Families Thames Valley East Mar/April 2023

Thames Valley East

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...endless ideas for families of young children in Maidenhead

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Thames Valley East

From the editors...

At last Spring is here and we can all enjoy the increasingly longer and lighter evenings! We are always big fans of getting the kids outside and we hope you find our article ‘Bringing back playing out’ on page 22 useful.

Of course, Easter is also just around the corner so don’t forget to check out our ‘Easter holiday fun’ article on pages 16 and 17, for inspiration including family events, some holiday camps plus shows in the local area. Easter is not Easter without a Spring-time craft and some bird song! We hope you and the children enjoy our Spring bird cafe template on page 23.

As always, we also have our focus on education and parenting too - read ‘Six reasons why children switch off from learning’ on page 9 and read What NOT to say to a child with ADHD on page 13. Also, if you are searching for a new school, don’t forget to check out our school open days diary on page 8.

Have a Happy Easter!

Anna & Rach

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.

St George’s School Windsor Castle to be featured in The Good Schools Guide

Logiscool, a new coding school, opens its doors in Marlow

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In February, the doors to Logiscool, a brand-new coding school for kids and teenagers, opened on Marlow High Street, at a launch event attended by Marlow’s Mayor, Councillor Richard Scott. Nestled between HSBC and David Clulow, this cutting-edge learning school is set to become a hive of innovative learning which will teach children to become competent, confident and prepared for the digital future. A team of trained tutors will use a combination of play and theory to inspire students to be ahead of the game when it comes to coding and digital literacy, and creation. 3D design, app creation, digital illustration and programming are all on the Logiscool curriculum. By tapping into trends and popular culture, think Minecraft and ROBLOX, this learning environment is all about fun.

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Offering a comprehensive insight into life at St George’s for children aged 3-13, The Good Schools Guide review is the first one for a co-ed prep school in the Royal Borough. Selecting their schools on merit alone, The Good Schools Guide pride themselves on complete impartiality and offering candid advice to parents across the UK and beyond. Head, William Goldsmith commented “I am delighted that St George’s has been included in The Good Schools Guide. I feel they have captured the school, our philosophy and mission, as well as our intent and desire to do things differently, very well.” The positive endorsement echoes that of other independent school reviews. Summarising their findings about St George’s, The Good Schools Guide concludes that, ‘families who want a liberal, outward-looking education delivered by bright-eyed teachers in a small and nurturing urban haven (plus castle) may find their child’s happy ever after here.’

To book a space on their Open Morning on Friday 17 March or for more information, visit www.stgwindsor.org

Thames Valley East

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Azra Jivraj, Master Franchisee of Logiscool UK, says, “We are excited about bringing Logiscool to Marlow and look forward to welcoming children, young adults and parents to the school. We are all surrounded by screens and gadgets, but how many of us know about the technology used to create them? Our courses, camps and workshops have been developed to help students learn how computers work and think, and by doing this, we can empower them to become creators of technology, not just passive users.”

Classes, workshops, holiday camps are now available! You and your child can also try it out for free through one of their open days. www.logiscool.com

We’re an environmentally responsible publication

We often cover topics related to the environment in our magazine but have you ever wondered about how environmentally-friendly we are?

You may have spotted the FSC® logo in the magazine. We’re happy to report that this gives an assurance that all paper we use is made of material from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources.

Maidenhead and Windsor based in Find out more info at www.danceinspired.co.uk

The magazine is printed by Buxton Press on responsibly sourced paper. Each aspect of our printer’s business has been examined for continual improvement of its green credentials. In fact, Buxton Press has even been recognised for its achievements to date, including winning PrintWeek’s award of Environmental Company of the Year. Read more at www.buxtonpress.com/environment

Not only that but Families Thames Valley East is reducing the impact of its publication on the environment by carbonoffsetting, compensating for the emission of carbondioxide into the atmosphere as a result of the paper making process.

Shakeel Jivraj and Azra Jivraj (Master Franchisees of Logiscool UK) Freeboo Advertising

New memoir launched by Carolyn Mayling of Redroofs School of Performing Arts School

Married with two daughters, Carolyn Mayling was teaching at Redroofs School for the Performing Arts in Maidenhead when her daughter Rosie, aged 11, suddenly developed vasculitis; a rare autoimmune disease. Rosie’s tragic death compelled Carolyn to set up Rosie’s Rainbow Fund in her memory, honouring Rosie’s wish to help other sick children. The charity has successfully raised over £2 million, bringing music therapy to thousands of sick children, care for parents with hospitalised children and ongoing support for bereaved parents. Later, Carolyn and her husband then embarked upon a gruelling fiveyear programme of fertility treatment. Carolyn describes in intimate detail all the procedures, medication and disappointment that she experienced. Finally, at 54 years of age, and with a donor egg, Carolyn gave birth to her son Dominic through IVF in 2008.

After a painful divorce, Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and had to undergo a mastectomy. She chronicles the harrowing regime of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as the inspiring medical staff and patients who helped her through.

Carolyn now hopes that her moving debut memoir will reassure and inspire others facing immeasurable grief and trauma.

The Future is Rosie, by Carolyn Mayling is published by Alliance Publishing Press was published in February 2023 (ISBN: 978-1838259839 RRP: £11.99)

Win a family ticket for ‘The Little Welly’!

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New vaccine trial to protect babies

A new vaccine aimed at protecting babies from a respiratory virus is being trialled at the Royal Free London.

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The Little Welly is the UK’s biggest obstacle course for children. This year the event will take place by the river in Henley on the 10th & 11th June. The Little Welly experience is all about getting kids active and outdoors, running, jumping, climbing and of course getting muddy. There will be 30 big obstacles over 3km including foam, water, ropes, and slides. As well as their obstacle course The Little Welly is also a ‘whole day out’. With pony rides, face painting, fun activities, live entertainment, music, food and drink you’ll find something for everyone at their family festival.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in all infants worldwide and affects ninety percent of children before age 2. In recent months, there has been a resurgence of RSV following the easing of Covid 19 public health measures.

ames Valley East

T: 07867 514138 / 07753 414605

E: editor@familiestveast.co.uk

Little People Media, 29 Furrow Way, Maidenhead SL6 3 NY

The vaccine, Nirsevimab has already been proven to be safe and the larger trial will now test its effectiveness. Babies up to 12 months old are eligible for the single jab, with virtual follow-up appointments. If found to be effective, the new jab could have a major impact on the long term health of thousands of children worldwide.

We are giving away tickets for one lucky family. Simply email editors@familiestveast.co.uk by April 23. There are two child obstacle and festival tickets and two adult assist obstacle course and festival tickets, worth over £70 to give away. Please note winners will be provided with a discount code for the full value. Tickets are valid at any day/any time between 9.30am and 16.30pm. https://bit.ly/TLWRules for T&Cs

www.thelittlewelly.co.uk

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

In most cases, RSV is no worse than a common cold. However, it is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies.

More info: www.royalfree.nhs.uk

Open 51 weeks a year – Accepts 30 hours funding – Highly trained team

Come and look around today: Call: 01753 855543 or email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

It’s time for Red Nose Day

This year, Red Nose Day will take place on Friday 17 March and this year, more than ever, it’s important to have fun and raise money to support people in need.

Red Nose Day is a campaign created by Comic Relief to help raise awareness of and put an end to child poverty. The campaign funds programmes, entertainment and raises money to keep children safe, healthy and educated.

In the last six years, Red Nose Day has raised more than 250 million to help end child poverty. Red Nose Day has also positively impacted over twenty five million children around the world.

So why not buy some red noses and help raise money to keep children safe, healthy and educated?

As well as making a donation, you can find tips on creating your own fundraiser or planning a school fundraising event at www.rednoseday.com

Confidence-building fun with Perform

Spring is the perfect time of year to get those feel-good endorphins pumping and Perform's new summer term themes are sure to get bodies moving and hearts singing. What's more, your child can try a class for free!

Perform offers a different type of children’s drama class. They don't focus on creating perfect dancers or the next child stars. Instead, they put children's social development at the heart of their classes, using a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. Exciting termly themes keep young imaginations buzzing while small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention from experienced professionally trained actors, dancers and singers. Classes are for children of all abilities and they can join at any point in the term; the only requirement is to be ready to have the best fun of the week!

From April to July, 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger in Mermaids & Pirates whilst 7–12s will take part in The Dream, an hilarious adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

To book a FREE trial class, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

LOCAL PERFORM CLASSES:

St Peter’s Centre, 1 Thorney Lane North, Iver SL0 9JU

4-7s Tuesdays 4pm; 7-12s Tuesdays 5.05pm

A

‘universal childcare guarantee’ would boost UK economy

A ‘universal childcare guarantee’ for children up to age 11 would boost economy by extra £13 billion a year, a report finds

The research by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that providing access to affordable childcare for all families could slash nearly £2.8 billion from government spending through the resulting increase in parents returning to work or extending their hours. It would mean some 700,000 household could see their incomes rise and, whilst, at the same time, reducing the current high cost of childcare for families from between £620 and £6,175 a year.

With more women returning to full time work and progressing further and faster in their careers, the gender pay gap would also narrow. The report sets out the steps needed to boost economic growth which start with increasing funding for free hours of childcare and extending wraparound care.

More info: www.bit.ly/IPPRchildcare

Boyne Hill Infant School, Rutland Road, Maidenhead SL6 4HZ

4-7s Saturdays 9.30am; 7-12s Saturdays 11.15am

All Saints Church Hall, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA

4-7s Mondays 4pm; 7-12s Mondays 5.05pm

Hilltop First School, Clewer Hill Road, Windsor SL4 4DW

4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5.05pm

Virginia Water Community Centre, 3 Beechmount Ave, Virginia Water GU25 4EY

4-7s Mondays 4pm; 7-12s Mondays 5.05pm

4 Marlow Road Youth and Community Centre SL6 7YR

4-7s Fridays 4pm; 7-12s Fridays 5.05pm

Contact:

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

For more information visit www.perform.org.uk/try

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL WINDSOR CASTLE

Schools’ Open Days Spring Term 2023 Call to bookplaceyour now!

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

Claires Court

(for girls and boys from 2 to 18 years) Senior Boys and Senior Girls Open Morning

Friday 28 April 9.30am to 11.30am

To book your place or a personal tour contact registrar@clairescourt.com

01628 327710 www.clairescourt.com

Coworth Flexlands Prep School and Nursery

Chertsey Road, Valley End, Chobham, GU24 8TE

Friday 10 March 10am

To book a visit, contact below: 01276 855707

registrar@coworthflexlands.co.uk www.coworthflexlands.co.uk

Eton End

35 Eton Road, Datchet SL3 9AX

Thursday 9 March 10am-12pm

To book a visit, contact below: 01753 541075

registrar@etonend.org www.etonend.org

Godstowe Preparatory School and Nursery

Girls 3-13, boys 3-7

Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe HP13 6PR

To book a visit, contact below: 01494 429006

godstowe.org/admissions

Heathfield School

London Road, Ascot, Berks SL5 8BQ

Friday 10 March

10.15am to 1pm

Saturday 13 May 9.45am to 12 noon

To book a visit, contact below: 01344 898342 admissions@heathfieldschool.net www.heathfieldschool.net

Herries School Co-ed Preparatory School and Nursery

Dean Lane, Cookham Dean SL6 9BD

To book a visit, contact below: 01628 483350 admissions@herries.org.uk www.herries.org.uk

Highfield Preparatory School

2 West Road, Maidenhead SL6 1PD

Friday 17 March

9.30am

To book a visit, contact below: 01628 624 918 office@highfieldprep.org www.highfieldprep.org/enquiry-form

Long Close School

Upton Court Road, Slough SL3 7LU

Saturday 4 March 2-16yrs

10.00am

Wednesday 29 March 2-4yrs (Stay & Play)

10.00am

Saturday 13 May 2-16 yrs

10.00am

To book a visit, contact below: admissions@longcloseschool.co.uk www.longcloseschool.co.uk

St John’s Beaumont

Independent Catholic School for boys aged 3-13 years

Priest Hill, Old Windsor SL4 2JN

Friday 12 May

To book a visit, contact below: 01784 494053 sjb.admissions@sjb.email

www.sjbwindsor.uk/admissions/visitus

St George’s School Windsor Castle Datchet Rd, Windsor SL4 1QF

Friday 17 March

Friday 19 May

To book a visit, contact below: 01753 865553

enquiries@stgwindsor.org

www.stgwindsor.org

The Marist School

Kings Road, Sunninghill, Ascot, SL5 7PS

Friday 10 March (Prep)

Saturday 10 June (Whole school)

To book a visit, contact below: 01344 624291

admissions@themarist.com

www.themarist.com/admissions/openevents

Upton House School Windsor 115 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor Berkshire SL4 3DF

Spring open days tbc

For a private tour please contact: registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk 01753 862610

www.uptonhouse.org.uk

Six reasons children switch off from learning (and how to re-engage them)

By Gail Hugman

Given eleven years of compulsory full-time schooling, it’s not surprising many children come across difficulties that affect their performance and ability to learn and some switch off learning altogether. The reasons for ‘switching off’ can be many and varied. Here are six of the most common I have come across along with steps which can help children re-engage.

Boredom

It is not uncommon for parents to know intuitively that their child could do much better if they applied themselves. Children need three things to help them do this: to understand how schoolwork helps them develop skills, to know which goal to aim for next and to receive positive praise for small as well as big achievements.

Summer born

Summer born babies are the youngest in their class, which can mean up to eleven months’ less experience of life and development. Being in a group of children who are physically bigger and who know and can do more, can affect confidence and self-belief. Talking to your child about the age difference and what it means can help to keep them engaged.

Learning differences

Sometimes children switch off because they have an undiagnosed learning difference. They get by using coping strategies such as copying friends or telling you they ‘read better in their head,’ to hide their embarrassment. Trust your gut instinct if something doesn’t feel right.

Major events

Separation and divorce, bereavement, moving house, illness and the birth of a sibling all disrupt daily life. It takes three years to recover from a major stress event and we can sometimes forget this in the hurly burly. Having a chat to help settle your child’s mind about the event or remind them how much they’ve achieved or changed can help to ‘update’ their brain and refocus on moving forward.

Not knowing who or how to ask for help

A normally enthusiastic 7-year-old child had become reluctant to go to school and his work was starting to suffer. His teacher and parent both noticed the change. When investigated, it turned out that the boy’s desk had been moved next to the window in class

and he was cold! He didn’t know who to tell. Sometimes the most challenging issues have the simplest solutions. Ask your child what’s going on in school. Don’t overthink it; start simple.

Poor concentration

The possibilities for distraction from learning are numerous. Too much screen time can agitate young developing brains; not enough sleep; not understanding or liking a subject; being too hot, too cold, too hungry or chatting with a friend and missing instructions can all lead to concentration issues. It is more important than ever that your child can focus and concentrate well in the classroom.

How to help

Sit down with your child and ask them what they see as their strengths and what they are proud of, then tell them what you see they have achieved in the last year. Ask them what help they would wish for at school if you had a magic wand. By taking an interest and showing you care, this helps get the discussion started to tease out anything on their mind that you can help with.

Gail Hugman is the bestselling author of 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10. A children’s life coach, she owns and runs Human at Core (www.humanatcore.com), which helps parents motivate and engage their children through science-based, online personal development courses.

We

Working memory

Working memory and processing issues are not a measure of intelligence but they slow children down. The good news is children can improve with help. Try these simple daily activities for working memory issues:

Read homework to your child.

Show your child what to do first, what to do second etc and look at each step when finished.

Help your child read often to boost confidence. Play memory games frequently.

Stretching your child’s imagination

By Jemma Z Smith

Imagination is the ability to create mental images, thoughts or ideas. It helps us to generate new ideas, to think creatively and to consider possibilities that may not be rooted in current reality. Imagination can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and innovation.

Imagination is often associated with childhood and is an important aspect of child development. Children use their imaginations to create stories, games and other forms of play in which they explore their environment and learn about the world.

However, imagination isn’t only important in childhood. There are many jobs that rely on imagination and creative thinking. For example, imagination is used by the following professionals in the following ways:

Painters, sculptors, photographers - to create works of art;

Novelists, screenwriters and other writers - to create stories and characters;

Actors - to portray characters and bring stories to life;

Architects - to design buildings and other structures; Graphic designers - to create visual designs for websites, advertisements and other media;

Musicians - to compose music and create new sounds; Game designers - to create interactive games and virtual worlds;

Marketers - to come up with creative marketing campaigns and advertisements;

Teachers - to create engaging lesson plans and activities for their students;

Engineers - to design and build new products and systems.

Imagination takes many forms, including visual imagination to create mental images or pictures, verbal imagination in stories or ideas using words and musical imagination creating melodies and harmonies. It can also involve the use of all five senses, such as when someone imagines the taste, smell, or texture of a food they have never experienced.

By providing opportunities for children to use their imagination and encouraging them to be creative, parents can develop their creative thinking skills.

All imaginative play starts with an understanding of the world around us, so to help a child to use their imagination we must first introduce them to different experiences, from sensory experiences such as discovering new foods or smells, to listening to different accents and instruments. This exposure to the world allows your child to have a large mental ‘dressing up box’ to use when creating characters and scenarios for their imaginative play.

Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).

Activities to develop imagination

Encourage open-ended play. Playing with certain toys allows for open-ended exploration and creativity. Blocks, dolls and dressing-up clothes can all be used in a variety of ways, led by a child’s imagination.

Encourage storytelling. Parents can encourage children to create their own stories and characters, either through verbal storytelling, drawing or writing.

Encourage experimentation. Children use their imagination and creativity when trying new things and experimenting with different materials. For example, parents can provide children with art supplies, such as paint, clay or markers and encourage them to create their own projects.

Read together. Reading with children stretches their imagination and exposes them to new ideas and concepts. Encourage them to ask questions and make predictions while reading, to help stimulate their imagination.

Encourage role play. Role play is a fun way to use imagination, for instance, pretending to be a doctor with dolls and soft toys or pretending to be a chef while cooking dinner.

THE GROWN UP SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS OF ALL AGES

Ballet, modern, tap and Acro classes for beginners or advanced students, from 3 years and upwards

Weekdays:

Braywick Leisure Centre & Holtspur Scout Hut, Beaconsfield HP9 1BH

Saturdays: BCA, Maidenhead

Helping boys manage the gender gap

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

A 2022 global report shows that boys are increasingly becoming left behind in education. Furthermore, recent school entry baseline assessments show over one million boys are already under-achieving by the time they enter Reception. So what are the reasons behind this?

One key factor is that the male brain is wired to respond in external, rather than internal ways. This leaves boys at a disadvantage in the school environment where teaching focusses on the sedentary development of verbal skills, at the expense of active learning. A calm, controlled classroom is usually the teacher’s end goal but boys tend to learn better by doing rather than sitting.

Both at home and at school, boys participate less in activities such as storytelling and nursery rhymes that support language and literacy development. Even playtime choices affect their development; whilst girls often use make believe and role play activities which further develop their language skills, boys generally choose more physical outlets.

The gender gap is further evidenced by the fact that boys make up around eighty per cent of pupils excluded from schools. They are often easily distracted and less likely to follow instructions.

What is being done to address this? Sadly, our education system does not always get it right and only a minority of schools have been successful in developing specific strategies to raise boys’ attainment. These involve refining approaches to learning and teaching by challenging stereotypical perceptions and making necessary changes to the curriculum.

An excellent model which proves the theories about the different learning styles needed for successful boys’ education is the rapid emergence of Forest Schools. Here educators are seeing young boys excel when allowed to learn in the right environment, mixing physicality with academia. The benefits are limitless and encourage children of both sexes to learn in their own ways.

While it may not be possible to find or have access to the perfect school environment, acknowledging that boys will mature later and have different learning needs and styles and giving them the encouragement and support they need, will help them progress through the school system. Encouragingly, once they are mature and by the time they finish school, the gender gap will have decreased with boys often outperforming their female counterparts at A-Level.

Catherine and Lisa are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with insights, skills and tools to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

We are currently recruiting hosts who can offer a spare bedroom, three meals per day and the required lessons and activities.

You choose who to host and when to host! Earn up to £1,000 per week.

Emotional intelligence supports learning

Emotional intelligence is defined as a person’s ability to express and manage feelings appropriately, while respecting the feelings of others. Studies show that children with high emotional intelligence gain better grades, stay in school longer and generally make healthier choices. All children can be taught emotional intelligence.

Give feelings a label. Children need to recognise them. This helps build up their own emotional vocabulary when approaching others.

Show empathy. Slow down and be less dismissive of how your kids are feeling.

Model appropriate ways to express feelings. Use feeling words in your everyday conversation.

Teach healthy coping skills. You will find plenty of calming techniques online to show kids how to regulate their feelings. Develop problem-solving skills. Help your children work through problems, don’t simply remove them.

Often all our children need is a hug and an acknowledgement of how they feel!

What NOT to say to a child with ADHD

By Sarah Templeton

ADHD, or ‘attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’ to give its full name, is a neurodiverse condition that some people are born with and have for life. It is not a childhood behavioural disorder and has nothing to do with E numbers, bad parenting or just being naughty. In an MRI scan, it is now possible to see the difference between a neurotypical brain and a neurodiverse brain.

Children who are born with neurodiverse brain wiring have as much right to be their authentic selves as those born with neurotypical brains.

However, ADHD children are known to receive approximately twenty thousand negative messages before they reach age 12. This indicates that we grossly misunderstand them. How can we address this?

The main thing not to say to any ADHD child is anything critical of their natural, inbuilt behaviours. This could include their hyperactivity, restlessness, inattentiveness, distractedness and their impulsive and compulsive behaviours.

It is very important we see ADHD as the way a child’s brain functions and work with their traits, rather than fighting them. You are never going to knock the ADHD out of a child or send them to therapy and get a neurotypical child back. It is kinder and more effective to understand all the traits of ADHD and embrace them positively instead.

ADHD brains are different!

ADHD brains have specific ways of thinking. Some of these might shock you but they are all true.

Kids with ADHD are wired to think they know best, want everything their own way, think they are right about everything, dislike authority or being told what to do and push boundaries at every opportunity.

The biggest trait of all is emotional dysregulation which is the element of the brain that is supposed to regulate emotion malfunctions. This is when you get angry kids having meltdowns or kicking-off or weepy, overly emotional kids; they are unable to regulate their emotions. So, another thing not to say to a child with ADHD is anything about ‘being unable to control their temper’ or ‘being overly sensitive.’ They really can’t help this either.

ADHD kids also have a heightened sense of justice so are very hot on things being fair and equal. Again, respect their opinions and don’t dismiss their feelings.

Sarah Templeton is an ADHD counsellor, coach, CBT therapist and author of How Not to Murder Your ADHD Kid, available through good bookshops and at her website www.sarahtempleton.org.uk

ADHD and self-esteem

It is now accepted that not being able to control emotions is the most difficult element of ADHD.

In addition, those with ADHD also have ‘rejection sensitive dysphoria’ which is largely accepted to relate only to ADHD people. It means ADHD kids will take rejection and particularly humiliation very badly. Be mindful of how you speak to an ADHD child as even your tone of voice can make them feel hurt, rejected and undermine their self-esteem.

However frustrated you are feeling, try never to snap at your child. Remember, whatever they have just said or done to irritate you is no doubt just their natural ADHD brain’s way.

Try and speak to your child with respect, give them options wherever possible, so they feel they are in charge and not being told what to do and always make sure they feel listened to and heard.

An ADHD child will get more frustrated than most if they feel they aren’t being taken seriously and this can begin from the age of 3 upwards.

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

Meet George Webster

Families chats with George Webster, the 22-year-old TV presenter, actor, dancer and ambassador for Mencap. George was catapulted into the public eye when he spoke about Down syndrome in his myth-busting video for BBC Bitesize. A trailblazer, he is now the first ever CBeebies presenter to have Down Syndrome. In November 2022, George won a BAFTA (Children and Young People Awards) for Best Presenter.

Congratulations on winning your BAFTA! How do you feel about that achievement?

I feel really proud and really honoured to achieve the award for presenter. I work with so many brilliant people at CBeebies and I feel like things are starting to improve for people like me in the media industry.

Tell us about your journey to become a presenter on CBeebies.

I always loved acting, dancing and performing at school and since then one thing has led to another. While volunteering at Parkrun, Sky filmed me for a documentary and I then became a Mencap ambassador. When my BBC Bitesize video busting the five myths of Down syndrome got five million hits, CBeebies got in touch inviting me to be a

guest presenter and now I’m a regular!

Who has been most supportive in helping you achieve your success?

My parents have been really supportive throughout my life and they always keep telling me ‘just be yourself.’ I always am and I want to say thank you to them for their love and support. Also, my support teachers at school, my friends, the NHS and local charities.

What advice would you give to encourage other youngsters who are facing challenges and want to pursue similar careers?

Be yourself and dream big. We can all dream big so don’t let anyone else decide for you as it’s your life. Get involved with local performing arts groups too.

GIVEAWAY!

Five signed copies of This is ME! picture book

Families has teamed up with BAFTA award-winning TV presenter, George Webster, CBeebies’ first presenter with Down syndrome, to o er five lucky children copies of George’s new book, This is ME!

This is ME! is a heartfelt and uplifting story that follows a little boy called George as he tells the reader all about who he is, his life and his experiences. George knows that having Down syndrome is an important part of him but it does not define him.

Featuring George’s real-life friends and family as well as a joyful cast of characters reflective of society and with bright and bold illustrations by best-selling illustrator, Tim Budgen, This is ME! celebrates uniqueness, being ourselves and how our di erences make us special.

Scan the QR code to apply or visit familiesmag.co.uk/go

Closing date: 21 April

T&Cs at https://bit.ly/gwbookgiveaway

What do you enjoy most about presenting?

I love everything about presenting at CBeebies! I’ve met loads of brilliant people and now we’re great friends. I also enjoy showing the viewers at home that people like me can be represented within the media and that ‘difference’ can inspire their kids’ lives. Their kids can have many role models, no matter who and what they are.

You’ve now written a picture book called This is ME! Tell us more.

This is ME! is about me, my friends and family when I was younger. It’s about celebrating differences no matter what we look like and who we are. It’s also about each person having their own glow inside that we all need to see.

The book illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to your rhyming words. How did the partnership come together?

My publisher, Scholastic Children’s Books, paired me with the wonderful illustrator, Tim Budgen. Working with him and my co-author, Claire Taylor, has been brilliant and a real collaborative effort.

What has been the best moment of your career so far?

There are so many! Working with CBeebies, writing a book, winning a BAFTA, being on Casualty, going to the premiere of S.A.M and dancing on stage with Talent Hub. Plus going to UDance National Finals to represent

Yorkshire as the first inclusive dance group with Meshdance and watching my appearance on Strictly Come Dancing back on Christmas Day.

You are ambassador for the charity Mencap, which works to improve the life of young people with learning difficulties. Tell us what this work means to you.

It means a lot to me as I have many friends with a learning disability and they’re all brilliant. People like us exist and working with Mencap means our voices get heard. I want people to understand us more rather than be scared of us.

Where would you like to see your career heading in the future?

I’d love to do more presenting and acting work. I would love to be in Death in Paradise, EastEnders and Doctor Who. Or I could be the new James Bond - why not! Also, I’d love to compete on the main show of Strictly Come Dancing.

If you had to bust one myth about having Down syndrome, what would it be?

‘People with Down syndrome are always happy.’ This just isn’t true! We have a range of emotions like every living person has.

What do you do to relax?

I love going to the theatre or cinema, watching films and tv and listening to music. Oh, and thrashing my dad at FIFA!

Easter Holiday Fun

Easter holiday fun Easter holiday fun

With two weeks to fill during the Easter holidays, we’ve picked out some of our favourite family friendly activities to fill the holidays. We cover everything from Easter egg hunts to family shows as well as the odd club to give you all a break from each other! There’s something on offer for everyone, whether it’s enjoying the outdoors or suggestions for how to fill those wet weather days. Happy planning!

Artemis Studios are running a musical theatre week from Tuesday 11 to Friday April 14. Open to ages 4-15 years from 9.30-4.30pm daily, children will experience a mix of acting, dancing, singing and crafts with lunch included. They are also running a cheerleading workshop on Monday April 3 10am-2pm.

South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA www.artemis-studios.co.uk

BCA Zoo run family zoo days on the last Saturday of each month from March until September. Book a 3 hour morning or afternoon slot and explore at your own pace. Keeper talks and animal feeds run throughout the day. Burchetts Green SL6 6QR https://zoo.bca.ac.uk

Beale Park wildlife park and gardens offer daily school holiday activities: meet the bugs, pedaloes, giant inflatable slide and all the usual attractions. Lower Basildon, RG8 9NW www.bealepark.org.uk

To help families enjoy a year of magical memories, Blenheim Palace is including a free child’s Annual Pass (aged 3-16) with every adult Annual Pass booked before 31st March 2023. From nature trails passing ancient woodlands and adventures through the two-mile long Marlborough Maze to a fun for all ages miniature train ride, Blenheim’s parkland provides the perfect backdrop for a family day out. Keen-eyed youngsters will also be able to take on the new Mouse Trail this year. Follow the map through the Palace and Gardens looking for clues along the way! Don’t forget to look out for their Easter Eggstravaganza taking place Friday 7 to Monday April 10 Woodstock OX20 1PP www.blenheimpalace.com

Take a swim at Braywick leisure centre or join the roller disco. Or if it’s crazy golf you’re interested in, Maidenhead Mini golf located at Braywick park boosts 18 holes of Dinosaur themed mini-golf. Maidenhead SL6 1BN www.leisurefocus.org.uk/our-centres/braywick-leisure-centre www.maidenheadminigolf.co.uk

Why not spend Easter weekend at the Chiltern Open Air Museum. Learn about Easter traditions, follow an Easter trail, have a go at some family crafts and see their baby lambs. There’s also plenty of woodland to explore as well as a new adventure playground.

Gorelands Ln, Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Explore the extensive woodlands, wander down to the river or enjoy the grounds at Cliveden National Trust. Taplow, Maidenhead SL1 8NS

There are plenty of great National Trust places to visit within an hour’s drive. Basildon Park, Grey’s Court, Hughenden, Stowe, The Vyne and Waddesdon are all favourites with us. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Want to enjoy a bit of adult time, while the kids enjoy some Easter Fun? The Crowne Plaza Marlow has Easter Egg Hunts, Face Painting and a Kids Play Area running over the Easter weekend. Let kids explore on their lawns whilst you enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, or a 3 course Sunday lunch with the whole family!

Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow SL7 1GJ www.cpmarlow.co.uk/Calendarofevents

Legoland Windsor Resort reopens for the season on Friday March 17 with over 55 rides, live shows and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY www.legoland.co.uk

Hop along to Odds Farm Park Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April to enjoy the annual Easter event ‘Spring into Easter’. Little ones can meet the Easter Bunny, before popping over to Odds Farm Easter Garden for the Easter Scavenger Egg Hunt, with delicious chocolate treats. There will also be ‘ahhhs’ a-plenty thanks to fluffy bunnies, kid goats, and bouncing lambs for families to see in the animal barns. There will even be opportunities for children to bottle-feed the kid goats at regular times throughout the day. Also get stuck into making Springthemed creations! Plus, there’s all the usual fun with the tractor and trailer ride, H2Odds water play, Marmalade’s Mini Rover rides and giant Indoor Playbarn. With the all-inclusive

price Odds Farm Park offers to guests, families can access a huge range of activities throughout the day.

Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk

A trip to a museum makes a great day out, especially if the weather is dubious. Some of our favourites that aren’t too far away are: Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford currently running a trail based on His Dark Materials OX1 3PW, www.prm.ox.ac.uk and Roald Dahl Museum and Story centre, perfect for fans aged 5-12 years. Great Missenden HP16 0AL www.roalddahlmuseum.org The Story Museum’s immersive exhibitions and workshops are a great way to celebrate a love of stories and adventure. Oxford, OX1 1BP www. storymuseum.org.uk plus The River and Rowing museum’s 3D Wind in the Willows experience has always been a firm favourite with my children! Henley-on-Thames RG9 1BF www.rrm.co.uk

We all love a park visit and with warmer weather hopefully on the way why not pack a picnic and make a day of it. There are so many to choose from but these are just a few on our list: Boulter’s Lock and Ray Mill Island. Visit the guinea pigs, climb trees, play on the wooden equipment (if you have younger children), or wander over to Taplow riverside. Maidenhead SL6 8PE. Black Park, Denham country park and Langley park all offer adventure playgrounds and plenty of space to run around in or climb trees, as well as cafes for refreshments. https://countryparks.buckscc.gov.uk If you’re looking for adventure in the trees, Go Ape Black Park has plenty to offer too. Dinton Pastures Country Park, much like Black park, boasts a scenic walk round the lake, and an impressive adventure playground. Hurst RG10 0TH www.dinton-pastures.co.uk Windsor Great Park, wander through the deer park, visit the 100 foot Totem Pole at Virginia Water lake, or clamber over the rocks by the copper horse at the top of The Long Walk. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk

Quest Family Fest at Norden Farm offers 2 weeks of creative adventures, shows, films and workshops to keep kids busy. Don’t forget to book for their Explore day on the 7 April - A full day of taster workshops for children and families. Maid enhead SL6 4PF www.nordenfarm.org

Children and Teenagers can make friends, have fun and develop some great new skills at their fabulous Stagecoach Holiday Drama Clubs and Workshops. Their holiday work shops are designed for six to 18-year-olds, with some areas offering tailored workshops for kids aged four to six. At the end of their time at the workshops, the students will join together to showcase their new-found singing, acting and dancing skills to family and friends. Find out your nearest school and camps they offer: www.stagecoach.co.uk/holiday-workshops

We love a trip to the theatre! London has no shortage of shows to choose from, but if you want something locally, a couple of our favourite venues to visit with smaller children are Norden Farm in Maidenhead SL6 4PF www.nordenfarm.org and Wycombe Swan HP11 2XE www.wycombeswan.co.uk. Ocean theatre company are also presenting ‘Kiss Me Kate at the BritVic Theatre in Ascot showing what their team of 10-13 year old’s have been trained up for: www.oceantheatre.com

Visit the science exhibition at The Lookout Discovery Centre with over 90 activities which children of all ages can enjoy

and learn from. If the weather allows, they also have an extensive outdoor playground and there are some great cycle trails too. Bracknell, RG12 7QW www.bracknell-forest.gov. uk/leisure-services/look-out-discovery-centre

Join in the fun at Wellington Country Park this Easter. Beautifully rural yet easily accessible, the award-winning destination is a great place to spend your holiday for a fun-filled day during their Easter Eggstravaganza. All of the Easter events at Welly Park are included in your admission fee. From the Mega Egg Hunt to Circus Wellingtonia, Circus Skills to Crafts with Junk Jodie there is so much to do, you are sure to have an egg-citing day out!

Perfect for children up to the age of 8 years old, spend family time together and make unforgettable memories. Odiham RG7 1SP www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

If you have an advantage card, entry to Windsor Castle is free. Don’t forget the advantage card also offers discounts at certain restaurants so you could combine a day out with a family meal. For crafty kids visiting the castle, check out the Pug yard learning centre during the holidays too.

SL4 1NJ.

www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

All events still had availability at time of going to print (February 2023).

Ongoing

MONDAYS IN MARCH AND APRIL

WELL BABY CLINIC

Riverside Children’s Centre, Maidenhead SL6 7JB

ALSO: Tuesdays: The Manor Family Hub, Windsor SL4 3HD

Thursdays: Datchet Children’s Centre, SL3 9EJ (SatNav SL3 9ER)

Fridays: Boyn Grove Library, Courthouse Road, Maidenhead, SL6 6JE www.rbwm.afcinfo.org.uk

MONDAYS IN MARCH AND APRIL

NURTURE GROUPS

Riverside Children’s Centre, Maidenhead SL6 7JB

ALSO: Wednesdays: The Manor Family Hub, Windsor SL4 3HD

Fridays: Datchet Children’s Centre, SL3 9EJ (SatNav SL3 9ER) www.rbwm.afcinfo.org.uk

WEDNESDAYS IN MARCH AND APRIL

JUNIOR YOUTH THEATRE

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 4.55pm 7-11 years www.nordenfarm.org

WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS IN MARCH AND APRIL

LITTLE WRIGGLERS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 10am Wed, 11am Fri 2+ years www.norden.farm

THURSDAYS IN MARCH AND APRIL

MELODY MUSIC AND PLAY

Chai Cocoa 83 Queen Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1LR 1.50pm-3.00pm www.chaicocoa.com

THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS IN MARCH AND APRIL

MONKEY MUSIC CLASSES

Maidenhead Community Centre SL6 7HY (Thur)

Gardeners Hall, Windsor SL4 3DR (Fri) From 9.30am (check times) Babies - 4 years www.monkeymusic.co.uk

SATURDAYS IN MARCH AND APRIL ROLLER DISCO

Braywick Leisure Centre, Maidenhead SL6 1BN Scoot and Skate: 3-4pm beginner session

Family and Friends roller disco early session: 4.15pm-5.15pm

Family and Friends roller disco late session: 5.30pm-7.30pm www.leisurefocus.org.uk

SATURDAYS IN MARCH AND APRIL CREATIVE MINDFULNESS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF

From 11am groups from 4-15 years www.nordenfarm.org

SUNDAYS IN MARCH AND APRIL

INDOOR CLIMBING

Dinton Pastures Activity Centre, Sandford Lane, Hurst RG10 0SU 11-5pm. Age 4+ www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/eventsand-venue-hire/events-at-dinton

March

SATURDAYS IN MARCH

STORY AND RHYME TIME

The Curve, William Street, Slough SL1 1XY 10.30am

https://www.slough.gov.uk/events/event/3/ saturday-story-and-rhyme-time-at-thecurve-library

SATURDAY MARCH 4

OUTDOOR MARKET

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 12-4pm

www.nordenfarm.org

SATURDAY 4 AND SUNDAY MARCH 5

MAIDENHEAD’S BIG READ - OUTER SPACE

Maidenhead Library, St Ives Road SL6 1QU

A weekend of free events, including: Immersive planetarium dome

Author sessions and storytelling

Pop up bookshop

VR experience (Sunday only)

Readers’ Corner for quiet reading with parents and toddlers

Once Upon A Bus (on Maidenhead High St) Prizes for the most imaginative space costume

No advance booking. Tickets available on the day

www.maidenheads-big-read.org.uk

MONDAY 6 AND MONDAY MARCH 20

MINI MONDAYS

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Theme: Wind. Activities include blow painting and making a paper kite. 10am-12pm

www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-wedo/event-listings

THURSDAY MARCH 9

RHYME AND STORY TIME

Cox Green library, Highfield Ln, Maidenhead SL6 3AX 2.15-2.45pm no need to book

FRIDAY MARCH 10 AND MONDAY MARCH 13

NATURE TOTS

Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre (access is via Forest Gate SL4 2BY)

Outdoor nature play, crafts and stories for preschool aged children

www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/naturetots

SATURDAY MARCH 11

HULLA BALLOONY MOON TIME

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF moonlit show based on the book Pat-a-Cake Baby 11.30am and 2pm www.nordenfarm.org

SATURDAY MARCH 18

LOOK TO THE STARS

Highfield Prep School, 2 West Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PD With Maidenhead Astronomical Society. 6-9pm

Bookings: office@highfieldprep.org

SATURDAY MARCH 18

MOTHER’S DAY CONCERTINI WITH ROGUE OPERA Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11.30am and 2pm www.nordenfarm.org

THURSDAY MARCH 23

RHYME AND STORY TIME Cox Green library, Highfield Ln, Maidenhead SL6 3AX 2.15-2.45pm no need to book

THURSDAY 23 AND FRIDAY MARCH 24

TODDLER DAYS - PIRATES

The Lookout Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services/ look-out-discovery-centre/toddler-days

FRIDAY MARCH 24

NATURE TOTS

Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Ln, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ

Outdoor nature discovery for preschoolers Pre Booking required 10-11.30am

www.bbowt.org.uk/events

SATURDAY MARCH 25

COMIC CLUB WORKSHOP Story Museum 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP 11am. £11.

www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on

SUNDAY MARCH 26

WHERE’S WALLY FUN RUN Battersea Park

5k, 10k or 1k for under 12s £15 per child and £20 per adult 9am

Support the vital work of the National Literacy Trust. All the money raised will directly support children from economically disadvantaged areas in the UK in their reading, writing, and communication skills. www.literacytrust.org.uk/whereswally

MONDAY MARCH 27

NATURE TOTS

Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Ln, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ

Outdoor nature discovery for preschoolers Pre Booking required 10-11.30am and 12.30-2pm www.bbowt.org.uk/events

April

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS IN APRIL BOAT HIRE FOR THE FAMILY

Dinton Pastures Activity Centre, Sandford Lane, Hurst RG10 0SU Pedalos, Paddleboards, Canoes, Kayaks www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/ activities/activities-for-families/boat-hire

SATURDAY APRIL 1

OUTDOOR MARKET

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 12-4pm www.nordenfarm.org

SATURDAY APRIL 1

WHO’S IN THE WOODSHED?

BOOKWORMS WITH NYANDA FODAY Story Museum 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP

Introduces the need for every child to see themselves in the books they read. Early years. £8. www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on

SATURDAY 1 TO SUNDAY APRIL 16

CROWNS AND CORONATIONS CRAFTS

Pug Yard Learning Centre, Windsor Castle SL4 1NJ

Free upon admission to the castle.

SATURDAY 1 TO SUNDAY APRIL 16

SPRING INTO EASTER

Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green HP10 0LX

Meet the Easter Bunny, egg hunt and all the usual farm fun. www.oddsfarm.co.uk

SATURDAY 1 TO SUNDAY APRIL 16

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Wellington Country Park, Odiham RG7 1SP

Action-packed Easter holiday fun. 9.30am-5.30pm www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/whats-on

SUNDAY APRIL 2

COMIC CON AND TOY FAIR

Braywick Leisure Centre, Maidenhead SL6 1BN

10am to 4pm www.strikingevents.com/maidenhead

SUNDAY APRIL 2

EASTER FAIR

Clewer Memorial Recreation ground, Dedworth Rd, Windsor SL4 5BD

SUNDAY APRIL 2

ADVENTURE IN PICTURE BOOK MAKING WITH MINI GREY

Story Museum 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on

MONDAY APRIL 3

CHEERLEADING WORKSHOP

Artemis Studios, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA 4-15 years 10am-2pm www.artemis-studios.co.uk

MONDAY APRIL 3 TO SATURDAY APRIL 15

LEGALLY BLONDE JUNIOR EASTER WORKSHOP

For 13-18 year olds -rehearse and perform this show!

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/trw-easterschool-23/

MONDAY 3 AND MONDAY APRIL 17

MINI MONDAYS

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Theme: April showers. Come and explore floating and sinking and create a watery painting. 10am-12pm www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-wedo/event-listings

TUESDAY 4 AND WEDNESDAY APRIL 5

ROOM ON THE BROOM

Wycombe Swan, St. Mary street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE Tues 2pm and 4pm & Wed 11am & 1pm. 3+ www.wycombeswan.co.uk

TUESDAY 4 AND TUESDAY APRIL 11

FAMILY FUN DAY

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

Trail, craft activities and more. 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-wedo/event-listings

TUESDAY 4 TO FRIDAY APRIL 14

QUEST FAMILY FEST

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF

2 weeks of creative adventures - workshops, films and shows www.nordenfarm.org

WEDNESDAY APRIL 5

THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts,

Maidenhead SL6 4PF

11.30am and 2pm

www.nordenfarm.org

WEDNESDAY 5 TO SATURDAY APRIL 8

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR Dreamcoat

Kenton Theatre, 19 New St, Henley on Thames RG9 2BS

Wed & Thurs 7.30pm

Fri & Sat 2.30pm and 7.30pm

www.kentontheatre.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 5 AND WEDNESDAY APRIL 12

DROP OFF DAY

Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB

10am-4pm 7-11 years. www.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-wedo/event-listings

THURSDAY APRIL 6

CURIOUS INVESTIGATORS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF

An interactive engineering adventure for young scientists!

11.30am and 2pm www.nordenfarm.org

THURSDAY APRIL 6

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE: SCIENCE SAVED THE WORLD Wycombe Swan, St. Mary street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE

Expect 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen & hydrogen balloons and even a self-built Hovercraft!

6pm www.wycombeswan.co.uk

FRIDAY APRIL 7

EXPLORE DAY

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF

Full day of taster workshops for children and families.

www.nordenfarm.org

FRIDAY APRIL 7

GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY FUNDAY Oaken Grove Park, Maidenhead SL6 6EU

FRIDAY 7 TO MONDAY APRIL 10

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Blenheim Palace Woodstock OX20 1PP www.blenheimpalace.com

SATURDAY APRIL 8

EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY

Grenfell Park, Maidenhead Free event from 11am to 3pm

www.maidenheadbridgerotary.org.uk/ easterfunday

SATURDAY APRIL 8

FIREMAN SAM SAVES THE CIRCUS Wycombe Swan, St. Mary street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 12pm and 3pm

www.wycombeswan.co.uk

SATURDAY APRIL 8

PROFESSOR SLUGS HOUSE OF BUGS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11.30am and 2pm www.nordenfarm.org

SATURDAY APRIL 8 TILL MONDAY APRIL 11

EASTER FUN!

Crowne Plaza Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow SL7 1GJ www.cpmarlow.co.uk/Calendarofevents

SUNDAY APRIL 9

THE MEGA EGG HUNT

Wellington Country Park, Odiham RG7 1SP 9.30am-4.30pm www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/whats-on

TUESDAY 11 TO FRIDAY APRIL 14

MUSICAL THEATRE WEEK

Artemis Studios, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA 4-15 years 9.30-4.30pm daily www.artemis-studios.co.uk

EASTER EASTER

Join

THURSDAY APRIL 13 AND FRIDAY APRIL 14

NATURE TOTS

Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre (access is via Forest Gate SL4 2BY) Outdoor nature play, crafts and stories for preschool aged children www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/naturetots

FRIDAY APRIL 14 TO SUNDAY APRIL 16

KISS ME, KATE BritVic Theatre, Ascot SL5 8DR Performance by Ocean theatre company www.oceantheatre.com

WEDNESDAY 19 AND APRIL 26

LITTLE WRIGGLERS

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 10am

www.nordenfarm.org

FRIDAY APRIL 21

NATURE TOTS

Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Ln, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ

Outdoor nature discovery for preschoolers

Pre Booking required 10-11.30am

www.bbowt.org.uk/events

MONDAY APRIL 24

ANIMALS

South Hill park, Bracknell 6+ interactive fun show for the family www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/animals

THURSDAY 27 AND FRIDAY APRIL 28

TODDLER DAYS - BUGS AND BEASTIES

The Lookout Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisureservices/look-out-discovery-centre/toddlerdays

Upcoming

SATURDAY 10 AND SUNDAY JUNE 11

THE LITTLE WELLY OBSTACLE COURSE & FESTIVAL Henley Greenlands, Marlow Road, HenleyOn-Thames, RG9 3AU

New obstacles, entertainers and activities www.thelittlewelly.co.uk

Musical Theatre Week!

T u e s d a y 1 1 t h - F r i d a y 1 4 t h A p r i l

9 . 3 0 a m - 4 . 3 0 p m d a i l y .

O p e n t o a g e s 4 - 1 5

A c t i n g , s i n g i n g , d a n c i n g , c r a f t s

I n c l u d e s l u n c h a n d h e a l t h y s n a c k s !

M e d a l f o r e v e r y o n e

£ 1 0 0 p e r p e r s o n ( f r e e f o r H A F )

Artemis Cheerleading

n a c k s !

£ 2 0 p e r p e r s o n ( f r e e f o r H A F )

www artemis-studios co uk

A r t e m i s i s O f s t e d r e g i s t e r e d a n d a c c e p t s

C h i l d c a r e V o u c h e r s , T a x F r e e C h i l d c a r e a n d

B r a c k n e l l H A F V o u c h e r s i n t h e h o l i d a y s !

Maidenhead

Thursdays - Maidenhead Community Centre, 4 Marlow Road, Maidenhead, SL6 7HY

9.30am Jiggety-Jig for 2 & 3 year olds

10.10am Heigh-Ho for 1-2 year olds

10.50am Rock'n'Roll for babies under 1

Fridays - Gardeners Hall, 213 St Leonards Rd, Windsor, SL4 3DR

9.30am Heigh-Ho for 1-2 year olds

10.10am Jiggety-Jig for 2 & 3 year olds

10.50am Rock'n'Roll for babies under 1

Sharing

Working as a nurse seems a far cry from writing children’s books. Had you always wanted to write a fantasy series?

a funny way, she is the inspiration for the whole story.

Any fans of His Dark Materials or the School of Good and Evil, will love our book club pick this month!

The perfect read to enjoy over the long Easter break, Rachel Bailey talks to Aisling Fowler author of the Fireborn series whose second novel Phoenix and the Frost Palace is out on March 2nd

much better. There will be many new monsters too, along with a few (hopefully) unexpected twists and turns!

Twelve reminds me a little of Frankie, the heroine in Nicola Skinner’s book Storm (another of our book club picks). Nicola said she felt it was important to write a ‘real’ character warts and all, not just another ‘sweet’ heroine. Did you find that those ‘real’ female characters were missing from children’s books you’ve read?

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I wrote a lot when I was young, but it wasn’t until I was training as a nurse in my twenties that I found my way back to it. I realised quite quickly that all my ideas were children’s fantasy, that it felt like a very comfortable, natural fit. I hadn’t specifically planned on writing a series, but when the idea for Fireborn came to me, I knew the story was too big for one book. There’s so much more scope for worldbuilding and character development in a fantasy series than in a standalone.

I planned the story as a trilogy and am currently editing the third book. I’m not going to say I’ll never write anything else set in Ember though. I love this world and these characters a lot and think there could be more to explore there one day…

I’ve heard that, like me, you have a large

We love that Fireborn has such a strong female lead. Did Twelve come to you fully formed or what was the inspiration for her character?

Please find below a proof of your adver tisement for the Januar y/Februar y 2017 issue (No. 88) of Families TVE.

Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially dates, telephone numbers and addresses.

Any changes need to be made at this stage . Any fur ther amendments will be charged for

Please contact us by return either to amend or approve your adver tisement.

Thank you, I’m such a fan of Twelve and it always makes me so happy to hear that others are too! She was actually the very first spark of the story to come to me and there are three characters I credit with inspiring her: Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Xena: Warrior Princess – all strong female characters themselves.

Twelve didn’t pop into my head fully formed, but I knew two important things about her immediately. Firstly, she was holding a pair of axes and secondly, she was full of this fiery anger. It was in exploring those two details that the world, the plot and even the other characters pulled into focus. In

I’m a big fan of Nicola’s writing, so thank you for that comparison! I do think it’s relatively rare to see female characters who freely express darker emotions in children’s books. I don’t feel I made a conscious choice to portray Twelve that way though. When she arrived in my head, she was already furious: her anger was one of her defining qualities and there were good reasons for that. To do justice to her story, I knew I couldn’t shy away from her rage – it is what drives her in the first book. I think it’s important and very healthy for girls to know it’s OK to be angry and to express that. I would love it if Twelve empowered some young readers to be comfortable speaking their minds.

What can we expect from the second book and are there more planned?

Without giving any spoilers, the second book opens up the world that we saw in Book 1. The action will move beyond the Hunting Lodge though, so we’ll discover new locations and meet new characters while getting to know the original group

Thames Valley East

T: 01628 627586

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Are you a keen adventurer yourself or do you prefer to get lost in a book and travel from the comfort of your sofa? Both! My ideal is where the two combine: real adventures in the day and bookish ones in the evening!

Phoenix and the Frost Palace, Aisling’s second novel in the Fireborn series is out in hardback in March priced £12.99. @aislingfowler @fowler_aisling

www.aislingfowler.com

WIN Families have a copy of both Phoenix and the Frost Palace and Twelve and the Frozen Forest to give away!

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

Who is the main character in the Fireborn series?

A Twelve

B Eleven

C Twenty-Two

Closing date for entries is 31 March 2023

Bringing back playing out

For the majority of today’s parents, the best childhood memories don’t involve expensive toys or organised activities. Instead, they remember the simple pleasures of playing and running around outside with their friends. Their strongest and fondest memories recall a magical sense of freedom and possibility.

There have been many studies into the benefits of free, unstructured outside play. Children playing together use their creativity and imagination to create games and invent rules; they learn how to collaborate, share, negotiate and resolve conflicts. They build resilience, independence and social confidence as they learn to navigate the world without adult interference. All valuable experiences as they grow into young adults.

Playing outside is also the natural, joyful way that children are physically active and develop running, balancing, skipping, climbing, jumping and even ball skills at their own pace. You don’t have to ‘make’ children do this; just look at a school playground at breaktime!

In the past, playing outside was the easy, free way that children got all these vital health and wellbeing benefits, every day. All it needed was safe spaces close to home: streets, patches of land, small parks children could get to. It didn’t need money, a car or an adult to take them.

Today things are very different. While screens and ‘lazy’ children or parents often get blamed, one of the biggest barriers is traffic. UK traffic volume has doubled since the 1980s and roads are now seen as ‘just for cars.’ Parental fears are justified, as the numbers of children being killed or injured on our roads is shocking and should be unacceptable in any society.

Kids Swim Lessons

So what can parents do?

Gardens are safe but not everyone has one. Organised activities are great but not always possible and don’t replace the benefits of unstructured play.

Play streets are one way to reclaim some of the freedom children have lost. By temporarily stopping through traffic on a residential street, neighbours can open up a safe space for children to play together on their doorsteps.

In 2009, a group of Bristol parents closed their street to through traffic for a few hours to give their children some of the freedom they grew up with. Their council then agreed that this could happen every week. The idea began to spread and they set up Playing Out to support other parents and residents do the same.

Playing Out brings more play and freedom into children’s lives in an easy, affordable way. Look into setting up your own space at www.playingout.net.

Getting started with play streets

There are four steps involved with setting up a play street: Consult your neighbours. It’s clearly got to be something that they will either actively embrace or, at the very least, find acceptable.

Apply to your council for permission. Not all councils have policies to support play streets but they can often be persuaded if they can see that there is demand from residents. In these areas, why not start with a street party (for the Coronation perhaps), focus on low key space for play and then take it from there?

Effectively communicate what is happening to everyone on the street.

Release your kids to play out. On the day, volunteer stewards supervise the road closure so that residents who need to can still drive in and out and the disruption to neighbours is minimal. All the information and support you need to take this further is at www.playingout.net

"We'd love to teach YOUR child to swim and enjoy water"

&

Let’s make a spring bird café!

Celebrate the arrival of spring by making this funky spring bird café from our friends at Wonderbly. It’s great for small fans of nature and you get to feed the local bird population at the same time.

You will need:

• Milk carton

• Paper plate

• Pencil

• Ruler

• Scissors or Stanley knife (for adults only)

• Paint (use acrylic paint if you want your bird café to go outside but make sure you wear an overall or apron as it doesn’t wash out!)

• Decorative tape (optional)

• Bobbins and mini umbrellas

• Dowel or BBQ sticks

• Yummy seeds

• Flappy customers!

andCutout Keep &

Step 1:

Grab your (empty) milk carton. Take your ruler and get your child assistant to measure and trace two flaps for awnings and a hole for the birds. Then cut the holes.

Step 5:

Instructions: &

While you’re doing the fiddly bits, let your child make their café’s sign with some cardboard and paint. Leave to dry and then help the café owner write their name with a marker before you cut and glue it.

Step 2:

Paint the milk carton and paper plate to make your building and outdoor area. For sharper colour, give your milk carton two coats.

Step 6:

Almost time for the grand opening. Get the kids to stock the café with seeds. Birds especially love sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Step 3:

Tile your roof by painting tiles on with the brush and adorn your awnings. We used decorative tape but you can paint or colour in with pens and pencils.

Step 4:

Make some bunting using thread and decorative tape. You can even make a window plant box by folding up some paper and gluing it underneath one of the awnings.

Wonderbly creates beautiful, personalised children’s books that inspire courage, curiosity, and kindness in children all over the world. A treat for any curious little mind.

www.wonderbly.com

Step 7:

Nearly ready! Grown-ups, make a little ‘X’ with the Stanley knife below the seed hole and push a piece of dowel or a cocktail stick through. Finally, pop some tables and parasols outside for your first customers. Bobbins and mini umbrellas are perfect for this, or you could use corks and leaves if you want more plants.