KidAround Spring 20th Anniversary Issue

BIG Birthday Giveaway Alton Tower Resorts Baby Annabell Little Tikes

Great Days Out Places to visit with the family

Active Kids Keeping them fit and healthy

SCHOOLS Bringing together some of the top schools in Essex

And much more...

Childcare, Tuition and Diary Dates

Contents This Spring

04 Awareness Days

Active Families 07 Active Kids

Education

10 Schools 14 Education

What's On

Hello Readers,

Spring has finally arrived! Although, it's been a warm winter, it's also been miserable and now I am definitely looking forward to the longer days again.

Which reminds me to remind you - don't forget to change the clocks on 29th March. Another date to remember is Mother's Day on 22nd March - time to be pampered and have breakfast in bed...oh yes!

In this issue we have a Great Days Out section (18)- bringing together some of the fun places to visit around the county.

We have also contacted some of the best independent schools in Essex to give you some idea of what they can offer, with their open dates on the adverts (10).

There's also an Active Kids feature with holiday camps, swimming, performing arts and more ideas to keep the kids fit and healthy (7).

All this plus our usual Awareness Days page, Diary Dates section, competitions and childcare. Hopefully this will keep you organised throughout Spring.

I am also very proud to announce that KidAround Magazine will be 20 in May. It's amazing that for 20 years we have been read by families across Essex and our youngest readers back in 2000 will also now be in their 20s. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over the years and a massive thank you to the schools that help us bring KidAround Magazine to you.

15 Diary Dates 18 Great Days Out

Childcare

22 Childcare Providers

All this plus: 06 Big Birthday Giveaway 10 Is my child too ill for school

Contact Us

(We are a friendly bunch)

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KidAround Magazine is published quarterly by Trew Publishing Ltd. PO Box 12777, HALSTEAD, CO9 4WN | 01245 206577 | info@kidaround.biz.

Circulation: over 70,000 across Central and North Essex.

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Disclaimer: The copyright and contents of this magazine, including artwork, adverts, logos and articles, when generated by the KidAround team remain with Trew Publishing.Views expressed in editorial and articles are those of the contributor or advertiser and not necessarily of the publisher. The listings, content and advertising in the magazine are for information and advice only. Inclusion does not imply a recommendation from Trew Publishing or its staff.

All advertisements and editorial content are accepted in good faith and on the basis that the advertised goods and services are as stated by the advertisers.

Nature Nursery opening September 2020

Nature Nursery opening September 2020 Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Nursery is an all-weather outdoor nursery set in 600 acres of beautiful Essex countryside.

At the Nature Nursery, your child will have the freedom to learn safely through the natural world and rich outdoor environment with the support of Early Years specialist teachers and Forest School practitioners. Children who attend the nursery will have exposure to a stimulating and educational experience whether it be making mud pies, climbing trees, growing vegetables or learning how to care for wildlife in the nursery grounds. They will embark on a lifelong love of nature.

Combining early childhood research and Scandinavian and UK Forest School approaches, children at the Nature Nursery are exposed to experiences which help them become confident, independent and creative thinkers, ready for their journey into school life. Children are free to develop skills in secure surroundings, where safety and physical needs are paramount. At the Nature Nursery we understand your child’s knowledge, interests and development. We spend time with them as they play and explore. As skilled adults in child development we listen and watch each child as they begin to take on their own understanding of their world, supporting them to make progress in their learning.

We offer high quality and flexible government funded childcare for 2-5 year olds, with the option of term time care or extended hours taken throughout the year.

Find out more and register your interest online here www.naturenursery.org.uk

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AWARENESS DAYS

March 20 International Day of Happiness Happier Together I think we can all do with celebrating being happy and helping eachother. This year it is focusing on what we have in common, rather than what divides us.

Everyone wants to be happy - and life is happier when we're together. So, let's celebrate our common humanity. Join the community and be part of this special day. To find out how you can get involved see: www.dayofhappiness.net

Whole of May National Share-A-Story Month (NSSM)

23rd - 31st May National Children’s Gardening Week ' Together, we help children grow.'

Celebrating the fun that gardens hold for kids. Children, parents, grandparents, schools or garden businesses.

March 1 to 10 May Square Metre Dinner school gardening competition Get your Square Metre Dinner school gardening competition, taking place during the Spring. Get your school involved. As well as being fun, it’s a great chance for children to explore topics like shape, space, and measurement as well as where food comes from. If you want to take part visit: www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk/schools/

April 22 - May 5 The Big Pedal Sponsored by UK cycling charity Sustrans, the Big Pedal is the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooter-based challenge that aims to inspire and empower kids, teachers and parents to get on two wheels in order to make the daily trek to school. The Big Pedal runs for ten school days each year, and there are prizes galore in store for those who take part.

Every day, schools can battle it out to see who can get as many kids, teachers and grown-ups cycling or scooting to school. In the end, the best five days of all schools are totalled up to give a final position.You might win a whole host of micro-scooters, or even a visit from the Extreme Mountain Bike Show, the largest mountain bike and trials demonstration show in the UK! Not bad for getting on a bike to go to school really, is it?

This is an annual celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing, providing a fantastic opportunity to fulfil the core aim of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups of bringing children and stories together. Across the country the FCGP and individuals run a whole host of events. Each year they are inspired by a specific theme and work with different organisations to provide people with resources and opportunities.

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Get the kids out this Easter with an active trip to Laser Mayhem

Battle Royal returns to Laser Mayhem this Easter on the 8th and 15th April.

Jump off your battle bus and grab your laser tag gun with 2 hours of action-packed battles around the awesome battle fields. With real battle tanks, planes, forts and woods. Enjoy Lasering your opponents in their team based games with hidden loot on the map! Sessions fill up fast, so please book online as soon as you can and keep your eyes peeled for extra sessions! Their laser tag equipment is amazing, you can shoot an opponent from over 100 meters away, perfect for kids from 7 years old.

It's a great palce to get the kids out this Easter running around outdoors in the fresh air! They also have a heated party room and an indoor playing field. Laser Mayhem is open all year round making it a choice perfect for laser tag, paintballing, low impact paintball and airsoft birthday parties and days out!

See their advert on page 8. www.laser-mayhem .co.uk 01708 688 517

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Alton Towers Resort are offering you the chance to win Theme Park tickets for a family of 4 to visit in 2020!

Opening this spring, experience Gangsta Granny: The Ride and help Granny and Ben pull off the greatest jewel heist in history! Take a spin through the sewers on a 360° special-effects-laden, wild ride to break into the crown jewels vault! Can you grab the jewels and make an explosive escape?

Careful, if the Feds catch you, you’ll be in a right royal mess! Other delightful new rides and attractions from The World of David Walliams include The Royal Carousel, Raj’s Shop and Raj’s Bottom Burp!

The World of David Walliams and Gangsta Granny: The Ride arrive as the UK’s favourite Theme Park celebrates 40 years of jaw-dropping excellence! Dare you add a visit to the Alton Towers Dungeon, where you can laugh and scream as you journey through Staffordshire’s darkest history? Are you bold enough to take on the Resort’s awesome choice of head-spinning, heart-pounding, world-class rollercoasters, like Wicker Man, Nemesis, Oblivion and The Smiler? Not forgetting all our fantabulous family faves, like CBeebies Land where families can now explore 15 CBeebies themed rides and attractions and meet some of CBeebies’ most popular characters.

Throughout 2020 the Resort will be inviting you to share massive giggles, mega thrills and major glee with your friends and family in celebration of four decades of the Power of the Towers! As well as launching amazing new attractions, the Resort will be hosting fantastic events and entertainment for the nation to enjoy!

There’s so much to do at Alton Towers Resort …you can escape for days! Fans of David Walliams’ books can also enjoy the ultimate sleepover with an overnight stay in one of four Gangsta Granny themed bedrooms in the Alton Towers Hotel. The Alton Towers Hotel is one of five uniquely themed onsite short break experiences - when combined with the UK’s leading Theme Park, Waterpark, luxury Spa and Extraordinary Golf course, this all adds up to the perfect escape for friends, families and thrillseekers alike!

For more information about Alton Towers Resort or to book your fantastical escape, please visit www.altontowers.com To enter and to read terms & conditions please see our competitions page at www.kidaround.biz

Baby Annabell are giving you the chance to win a doll from the Baby Annabell Little range which includes Baby Annabell Little Annabell, Little Alexander and Little Sophia!

The Baby Annabell Little range encourages realistic play for younger children in the vital early stages. The range of dolls also includes cute new outfits, soft bodies, sleeping eyes and bottle for pretend play, making them the perfect first step towards realistic parent-child role play for mini mums and dads aged 1+.

To enter and for full T&Cs go online at www.kidaround.biz and visit the competition page.

Win a Little Tikes Little Baby Bum Bundle.

Keep little hands and minds busy with the new range of Little Baby Bum toys from Little Tikes. The Singing Storybook brings nursery rhymes to life, interactive Wiggling Wheels on the Bus builds sensory and motor skills, while huggable Twinkle the Star Plush helps them to drift off to sleep.

Two winners will get all three, worth £61 Available now from littletikes.co.uk To be in with a chance go online at www.kidaround.biz and visit our competitions page.

To enter these and more competitions and to read our T&Cs go online at www.kidaround.biz

ACTIVE KIDS -KEEPING THE FAMILY FIT AND HEALTHY - SEE MORE ONLINE WWW.KIDAROUND.BIZ .

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www.kidaround.biz • Spring 20 • 7

ACTIVE KIDS -KEEPING THE FAMILY FIT AND HEALTHY - SEE MORE ONLINE WWW.KIDAROUND.BIZ .

8 • Spring 20 • www.kidaround.biz

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ACTIVE KIDS -KEEPING THE FAMILY FIT AND HEALTHY - SEE MORE ONLINE WWW.KIDAROUND.BIZ .

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Schools

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will face as a parent. We have therefore contacted some of the best schools in Essex to put together this guide. See each advert for open day dates and contact details. Each school has also written articles to give you more information which can be read online at www.kidaround.biz

Is my child too ill for school?

It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school, nursery or playgroup when they're unwell. But there are government guidelines for schools and nurseries that say when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn't.

If you do keep your child at home, it's important to phone the school or nursery on the first day to let them know that they won't be in and give them the reason. For more information visit www.nhs.uk

Chickenpox If your child has chickenpox, keep them off school until all the spots have crusted over. This is usually about 5 days after the spots first appeared.

Conjunctivitis You don't need to keep your child away from school if they have conjunctivitis. Do get advice from your pharmacist. Encourage your child not to rub their eyes and to wash their hands regularly.

Coughs and colds It's fine to send your child to school with a minor cough or cold.

But if they have a fever, keep them off school until the fever goes.

Ear infection If your child has an ear infection and a fever or severe earache, keep them off school until they're feeling better or their fever goes away.

Fever If your child has a fever, keep them off school until the fever goes away.

Hand, foot and mouth disease If your child has hand, foot and mouth disease but seems well enough to go to school, there's no need to keep them off.

Head lice and nits There's no need to keep your child off school if they have head lice.

Impetigo If your child has impetigo, they'll need antibiotic treatment from the GP. Keep them off school until all the sores have crusted over and 10 • Spring 20 • www.kidaround.biz

healed, or for 48 hours after they start antibiotic treatment.

Ringworm If your child has ringworm, see your pharmacist unless it's on their scalp, in which case you should see the GP. It's fine for your child to go to school once they have started treatment.

Scarlet fever If your child has scarlet fever, they'll need treatment with antibiotics from the GP. Otherwise they'll be infectious for 2 to 3 weeks. Your child can go back to school 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease) You don't need to keep your child off school if they have slapped cheek syndrome because once the rash appears, they're no longer infectious. If you suspect your child has slapped cheek syndrome, take them to the GP and let their school know if they're diagnosed with it.

Sore throat You can still send your child to school if they have a sore throat.

But if they also have a fever, they should stay at home until it goes away.

Threadworms You don't need to keep your child off school if they have threadworms. Speak to your pharmacist, who can recommend a treatment.

Vomiting and diarrhoea Children with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from school for 2 days after their symptoms have gone.

If your child is unwell (at home or at school) always encourage them to throw away any used tissues and to wash their hands regularly.

New Hall Nursery Easter Fun Day

New Hall’s new Nursery opened its doors to the School’s youngest pupils in September 2019. Alongside a team of Early Years Practitioners, Mrs Lynne Baines, Nursery Manager, provides a service offering wraparound care. Pupils can learn, develop and grow in a brand new, purpose-built building featuring a landscaped outdoor learning area, located on the School’s 70-acre campus.

The Nursery is open to children aged 1-4, offering an educational programme delivered in specially-designed, age-appropriate rooms. Our qualified, experienced and nurturing staff, including subject specialists, ensure that the Nursery embodies the New Hall ethos, providing a holistic education based on Gospel values of care, trust and respect.

The seven areas of learning covered by the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum are the focus in the Nursery and Pre-School class, providing a relevant, purposeful and engaging curriculum, enabling pupils to exceed expectations as well as offering a smooth transition for those pupils continuing at New Hall.

In the Pre-School class, pupils benefit from the many School amenities including the state-of-the-art sports facilities, lessons enriched by specialist teachers, Forest School and the New Hall Farm.

We encourage you to visit and experience New Hall Nursery for yourself at our Easter Fun Day. Held on Saturday 28 March 2020, the Nursery will host a fun, activity-filled morning. From 10.00am-12 noon for children aged 1-4, with an Easter Egg Hunt, Hook the Duck, arts and crafts and an actionpacked assault course.

For more information and to book your child’s place, please visit: www.newhallschool.co.uk/events To book a tour of the Nursery or for more information about New Hall Nursery or Preparatory Divisions, please contact admissions@newhallschool.co.uk or 01245 236 192.

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SCHOOLS

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SCHOOLS

Helping every child to flourish

St. John's School, Billericay

From the moment a child enters St John's, whatever their age, they are treated as an individual.

Enrolling now for Pre-Reception & Reception September 2020 Go along and visit their vibrant and nurturing Kindergarten building.

Kindergarten pupils benefit from having specialist teachers for Music and PE. Junior pupils study verbal and non-verbal reasoning and continue to have specialist teachers for the subjects above and also for French, Art and Computing.

Senior School pupils follow a broad curriculum, with GCSE courses including PE, Art, Drama, French, Spanish, Geography, History, Music, Computing, Statistics and traditional core subjects.

Their passion is to ensure that when a child leaves St. John’s School they have fully achieved their potential. They instil all the virtues of politeness, integrity and consideration of others into pupils, creating a magical atmosphere where learning, creativity and success is enjoyed by everyone.

Visit St John’s on their next Open Days on Wednesday 11th March and Wednesday 22nd April, tours at 9:30am and 10:30am.

Alternatively, call 01277 623070 to make an individual appointment with the Headmistress. See for yourself first-hand the unique opportunities St. John’s School has to offer both academically and socially.

Stock Rd, Billericay, Essex. CM12 0AR T: 01277 623070. www.stjohnsschool.net

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St. Margaret’s Preparatory School is an independent co-educational school in Gosfield, Essex for children from ages 2 to 11. Established since 1946 they are renowned for developing exceptionally wellrounded pupils with a love of learning.

The specially designed Nursery is at the heart of the school. Offering specialist teaching across the curriculum, combined with a home from home family feel, St. Margaret’s gives your child the very best start.

As they grow, small class sizes continue into all areas across the curriculum for Pre-Prep (ages 4 to 7) and Prep (ages 7 to 11), giving your child many opportunities to grow intellectually, physically and socially. St. Margaret’s helps them to discover the joy in new things and find out what really drives them, across a broad range of subjects and activities. From languages, science and maths, to sport and all aspects of the arts, with a particular strength in music, there is something to suit every child.

In its beautiful parkland setting, with seven acres of peaceful grounds to play, explore and build life-long friendships, they make learning fun and exciting with Forest School, curriculum enrichment and a passion for outdoor learning. Leading facilities like the new Discovery Lab, brings a stimulating approach to developing skills in technology and Computer Science.

The truly preparatory ethos of St Margaret’s opens up a life of choices for their next stage. All pupils leave for the senior school of their choosing, typically being offered a scholarship, grammar school place or both.

Arrange a visit today and see why St Margaret’s is a very special place to learn and love school. stmargaretsprep.com 01787 273050

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SCHOOLS Section Title

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EDUCATION

TUTOR LISTINGS

CHELMSFORD

TopClass Tutoring Private tuition for children aged 7-11.

All subjects, all abilities. Chelmsfordbased. Call Helen Ashdown on 01245 422233 or 07595 154821 www.topclasstutoring.co.uk 11+ ENG ICT LAN MAT SAT SCI SEN

COLCHESTER Anna Spurgeon BA Hons. PGCE 11+ tuition. Very high pass rate. Small group sessions. Fourteen years 11+ experience. Call Anna on 01206 738239/ 07500 339181 11+ First Class Learning Tuition for children aged from 6-16 years in English, Maths and Science.

Mason Rd (behind The Range), Lorraine McKenzie 01206 571 846 colchester@firstclasslearning.co.uk 11+ ENG MAT

VARIOUS ESSEX LOCATIONS

Ace Tuition - Covering Braintree, Colchester, Clacton and Harwich Tuition for 5-16 year olds. Ofsted registered, professional and experienced teachers in English and Maths. 11 Plus, GCSE and SATs preparation. Iain McKenzie 01255 688896 or 01206 571846. acetuition@ hotmail.co.uk

LISTINGS KEY 11+ = 11 PLUS ENG = ENGLISH ICT = COMPUTING LAN = LANGUAGES MAT = MATHEMATICS MUS = MUSIC SAT = SATs SCI = SCIENCE SEN = SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

ENG ICT LAN MAT SAT SCI SEN

14 • Spring 20 • www.kidaround.biz

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DIARY DATES

March

Welcome Spring Forest School Froglets Discover our beautiful Wild Garden with Forest School leader Zoe Laughton. 10am - 12pm. Accompanied Pre-school children £10; one adult per child free, additional adults £3.

Discount offered when all 6 sessions booked together. The Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. www.bethchatto.co.uk/courses Fri 13 Nature Tots Creative activities and games, stories and time in the woodlands. Age: 18 mths - 5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear suitable clothing for the outdoors. £6 per child, £4 per sibling, under 18 months free. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Billericay, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk. BE Sat 14 Youth Rangers Enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring and getting your hands dirty? Age: 8-12 yrs. Children may be unaccompanied. £6 per child.

Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Billericay, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk. BE Sat 14 Storytime and Crafts Join children’s author Rachel Jane for a Campervan storytime and craft session. Age: 5-9 yrs. 11-11.45am.

Tickets: £5, accompanying adult free.

Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1JH. www.essexbookfestival.org.uk Sun 15 Science Sunday Meet the Professor and watch magic, have a go at some experiments and handle some bugs with the Bug Man. Enjoy a ride on the miniature train.

10am-4pm. Adults £7, Children (5-15) £3, Under 5s Free. Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, CM9 6QA. www.museumofpower.org.uk

Sun 15 Market for Mums Over 60 stalls of parents selling their children’s pre-loved clothes plus 20 businesses showcasing their products.

11am-1pm. £2 entry. Charter Hall, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, CO1 1YH. www.colchester-events.co.uk/ event/marketformums Sun 15 Meet the Goats Enjoy a walk and learn about goats.

Age: 6yrs+. 10:30am/1:30pm. Adults: £6, Children: £3. Thorndon South Country Park, Brentwood, CM13 3LW. www.explore-essex.com/whats-on/ meet-the-goats Sun 15 Family Forest School Play together as a family: bug hunting, build dens, make woodland crafts, use tools and learn how to light fires.

10am-12pm. £6 per child. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Billericay, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk Tue 17 Museum Minis Craft sessions for toddlers. 10am12pm. £2 per child. Refreshments provided. Saffron Walden Museum, Museum Street, CB10 1JL. www. saffronwaldenmuseum.org Sat 21 Handmade Fair Come and buy some last minute Mother's Day treats, plus Easter egg hunt. 10.30am-3.30pm. Langham Community Centre, School Road, CO4 5PA. www.visitessex.com Free Entry Sat 21 Petting Farm Activities will include lots of animals to pet but also farm themed arts and crafts, sports and face paints.

10am-12pm. Age: 0-5 yrs. To book your child's free place, email helen. clarke@colchesterhighschool.co.uk.

Colchester High School, 15 Wellesley Rd, Colchester, CO3 3HD. Free Event BE

Tue 24 Spring Free Day Enjoy the colours of Spring. 10am-6pm.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET. www.rhs. org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/ Free Entry Tue 24 Stay & Play Pre-school Easter themed craft and play session led by our Nursery team.

9-10am. St Margaret’s Prep School, Gosfield Hall Park, Gosfield, CO9 1SE. 01787273050 www.stmargaretsprep. com/bookavisit Free Event BE

April

longer Days Sat 4 & Sun 5 Chocolate Festival Food, drink and craft stalls plus children's trail and local entertainment.

Advance tickets £7.50 adults; £5 under 16's; under 2's free. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. 11am-4pm.

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, CM77 8PD. Free car parking. www.explore-essex.com/whats-on/ cressing-chocolate-festival Sat 4 Knightzzz at the Museum Enjoy an unusual sleepover! Includes guided tour of the castle, fun and games, hot chocolate and a light breakfast. £35 per person. Overnight event. Colchester Castle Museum, CO1 1TJ. 01206 282941 https:// colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/ knightzzz/ BE Mon 6 – Thur 16 The Science of Archaeology Discover surprising facts about the past by exploring archaeological finds. Suitable all ages. Price included in Castle admission. Colchester Castle, CO1 1TJ. https://colchester. cimuseums.org.uk/events/ thescienceofarchaeology

Tue 7 Creature Fantastic Explore the gardens on a summer safari of creature catching from wild underwater pond dipping and minibeast trail-finding to a sunny bumblebee search party. 10.30am 2pm. The Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. www.bethchatto.co.uk/courses Tue 7 Nifty Nests Build a nest, play games and enjoy fun, feathery challenges. £6 per child. 1.302.30pm. Grange Farm Centre, Grange Farm Lane, Chigwell, IG7 6DP. www.grangefarmcentre.co.uk/ BE Tue 7 Campfire Cooking Wood whittling and cooking on an open fire. 10am-11am/11am-12pm. £6. Age: 5yrs+, must be accompanied by an adult. Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch Country Park, RM12 6DF. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Tue 7 Family Fun Arts and crafts – make an Easter bunny mask. £2. Suitable for age 5-11yrs, must be accompanied by an adult. 12-3pm. Epping Forest District Museum, 39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL. www.visiteppingforest.org Wed 8 Green Fingers Garden Gang Will you make a tiny veg plot, a herby hanging basket, a bean tube, a miniature garden or greenhouse?

10am - 12pm. Accompanied children £7/ £3. The Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. www.bethchatto.co.uk Wed 8 Bird House Decoupage Make a mini papier mache bird house then decorate with paint, deco pens or decoupage papers.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. £6. 10am - 11am, 12pm - 1pm, 1pm - 2pm. Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch Country Park, RM12 6DF. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Sun 22 Mothering Sunday Happy Mother's Day to you fantastic mum's

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DIARY DATES Sun 12 Pygmy Goats & Chicks Blackwater Alpacas will be bringing their little chicks and baby goats: hold the animals and find out more about them. £3. 10am-3pm. The Naze Centre, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8LE. www.essexwt.org.uk Wed 8 Outdoor Adventure Build a den, relax in a hammock, swing on a rope swing and enjoy a hot chocolate. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm. £6.

The Naze Centre, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8LE. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 8 Egg & Nest Discovery Find out who makes which nest, and then make your own. Children must be accompanied. 1.30-3.30pm. £6. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre, South Green Road, Fingringhoe, CO5 7DN. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Thur 9 Family Magic & Variety Show Magic for all the family. 10am. £10.

Jobserve Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP. www.cu-fc.com Thur 9 Dragon Discovery Track down the hidden dragons and collect the dragon eggs. Age: 4-8 yrs, children must be accompanied by an adult. £6. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Billericay, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Fri 10 – Mon 13 Science Museum Join staff from the London Science Museum for some fun-packed presentations. £3.50 + Castle admission. £2.50 Resident pass holders and members + Castle admission.

Sessions available at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm. Colchester Castle, CO1 1TJ. https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/ events/sciencemuseum10/ BE Fri 10 Birds of Prey Display Eden Falconry will bring some of their birds of prey for an indoor talk and display. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6.30-8pm. £8. The Naze Centre, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8LE. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

KEY TO DIARY DATES: BE = Booking Essential Free Event = No charge To the best of our knowledge this information is correct at the time of going to press. We also obtain a lot of these listings online and highly recommend checking with the event holder before setting off to avoid disappointment.

16 • Spring 20 • www.kidaround.biz

Tue 14 Zoologist For The Day We will pond dip, bug hunt, bird watch and record what we find - just like a real scientist. Please wear suitable clothing and bring packed lunch. 10am2pm. Age: 5-11yrs. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, Church Road, Colchester, CO2 0EU. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Thur 16 Green Art Academy Make art in the garden with artist/ educator Jevan Watkins Jones. Art materials provided. 10am - 1pm.

Unaccompanied children £10 per session. Age 10yrs+. Wear old clothes and bring a snack. The Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. www.bethchatto. co.uk/courses Thur 16 Minibeast Madness Look for bugs in the woods from 10am-12.30pm and pond dip from 1pm-3pm. Age: 4yrs+. Children must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. £3.

Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Billericay, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk Fri 17 Spring Survival Try your hand at shelter building and cooking a snack on the fire. Age 5+. £6 per child. Children must be accompanied. 1-2pm/2.30-3.30pm.

Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Romford, RM4 1QH. www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/ bedfords BE Fri 17 Fantastic Fossils Meet fossil experts from GeoSuffolk and find out more about fossils unearthed in this area. Bring your own fossils along and the experts can help you discover what they are. 10am12pm and 2-4pm. Suitable all ages.

Natural History Museum, 66 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1DN. https:// colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/ fantasticfossils/ Free Entry Sat 18 Dinosaur Trail Follow a fun map around the park answering dinosaur related questions.

10.30am-3pm. £3. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch Country Park, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF. www.essexwt.org.uk

Wed 22 Fairy Trail & Craft Solve the fairy clues then create your own fairy crown. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

10am-2.30pm. £3. Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch Country Park, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF. www. essexwt.org.uk Fri 24 Forest School Froglets Discover our beautiful wild garden with Forest School leader Zoe Laughton. 10am - 12pm. Accompanied Pre-school children £10; one adult per child free, additional adults £3.

Discount offered when all 6 sessions booked together. The Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. www.bethchatto. co.uk/courses Sat 25 & Sun 26 Crank Up Steam and vintage vehicle show plus vintage funfair, trade and craft stalls.

10am-5pm. Adults £6, children free.

Carver Barracks, nr Saffron Walden.

CB10 2YA. www.swcrankup.co.uk Sun 26 Festival of Spring Children’s activities and guided tours.

11.30am-5pm. Adults £4.50, children under 16 free. Gardens of Easton Lodge, Little Easton, Great Dunmow, CM6 2BB. www.eastonlodge.co.uk

Sat 4 – Mon 13

Easter Fun

Follow the clues and find the lost Knights of Mountfitchet Castle who mysteriously disappeared on the trail of the legend of the Golden Egg! Suitable all ages. 10am-5pm. Adult: £12, Child: £10. Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted Mountfitchet, CM24 8SP. www.mountfitchetcastle.com Mon 6

Easter Egg Weaving

Make an Easter egg using ribbons and the weaving technique. £3.50.

10-11am/12-1pm/2-3pm. Poplar Nurseries, Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, CO6 1HR. www.poplarnurseries.co.uk BE Mon 6

Easter Eggstravaganza

Easter themed bookable trail, crack the clues and earn your reward.

1-3pm. Trail sheets £5 per child.

Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk Thur 9

Chocolate Egg Decorating

Decorate your own chocolate Easter egg to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am 11am, 11am - 12pm, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, 2.30pm - 3.30pm. £8. Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch Country Park, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF. www.essexwt.org.uk Fri 10

Easter Treasure Hunt

Sat 4 - Sun 19

Easter Special

Take a train into the woods to visit the Easter Bunny, receive a treat and meet his furry friends. Spot the fairies, elves, animals, nests and eggs throughout the Fairy and Elf Walk and Easter Trail and earn yourself an exclusive Easter gift. Finally, create your own Easter craft. Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JB. 01799 510726. www.audleyend-railway.co.uk BE Sat 4 – Sat 18

Easter Egg Hunt

Follow the trail around the museum to claim your chocolate prize. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £2 per child. 11am-4pm. Suitable all ages.

Epping Forest District Museum, 39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL. www.visiteppingforest.org

Through Layer-de-la-Haye Woods.

10am-2pm. £4.50 per child in advance; £6 per child on the day. Tickets can be purchased in advance from: www.ctzn. tk/layerhunt. Layer Village Hall, New Cut, Layer-de-la-Haye, CO2 0EH Sat 11

Natural Egg Marbling

Using natural materials, learn how to marble eggs. 11am-12pm. £6.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear outdoor clothing.

Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre, Fingringhoe, CO5 7DN. www.essexwt.org.uk Sun 12 & Mon 13

Easter Joust

The Knights Of Middle England return to the Norman Keep for a weekend of stunts and chivalry. Plus craft stalls, food and entertainment. 10am-5pm. £15/£10, Under 5s free. Hedingham Castle, Halstead, C09 3DJ. www. hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/easterjoust-knights-of-middle-england/

TO ADVERTISE, CALL 01245 206577 OR EMAIL SALES@KIDAROUND.BIZ

DIARY DATES Sun 12

Easter Trail

Follow the trail, with a small prize at the end. 2-6pm. Adults: £5; Children 5-16 yrs: £1; under 5s free. £1 per child for trail. Gibberd Garden, Marsh Lane, Gilden Way, Harlow, CM17 0NA. www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk Tue 14

Easter Eggsplorer Trail

Follow in the Easter Bunny's footsteps and find the clues in the meadow, then return to the Centre for your chocolatey prize. 10am-4pm. £5. Grange Farm Centre, Grange Farm Lane, Chigwell, IG7 6DP. www.grangefarmcentre.co.uk/ BE Wed 15

Fabulous Fish Weaving

Create your own unique fish sculpture in willow incorporating beads and other natural materials.

All materials provided. 10am - 3pm.

Accompanied children £15. Age 10yrs+. One adult per child free, additional adults £3.The Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. www.bethchatto. co.uk/courses Thur 16 & Fri 17

Easter Biscuit Decorating

Decorate homemade biscuits with melted chocolate, marshmallows and sweets. £4.25. 10-11am,12-1pm, 2-3pm. Poplar Nurseries, Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, CO6 1HR. www.poplarnurseries.co.uk BE

May

Warmer Days Fri 1 Forest School Froglets Discover our beautiful wild garden with Forest School leader Zoe Laughton. 10am - 12pm. Accompanied Pre-school children £10; one adult per child free, additional adults £3.

Discount offered when all 6 sessions booked together. The Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. www.bethchatto.co.uk/courses Sat 2 & Sun 3 Town & Country Fair Arena entertainment including horse displays, bottle feeding lambs, working dogs and birds of prey display, Mario Magic children’s entertainer and children’s fairground. Plus Fun Family Dog Show on Sunday. 10am-5pm.

Adults: £6, Child (age 5-18): £3, under 5s free. Lower Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1YG. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

You can find more regularly updated listings online www.kidaround.biz

DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING

Sat 2 & Sun 3 Bluebells Bazaar Enjoy the woodlands carpeted in bluebells. Plus open air bazaar with stalls showcasing local art, crafts and produce. 10am-5pm. Green Island Gardens, Park Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, CO7 7SP. www.greenislandgardens.co.uk

Mon 25 – Fri 29 History Stinks Get your senses working with our medieval smells tour of the Castle.

Price included in Castle admission.

Daily at 11am and 3pm. Suitable all ages. Colchester Castle, CO1 1TJ. https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/ events/historystinks/

Sat 2 Petting Farm Bring your young farmers along to feed, groom and hold a range of small farm animals, from Gemma’s Farm.

10am-12pm. Recommended age: 3-7yrs. St Margaret’s Prep School, Gosfield, CO9 1SE. 01787 273050.

Free Event BE

Mon 25 – Fri 29 Mythical Beast Trail & Crafts Follow our mythical beasts trail around the Castle then have a go at creating your own at the beastly craft table. Price included in Castle admission. Colchester Castle, CO1 1TJ. https://colchester.cimuseums.org. uk/events/mythicalbeasts/

Fri 8 – Sun 10 Country Park Show Arena displays, dog shows, plus stalls.

10am-5pm. Adult £8, Child £3.50, Under 5's free. Weald Country Park, Brentwood, CM14 5QS. www.explore-essex.com

Mon 25 & Tue 26 Knights & Dragons A huge smoke-breathing Black Dragon puppet will be ready to thrill Castle visitors. Find out how a trebuchet works and have some fun with our Jester. 10.30am-4.30pm Price included in Castle admission.

Colchester Castle, CO1 1TJ. https:// colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/ knightsanddragons26/

Mon 25 – Fri 29 Illuminated Letters Head to the Scriptorium and take part in a fun illuminated letters workshop, using bright colours and metallic inks to create your own initial. Price included in Castle admission. Daily from 10.30am - 1pm, 2-4pm. Colchester Castle, CO1 1TJ. https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/ events/illuminatedletters/

www.kidaround.biz • Spring 20 • 17

DIARY DATES Wed 27 Juggling Jesters Have you got the skills to be a champion juggling jester? 10am-1pm and 2-4pm. Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, CO1 1UG. https:// colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/ jugglingjesters/ Free Event Wed 27 Juggling Jesters Craft Sessions Write your own jokes and make a Jester’s hat. £5pp. 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm. Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, CO1 1UG. 01206 282941 https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/ events/jugglingjesters/ BE

Thur 28 Massive Megalodon Big Tooth Stories Listen to entertaining tales about these huge shark-like creatures that swarmed the oceans millions of years ago. Sessions at 11am, 12pm and 2pm. Natural History Museum, Colchester, CO1 1DN. https:// colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/ massivemegalodon/ Free Entry Thur 28 Green Art Academy Make art in the garden with artist/ educator Jevan Watkins Jones. Art materials provided. 10am - 1pm.

Unaccompanied children £10 per session. Age 10yrs+. Wear old clothes and bring a snack. The Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. www.bethchatto. co.uk/courses Fri 29 Fantastic Forest Fun Build dens, try a forest craft and build your own elf fire! 10am - 12pm.

Accompanied children £10. One adult per child free, additional adults £3.

The Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. www.bethchatto.co.uk/courses

18 • Spring 20 • www.kidaround.biz

Sun 31 Fossil Discovery Day Fossil trail open all day and a fossil identification session every hour on the hour (11am-12pm/12-1pm/12pm/2-3pm). £5. 11am-3pm. The Naze Centre, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-theNaze, CO14 8LE. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

June

Sunny Days Sat 6 Storytelling Festival Sessions will engage and entertain children, and encourage them to question and think, but most of all to laugh and be creative.

10am-5pm. Cressing Temple Barns, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD. www. eastanglianstorytellingfestival.co.uk/ Free Event Sun 7 Mum2Mum Market 25 stalls of high quality, nearly new items and a selection of businesses offering goods and services of interest to parents. 2.30-4.30pm. £2 entry, kids go free. Harold Hill Community Centre, Gooshays Drive, Romford, RM3 9LB

Fri 12 Mini Seedlings Secret summer outing. For preschool children. 12pm – 1pm. £5.50/ Child – £7.50/Adult. Poplar Nurseries, Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, CO6 1HR. www.poplarnurseries.co.uk BE Sun 14 Tudor Legacies Come and chat to Henry VIII's wives and hear their side of the story!

11am-5pm. Adults: £9, Children: £5.

Layer Marney Tower, Layer Marney, Colchester, CO5 9US. www.layermarneytower.co.uk Sun 14 Family Fun Run 3k fun run, suitable all ages and abilities. £5; under 5s run for free.

9.45am. East Beach, 13A Rampart Terrace, Shoeburyness, SS3 9AE. www.visitsouthend.co.uk

KEY TO DIARY DATES: BE = Booking Essential Free Event = No charge To the best of our knowledge this information is correct at the time of going to press. We also obtain a lot of these listings online and highly recommend checking with the event holder before setting off to avoid disappointment.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL 01245 206577 OR EMAIL SALES@KIDAROUND.BIZ

Great DaysTitle Out Section

Great Days Out

'making the most of family time'

Spring is here so let's make the most of getting out and seeing what delights Essex has to offer.

Here are some great ideas for you. Want to know more? Each advertiser has written a feature article online at www.kidaround.biz to give you more information with direct links through to their own site.

Cressing Chocolate Festival

Following the success of the first Chocolate Festival in 2019, they’re back with a bigger and better event for 2020!

Join them on Saturday 4th or Sunday 5th April 2020 for food, drink and craft stalls, a children’s trail and local entertainment.

The event is open from 11am-4pm. This is a family friendly event. Car parking at Cressing Temple Barns is free of charge.

Advance tickets are £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for under 16’s. Under 2’s are free and do not need to purchase a ticket. Under 18’s should be accompanied by an adult.

For more information please visit website www.explore-essex.com

DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING

Long-eared fun and frolics at Redwings Ada Cole this Easter!

If you’re looking for a fun way to entertain the whole family during the Easter holidays, why not take part in our We Love Donkeys activities at Redwings Ada Cole in Essex?

From Friday 3rd April until Monday 20th April, you’ll have the chance to meet Adoption Star donkey Dotty and marvellous mule Marmite, find out how we groom our donkeys with special demonstrations and discover how we care for our donkeys in fascinating talks.

After you’ve made a new longeared friend (or two!), there are plenty of other rescued residents who we know would love a cuddle too including our “Adoption Stars”; - Elvis, the rock and roll pony, Dolly who was rescued after being stuck in a ditch for three days, super-cute Shetland pony Tinkerbell and gorgeous Gelderlander horse Zippy!

A year’s sponsorship of a Redwings Adoption Star costs just £15 for a whole year. Not only will you be giving towards the care of the charity’s rescued residents, but you’ll also be giving the gift of friendship.

Once you’ve met our rescued residents you can head to our on-site Nosebag Café for a nice hot cuppa and a tasty slice of cake, as well as take a browse of our gift shop. All proceeds go towards the 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in Redwings’ care nationwide.

Situated near Harlow, Redwings Ada Cole is open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 10am to 4pm.

Entry and parking are free, and dogs on leads are welcome. https://www.redwings.org.uk/get-involved/visit/ada-cole-rescuecentre

www.kidaround.biz • Spring 20 • 19

Great Days Out Section Title

20 • Spring 20 • www.kidaround.biz

TO ADVERTISE, CALL 01245 206577 OR EMAIL SALES@KIDAROUND.BIZ

Great DaysTitle Out Section

DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING

www.kidaround.biz • Spring 20 • 21

CHILDCARE The Stables Daycare Nursery

ONGAR ABC Nursery, Preschool & After School Club

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CHELMSFORD

Margeretting Road Galleywood Susan Mann 01245 34159 Msueavis@aol.com

FINGRINGHOE Key to Childcare Provider Icons - use these symbols to discover the type of care offered by each setting

s DAY CARE - T SESSIONAL CARE - y AFTER SCHOOL CLUB - h CHILDMINDER - l BREAKFAST CLUB - * HOLIDAY CLUB - H CRECH CHILDMINDING SERVICES Mel's Petits Filous

Ofsted registered childminder. 10+ years childcare experieince. Funded sessions avail. Mon - Fri. 7:30am 6pm. Great Yeldham. 07730 438218 chabinmimi@yahoo.fr

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COLCHESTER Colchester High School Nursery

Cage Lane 01206 273226 Nicola Bloomfield littleowlsboxted@live.co.uk www.littleowlsboxted.co.uk

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sT*ly BRENTWOOD The Treehouse Club Preschool & Out of School Club Hannakins Farm Community Centre, Rosebay Avenue, Queens Park, 01277 297 009 adventure@thetreehouseclub.co.uk

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lT GREAT HORKESLEY Tiddlywinks Preschool

Wellesley Road 01206 573389. admissions@colchesterhighschool.co.uk

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STRATFORD ST MARY abc Preschool

Strickmere , CO7 6YG 01206 322466 kirsty Robinson admin@abcpreschoolstratford.co.uk www.abcpreschoolstratford.co.uk

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WICKFORD The Treehouse Club Preschool & Out of School Club Dollymans Farm, Doublegate Ln, Rawreth. 01268 956005 Jayne Golding adventure@thetreehouseclub.co.uk

sTy*l INGRAVE Langham Pre-school

Langham Community Centre, School Road, Hayley Jakeman langham.pre-school@btconnect.com 07930 963638

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BILLERICAY The Treehouse Club Preschool & Out of School Club Norsey Woods Education Room, Outwood Common Road, 01277 656921 Emma Willliams adventure@thetreehouseclub.co.uk

Village Hall, Chapel Road 01206 729731, Jo Connell jo.connell@romanriverpreschool.co.uk www.romanriverpreschool.co.uk

22A Coach Road Great Horkesley, CO6 4AT 01206 272669 Helen Taylor

BOXTED Little Owls Preschool

Roman River Preschool

Stondon Road.

01277 362211. Ms Ioana Gherghi igherghi2000@yahoo.co.uk www.abcnursery.org.uk

The Treehouse Club Preschool

St Nicholas Church Hall, School Lane, CM13 3RB 01277 402 018 www.thetreehouseclub.co.uk

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WRITTLE The Duckling Nursery

Lodge Road 07771 645270 Mrs S. Homer www.ducklingnursery.co.uk

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MALDON Oxford House School

2-4 Lexden Road 01206 576686. Mrs Harding info@oxfordhouseschool.net www.oxfordhouseschool.net

T EARLS COLNE

Viking Junior Academy

Writtle Green Preschool

Wentworth Primary School Viking Road 07583 261354. Tanya Syder www.vikingacademy.co.uk

Longmeads House 12-14 Redwood Drive 07950 944612 www.writtlegreenpre-school.org.uk

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NORTH FAMBRIDGE

Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery

Deerlands Day Nursery

Park Lane 01787 222205. Melanie Vine www.earlscolne.essex.sch.uk

Ferry Road 01621 744041 Heidi Cook www.deerlandsdaynursery.co.uk

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Include your setting here for just £30 per issue or £10 per month for a year.

01245 206577 sales@kidaround.biz

CHILDCARE

www.kidaround.biz • Spring 20 • 23