The West Kent Family Grapevine Online Edition - Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

WEST KENT

ONLINE & hyperlinked

The Essential Guide for Families in West Kent

#SupportLocal Inside

Essential Information for Parents 7 Great Competitions 10% off Easter SuperCamps Daisy First Aid The Daddy Sleep Consultant Staffroom Secrets Work Life Balance by Leonie Huie Remote Working with The Administration Hub Googie McCabe, Local Author & Illustrator The Making of 'Eddy Finds a Family' Dark Chocolate Truffles by Temper Temper Chocolate Super Spring Craft Idea with Beading Brilliant Upcoming Events in West Kent Childcare • Education • Parties • Family Support • Activities • & More...

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Profile picture by Lucy Mckenzie Photography

01892 711114 james@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent

@FamilyGrapevineWestKent

@FamilyGrapevineWestKent

@GrapevineJames

Print Publication Dates are 1st week in March, July and November Artwork deadlines for print editions are the 10th of the month prior to publication Discounts are available for series bookings in consecutive issues If you'd like to feature in our Summer edition email me

James@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk

Disclaimer: The Family Grapevine West Kent is independently owned and part of The Grapevine Media Group Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior permission of the publisher. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of the material in this publication and to ensure the accuracy of its content, no warranty is given as to its correctness. All adverts are submitted and approved by the advertiser and this does not imply a recommendation or necessarily the views of the publisher. You should make your own enquiries and comparisons as with any other form of advertising. The Editor and The Grapevine Media Group Ltd accept no liability for loss, damage or difficulties resulting from contacts made through the directory, from errors or omissions, from claims made by advertisers or from omissions or inaccuracies relating to an advertisement or other entry, regardless of how caused.

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www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent

Welcome!!

Hello..

Welcome to our Spring hyperlinked online edition!!

Due to COVID we've gone back online, but we're thrilled to be able to reach new famiies in West Kent. All our adverts and articles are clickable so just tap or click to find out more!

We've got all our usual listings information for when restrictions ease, and in the meantime so many local businesses can be accessed online. *Please bear in mind that many will be running a reduced or altered service.

We are delighted to have content from The Daddy Sleep Consultant, Daisy First Aid, Staffroom Secrets, Leonie Huie BEM, Beading Brilliant and The Administration Hub. The wonderful Temper Temper Chocolate have also provided an amazing Dark Chocolate Truffle recipe for you (Did you know they run Chocolate Parties?!)

We have SEVEN (yes 7!) fantastic competitions to enter... Two amazing books from local author and illustrator Googie McCabe, a copy of the amazing Jesture Game, created by Jojo and Danny, a family ticket to Into The Trees, Three sets of tickets to The South of England Show, a Farm Animal Keeper Experience day for Two at Knockhatch and also a Remote Working Online Course for parents adapting to what is now becoming the professional 'norm'. You can also download Leonie Huie's 'Ultimate Blueprint for Mums Who Want More' which examines how to address the balance between work and being a parent. With Easter coming we've also got a discount code for 10% off full priced Multi Activity Camps with SuperCamps.

We hope you enjoy the magazine, don't forget we're always around on social media and online. Have a glorious Spring!!

With thanks to our amazing advertisers and contributors. #supportlocal

Contents

Competitions 4,5,7 Articles Googie McCabe 6 Daisy First Aid 10-11 The Daddy Sleep Consultant 13-15 Staffroom Secrets 20-21 The Administration Hub 24 Leonie Huie BEM 25 The Making of Eddy Finds a Family 30

Fun Stuff!

Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe - by Temper Temper Chocolate 32 Super Spring Craft Idea - by Beading Brilliant 33 Kid's Stuff 35

Listings Family Health & Support 9 Antenatal & Postnatal Services

9,11 Baby & Toddler Groups 12,16 Childminders & Nannies

12 Preschooler Activities

16 Nurseries & PreSchools 16,17,18 Primary & Independent Schools 18,19 Private Tutoring 19 A-Z Activities for Children 5-16 yrs 22,23,24 Everything Party...

26,27 Holiday Schemes & Activities 27,28,29 Family Days Out 28

34 Upcoming Events

WEST KENT

Our Best wishes

James and Clare Please tell advertisers you you heard about them through thethe 'Family Grapevine' Please tell advertisers heard about them through 'Grapevine'

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Competition

www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent/competitions/ (T&Cs Apply)

Competitions (Click Here) WIN

A Family Ticket & Farm Animal Keeper Experience for 2 with Knockhatch Adventure Park A family Weekend Ticket to Into The Trees 1 of 3 Family Tickets to the South of England Show Jesture, the must have family game of 2021 An online 'Remote Working' course with The Administration Hub A copy of the stunning book 'Two Sisters: Unsolicted Advice for my daughters' A copy of 'The Pregnancy Diaries' both by local author and illustrator Googie McCabe To enter CLICK on a COMPETITION (T&Cs Apply)

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Competition

To enter CLICK on a COMPETITION (T&Cs Apply)

To enter CLICK on a COMPETITION (T&Cs Apply)

Jesture

Jojo and Danny have very kindly given us a copy of this fantastic, must have, versatile family game to give away!!

For a chance to WIN, visit our website competitions page and simply enter your details.

Before you do though, you can follow Jesture on social media and find out more by clicking on the hyperlinks below... @JestureGame @Jesture2020 @JestureGame

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Googie McCabe - Author & Illustrator

Two sisters. Unsolicited advice for my daughters

by Googie McCabe Two sisters. Unsolicited advice for my daughters is a basic life manual for my daughters. This is a compilation of thoughts and reflections I came up with following certain life experiences, others come from my mum, my personal heroine. Others, overheard, have resonated with me. When going through a rather prolonged period of depression I was holding on to the creation of this book as if it was to be my swan song.

I am definitely an imperfect mother and certainly I do not consider myself as an authority in parenthood or believe I ever will be one, but as parents, I feel, we can only try to help little humans to become the best possible version of adults.

It is important to me that my daughters can trust me. That is why I always openly talk about emotions and feelings even though some are difficult to be dressed in words. Once you name something it is easier to understand it. Once you understand something it is easier to deal with it.

I am not a superhuman and am not intending to pretend otherwise. Life is often banal and we all are the same; individuality goes only so far. Most of life is a cocktail of biology and chemistry reacting with the external events beyond our control. Love, hate, loss, anger, happiness, other people are always in the mix.

Being in love as well as feeling broken hearted is the same for all of us, and that is just a part of this thing called life. It simply happens to all of us. Let’s deal with it the best we can and our kids will hopefully learn to do the same. There is an art in forging unavoidable mistakes into something at least plausible. Ah, and let’s not forget laughter is the best medicine so let’s laugh a lot, at ourselves in particular. - Googie McCabe Googie McCabe - By day an office worker and by night a writer, doodler, painter and general fantasist.

Googie lives with her husband and two daughters in Tonbridge, Kent. In 2019 she published “The pregnancy diaries vol 1” a satirical document of her first pregnancy. A second child begat a second book “Two Sisters. Unsolicited advice for my daughters”, published in 2020. The 2nd volume of the pregnancy diaries documenting her second pregnancy is also due out this year. You can find some of her works at www.googiemccabe.com as well as Facebook and Instagram and Etsy under the name ‘Doodles of a Nobody’.

www.googiemccabe.com

@googiemccabe @doodlesofanobody Etsy Amazon

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Competition

We are thrilled to have two books to give away from the fantastic local illustrator and author Googie McCabe.

“Two Sisters. Unsolicited Advice for my Daughters” is a collection of thoughts and advice on life written by a mother for her daughters. Together with watercolour and ink illustration they guarantee an unforgettable visual and thoughtful experience.

It is a bilingual book as is the author’s family. ” The Pregnancy Diaries Vol 1” is a story of lost dignity, abandoned mythology and the surprises that pregnancy throws at you with the strength of a wrecking ball at 150 mph...

For your chance to win one or even both of these simply wonderful books

by Googie McCabe CLICK HERE to visit our website competition page.

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Local Business Local Businesses Babyprints, Unique 3D casts of babies, children, families and pets, tel 07714 531747 Baldwins Travel, independent travel agent, tel 01892 506445 Cheeki Monkeys baby’s & children’s tabletop sale, Tonbridge, buy or sell, tel 07940 252265 Congnitive Behaviour Therapy and Mindfulness Qualified and accredited with BABCP, tel 07845 031102 Family & pet-friendly taxis, up to 8 seats, for those who need extra care, tel 01892 642121 Independent travel agent specialising in family holidays worldwide, tel 01892 882750 KMJ Property, your local, independent Estate Agent, tel 01892 515188 KW Cleaning, professional cleaning with a personal touch, tel 07586 830056 Mum2Mum, nearly new sales in Kent MyChristie, Professional & Creative Graphic Design Services, tel 07796 105190 RMW Services, Kitchen painting and custom painted furniture, tel 07761 530679 The Good Estate Agent Sevenoaks, friendly & professional local agents, low rates, tel 01732 617066 The Magical World of Children’s Books. Huge discounts. Find us on fb, tel 07895 243757

Toy Central, Quality Wooden Toys, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 467307 Vibrance Beauty, Mobile Beauty Therapist. Tonbridge & surrounding areas, tel 07377 994655 Xtreme2Clean, professional Carpet & upholstery care, tel 07903 654710

Local Information Offices Tourist Information Centre and Council office, Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge, tel 01732 770929

Family Photographers Blanke Atelier Photography, school photos, family photos, children portraits, tel 07903 749019 Esther Nichols Newborn Photographer, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, tel 07578 596183 Lucy McKenzie Photography, Maternity, Baby & Children, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07863 550676 Nic Bisseker Photography - Family Portrait and action dog photography, tel 07879 840171

Libraries Borough Green Library, High Street, Sevenoaks TN15 8BJ, tel 03000 413131 East Peckham Library, Pound Road, East Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 5AU, tel 03000 413131 Hildenborough Library, 3 Riding Lane, Hildenborough, Tonbridge TN11 9LN, tel 03000 413131

Kemsing Library, Dippers Close Kemsing, Sevenoaks TN15 6QD, tel 03000 413131 Otford Library, High Street, Otford, Sevenoaks TN14 5PH, tel 03000 413131 Paddock Wood Library, 9 Commercial Road, Tonbridge TN12 6EN, tel 03000 413131 Pembury Library, Henwood Green Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4HS, tel 03000 413131 Riverhead Library, 31 London Road, Riverhead TN13 2BU, tel 03000 413131

Gifts and Keepsakes

Rusthall Library, Rusthall High Street, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8RZ, tel 03000 413131

Babyprints, Unique 3D casts of babies, children, families and pets, tel 07714 531747

Seal Library, High St, Sevenoaks TN15 0AL, tel 03000 413131

Caricatures by Lesley Harvey, drawn from your favourite photo, tel 07722 236741

Sevenoaks Library, Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1LQ, tel 03000 413131 Sherwood Library, Lakeside, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3LZ, tel 03000 413131 Showfields Library, Showfields Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5PR, tel 03000 413131

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Tonbridge Library, 1 Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge TN9 1TG, tel 03000 413131 Tonbridge North Library, 5 York Parade, Tonbridge, TN10 3NP, tel 03000 413131 Tunbridge Wells Library, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1NS, tel 03000 413131 West Kingsdown Library, London Rd, West Kingsdown TN15 6EL, tel 03000 413131 Westerham Library, London Road, Westerham TN16 1BD, tel 03000 413131

Kiddicone, themed gifts to celebrate the first day at school, tel 07976 828348

Outdoor Activity Equipment The Adventure Zone- try before you buy, swings, trampolines, tel 01732 822659

Southborough Library, Yew Tree Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 0BA, tel 03000 413131

Employment Opportunities

The Eden Centre Library, Four Elms Road, EdenbridgeTN8 6BY, tel 03000 413131

Successful Mums help mums return to work, change career or start a business, tel 07761 615371

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Family Health & Support • Antenatal • Postnatal Bereaved Parents and Family Members Financial & emotional support for families who’ve lost a young adult aged 16-25, tel 01323 482772 Widowed and Young (WAY) offering a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who's lost a partner before their 51st birthday,

Professional, highly regarded Nanny Agency established in 1998, providing a personal, friendly first class service.

Nannies: permanent, temporary & emergency cover • Parents Help Maternity Care / Night Nannies • Babysitting Service

Celebrants Felicity Harvest, Humanist UK Clebrant, for your namings & other ceremonies, tel 07708 933607 Sarah McIntyre specialises in bespoke baby naming ceremonies.

Truly memorable, tel 01732 833121

T: 01732 851313 / 01892 836435 E: info@elizabethhenrynannies.co.uk www.elizabethhenrynannies.co.uk

Child and Family Health Woodland Chiropractic Clinic caring for the whole Family, Borough Green, tel 01732 887177 Creating healthy beginnings- from pregnancy to age 2. Mother & baby wellness, tel 07393 995583 Hairforce, nit and head lice professional treatment, tel 0208 2497381 Mindfulness classes, 3-11 yrs, tunbridge wells. private and group sessions, tel 07887 951968 Supporting families with a new baby or a child aged under five-years-old, tel 0300 7900243 Tunbridge Wells Cloth Nappy Library, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas, tel 07733 161744 Yoga in primary schools to nurture physical & mental wellbeing. Mindful fitness, tel 07914 837102

Child and Family Support and Advice Amanda Sokell Practical support for parents with a child struggling at school, tel 07711 183919 Citizens Advice, providing free, independent, impartial and confidential advice, tel 08082 787810 Helping families become fully functional through Coaching and Mentoring, tel 07825 411793 The Money Advice Service, clear unbiassed money advice, tel 0300 500 5000

Children and Young People with Disabilities Auditory Verbal UK- helping deaf babies and children listen and talk, tel 01869 325000 IMAGO, support and empower vulnerable groups, tel 01892 530330

Children with Reading or Learning Difficulties Cog-Ed, Educational, Dyslexia and Psychological Services, tel 07972 624969

Counselling Services Helping families become fully functional through Coaching and Mentoring, tel 07825 411793

Psychotherapist/Counsellor working with adults on personal + relationship issues, tel 07970 440441

Domestic Abuse, Support and Advice National Centre for Domestic Violence, tel 0800 970 2070

First Aid Training for Parents and Carers TKE Training: Parent /Carer Online First Aid class re Baby & Child emergencies, tel 0800 756 2348

Fostering and Adoption Anchor Foster Care, Foster Care Services, Medway & surrounding areas, tel 01634 283140

Mediation Services

Speech and Language

West Kent Mediation, free family mediation for families living in West Kent, tel 01732 469696

Hayley Quinn, Speech Language Therapist, tel 07780 910992

Parenting Courses and Support Baby and You, a course for new parents and their babies, 6wks-6mths, tel 03000 411035 Baby and You, The Ark Children Centre, 6wks-6mths, tel 03000 411035 Daisy First Aid Tunbridge Wells & Sevenoaks, Baby & Child First Aid Classes, tel 07939 507662 New Parents Groups, Paddock Wood Children’s Centre . New BornsCrawling, tel 03000 411035 TKE Training: Parent /Carer Online First Aid class re Baby & Child emergencies, tel 0800 756 2348

Registered Children’s Complementary Therapists Osteopath for the little ones with Ian Clutton, Integrated Health, tel 01732 464109

Buggyfit Sevenoaks, outdoor prepostnatal fitness for mums and babies, tel 07487 774380

Stay Fit and Healthy

Busylizzy Tunbridge Wells, Antenatal and Postnatal Fitness and Baby Classes, tel 01892 323232

MyPilates group mat mixed abilities classes, Sundridge & Brasted, tel , tel 07375 200495

Freestyle Yoga Project Studio, Pregnancy Yoga, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 624398

Tonality Dance/Aerobic Fitness Classes - Frant Hall, Frant Near Tunbridge Wells, tel 07721 747201

Inhalexhale Yoga

Antenatal Services

Mummas & Beans Hypnobirthing & Positive birth focused antenatal education, tel 07864 596165

Hey Baby 4D is a boutique private ultrasound clinic based in Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 489166

Pregnancy Yoga & Postnatal Yoga with Baby Massage in Tunbridge Wells, tel 07702 751143

Providing practical and emotional support for new mothers and their families, tel 07974 001362

Pregnancy YOGA, Paddock Wood Children’s Centre, TW, Saturdays at 10.30am, tel 07885 754556

Strong Like Mama, hypnobirthing and antenatal - for a calm, confident birth!, tel 07711 078507

Sandrines Pilates, Mum and baby pilates, tel 01892 618493

Antenatal and Postnatal Exercise

Unity Birth Programme Comprehensive mind & body antenatal courses in T-Wells, tel 07702 751143

At home fun Mama & Baby/child workouts, suitable for all ages incl, prenatal., tel 07707 346552

You Baby Beyond, 1-2-1 PT (studio or home visits) + Mum & Baby Fitness Classes, tel 07592 305124

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Daisy First Aid • Febrile Seizures

Did You know.....

Most children make a complete recovery after a seizure however there are some important things we must do to look after them. So, knowing the signs and first aid treatment is key.

We all know that children often catch bugs or colds especially when they are young and our body’s natural way of fighting many infections is to develop a temperature. So, it is not surprising that children will have the occasional temperature.

Most temperatures can be looked after at home however it is important to keep a close eye on your child day and night when they do have one, as they can increase very quickly.

For babies under 3 months if their temperature is above 38 degrees or 39 degrees for babies aged 3-6 months, always seek medical advice. The same would apply if you are concerned about a child of any age with a temperature. Always trust your instincts.

If you do not already have one a thermometer is an essential item for your home first aid kits.

Why do febrile seizures happen?

The area of the brain that regulates body temperature (hypothalamus) is not fully developed until around the age of 4 so when a child develops an infection such as tonsillitis, their core body temperature can rise quickly triggering a seizure.

As parents, we often have age-appropriate liquid Paracetamol or Ibuprofen in our homes to help reduce temperatures when our children are unwell or distressed, however research has shown these will not stop a febrile seizure from occurring.

What is a febrile seizure (febrile convulsion)?

A febrile seizure is a seizure that is caused by a high or rapidly increasing temperature, which commonly affects children aged between 6 months and 3 although, they can occur up to the age of 6.

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Daisy First Aid • Febrile Seizures Signs of a febrile seizure: • • • • • • •

Falling unconscious Clenching jaws, hands and other areas of the body as their muscles become rigid Arching of the back Rolling eyes Jerky movements Frothing at the mouth Loss of bladder or bowel control

They can be very upsetting and scary for parents or carers to witness but most children will make a complete recovery afterwards however there are some important things we must do during and after a seizure.

What should I do if my child has a febrile seizure?

• If it is your child’s first seizure dial 999 for an ambulance. If they have had a seizure before you only need to dial 999 if; it is their 2nd seizure in 24 hours, it goes on for longer than 5 minutes or if advised to do so by a medical professional.

• Place your child on a safe, flat surface where they cannot injure themselves and their head is protected.

• Time the seizure.

• As the seizure stops check the airways and breathing, then place them into the recovery position (if they are not breathing commence CPR).

• Remove any additional clothing or bedding.

• Constantly monitor their breathing until the emergency services arrive.

• Follow the advice of the 999 operator.

Most importantly remain calm, I appreciate that is easier said than done when your child is unwell.

Talk to them and reassure them as they start to come round although they are likely to be very tired.

What should I NOT do if my child has a febrile seizure?

• Hold your child or restrict their movement during the seizure.

• Place something in their mouth.

• Panic.

Knowing how to spot and help a child in a medical emergency can make all the difference to their recovery and treatment.

At Daisy First Aid Tunbridge Wells & Sevenoaks our Family First Aid classes are designed specifically for parents, so they include all the important topics such as choking, CPR, head injuries, febrile seizure plus lots more to help prepare families and friends for any oopsie daisy moments that may come along.

Get in touch with Nicola at tunbridgewells@daisyfirstaid.com to find out more and about her Family First Aid classes currently running online. www.daisyfirstaid.com/tunbridge-wells

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Antenatal • Postnatal • Baby Groups

Hypnobirthing Good Birth Practice, practical & fun hypnobirthing classes, courses & workshops, tel 07905 986810 LoveBirth, feel relaxed and confident about the upcoming birth of your baby, tel 07738 001564 Mummas & Beans Hypnobirthing & Positive birth focused antenatal education, tel 07864 596165 Strong Like Mama, hypnobirthing and antenatal - for a calm, confident birth!, tel 07711 078507 Tiger Stripes, Hypnobirthing, tel 07864 596165 TrueWay Hypnobirthing antenatal classes for a positive birth experience, tel 07966 483931

Midwives and Doulas Flourish Birth & Baby, Carole Youdan, Birth & Postnatal Doula, tel 07786 610328 Private Midwife prenatal & postnatal care. One-off appointments/packages of care, tel 07985 526595 Providing practical and emotional support for new mothers and their families, tel 07974 001362

Breastfeeding, Weaning Help and Support Boobie Milk Ltd, maternity and nursing bras, etc, tel 07951 600777 NCT Baby Café, Manna Café, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 522323 NCT Breastfeeding Helpline, tel 0300 330 0700 South Tonbridge Children’s Centre, Tonbridge, tel 03000 418008 Spring House Children’s Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 03000 411035

Children’s and Family Centres Edenbridge Children’s Centre, tel 03000 420995 Harmony Children’s Centre, Rusthall, tel 03000 420890 Little Forest Children Centre, Tunbridge Wells, tel 03000 420892 Little Foxes Children’s Centre, Waveney Road, North Tonbridge, tel 03000 418008

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Paddock Wood Children’s Centre, open week days 9am-12pm. Activities for 0-5 yrs, tel 03000 411035 South Tonbridge Children’s Centre, Tonbridge Youth Hub, tel 03000 418008 Southborough Children’s Centre, tel 03000 420891 Spring House Children’s Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 03000 421137 The Ark Childrens Centre, Broadwater Lane, tel 03000 414600 West Kingsdown Children’s Centre, tel 01474 854624

Baby and Toddler Groups

A TRAVEL NANNY. Professional Nanny Providing Travel Nannying all year round, tel 07852 345124

At home fun Mama & Baby/child workouts, suitable for all ages incl, prenatal, tel 07707 346552 Baby Sensory, baby development classes, birth-13mths, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07793 682490 Baby Stay and Play, The Ark Childrens Centre, Broadwater Lane, tel 03000 414600 CYCLEme TOTS, Mid-Kent Classes, 2-7 years, tel 07739 389281 Dad & Me 0-5yrs Tunbridge Wells Baptist Church 1st & 3rd Saturdays, tel 01892 541118 Daddy and Me 0-5yrs, Pantiles Baptist Ch, Frant Rd, Tunbridge Wells 2nd Sat am, tel 01892 521093 Lingfield Littlies, Friday 9.00am 10.30am, free stay and play, baby & toddler, tel 01342 778772 SEVENOAKS, Baby and Parent Cinema Club, Stag Community Arts Centre, Tues10.30am, tel 01732 450175 Trinity Theatre, mums and babies film club, tel 01892 500673

Angel Placements Childcare Agency, tel 01622 815271

Father’s Groups

Babysitters and Childminders Angel Placements Childcare Agency, tel 01622 815271 Ofsted ‘outstanding’ childminder in Edenbridge, term time, tel 07917 744515

Nannies and Au Pairs

County Nannies, meeting the needs of parents and childcarers, tel 01795 520060 East Green Childcare Services, taking care of all your childcare needs, tel 01732 838417 Elizabeth Henry Nannies: Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Nursery Staff, babysitting, tel 01732 851313 Event Childcare, tel 07557 043736 Family Rules childcare employment services for nannies, maternity nurses, etc, tel 020 8133 5437 Professional Nanny Ad Hoc, Daytime, Evening, Travel, Temporary, Emergency, tel 07852 345124 Sunny Smiles Au Pair Agency, specialising in placing European aupairs in the UK, tel 07717 214041 The Childcare Company, nannies and au pairs, tel 01732 451997 The Little Au Pair Agency: Bromley based, small, friendly, covering the UK, tel 020 8462 6041 Tinies Childcare, tel 01732 458822

Dad & Me 0-5yrs Tunbridge Wells Baptist Church 1st & 3rd Saturdays, tel 01892 541118 Daddy and Me. Ark Childrens Ctr 1st Sat of every month, tel 03000 414600 Pandas Playgroup Daddy and Me, 2nd Saturday mornings 0-11yrs, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 521903 Pops and Tots for Male Carers, 1st Sat monthly, New Life Ch, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 691509

Baby and Toddler Additional Needs Groups The Children’s Trust School Taddies Playgroup for children with complex needs, tel 01737 365810

Baby and Toddler Yoga Baby Bumpkin: Age 6 weeks-2 yrs, Baby Massage and Yoga, tel 07511 048803 Banana Studio Yoga, Toddlertastic Yoga Club. Pre School & Youth Yoga Courses, tel 07834 518619 Creating healthy beginnings- from pregnancy to age 2. Mother & baby wellness, tel 07393 995583

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Mummy & Me Pilates Classes every Wednesday at 11am at Pembury Pavilion, tel 07876 787869 Postnatal Yoga for Mum & Baby Massage, Yoga and songs for babes!, tel 07702 751143 Tatty Bumpkin, Sevenoaks, fun yoga-inspired activity, 6wks-7yrs, tel 07870 598606 Yoga for children 4+ Available for group sessions in schools or youth clubs, tel 07885 754556

Baby and Toddler Massage Baby and Toddler Explorers, for 0-2 years, for your child’s sensory development, tel 07947 380135 Baby Massage, for babies 6-16 weeks, Sevenoaks, tel 07788 971627 Blissful Bébé Massage group and private baby massage courses, tel 07732 808623 Sunny Smiles pregnancy and postnatal yoga and baby massage classes, tel 07944 029443

Baby and Toddler Music and Dance Babee Ballet, ages 2.5-5yrs. Buzzie Bee Ballet fun! Various locations and times, tel 07889 647338 babyballet Song and Dance Academy, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07809 148348 Colourstrings Music Classes, Tunbridge Wells, babies - 7yrs, various groups, tel 01892 559319 Dance, craft, story time and Music classes for children aged 18 months-6 years Gymboree Play and Music, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, 0-5 yrs, tel 07827 910978 Gymboree Play and Music, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, 0-5 yrs, tel 07308 160024 Lamberhurst School of Theatre Dance, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07817 290552 Little Notes, Tonbridge School Centre as part of their Recre8 Programme, tel 01892 300103 Mini Boppers, the fun innovative way to keep your kids in shape, tel 07909 984547

Family Health & Support • Antenatal • Postnatal

www.thedaddysleepconsultant.com @thedaddysleepconsultant @thedaddysleepconsultant Photos copyright of Estelle Thomson Photography www.estellethompsonphotography.com

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Self Settling & Your Baby

Self Settling & Your Baby

by The Daddy Sleep Consultant It’s been said that new parents talk about 2 things more than any other subject: poop and sleep.

Luckily for me it’s sleep that I’m an expert in!

If you speak to any baby and toddler sleep expert they will tell you time and time again that a baby’s ability to self-settle is the key to sleep success. And I’d love to tell you I have a different answer, but I don’t. But what I want to do is help you understand what self-settling is and give you some tips to reach this so called ‘Holy Grail’.

We would all love to be able to put our baby down in their cot, completely awake and cooing happily, so that you can walk away blowing them a kiss as you leave. For some parents it sounds unimaginable, and also a bit sad as they have got used to their baby ‘needing’ them to get to sleep and it’s an excuse for lots of lovely cuddles. And if you have a baby that can be cuddled, rocked or fed to sleep AND they sleep through the night...don’t tell anyone else as it’s quite rare!

What often happens is your baby is using the rocking, patting or feeding as an aid to get themselves to sleep and when they wake during the night - as all babies and adults do - they are looking for the exact same conditions to be recreated to get them back to the land of nod. Like us adults, babies sleep in cycles, transitioning from deep to light sleep throughout the night. If they wake during one of these lighter sleep phases, they need Mum or Dad to go in and help them get back to sleep. At night this can mean multiple trips into your little one, resulting in broken sleep for the whole family. It also impacts day naps too. If you find your little one waking after 45 minutes, it’s likely they are sleeping though one sleep cycle and when they can’t get themselves back to sleep quickly, the fear of missing out on all the action downstairs takes over.

We know that sleep is a huge component of children’s development and essential for them to thrive.

But what we often forget is how important it is for parents’ own mental health, relationships and to have the energy required to be the parents we want to be. Once your baby is over a certain age (for example 6 months if they have no medical conditions and are a good weight), they can sleep through the night or only wake for one feed. Parents are led to believe that lack of sleep over a certain age is just ‘part of parenting’. Sometimes it can be, but most of the time it doesn’t need to be.

So what can we do to help? If your baby is used to falling asleep whilst feeding, breaking this link is step one. One of my favourite tips for this is feeding your baby before AND after their bath. Giving them a good feed before you kick off the bedtime routine not only gives them energy to enjoy their bath and book without being cranky and tired, it also takes the pressure off the pre-bed feed. There is a direct link between a full tummy and a long night’s sleep. Just before your baby goes into their cot at night is the peak of their tiredness and they often cannot resist falling asleep on that feed meaning they may not be able to take as much as they need and it becomes harder to put them into the cot awake. If they are still struggling to stay awake during feeding, make sure the room is brightly lit, and remove the nipple or bottle from their mouth each time they are about to fall sleep. This sends a clear

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Self Settling & Your Baby message that feeding and sleeping don’t go together. Dim the light and read a book to your little one after the feed to reinforce this.

Place them in the cot awake. Some babies will surprise you and will happily babble themselves to sleep. Other children will get upset and the process will need additional support. I fundamentally do not believe in letting a baby ‘cry it out’ - it isn’t sleep training. You are essentially leaving them to figure it out for themselves. I use a much more gentle approach where you are with your little one every step of the way, providing them with the comfort that they need to learn this skill. Once they have learnt to sleep independently I help you with your exit strategy out of their room so you get your evenings and night back too.

Top 5 Tips 1. Put your baby down content, but awake. This gives your little one the opportunity to settle themselves to sleep which is critical to them sleeping longer and better at night.

2. A dark room is critical to a child’s sleep. Helping your little one differentiate between sleep and awake time is one of the first steps to a sleeping child. Sometimes it’s a simple case of putting up blackout blinds to help children sleep longer.

3. Routine is so important for your child in more ways than just sleep. A regular and predictable day and night routine makes your little ones feel safe, secure and can help them thrive. It also allows them to feed off these routine triggers, for example bath comes before bed.

4. Focus on day naps. Don’t think that a baby that hasn’t slept during the day will sleep longer at night.

The age old phrase ‘sleep breeds sleep’ is true. Babies who have had the right amount of sleep and stimulation in the day will sleep better at night. Sleep-deprived babies often fight sleep and can be more upset and clingy at bedtime.

5. A full baby is a content baby. One thing I always recommend to my clients is to try and make the last feed of the day the biggest. This can sometimes be challenging as your baby becomes more tired but one approach I love to tell my clients is to feed your baby before AND after their bedtime bath.

I have loads of information on my website and social media. If you are looking for one on one support I offer no obligation free initial consultations to discuss my personalised packages. I also have online, age-specific courses which provide you with a detailed, step-by-step sleep training programme to help you achieve your little one’s sleep goals, even if that’s finally getting your tot sleeping through the night.

www.thedaddysleepconsultant.com @thedaddysleepconsultant @thedaddysleepconsultant Photos copyright of Estelle Thomson Photography www.estellethompsonphotography.com

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Baby, Toddler & Preschooler Groups • Nurseries Monkey Music - Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Pembury, Hildenborough, tel 01892 671997 Mummy and Me Ballet with Just Dance, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 864517 Musical Bumps Music Classes with traditional songs, lullabies and musical games, tel 01732 321217 Tatty Bumpkin, Yoga and Music 2-7yrs, tel 07511 048803 Top of the Tots, baby/ toddler music, Bessels Green Baptist Church, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 454921

Baby and Toddler Signing and Communication Sing and Sign Baby Signing the fun way, Tunbridge Wells area, tel 01342 836743

Baby and Toddler Swimming Aquatots, baby swimming, Sevenoaks, Halstead, and Otford, tel 020 8688 6488 Little Fishes, parent and baby/toddler/ children 4ys+, Oxted and Westerham, tel 07834 737211 SwimKidz NW Kent & Sevenoaks, for Pregnancy, Babies, Toddlers and Children, tel 07809 227637 Puddle Ducks Swimming classes from 0-4 yrs - Sevenoaks, Hildenborough & Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 617246 Water babies, from birth, Classes held across Kent, tel 01424 892568

Preschooler’s Art and Messy Play Messy Monsters - Messy play company, weekend Sessions, suitable for 6m - 5yrs, tel 07538 952689 Story Sock, arts and crafts, Tunbridge Wells, Langton Green, Crowborough, tel 07957 136270

Preschooler’s Dance and Drama Babyballet Song and Dance Academy, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07809 148348 Catherine Bellinger School of Dance, Tunbridge Wells 2yrs+, tel 01892 542549 Diddi dance, funky pre-school dance, Tunbridge Wells, Langton Green, Hastings, tel 07788 246073 Dynamic Dance, for all ages from toddlers, various venues, based in Tonbridge, tel 01732 357518 Evolution Dance Academy, ballet, street, musical theatre, several venues, 2yrs+, tel 07709 348723 Firefly Dance School, Ballet, Modern, Tap, National, Irish Boys/Girls, all ages, tel 07734 816989 Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, Kindy Drama, preschool classes, 2½-5 yrs, tel 07587 006176 Inception Dance, fun, lively ballet and dance classes, Hartfield, 2yrs+, tel 07920 181454 Jigsaw Performing Arts, 3-18 years, Sevenoaks, tel 020 8447 4530

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KA Dance Academy, Ballet, Tap and Stage, 3yrs+, Crockham Hill Village Hall, tel 07810 443575 Lamberhurst School of Theatre Dance, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07817 290552 Make Believe Sevenoaks: Sing, Act, Dance Ages 3-18, tel 0208 123 7927 Mini Motion, creative parent/toddler classes, Crowborough, T’ Wells, Langton Grn, tel 07734 863791 Mummy and Me Tiny Tutus Ballet, 18 mths+, Hildenborough Village Hall, tel 07966 398224 Showtime Performing Arts 3.5yrs+ Malling School Oxted School Weekends Only, tel 07749 650222 Southborough School of Dance, Tunbridge Wells 3yrs+, tel 01892 531632 Theatre Train Mini’s Dance Act Sing 4-5yrs, tel 07710 478246

Preschooler’s Gym and Physical Play Charlton Football Coaching 3-5yrs, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700 Jumping Beans: Creative, physical and fun classes, 3mths-5yrs, tel 07768 038172 Little Kickers, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, 18mths7yrs, tel 0208 432 0982 Pre School Gymnastics, 6mths3yrs with parents or 3-4yrs, tel 01892 540744 Preschool Gymnastics and Trampoline, U5yrs, Angel Leisure Centre, tel 01732 359966 Ready Steady Sport - Multi sport for all children 3yrs upwards, tel 07764 187401 Ruggerbugs, Sports Development inspired by non-contact rugby, 18m-6yrs, tel 01279 797777 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Toddlers Gym, tel 01732 470700 Tiggers Trampolining Time, Preschool, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700 Toddler Gym, under 5yrs Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700 Toddler Sports, U5yrs, Edenbridge Leisure Centre, tel 01732 865665 Toddler Trampolining under 5yrs Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700

Preschooler’s Educational and Multilingual Sessions Caroline Cunnington-King, French tutor, Tonbridge, tel 07884 255749 Kidslingo Preschool French and Spanish, from 18 months, tel 07726 590289

Preschooler’s Multisensory Sessions Baby Massage, Rhyme and Music, Sevenoaks, 4 -18 months, tel 07788 971627

Daycare Nurseries

DUNTON GREEN, Broughton Cottage Day Nursery, TN13, 3 months to 5 years, tel 01732 462339 EDENBRIDGE, Monty’s Day Care, TN8, 3 months-5 years, tel 01732 864629 EDENBRIDGE Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Edenbridge High street, 3 months - 5 years, tel 01732 605341 Ofsted Registered Childminder ‘Trish’s Tiddlers’ Please call for availability, tel , tel 07940 029793 PADDOCK WOOD, Barnies Day Nursery, Hop Farm, 3 months to 5 years, tel 01622 872788 HILDENBOROUGH, Stables Daycare, TN11, 3 months to 5 years, tel 01732 833266 PENSHURST, Well Place Day Nursery and Preschool, 3 mths-5 yrs, tel 01892 870118 SEVENOAKS Day Nursery, Otford Road, TN14, tel 01732 460384 SEVENOAKS, Acorns Day Nursery, TN13, 6 months to 5 years, tel 01732 459162 SEVENOAKS, Asquith Nursery and Preschool, TN13, tel 0330 057 6242 SEVENOAKS, Busy Bees Children’s Day Nursery, TN13, 6wks-5yrs, tel 01732 450466 SEVENOAKS, Oakley Day Nursery, TN13, 3 months -5 years, tel 01732 459651 SEVENOAKS, Steps to School Day Nursery, TN15, 3 months - 4 years, tel 01732 780431 SEVENOAKS, Teddies Nurseries, (Bright Horizons), TN13, tel 01732 742252 SOUTHBOROUGH, Asquith Woodlands Day Nursery, TN4, tel 0330 057 9741 TONBRIDGE, Asquith Nursery and Preschool, Pembury Road, TN9, tel 0370 218 8553 TONBRIDGE, Asquith Nursery, West Kent College, Brook Street, TN9, tel 0330 057 3654 TONBRIDGE, Barnies Day Nursery, Hadlow, TN11, 3 months to 5 years, tel 01732 850033 TONBRIDGE, Hilden Oaks Nursery, TN10, 3mths+, tel 01732 353941 TONBRIDGE, Oaklands Day Nursery, TN9, 4mths-5yrs, tel 01732 353486 TONBRIDGE, Teddies Nurseries, (Bright Horizons), TN9, tel 01732 500565 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Asquith Day Nursery and Preschool, TN4, tel 0333 920 2726

BRENCHLEY, Kinderversity Pre-school, wrap around care, holiday clubs, 0-11 years, tel 01892 458231

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Forest Park Nursery and Pre-School, TN2, 0-5yrs, tel 01892 512313

Preschooler’s Music and Movement Brittens Music Colourstrings Kindergarten music classes for 0-7 Tunbidge Wells, tel 07724 466064 Family Music Fun 3mths-5yrs Angel Centre, Tonbridge, Friday am’s, tel 01732 359966 Hartbeeps, various venues, tel 07795 103197 Humpty Dumpty Club Music and Movement, tel 07860 801173 Little Notes Music Classes by top notch musicians, tel 01892 300103 Monkey Music - Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Pembury, Hildenborough, tel 01892 671997 Moo Music, Edenbridge and Oxted, tel 07940 503624 Music Bugs, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, tel 07738 878821 Musical Bumps Music Classes with traditional songs and musical games, tel 01732 321217 Pipsqueaks Music, Otford, tel 07951 587806

Preschooler’s Swimming Alison Marks Swim School, Hildenborough, 3yrs+, tel 01732 365440 Aqua Swimming Ltd, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells venues, 3 years+, tel 01732 455800 Swimming classes from 0-4 yrs - Sevenoaks, Hildenborough & Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 617246

Soft Play Centres Buzy Bee’s, Soft Play Area and Café and outside toys, Ash, 0 to 12 years, tel 01474 874118 Edenbridge Leisure Centre 0-4yrs, tel 01732 865665 Little St Sevenoaks, Children’s Role Play Centre, tel 01732 668347 Manic Monsters, The Gardiner Business Park, Edenbridge TN8 6LH, tel 01732 866115 Minor Mania, soft play, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 752042 Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744

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Nurseries & Preschools

BISHOPS DOWN NURSERY SCHOOL



From Age 3



Beautiful Outdoor Space



30 hours Funding Available



Qualified Teacher Led



Cooked School Dinners



Woodland Explorers



Wrap Around Care from



Extra Buy In Private Sessions

(Forest School)

07:30-18:00 Contact Jo Sheldon for information or to book a tour 01892 520114 jsheldon@bishops-down.kent.sch.uk www.bishopsdownprimary.org Rydal Drive, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9SU

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Nurseries & PreSchools • Independent Schools TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Juniors Day Nursery, opening January 2021!, tel 07940 728905

HARTFIELD, Hartfield Playschool, am and pm sessions, 2 -5 years, tel 01892 770830

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Cottage, Breakfast / Tea available, 2-4 yrs, two sites, tel 07702 180487

HILDENBOROUGH, Stocks Green Preschool, TN11, 2½ to 5years, tel 01732 834115

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Rascals Nursery, TN1, 6 months-5 years, tel 01892 313245

HILDENBOROUGH, The Oaks Nursery, Riding Lane, TN11, tel 01732 834401

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Nuffy Bear Day Nursery, Knights Park, TN2, tel 01892 882795 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Rainbow Creche and Nursery, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, TN4, tel 01892 517215 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St Georges’ Childrens Project Nursery, TN4, babies-5yrs, tel 01892 543982 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Teddies Nurseries, (Bright Horizons), TN4, tel 01892 531128 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, The Green Cave Organic Day Nursery, TN1, 14mths5yrs, tel 01892 800033 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, The Tunbridge Wells Nursery and Montessori PreSchool, 3mth-5yrs, tel 01892 540068

Montessori Nurseries SEVENOAKS, Hollybush Montessori Nursery, TN14, tel 07984 133318 SEVENOAKS, Moniques Montessori Day Nursery, tel 01732 452931 Trillium Montessori House, Nursery Pre-School, Paddock Wood, 2-5 Years All Year, tel 07848 855820 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, New World Montessori, Linden Park Cricket Club, Fir Tree Road, tel 07787 155247 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, The Tunbridge Wells Nursery and Montessori PreSchool, 3mth-5yrs, tel 01892 540068

Sessional Preschools and Nurseries BIDBOROUGH, Village Nursery School, Village Hall, TN3, 2 to 5 years, tel 07517 145731 CHIDDINGSTONE, Chiddingstone Nursery School, TN8, 2 to 4 years, tel 01892 871315 EDENBRIDGE Nursery School, Edenbridge Primary School, 3 to 4 yrs, tel 01732 863787 EDENBRIDGE, Church House Preschool, Rickards Hall, tel 07748 673798 EDENBRIDGE, Marsh Green Preschool, St John’s Church, tel 01732 864553 EDENBRIDGE, St Paulinus PreSchool, 2-5 years, tel 07796 795811 FORDCOMBE, Fordcombe PreSchool, Village Hall, tel 07895 472610

LANGTON GREEN, Village House Nursery, Village Hall, tel 07935 156969 Little Fosse Nursery, Fosse Bank School 2-3yrs, tel 01732 834212 PADDOCK WOOD, Scalliwags PreSchool, tel 01892 835980 PEMBURY School House Nursery, TN2, 2-5 years, tel 01892 825580 PENSHURST, Penshurst PreSchool, Village Hall, 2 -5 years, tel 01892 870250 RIVERHEAD, St. Mary’s PreSchool Group, Village Hall, tel 07502 428413 RUSTHALL, Holding Hands Pre-School Nursery, 2-5 years, tel 01892 513777 SEAL, Top Banana PreSchool, 2-4 years, tel 07958 528808 SEVENOAKS, Bradbourne Park PreSchool, grds of Sevenoaks Primary, 2¾ to 5 years, tel 01732 779149 SEVENOAKS, Chevening School Nursery, TN13, 2½-5 years, tel 01732 452342 SEVENOAKS, Halstead Nursery, Otford Lane, TN14, 2-5 years, tel 07950 681846 SEVENOAKS, Pipkins Nursery School Chevening, TN14, 2-5 years, tel 07480 832356 SEVENOAKS, Platt School Nursery, TN15, 2-5 years, tel 01732 886600 SEVENOAKS, Plaxtol Nursery School, TN15, 2½-5yrs, tel 01732 811395 SEVENOAKS, Radnor House Nursery, 2.5 years +, tel 01959 563720 SEVENOAKS, Spring Board PreSchool, TN13, 2 years 3 mths-4 years, tel 01732 452039 SEVENOAKS, St Lawrence PreSchool, TN15, tel 01732 763354 SEVENOAKS, Steps to School Day Nursery, TN15, 2 - 4 years, tel 01732 780431 SEVENOAKS, The Children’s Workshop, TN13, 2-5 years, tel 01732 741391 SEVENOAKS, Weald PreSchool, Church Road, tel 01732 450272 SOUTHBOROUGH, Holden Park Preschool, 2 to 5 years, tel 01892 520626 SOUTHBOROUGH, Southborough Preschool, Community Centre, Crundwell Rd, 2-5 years, tel 01892 538666 SPELDHURST, Speldhurst Nursery School, St Marys Lane, 2-5 years, tel 01892 860577 The Little Learning Tree Preschool @ Salvation Army TW, for children 2-5 years, tel 07948 085991

Groombridge, Groombridge PreSchool, tel 01892 861113

The Little Learning Tree Preschool, Number One Community Centre, TN2, 2-5 yr, tel 07925 177730

HADLOW Community Pre School, 2 to 5 years, tel 01732 853225

TONBRIDGE, Brenchley Preschool Limited, 2-5 years, tel 01892 724261

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TONBRIDGE, Capel Preschool Playgroup, tel 01892 833363 TONBRIDGE, Delarue Crickets PreSchool (2-5 Years), Welland Rd, TN10 3TD, tel 07496 288372 TONBRIDGE, East Peckham Preschool, tel 01622 871268 TONBRIDGE, Happy Faces PreSchool, Hectorage Rd, TN9, 2 to 5 years, tel 01732 368823 TONBRIDGE, Horsmonden Kindergarten, 2-5 years, TN12, tel 01892 724805 TONBRIDGE, Longmead Nursery (Robin Class), 3-5 years, tel 01732 350601 TONBRIDGE, Playaway Preschool, Cage Green School, TN10, tel 01732 354325 TONBRIDGE, Roselands Preschool, Woodlands School Grounds, TN10, tel 01732 368580 TONBRIDGE, Sevington Playgroup, TN9, tel 01732 367391 TONBRIDGE, St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Nursery School, TN9, 2-5 yrs, tel 01732 358000 TONBRIDGE, STEPS, St Stephens Church Pre School, Waterloo Road TN9, tel 01732 363642 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Bishops Down Primary School Nursery 3+ yrs, tel 01892 520114 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Hawkenbury Nursery School, Forest Road, tel 07833 772857 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Dragon’s Playgroup at St George’s, tel 01892 543982 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Owls, Toch Hall, tel 07840 977238 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Rascals Preschool, TN1, 2 -5 years, tel 01892 313244 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Manor Road PreSchool, tel 07972 739852 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Nivan Lodge PreSchool, King Charles the Martyr Hall, 2-4 yrs, tel 07563 908977

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Niven Lodge PreSchool Nursery, Tunbridge Wells TN2, tel 01892 547259 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Papillon Nursery School, TN1, 2 to 5 years, tel 01892 537723 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St Augustine’s Nursery, TN4, tel 01892 542783 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St James’ Church PreSchool, TN2, tel 07905 276612 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St Matthew’s High Brooms PreSchool, Church Hall, TN4, 2-5 years, tel 07768 518191 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St. Luke’s Nursery School, St Luke’s Church Hall, TN4, 2½4yrs, tel 01892 619955 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, The Rocking Horse Nursery, TN1, 2 yrs+, tel 01892 532704

Independent Schools Beechwood Sacred Heart, Tunbridge Wells 3-18yrs, tel 01892 532747 Easy2name, you name it - we label it, tel 01635 298326 Fosse Bank School and Fosse Bank Kindergarten, Hildenborough 2-11yrs, tel 01732 834212 Hilden Grange School, Tonbridge, coed, 3-13 years, tel 01732 351169 Hilden Oaks School and Nursery, Tonbridge 3mths-11yrs, tel 01732 353941 Holmewood House School, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells 3-13yrs, tel 01892 860000 Kent College Prep School, Pembury 2.5-11yrs, tel 01892 822006 Kent College Senior School, Pembury TN2, 11-18yrs, tel 01892 822006 New Beacon School, Sevenoaks, boys 4-13yrs, tel 01732 452131 Radnor House Prep School, Sevenoaks, tel 01959 564320 Radnor House Senior School, Sevenoaks, tel 01959 563720

Primary Schools • Private Tutors Kent Baby Matters

Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells, 3-13yrs, tel 01892 525591 Russell House School, Otford, Sevenoaks, tel 01959 522352

Sackville School, Hildenborough 1118yrs, tel 01732 838888 Sacred Heart School, Wadhurst 3-11yrs, tel 01892 783414 Sevenoaks Preparatory School, 2½-13 years, tel 01732 762336 Sevenoaks School, co-ed, day and boarding, 11-18yrs, tel 01732 455133 Solefield School, boys, Sevenoaks TN13, 4-13yrs, tel 01732 452142 Somerhill Pre-Prep at The Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge TN11, co-ed, 3-7 yrs, tel 01732 352124 St Michael’s Preparatory School, Otford 3-13yrs, tel 01959 522137 The Granville School, Sevenoaks girls 3-11yrs boys 3-4yrs, tel 01732 453039 The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells TN2, co-ed, 3-11yrs, tel 01892 525837 The Schools at Somerhill, 3 schools, pre-prep co-ed, boys 3-13yrs, girls 3-11yrs, tel 01732 352124 The Schools at Somerhill, Derwent Lodge, Tonbridge TN11, girls, 7-11 years, tel 01732 352124 The Schools at Somerhill, Yardley Court, Tonbridge TN11, boys, 7-13 years, tel 01732 352124 Tonbridge School, boys, day and boarding, 13-18 years, tel 01732 365555 Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks 3-18yrs, tel 01732 451334

Primary Schools Bishops Down Primary School, Tunbridge Wells, 3-11 years, tel 01892 520114 Brenchley and Matfield Primary School, Tonbridge TN12, 4-11 years, tel 01892 722929 Broadwater Down Primary School, Tunbridge Wells TN2, 4-11 years, tel 01892 527588 Cage Green Primary School, Tonbridge, 4-11 years, tel 01732 354325 Edenbridge Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 863787 Fordcombe Cof E Primary School, Tunbridge Wells TN3, tel 01892 740224 Four Elms Primary School, Edenbridge, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 700274 Ide Hill Cof E Primary School, Sevenoaks, 4-11 years, tel 01732 750389 Ightham Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 882405 Kemsing Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 761236 Langton Green Primary School, tel 01892 862648 Long Mead Community Primary School, Tonbridge, 3-11 years, tel 01732 350601

Longmead Community Primary School, tel 01732 350601

Paddock Wood Primary School, Paddock Wood, tel 01892 833654

Exams Access Arrangements Assessor (Y5-Y13) available now West Kent/ Sussex, tel , tel 07504 939649

TW Music School: Drum, Guitar, Bass, Vocal Piano, tel 01892 750157

Extra Tuition Centre, all over Kent, 11+, tel 0800 917 4194

Activities for additional needs children

Penshurst Primary School, Penshurst TN11, tel 01892 870446

First Class Learning in Sevenoaks maths and English tuition for all ages, tel 07760 419307

Bradbourne Riding Centre (Riding for the Disabled), Sevenoaks, tel 01732 453592

Platt Primary School, TN15, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 882596

Fleet Tutors: Britain’s Leading Tutoring Service Provider, tel 0333 920 9629

Arts and Crafts

Rusthall Primary School, TN4, tel 01892 520582

IELTS Exam Lessons. 1:1 with very experienced teacher. Tunbridge Wells area, tel , tel 07504 939649

Pembury Primary School, 4-11 years, tel 01892 822259

Seal Primary School, Seal, 5-11 years, tel 01732 762388 Sevenoaks Primary School, TN13, 4-11 years, tel 01732 453952 Shoreham Village School, Sevenoaks TN14, 4 to 11 years, tel 01959 522228 Southborough C Of E Primary School, tel 01892 529682

Kip McGrath, English and Maths Tuition, Tunbridge Wells, 6-16 years, tel 01892 458184

Kumon Maths, Tonbridge, tel 01622 817544

Circus Skills

St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Tunbridge Wells TN4, tel 01892 529796

Student Support Centre, home based study in English and Maths, tel 0800 999 6999

St George’s C of E Voluntary Controlled Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 882401

Tutor English GCSE. Very experienced teacher. Tunbridge Wells area, tel 07504 939649

St James School, 7- 11 years, tel 01892 523006

Foreign Language Tuition

Tutoring, standard school subjects and 11+ 1:1 tuition; Maths, English, piano and 11+ for all ages. Free trial lessons, tel 0800 1120303 11+ mock tests and revision courses Tunbridge Wells run by experienced tutors, tel 07517 861487 11+ Training, KS1-KS3 English, Maths, Science, Mock 11+, Summer Courses, tel 07759 045444 English all ages to A level/IB, Creative Writing, French, tel 07786 392763

Sevenoaks Leisure Centre 14-15yrs, tel 01732 470700 Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, under 16s, tel 01892 540744

Lyn Wurf private tutor - I teach primary Maths/English/touch typing from my home, tel 07792 052292

St John’s Cof E Primary School, Tunbridge Wells TN4, 4-11 years, tel 01892 678980 St Katharine’s Knockholt Church of England Primary, Sevenoaks TN14, 4 to 11 yrs, tel 01959 532237 St Lawrence C of E Primary School, Sevenoaks TN15, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 761393 St Mary the Virgin C of E Primary School, Hartfield, 4 to 11 years, tel 01892 770221 St Michael’s Primary School, Withyham, 4 to 11 years, tel 01892 770307 Temple Grove Academy, Tunbridge Wells, 4-11 years, tel 01892 520562 Weald Primary School, come and visit us just outside Sevenoaks to find out more, tel 01732 463307 West Kingsdown CE Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01474 853484 Woodlands Primary School, Tonbridge, tel 01732 355577

Basketball

Kumon Maths, Sevenoaks, tel 01342 851221

Speldhurst C of E Primary School, 4-11years, tel 01892 863044

St Johns C of E Infant School, Sevenoaks TN13, tel 01732 453944

Little Springers: Baking, cooking, Crafts, Gardening, Music 3yrs+, tel 07768 466327

Caroline Cunnington-King, French and Spanish Tutor, Tonbridge, tel 07884 255749 Elisabeth Reichert-Eckersley, conversational german tuition, tel 01342 811099 Fable Languages Spanish for all ages and abilities, tel 01892 543094 German Saturday School, Tonbridge Kidslingo Preschool French and Spanish, to 11yrs, tel 07726 590289 My Spanish Tutor, One to One Online Spanish Tuition for All Ages and Levels, tel 07545 018144 Sevenoaks English Language Centre, english for foreigners, tel 07717 214041 Spanish for children, Edenbridge rea, native teacher, tel 07917 744515 Tonbridge Russian School, Beginners to GCSE and A-level, 10yrs experience, 3yrs+, tel 07715 559035

Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Caroline Stinton, Piano, Bassoon and theory lessons, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 524315 Classical singing lessons Tunbridge Wells from beginners to advanced. all ages, tel 01892 538453 Joe’s Academy of Music: music for all ages and abilities, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07938 226435 Music with Jess - CLARINET, SAXOPHONE, FLUTE, PIANO Tunbridge Wells, tel 07904 320750 Timothy Lowe ARCM, FISM Expert piano and theory tuition, tel 07588 549622

Showtime Performing Arts 3.5yrs+ Malling School Oxted School Weekends Only, tel 07749 650222

Climbing Chimera Climbing Centre, a vibrant and modern public amenity, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 457294 Clip n Climb, Indoor climbing arena for adults and children, tel 01732 753330 Extreme Ventures, outdoor rock climbing courses, nr Tunbridge Wells, 6yrs+, tel 07835 528548 Kent and Sussex Climbing Indoor, Climbing Academy 6yrs+, tel 01892 673167 Kids @ Chimera, minimum age 5 years (under 16’s adult supervision required), tel 01892 457294 Nuts 4 Climbing Outdoor Climbing activities, tel 01892 860670 The Climbing Experience Fun Wall and Bouldering Gym, Maidstone 4+, tel 01622 677977

Cookery Children’s Cookery Classes -Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, ages 2-16, tel 07904 108591

Cricket Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club 7yrs+, tel 01892 825513

Cycling CYCLEme TOTS, Mid-Kent Classes, 2-7 years, tel 07739 389281 Southborough and District Wheelers, 8yrs+, tel 01892 537758

Dance and Theatre Arts Act II Academy of Drama & Performing Arts, LAMDA Teaching in the Sevenoaks Area, tel 01732 463293 Cannon Irish dancers 2yrs+, tel 07977 500673 Cascade Dance: Ballet, street, contemporary, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, tel 07540 724027 Catherine Bellinger School of Dance, Tunbridge Wells 2yrs+, tel 01892 542549

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19

Staffroom Secrets - Growth Mindset

STAFFROOM SECRETS - Growth Mindset

by Jane Chappell “Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.” Albus Dumbledore An extract from Staffroom Secrets: ‘This is how we do it…’

For a brain to learn effectively, it needs a bit of help. It needs its owner to be aware of what a GROWTH MINDSET is. I am passionate about the power of instilling our children with a growth mindset because I have seen the remarkable (nay, gobsmacking) difference it can make. I worked with a superhero colleague on an action research project relating to girls’ attainment in mathematics, and the results were startling. For me, the bedrock of teaching is in a growth mindset approach.

The opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed one – where you believe intelligence is pre-determined at birth. A person with a fixed mindset avoids failure, avoids challenge, sticks to what they know and takes personal offence when given feedback. Someone with a growth mindset embraces challenge, sees failure as key to learning, piles in effort and seeks feedback – often learning from others. Some people are very much one or the other – some are a mix of the two, depending on the situation they find themselves in. What is key, however, is our ability to BECOME an individual with a GROWTH MINDSET by working at it. Schools up and down the country have latched onto this because they have seen how children’s emotional wellbeing and consequently their results have been positively affected. However, schools cannot teach this alone – they need parents and families to join in too. After all, these are our children’s most influential teachers. If the school is embracing a growth mindset approach but you are asking your child, ‘Who is the cleverest at maths?’ horribly mixed messages will confuse and muddy the waters.

Huge potential can underperform Parents are often surprised when I warn that high-achieving children are susceptible to falling into the fixed mindset very early on in their development. If told by beaming, proud adults how ‘bright, talented, gifted and clever’ they are, children can quickly fear being seen as anything less – for fear of upsetting those who clearly value them for their innate gifts. Oh, the pressure must be unbearable. They daren’t fail. Mistakes feel like such disasters. They hide misunderstandings for fear of being found out and shy away from asking questions. These ‘bright, talented, clever’ children will most likely plateau early and achieve less than their full potential. The poor things – what a burden these labels can be. Undoing the damage labelling children can cause is sometimes a very tricky task indeed, which is why they are best avoided in the first place. However, it is never too late. I read Dweck’s book when Bethany was in secondary school. I explained it all to her and apologised profusely for labelling her as clever, etc. I’d been well-meaning; I was trying to boost her selfesteem and confidence. Poor old Beth. The eldest is so often our unwitting guinea pig…however, no guilt is allowed: Jane-of-the-past was not a fortune teller!

When children get everything right in an exercise without any struggle, they are not learning; they are demonstrating what they already know. A page of ticks is not necessarily the mark of a good superhero. If I see a page of ticks (without challenge/struggle/extension), I haven’t done my job properly, and I should be apologising – not handing out gold stars to the pupil and patting myself on the back. However, it’s great to see a page of ticks as part of the consolidation process, when they’ve completed the journey and the struggle. That’s when the EFFORT is praised and it’s time to move on and find a new challenge.

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Staffroom Secrets - Growth Mindset We’ve seen how the fixed mindset is detrimental to children who learn quickly. What about those who are struggling? A fixed mindset can inadvertently give struggling children permission to underachieve and not reach their potential. Remember my wonderful mum and her attitude towards maths? It’s not your fault; you shouldn’t get so upset; we can’t all be good at everything…all those loving, well-meant reassurances. Of course (with the benefit of hindsight) mum would say (and does say to the grandchildren) ‘Come on love – I know you can’t remember it YET but with a bit more revision you will. How could we look at this differently?’

Sometimes she’ll say, ‘Time for a rest – it’s important to know the difference between a rest and giving up!’

Mum is living proof that brains are capable of change and learning new things – she’s been giving fractions a go, aged seventy-three. Not bad considering she left school just before they taught her decimals.

Of course, another key factor in how we learn is who we learn from. I’ve made no secret of the fact I believe the significant, constant adult in a child’s life is their main teacher, but don’t underestimate siblings, friends, relatives and the media. Be mindful of the soft lessons your children learn from others. For example, if your dad is telling your children how talented and naturally brilliant they are, explain how that is detrimental to their progress and wellbeing. Tell him you’d really appreciate him praising the effort they have made (praise the process) and how much they’d value some constructive feedback for future improvement. Grandparents can still declare they are proud as punch – and it won’t affect their bragging rights. Lottie (my sixteen-yearold) is quite the little musician: she can play the piano, violin and viola; she composes beautifully and has taken lots of formal examinations, at a relatively young age. When anyone comments and says how ‘talented’ she is, I waste no time in gently correcting them. I do it for Lottie – her wellbeing is my priority. I talk about the hours she spends working, how it does not come ‘naturally’ and about her motivation, which is derived from passion and determination. It’s clear that I am as proud as can be; Lottie is still praised but for what she has done – not for having a gift bestowed unto her. If Lottie believed she had a ‘gift’, she’d had given up on music at grade 1, believing she’d misplaced her ‘gift’ somewhere down the back of the sofa…

Careful the things you say: children will listen…* Our language is key to ensuring our children grow to meet their full potential. That said, children have strengths and weaknesses – undoubtedly, some find learning easier than others – but what I’m talking about here is POTENTIAL. Some of the most successful people were late developers with specific or multiple learning difficulties. They were successful because they worked very hard and were passionate about their field of eventual expertise. As the saying goes: As parents, we have the power to feed enthusiasm, fuel passion, encourage our children and remove barriers by simply choosing our words carefully. What a neat trick! Move over Potter - there’s a new army of wizarding parents in town with the power of `YET’ in their cauldrons and plenty of ‘PRAISE the PROCESS’ potion** under their capes.

If you think your little learner would benefit from some positive, growth mindset messages checkout this Dojo cartoon and (especially for maths) check out Jo Boaler’s youtube video. Jo’s website is full of exceptional resources. * Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods ** All those P’s are an example of ALLITERATION, which is in the vocabulary list. We play the ALLITERATION GAME in the car. We work alphabetically and take turns: Animated Ant, Barbequing Buffalo etc… Bonus points for 3 or 4 words:Curious, Caterwauling, Cantankerous Cat! They are never as good as that in the car!

Jane Chappell is a parent, a primary school teacher and the inspirational author of ‘Staffroom Secrets, A teacher’s guide to your child’s primary education’. Jane will be visiting schools and workplaces to run workshops as soon as current restrictions allow. To find out more click here to visit her website, and you can order a copy of her incredibly insightful book at Amazon by clicking here.

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21

A-Z Activities for Children D2Dance School: Ballet, Modern, Street, Singing, Tap, Musical Theatre 3yrs-adult, tel 07709 173256

Lamberhurst School of Theatre Dance, from babies to adults, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07817 290552

Dance Academy Sevenoaks, RAD Ballet Cont tap Modern, Commercial Jazz, 3yrs+, tel 01732 469806

Make Believe Sevenoaks, Sing, Act, Dance Ages 3-18, tel 0208 123 7927

Dancing Boutique, 82 Victoria Road, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 529720

Medway School of Dance, Tonbridge, Latin Ballroom and Disco Dance 3 yrs+, tel 01732 358355

Dynamic Dance, for all ages from toddlers, various venues, based in Tonbridge, tel 01732 357518

Pauline Quirke Academy Summer School, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, tel 07961 387798

Evolution Dance Academy, ballet, street, musical theatre, Edenbridge area, 2yrs+, tel 07709 348723

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing class for 4-7yrs and 7-12yrs, tel 020 7255 9120

Firefly Dance School, Ballet, Modern, Tap, National, Irish Boys/Girls, all ages, tel 07734 816989

Razzamataz FREE TASTER SESSIONS in Singing Dance & Drama for ages 2-18, tel 07401 801318

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, Otford, Sevenoaks, 5-18yrs, tel 01689 812336 Inception Dance, fun, lively ballet and dance classes, Hartfield, 2yrs+, tel 07920 181454 Italia Conti, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 529112 Jigsaw Performing Arts, 3-18 years, Sevenoaks, tel 020 8447 4530 JPA Academy, Acting Singing Dancing Academy 6-18yrs, tel 07870 460687 Judy Hamlet School of Dance, Kemsing - Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Street for 3yrs+, tel 07971 679055 Just Dance: Ballet, Modern, Tap, Street Dance, Musical Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 864517 KA Dance Academy, Ballet, Tap and Stage, 3yrs+, Crockham Hill Village Hall, tel 07810 443575 Kent College Theatre Academy, Theatre and Drama lessons, 5-18yrs, tel 01892 822006

Showtime Stage Schools now in Kent & Medway, Sat & Sun 4-18yrs Free Trials, tel 01732 430300 SJ School of Dance Academy 5yrs+, tel 07880 499801 Southborough School of Dance, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 529720 Stagecoach Performing Arts, 4-16 yrs, Tonbridge, tel 01444 456208 The Dance Studio, 2.5yrs+ Ballet, Tap and Jazz. T Wells, Paddock Wood, Otford, tel 07812 565826 The Talentz Musical Theatre 5-16yrs, tel 07899 998249 Theatre Train Dance Act Sing 6-18yrs, tel 07710 478246 Trinity Youth Theatre 8-18yrs, tel 01892 500673 VR School of Dance, Ballet, Street Jazz, Modern, Musical, Sevenoaks, tel 07539 551568

Fencing Junior Fencing, School ages, Angel Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 359966

Royal Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club, 7 years +, tel 07786 000488

First Aid Courses for Children British Red Cross, tel 0800 028 0831 Daisy First Aid Tunbridge Wells & Sevenoaks, Family First Aid Classes, tel 07939 507662 St John Ambulance Kent, enquiries, tel 0344 770 4800

Fitness and Activity Clubs ‘A’ Team Fun Club, 5-12yrs,Sat 09:3012:00, Angel Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 772685 At home fun Mama & Baby/child workouts, suitable for all ages incl, prenatal, tel 07707 346552 Mummy & Me Pilates Classes every Wednesday at 11am at Pembury Pavilion, tel , tel 07876 787869 Ruggerbugs, St Gregory’s School, Tunbridge Wells, Sat am. 9am-noon, tel 01279 797777 Sarah’s Runners, Nevill Pavillion Cricket Ground, TN2 5ES, minimum age 17 years, tel 07900 825836 Saxons Orienteering, Juniors to Adults, various venues, tel Contact through website Sevenoaks Nordic Walking, tel 01732 453271 Target Shooting School - Term time classes, holiday workshops, parties 8-18 yrs, tel 07426 301849

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TeenFit and Junior Spin 11-15yrs, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744

Football Charlton Football Coaching 3-13yrs, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700 D&D Footie Focus, weekend and evening football coaching for 2½ to 8 years, tel 07969 669153 First Class Football: Advanced Football Skills Coaching 2yrs+, tel 07929 861394 Little Kickers, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, up to 7 years, tel 0208 432 0982 Pure Football Academy, Additional Training, Kent & Sussex, 18mnths 14yrs, tel 07872 864016 The Rondos Advanced Football Academy, 5-18yrs, Hildenborough, tel 01892 822554 Toddler Football, up to 4yrs, Edenbridge Leisure Centre, tel 01732 865665 Tonbridge Invicta FC, New! Girls Football for 11yrs+, football club and coaching, tel 07891 626537 Tunbridge Wells Foresters FC, Football Club and coaching 5yrs+, tel 07718 393138 Tunbridge Wells Ladies FC, Girls Football 5-16yrs, tel 07801 045941

A-Z Activities for Children Squash

Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, Fun Footie 5-7yrs, Girls 11-14yrs, Junior U16yrs, tel 01892 540744

Tunbridge Wells Squash Rackets Club - Junior Squash and Racket Ball, tel 01892 527736

Golf Hever Castle Golf Club 5yrs+, tel 01732 700771 Hilden Golf Centre, Tonbridge 3yrs+, tel 01732 833607 Knole Park Golf Club, Sevenoaks, junior membership 11-17 years, tel 01732 452150 Lamberhurst Golf Club, Tunbridge Wells 6yrs+, tel 01892 890591 Nevill Golf Club, Tunbridge Wells 6yrs+, tel 01892 525818 Poult Wood Golf Centre, Tonbridge 8yrs+, tel 01732 364039 Tonbridge Golf Centre 3yrs+, tel 01732 353281

Wildernesse Sports Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437

Swimming, Pool Sports Alison Marks Swim School, Hildenborough, 3yrs+, tel 01732 365440 Angela’s Swim School, Sevenoaks, tel 07703 185837 Aqua Swimming Ltd, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells venues, tel 01732 455800 Edenbridge Leisure Centre Swimming, Classes and fun swimming, tel 01732 865665

Wildernesse Sports Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437

Gymnastics Gymnastic Club Kent, Tunbridge Wells, all ages, tel 01892 550530 Gymnastics, Angel Leisure Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 772685 Kent College Gymnastics Academy Gym lessons 5-18yrs, tel 01892 822006 PreSchool, Juniors, 7-11yrs and Tramps, 5-14yrs, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Gymnastics, 4-16yrs, tel 01732 470700

Hockey Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club 6-16yrs, tel Email via website Tunbridge Wells Inline Hockey Club 6yrs+, tel 01892 535439

Horseriding Bradbourne Riding Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 453592 Hadlow College Equestrian Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 852204 , tel 01732 853588 Matfield and District Riders Association, 5yrs+, tel 01892 836058 Orchid Riding School, 6yrs+, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 652020 Riding Farm Equestrian Centre, 4yrs+, Hildenborough, tel 01732 838717 South Farm Riding Stables, 5yrs+, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 864807 Wellgrove Farm Stables, Pembury 3yrs+, tel 01892 822087 White Rocks Farm Western Riding, near Sevenoaks, tel 01732 761888

Leisure Centres Angel Leisure Centre, Angel Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1SF, tel 01732 359966 Edenbridge leisure Centre, Stangrove Park, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5LU, tel 01732 865665 Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre, Mascalls Court Rd, Tonbridge TN12 6NZ, tel 01892 838290

Helens Swimming School, 4 months +, tel 01892 662484 Sencio Community Leisure Centres, Edenbridge, tel 01732 865665 Sencio Community Leisure Centres, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 470700 Sencio Community Leisure Centres, Swanley, tel 01322 662188 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre: pool, gym, sports hall, crèche, martial arts, tel 01732 470700 Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744 Wildernesse Sports Centre, Seal Hollow Road, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437

Martial Arts, Self Defence Bushido Judokan, Tunbridge Wells 5yrs+, tel 07823 441460 Fortitude Taekwondo, 3yrs+, Sevenoaks, Edenbridge, Westerham, Hildenborough, tel 01342 302192 Fortitude Taekwondo Tunbridge Wells Martial Arts for ALL ages and abilities in Tunbridge Wells, tel 01342 302192 Frontier School of Karate and Kickboxing (FSK), Crowborough, 3yrs+, tel 01273 702662 Martial Arts South East Juniors, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07986 825817 Oaks Martial Arts, 3yrs+, Sevenoaks, Hildenborough, Edenbridge, tel 01732 759988 PPCKD Self Defence for children as young as 3.5 years. Fun, fitness and friends, tel 07590 559421 Sama Karate Kids Karate 4yrs+ and Kickboxing 10yrs+, tel 01444 461889 Sevenoaks KJK Club (Karate Jutsu Kai), all ages from 5 yrs, tel 07976 482384 Shinseido Karate, Riverhead Parish Hall, Sevenoaks, 18yrs+, tel 07710 437485 Vision Taekwondo, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre 3yrs+, tel 01892 540744

Multiple Sports EXCEL Fitness Programme, 1116yrs, Angel Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 359966 Kickstart Fitness mixed games 5-10yrs, Angel CentreTonbridge, tel 01732 772690 Langton Green Community Sports Association, tel 01892 862967 Multi sports for 3-16yrs 3rd Sun 13:0014:30 Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744 Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, 5yrs +, tel 01892 540744

Music Groups, Centres Brittens Music School, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 559319 Singing Mamas Choir Fridays 1.30pm at Brittens Music - all women welcome, tel 07724 466064

Outdoor Pursuits Centres Bowles, Eridge Green nr Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 665665

Out of School Clubs Hubbub Out of School Club, After School Childcare 3-6pm, tel 07942 937006

Rollerblading and Skateboarding

Holmewood House Swim School 5yrs+, Langton Green, tel 01892 860035 Little Fishes, parent and baby/toddler/ children 4ys+, Oxted and Westerham, tel 07834 737211 Penguin Swim School, Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks 2yrs+ 07795 177214 /, tel 01892 535438 Puddle Ducks Swimming classes from 0-4 yrs - Sevenoaks, Hildenborough & Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 617246 RTW Monson Learn To Swim (Level 3-competitive swimming), tel 07779 703317 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Classes and fun swimming, tel 01732 470700 Starfish School of Swimming all ages and abilities, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 834186 Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Castle Street, indoor and outdoor pools, tel 01732 367449 Tunbridge Wells Sports and Tennis, Swimming classes for all ages, tel 01892 540744

Table Tennis Byng Hall Table Tennis Club 7yrs+, tel 07768 742414

Tennis

Snow Sports

Evolution Tennis Coaching at Brenchley and Matlock Tennis Club Juniors, tel 01622 532354 Jarrett Tennis School at Tunbridge Wells Sports and Indoor Tennis Centre, tel 01892 538445 Jarrett Tennis School for 5-14yrs, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 538445 Oakbury Tennis Club Juniors, Sevenoaks, tel 07821 621403 Short Tennis, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre 4-10yrs, tel 01892 540744

Dry Ski Slopes at Bowles, Eridge Green nr Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 665665

St Johns Tennis Club, Tennis Courses, 5-18yrs, tel 01892 546252

Tunbridge Wells Tigers Inline Roller Hockey 7yrs+, tel 01892 535439

Rugby Rugby Tots for 2-7 yr olds, weekday and weekend classes throughout West Kent, tel 0345 3130807 Tunbridge Wells RFC Girls Rugby Years 7-13 girls only / Years R-6 Mixed, tel 07753 933936

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23

Flexible Working • Remote Working

2021

Business

The Positive Impact of Flexible Working Advantages of Agile Working Environment With the challenges of 2020 behind us, we all look to learn and best prepare for opportunities which lay ahead. Even before prepandemic times there have been discussions around agile working and flexibility in the workplace.

One persistent occupational discrimination is that often primary caregivers, having to take career breaks when starting a family or other personal commitments have left candidates at a disadvantage in finding sufficient employment and leadership roles. This unconscious bias plays a significant part in widening the unemployment gap.

Although some businesses have taken positive steps during the last decades to bridge occupational gaps, disparities persist with much still to be done across the board and educational opportunities play a huge role in this progression.

With many working parents, organisations and employees embracing the remote life, opportunity for flexible working is becoming the norm and allows individuals the opportunity to fulfil a better work life balance and for employers to reach a wider talent pool.

…..it is vital that businesses do their upmost to support their staff working from home on an ongoing basis. This is a real opportunity for employers to ‘gold star’ their approach to safe, efficient and healthy work-life balance.

We are excited to have had such positive feedback from businesses so far and look forward to working with many more.”

-

Katy Moroney, Partner

Nurturing & Supporting Individuals Award winning entrepreneurs Amy Watmore and Katy Moroney saw first-hand the problems faced by home workers after setting up their own remote PA business based in Bromley as busy mums juggling work life and career.

It is evident that adopting a hybrid working practice benefits the wider workplace demonstrating the workforce can perform effectively, efficiently and produce all round wellness across the working environment.

Embracing these changes are advantageous to both organisations and staff alike wanting to remain sustainable and staying ahead of the game thus shifting the landscape of a more diverse working culture.

The duo went onto developing a Remote Working E-learning tool to help give individuals the confidence to become successful at remote working and provide struggling bosses a practical ‘kit’ they can use to help their staff thrive at home.

Encouraging Leadership Role Opportunities.

The certified remote e-learning course has been expertly curated to support professional development as well as allowing businesses to support their own staff with the transition from working from the office environment to the home.

Designed to upskill those wanting to take the first steps in getting the qualification and the confidence to be able to succeed in a remote role, whilst maintaining a better work life approach.

Course Overview | Unique Remote e-Learning The easily enhance providing resources, worker.

manageable, accredited, 13 module course will skillsets in areas tackled in remote working, succinct guidance and useful downloadable it provides valuable tools for the professional

❑ The certified e-learning course is 13 modules

“We developed the Remote Working programme to protect both staff and their employers by creating a more positive working from home culture.

❑ Each module only takes 15minutes to complete and can be taken in your own time. ❑ The course will help you overcome the challenges and pitfalls of remote working. ❑ Prepares professionals to take control and to become an efficient successful worker.

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Work Life Balance Work Life Balance for Mums in Business

by Leonie Huie BEM Work-life balance is the holy grail for a lot of mothers trying to juggle a family and business. Sometimes feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and extreme tiredness can get the better of us when we are trying our best to stay on top of things. I’ve been there, when all I wanted to do was hide back under my duvet covers and avoid the busy week, I knew I had ahead of me.

I became a mum for the first time in 2017 to twin girls and my life changed forever. I honestly didn’t know what I was doing and struggled throughout the first year of parenthood. When I returned to work as a schoolteacher, my twins were 10 months old and I found working and being a mum extremely challenging and overwhelming I just couldn’t find a balance between the two.

At times I felt like the walls were closing in on me, how could I possibly teach and be a twin mum at the same time without feeling like this? What can we do to manage my time more effectively?

How can I improve the balance between the two?

I knew something in my life had to change, but I didn’t know what so, I decided to speak to some mothers in the mother and baby group I attended as well as asking other family and friends with young children and they told me what they did. I tried some of the suggestions made, which worked after a few weeks, such as prioritising what was important, having a solid routine that works for my family and knowing when to switch off.

By the time I started my business in 2019, I went into this new transition in my life full of enthusiasm raring to go because my work-life balance was aligned and I knew exactly how to manage overwhelm, my time, being organised and productive all at the same time as well as being a mum to two year olds.

Due to this working so well for me, I wanted to help other mothers indulge into the holy grail of work-life balance, so produced the Ultimate Blueprint for Mums Who Want More, which you can download here for free. I hope you find this blueprint useful in helping you achieve your goals and aspirations for you, your family and business.

Click Here to download your Ultimate Blueprint for Mums Who Want More Leonie Huie BEM is a Business & Life Coach and author of ‘The First Year is Survival’.

For more information about Leonie, follow her on Instagram @LeonieHuie or visit her website at www.empowerme.london

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A-Z Activities for Children • Everything Party...

Tennis Academy, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, tel 01959 523377 Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club, tel 01892 525625

Trampolining Edenbridge Leisure Centre, trampolining coaching 5-16yrs, tel 01732 865665 Jump In, Unit 2, Morley Rd, Tonbridge TN9 1RA, tel 0845 8386214 Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre, Paddock Wood 5yrs+, tel 01892 838290

Edenbridge Sub Aqua Club, Edenbridge Leisure Centre, 14yrs+, tel 07702 473898

Yoga Banana Studio Yoga, Kids Yoga & Teens Yoga, tel 07834 518619 Yoga in primary schools to nurture physical & mental wellbeing. Mindful fitness, tel 07914 837102

Youth Clubs The Hub, South Tonbridge, tel 03000 418008

Delarue Hall and Barn, weekend and bank holiday hire, tel 01732 367917

Tonbridge Christ Church Centre, tel 01732 770334

Delarue Hall, Tonbridge, Hire for all occasions, tel 01732 367917

Trinity Youth Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 500673

Dunton Green Village Hall, tel 01732 469610

Wesley Centre, Paddock Wood, tel 01892 521384

Edenbridge WI Hall, tel 01732 865368

Party Venues

Frant Memorial Hall, tel 01892 752123 Groombridge Village Hall, tel 07552 170679 Hadlow Old School Hall, tel 01732 851878

Hall and Room Hire

Hildenborough Village Hall, six rooms for hire, tel 01732 833092

Ashurst McDermott Village Hall, tel 01892 740618

Trampolining, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744

Horsmonden Village Hall, tel 01892 723955

Bells Yew Green Village Hall, tel 01892 543025

Langton Village Hall, tel 07581 471147

Wildernesse Sports Centre Trampolining, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437

Benenden Village Hall, tel 07419 989830

Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Trampolining, 4-15yrs, tel 01732 470700

Bessels Green Baptist Church, Bessels Green, Tonbridge, tel 01732 454921

Uniformed Groups Girlguiding UK for your nearest Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, tel 0800 999 2016

Bidborough Village Hall, tel 07517 145731

Mencap Hall, Hitchen Hatch Lane, tel 01732 458775 Pembury Baptist Church Hall, Pembury, tel 01892 825590 Pembury Village Hall, tel 07983 228181

Brenchley Memorial Hall, tel 01892 832579

Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre, Paddock Wood, tel 01892 838290

Camden Centre - Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 521384

Rickards Hall, Edenbridge, tel 01732 865368

Watersports

Copt Hall, Hawkhurst, tel 01580 752058

Showfields Hall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 514544

Bewl Water Outdoor Centre: canoeing, sailing, wind surfing etc, 8 years +, tel 01892 890000

Cowden Memorial Halls, 2 halls, kitchen and car park, day and evening, tel 01342 850532

Speldhurst Village Hall, tel 07786 948952

Scoutbase UK for nearest Beaver, Scout, Venture, Air and Sea, tel 0345 300 1818

St Barnabas Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Southborough, tel 01892 529158 01892 , tel 537865 St James Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 521703 St John the Baptist, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 541710 St John’s Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 540897 St John’s Methodist Church, Southborough, tel 01892 544578 St Luke’s Church Hall, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 743045 St Mary’s Church Hall, Riverhead, tel 01732 450408 St Matthew’s Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 618108 St Paulinus Church Centre, Edenbridge, tel 01732 864070

No family should be devastated by a brain tumour MARCH 2021

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Together we will find a cure

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737

St Peter’s Church, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 327734 St Philip’s Church, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 531031 St Stephen’s Church Community Centre, Tonbridge, 3 halls, tel 01732 771977

Angel Leisure Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 359966 Birthday experiences at Bowles, Eridge Green nr Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 665665 Diggerland, Medway Valley leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood ME2 2NU, tel 0871 22 77 007 Edenbridge Leisure Centre, tel 01732 865665 Extreme Ventures, outdoor rock climbing/scrambling, nr Tunbridge Wells, 6yrs+, tel 07835 528548 Jump In, Unit 2, Morley Rd, Tonbridge TN9 1RA, tel 0845 838 6214 Manic Monsters, Soft Play, Edenbridge, tel 01732 866115 Minor Mania, soft play, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 752042 Parties at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744 Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre Paddock Wood, tel 01892 838290 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700 Temper Temper Chocolate, Chocolate workshops and parties, tel 01892 538758 Wildernesse Sports Centre, Seal Hollow Road, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437 Woodland Parties, the perfect woodland venue for children’s parties, tel 07889 094821

Party Supplies and Planners Moondreamers is a luxury Teepee sleepover company providing for East Sussex/Kent, tel 07943 958937 Party Bag Online, your one stop shop for personalised filled party bags, tel 07976 728857 Twilight Tents provide beautiful themed Tent Sleep Over Party packages, tel 07710 078467 Walking Balloons offer a great variety of animal balloons that walk beside you, tel 07763 860066 Wishful Winks provide a stress free sleepover party experience, tel 07957 491146

Party Catering, Cakes

Sunnyside Hall, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 08450 743399

Sprinkles Cakery, Bespoke Cakes for all occasions with free delivery in Tunbridge Wells area, tel 07720 986299

TN2 Community Centre, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 538230

Clever Cooks, Catering and China Hire, tel 07768 993456

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Everything Party...

Large selection of partyware, balloons & cake decorating in Tunbridge Wells, tel 01622 717177

Face and body painting, glitter designs and tattoos. Surrey Kent & Sussex, tel 07931 935539

Moondreamers is a luxury Teepee sleepover company providing for East Sussex/Kent, tel 07943 958937

Zebadee Kidz Parties Tonbridge, one stop shop for all your entertainment needs!, tel 07773 066645

Vintage Afternoon Tea served in your own venue perfect for that special occasion, tel 07545 807031

First Class Football Parties 2yrs+, tel 07929 861394

Music Bugs: Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, tel 07738 878821

Froggle Parties, drama games, dancing, story telling, balloon models, prizes, tel 0208 617 9070

Nuts 4 Climbing Outdoor Climbing activities, tel 01892 860670

Holiday Schemes and Activities

Party Entertainers Allsortsoffun, Pirate, knight, spy party, magic, puppets, tel 07845 320001 Angels’n’Divas, Pamper Parties for girls (4-16yrs), tel 07771 964626 Buzy Bee’s, themed parties such as Frozen, Princess, Football and more, 0-12 yrs, tel 01474 874118 Captain Fantastic Parties, Parties for 3 - 7 year olds, tel 07540 539190 Childrens party entertainer and magic shows, Kent, Sussex and Surrey, 4-11 years, tel 07734 101987 D&D Footie Focus, football themed parties, 5 to 12 years, tel 07969 669153 Dance Parties for girls and boys, aged 3-12yrs. One or two hours available, tel 01892 864517 Dandelion and Clover Yoga - Yoga and art parties with a theme of your choice, tel 07734 435708 diddi dance parties for pre-school children, tel 07788 246073 Enchanted Events, magical party & events entertainment, styling & catering, tel 07788 998441

Froggle Parties, face painting, glitter tattoos, any kind of designs, tel 0845 0504509 Funky Footsteps, high energy disco parties, games, facepainting & fun!, tel 07912 685680 Hartbeeps the most original musical parties on the planet, tel 07795 103197 Humpty Dumpty Club Musical Parties, tel 07860 801173

Once Upon a Wish Events - Events and Party entertainment tailored to suit you!, tel 07739 584988 Perform Parties for 4-7 years are high energy, fun and totally infectious, tel 020 7255 9120 Pic-n-Mix Parties for boys and girls, 1-11yrs, tel 07860 801173 Princess and the Pea Events, fun singing & dancing character packages, tel 07557 145648

Jumping Beans Parties, tel 07768 038172

Ready Steady Sport - Multi sport for all children 3yrs upwards, tel 07764 187401

Kazzamataz comedy magic show, crazy games and dance routines, tel 07859 015231

Show Offs Parties: Circus Acts, Balloon modelling, themed parties, tel 07749 650222

Little Kickers, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, 18mths-7 yrs, tel 0208 432 0982

Stagecoach Parties, tel 01444 456208

M Sporti Football and Multisports, tel 07920 780983

Superstar Pamper Parties exclusive pamper parties for girls aged 5-14 years, tel 07941 509495

Mini Motion dance parties, Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells, Langton Green, 3-7 yrs, tel 07734 863791

Story Sock Parties, for 2-6 years, tel 07957 136270

Vintage Afternoon Tea served in your own venue perfect for that special occasion, tel 07545 807031

Activity packs for kids, crammed with snacks and travel activities, 3-10 years, tel 07798 773960 Alison Marks Swim School Holiday Courses, Hildenborough, 3 years+ (not Winter), tel 01732 365440 Angel Centre, Tonbridge - Drop in fun sessions, tel 01732 359966 Aqua Swimming Ltd, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells venues, tel 01732 455800 Barracudas - Activity Day Camps, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Maidstone, tel 0845 123 5299 Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, kids camps, variety of activities, 4 years+, tel 01892 890000 Bishops Down Holiday Play Scheme, Tunbridge Wells, 3-11yrs, tel 01892 520114 Camp Beaumont Holiday Camps, Kent College, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01603 851000 Funtech.co.uk - Summer Tech camps, Tonbridge, tel 01628 621216 Holden Park Preschool and After School Club, 2 to 11 years, tel 01892 520626

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Holiday Schemes & Activities Southeast Kids Camps, activity day camps across Sussex/Kent - Children 4-12 yrs, tel 01444 461889 Super Camps, holiday activities in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, tel 01235 467300 (SEE NEXT PAGE FOR A 10% DISCOUNT CODE)

Hubbub, School Holiday Childcare, education, fun & adventure, High Brooms, tel 07942 937006 Junior Summer Golf Camps, Poult Wood, Tonbridge. 7-14yrs, tel 01732 364039 M Sporti Football and Multisports, tel 07920 780983 Nuts 4 Climbing Outdoor Climbing activities, tel 01892 860670 Perform, holiday activities and workshops, tel 020 7255 9120

Pied Piper Activities, tel 01273 504485 Play ‘n Grow holiday club is a new club for 2-11 yrs, 8am-6pm Tue to Thu, tel 07727 692645 Premier Playscheme - action packed activity days, several venues, tel 01953 499 040 Recrea8 Tonbridge, , tel Sporting & Creative term time and holiday courses, tel , tel 01732 304123 www.recre8courses.co.uk

Kent Life Heritage Farm, tel 01622 763936 Kent Wildlife Trust, lots of events for the whole family, Sevenoaks, tel 01622 662012

Target Shooting School - Term time classes, holiday workshops, parties 8-18 yrs, tel 07426 301849

Penshurst Place and Gardens, the medieval Baron’s Hall is one of the grandest, tel 01892 870307

Workshops & science activities, school summer holidays, tel 01323 832731

Family Days Out

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Hythe CT21 4LR, 50 species of animals to see, tel 01303 264647

Chartwell, family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill, Westerham, tel 01732 868381

Quebec House, the birthplace of General James Wolfe, tel 01959 567430

Chiddingstone Castle, Edenbridge Kent TN8 7AD, tel 01892 870347

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 459777

Emmetts Garden, an Edwardian estate, tel 01732 868381

Scotney Castle, National Trust, Lamberhurst, Kent, tel 01892 893820

Groombridge Place, moated manor house, fun things to do for families, tel 01892 861444

Spa Valley Railway, journey through the High Weald countryside, tel 01892 537715

Heaven Farm, nature trail, camping, tea room, family fun, tel 01825 790226

The Hop Farm Family Park, full of attractions, Paddock Wood, tel 01622 872068

Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, tel 01732 865224 Penshurst Place and Gardens, the medieval Baron’s Hall is one of the grandest, tel 01892 870307 Quebec House, the birthplace of General James Wolfe, tel 01959 567430 Spa Valley Railway, journey through the High Weald countryside, tel 01892 537715 The Hop Farm Family Park, full of attractions, Paddock Wood, tel 01622 872068 Tonbridge Castle, Motte and Bailey Castle with a splendid 13th Century Gatehouse, tel 01732 770929

Places to Visit Chartwell, family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill, Westerham, tel 01732 868381 Chiddingstone Castle, Edenbridge Kent TN8 7AD, tel 01892 870347 Creams Café, T-Wells, Geltao, Waffles, Sundaes, Crepes, Indulge your senses, tel 01892 680059 Diggerland, Medway Valley leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood ME2 2NU, tel 0871 22 77 007 East Grinstead Museum - Kid’s activities and exhibitions take place all year, tel 01342 302233

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Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, tel 01732 865224

The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceaux, tel 01323 832731 Tonbridge Castle, Motte and Bailey Castle with a splendid 13th Century Gatehouse, tel 01732 770929

Attractions Out of Area Blue Reef Aquarium, the ultimate undersea safari, Hastings, tel 01424 718776 Bluebell Railway, steam hauled trains, great day out, tel 01825 720800 Bodiam Castle, Bodiam, tel 01580 830196 British Wildlife Centre, Newchapel, nr Lingfield, RH7 6LF, tel 01342 834658 Chislehurst Caves, miles of mystery and history, tel 020 8467 3264 Christmas Tree Farm, Downe Village, feed the animals, tel 01689 861603 Farmyard Childrens Parties at Christmas Tree Farm, Downe Village, tel 01689 861603 Go Ape, Bedgebury, high-wire Tree Top Adventure and Tree Top Junior, tel 01603 895500 Godstone Farm, so much to do, a great family day out, tel 01883 742546 Hastings Adventure Golf- outdoor family fun on the seafront, tel 01424 437227 Heaven Farm, nature trail, camping, tea room, family fun, tel 01825 790226

EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 304241

Leeds Castle, 900 years of history, 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens, tel 01622 765400

Emmetts Garden, an Edwardian estate, tel 01732 868381

Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham BN27 3QS, tel 01323 844224

Groombridge Place, moated manor house, fun things to do for families, tel 01892 861444

The Llama Park at Ashdown Forest with Christmas Wonderland, Wych Cross, tel 01825 712040

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Holiday Schemes & Activities

Private Tutoring

SuperCamps help local children to reintegrate with their peers post lockdown An Ofsted registered leading school holiday camp provider will be hosting fun and Covid safe camps in both Bromley and Sevenoaks this Easter.

With fully trained staff and a fun Multi-Activity curriculum, SuperCamps – one of the country’s most trusted school holiday camp providers for children aged 4-14 years - is preparing to open its doors at Bromley High School (Bromley) and Russell House School (Sevenoaks).

The opening of the camps follows a new YouGov survey* revealing parents’ top concern for the welfare of their children post lockdown is social mixing and interacting with peers. This is prioritised above catching up on education and missed schooling.

The research revealed that whilst nearly a quarter of all parents (22%) confirmed the opportunity to build more social interactions as the top priority for their children in 2021, this number rose to 29% among parents with children aged four years old or under. 20% of all parents surveyed wanted to build on their children’s academic knowledge, whilst 16% wanted their children to experience more of the outdoors. 13% cited wanting their children to spend less time on tech and social media with 10% wanting to provide their children with an opportunity to build more extracurricular skills and 6% wanting them to exercise more.

Perhaps surprisingly, when asked to choose the single most important factor when deciding which school holiday camp to send their child to, the top answer was not Covid related. Parents’ top priority was ‘the activities and courses available’ (15%).

Next was the cost of the camp (10%) then followed by the Covid and safety measures (8%), whilst 6% of parents prioritised whether their children had any friends already attending.

In designing its holiday programmes, SuperCamps draws upon the wellbeing focus and resources of its parent organisation, Cognita, one of the world’s leading global education groups, which takes a pioneering approach to children’s wellbeing.

Ben Reynolds, Managing Director of SuperCamps says: “Our Easter camps at Bromley High School and Russell House School in Sevenoaks will offer local children the opportunity to develop important skills such as team-work, creativity, being active and interacting with others. Our fully trained staff and fun Multi-Activity curriculum helps children rebuild social skills and confidence whilst mixing safely and securely with their peers in a Covid safe and fun environment.”

To find out more about the Easter camps in Kent, please visit www.supercamps.co.uk and use WKFG10 to receive an exclusive 10% discount.*

@supercamps @officialsupercamps

www.supercamps.co.uk

*Terms & Conditions Apply Discount is applicable on full priced Multi-Activity camps only

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The making of Eddy Finds a Family

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Childrensalon.com

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Temper Temper • Dark Chocolate Truffles

Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe

by Temper Temper Chocolate These truffles are quick and easy to make & will make a great gift. Nothing special needed. No tempering required either. Only takes one pair of hands, but handy to have someone to help at the end when rolling the truffles in Cocoa Powder. A great way to spend some time with the kids. Once they know how easy it is to make, you might find you have more than you can eat!

Ingredients:

500g dark chocolate (good quality!)

150ml single cream Cocoa powder to dust

Utensils:

Mixing Bowl Bowl for Cocoa Powder Wooden spoon Spatula Greaseproof Paper Teaspoon or Fork

Method:

1. Pop 300g chocolate in a microwavable bowl & melt the chocolate, be patient, and work slowly.

One minute in your microwave on medium / low, stir, 30 seconds, another 30 seconds & stir, etc, etc until completely melted.

2. Whilst stirring the melted chocolate (using the wooden spoon), pour the cream into the melted chocolate (keep stirring !). This is not a roux – do not add a little and stir, little and stir. Pour continually whilst stirring.

3. The mix should be reasonably firm – if not, place the bowl in the freezer for 5 minutes.

4. Using a teaspoon, scoop some mix and roll into a ball (truffle size) and place onto the greaseproof paper. Keep doing this until the mix has all been used. If the mix gets too sticky, just pop it back into the freezer for a bit.

5. Place all of the balls on a tray and pop them into the fridge or freezer to harden for 5/10 minutes.

6. Melt the remaining chocolate as before.

7. Roll each of the balls in chocolate – two coats would be better than one, but one will do. As you finish rolling a ball in chocolate, pop it into the bowl with cocoa powder & roll until completely coated. Handy to have someone to help here (your hands will be coated in chocolate), but not essential.

8. Serve & enjoy!!

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Beading Brilliant Super Spring Craft Idea

@beadingbrilliant @beadingbrilliant

www.beadingbrilliant.co.uk

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Upcoming Events in West Kent *With the current Govt restrictions in place please ensure you check openings and any restrictions before travelling The Talentz Showcase, Online with the EMF Theatre, March 13 Award-winning musical theatre company The Talentz return online with their annual Showcase of show stopping song and dance routines from the West End and Broadway lockdown edition! Click HERE to find out more.

SuperCamps Easter Holiday Scheme, March 29 - April 16 With camps at Bromley High School and Russell House School in Sevenoaks, SuperCamps provides school-holiday childcare in Kent, where castles, beaches and woods can all be seen.

Camps in sought-after locations, with excellent rail links available. Click HERE to find out more.

National Trust Easter Egg Hunts, March 29 - April 5 National These will be taking place from 29 March 2021 and over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

There's lots of fun to be had with your family as you head along your trail. Hopping like an Easter bunny, making a home for wildlife, or peeking into veg patches are just some of the different experiences you could enjoy. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate reward at the end. Click HERE to find out more.

The Bunny Hunt, Riverhill Gardens, Sevenoaks, March 31 - April 5 Our classic Easter family fun event! Hunt for the hidden bunnies amongst the rhododendrons.

No additional charge after usual entry price. All garden tickets must be booked in advance through our website. Click HERE to find out more.

Pure Football Academy, Easter Stadium Football Camp April 13 - April 15 Plenty of fun football planned in a safe environment catered to the guidelines set out by the Government. Boys and Girls of all abilities aged 5-13 years old are welcome to attend and will even receive an Easter egg each to take home at the end of the camp! Click HERE to find out more.

www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent/events Temper Temper Chocolate, Easter Workshops, April 13 - April 16 Easter Workshop spaces are available on the 13th, 14th and 16th of April. Workshops are aimed at children aged 5+. Click HERE to find out more.

Spring Fair, South of England Showground, April 24 -April 25 Local independent shopping tsalls, Maypole dancing, Animal Barn, Alpaca Show, Food & Drink, Bees and Honey demonstrations. Click HERE to find out more.

For lots more regularly updated family events in West Kent

click here

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•

Kid's Stuff

Spring & Easter Fun!

Get Growing!

Sow sunflower seeds in peat-free compost in plant pots in April and plant out in the garden, or in large pots, in May or June (after the last frost). They grow very quickly, some to over 2 metres and are great for bees and wildlife...and competitions to see who can grow the tallest!!

Draw faces on boiled eggs for Easter and when eaten fill the shell with cotton wool, dampen with water, sprinkle with cress seeds and watch the hair grow! Cut and eat in an eggy sandwich!

Place cut carrot tops in dishes of water, place on a window sill and they’ll sprout in days! Experiment with other root vegetables such as beetroot and parsnips!

Watching beans germinating is fascinating, even for adults! Half fill a glass jar or clear plastic container with cotton balls, push a runner bean down each side so they are vertical and keep the cotton balls damp.

EGGstra for Easter!

Encourage birds into your garden with a ‘speedy bird cake’ and after a while they will be regular visitors. For the recipe and other great ideas and projects, visit the RSPB at www.rspb.org.uk and click the Fun & Learning - Kids Activities links.

It's time to come out of winter hibernation and hit the great outdoors!

Get the wellies on and find puddles to jump in or go on a bug hunt.

Make a list with little drawings of the bugs you see & keep a tally. Collect leaves, feathers, twigs, pebbles etc and make a collage or a piece of garden art. Using air drying clay, make hedghogs or birds with painted or googly eyes.

Or press the clay into small rounds or tiles and imprint the ‘finds’ to make patterns.

Rock art! Paint pebbles with designs, faces or animals, when dry paint with PVA for a shiny finish.

Outdoor Ideas!

An Easter Egg or Treasure Hunt around the house is a big favourite. The clues can be cryptic, funny, in rhyme or in pictures, whichever is age appropriate for your children, but not too complicated. Children love being able to work it out for themselves before charging off!

Fine day? Hide small foil wrapped eggs around the garden, give each child a container and let them loose!

Decorated eggs can look fabulous in a basket or as an Easter gift. Boil and cool the eggs and paint with poster paints or colour with felt tip pens. Stick small squares of tissue paper on with PVA glue for a ‘stained glass’ look or addsome bling with glitter or decorative, shiny bits and pieces available online or in craft shops.

Decorate a card egg. Cut out an egg shape, draw, colour, paint and stick... get creative!!

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The West Kent Family Grapevine

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Comic Relief • Click Below to Donate

WHERE THERE’S A REMOTE, THERE’S

We all need a laugh right now. And your laugh can help change lives in the UK and around the world.

This year, we need each other more than ever.

Friday 19 March at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer Red Nose Day is an initiative of Comic Relief, operating name of Charity Projects, registered charity in England & Wales (326568) and Scotland (SC039730).

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