Families Thames Valley East March/April 2018 Issue 95

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Thames Valley East IN THIS ISSUE

Under 5’s Special Plus

Easter Fun RECRUITING NOW

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

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Issue 95 March/April 2018

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We provide the Showbiz, you decide the rest!

For more information / bookings go to:

www.redroofs.co.uk/Kids-on-Broadway-2018 or call 01628 674092

2 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

In this issue...

3-5 News & Information 6 Clubs & Classes News

EDUCATION

7 Education News 8 Are we Over-Testing Our Children? 10 Life with a Child with Special Educational Needs 13 Schools’ Open Days Update

UNDER 5s SPECIAL

14 Finding the Right Childcare Provider 15 Could Shared Parental Leave Work for You? 16 Focus on Early Years

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

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

With the Easter holidays just around the corner, this issue we have lots of ideas for how to keep the kids entertained over the break. If it’s clubs and classes you’re after take a look at pp.20-21, or ideas for family days out are featured on pp.17-19. We’re also focussing on the under fives this issue, so if you’re wondering about how to find the right childcare or your options for sharing parental leave, it’s worth taking a look at pp.14-16. Plus we talk to the owners of The Little Gym in Windsor about what inspired them to set up the business! Happy holidays and do let us know if anyone has managed to find a white creme egg - we’ve been trying!

EASTER  HOLIDAY FUN

17-19 Spring Days Out 19 Easter Treats - Hot Cross Scones 20-21 Easter Camps & Activities

22-26 WHAT’S ON

27 COMPETITIONS

PARENTING

28 A Lighter Look at Parenting 29 How Many is too Many?

30-31 SHE MEANS BUSINESS

www.familiesonline.co.uk E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk editors: Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey circulation: 19,500 next issue: May/June 2018 due out: May 2, featuring: Holiday activities and Camps

T: 01628 788058 copy/advertising deadline: March 23 Cover image: depositphotos.com

twitter.com/familiestve • facebook.com/FamiliesTVE

St. Mary’s unveils new-look building in the centre of Maidenhead A church at the heart of Maidenhead has just completed a huge £2m renovation programme. Now St. Mary’s, just off the High Street, can hold more events for the community, thanks to the light and flexible space which has been created. The pews have been removed to make way for chairs, the heating has had a much-needed upgrade, the floor has been replaced, a new audio/visual system ensures quality sound for services and an impressive new glass entrance allows people to mingle before or after events.

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

The improvements have also made the church fully accessible for wheelchair users. To mark the re-opening of the building, the church held a week long art exhibition by Paul Hobbs (as above). The vicar Will Stileman said “We hope to run a lot more events like this as well as carrying on with our busy programme of activities for all ages during the week.” St. Mary’s also run toddler groups on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. www.stmarysmaidenhead.org

Find out more today: ASCOT 01344 206466 stagecoach.co.uk/ascot BRACKNELL 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknell BRACKNELL NORTH (Warfield) 0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth

HENLEY AND MARLOW 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead WINDSOR 0845 293 7207 stagecoach.co.uk/windsor

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Creative Courage For Life

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Families Thames Valley East • 3

News & Info Summer in the Alps

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs. With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet ‘Au Coin du Feu’ plus two chalets next

door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups (or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace) Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home! For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

Upcoming Events

Flavours of India with chef Abul Monsur producing authentic Bengali dishes for you to enjoy on 19 March Holder of 2 Michelin stars at Bibendum, London, Chef Claude Bosi will be cooking on 17th April

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Local Business Woman wins Networker of the Year Amanda Ayres, the founder of The Business Girls Network in Maidenhead has won Networker of the Year at the Thames Valley Business and Community Awards on the 31st of January. The awards are in their fifth year and recognise businesses, charities, and individuals that have given an outstanding contribution in the region. Amanda says, “I am delighted to have won this award. It is thanks to the fabulous offline and online community for female business owners that I run, The Business Girls Network.

We run monthly events in Maidenhead and are also launching more events across the country. We already have locations in Wales and Newbury. I like to think we inspire and support each other every day.” The Business Girls Network is also hosting its second INSPIRE Conference & Awards on Thursday 8 March on International Women’s Day. For more information about the Business Girls Awards go to www.thebusinessgirlsnetwork.c om/inspireconference

All Stars Cricket programme to restart in May The programme has had an incredible first year with over 1,500 centres delivering to over 37,000 kids. 85% of parents want their child to return in 2018 and bring a friend!

programme (1 x hour session per week for 8 weeks) and the pack; including a bat, ball, rucksack, cap and t shirt (personalised with their name).

All Stars Cricket provides boys and girls from 5 to 8 years old with an opportunity to become a star. The national curriculum of fun, cricket activities and games provides children with the basic movement skills to begin a lifelong love of physical activity.

Game based activities teach basic cricket skills like catching, throwing, hitting a moving ball and social skills like team work and communication. Held at accredited cricket clubs these courses are a perfect way for children to learn about cricket and make friends in a safe, and fun environment.

The programme has a RRP of £40, although this can vary across the country. The cost includes the 8 week All Stars Cricket

For more information or to register for a summer of #BigMoments please visit allstarscricket.co.uk

Waltham Road, White Waltham, Berks, SL6 3SH e reservations@thebeehivewhitewaltham.com

T: 01628 822877 @thebeehivetweet

TheBeehive, White Waltham

Creating quality time for all the family

At Summerlea we understand how important your little ones are and how precious your home is. We understand why you cannot start your day until you know they are in safe hands.

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Nannies • Live in Staff • Housekeepers • Seasonal Childcare First Aid Courses • Payroll and Pensions • Enhanced DBS checks

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

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News & Info The Beehive makes it into the Estrella Damm top 50 Gastropubs list 2018 Congratulations to The Beehive, the picturesque pub in White Waltham that focuses on delicious seasonal cooking, for making it on to this prestigious UK-wide list. The list is compiled using hundreds of votes from food critics, writers and chefs and contains many Michelin stars. The pub has also just announced it’s 2018 popular event schedule, kicking off with Mother’s Day on 11th March and Fabulous Flavours of India with chef Abul Monsur on 19th March. Easter Sunday on 1st April will be offering a sumptuous selection of seasonal offerings and on 17th April, the owner of two Michelin stars, chef Claude Bosi will be cooking. Jude Kereama will be at The Beehive on 16th May. Jude features on BBC Two’s Great British Menu. Dom Chapman, Chef and owner of The Beehive says “Jude always brings a huge smile to the Beehive - we love his visits and cooking!” Take advantage of the pub’s weekday lunch offer: 2 courses for £19.95 or 3 for £24.95. To book phone 01628 822877 or email reservations@thebeehivewhitewaltham.com www.thebeehivewhitewaltham.com

Calling under 18’s to design a new logo for the Boulter’s to Bray Swim Trust This Maidenhead-based charity raises money for local physical recreation projects. They have provided sports equipment to local schools, dance classes to disadvantaged children and sports sessions to help people with mental health problems. They also organise the 100-year-old Boulter’s to Bray Swim which takes place on Saturday 7 July. Although the event is a race and attracts some high-level swimmers, it is a fantastic event for first-time open water swimmers and has a very strong community ethos. The charity is inviting people (under 18) to design a new logo. They would like the logo to be clear, simple and bold, and capture the spirit of the annual swim and the fact that it is in Maidenhead. The winner will be invited to unveil their design at the Swim on the 7 July as part of the swim’s prize giving ceremony. The winning design will then become the Trust’s logo. Application forms will be available from Monday 12 February 2018 at www.boulterstobrayswim.org Over 15’s can also enter the swim here.

#MakeforMum this Mother’s Day in aid of local bereavement charity With Mother’s Day just around the corner, national charity, Child Bereavement UK is encouraging members of the public to help raise funds and awareness by taking part in their new initiative, #MakeforMum. Mother’s Day can be a particularly difficult time for families when someone important has died. By hosting your own #MakeforMum fundraising event, you’ll be helping the charity which supports families when a child grieves or when a child dies, to continue its vital work across the UK. Visit www.childbereavementuk.org or for your FREE fundraising pack jammed with ideas of what you can #MakeForMum go to www.makeformum.org. Call the fundraising team on 01494 569048 or email fundraising@childbereavement.org Alternatively you can make a donation by texting MUMS02 £10 to 70070 (£10 can be replaced with any amount)

To Advertise here

call: 01628 788058

IAPS Preparatory Day School for Boys and Girls 3-11

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Families Thames Valley East • 5

New Environmental Centre opens in Windsor Great Park

Clubs & Classes News A A fun fun iintroduction to ballet for 2-4 year olds Register online at www.twinkletotsdance.com Classes in Sunningdale,Windsor, Warfield, Burnham and Bracknell RAD ballet grades from Age 5+ Why not try a themed birthday party for your son or daughter!

Mum Thrilled with Confidence Boost from Perform Drama With Perform drama classes well-established in Berkshire we spoke to Jessica Harrison to find out why she has been sending her children, Ellie (9) and George (6), to Perform since the age of 4. “Ellie is a natural performer” says Jessica, “so Perform was always going to work for her. George is a more reserved child who likes to play by himself. But, actually, George probably gets more out of Perform than Ellie! He has grown so much in confidence since attending.”

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.

To Advertise here call: 01628 788058

“Perform is not like a stage school. The children perform a show, but the focus is on fun games and exercises that teach them incredible life skills, like making eye contact, speaking out clearly and making conversation” reports Jessica. “Initially George mumbled a couple of words in the shows. Now he speaks out in a strong voice and smiles all the way through. This confidence has really improved his everyday interactions with family, school friends and teachers.” “These days, we spend so much time looking at our phones. Through Perform my children now understand the importance of engaging with others – and they don’t even know they’ve learned this!” To book a FREE TRIAL in Maidenhead ,Marlow, Windsor or Virginia Water, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, in collaboration with Windsor Great Park has announced a new environmental centre in the heart of the historic park which was established in January 2018. The centre will allow visitors to experience the wonderful wildlife and amazing natural heritage in this unique setting. It has a programme of workshops, activities and events for schools, families and young people. Family and young person’s events currently include Nature Tots, Teen Rangers, Foraging and Campfire Cookery, Planting for Wildlife, Young Explorers and Bird Ringing. Booking is essential. The centre is located within Windsor Great Park, accessed at Forest Gate off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot, SL4 2BY For enquiries and booking please contact berkshireeducation@bbowt.org.uk or go to www.bbowt.org.uk/discover-learn/windsorgreat-park-berks for more information

‘Kids On Broadway 2018' A World Class Performing Arts Holiday for children and their parents to New York, New York! For all Performing Arts enthusiasts ages 816+ and their parents, this is a holiday opportunity like no other, brought to you by Redroofs School for the Performing Arts alongside their Broadway contacts. The holiday includes watching two amazing musicals on Broadway, two workshops where all children will learn and perform repertoire from the Musicals in a Broadway Rehearsal Studio, Q&A sessions with Broadway Artistes, Last Night Cast Party and much more. There’s also time to share with your own family as you explore the wonders of 42nd Street, 5th Avenue and The Statue of Liberty to name but a few. Contact them for more information www.redroofs.co.uk/Kids-on-Broadway2018 or call 01628 674092

Playball now in Windsor - sporting fun for 2-9s Playball is a fun, structured way of engaging children in physical activity at a young age. Progress from simple sport introduction to mini sport classes running parallel with the school academic year. Each programme covers an extensive range of sport and movement related skills pitched at the correct age and developmental level. “We are extremely excited to offer this programme to the children of Windsor. A programme like Playball is more crucial than ever as children are growing up with far too many alternative options to being active. We hope to

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

help the community of Windsor change children's lives for the better!” says Franchise owner, Michael MacIntosh. Their action-packed lessons are limited to very small numbers to ensure maximum learning and are delivered by experienced, professional CRB-checked coaches who are well-trained in the programme. Children have gone on to apply the fundamental skills they have learnt in a variety of sports at school. Contact windsor@playballkids.com or on 07401064787, to book a FREE taster session for your child or Nursery/Pre-School. familiesonline.co.uk

Education News

Former Secretary Of State For Education Nicky Morgan Praises LVS Ascot’s Focus On Character Education MP and former Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan visited LVS Ascot in January, addressing parents on the importance of character education and praising the independent school for developments in this area. She said: “Character isn’t a one-size fits all concept, it is a combination of traits that sets people apart so they can achieve their dreams. I think LVS Ascot is probably much further along on this journey than other schools”. LVS Ascot recently introduced a set of ten Learning Values and Skills to develop junior pupils’ characters, of which Nicky was keen to impress the importance. She said employers are looking for candidates that they can train, but who arrive with key personal skills that will help them succeed in a career. Nicky said: “The LVS Ascot learning values including selfconfidence, risk taking and

New Head for Claires Court Junior Boys

resilience are great values that we all want to see developed in young people. The resilience, empathy and initiative traits will really set the pupils apart in making a success of life as those are the things employers want, and they help in terms of high academic attainment too”. You can find out more at LVS Ascot’s upcoming Junior school open mornings on March 17th, April 21st and May 9th. Book your visit at www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk or through the Registrar on 01344 882770.

Meadowbrook School Refines Its Personalised Primary Education For All Meadowbrook School has announced that it is to focus on its highly successful Primary school, with the closure of its Pre-Primary school. ‘’We have been looking at ways to further improve what we do and focussing on our main Primary site can only benefit the children. We will then expand our facilities with a new Sports Pavilion and dining hall.’’ said Serena Gunn, Director of Education at Meadowbrook. Meadowbrook is a well-respected Primary school known for its small class sizes and nurturing

Claires Court Junior Boys is set to welcome a new head in September. Mr Dean Richards. Dean, who has worked in a junior school environment for the past 14 years, said, “Education from the Early Years to Year 6 is a fantastic opportunity to develop a love and joy of learning. I am very excited and immensely proud to be offered the opportunity to develop my career and my own learning at Claires Court. The future of the School and the proposed development is all very exciting and I am very fortunate to be joining an excellent team. I cannot wait until September.” James Wilding, Academic Principal commented on the appointment, “Dean brings great additional experience of leadership at junior school level, with much experience of working within a larger whole school community, so is a great fit for Claires Court at this time of our development.” Meanwhile, plans have also been submitted for a new school campus on Cannon Lane. The proposal (which has met with some local opposition), will enable the school to consolidate its three sites across Maidenhead into a single campus providing high-quality education and sports facilities. Hugh Wilding, Principal at Claires Court said: “The new campus will also enable the school to further extend its connections with local community groups in Maidenhead and will allow for the provision of a number of means tested places for students in the local area.” www.clairescourt.com

environment, combining Montessori-based practice with a broad National curriculum. It is set within 6 acres and Meadowbrook is keen to welcome local pre-schools to enjoy this outdoor space. ‘’We would be very interested in building closer relationships with our community and plan to start Forest School workshops for local nurseries and schools to enjoy very soon’’ added Serena. To book a visit phone: 01344 890869 or email: admin@meadowbrook.uk

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Families Thames Valley East • 7

Education

Are We Over-Testing our Children? There is a feeling among many that the tests children are required to take at primary school in England are overly complex and a source of “unnecessary” pressure on children at too young an age. On the contrary, the Government says testing is an important part of ensuring that children master the basics of reading, writing and mathematics early on.

S

demonstrate how well your child can use the phonics skills they’ve learned up to the end of Year 1 and to identify children who need extra phonics help. The check consists of 20 real words and 20 pseudowords that a pupil reads aloud to the teacher. The assessment usually takes between four and nine minutes per child. Children should not realise that they are being formally assessed and the exercise should be perceived by the child to be part of their everyday phonics activities.

o what exactly are some of these tests that our children are taking?

The Reception Baseline Test It is proposed by the Government that reception pupils will face a “baseline assessment” when entering school from the year 2020. The test is intended to take place during the first six weeks of school and to provide a baseline measure to track your child’s progress during the primary school years. It probably won't be a formal "test,” rather an assessment done over a period of time. The Government has said that if the Reception baseline is introduced, then key stage 1 tests willt be scrapped.

The Year 2 Key Stage 1 SAT Key Stage 1 SAT take place at the end of Year 2 in May. They consist of six tests in total, four of which are compulsory for your school to administer and two of which were optional in 2017. You should check with your school as to whether it will be running the optional tests in 2018.

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Taken by all children in Year 1 in June, this test is meant to

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

The tests will be in your child's usual classroom, with their usual teacher. Children will be grouped in small groups or sometimes as a whole class and they will not be seated in an exam style arrangement so it’s quite possible your child will not even realise they are being tested. The tests are not strictly timed, as they are not intended to assess your child’s ability to work at speed but each usually lasts around 30 minutes. Although the tests are set externally, they are marked by teachers within the school. The tests are: Maths Test 1 Arithmetic (compulsory) consists of 25 questions involving calculations. Maths Test 2 Reasoning (compulsory) requires children to use maths to solve simple problems which are usually described with pictures. Reading Test 1 (compulsory) requires children to answer questions about written information of about 400 to 700 words long. Reading Test 2 (compulsory) requires children to answer questions about a more traditional comprehension exercise with a longer passage of text. Spelling Test (optional) consists of a 20 word spelling test involving the teacher reading 20 sentences which use the word in context. Grammar & Punctuation Test (optional) consists of a grammar, punctuation and vocabulary test, in two sections of around 10 minutes each involving a mixture of multiple choice and shortwritten answers.

The Year 6 Key Stage 2 SAT At the end of Year 6, children sit tests in reading, maths, spelling, punctuation and grammar. These tests are both set and marked externally and the results are used to measure the school’s performance via Ofsted reporting and published league tables. Reading Test requires your child to answer questions on passages of text. The test lasts one hour. Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Test consists of two parts: a grammar and punctuation paper requiring short answers, lasting 45 minutes, and an aural spelling test of 20 words, lasting around 15 minutes. Maths Test 1 Arithmetic takes 30 minutes and children have to give the correct answer to calculations, including long multiplication and division. Maths Tests 2 and 3 Reasoning requires children to answer questions in two separate tests designed to measure problem solving and reasoning skills with number, measures, geometry and statistics. Children have 40 minutes to complete each paper. Marking of Key Stage 1 and 2 SATs Children are given a score that is “scaled” across the whole country so the average score nationally is fixed at 100. This means if your child has a "scaled score" higher than 100 they are doing better than average and if it is below 100 it means they need more support. For KS1 SATs you won't receive your child's actual SATs scores unless you ask for them, but you will be told whether your child is working at the “expected standard”. For more information visit www.gov.uk and www.theschoolrun.com

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My

Open Mornings 27th April & 8th June

For girls from 3 – 11 years. Located at the top of Castle Hill, Maidenhead. Year 3 entry also available. Connect

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Families Thames Valley East • 9

Education

Life with a Child with Special Educational Needs Parents are often faced with additional challenges when they have a child with special needs. Claire Winter talks to a parent about life with a child who has SEN. Caroline is mum to seven-year-old Alfie, who has autism. She says life with autism is like being on a constant rollercoaster, as no two days are the same. “Some days we’re on a level, and then the following day we might be hurtling down an enormous drop! Alfie is autistic, which as a spectrum disorder, affects people in completely different ways. Alfie’s main challenges include social and communication issues, anxiety, dyspraxia (problems with coordination and motor-functions), sensory issues, emotional under-development and short-term memory problems. This means that even basic things, like asking him to put his shoes on or find his water bottle can be fraught with difficulties. Frankly, it’s exhausting at times! Some days are better than others. My measure is if we manage to get through the day without any major tantrums or without him hitting out at anyone, and he goes to sleep feeling loved and protected, then we’ve had a good day.” Caroline’s son is in a mainstream school, and she says that getting education and support for your child at school is a huge sticking point for many SEN parents. “The problem with the current mainstream school system is that it is a ‘one size fits all’

approach, but schooling a child with SEN is like trying to stick a square peg into a round hole. In our experience, because Alfie keeps up academically with his peers and appears to ‘cope’ in school, he only gets a basic level of support with things like social skills and confidence building. I think Alfie could thrive at school if he had access to further support and if the school could fund a helper to sit with him. He is a bright and intelligent boy, but because they don’t address his specific needs, he will only perform at a mediocre level. Alfie just gets on with it out of sheer determination and a huge amount of self-control, so he continually slips through the net. He is exhausted when he comes home from school from trying to ‘fit in,’ and that is when he is most likely to meltdown. Unfortunately, the school doesn’t get to see this behaviour. This is a major issue for many SEN parents, and a lot of us feel very let down by the system.” Caroline says Autism is often referred to as a ‘hidden’ disability, but it does depend on the child and their specific needs. “The nature of the condition being a spectrum disorder means that everyone

experiences it differently. People often don’t realise Alfie has a condition, and then if we explain, we get comments like “well, he doesn’t look autistic.” For some reason, people feel qualified to comment on your child’s condition after only meeting them for five minutes! I have to continually explain to people that because he is classed as ‘high-functioning,’ i.e. he keeps up with his peers academically and has average verbal skills, it doesn’t mean that his life is any easier. In fact, in some ways it’s harder, because society expects him to be a certain way because he doesn’t have the indicators of what people perceive to be ‘disabled,’ such as a wheelchair or a full-time carer. I am always happy to talk about Alfie and his condition as part of a positive conversation around disability.”

What should you do if you suspect your child may have SEN or additional needs? Caroline says if your child is school age, your first port of call should always be their school, particularly if they haven’t flagged anything up to you already. If your child is younger talk to your health visitor or doctor. “Be able to give clear examples of how the issue is affecting your child and their ability to learn or function in a classroom setting, and how it may be affecting them at home. Keep notes if necessary. Issues at school can often manifest themselves at home through bad behaviour, withdrawing, general grumpiness, and not wanting to talk about school. Obviously, it depends on the challenges involved and the individual child, but if you suspect the issue is related to mental health, then they ought to be seen by a GP who can refer them on to the relevant services, although access to this varies depending on area and hospital trust. “Last of all – don’t give up! If we all keep shouting about it, eventually we will get heard!”

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

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Tuesday 3rd-Thursday 5th April • ages 6-11 years GOLD BARRE - A BRAND NEW DANCE PROGRAMME Wednesday's 5.30-7pm Our brand new Gold Barre Dance Training will include jazz dance, barre and centre work, technical modern build up, core strength training, fitness and may include tap, contemporary and commercial. To find out more or to sign up for this incredible opportunity, please email emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk

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Families Thames Valley East • 11

Schools’ Open Days

update

School name: THE ABBEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL for girls aged 3 to 18 years Address: 17 Kendrick Road, Reading Dates: Friday 20 April Junior School open morning Friday 27 April Senior School open morning Times: Each session runs 9.15 to 11am How to book? via website www.theabbey.co.uk School name: CLAIRES COURT for girls and boys from 3 to 18 years Address: see website for the division you are visiting Dates: Tuesday 6 March, Thursday 26 April, Tuesday 12 June Times: 9.30am – 11.30am How to book? phone/email 01628 327710 registrar@clairescourt.com Website: www.clairescourt.com

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School name: GODSTOWE PREPARATORY SCHOOL and Nursery from 3 to 13 years Address: Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe HP13 6PR Dates: Saturday 12 May Times: 10am - 1pm How to book? phone/email 01494 529273 registrar@godstowe.org Website: www.godstowe.org

School name: HIGHFIELD SCHOOL Address: 2 West Road, Maidenhead SL6 1PD Dates: Friday 27 April, Friday 8 June although the school offers private tours all academic year Times: 9.30 to 11.30am How to book? phone: 01628 624918 email: office@highfieldprep.org Website: www.highfieldprep.org

School name: HEATHFIELD SCHOOL Address: London Road, Ascot, Berks SL5 8BQ Dates: Saturday 17 March and Saturday 12 May Times: 10am to 12 noon How to book? email: registrar@heathfieldschool.net Website: www.heathfieldschool.net

School name: LVS ASCOT JUNIOR SCHOOL Address: London Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8DR Dates: Saturday 17 March, Saturday 21 April, Wednesday 9 May Times: 9.30-12pm How to book? online: www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk, email: registrar@lvs.ascot.sch.uk, call: 01344 882770 Website: www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk

School name: HERRIES SCHOOL co-ed preparatory school and nursery 3-11 years. Address: Dean Lane, Cookham Dean Dates: Monday 26 March Times: 9.30 to 11.00am How to book? via website: www.herries.org.uk

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

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

Families Thames Valley East • 13

Under 5s Special

Finding the Right Childcare Provider Finding good quality childcare can be a difficult task for parents. Here is a step by step guide to the things to look out for and questions to ask when selecting the childcare provider that is right for your child. Make a List Draw up a shortlist of providers using information from your local Family Information Service which should be available from your local authority. Remember to check: • The hours that childcare can be provided • The hourly, daily, and/or weekly cost • If they have places available for your child • Whether they are offering the 30 hours of government funded childcare (if you are eligible). Visit Providers on your Shortlist It's a good idea to visit several settings and to ask questions in person. It might help to take a friend or your partner to give you a second opinion. Things to look for: • Trained and experienced staff, ready to learn and respond to your child's individual needs • Busy but relaxed children who seem happy and purposeful • Safe, clean, welcoming premises • Outside play space • Cultural sensitivity and responsiveness to children's home life • A staff team and group of children who reflect local ethnic and cultural groups • Fun activities planned each day – childcare providers all need to plan their days with children's interests and enthusiasms in mind • Planned exercise and quiet times to relax are important • A big welcome for you and your child What to ask: What is the ratio of staff to children? How many children do they care for? What qualifications and/or experience do the staff have? What are the daily routines and how can they incorporate my child's and other children's routines?

Do they operate a key worker scheme (whereby one member of staff has main responsibility for your child)? What are their policies on discipline and how do they manage children's behaviour? Do they provide meals, snacks, nappies, etc. or will you need to provide them?

What will your child enjoy? Here's a list of the things children said were most important when asked for their views: Friends - check that a stable group of children attend so your children can make and maintain friendships Food - check mealtimes are relaxed and fun and ask if children can help themselves to drinks and snacks Fun outside - check the outside area is well planned, spacious and safe as children love playing outside Discovery - make sure there is plenty of opportunity for children to learn new things with varied, carefully planned, structured things to do Feeling safe and loved - check that the staff are able to respond to individual children's

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needs, to comfort and encourage them and to keep them safe. Remember to also think about the things that matter to you and your child, and make sure you ask about them. Check the Quality Most childcare providers looking after children under the age of eight years usually have to be registered with Ofsted. You can check Ofsted's grade and report for the providers you are considering at www.ofsted.gov.uk Take up References Other parents' experiences of a childcare provider can be very useful. It is advisable to take up at least two references. Childcare providers should be happy to give you names of other parents to speak to about the service they provide. Book a Place Book your child's place and arrange details like hours, start date, and who is allowed to pick up your child. You may need to pay a retainer fee to keep the place open until your child starts. Settling In Your child may take some time to settle into any new childcare setting, so allow them time to adjust to their new surroundings, especially if this is their first time in childcare. Most settings will offer a ‘settling in period,' during which you have an agreed length of time to assess whether the setting is the right one for your child and that they are happy there. Funding Support Some two year olds and all three and four year olds in England can get 570 hours of ‘free’ childcare, the equivalent of 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year, but check whether there will be charges for ‘add ons’ such as materials and snacks. You might also be able to get an additional 15 hours of free childcare if you are in work and meet certain requirements. The Family and Childcare Trust provide a useful ‘Childcare Finder Tool’ and ‘Help with Childcare Costs Guide’ which can be found at www.familyandchildcaretrust.org

Childcare & Early Years Recruitment Specialists

call:

Nannies, Mothers helps, Housekeepers and Early years staff.

01628 788058

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. alice@tigerlilychildcare.co.uk 01628 785222 www.tigerlilychildcare.co.uk

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

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Under 5s Special

Could Shared Parental Leave Work for You? By Mandy Garner Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows parents to share time off work during the first year after their child is born, with dads and mums both taking some of the leave, whilst being paid at a statutory rate. When Craig Curran and Sarah Farquharson looked into sharing the time off after their baby was born they couldn’t believe their luck. They both worked for Virgin Money which offered enhanced shared parental pay for parents on SPL – meaning they would receive a higher level of pay than the statutory rate. Sarah also earned more than Craig so it made better financial sense for Craig to share the leave with her. Even better, the couple were able to take a month of leave together – Sarah took the first five months of leave alone, the couple shared the sixth month and Craig took the last two months. The result for Craig and Sarah has been a closer family relationship and a greater sharing of parental responsibilities - with neither parent’s career suffering as a result. Sarah was promoted just after she found out she was pregnant whilst Craig returned from his leave to a promotion. “If anyone asks me about it, I say just do it. You never get that time again” says Craig. “I would 100% do it again.” Both Craig and Sarah report that their managers and colleagues were very supportive of their leave plans. However, that is not always the case. In its annual survey Workingmums.co.uk found that only 37% of respondents said they would consider taking SPL. The majority would not. Some of the reasons given were the negative impact on household finances, fears that the dad’s career would suffer and a lack of knowledge about SPL. Some 43% of respondents said they wouldn’t take SPL because it would not make sense financially but

the majority of these said that even enhanced SPL pay wouldn’t make a difference to their decision. Clearly, the suggestion is that other non-financial factors are at play, such as the desire many women have to spend as much time as possible with their baby. 17% of mums said they didn’t want to share their leave. What SPL does is give parents greater choice over how they manage the care of their new born child and it can be an important building block in facilitating change in discriminatory working environments. However, take up remains very low nationally, possibly because the legislation is complex and dry. HR managers are recommending that the language is simplified and that managers are given tools they need to implement SPL, as well as being able to give concrete case studies which show the many different ways in which SPL can be taken: in one chunk or in separate blocks over a period of time; overlapping with the mother for all or part of the leave and so forth. Being able to read about other parents’ experiences brings the whole process to life. One of the benefits of SPL is that dads who have taken it feel much more confident about being in sole charge of their children. They also have a greater sense of empathy about what looking after a baby involves, and there can also be a positive impact on mental wellbeing. One dad who took SPL is John Birrell from the law

firm Berwin Leighton Paisner. His wife went through a traumatic emergency C-section followed by hospitalisation for an infection. Having her husband to share the months after the birth meant she was not left on her own to recover from major surgery while doing the physically exhausting work of looking after a young child. “Mental health is too often ignored and post-natal depression must be one of the most common forms,” says John. Workingmums.co.uk collaborated recently with dadswebsite www.daddilife.com on a series of videos highlighting the need for parents to have open conversations around Shared Parental Leave. One couple who took part are Eulalia Pereira and Martin Stopher from London. Eulalia said: “As a mother there is a sense you should be doing everything. I know (as a result of taking SPL) that Martin, on a day to day basis is there, that he is involved with the kids. I could not have hoped for more.” Mandy Garner is editor of www.workingmums.co.uk, a platform dedicated to finding flexible, challenging work for mums. To view videos in which three couples discuss their choice to take Shared Parental Leave, take a look at the Workingmums.co.uk Youtube Channel.

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! Accepts 30 hours funding to find out more about our excellent 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 • 15

Focus on Early Years Little Red Hen Day Nursery has grown to become a thriving, popular setting with an excellent reputation in the community. Beverley Holt, nursery owner and mother of 2; was the proud recipient of the Entrepreneur of the year award in the 2017 Windsor and Maidenhead business accolades, in recognition of the childcare business she has built up over the past 15 years. They offer parents flexible hours in their baby and toddler rooms, but sessions are fixed hours for 3 & 4 year olds in receipt of 15-30 hours government funding, which provides free care and education per week for all eligible 3-5 year olds*. All rooms follow the EYFS to provide a stimulating curriculum and wealth of activities for children to participate in. Meals are provided by a specialist catering company who deliver freshly cooked, wholesome food that meets varied dietary needs or parental preferences; and they offer weekly musical, rugby or drama classes, provided by DBS checked and approved certified practitioners. For more information visit www.littleredhendn.co.uk call 07948 073118 or email Enquiries@littleredhendn.co.uk * limited places available for 30 hours & term time only & additional charges may apply

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

Children of The World Montessori School focus on education and play within a caring and happy environment from 6 months to 5 years. A well resourced school with a large astroturf garden and tarmac area for bikes and cars. The children select appropriate activities for themselves, which develops their independence, confidence and self-discipline. This freedom of choice enables them to learn quickly through self-motivation. The children also work one-toone with their key worker learning the Montessori materials including their phonic sounds, reading, writing

and maths work. Babies and toddlers are introduced to the Montessori classroom and parents learn about Montessori in the home and Positive Discipline at the Baby, Toddler and Parent Class from 6 months to 18 months and Toddler class from 18 months to 2.6 years. The children then move into the main school from 2.6 years to 5 years. Cheryl Clay and Alexis Hall are both Montessori teachers who own, manage and teach within the school along with other Montessori teachers and Teaching Assistants. Call: 01753 833771 Email: mail@cotwmontessori.co.uk Web: www.cotwmontessori.co.uk

Dair House School You and your child can try a Stay and Play session at Dair House School Nursery in Farnham Royal on 20 March 1.30 - 2.30pm to see if it’s the right environment for your pre-schooler. The nursery takes on children at the beginning of the term in which they are turning three years old. It has a caring family atmosphere, in which the children are taught to behave with kindness and respect. Children access the Early Years curriculum, including reading, number work and writing

through adult initiated tasks interspersed with creative play. Nursery children are very much part of the life at Dair House School and attend assemblies and school performances and have access to the school hall, library and dining room. The children in the Nursery enjoy a purpose built classroom with integrated toilets and interactive whiteboard.

KiddyKare has been offering Nurseries and Families childcare staff cover for the past ten years! Director Jen Wilson a trained NNEB Nursery Nurse says ‘ it is very rewarding supporting childcare professionals in sourcing new roles and helping nurseries find solutions to their staffing needs. We offer our registered staff, clients and families our personal experiences and advice straight from our friendly dedicated team’. KiddyKare offer permanent Nanny

positions, as well as both temporary and permanent cover in Nursery, Pre-School or After School Clubs. They follow the Ofsted Safer Recruitment procedure and provide guidance and support in your childcare career.

To book the Stay and Play session contact admissions@dairhouse.co.uk or call 01753 643964.

For KiddyKare Staff Solutions call: 01628 675828 or email: team@kiddykare.co.uk For KiddyKare Nannies call: 07471129977 or email: nannies@kiddykare.co.uk www.KiddyKare.co.uk

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Spring Days Out

Easter Holiday Fun

With the Easter holidays just around the corner we’ve put together our pick of the best ways to keep the children entertained in and around the local area. There’s plenty on offer to get the whole family outside (hopefully) making the most of the warmer weather and ideas for rainy days too!

Jump In! Family Arts Festival at Norden Farm The Jump In! Family Arts Festival is the annual Easter holiday celebration at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead. The festival runs across the full two weeks of the holiday and is packed with family friendly shows and films. Plus, daily craft and storytelling sessions, immersive art and dance activity clubs. Highlights include A Tiger’s Tale,

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the unbelievable true story of a family of acrobats and their tiger, and marvellous magic in Morgan & West: More Magic for Kids! as well as the return of our Family Ceilidh! Plus Peter and the Wolf, performed by Chamberhouse Winds; get creative with Nick Sharatt’s Big Draw Along; and then let loose on the dancefloor with Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall On Friday 30 March, get involved in a full day crammed with low cost

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

Give it a Go! workshops. Try something different, from circus skills to chocolate making, stage combat to samba drumming. All workshops are £4 per person. Booking essential. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Box Office / 01628 788997 www.nordenfarm.org

Families Thames Valley East • 17

Spring Days Out Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park Daily 30th March – 15th April 2018, join the Easter EggsScavenger Hunt, which will take you throughout the Farm Park, allow you to see fun daily shows with the Oddsocks Family and get creative by making Spring-themed arts and crafts, plus enjoy fun games. Combined with the fun of the giant indoor playbarn, awardwinning Marmalade’s Tearoom, acres of outdoor play and plenty of animals to meet, including lots of adorable baby lambs and cheeky kid goats, you won’t want to miss it! Also, look out for the opening of their NEW water play attraction coming soon! Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For more information, including opening times and prices visitors should call 01628 520188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk

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

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at the National Trust’s Cliveden The Easter holidays offer the perfect time to head outdoors and explore nature at the National Trust’s Cliveden near Maidenhead. Popular with families, features such as the storybook play area and giant Cliveden maze have been designed especially with little ones in mind. In early April thousands of colourful blooms fill the six-acre Parterre whilst daffodils create a golden carpet on Stable Bank and blossom and magnolia blooms decorate the Water Garden. From 30 March to 15 April join the annual Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt through Cliveden’s colourful spring-filled gardens on a fun family exploration. There will be nature-themed activities to complete along the way with

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Explore the Outdoors children needing to keep a look out for hidden clues, before enjoying a delicious Cadbury chocolate prize at the end. The hunt is open from 10am until 3.30pm and costs £3 per child. Normal admission charges to Cliveden apply, but no advanced booking is needed. As the hunt is available for two weeks, you can avoid the queues on Easter weekend and come later on in the school holidays. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden or call 01628 605 069. Bounce away all that chocolate egg energy at Jump In Slough Refurbished at the beginning of the year, the park now has new bouncier trampolines, a slide area with a new 6.4m drop slide included, a new toddler soft play area which is enclosed so you can keep track of those little ones and great new cafe and relaxation area. The whole family can get involved and feeling fit or adults can simply relax with a coffee and the free wifi, while the kids have great fun. A great activity to fit into your Easter holiday plan! www.gojumpin.com Easter Holiday Fun at Wisley Join the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt from Saturday 24 March to Sunday 15 April Hop through the garden on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny and follow the clues that lead you to a delicious treat! Bring your family along

for a full day of Easter fun every day and join in with arts and craft sessions. A big day out with Peter Rabbit™ at Kew Gardens From Friday 30 March to Sunday 15 April join Peter Rabbit and all his furry friends on a botanical bunny adventure at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. An exciting activity-packed day out with games, crafts and storytelling inspired by Beatrix Potter’s iconic tales. Admission to the festival is included in the general entrance ticket to the Gardens (Adult - £17.00, child £5.00). Horrible Histories: More Best of Barmy Britain This brand new compilation show has never toured before and includes a special new scene featuring wordy Will Shakespeare! Find out why the Romans were revolting! Could you survive the vicious Vikings? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Would you party with the Puritans? Clap along with crazy King Charles! Vomit with the vile Victorians and prepare to do battle in the frightful First World War! Magnet Leisure Centre’s Pearce Suite Theatre on 30 and 31 March 2pm and 7pm. For tickets call or email jonny.walker@legacyleisure.org.uk 07708007876 Don’t forget to turn to our What’s On pages 22-26 for other Easter events too!

Blow away the cobwebs and run off those Easter eggs. Maybe even pack a picnic, there’s no shortage of picturesque spots in the area. Here are just a few of our favourites: Higginson park in Marlow boasts a great playground with a coffee shop. It’s close to the river, perfect for a walk to feed the ducks and you might even fit in time for a spot of shopping in the high street too. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake at either Herschel Park in Slough or Black Park in Wexham and keep an eye out for family friendly events taking place at the latter. Langley Park in Iver has plenty of open space, perfect for post lunch ball games, whilst the nature reserve at Denham Country Park provides an abundance of wildlife and there are often events such as river dipping taking place during the holidays. Wander through the woods in Burnham Beeches or Ray Mill Island at Boulters lock in Maidenhead, has an aviary and guinea pig enclosure and little ones might also enjoy watching the boats through the lock. Cycle round Dorney Lake or Dinton Pastures and lose track of time in Dinton’s huge adventure playground. With 4,800 acres of parkland, there’s so much scope for outdoor play in Windsor Great Park. Spot the deer wandering through the deer park, visit Savill garden, walk the Long Walk to the Copper Horse, or just pack a football and make your own fun!

Hot Cross Scones Recipe... Ingredients: for 8 scones • 300g self raising flour plus extra for dusting • 75g butter, cold and diced • Pinch of salt • 50g light muscovado sugar • 75g mixed currants, sultanas and raisins 35g • mixed peel • ½ tsp ground mixed spice 2 large eggs • 3 tbsp buttermilk plus a little milk for glazing Ingredients: for the crosses: • 50g plain flour • a little water caster sugar for dusting You will need … Weighing scales medium bowl, sieve, measuring jug, fork, table knife, rolling pin, flour, dredger, baking paper, baking tray, palette knife, piping bag, timer and an adult.

and add 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk, beat with a fork and pour into the breadcrumb mix. Stir it into a soft dough with a table knife, adding the extra buttermilk if if’s too dry. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. 4. Sprinkle a little flour onto your hands and split the dough into 8 equal sized pieces. Gently roll each piece into a ball, flatten the top and bottom a little, making sure they are around 3cm thick and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper. 5. To make the crosses mix the flour with 1-2 tablespoons of water and stir until it becomes a thick paste, roll it out and cut into strips or make it a little thinner and pipe it onto the top of the scones in a ‘cross’ shape. Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk.

2. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it looks like breadcrumbs

6. Ask an adult to bake the scones for 10-15 minutes. (AGA: roasting oven, shelf on middle set of runners and cook for 8-10 minutes). The scones should have risen and be a light golden brown colour. When they are cooked, ask an adult to remove the baking tray from the oven and using a palette knife transfer the scones onto a cooling rack.

3. Stir in the salt, muscovado sugar, mixed fruit, peel and mixed spice. Crack the eggs into a jug

7. Serve warm with butter and jam.

How to make Hot Cross Scones…WASH YOUR HANDS 1. Ask an adult to preheat the oven to 220oC/gas 7/AGA roasting oven.

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BEVERLEY GLOCK COOKERY SCHOOL Cooking Classes Workshops Parties For children Real Cooking Classes for adults

01844 275692 www.beverleyglock.com

Families Thames Valley East • 19

Easter Camps & Activities

Signing up for a club or class can be a great way to learn a new skill and keep the kids entertained over the two week holiday. Whether they’re creative, sporty or a thespian in the making, these clubs and classes offer something for everyone. Don’t forget to say you saw it in Families when you ring!

ARTSPIRATION is offering a 4 day Holiday Workshop over the Easter break in Maidenhead, Reading and Guildford. Children (Ages 6-12 years) will enjoy working with an array of art materials including mosaics, print making, mod roc, plaster casting, pencil shading, charcoal, soft pastels, etc. The children will learn about the Artist Claude Monet and his works, whilst creating their own unique works, and exploring and developing their own artistic talents. The workshops are a great way to learn new techniques, explore new art mediums, make friends and build creative confidence under the guidance of practising Artists! www.artspiration.co.uk 07930859567 artspirationinfo@gmail.com AMANDA’S EASTER ART CLASSES www.amandasart.co.uk for small groups of children aged 6–13. Amanda will be running two hour Easter Art Classes in Ascot. Call 0796 882 4560 or 01344 885086 or email a.kavanagh@amandasart.co.uk for further details

BEVERLEY GLOCK COOKERY SCHOOL Become a star baker or champion chef with Beverley Glock at Berkhamsted Basecamp. Workshops run 9.30am-4.30pm for 7-14yrs: Purely puddings is on 11 April, make treacle tart, sticky toffee pudding, fruit cobbler & crème Anglais. Italian cookery is on 6 April, make various pastas, sauce, pizza, breadsticks & biscotti. Both courses cost £70 each. For Further booking information call 01844 275692 or visit www.beverleyglock.com 'The Conscious Childcare option'! Ofsted Approved, BUSY BUTTONS CREATIVE CAMP offers your children an opportunity to be submerged in 2D & 3D arts, sewing, theatre arts, model making, filmmaking, sports, cooking, games, team challenges, nutrition, educational trips and more. Children work on the making of the animation film 'The Wind in The Willows' guided by industry professionals, actively engaging your 3 - 14 year olds in a fun and educational programme. Busy

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

Buttons Creative Studio offers the best in creative education in a safe environment where children can have fun, learn, meet old and make new friends. One of their parents shares her opinion: “Our son has been attending Busy Button’s since he was three years old. He thoroughly enjoys his time at the holiday camps. It is more than just arts, crafts and play, His motor skills are improving with the activities he does here, he is able to complete an activity now. He has been taught badminton, tennis and football skills but also instilled within that is the respect for taking turns, caring for others and patience. The arts, craft and cooking activities are imaginative and interesting. It is a wonderful, safe and happy environment for you to leave your children in and I would not hesitate to recommend. Thank you both for your support, patience and helping our son, he loves holiday club!” Venue: Upton House School Dates: 26 March - 13 April 2018 Times: Reception - 14 years: 8:30am - 4pm, Extn. Hours: from 8am - 6pm. Early Years: 8:30am 12:30pm Offers: RBWM AdvantageCard Discount, Sibling Discount, Busy Buttons Membership Card. www.busybuttons.org 07952 418212 COURT GARDEN LEISURE COMPLEX are running swimming crash courses for those who want to give their little ones an extra boost in their swimming. Running from Tuesday 3rd April – Friday 6th April and Monday 9th April – Friday 13th April. For more information or to book please contact Reception on 01494688100 HANDS-ON ART ADVENTURES in Old Windsor: Art & Clay workshops; Potters Wheel experiences; Story Ceramics; Pop-in & Paint, DecoPatch or Foam Clay onto ceramics. Free Parking! For more details go to www.hands-onartadventures.co.uk or call Janet on 01753 206265 THE ADVENTURE LEARNING CHARITY Longridge Activity Centre is running School Holiday Activity days at their riverside site on Quarry Wood Road, Marlow during the Easter holidays. The activity day starts at 8:45am and finishes at 5pm, with a sandwich lunch provided for only £40. Call 0330 303 0101 or book online www.alfvillages.org.uk JUMP IN! and get involved at NORDEN FARM CENTRE FOR THE ARTS this Easter. The holiday is packed with family friendly shows and films. Plus, daily craft and storytelling sessions and art, drama and dance activity clubs. On Friday 30 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, stage combat to samba drumming. All workshops are £4 per person. Booking essential. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Box Office / 01628 788997 / www.nordenfarm.org THE LITTLE GYM WINDSOR runs Easter Holiday Camps from Tuesday 3rd until Friday 6th April. Their fun-filled gymnastics camps have special themes so each one is an adventure all of its own. Vaulting Volcanoes, Caribbean Cartwheels, Hawaiian Handstands, Super Heroes, Secret Agents and more! Don't worry if you have children of different ages – sessions cater to children from 3 years to 12 years. Camps run as

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Easter Camps & Activities morning and afternoon sessions: 9.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Book now as camps at The Little Gyms across the UK tend to fill up fast! Call on 01753 968 488 or email windsor@thelittlegym.eu PHOENIX GYMNASTICS CLUB is running EASTER GYM! 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 a range of classes and clinics with fully qualified British Gymnastic coaches. Children will have the opportunity to try Olympic gymnastic apparatus. Price: £10-25 per session. Look out for PlayGym Plus too - an hour's gym play for 4-9 year olds. www.phoenixgym.co.uk PLAYBALL CAMPS IN WINDSOR Are you are looking for something active for your kids to do during the Easter school holidays? Why not consider Playball? Sports holiday camps, full of fun-filled games, skills and drills! The camps cater for a mixture of ages from 3-8 and encourage social interaction and non-stop fun! Camps start at 10:00 and run through to 13:00. Contact windsor@playballkids.com to find out more details or have look at their website: www.playballkids.com REDROOFS THEATRE SCHOOL - ALL ABOUT PADDINGTON Tuesday 3rd Thursday 5th April for ages 6-11 years. 10am-3pm daily. A pawfect opportunity for your bears to get their paws stuck into some real acting. Join Paddington in a play

about his adventures, with Jonathan and Judy and the rest of his friends from Windsor Gardens. With a lighthearted play script and additional songs, every child will enjoy putting on a play about the funniest bear from darkest Peru - don't forget your marmalade sandwiches! REDROOFS SCHOOL FOR STARS EXPERIENCE Monday 9th-Thursday 12th April for ages 7-14+ years. 10am-4pm daily. A Musical Theatre Opportunity for young artistes of all abilities at the Redroofs School for Stars. Learn repertoire from Anastasia, La La Land, School of Rock, The Greatest Showman and more and the chance to sit on the Casting Panel for our X Factor Competition. Dance Classes, Acting Workshops and an incredible showcase opportunity at the end of the week make this a 5 star quality opportunity not to be missed! EASY ONLINE BOOKING www.redroofs.co.uk/Easter-Courses2018 Please email info@redroofs.co.uk for more information or call 01628 674092 Redroofs, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT STAGECOACH MAIDENHEAD Their 3 day Easter Holiday Workshop takes place from 4th-6th April 2018. Prepare to put on 'The Greatest Show On Earth' at their Circus themed workshop. Every day the students will be working towards a fully lit and costumed show on the last day to an invited audience. Along with learning new skills in singing, dancing and acting you will also be making new

friendships and most importantly having lots of fun. For ages 3-6 times will be 09.30-12.30 with a performance on the last day at 11.30 and the cost will be £70 standard, £45 siblings. For 6-18 years times will be 10.00-1600 with a performance on the last day at 14.30 and the cost will be £90 standard, £50 siblings. Early booking essential. For more information please call 0808 208 5134 or go to www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead #workshops STAGECOACH BRACKNELL has a Film and TV four day Easter Holiday Workshop from 10am-4pm Monday 9th-Thursday 12th April for ages 618yrs. £125 standard, £95 sibling. Working on skills and technique specific to film and tv, culminating in a premiere at the end of the four

01628 821145

days. To book your child's place please call 01344 568658 or visit our website www.stagecoach.co.uk/bracknell CAMP ADVENTURE AT THE MAGNET LEISURE CENTRE. Camp Adventure has days and events at the Magnet for kids ages 5-12. Here are just a few examples: Chocolate parties/Pizza making/ The Reptile show / Glow in the dark Roller Disco / Circus skills / Bouncy castles /Swimming...plus many more amazing activities. They have trained staff to look after your children all day from 8.30 - 5pm in a safe & secure environment. Prices are £31 per day / £29 with an advantage card - £50 per day for 2 siblings. For more information call 01628 685333 or email jonny.walker@legacyleisure.org.uk

07721 422554

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

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

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Families Thames Valley East • 21

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

Celebrate World Book Day at Windsor Castle, March 3

Cinderella sweeps into the Theatre Royal Windsor, March 5 to 10

Legoland opens for 2018 on March 9, with a new reef!

Until Sunday March 14 BUTTERFLIES IN THE GLASSHOUSE RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB Lose those winter blues with the exotic colours of butterfly wings and blooming plants from faraway lands. Pre-book to avoid queuing at weekends. Butterfly-themed cupcakes and biscuits in the Food Hall and Glasshouse Café. Included in normal Garden entry. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Throughout March THE JOY OF TOYS EXHIBITION Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, Guildhall, Windsor, SL4 1LR 01628 685686 Remember the toys of our childhoods and see how toys have developed over the years. www.windsormuseum.org.uk/our-collection Until Friday April 27 YUCKY YOU SHOW at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7QW 01344 354400 How much hair do we lose in a

day? Why does tartar form on your teeth? What causes you to burp? What happens to food when you eat it? 5+ years 11am, noon, 2pm and 3.15pm weekends and Bracknell school holidays, subject to minimum numbers. £1.95 per person in addition to the main entrance price. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services/look-out Until April 15 BILLY AND THE MINPINS The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL An exhibition of Quentin Blake's new illustrations for Roald Dahl's last book. Selected weekdays & Saturdays in March and April (after school /term time) BUSY BUTTONS CREATIVE COURSES Busy Buttons Design Centre, Windsor. Topics (check days): Be Arty, Fashion Design and Sewing, Lego, Construction and Engineers courses, Behind the Scenes. Contact busybuttonscreativestudio@gmail.com 07952418212 www.busybuttons.org

Tuesdays and Saturdays in March and April 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 Saturdays in March ROLLER DISCO at Magnet Leisure Centre Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW Get your wheels on and whizz to the disco. There’s Scooter and Skate school from 3-4pm. Under sevens and beginners skate 4.15pm to 5.30pm, family skate 5.45pm to 7.30pm. www.leisurecentre.com/magnet-leisure-centre Saturdays in March STORYTIME AT MARLOW BOOKSHOP 22-26 Spittal St, Marlow SL7 1DB Enjoy a story at the town’s independent book store. 10-10.30am, ideal for babies and pre-schoolers. www.marlowbookshop.co.uk Sundays in March VISIT ETON NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Eton College, South Meadow Lane, Eton SL4 6DW. Housing the Thackeray Collection of British Birds and other collections with more than 15,000 specimens, donated from the nineteenth century onwards 2.30 to 5pm. www.etonnhm.com Wednesdays in March and April, Sunday March 4 and April 1 TOY LIBRARY Highview, 6 North Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PL Each Wednesday from 10am-noon, and on the first Sunday of each month from 3-5pm. www.rbwm.gov.uk Saturdays from March 3 WORLD BOOK DAY Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ Family Saturdays this month focus on World Book Day. On Saturday, 3 March, listen to a special story in the State Apartments and come dressed as your favourite book character to claim a memento from the day. www.royalcollection.org.uk Saturday March 3 to Sunday April 29 GAME OF CLUES: MURDER MYSTERY Cliveden NT, Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069 A new year, a new victim, a new killer. Following last year's crime caper, we've created a brand new outdoor mystery for you and your family to solve. 8+ Dogs on leads are welcome. Pick up the event from the information centre. 10.30am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Monday March 5 to Saturday 10 CINDERELLA Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL4 1PS 01753 853 888 A mistreated young girl, a glass slipper, two comical ugly step-sisters and a handsome prince combine to make the perfect piece of storytelling. Vienna Festival Ballet’s production spans pure classical dancing, a touch of pantomime and Rossini’s fabulous music. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Wednesdays in March NEW STORY AND RHYME TIME Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, Guildhall, Windsor, SL4 1LR 01628 685686 Join us at the museum for our new weekly session of stories and rhyme. Parents & Guardians are encouraged to take part! 10.30-11am. FREE www.windsormuseum.org.uk/our-collection Friday March 9 LEGOLAND RE-OPENS FOR 2018 Legoland Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY The theme park re-opens with new attractions for 2018 including Legoland Reef. www.legoland.co.uk Sunday March 11 CONCERTINI: MUSIC FOR MOTHER'S DAY WITH MAIRI COWIESON Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Bring the whole family and sing along to 45 minutes of music from stage and screen. Including songs from Mary

MARCH

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

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What’s On

Please email listings@familiestveast.co.uk with any events. Event times and dates do change. Please try and check that an event is still going ahead, before you head out.

See butterflies at RHS Wisley until March 14 Poppins, Matilda and Frozen all performed by West End singer Mairi Cowieson and friends. Come in costume or grab something from the dressing up box before the concert. 11.30am (relaxed performance – ideal for children with SEND) and 2pm. £10 (£8 conc), Family and friends (4 people) £32. www.norden.farm Sunday March 11 MOTHER'S DAY Painshill Park Portsmouth Rd, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE. FREE Entry For Mums! 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 11 MOTHER’S DAY CRAFT AND TRAIL Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Berkshire, RG8 7LR Make a gift for Mum and follow the daffodil trail. Small charge plus usual admission charges. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park Monday March 12 NATURE TOTS WINDSOR GREAT PARK Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre (access is via Forest Gate off the A332 between Windsor and Ascot, SL4 2BY) A great opportunity to have fun in natural surroundings. Each session will include seasonal nature discovery, games, crafts and lots of fun! Story-time and drinks also included. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years (younger siblings welcome) Sessions at 1011.30am and 1-2.30pm. Booking required Saturday March 17 BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET Charters Leisure Centre, Charters Road, Sunningdale, SL5 9QY Good quality nearly new toys, clothing, books, nursery furniture, car seats, pushchairs and more! Face painter and refreshments such as cupcakes, teas, coffees and soft drinks. 2pm- 3.30pm £1.50 entry, £1 for last hour. Children free. www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Saturday March 17 and Sunday 18 STUBBINGS HOUSE OPEN GARDEN Henley Road, Maidenhead SL6 6QL 01628 825454 Parkland garden next to the well known garden nursery. Set around an 18th century house (not open), home to Queen Wilhelmina of Netherlands in WW2. Large lawn with ha-ha and woodland walks. Historic cedars and monkey puzzle trees. Also open May 5 to 7. Admission £4, children FREE. www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk Saturday March 17 to Monday 19 25th BIRTHDAY AT ODDS FARM Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX 01628 520 188 Celebrate our 25th Birthday, stepping back in time with historical facts and stories along with some special surprises too! www.oddsfarm.co.uk Sunday March 18 MANE CHANCE CHARITY FUNDRAISER Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL4 1PS 01753 853 888 A wonderful, star-studded fundraising

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Visit the gardens at Stubbings, March 17 and 18 night for the charity, Mane Chance Sanctuary. They are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of horses, which are then introduced to interaction with disabled and disadvantaged children and young adults. 7.30pm. Tickets from £20. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Thursday March 22 to Saturday 24 A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN Theatre Royal Windsor as above. The compelling story of one family’s century-long, award-winning musical journey; and you already know all the songs! From Tin Pan Alley songwriter Al Sherman (writer for artists including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald) to the Oscarwinning Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book,) up to today with songs from Robert J Sherman’s own musical Love Birds. A practically perfect family production. 8pm also 4.45pm Saturday. Tickets from £15. Saturday March 24 HEARING DOGS WALK Culden Faw Estate The Henley Show Ground, Henley On Thames, RG9 3AP A fab walk for dog lovers for a fantastic cause with fun activities for all the family - and your legged friend can join in with fun dog shows and agility activities. The estate is not usually open to the public and is full of wildlife including deer and wallabies. Registration from 10am. Adults: £10, (£12 on the day) children (under 16) free. Distance: 4k family route or 11km (scenic route). www.hearingdogs.org.uk/support/ events/gbdw-culdenfaw Sunday March 25 SPRING FAMILY RACEDAY Ascot Racecourse High Street, Ascot SL5 7JX Top class jumps, racing and activities for racegoers of all ages. Sections of the racecourse are split into zones, providing children with fun attractions and hands-on activities. Try your hand at traditional crafts including basket making or wood turning, get up close to furry friends in our petting zoo or enjoy a FREE pony ride - all included in the price of your ticket. Various ticket prices. Under 18s FREE. www.ascot.co.uk Sunday March 25 FAMILY FUNDAY Ockwells Park, Ockwells Rd, Maidenhead SL6 3AA. A day of fun and games for all the family. Hosted by Angela’s Appeals. 12-4pm Wednesday March 28 I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS Kenton Theatre 21 New Street, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BP 01491 575698 with award-winning storyteller Danyah Miller. Tomas hates reading and school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library. Family show, not suitable for under 6s, running time one hour. 1.30pm performance – tickets £10. 6pm performance – adult £12, child £10. www.kentontheatre.co.uk

Spring Family Raceday comes to Ascot on March 25

Friday March 30 to Saturday 31 HORRIBLE HISTORIES – MORE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN at Magnet Leisure Centre Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW 01628 685316. Live on stage, direct from London’s West End with a special treat for Easter. 2pm and 7pm. Tickets £14, under 16s £12. www.leisurecentre.com/pearcesuitetheatre Friday March 30 to Sunday April 15 SPRING INTO EASTER Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX 01628 520 188 Join our Easter Eggs-Scavenger Hunt taking you throughout the Farm Park, enjoy daily shows with the Oddsocks Family and Spring-themed arts, crafts and games. New Water Play Attraction is also opening soon. www.oddsfarm.co.uk Friday March 30 to Monday April 2 EGGTASTIC DAY OUT Chiltern Open Air Museum Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB 01494 871117 Fun family crafts and Easter activities. Discover the origins of Easter traditions,

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find out about Easter customs and take part in the big Easter egg hunt. Barbecue available. www.coam.org.uk Friday March 30 to Sunday April 15 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT AT CLIVEDEN Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA 01628 605069 A nature-themed spring trail around the estate, complete with chocolate treat. 10am to 3.30pm. £3 per child, usual admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden Friday March 30 to Monday April 2 EASTER EGG HUNT AT RUNNYMEDE Runnymede National Trust, North Lodge, Old Windsor, use Sat Nav code TW20 0AE 01784 432891. A traditional Easter Egg Hunt across the Runnymede meadows. Hunt for hidden clues across the meadows and slopes of historic Runnymede. Can you solve the puzzles to win a delicious prize? Limited number of chocolate treats, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. £3 per child. 10am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede

Families Thames Valley East • 23

What’s On Compiled by Siobhan Newman

Friday March 30 to Wednesday April 4 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Hughenden NT, Valley Road, High Wycombe HP14 4LA 1494 755573. Go on a hunt for giant eggs around the gardens and receive a chocolate prize. There's two versions, one for little ones and one for older explorers. 10am to 4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden Friday March 30 WANNABE – THE SPICE GIRLS SHOW at Magnet Leisure Centre Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, SL6 8AW 01628 685316. Billed as the ultimate Girl Power night out, you’ll wannabe here for a great all singing, all dancing tribute. www.leisurecentre.com/pearcesuitetheatre Friday March 30 ESCAPE 3600 at Magnet Leisure as above. The pirate-themed escape room is the brainchild of Shane Burke, of Priors Way, Holyport. The 42year-old has worked at the leisure centre for 25 years, where he is now duty

See glorious toys of old at Windsor Museum throughout March

manager. In the ‘shack’, made from about 30 wooden pallets, would-be pirates are led into the room and given an hour to work out how to escape. From £89 for four players (4x £22.25 per person). www.escape3600.com Friday March 30 FAMILY TASTER DAY Longridge Quarry Wood Road, Marlow SL7 1RE 0330 303 0101 Dragon boating, laser tag, water orbs, leap of faith or a climbing wall? Try out adventurous activities for only £3.50 per session. The cafe will be serving teas, coffees, cans of drink and cold snacks all day. A great day out in a beautiful riverside location. Minimum age to participate in activities is 8+ www.alfvillages.org.uk Saturday March 31 BERNSTEIN BALLETS ENCORE SCREENING Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Three ballets marking the centenary year of the

The Look Out Discovery Centre

YUCKY YOU 20th January 2018 - 29th April 2018 Show times are 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.15pm

A fun show for all the family!

FAMTVEAPR18

Why do we burp? Why do we have snot? What happens to the food we eat?

Be Amazed...

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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

Horrible Histories tears into the Magnet Leisure Centre, March 30 & 31

composer’s birth. The Royal Ballet’s three associate choreographers celebrate the dynamic range and danceability of Bernstein’s music. £15 www.norden.farm Saturday March 31 to July 7 IT’S ALWAYS TEA TIME The Story Museum 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP Feast your eyes on the most exquisite of tea parties in this award-winning illustration exhibition presented in association with the Estonian Publishers Association and the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre. Inspired by the classic children’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, 72 artists from 19 countries take a journey down the rabbit hole to join the Hatter and friends. www.storymuseum.org.uk

APRIL

During April FANTASTIC TALES EXHIBITION Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, Guildhall, Windsor, SL4 1LR 01628 685686 What was your favourite story as a child? Come and have a look at some of the wonderful stories which have been written for children by authors in Berkshire. www.windsormuseum.org.uk/ourcollection Sunday April 1 and Monday 2 OPEN DAY HISTORY ON WHEELS The History on Wheels Museum, Longclose House, Common Road, Eton Wick, SL4 6QY, 01753 862637 Visit this fascinating family museum of vintage vehicles, plus NAAFI

Cafe with great views of Windsor Castle. Adults £7, children aged five to 16 £5, other concessions available. www.historyonwheels.co.uk Tuesday April 3 DO YOU SPEAK CHOCOLATE? The Story Museum 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP 01865 807600 Come and discover why you should never underestimate the power of chocolate with children’s author Cas Lester, inspired by her latest book ‘Do you Speak Chocolate?’. 2pm Ages 7+. Tickets £7/£5. www.storymuseum.org.uk Tuesday April 3 to 15, also Saturdays 21 and 28 FABULOUS FASHIONS Windsor Castle Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1NJ Follow an Easter activity trail and take part in our art workshop inspired by royal fashion throughout history. On selected dates there will be live period music, watch expert needlework displays and dress up in our beautiful replica royal clothes in the State Apartments. www.royalcollection.org.uk Tuesday April 3, Wednesdays 4 and 12 TREE CLIMBING Cliveden NT Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. Call 0344 800 1895 to book (required). The Big Tree Climbing Company are back again helping children and teenagers reach new heights. Recommended for children 6+. Dogs on leads are welcome. Meet in the woodlands near the main gate hut. £20, 10.30am to 5.15pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

Bring this voucher to get one free child with one full paying adult*.

FAMTVEAPR18

Find unicorns at the Kenton Theatre, March 28

Valid until 31/06/18 *Terms and conditions apply. Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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

What’s On

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

Try water sports and a leap of faith at Longridge, March 30

Enjoy Easter weekend fun at Chiltern Open Air Museum March 30 to April 2

Enjoy Fabulous Fashions at Windsor Castle, April 3 to 15

Tuesday April 3 to Sunday April 15 FAMILY WILDLIFE TRAIL Runnymede National Trust, North Lodge, Old Windsor, use Sat Nav code TW20 0AE 01784 432891 Discover Runnymede's wildlife with our self-guided spotter sheet and earn a small prize. Ideal for children ages 5-11. Dogs on leads are welcome. 50p per trail. 10am to 4pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede Wednesday April 4 A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS The Story Museum 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP 01865 807600 Enjoy three fabulous stories adapted from Joan Aiken’s ‘A Necklace of Raindrops’ performed with shadow puppetry, storytelling, original live music and a ‘crankie’ (miniature scrolling theatre set). 11am & 2pm Ages 6+. Tickets £7/£5 www.storymuseum.org.uk Thursday April 5 EASTER ADVENTURES WITH ELYS DOLAN AND MR BUNNY The Story Museum, as above. Join leading children’s book author and illustrator Elys Dolan for a storytelling session and hands-on workshop. 2pm Ages 2+. Friday April 6 THE MARVELLOUS MOON MAP The Story Museum, as above. Make your own paper boat in this jampacked drawing and storytelling session for little ones with Teresa Heapy and David Litchfield. 11am Ages 3+ Friday April 6 THE UNEXPECTED JOURNEY THROUGH CHOCOLATE The Story Museum, as above. Take a journey through chocolate history, stopping in some unexpected places with storyteller Lucy Walters. 2pm Ages 4+ Sunday April 8 to Sunday May 20 (approx.) BLUEBELL WALK CLIVEDEN NT Cliveden Road, Taplow, SL6 0JA. See a blanket of bluebells on a self-led trail around the estate. Booking not needed. Free event (admission applies). Monday April 9 MILKSHAKE! Wycombe Swan St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 01494 512000 Starring Milkshake! favourites; Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper and two Milkshake! Presenters. Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, the cast of this brand new live show will be singing songs and sharing stories that all ages will know and love. 11.30am and 2.30pm. Adults £18, children £16 family offer £58. www.wycombeswan.co.uk Tuesday April 10 to Saturday 14 GREASE Theatre Royal Windsor, Thames Street, SL4 1PS 01753 853 888 It’s 1959 and Rydell High School’s senior class is in Rare form. The 1950s high school dream is about to explode in this rollicking amateur production from the team that brought Annie, Fame and Peter Pan to Windsor. Featuring the classic hits including, ‘Greased Lightnin’ and ‘We Go Together’, nightly 7.30pm, Thu and Sat 2.30pm. Tickets from £11. www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Wednesday April 11 READ AND DRAW WITH KORKY PAUL The Story Museum 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP 01865 807600 Join the fabulous illustrator Korky Paul with Winnie the Witch and Wilbur for a fun family event with plenty of audience participation! 2pm Ages 5+. Tickets £7/£5. www.storymusum.org.uk Friday April 13 EARLY MAN MODEL-MAKING WORKSHOPS The Story Museum, as above. 11.00, 13.00 & 15.00 Celebrating the release of the latest animation from the Aardman team, come and learn from the experts how to make your own famous Aardman characters. Ages 8-12. Tickets £8/£6.

Sunday April 15 IVER ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE OPEN DAY Slough Road, Iver Heath, Iver SL0 0EB 01895 270730 Winding pathways lead you through woodland, allotments, an orchard and a sensory garden. Embark on your own secret garden adventure past ponds, through willow tunnels and into our rainforest polytunnel turn as you explore the 4½ acre site. You can even try navigating your way through our hedge maze. 10am to 4pm. Admission £4, children FREE. Home-made teas. www.ivernature.com Thursday April 19 to Saturday 21 GREAT EXPECTATIONS Theatre Royal Windsor, as above. With Nichola McAuliffe as Miss Havisham the producers who delighted Windsor audiences with Travels with my Aunt and Our Man in Havana are back with Dickens’ timeless classic in a powerful new stage adaptation. 8pm, Sat 2.30pm. Tickets from £15. Monday April 2 MORGAN & WEST: MORE MAGIC FOR KIDS! Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 The time-travelling magicians bring a marvellous magic show full of crazy capers. 5+ years. Courtyard Theatre £10 (£8 under 16s), family and friends (four people) £32. 11.30am and 2pm www.norden.farm Tuesday April 3 JUMP IN! 3D PRINTINGS Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, as above. Led by 2.times do. Learn how to create 3D objects from a computer drawing. 10am – 11am. £12 per person. Suitable for 10+ years. Tuesday April 3 JUMP IN! MINECRAFT FAMILY WORKSHOP Norden Farm, as above. Led by 2.times do. Explore the worlds of Minecraft and coding. 11.30am to 12.30pm. £12 per person. Suitable for 8 to 16 years and accompanying adults. Tuesday April 3 JUMP IN! MOOING COW FAMILY WORKSHOP Norden Farm, as above. Use art, electronics and coding to make the cow moo. 1.30pm to 2.30pm. £12 per person. Suitable for 8+ years and accompanying adults. Wednesday April 4 ME AND MY BEE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, as above. Our fuzzy little friends need our help and so we’re launching a political party disguised as a party disguised as a show. Multi awardwinning theatre company, This Egg, invites you to save the world – one bee at a time. A new comedy for children and adults alike. £10 (£8 under 16s), £32 for four people. 11.30am to 2pm. Wednesday April 4 to Tuesday April 5 EASTER EGGSPLORERS Woolley Firs Environmental Education centre, Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ 01628 829 574 Find out about the amazing lives of egg-laying animals on a trail around Woolley Firs and complete the challenge for a wildlife-friendly chocolate reward. Enjoy some eggsellent craft activities in our delightful education centre too – wild fun for all the family. Suitable for children aged 4-11 years, younger siblings welcome. Children must be accompanied at all times. Bring a picnic if you like! £4. 10am-2pm Booking essential www.bbowt.org.uk Wednesday April 4 and Thursday 5 JUMP IN! NEXT STEPS: DANCE INTENSIVE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Experience being an A-Troupe dancer in a real dance studio for two jam-packed days. Work with a professional dancer to develop your technique in class, learn routines and create your own choreography. 10am to 4pm. £60 (£50 Advantage Card). Suitable for ages 9 to 12 years. www.norden.farm

Sunday April 8 FAMILY CEILIDH Norden Farm, as above. Join us for a reel and a jig around the Long Barn. A live band, easy to learn dance steps and lots of laughter for a Sunday afternoon. £10 (£8 under 16s) Family and Friends (4 people) £32 Sunday 8th April HEALTHILY EVER AFTER EXPERIENCE DAY - Pineapple Dance Studios, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JA. Luxury Family Experience days designed to allow the family to leap into an action-filled day of movement and music, health and fitness, learning and laughter. You might find yourself jumping into the greasepaint and glitter of the circus, or pirouetting onto the stage of a famous ballet. ‘This Is Me Time’ allows the adults to focus on fitness, whilst children will experience performing arts workshops, learn new skills and perform to parents. ‘This is Us Time’ gives families the opportunity to learn and laugh together making memories that will last a lifetime. ‘This Is Me’ - The Greatest Experience dates are 8th April & 27th May. For bookings 07545 915056 www.healthilyeverafter.co.uk Monday April 8 to Wednesday April 11 JUMP IN: MAKE A PLAY IN THREE DAYS Norden Farm, as above. Led by Troublemaker Theatre Company. Create a play from scratch in just three days! Explore different elements of theatre such as acting and script writing before performing your masterpiece at the end of the course. 10am – 4pm (Wed 5pm) £90 (£80 Advantage Card). Suitable for ages 10+ years. Tuesday April 10 NICK SHARRATT’S BIG DRAW-ALONG Norden Farm, as above. Join this much-loved children's writer and illustrator in a family-friendly, fun filled draw-along for all ages. Nick's best-selling picture books include You Choose, Shark in the Park and Pants. He's also the illustrator of Jacqueline Wilson's phenomenally popular children's novels including Tracy Beaker. Bring pencils, paper and something to lean on. Nick shares ways to invent your own crazy creatures and gives loads of top tips as your draw along with him.11.30am & 2pm. £10 (£8 under 16s) Family and Friends (4 people) £32.

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Continued on page 26

Families Thames Valley East • 25

MORE

What’s On

ONLINE

Compiled by Siobhan Newman

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Milkshake! comes to the Wycome Swan, April 9 Tuesday April 10 HOO HOO’S FOR DINNER Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ 01628 829 574 Come along and discover what our local owls have been eating – mice, voles, shrews or moles? Have a go at dissecting an owl pellet and arrange the bones to take home. Bring a picnic for afterwards if you wish. 6+ years. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 10am-noon, £4. Wednesday April 11 to Friday 13 JUMP IN: ART DAZE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PF, 01628 788997 Calling all budding artists and young creatives! Immerse yourself in three whole days of arts and crafts. 10am to 4pm, £85 (£75 Advantage Card). Suitable for age 8+ years. www.norden.farm

Hear Peter and the Wolf at Norden Farm, April 14

Friday April 13 FRIENDS FOR ALL Norden Farm, as above. Eight year old Lexi doesn’t make friends very easily. If only school would allow a non-uniform day – she could be herself. Inspired by Grandad’s hippy stories, she fights her class teacher and the class bully. Suitable for ages 5+ years. A story about having the confidence to be yourself and stand up for what you believe in. 11.30am and 2pm. £10 (£8 under 16s). Saturday April 14 PETER AND THE WOLF Norden Farm, as above. Chamberhouse Winds perform a magical transcription of Prokofiev’s classic tale of Peter and the Wolf for wind quintet and narrator. Stay on afterwards for the chance to try the instruments courtesy of Dawkes Music. 11.30am and 2pm.

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

Easter fun runs at Odds Farm Park from Good Friday to April 15

Sunday April 22 STORYTELLING IN THE DEN Norden Farm, as above. Interactive storytelling in the magical story den, followed by Sunday lunch, for March it’s The Little Hamster from the Water. 11.30am. £3 per person. Lunch menu from £5. Sunday April 15 MONSKI MOUSE’S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL Norden Farm, as above. Join the Australian DJ, producer and mum of two, with her dancers in this interactive early childhood event. Parents and under 5s are let loose on the dance floor in the friendliest of discos. Get your disco-dancing-booties on! 11.30am. Wednesday April 18 & Thursday 26 NGS OPEN GARDEN AT ST TIMOTHEE Darlings Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 6PA Wildlife pond, rose terrace, attractive borders and plantings, a box parterre and wild areas in a two-acre plot. Come and enjoy the blossom. 2-4.30pm, admission £4, children FREE. Home-made teas. Also April 26. www.ngs.org.uk Sunday April 22 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. 26pm. Admission £4.50, children free. Light refreshments. This garden also makes a donation to Thames Valley Adventure Playground. www.ngs.org.uk Wednesday April 25 SARAH AND DUCK The Old Court, St Leonard’s Road Windsor SL4 3BL. The enchanting world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand-new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show. Join Sarah and Duck and friends as they plan a birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden. Told through a fantastic blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, embark on a magical adventure. Shows at 1.30pm and 4pm. www.oldcourt.org/Sales/whatson Sunday April 29 CHENIES MANOR OPEN GARDEN Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 6ER. Fourteenth century manor house within award-winning gardens holds a special charity open day. Yew maze, imaginative planting physic garden and kitchen garden. Admission £6, children £3.50. Home-made teas in the garden. 2-5pm, 07798 558150. www.ngs.org.uk

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes About: Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Venues: BOYNE HILL INFANT SCHOOL, Rutland Rd, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am; 7-12s Saturdays 11.15 MAGNET LEISURE CENTRE, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead SL6 8AW Drama: 4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5pm ALL SAINTS CHURCH HALL, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA Drama: 6-12s (Perform X) Wednesdays 4pm and 5pm. Drama: 4-7s Mondays 4pm, Thursdays 4pm & 5pm. Drama: 7-12s Mondays 5pm CHRIST CHURCH C OF E HALL, Christchurch Rd, Virginia Water, GU25 4PX Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am. Drama: 7-12s Saturdays 11.15am CLEWER YOUTH CENTRE, Clewer Parish Hall, Windsor, SL4 5EW Drama: 4-7s Mondays 5pm, Tuesdays 4pm, Fridays 4pm. Drama: 7-12s Tuesdays 5pm, Fridays 5pm HILLTOP FIRST SCHOOL, Clewer Hill Rd, Windsor, SL4 4DW Dance: 6-12s (Perform X) Saturdays 11.15pm. Drama: 4-7s Saturdays 9.30am Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

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Competitions and Offers with WIN A LEGO® STAR WARS™ POE’S X-WING FIGHTER™ WORTH £69.99! Battle the forces of the First Order with Poe’s X-Wing Fighter and recreate the scenes from Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens. Featuring 4 spring-loaded shooters, 2 stud shooters, retractable landing gear, opening wings and an opening cockpit with space for a mini figure!

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk You can also enter by liking our Facebook page @FamiliesTVE and answering the question below in the comments of our LEGO® competition posts. Which film is Poe’s X-Wing Fighter™ featured in?

A Nerf Wars B Star Wars™ C Moon Wars Closing date for competition entries is April 30

WIN 1 FAMILY TICKET FOR 4 PEOPLE TO A FAMILY EVENT DURING THE JUMP IN! FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL THIS EASTER The Jump In! Family Arts Festival is the annual Easter holiday celebration at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead. A fun packed fortnight of new experiences for children and families which includes family friendly shows and films, immersive art and dance activity clubs. Plus daily craft sessions and dynamic storytelling in the magical story den. Visit www.nordenfarm.org for details. One lucky reader will win a Family Ticket offering 4 people access to a Family event of their choice at Norden Farm during the Easter holidays. For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk When does Norden Farm's Family Arts festival take place?

A Summer holidays B Easter holidays C Christmas holidays Closing date for competition entries is March 23 *T&Cs apply

WIN TICKETS TO ‘SPRING INTO EASTER’ AT ODDS FARM PARK Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park! The award-winning park has 4 sets of Entry Tickets for 2 Adults and 2 Children to give away. From 30th March-15th April, you will be able to join the Easter Eggs-Scavenger Hunt which will take you throughout the Farm Park, allow you to see the daily shows with the Oddsocks Family and get creative, making Spring-themed arts and crafts. There's also the fun of the giant indoor playbarn, award-winning Marmalade’s Tearoom, acres of outdoor play and plenty of animals to meet, including lots of adorable baby lambs and cheeky kid goats. Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. Call 01628 520188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk To win an Entry Ticket to Odds Farm Park for 2 Adults and 2 Children, all you have to do is answer the question below and send your answer to competitions@familiestveast.co.uk What is the name of Odds Farm’s Easter 2018 event?

A Spring into Easter B Fall into Easter C Jump into Easter Closing date for competition entries is March 23 *T&Cs apply

*T&Cs apply

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

INFINITE PILATES • Contemporary & Classic • 1-2-1 or Group

07555 726288 • www.infinite-pilates.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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Families Thames Valley East • 27

Parenting

A Lighter Look at Parenting by Anna Collins

I don’t know about you, but I do enjoy taking a ‘lighter’ look at parenthood.

I

n a World where everything we do as a parent is scrutinised, I find it rather comforting to know that there are some others out there who find it all a little overwhelming sometimes. Use of the term ‘parenting fails’, humorous mummy bloggers and the rise of films and programmes like ‘Motherland’ and ‘Bad Moms’ can actually make us feel like we are not the only ones and allow us to laugh out loud every now and then. I think it is very healthy, very needed and let’s be honest, most people will take it with a pinch of salt. It’s great to see the online footage of various celebrities talking about their ‘parenting fails’ and by doing so, helping us to feel

normal. After all, as it’s often mentioned, no one ever studied or passed an exam to become a parent. When researching this article, I found an online video of Davina McCall cringing about the time she dropped her children at school and accidently left her baby in the class room when she came to leave. It makes me smile, because in reality there probably is one time when most of us have ‘forgotten’ the baby momentarily. I also love Holly Willoughby’s story of dressing her child in a ‘Where’s Wally’ outfit for a school photo, when it was meant to be the headteacher dressing as ‘Wally’, hiding in a sea of school children wearing stripes! She even admits

she just sent her child in anyway, saying ‘Have a nice day!’ and escaped….rather quickly I bet. We’ve all been there, wondering if our child’s costume is correct or maybe forgetting completely! Of course, Bad Moms, Motherland and Hurrah for Gin over-emphasise the difficulties of parenthood and turn this into humour - they are entertainment after all. For me it’s the simple, down to earth things that make me laugh because I can relate so well. Seeing someone else have the same struggle to make a birthday cake until 3 in the morning (boy is this time consuming by the way!), someone else get stressed racing to do pick up or someone else feeling a little bit guilty they’ve not achieved regular attendance at the PTA can make me feel a tiny bit better and see the funny side. Just seeing a Hurrah for Gin post pop up on my news feed with some amusing anecdote about adulthood verses childhood can sometimes be enough to help send me on my way to the school pick up with a smile on my face. I really must buy one of the books and read it next time I manage to escape from the children and hide in the bathroom. It really makes me wonder what it was like for our mothers and

grandmothers. They didn’t have social media and an abundance of soft-play venues and hilarious films about parenting. For them maybe it was the presence of the extended family and close community living that helped get them through parenthood. Without a doubt I’m sure they also had a giggle about it all at times. I need to wrap this article up as I have naturally left it a little bit uncomfortably close to school pick up time to leave. No time to make sure I’m a yummy mummy; it’s dash and go. Like so many other mums (or parents I should say) life is hectic, juggling childcare, work and looking after myself and the husband. I should emphasize that essentially I feel very lucky to have what I have and, at the appropriate moments; the ability to laugh at the tough times. Thanks to Davina, Holly and my own groups of lovely mum friends, I know I’m not the only one.

REDROOFS MUSICAL THEATRE

parties!

emayling@redroofs-school.co.uk | T: 01628 674092 | www.redroofs.co.uk/parties Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, 26 Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4JT

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

familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting but plenty of families have second or third children whilst their first is still in nappies, or with a very small age gap between them. Just how much does that change things?

How Many is too Many?

For us a lot changed. Having three meant we had to buy a bigger car in order to get three car seats across the back. A trip to the supermarket generally results in a fight over who gets to stand in the back versus who gets the ‘baby’ seat (the exception being the time I spotted a twin seater 15 trolleys deep and spent a slightly demented 10 minutes moving trolleys around to get to it whilst one child leant on the car horn and other shoppers kept trying to return their trolleys pushing my coveted trolley further in) and being constantly outnumbered means I’m always living in fear of losing one of them! I am often ‘that mum’, shouting after one to slow down on their bike whilst simultaneously urging another to stop lagging behind picking up sticks. Then there’s the fact that the second (or third) child is constantly

being shepherded around in pursuit of the older child. Forget all those baby clubs and classes you signed up for with number one child, there’s no time for any of that with subsequent children as so often they need to slot into the existing routine. If I’m honest that’s probably the main reason for the aforementioned, as yet unsuccessful, swimming lessons. Yes, I do think learning to swim is an important life skill, but I’m also aware their older brother has had more opportunities than they have and I’m trying to level the playing field (and swimming is something the twins can both do at the same time, so win win, no?). Having children with different interests also makes for a busy life and it’s not necessarily gender related. I’d never had to consider ballet classes before and now I have one who’d like to try dancing, a boy who’d like to give football a go and another who prefers drama to sport – I’m not sure there are enough hours in the day!

Rachel Bailey explores some of the challenges she faces as a mum of three.

S

tanding at the edge of the swimming pool trying to coax my daughter in for her lesson recently, I wondered, not for the first time, if adding an extracurricular activity to our already busy day was perhaps a step too far. When I was pregnant with the twins, I remember defiantly brushing off comments that I’d now find it difficult to leave the house. I didn’t need that kind of negativity, I had to get out for the school run and frankly how hard could it be? Babies don’t do much, even if I would have two of them! We did manage to get out and about in those early days though it wasn’t always easy (I think it took me 6 months to get to school on time!). Believe me I love having three children, but so determined was I that life would continue as normal, that when I come up against different challenges, it still takes me a bit by surprise! Obviously having two the same age presents its own challenges – familiesonline.co.uk

it’s impossible discreetly breastfeeding two in public and feeding them one after the other took forever. Thankfully I had no shortage of friends willing to sit in coffee shops for hours in those early days. I remember the first time I actually realised maybe life wasn’t going to be quite as simple, was at a parent and baby cinema screening with a friend (something I’d never done with my singleton which surely would’ve been the best time to try it!). Realising I couldn’t take the buggy to the door and would have to carry them both, plus a changing bag and then somehow balance two children on my knee for the duration, was a bit of an eye opener! Then, once they started walking/climbing/running a trip to the park became a whole lot more stressful. Another twin mum once said to me the best bit of advice she had was to run after the one in mortal danger! Definitely something I’ve had to bear in mind. Admittedly having twins is different,

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Families Thames Valley East • 29

She Means Business... At Families we love hearing about new family friendly businesses! Mums Andrea and Matina (otherwise known as Captain of Cartwheels!) took the leap and opened The Little Gym in Windsor after witnessing first-hand how gymnastics can help grow confidence in children. Owners, friends, gymnastics coaches and passionate business women, they talk to Families about what you can expect from their gymnastics classes with a difference. Who are you? We are so many different people in one! Mums, entrepreneurs, gymnastics coaches, child development buffs, friends, motivators and more! When you run a The Little Gym, two families, and are part of an amazing community, you take on many wonderful roles. Tell us a bit about the business? We are all about growing happy, healthy, confident children. Our classes blend gymnastics and child development, and they’re based on a rich curriculum – The Little Gym has been doing this for forty years! We do much more than just teach gymnastics. Our programme is designed to give children confidence, courage and resilience too – a foundation that will help them grasp every opportunity in life, and manage life’s challenges. We build children’s bodies, brains, and social and emotional skills – all with the joy of feeling their feet fly! And we give all children – sporty or not; 4 months or 12 years old – opportunities to love movement, make friends, and feel valued, challenged and successful. What did you use to do? Did you change career to do this? Matina spent 25 years in communications, and Andrea ran

an award-winning IT business. We’re both qualified gymnastics coaches with child development expertise and a passion for making a difference. Doing it every day was a natural next step! What inspired you to set up the business? Matina: As a Mum and gymnast, I was in awe of The Little Gym’s approach to gymnastics and child development after my family’s personal experience. My son is naturally shy and lacked the confidence to join in group activities. He was missing out on so much, and we wanted to help him. So we took him to a The Little Gym. His confidence just blossomed! And he carried that new confidence everywhere he went. A new world of experiences suddenly opened to him. It was life changing. We wanted to share that wonderful opportunity with other families, so we set about opening The Little Gym Windsor.

We have been open 12 weeks, and our gym is full of smiles, children whose confidence is growing one roll, cartwheel or somersault at a time. If we make learning fun, it’s amazing how quickly children progress, and how fantastic they feel! Nearly 300 families attend our classes each week, and they tell us they see a real difference in their children. Our next goal is to welcome more families and help more children. We’ve just expanded to offer eight new classes, adding space for 150 new families to join our wonderful community of members. We’ll also be opening a new The Little Gym in South Buckinghamshire. Follow us at www.facebook.com/ thelittlegymwindsor to find out more!

What would your advice be to other business women? Breaking out on your own is terrifying – it’s like jumping off a cliff! What if it doesn’t work? What about finances? Am I up to the challenge? Most of us have stayed in a job, feeling dissatisfied but not brave enough to leave. And then we take the leap, get a new job … and later tell our friends: “I should have done it sooner!”. Be brave, be courageous, do your research and grasp every opportunity. Surround yourself with smart people, hire passionate and qualified staff… and be committed to doing good for those around you. You can do it! For more information visit www.windsor.thelittlegym.eu or call 01753 968 488

Classifieds

What are your plans for the future? Andrea: We want to give families an oasis in Windsor. Somewhere they can grow together, and children can burn energy, build their bodies, boost their brains, and develop life skills while having fun.

30 • Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham

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...She Means Business Fellow twin mum and expert juggler Helen, took over her business – Tumble Tots Marlow when she was pregnant with her third child! She talks to Families about what cemented her decision and why she believes it’s the best thing she’s done.

What are your plans for the future? We currently run three days a week in Marlow, Maidenhead and Bourne End. Now Blake is getting a bit older and with the girls starting school in September, I can start to think about adding other days and venues to bring Tumble Tots to more families in the area. I have spent hours looking for potential new venues! I also want to make sure the classes we are delivering are outstanding. I have an amazing team of coaches who work in the classes and I’ve been working with our head office on making sure they have great training so that they really know their stuff! We’re also refreshing our lesson plans to make the most of our unique equipment and actions songs, and we’ll be introducing more themed sessions too.

Who are you? My name is Helen Otto and I live with my husband, twin 3-year-old daughters, Lexie and Aurelia, and our son Blake, who was born in September. Tell us a bit about the business? Tumble Tots is a physical play programme for pre-schoolers. We offer classes where children can develop their physical skills of balance, agility, climbing and co-ordination, whilst at the same time stimulating their imagination, and developing their language and social skills. Our sessions are structured around the different ages and stages of a child's development, from 6 months to 5 years. Each week we combine fun, excitement and challenge in a safe and caring environment, with our unique equipment and team of specially trained coaches.

interested buyers for Tumble Tots Marlow. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for me – a chance to spend more time with my children and continue my career development by running my own business. The girls seemed to be growing up so fast and I felt like I was missing out. We’d been going to Tumble Tots in Marlow for a couple of years and loved the classes. I’d been a competitive swimmer right up until my late teenage years, so doing something in sport really appealed to me, and I love working with kids. Seeing children grow in confidence and ability week after week is so rewarding.

What would your advice be to other business women? I live by the motto that ‘it’s better to regret the things you do, than the things you don’t do’. Juggling a young family and a new business is exhausting and there are many days when I feel like I’ve bitten off way more than I can chew. But I’m learning so much and I know that in the long run this will be one of the best things I’ve done. To find out more about Helen’s classes visit www.tumbletots.com/Marlow or call 07709 496876

What did you use to do? Did you change career to do this? For 7 years I’d worked in London, most recently as Head of Brand Marketing for a national media company. In Spring 2017 I became pregnant with Blake and when the opportunity arose to take voluntary redundancy, I took the plunge and left. It was a big decision that I agonised over with my family. My head was saying I should stick with the security of my job, but my heart wanting a change of lifestyle and a fresh challenge. What inspired you to set up the business? It was a little bit of fate really. Just after I was told about the restructure at work, I got an email from the existing franchisee asking for

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