6 minute read
Parenting
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRESCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD
by MICHAEL STAINSBURY, Rushmore House Preschool
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Choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the big decision parents make. Not only is it important for the happiness and development of your child, it is also a significant financial commitment. To help, the Government provides four schemes: two-year old funding, 15 hour funding, 30 hour funding and tax-free childcare.
Two-year old funding is offered to families claiming benefits. It gives you 15 hours of preschool sessions for 38 weeks each school year. You have to apply in the term when your child has their second birthday and funded sessions will start the following term. There is an eligibility checker on the Bromley Council website. All children receive 15 hours of funded sessions for 38 weeks a year from the term after they are three years old. This is a universal benefit which every child receives. You need to provide the preschool with your child’s birth certificate and sign a Parents Funding Contract with Bromley Council. Families where both parents work may be able to claim 30 hours funding. This is an additional 15 hours on top of the 15 hours funding. This funding can affect other benefits, so you need to check it is worthwhile to apply using a calculator on the Government website. Families where at least one parent is working and paying tax may benefit from tax-free childcare. With this scheme you have a special account where for every £8 you put in, the Government adds £2 which is paid directly to your preschool. You are allowed to save £500 every three months with a maximum of £2,000 per year, per child. You can spend this money in any approved provider including After School and Holiday Clubs. Tax-free childcare continues until your child is 11 years old.
Tips for parents:
• Check the Bromley Council and Government websites as these are the best sources to check eligibility and information. • Your child’s birth certificate is needed to apply for 15 hours funding. Make a scan or photocopy so you can find it quickly.
For more information visit www.rushmorehouse.co.uk/ tax-free-childcare-and-funding
Did you know… In a study linking exams and financial success, teens who improve their GCSEs by just one grade could earn over £200,000 extra in their lifetime.
MyTutor
3 TIPS ON HOW TO RECONNECT WITH YOUR TEEN
1. Conversation: Conversation is key to a good relationship, to understanding the world around you and how you fit into it, and to the exploration of new thoughts and ideas. The more you interact in a positive manner with your teen, the more understood they will feel. The more they feel like you get them, the more they will trust you to have their back. The more they trust you, the more they’ll open up to you, even when the conversation is difficult. 2. Where to begin: Sometimes the best way to engage your teen in conversation is to use an outside source
to generate a topic. Choose an article, a song or even a comic strip to share with them. After you share your tidbit, engage in a short, five-minute conversation on how they, their best friend, and maybe other friends or family would react to that. Listen without judgement. Their ideas and opinions are theirs, and they are entitled to them. The proper response from you is, “That’s interesting!” Lastly, give them a hug, tell them how much you enjoy the person they’re becoming, and sail out of the room, leaving them in the warm, fuzzy wake of a positive interaction. 3. Position Your Conversation: Set the stage to
invite conversation. Go for a stroll together and see where the conversation leads you, do a chore together, or even have them pick a recipe for you to experiment on together. When your activity ends, tell them how much you enjoyed their company and thank them for spending it with you especially when they have so much on their mind.
PEOPLE IN BUSINESS (PIB)
We are a fun, friendly and affordable small business network group, holding monthly meetings for members who have exclusivity in their field. Our groups include Bromley, Bexley and Southwark.
Email pibnetwork@outlook.com or see www.pib-network.com for more information.
PRODUCTIVITY POD
If you’re a small business or sole trader and work alone – or just want some incentive to get your admin, accounts or social media done, join one of the Productivity Pod’s free sessions on Zoom! You continue to work with sound off but cameras ON & after the session you tell the others what you managed to get done in 2hrs!
Email productivitypod@post.com with your mobile number and name to register or for more details.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
AQUAKIDS
Aqua kids – swimming lessons that last a lifetime. Easter Intensive Week 4th-8th April – a few places remaining. Check our social media and the website for the latest updates.
www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.uk
MY PARTY BOX.FUN
We provide sustainable party boxes that contain everything needed for children's parties. Our aim is to provide stress-free planning while helping you to create magical memories!
www.mypartybox.fun Tel: 0333 444 2017 Email: josette@mypartybox.fun
THE SUNDAY SESSIONS: ACTING
She Soars Productions hold monthly Sunday acting workshops for children aged 12-18. Our fun full-day workshops are led by industry professionals and previous guest workshop leaders include Casting Directors and Film and Theatre Directors. Check out our socials for the latest updates and visit our website to book in advance for 2022 dates!
Email: office@shesoarsproductions.com Instagram @shesoarsprodltd Facebook @SheSoarsProductionsLtd
DESIGN & PRINT
NICKY GRANT DESIGNS
I specialise in making your business look its best with creative graphic design - offering a personalised, professional and cost-effective service.
T 07855 585690 E nickygrantdesigns@gmail.com
To submit a classified listing please call 07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month.
Beautiful handcrafted invitations and cards for any special event. For that stylish, individual touch.
Call Vintage Scribe on 07716-837874
HEAlTH, BEAUTY & MINDSET
CHERYL HUGGINS MAKEUP ARTIST + SPECIALIST
London’s popular professionally licensed makeup artist, for special events, weddings, photography, Prom, business images and makeup masterclasses. Natural or glam looks available. I also offer FaceClays relaxation facials for all ages and all skin tones. FREE CONSULTATION with this advertisement.
Call 07947 821 991, email makeup@cherylhuggins. com or see www.cherylhuggins.com
FAYE COX COACHING & THERAPY
Affordable Integrated Coaching and Therapy for Teens and Parents. Creating a deeper connection through better communication. We also offer Purpose & Progression sessions for 14-16 year olds, as well as a ‘Needs Audit’ for both parents and Teens.
For more information email faye@fayecoxcoaching. co.uk or send a message to 07968 381793.
GEO SPORTS MASSAGE
Qualified Physiotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist, providing sports and pregnancy massage in the local area. Whether it is a specific injury or to alleviate general aches and pains, sports massage can benefit you.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact via Facebook: Geo Sports Massage, Instagram: geosportsmassage or Whatsapp: 07771299123.
SUBLIME BEAUTY
Mobile service for semi-permanent eyebrows, lips, eyeliner and collagen induction therapy. I am VTCT Level 4 Qualified - the highest accreditation in Semi-Permanent make-up (Micropigmentation). Gift vouchers also available.
Email simone@sublimebeauty.co.uk or see www.sublimebeauty.co.uk
HOBBIES
THE CREATION STATION SEVENOAKS, BIGGIN HILL, HAYES AND ORPINGTON
Providing award winning inspiring and imaginative arts and crafts sessions for all ages, parties, events, activities and after school clubs. For more information and booking visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk/alix-purton or call
Alix on 07906 078840 @TCSBeckenham on social media
PETS
TOP KNOT TOYS
We make safe toys for dogs using traditional Royal Navy knotting methods and, where appropriate, the dying trade of ‘whipping & splicing’ is used. We also offer a range of accessories, household essentials & gifts including dog leads, Monkey-Fist knot toys and doorstops.
