Chiltern Open Air Museum opens its doors on 25 March, with a four day Easter event. They will be running Easter craft activities, treat making, and have created an Easter trail around their 45-acre site. Children will learn about Easter traditions from costumed re-enactors in the Museum’s historic buildings.Visitors can enjoy exploring the Museum’s unspoilt woodland and over 30 rescued historic buildings. Full event details can be found at coam.org.uk There are different activities every day this Easter at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden.You can decorate ‘whipple-scruptious’ Eggs on Good Friday, design your own Wonka factory, and listen to stories by Roald Dahl and storyteller in residence, Sandra Agard.Visit roalddahl.com/museum for a full list of activities, admission and workshop prices.
Spring Days Out Get down on the Farm! There’s plenty of family fun to be had at Odds Farm this Easter. Bottle Feed Kid Goats, jump on board the daily Tractor & Trailer Rides for a fun tour of the farm (weather permitting) and from 25 March until 12 April solve the Spring Trail to earn a yummy treat. Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities to see the Easter Lambs; you may be lucky enough to watch one being born.
Meet the farmers and get extra close to the animals in the Undercover Animal Barns, where you can stroke bunnies, hand feed goats and sheep and meet cheeky pigs. Kids can burn off some energy in the Giant Indoor Playbarn. There’s also a special Toddler and Under-5’s area for little ones, and Marmalade’s Tea Room for the adults! The outdoor play includes an Adventure Maze, Go-Karts, Log Play Areas, Sand & Water Play and Crazy Golf. For full details, call 01628 520188 or visit oddsfarm.co.uk.
Have a day out in London There’s lots to do with the kids this Easter in London. Why not visit the new Land of the Lions at London Zoo opening this Good Friday March 25? The huge new enclosure covers 2,500 sqm, and is home to a pride of Asiatic Lions. The fine wires that protect the zoo’s visitors give a ‘windowless-view’ of the big cat’s enclosure, and the high walkway gives visitors a great vantage point to see the lions. zsl.org/lions Slide down the enormous new slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond created the sculptural looping structure for the 2012 Olympic games. Due to open in March, the slide, created by Belgian artist Carsten Höller, will take you down 178m, making it the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide. For more details and booking visit arcelormittalorbit.com. To celebrate 25 years, Disney on Ice presents Silver Anniversary Celebration will take audiences on a fun filled tour of Disney favourites, at Wembley Arena. For information visit disneyonice.co.uk or for tickets go to ssearena.co.uk/events. Go to our What’s On pages 22-25 for other Easter events too.
Children's Parties at the School for West End Stars! emes include Frozen, Matilda, Annie and more!
Find us on Facebook - Redroofs Parties E: ellie@redroofs.co.uk | W: www.redroofs.co.uk/parties | T: 01628 674092 Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT
Telephone: 01628 627 586
MARCH/APRIL 2016
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Easter Camps & Activities
Keep the kids entertained this Easter holidays – they can have a go at animation, gold leaf art, learn to canoe or try out some new street dance moves, plus much more. There’s something to suit everyone. Don’t forget to say you saw it in Families when you ring! Easter art classes in Slough for children organised by ART CLASSES GROUP. There will be arts and crafts activities, learning drawing and painting techniques. For more information please contact Marinela 07501644537, info@artclassesgroup.com and visit www.art classesgroup.com ARTSPIRATION is offering 2 Holiday Workshops over the Easter break. Art Scout Juniors: Ages 5-12 years and Art Scout Seniors: Ages 10-16 years. Art Scout Juniors is a 4-day workshop where children will get to work with mosaics, print making, mod roc, plaster casting, pencil shading, water colours, soft pastels, etc. The Art Scout Seniors is a special introductory course to traditional egg tempera and gold leaf work, run by our guest artist Lily Corbet who currently runs these courses at the Prince's School of Traditional Arts. For more details please visit their website www.artspiration.co.uk or contact info@artspiration.co.uk or call 0789 616 5819. AMANDA’S ART CLASSES www.amandasart.co.uk, for small groups of children aged 6–13. Amanda will be running EASTER ART WORKSHOPS in Ascot 10–12 am and 2-4pm; call 01344 885086 or 0796 882 4560 or email a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk for further details.
Ofsted approved, BUSY BUTTONS CREATIVE STUDIO’S Creative & Sporty Easter Camp offers 3 - 14 year olds three whole fun weeks (29 March -15 April) of hands on creativity in 2D & 3D traditional & digital arts like animation, sculpting, sewing puppets and more, run by qualified film and theatre professionals at Upton House School, Windsor, SL4 3DF. Children contribute towards the making of the on-going educational animation film, 'The Wind In The Willows'. Multi-activity sports, team building and confidence boosting challenges with professional insights into several topics like fitness, photography, history, nutrition, fencing and more give your child an
enriched experience. Their DBS checked staff offer a safe and happy environment for the children to thrive. CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED. RBWM Advantage Card and other offers. They are an Arts Award Centre and Supporter. 07952418212, contact@busybuttons.org; www.busybuttons.org DANCE INSPIRED will be running a Street Dance Easter workshop from April 47, for children ages 7-16 at Edmund Campion School, Maidenhead. To book call 07743551501, enquiries@danceinspired.co.uk; www.danceinspired.co.uk Holiday Art & Craft activities at HANDSON-ART adventures in Old Windsor: clay workshops; potters wheel experiences; Story Ceramics; Stay & Paint, DecoPatch or Foam Clay offers. Free Parking! For more details go to www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk or call Janet on 01753 206265 LONGRIDGE ACTIVITY CENTRE is running daily activity days at Quarry Wood Road, Marlow during the Easter holidays. The activity day starts at 8:45am and either finishes at 4pm (cost £40 for 4 activities) or finishes at 5.30pm (costs £50.00 for 5 activities). A sandwich lunch is provided. Activities will be chosen on the day depending on the weather and water levels. Call 0330 303 0101 to book. www.longridge.org.uk Jump In! Family Arts Festival Activities every day this Easter holiday at NORDEN FARM
Building confidence through performing arts The largest network of part-time performing arts school in the UK. Nurturing and developing young potential through the performing arts.
HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS at Manor Green School, Maidenhead, from April 4th-8th for ages 4-16yrs. Ages 6-16; Times: 10am-4pm, Cost: £130 sibling price £65.00 Ages 4-6; Times: 9.30am – 12.30pm, Cost £75 sibling price £40. To find out more ring
01189 712870
Also taking bookings for Summer, August 1st-5th and 15th-18th.
www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
MARCH/APRIL 2016
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Easter Camps & Activities CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, Maidenhead. Family friendly shows, films and daily craft and storytelling sessions. Plus on Friday 25 March get involved in a full day of low cost Give it a Go! workshops. www.nordenfarm.org, Box Office: 01628 788997 PHOENIX GYMNASTICS CLUB is running EASTER ENERGIZE! At Unit 1, Water Oakley Farm, Windsor Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 5UJ during the Easter break. Gymnastic sessions for children aged 5 to 12 years of age. Choose from 9 sessions over the Easter holidays. Each session is from 1.00 to 2.30 p.m, with fully qualified British Gymnastic coaches. Children will have the opportunity to try Olympic gymnastic apparatus. Price: £10 per session. Look out for PlayGym Plus too - an hour's free play for 4-9 year olds. www.phoenixgym.co.uk. REDROOFS EASTER SCHOOL FOR STARS. April 4th -8th from 10am - 4pm at Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, Maidenhead, age 6-8, 9-12 and 13-16years. All abilities and beginners welcome. Musical theatre, team building and lively rehearsals in Redroofs purpose built studios then an end of week musical theatre performance in their own traditional Victorian style theatre. Wraparound care available from 9-10am and 4-5pm daily. £245.00. www.redroofs.co.uk SANDERS STREET EASTER DANCE CAMP - 4th-7th April at Cox Green Leisure Centre, Highfield Lane, Maidenhead SL6 3AX. Sanders Street specialises in authentic street
Telephone: 01628 627 586
dance including Hiphop, House, Breaking, Locking and Popping. Their Easter school is designed to inspire students over 4 days of fun, knowledge and passionate guest teachers. These include some of the current leading industry professionals. This course is ideal for ages 5-16. Beginners and intermediates welcome. Sibling discounts available. Email: info@sandersstreet.co.uk or visit www.sandersstreet.co.uk for more details. STAGECOACH ASCOT'S Easter Holiday Workshop on Wednesday 6th & Friday 8th April, from 10am - 4.30pm at the Windlesham Theatre, Kennel Lane, Windlesham, GU20 6AA. Suitable for ages 618. Cost: £110 (Sibling discount £90). To find out more or book your place call: 01344 206466 or email ascot@stagecoach.co.uk STAGECOACH MAIDENHEAD is running HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS at Manor Green School, Maidenhead, from April 4th-8th for ages 4-16yrs. Age 6-16,Times: 10am-4pm, Cost: £130 sibling price £65.00 Ages 4-6; Times: 9.30am – 12.30pm, Cost £75 sibling price £40 To find out more ring 01189 712870 ; www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead SUPER CAMPS daily activity camps are the perfect way to put the magic back into the school holidays. The programme is jampacked with fun activities that will keep your children entertained for hours, and their 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating gives you the peace of mind that your children are in the best possible care. Camps include a variety of
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sports, games, and arts and crafts. No two days are the same and the price includes all activities. There is a multi-activity Easter camp at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar school, Marlow and the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe from March 29 to April 8 for ages 4-14, from 9am to 5pm. They are also running a multi-activity camp from April 29 to 8 at Hurst Lodge School in Ascot, for ages 3-14, from 9am to 5pm. All childcare vouchers accepted. Go to www.supercamps.co.uk to find out more. THE GAP CLUB LTD will be running their Easter Holiday Club's at King's Court First School, Old Windsor & Wraysbury Primary School from Tuesday 29th March – Friday 8th April. Opening Times: 8:00am 6:30pm, variable sessions available. They offer sibling discounts and also accept childcare vouchers. For more details on their daily activities please visit: www.thegapclub.com or call: 07854 078728 or email hc_thegapclub@yahoo.co.uk
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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What’s On
Celebrate Mothering Sunday at the Crowne Plaza on March 6
See the new 4D Lego movie when Legoland reopens on March 11
Catch a colourful fun run at Windsor Racecourse on March 27
MARCH
DYSLEXIA, Adult Dyslexia Centre, 2 Denmark Terrace, Denmark Street, Maidenhead, SL6 7FN. 01628 670054, 7.30-9.30pm. adult-dyslexia-centre.co.uk Saturday March 5 PARKRUN Black Park, Black Park Road, Wexford, Bucks, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. 9am. Every week. www.parkrun.org.uk/black-park Saturday March 5 CLEAN FOR THE QUEEN Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. 01753 647358. Join the Friends of Stoke Common in celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday by giving the Common a spring clean. 10am-3.30pm. Every term-time Saturday from March 5 'BE ARTY' CLUB Upton House School, 115 St Leonard's Road, Windsor, SL4 3DF. 01753 862610. Join the ‘Be Arty’ club for an art & illustration course at Busy Buttons Creative Studio. Five to eight-year-olds are introduced to numerous techniques in art, illustration and 3D work. www.busybuttons.org Sunday March 6 FREE ENTRY FOR MUMS Painshill Park, Portsmouth Rd, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE. Spend the day with your mother in the beautiful landscape garden. Free to mothers when accompanied by their children. www.painshill.co.uk Sunday March 6 MOTHERING SUNDAY AT THE CROWNE PLAZA MARLOW, Fieldhouse Lane,
Marlow, SL7 1GJ. Treat Mum to a sumptuous 3 course lunch in Glaze Restaurant, with a bouncy castle to keep the children entertained, while Mum gets some time to relax. 3 course lunch, including a little gift for Mum. £24.95, £14.95 per child (3-12); 0-2 year olds free Advanced online booking required. 1pm–3pm. cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on Sunday March 6 MOTHERING SUNDAY AT CLIVEDEN, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. 01628 605069. Bring your mum for a free visit and enjoy a free wine tasting from Chiltern Valley Winery based near Henley (whilst stocks last). Wine tasting will take place in the Walled Garden, near the Information Centre. 10am5pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Sunday March 6 ETON COLLEGE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Eton College, Slough Road, Eton, SL4 6DW. 01753 671000. This family- friendly museum is open every Sunday from 2.30pm-5pm. Admission is free, donations optional. etonnhm.com Sunday March 6 STORYTELLING Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. Storytelling in the magical story den, followed by a yummy Sunday lunch. Ideal for 4 to 7 years. 11am. £3 per child. Lunch menu from £5. norden.farm/events Tuesday March 8 COPPÉLIA Theatre Royal Windsor,
MARCH/APRIL 2016
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Every weekend in March 2016 plus daily during the Easter Holidays CRAZY ENTERTAINERS AND ANIMAL FUN Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX. 01628 520 188. Join in with the madness and mayhem of Odds Farm Park’s Crazy Entertainers. With several shows daily, all the extra fun is included in entry! Meet and feed the new spring lambs as well. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Weekends and School Holidays until May 2 THE SLIME SHOW The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. Suitable for children aged 3 years old and over who can sit down for half an hour. www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutweekendandholidayshows Every Tue, Wed,Thurs, Fri, Sat. GRANDMA FLEW SPITFIRES Maidenhead Heritage Centre, 18 Park St, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1SL. 01628 780555. The Story of Maidenhead and temporary exhibitions – free. Grandma Flew Spitfires exhibition – small charge. Spitfire Simulator £7.50 per 15 mins. Tickets valid for 12 months with Gift Aid. www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk Tuesday March 1 and 8 UNDERSTANDING
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Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
Compiled by Siobhan Newman Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.
What’s On
Stig of the Dump is at Norden Farm, March 29-30
Try pond dipping at Woolley Firs on March 31
Song of the Sea is at The Firestation on April 9
Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS. 01753 853 888. The colourful costumes, lively characters and beautiful music combine to create a magical and comical classic that warms and entertains from start to finish. Coppélia is guaranteed to lift the hearts of all the family. Evening shows 7.30pm. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Saturday. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Friday March 11 LEGOLAND Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY. 0871 2222 001. The theme park reopens, with new attraction ‘The LEGO® Movie 4D A New Adventure’. Emmet and the gang return in an allnew adventure with several showings daily in the 4D cinema. Ongoing. Friday March 11 and Monday 14 NATURE TOTS Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3LJ. 01628 829574. Come along to our parent and toddler group for bug-hunting, mud-painting and mask-making. £4 per child. 9.30am-11.30am Friday and 9.30am-11.30am and 1-2pm Monday. www.bbowt.org.uk Saturday March 12 BOURNE END COMMUNITY AND CRAFT MARKET Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End, SL8 5SX. 08452303232. The market is held on the second Saturday of every month. www.stallandcraftcollective.co.uk
Friday March 18 FAMILY FIRST AID COURSE, Marlow Methodist Church, Spittal Street, Marlow, Bucks SL7 3HJ. 9.30-12.30. To book call 0778 872 0612; www.child-matters.co.uk Saturday March 19 CINEMA CLUB – INSIDE OUT Firestation Arts Centre, St Leonard's Road, Windsor, SL4 3BL. 01753 866865.1pm, £5 adult, £2.50 child. www.firestationartscentre.com Saturday March 19 MEDIEVAL RUNNYMEDE AND MAGNA CARTA Egham Library, High Street, Egham, TW20 9EA. Learn all about the Magna Carta. 1011am. For children aged 7+. Tickets £4. Book online or call 01483 543599. www.surreycc.gov.uk Saturday March 19 STUBBINGS OPEN GARDEN, Henley Road, Maidenhead, SL6 6QL. 01628 825454. Also open Sunday March 20, Saturday April 30, Sunday May 1 and Monday 2 May. Admission £3.50, children free. Light refreshments. www.ngs.org.uk Sunday March 20 BUNNY FUN RUN Oaken Grove Park, Maidenhead, SL6 6HL. Come and join the 5km run starting and finishing at Oaken Grove Park. Entry £16 (18 and over), £11 (under 18), £6 (under 12), £40 (family of up to 4). 9.30am. www.bunnyfunrun.co.uk Sunday March 20 BURNHAM BEECHES VOLUNTEERS Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2
3TE. 01753 647358. Roll up your sleeves, wear some sturdy shoes and help with maintaining the beautiful Beeches. 10am – 3pm. Tuesday March 22 to Saturday March 26 END OF THE RAINBOW Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL4 1PS. 01753 853 888. It's 1968 and Judy Garland, a once-glittering star, is in London to make her explosive comeback. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Tuesday March 22 FAMILY FIRST AID COURSE St Peters Church Hall, Pugin Rooms, Marlow, 7-10pm. To book call 0778 872 0612; www.child-matters.co.uk Wednesday 23rd March FAMILY FIRST AID COURSE 7-10pm, WINDSOR.Venue to be arranged. To book call 0778 872 0612; www.child-matters.co.uk Friday March 25 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT, Maidenhead and Cookham Commons, Pinkneys Green, Pinkneys Drive, Maidenhead, SL6 6QD. 07818 427242.. Meet the Rangers to start the hunt any time between 11am and 2pm. £3. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Friday March 25 to Sunday April 10 EASTER FAMILY FUN Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX. 01628 520 188. Youngsters can follow the Easter Trail around the farm and get a yummy treat. Plus, with plenty of cute lambs to bottle feed and meet, the return of tractor and trailer
Telephone: 01628 627 586
MARCH/APRIL 2016
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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What’s On
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Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events.
James Campbell's Comedy 4 Kids at Norden Farm on April 1
Springtime Strolls,Tuesdays in April at Cliveden
rides (weather permitting) and fun in the Giant Indoor Playbarn. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Friday March 25 to Monday April 1 EASTER DRAGON TRAIL, The Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, Surrey, TW20 0UU. Bring the whole family for a journey to the Far East at The Savill Garden this Easter. Collect your adventure packs and take the Easter Dragon Trail, as you travel through the spectacular Savill Garden searching for clues amongst the amazing collections of exotic plants, flowers and trees from distant lands to win a delicious chocolatey prize. £2.50 per trail. Admission fees apply. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk Friday March 25 to Monday April 1 EASTER TRAIL Black Park, Black Park Road, Wexham SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. Follow the self-led trail through Black Park to see if you can help the Easter Bunny find her missing eggs. Pick up your map at the Visitor Information Point in Black Park between 10am and 12pm to start the trail. £3 per child. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events Friday March 25 to Monday April 11 WOODLAND WONDERS – EASTER PUZZLER Burnham Beeches, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. 01753 647358. Try out one of our puzzle trails: easy or fiendishly difficult! Aimed at children from 5 to 95. Just pick up a leaflet from the Information Point. Bring a pencil. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk Saturday March 26 and Sunday 27 EASTER EGG HUNT Runnymede National Trust, Runnymede Estate Office, North Lodge, Old Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 2JL. 01784 432891. A traditional Easter Egg Hunt across the Runnymede meadows. £3. 10.30am-4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sunday March 27 COLOUR VIBE FUN RUN Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ. 01753 498400. Welcome to the most awesome 5K Fun Run ever! uk.thecolorvibe.com Sunday March 27 FAMILY FUN DAY LUNCH AND EASTER EGG HUNT Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, SL7 1GJ. 01628 496 860. An Easter Sunday to remember, with an Easter Egg Hunt* at 12pm in our extensive grounds, face painting, bouncy castle and a delicious three-course lunch in Glaze Restaurant. Three-course lunch £21.95, £14.95 per child (3–12) 0–2 year olds free.*Easter Egg Hunt is complimentary for children having the Easter Sunday Lunch. Advanced online booking required. Alternatively
you can join the Easter Egg Only with face painting and a bouncy castle. £7.50 per child (3-12). 12pm prompt. Ticket only event. www.cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on Monday March 28 to Friday April 8 EASTER HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. Hour-long craft activities to keep the little ones entertained. The crafts vary so you can create something new every day. 11am. £5. norden.farm/events/arts-andcrafts-session Monday March 28 LOUIS THE BUBBLEMAN Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences with the art, magic, science and the fun of bubbles. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am and 2pm. £10 (£8 under 16s). Family and friends (4 people) £32. norden.farm/events/ Tuesday March 29 BUGS & BEASTS Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. Book an hour-long slot and meet us at the Visitor Information Point to start your Bugs & Beasts Hunt, 2pm to 3pm, £5 per family (max 2 adults + 2 children). Advance booking required. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events Tuesday March 29 to Saturday April 2 SHADOWLANDS Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS. 01753 853 888. A stunning drama that poses classic questions about religion, pain and love. Starring Stephen Boxer, Tony Slattery and Amanda Ryan, the love story of writer C.S. Lewis and poet Joy Davidman. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Tuesday March 29 to Wednesday 30 STIG OF THE DUMP Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. Suitable for ages 6+ years. 2pm and 7pm Tuesday, 11.30am and 2pm Wednesday. £10 (£8 under 16s). Family & Friends (4 people) £32. norden.farm/events/ Wednesday March 30 SPRING WOODLAND PLAY Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. Join the Rangers for an hour of woodland fun and games in Black Pine’s Camp. Parents must supervise. Drinks provided for all. Meet at Black Park café. £5 per child. 10am and 11.30am and 2pm. Advance booking. Ideal for 4 to 10 year olds. Call 01753 511060 or email countryparks@buckscc.gov.uk for details. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/ Wednesday March 30 WILD WEDNESDAY – PLANT IT, GROW IT, EAT IT Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. 01628 605069. Find all about food, from planting seeds to finding plants at Cliveden. 11am to
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
MARCH/APRIL 2016
Hare-raising fun at Woolley Firs on April 5 3pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Thursday March 31 POND EXPLORERS Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3LJ. 01628 829574. 10.30am - 12pm. £4. Please book; www.bbowt.org.uk Thursday March 31 and Friday April 1 TREE CLIMBING Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. 01628 605069. As well as using ropes and harnesses to climb up into the trees, there'll be a zip wire and rope swing for you to play on, all under the watchful eye of tree climbing experts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For children aged 6+. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
APRIL Friday April 1 JAMES CAMPBELL'S COMEDY 4 KIDS Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. This is a show which might or might not discuss lollipop ladies, quantum chromatic disruption machines and tartan badgers. Suitable for ages 6+ years. £10 (£8 under 16s). Family & Friends (4 people) £32. 11.30am. norden.farm/events Sunday April 3 THE PRINCE’S COUNTRYSIDE FUND RACE DAY Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX. 0844 346 3000. First race 2.15pm. www.ascot.co.uk Monday April 4 FILM WALK Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. Meet at the Black Park Visitor Information Point. Booking is essential. £5 adult, £3 child, £4 cons, £14 family (2 adults and 2 children), pay & display charges apply. 2pm to 3.30pm. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/country-park-events Tuesday April 5 DEN BUILDING Black Park, as above. Have a go at building your own den by the campfire. Meet at Black Park Visitor Information Point, Marshmallows and hot drinks provided. Booking essential. Cost: £16 per family (max 2 adults & 2 children), £3 per extra family member, pay & display charges apply. 10am to 12pm. Tuesday April 5 WHERE'S THE HARE Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3LJ. 01628 829574. Discover the original Easter bunny on our 'Where's the Hare' treasure trail. Please book. 10am-2pm. Activities suitable for ages 4-10 and take around 2 hours to complete. www.bbowt.org.uk/events
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Compiled by Siobhan Newman Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.
What’s On
Card Ninja at Norden Farm on April 9
Jungle Book at the Theatre Royal Windsor from April 21-23
Meet the lambs at COAM, April 23-24
Tuesday April 5 FAMILY CONCERTINI Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. A live music concert for children and families – performed in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Then meet the instruments at the end of the show. Suitable for ages 0 to 8 years. £10 (£8 under 16s) Family & Friends (4 people) £32. 2pm. norden.farm/events/family-concertini Tuesday April 5 MUSICAL BUMPS AND BABES Norden Farm (As above) Possibly the first ever concert series for expectant mothers and babies up to a year old. Enjoy the benefits of classical music’s positive and soothing effects £10 (£8 under 16s) Family & Friends (4 people) £32. 11.30am. Tuesday April 5 to Saturday 9 SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS. 01753 853 888. From the team that brought you the huge success that is Dreamboats and Petticoats, Save the Last Dance for Me will take you back through the music and magic of the early 60’s, a time when each passing week brought another Rock ‘n’ Roll classic. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Tuesdays from April 5 to 26 SPRINGTIME STROLL IN THE GARDENS Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. 01628 605069. Join our gardens team on a gentle stroll to take an in-depth look at the best of the season's blooms. From daffodils and 20,000 hyacinths to later thousands of tulips. Free, usual admission applies. 2-4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Wednesday April 6 WILD WEDNESDAY – COLOURS OF CLIVEDEN Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. 01628 605069. Come on a colourful adventure hunting for brightly coloured flowers. 11am to 3pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Wednesday April 6 to April 8 ART DAZE Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. Take inspiration from different decades to create unique individual and collaborative art. Fab Fashion, Medley of Music and Feast of Food art themes. £85 for 3 days (£75 with Advantage Card) 10am - 4pm. norden.farm/events Thursday April 7 and Friday 8 PLAY DOUGH Norden Farm (As above) It’s the game show where you can play with 10,000 real pound coins! Join hosts Queenie and TooMuch for high energy games and storytelling – and everything they know about how money really works. Suitable for ages 7+ years. £10 (£8 under 16s) Family & Friends (4 people) £32 y 11.30am and 2pm. norden.farm/events/ Friday April 8 NIGHT WALK Black Park, Black Park
Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. This event is not suitable for very young children due to a 4 mile walk and is weather dependant. Bringa torch. Booking is essential. £5 per adult, £3 per child, £4 per concs, £14 per family (max 2 adults & 2 children), pay & display charges apply. 7pm to 9pm. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/country-park-even Saturday April 9 BOURNE END COMMUNITY AND CRAFT MARKET Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End, SL8 5SX. 08452303232. Free entry, onsite refreshments. Saturday April 9 CARD NINJA Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. The Card Ninja possesses extraordinary skills, which are more than just sleight of hand. Suitable for ages 10+ years. £10 (£8 under 16s) Family & Friends (4 people) £32. 2pm and 7pm. norden.farm/events Saturday April 9 KIDS' CINEMA – SONG OF THE SEA Firestation Arts Centre, The Old Court, St Leonard's Road, Windsor, SL4 3BL. 01753 866865. £5 adult, £2.50 child. 1pm. firestationartscentre.com Saturday April 9 RIDE IT Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ. A non-competitive cycle ride to suit riders of all abilities. From 8am. Fun route £7.50, short route £20, medium and long routes £25. Children under 16 ride for free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 01293 574900. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on Tuesday 12th April FAMILY FIRST AID COURSE, 7-10pm Braywood Memorial Hall, Fifield Road, Maidenhead, SL62NX. To book call 0778 872 0612; www.child-matters.co.uk Wednesday April 13 and Thursday 14 TODDLER DAYS – LITTLE LADYBIRDS The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. 01344 354400. The extra activities are on from 10am to 4pm. £6.80 per parent and toddler, and £1.55 for each additional toddler (up to a maximum of 3). www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutactivitiesfortoddlers Saturday April 16 NEARLY NEW SALE Egham Leisure Centre,Vicarage Road, Egham, TW20 8NL. 01784 437695. Egham Leisure Centre from 10.30 am. Entry costs £1.50. Early entry for NCT members with cards at 10.15am. www.nct.org.uk Saturday April 16 and Sunday 17 REPTILES AT STOKE COMMON, Hawthorn Lane, SL2 3TE. 01753 647358. 3-hour hunt around Stoke Common on Saturday to find some of the wonderful species living there. Booking required. The next day you can meet the Ranger – and his reptiles! 11am – 1pm. Sunday April 17 STORYTELLING Norden Farm, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF. 01628 788997. Interactive storytelling in the magical story den, followed by a yummy Sunday lunch. Age guidance 4 – 7 years. 11am. £3 per child. Lunch menu from £5. norden.farm/events Sunday April 17 VAISAKHI Norden Farm (as above) A celebration of the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Sikh community. £10 (£8 under 16s), family & friends (4 people) £32. 7pm. Monday April 18 FREE MONDAY NIGHT RACING Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ. 01753 498400. Free tickets are only available for Grandstand admission when booked in advance online. Subject to availability. www.windsorracecourse.co.uk Wednesday 20th April FAMILY FIRST AID COURSE St Peters Church Hall Pugin Rooms Marlow 710pm, To book call 0778 872 0612; www.child-matters.co.uk Thursday April 21 to Saturday 23 JUNGLE BOOK Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS. 01753 853 888. This spectacular production brings Kipling’s classic tale crashing into the 21st Century with breath-taking street dance and circus. Mowgli is finding
her way in the urban jungle. With a beat-boxing bin man Baloo, graffiti artist Bagheera and a skateboarding Wolf crew, this heart-warming story will astonish and amaze. Featuring jaw-dropping tricks from an extraordinary cast of performers from Zoo Nation and Cirque du Soleil. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Saturday April 23 BLUEBELL WALK Waltham Place, Church Hill, White Waltham, Berkshire, SL6 3JH. 01628 825517. Call or email estateoffice@walthamplace.com to book. Walks start at the Ormandy Centre, Church Hill, White Waltham. www.walthamplace.com Saturday April 23 DAWN CHORUS Maidenhead and Cookham Commons, Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead, SL6 6QD. 07818 427242. Local expert Brian Clews will guide you through a morning of birdsong with a stroll around Maidenhead Thicket. 5.30am-8am. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Saturday April 23 NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME DAY Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. 01628 605069. A day dedicated to the National Gardens Scheme. Booking not needed. 10am-5pm. Free event (admission applies) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Sunday April 24 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. 2-6pm. Admission £4.50, children free. www.ngs.org.uk Monday April 25 to Friday 29 TEDDY BEAR TRAIL Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. Hunt for the bears and get a treat at the end! Cost: £3 per map (max 2 treats per map). No booking required, just turn up on the day. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events Monday April 25 to Saturday 30 TWELFTH NIGHT Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS. 01753 853 888. This story of romance, satire and mistaken identity is crafted into one of the most exciting and accessible Shakespeare productions of recent years. Experience the madness of love in this heady world, where a riotous gig meets Shakespeare. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Wednesday April 27 DISCOVER ASCOT RACECOURSE, High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX. 0844 346 3000. Enjoy the first day of the Flat season at the world’s most famous racecourse for free. There is no cost for Grandstand Admission on this day and Premier Admission is only £13 in advance. Gates open 11am. www.ascot.co.uk/Discover-Ascot Saturday April 30 DAWN CHORUS WALK Waltham Place, Church Hill, White Waltham, Berkshire, SL6 3JH. 01628 825517.. Cost: £7.50 to include breakfast. 5.30am. Booking with estateoffice@walthamplace.com or call. www.walthamplace.com Sunday May 1 MORRIS DANCING DISPLAY WITH BREAKFAST Runnymede National Trust, Runnymede Estate Office, North Lodge, Old Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 2JL. 01784 432891.. Booking essential. £10. 5-7am. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sunday May 1 BLUEBELLS AND THE WONDERS OF THE WOODLAND GUIDED WALK Runnymede National Trust, as above. Adult £6, child £3. 11.30am-1pm. Call 0844 2491895 or book online. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Bank Holiday Monday May 2 PAT DOGS WALK Black Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS. 01753 511060. Join the sponsored 3 mile walk to raise money for the Pets as Therapy charity. Contact 01753 531584 for a walk joining pack. Advance booking required. www.buckscc.gov.uk/events/ Bank Holiday Monday May 2 RACING FAMILY FUN DAY Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ. 01753 498400. Gates open 12.15pm. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
Blossom Ballet 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.
Telephone: 01628 627 586
MARCH/APRIL 2016
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Competitions and Offers with
R
WIN a Gazillion Bubbles Tornado Bubble Blower!
WIN a monthly delivery of flowers through your letterbox!
We have ten Gazillion Bubbles Tornados to give away! Kids can have hours of open-ended fun blowing up a storm Instantly create a storm of bubbles with the Gazillion Bubbles Tornado! With no pump and no wait time, you'll be creating a gazillion bubbles in a flash! This ultimate bubble machine blows bubbles straight up in the air! Simply pour the solution into the spout, push the button, and watch in amazement as a Tornado of bubbles blows into the sky! The Gazillion Bubbles Tornado includes a 4 oz. bottle of premium Gazillion Bubbles solution. Gazillion Bubbles has been the bubble brand of choice for many years and 2016 sees a brand new host of bubble blaster machines and more! Instantly create a storm of bubbles with the Gazillion Bubbles Tornado! With no pump and no wait time, you’ll be creating a gazillion bubbles in a flash! This Ultimate bubble machine blows bubbles straight up in the air.”
'Beards & Daises - The Letterbox Florist' is offering an opportunity to win a six-month subscription to letterbox flowers worth £120! To celebrate Mother’s Day and Easter the first flower box 'The Osprey’ is filled with a massive 100 fresh Narcissus - sure to put a smile on your face! Beards & Daisies makes buying fresh, locally sourced flowers easy with a choice of 6 letterbox flower bouquets. Prepared by a florist and beautifully wrapped in luxury packaging, complete with a personalised greeting card.Your 2 ft, ventilated flowerbox is delivered through your letterbox not just to it! It’s as easy as receiving a letter and no need for the recipient to wait at home! These 'bouquets in a box' make the perfect gift and can be bought as either a one off flowerbox or a three-month subscription, giving you fresh flowers delivered straight to your doormat every month! For more information check out www.beardsanddaisies.co.uk/
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For your chance to win go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions
For your chance to win go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions
Closing date April 1.
Closing date April 1
WIN a LEGO
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Juniors prize bundle!
LEGO Juniors is a great entry to LEGO building, sparking the imaginations of first time builders aged 4 to 7 years old, helping them to feel independent. We are giving away a bundle of three new LEGO® Juniors sets to three lucky winners! ®
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WIN tickets to see Jungle Book at the Theatre Royal Windsor
For your chance to win go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions
One lucky reader will win 4 tickets to see this spectacular new production of Jungle Book from the award-winning Metta Theatre on 21st April, which brings Kipling’s classic tale crashing into the 21st Century with breath taking street dance and circus. Mowgli is finding her way in the urban jungle. With a beat-boxing bin man Baloo, graffiti artist Bagheera and a skateboarding Wolf crew, this heart-warming coming of age story will astonish and amaze. Choreographed by Kendra J Horsburgh (Into the Hoods, Sadler’s Wells and Blaze, International Tour) and featuring jaw-dropping tricks from an extraordinary cast of performers from Zoo Nation and Cirque du Soleil, this is a show for everyone from 8 to 108. Jungle Book is on at the Theatre Royal Windsor from 21- 23 April 2016, Box Office: 01753 853888; Group bookings: 01753 848484. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
Closing date April 1.
For your chance to win go to www.familiestveast.co.uk/competitions
Be part of the action with LEGO® Juniors NINJAGO™ Lost Temple LEGO® (£24.99) and help Lloyd recover the Sword of Fire by making your way through the Lost Temple. In the LEGO® Juniors NINJAGO™ Snake Showdown (£12.99) Lasha the snake villain wants the golden snake staff, so you have to help Kai battle him! Keep watch over the city with the LEGO® Juniors Police Helicopter (£8.99). Spot the thief trying to break into the ATM and then fly down and catch him in the act. To find out more about LEGO® Juniors please visit: http://www.LEGO.com/juniors
Closing date April 1.
Learn to swim the eZee way in just 4 weeks -children one to one and two to one classes -all ages and abilities -crash courses T: 01344 885675 M: 07766 258279 E: info@ezeeswim.co.uk www.ezeeswim.co.uk
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
MARCH/APRIL 2016
E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Lessons in parenting? No thanks, David Cameron! By Natalie Trice
David Cameron kicked off 2016 with a pledge to make it “normal” and “even aspirational” for people to take parenting classes to help them communicate, discipline and play with their children. Kind? Patronising? Needed? As a nation we are facing a multitude of issues but DC wants to plough £70 million into parenting lessons and counseling for couples. I can kind of see where he is coming from but as one friend commented, “The problem is it won’t attract the real target audience. The people who want to do 'the right thing' will sign up and those who *may* benefit will not because they are either not interested or because they are too marginalised.” She has hit the nail on the head here. For most parents, we are simply doing our best, bring our children up as we see fit and this seems to be the nanny state stepping on our toes once again. We all know that parenting isn’t easy and there are times when you could scream, days when you don’t get dressed and have sick in your hair and want to crack open the booze at lunchtime. Having my first child was a shock to the system. I went from working for a global TV company with an assistant, a driver and a massive budget to living in the sticks with a baby who cried, A LOT. There were days
Telephone: 01628 627 586
when it was tough, I didn’t get dressed and wished I was back in Chelsea with the girls, but I didn’t need lessons, I just got on with it and followed my instincts. You love your child, nurture them, find out what they like, what stimulates them and how to discipline them and I am pretty sure most of us do not need anyone to tell us how to read books and use the naughty step. With endless lists of what we can and cannot feed our children, how much screen-time they can have and how breast is best, the current Big Brother attitude to parenting is almost as exhausting as the job itself. Yes, if a child is in danger then they need to be under the care of the state. If abuse
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Parenting is suspected it needs to be investigated but for most people, Government instigated lessons is a step to far. Maybe David needs to look a little closer to home and ensure his back benchers are behaving, before he uses money that could be put into the NHS or schools. Instead, how about making it easier for women to continue their careers rather than pricing them out of working because of childcare costs? Or more GP appointments for when babies are sick, helping reduce stress as well as out-of-hours costs. Why not fund more midwives who can care for mothers after birth and ensure they are ready to go home and nurse their child? Yes, family is at the heart of society but rather than add to the guilt we feel by giving us lessons we don’t need, why not offer services that will make life easier, take away pressure and make everyone happy? Natalie Trice is an author (natalietrice.co.uk), journalist and blogger (justbecauseIlove.co.uk) who knows a thing or two about PR and social media too. Based in Buckinghamshire she is mummy to two little boys, wife to one husband and keeper of a cat and dog, who all keep her busy and on her toes.
FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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Get Crafty
Simple Easter crafts for children...
Easter Egg Bunny
You’ll need: 1 hard-boiled egg • Yellow and white felt • PVA glue • Felt tips pens in yellow, orange and black 1. Take a freshly cooked and cooled hard-boiled egg. 2. Cut shapes for the bunny’s feet and hands out of the yellow felt; then cut larger ears shapes out of yellow felt and smaller ones from the white.
Egg Bunting You’ll need: Plain white paper • Poster paints • Stickers Glitter • Glue • Scraps of paper, fabric and wool • Mini pegs • String
R
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1. Cut out lots of Easter egg shapes from the paper 2. Get the kids to use paint to create patterns on the eggs; stripes and circles work well. 3. Next, use the scraps of craft fabrics and stickers to make the eggs even more decorative. 4. Use some glue to create lines or shapes and scatter the glitter for the final touch. 5. When the egg shapes are dry, hang them on a piece of string with the colourful pegs. If you can’t find pegs, use coloured paper clips or simply thread the string through a hole in the top of each egg.
3. Stick the feet on the base of the egg, making sure the egg can stand upright on them. 4. Stick the white ears onto the yellow and when they have dried a little, stick them on to the rear of where the face will be. 5. Finally, draw a rabbit’s face on the front of the egg with the pens and decorate with patterns as your child likes.
Bunny Ears
You’ll need: White cardboard • Grey and pink paint Scissors • PVA glue • An Alice band 1. Get the kids to paint sheets of paper plain grey or plain pink 2. Help your children (using child-safe scissors) to cut out larger grey ears shapes and smaller pink ear shapes from the painted paper. 3. Be sure to leave a longer bit of paper at the bottom of the grey shapes 4. Stick the pink inners on the grey ears. 5. Next, attach the shapes to the Alice band with the glue and leave to dry.
For Little Kickers & Little Rugby classes in Maidenhead, Bourne End, Henley, Marlow & Stokenchurch. Call 01628 526 584 or email bevans@littlekickers.co.uk. For Little Kickers classes at Ascot, Slough, Windsor and Stoke Poges call 07412 166 686 or email sleslie@littlekickers.co.uk Call for Birthday Party entertainment information
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Bumps ‘n’ Babes
How to cope with separation anxiety It can be very upsetting for a parent when their child screams and cries as they try to leave them with someone else, whether it is at a nursery, with a child minder or relative. This distress at leaving a parent is called separation anxiety and it is more extreme than just being clingy.
A
ll babies, at some point or other in their development, are likely to experience separation anxiety in some form. It is very common and completely normal. It can happen in phases (sometimes very short ones) and will not last forever. Babies have to learn the ability to trust so when a parent 'disappears' if they haven’t yet learned to trust, they take it as a fearful or threatening situation. Child psychologists liken it to babies using their Stone Age instincts. Little ones don’t instinctively know they are safe at nursery school or with Aunty Jane. To them, when mum walks out of the door, they could be eaten by tigers! Of course we know their tears and tantrums are misplaced, but that’s not to say that it isn’t a difficult thing for a parent to witness and cope with. Nobody wants to think that their child is panicking and upset when they are being left with someone different or somewhere new. At what age does separation anxiety affect children? Separation anxiety often starts at around the age of eight months and usually improves around the one year mark when children are starting to toddle around more actively and
Telephone: 01628 627 586
have lots on their mind to keep them distracted and entertained. However, the anxiety sometimes returns at around the age of two, when children become more aware of their own independence, the world around them and their feelings. How to cope with separation anxiety A baby who has separation anxiety needs to be constantly and convincingly reassured that your absence does not mean you have gone forever. The only way to prove this is to leave her and come back again. There is one school of thought that playing the age-old game of peek-a-boo developed from a need to prove to babies that mum can disappear…and come back again. One thing is for sure; parents can’t give up their plans or skip going to work because of their child’s tears. Separation is something children have to learn to cope with. It’s all part of their emotional journey. There are some practical things you can do to help if your child is showing signs of separation anxiety: • Your baby may be comforted by a soft toy or blanket which they associate with you • Try to time your leaving spells when your baby is awake and alert. If she is tired, hungry
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or grouchy then her tears could get out of hand • Practice leaving your child for short spells (15 minutes at a time to start with) with a friend or relative • Try to leave your baby with only a small number of regular people and keep her surroundings as familiar as possible • If you know in advance which child minder you will be using, invite her over a couple of times to meet your baby with you around or if your baby will be going to a nursery, pay a few short visits there with her before she starts there • Have a 'bye bye' routine so saying or waving bye bye to you is a fun thing • Never sneak away when she is not looking • Always reassure her you will be returning • If she is old enough to understand explain you will return “after her nap” or “after her teatime”. Give her a time frame to recognise. BUT only if you are sure you can stick to it! • When you’ve said goodbye, GO. Don’t nip back or lurk around watching her unless you are absolutely certain you won’t be spotted. Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information.Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk
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Mums Who Mean Business Former city trader, Sam Williams, followed her dream of owning a sport and fitness company, by opening Rush UK Trampoline Parks in High Wycombe.
Be prepared for an emergency
Don’t wait
for one to happen
FAMILY FIRST AID COURSE DATES 2016 Marlow: 18 March, 26 April Windsor: 23 March, Maidenhead: 20 April Come & learn new skills.This short course will provide information on how to deal with:• Coping with an emergency • Dealing with an unconscious casualty • Baby/Child/Adult Resuscitation • Choking • Head Injuries • Seizures & Febrile Convulsions • Child Related Conditions (Fever Management, Croup, Anaphylaxis, Respiratory Illness) • Bleeding • Burns And anything you wish to ask …… On completion of this course you will receive a Certificate of attendance, ‘Paediatric First Aid Made Easy’ manual and a laminated wall chart. £35 per head with £5 discount when quoting Families Magazine
T: 07788720612 E: contact@childmatters.info • www.child-matters.co.uk
Eva Winter Osteopath BSc (Hons), DPO • Providing safe and effective hands-on treatment for adults, children and babies • Vitality Osteopaths, 1st Floor 36 West Street, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2NB
For more information T: 01494 482028 M: 07776 448700 E: evaosteopathy@gmail.com W: evawinter.co.uk Registered with the General Osteopathic Council, British Osteopathic Association and Alumni for Paediatric Osteopathy
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FAMILIES Thames Valley East
What inspired you to set up the business? Rush is the culmination of a tenyear ambition to start my own business. I was considering how to incorporate my passions fitness, families and fun into my business idea. Two years ago whilst living in Paris, I stumbled across the concept of an indoor trampoline park whilst watching American TV and from that moment an idea was born. Rush UK’s first Trampoline Park has recently opened in High Wycombe and is going from strength to strength. What did you use to do? I graduated from Oxford University and spent nine years working in the City as a derivatives trader and marketer. After my career in the city, I had a break to have my children, during which I was looking for a business idea. I had always wanted to start my own business and as a qualified personal trainer I wanted to use my interest in sport and fitness in a career that would fit around my family. What are your plans for the future? Trampolining is truly an activity that the whole family can enjoy and I want to make Rush the best experience of its kind in the UK. I plan to open further Rush Trampoline Parks in other areas within the next few years. Do you have some health and fitness tips? My best advice is to make exercise part of your daily routine and find something that you enjoy. If exercise is fun and not a chore you are more likely to do it. What's your best advice for working mums? Separate your work from your personal life so they don't overlap. It helps to try not to allow yourself to get bogged down with work and be prepared to be flexible and juggle. Most importantly, don't miss out on doing the things that are important to your children, as you'll never get that time back. RushUK.com
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E-mail: editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk
Denham mum Sophia Douglas runs Little Treasures, a mobile crèche service in the Bucks, Berks and London area. She uses her knowledge and expertise as a childminder to provide childcare support during weddings, events and parties. What inspired you to set up the business? It actually happened by accident! As a fully qualified childminder, when a friend of a friend asked me to come and help look after some young children attending her wedding, so their parents could enjoy the wedding speeches, I was happy to help. Afterwards I had several requests for my business card from people who were going to attend other events and need a similar service - and Little Treasures was born! We specialise in providing crèches at weddings and family events and it has been a pleasure to have been part of so many people’s special days, especially as we are helping that day to run smoothly and enabling parents and hosts to relax, whilst the children are in good hands and fully occupied. What do you enjoy about running your business? The best part about running Little Treasures is that I can be there for my own children. Having my own business gives me flexibility and being able to work around the needs of my family is a bonus. What your best advice for working mums? I think it’s always worth keeping an eye on your work and home balance. My business certainly keeps me busy with weddings, corporate events and party bookings but I always try to make sure I enjoy every minute of my children as they grow up so quickly. What are you plans for the future? My long-term goal for Little Treasures is to expand the areas we cover and eventually franchise the business. We can also expand into different types of events, conferences and parties - any event where parents can attend with their children. www.littletreasurescreche.co.uk Telephone: 01628 627 586
Her healthcare experience, along with her love of babies and young children, led Melanie Valecha to set up her current business, Big Steps Little Feet. Who you are and where do you live? My name is Melanie Valecha. I am a Pregnancy and Baby Specialist living in Old Windsor with my husband, 5 children ages 7-22 years and my 2 dogs, Nelly and Noodle! Why you set up the business? As a mother of 4 children aged 7–17 years, I am very aware of the busy life of parents and the very real pressures of being a parent. My career as a Pregnancy and Baby Specialist is embedded in the fact that I love working with babies and young families. I have always worked within the healthcare world, but in April 2014 I decided to change career direction, to really specialise on working with new mums and families during pregnancy and throughout a child’s first years. What did you use to do? I have had a career in the NHS in many different nursing roles over the past 20 years. I worked as a senior nurse and in Health Visiting in Berkshire for the last 11 years. My last post was working as a Family Nurse working intensively with teenage parents from early pregnancy through to toddlerhood – a really special time in my career. What inspired you to set up the business? Big Steps Little Feet has been born out of my desire to work independently and share the knowledge and skills I have acquired through my extensive studies and experiences as a parent. I feel strongly that parents, carers and families deserve a holistic, supportive and nurturing service.
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The world of parenthood can be fast paced and confusing. Birth experiences and those early days with a new baby are magical and scary at the same time and new parents can often feel isolated and unsure. As a Pregnancy and Newborn Baby Specialist, Active Birth Teacher and Holistic Therapist I can help support parents through this exciting time. What are your plans for the future? We have some really exciting growth plans this year. I will continue to focus on my Antenatal Active Birth workshops and 1:1 support. I have just launched baby weigh-in clinics every Tuesday in Doodles Den (based in Windsor Library). I am also launching a series of antenatal and postnatal workshops focusing on a variety of topics including weaning, sleeping challenges plus much more. bigstepslittlefeet.co.uk; 07841657141.
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bit.ly/candle-making-party Or call us on: 01628 947224
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