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Spring 2021 Issue 89

Local Information for parents teachers and carers of children Saffron Walden, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow and Villages

Nurture. Strive. Achieve.

SAINT NICHOLAS SCHOOL • Independent School in Old Harlow for pupils aged 21 2 to 16 • Academic excellence combined with great pastoral care • Small class sizes • Excellent virtual teaching in lockdown

www.saintnicholasschool.net

6th March Whole Schoo l Open Day Virtual tours on the website

SAINT NICHOLAS

in this issue 1

T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Spring Fever is here!

Contents: Performing Arts

Articles & Features KS2 SATS advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Dance, drama, theatre, music .24-27

Benefits of After-School Clubs . . . . . .6 Thank goodness spring is here. Spring comes with the idea of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection, regrowth, and a time of change.

For us parents, carers and teachers it’s going to be the season for plans and projects. Many cultures celebrate the return of spring, the blossoming of nature or the rise of the vernal equinox.

At last we have something to look forward to. Longer days and shorter nights, those extra hours of daylight can be a mood booster and let’s all be honest; we are all in great need of that!

We should mention that the past few months have been hard for us all.

Lockdown 3 seemed to really drag. Those walks were cold and didn’t feel as much fun as the first lockdown. All young people, parents and teachers deserve

Creative corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Beach, please! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Book review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 & 11

Toddler Groups . . . . . . . . . . . .34-35 Antenatal & Postnatal . . . . . . . . .36

Easter "Eggs-travaganza!" . . . .12 &13 Diary dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 &15 a medal, working together and managing to stay connected. That’s what has got us through.

We can look forward to brighter days, Easter eggs (plenty of them) and enjoying all the delights that spring has to offer.

Thank you to local artist @francescaillustrations for your illustration of us above.

Saladdaysmag

Saladdaysmag

© Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart 2021 The copyright of the contents including artwork, advertisements, logos and articles when generated by Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart t/a Salad Days remain with Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart t/a Salad Days except where specifically stated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views expressed in articles are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the publisher. The listings, content and advertising in Salad Days are for information only and must not be used for commercial purposes. Inclusion does not imply a recommendation from Salad Days.

All advertisements are accepted in good faith and on the basis that the advertised goods and services are as stated by the advertiser. ISSN 1752-3257. Data Protection Act Registration Number Z9533787. T: 0790 073 5566 E-mail: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk. Published and edited by Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart.

Design Services: Nick Crawley. Printed by Parkes Print & Design, 41 Hitchin Street, Biggleswade, SG18 8BE

Kindness matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Audley End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 The Tooth Fairy . . . . . . . . . . . .22 & 23 Performing arts in a pandemic . . . .26

Education Primary schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6 Before and after school clubs . . .6-7 Tutors and support . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Social Media: a parent's guide 30 & 31 We're all going to the zoo tomorrow!

Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-21

. . . . . . . . . . .32

Front cover image courtesy of six-year-old twins Elsie and Jacob.

“ ”

saladdays.info

Babies and Toddlers

Let's talk eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Pre School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-31

Don't struggle alone . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Copy Date for Spring issue

30th April 2021 To advertise in the next issue, include activities, clubs and events in your town village or school or to contribute articles on your speciality subject contact Lisa or Tam on 0790 073 5566 or hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

For digital copy visit

www.saladdaysmag.uk

2 education

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Primary schools n Bishop’s Stortford

St Michael Primary & Nursery T: 01279 652607 E: admin@stmichaelsjmi.herts.sch.uk W: stmichaelsjmi.herts.sch.uk

Felsted preparatory school T: 01371 82260 E: info@felsted.org W: felsted.org

All Saint C of E Primary & Nursery T: 01279 836006 E: admin@allsaints.herts.sch.uk W: allsaints.herts.sch.uk

Summercroft Primary & Nursery T: 01279 307477 E: admin@summercroft.herts.sch.uk W: summercroftherts.sch.uk

Great Dunmow Primary T: 01371 873184 E: admin@greatdunmow-pri.essex.sch.uk W: greatdunmowprimary.co.uk

Bishops Stortford College see back cover T: 01279 838575 E:general.enquiry@bishopsstortfordcollege.org W: bishopsstortfordcollege.org

The Richard Whittington Primary T: 01279 657778 E: admin@whittington.herts.sch.uk W: Whittington.herts.sch.uk

The Flitch Green Academy T: 01371 822330 E: admin@flitchgreen.net W: theflitchgreen.net

Farnham C of E Primary T: 01279 771339 E: admin@farnham.essex.sch.uk W: Farnham.essex.sch.uk

Thorley Hill Primary T: 01279 654496 E: admin@thorleyhill.herts.sch.uk W: thorleyhill.sch.uk

n Saffron Walden

Hillmead Primary T: 01279 656876 E: admin@hillmead.herts.sch.uk W: Hillmead.herts.sch.uk

Thorn Grove Primary T: 01279 653002 E: admin@thorngrove.herts.sch.uk W: thorngrove.herts.sch.uk

Howe Green House School see opposite page T: 01279 657706 E: schooloffice@howegreenhouse.essex.sch.uk W: howegreenhouseschool.co.uk

Windhill Primary T: 01279 696850 E: admin@windhill.herts.sch.uk W: windhill.herts.sch.uk

Little Hadham Primary T: 01279 771285 E: admin@littlehadhams.herts.sch.uk W: littlehadham.hert.sch.uk Manor Fields Primary T: 01279 757193 E: admin@manorfields.hert.sch.uk W: littlehadham.hert.sch.uk Northgate Primary & Nursery T: 01279 652376 E: admin@northgate.herts.sch.uk W: northgate.herts.sch.uk

n Great Dunmow

Dunmow St. Mary’s Primary T: 01371 872340 E: admin@dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk W: dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk Felsted Primary T: 01371 820215 E: admin@felsted-pri.essex.sch.uk W: felsted-pri.sch.uk

Dame Bradbury’s T: 01799 454700 E: office@stephenpurse.com W: stephenpurse.com Katherine Semar Schools T: 01799 521120 E: admin.inf@katherinesemar.net W: katherinesemar.co.uk R A Butler Infant & Junior School T: 01799 523651 E: admin@rab.academy.com W: rabutleracademy.org.uk St Marys C of E school T: 01799 523384 E: info@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk W: stmaryssw.org.uk St Thomas More Catholic School T: 01799 523248 E: admin@stmsw.co.uk W: stmsw.co.uk

n Stansted

Bentfield Primary T: 01279 813626 E: admin@bentfield.essex.sch.uk W: Bentfield.essex.sch.uk Magna Carta Primary T: 01279 703484 E: ofice@magnacarta.essex.sch.uk W: magnacartaacademy.org St Marys C of E primary T: 01279 812212 E: office@st-marys-stansted.essex.sch.uk W: stmarysstansted.co.uk

n Villages

Albury C of E Primary T: 01279 771253 E: admin@albury.herts.sch.uk W: albury.herts.sch.uk Ashdon County primary T: 01799 584219 E: Ashdon.essex.sch.uk W: Ashdon.essex.sch.uk Birchanger Primary & Nursery T: 01279 812362 E: admin@birchanger.essex.sch.uk W: birchanger.essex.sch.uk Chrishall Holy Trinity & St Nicholas Primary T: 01799 550300 E: admin@chrishall.essex.sch.uk W: chrishall.essex.sch.uk Clavering Primary T: 01799 550300 E: admin@clavering.essex.sch.uk W: clavering.essex.sch.uk Continued on page 4

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

education 3 HOWE GREEN HOUSE SCHOOL Independent Co-ed Prep School for 4 to 11 years and Little Oaks Nursery School for 2 to 4 years www.howegreenhouseschool.co.uk 01279 657706

4 education

www.saladdaysmag.uk Continued from page 2

Debden C of E Primary T: 01799 540302 E: admin@debden.essex.sch.uk W: debdenprimary.co.uk Elsenham C of E Primary T: 01279 813198 E: admin@elsenham.essex.sch.uk W: elsenham.essex.sch.uk Finchingfield C of E Primary T: 01371 810423 E: admin@finchingfield.essex.sch.uk W: finchingfield.essex.sch.uk Furneux Pelham C of E Primary T: 01279 777344 E: admin@furneuxp.herts.sch.uk W: furneuxp.herts.sch.uk

KS2 SATS Arithmatic revision book My eldest son at primary school always struggled with maths, his confidence was exceptionally low. He is a funny, kind, creative boy but maths just made no sense to him!

Office. I had a child that wasn’t going to love the whole experience so didn’t want to waste time on learning things he didn’t need. The whole process was to raise my son’s confidence.

When he came home from school, he would tell me all the scores of his classmates and feel really sad when he didn’t do well. I had to help him.

Within 4 months my son went from achieving scores of 10 out of 40 to full marks! He finally believed he could do it.

I ploughed through all previous SATS papers and worked out what they were likely to be tested on. I found the endless workbooks in the bookshops vague about what was going to be in the SATS paper. I only had 4 months so wanted to know without breaking into SATS Central

A friend said I should write a book about how I achieved this for other kids who needed help, so I did. In this unusual year of home schooling I hope my book helps gives children the maths boost and confidence they need. Good Luck.

Louise Gruit www.ks2maths.co.uk

Gt Chesterford Primary T: 01799 530292 E: admin@greatchesterford.essex.sch.uk W: greatchesterford.essex.sch.uk Great Easton Primary T: 01371 870219 E: admin@greateaston.essex.sch.uk W: greateastonprimary.co.uk Great Sampford Primary T: 01799 586280 E: admin@greatsampford.essex.sch.uk W: greatsampford.essex.sch.uk Henham & Ugly Primary T: 01279 850213 E: admin@henhamugly.essex.sch.uk W: henhamugly.essex.sch.uk Manuden Primary T: 01279 842626 E: admin@manuden.essex.sch.uk W: manudenprimary.co.uk

Much Hadham C of E Primary T: 01279 842626 E: admin@standrews236.herts.sch.uk W: standrews236.herts.sch.uk Newport Primary T: 01799 540055 E: admin@newport.essex.sch.uk W: Newport.essex.sch.uk Radwinter C of E Primary T: 01799 599248 E: admin@radwinter.essex.sch.uk W: radwinter.essex.sch.uk Reed First School T: 01763 848304 E: admin@reed.herts.sch.uk W: reed.herts.sch.uk Rickling C of E Primary T: 01799 543274 E: admin@rickling.essex.sch.uk W: rickling.essex.sch.uk Steeple Bumpstead Primary T: 01440 730220 E: officemanager@steeplebumpstead.essex.sch.uk W: steeplebumpstead.schooljotter2.com Takeley Christian School T: 01279 871182 E: office@takeley-christian.essex.sch.uk W: tcst.org.uk Takeley Roseacre School T: 01279 879599 E: admin@roseacres.essex.sch.uk W: roseacres.co.uk Takeley Primary T: 01279 870541 E: admin@takeley-pri.essex.sch.uk W: Takeley-pri.essex.sch.uk

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

LOPENING I M I T S OP OPENIN OPENI OPEN OPE SEPTEMBER S SE SEP SEPT SEPTE SEPTEM SEPTEMB SEPTEMBE Preschool Preschoo Prescho Presch Presc The new P Pres Pre Pr at St Mary’s stmaryscambridge.co.uk/preschool

education 5

Pr Preschool Preschoo Prescho Presch Presc Pres Pre ST START STAR STA AS THE TH MEAN TO GO ON THEY

6 education

Benefits of After-School Clubs After-School clubs are often Ofsted – regulated clubs attached by the school, partially subsidised by the government, and run by the schoolteachers themselves.

Other After-School activities are provided by outside professionals who run specific classes that many schools cannot provide internally. Such as dance, performing arts, football, tennis, fencing, music and languages. Not only are these extended learning platforms great for our children, but they can often be a lifeline for parents.

Many after-school providers have been unable to run classes since the pandemic began last March. The rules and regulations centred on ‘bubbles’ and ‘social distancing’ and have made it financially unviable to providers as the classes are usually mixed ages and abilities.

So, what are the benefits to after-school clubs and why should we return to use them when it is safe to do so?

After-school activities such as performing arts, sports, and languages help boost childrens self-esteem and selfconfidence. It has been reported in a

www.saladdaysmag.uk study carried out by Ofsted that Children become more “motivated, happy and confident because of extra activities.”

These development benefits will not only help them academically and socially but provide children with positive role models that they can relate to, offering a fresh perspective outside of home life.

Sports coaches, group leaders, professional performers and other responsible adults who are sharing their skills provide a valuable new take on the world for children, especially teenagers who are considering their career paths and options.

Many Children who attend after-school clubs will gain experiences which will help them excel in other areas within school. For example, if a child were to take drama classes in extended hours there is always a huge improvement in that child’s English classes and understanding of the spoken word.

Some children even get to experience life on stage or take examinations in LAMDA (London Academy of Dramatic Arts).

After-School providers provide other opportunities, giving your child a chance to shine and excel at something different that maybe they would never try.

Let’s support all of the local After-School clubs when they can return to our schools as they not only provide safe childcare services but will also help to re-build our children’s confidence and social skills.

Thaxted Primary T: 01371 830240 E: admin@thaxted.essex.sch.uk W: thaxted.essex.sch.uk Wimbish Primary T: 01799 599245 E: admin@wimbish.essex.sch.uk W: wimbish.essex.sch.uk

Before & after school clubs Ace Kids Club (SW) Ages: 4-12 Contact: Janet Clark; T: 01799 520356 E: ace@katherinesemar-inf.essex.sch.uk W: acekidsclub.org Ashdon Primary School Before and After School Club Ages: 4-11 Manager: Neil O'Sullivan T: 01799 584219/Opt 3; M: 07549 435445 E: neilosullivansports@gmail.com W: ashdon.essex.sch.uk The Barn Kids (Thaxted) Ages: 4-11 T: 01371 831262; W: thebarnnursery.co.uk Early Birds & Night Owls 4 schools in Bishop’s Stortford Contact: Hayley Lynskey T: 07745 262676/01279 771367 E: earlybirdandnightowlsclub@gmail.com Funzone OOS & Holiday Club (BS) Ages: 4-10; Contact: Sabina Khetani T: 01279 321658/07762 138756 E: funzonekidsclub@ntlworld.com Great Bardfield Breakfast and After School Club, Braintree Rd., CM7 4RN T: 01371 811580 Contact Pat: 0776743055 W: greatbardfieldasc.btck.co.uk

Happy Hippos OOS & Holiday Club Ages: 4-11; Bishop’s Stortford Contact: Sabina Khetani T: 01279 321658/07762 138756 E: funzonekidsclub@ntlworld.com KidsOut Birchanger Birchanger Cof E Primary School, CM23 5QL Breakfast & after school club exclusively for children attending Birchanger School; M: 07496 816411 KidsOut Magna Carter E: lindavies@stortfordkidsout.co.uk W: stortfordkidsout.co.uk KidsOut Summercroft M: 07939 463519 Summercroft Primary School, CM23 5BJ Breakfast & after school club exclusively for children attending Summercroft.

Holiday Club Stortford KidsOut E: lindavies@stortfordkidsout.co.uk Summercroft Primary School Open to any child in the area.

Much Hadham Pre-School Ages 3-11, Breakfast and After School Clubs (Adjacent to St. Andrew's Primary School) Contact: Maria; T: 01279 842614 E: muchhadhampreschool@yahoo.co.uk W: muchhadhampreschool.co.uk/clubs Newport St Mary’s Church; Ages: 11-14 11.00 - 3rd and 4th Sunday of the month during term time. Sunday Club. Ages: 4-11 Olivers Lodge Newport, Saffron Walden, Steeple Bumpstead and Great Dunmow.

Ages: 4-12 Manager: Alex Suffolk; T: 01799 540709 E: info@olivers-lodge.co.uk RAB Late Play Club (SW) Ages: 4-11

education 7

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Manager: Mrs Erica Peck T: 01799 528607 (during sessions) W: rabutlerschool.co.uk Willows in Clavering T: 07484 636643 E: admin@willowsoutofschool.co.uk W: willowsoutofschool.com Providing a breakfast club and and after-school club for children at Clavering Primary School

Tutors & support n Academic

Anna Clarke BA(Ed) Hons Qualified and Experienced Tutor Primary Literacy and Maths. SATs preparation and confidence-building. GCSE Maths and English; T: 01799 526134 Glenis Toms Qualified and experienced teacher.

Maths and English; 7-11 years T: 01799 540833 Kumon Bishop’s Stortford - See right Contact: Nicola Norbury T: 01920 461457; W: kumon.co.uk Sue Herd BEd (Hons) Experienced pre school tutor English & Maths (give your child a head start before school); T: 01799 510995 Tutor Doctor East Herts 1:1 In-Home Tuition Service. All Subjects and Levels; Contact: Viv Durham, Director T: 07450 825188 E: vdurham@tutordoctor.co.uk W: tutordoctor.co.uk/Stansted

n Languages Kidslingo Have fun learning Spanish through songs, games, drama and stories from 0-11 years. Classes also available for nurseries, primary schools & child minders; T: 07926 007797 E: jessicalp@kidslingo.co.uk W: kidslingo.co.uk Luciana Ferreira Day Spanish all levels E: lucianafday@gmail.com T: 07930 525079

n Family support

Aspects Family Support Ann Creitzman All Saints CE Primary School Parsonage Lane Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 5BE T: 01279 758134 W: www.aspects.org.uk Registered Charity 1164201

n Mindfulness and Relaxation Nikki Phillips, ITEC IIHHT DIP SMT Youth Mindfulness, Teaching emotional well-being skills for life to all.

Nature retreats, children's, young adults and family courses run all year.

T: 07966 579345 E: info@nikkiphiliips.co.uk W: nikkiphillips.co.uk

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes are tailored to your child’s individual needs, nurturing their independence and enthusiasm for learning.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Bishop’s Stortford Study Centre Nicola Norbury 07752444215 01920461457

Develop your child’s independence

kumon.co.uk Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

STORTFORD KIDSOUT For quality Breakfast, After School & Holiday Club Care Email: lindavies@stortfordkidsout.co.uk

www.stortfordkidsout.co.uk

HOLIDAY CLUB Available to all children

SUMMERCROFT Exclusive to Summercroft

BIRCHANGER Exclusive to Birchanger

MAGNA CARTA Exclusive to Magna Carta

8 education

Mother’s Day Blow-dry with Molly!

r e n r Co e v i t Crea

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Picture by Lily, Age 11, Thaxted Primary

Please send your art work to hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk for a chance of featuring in Salad Days!

All other hair treatments available contact for availability.

Also mobile hairdressing available.

Please contact @mollydollyhair on Instagram Based at EB Retreats and Ladles & Jellyspoons

education 9

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Francesca Skakel, Family Law Solicitor

Beach, please! Holiday Contact for 2021 With everyone keen to leave 2020 behind, the topic of conversation has quickly turned to the 2021 summer holidays. We are all ready for that longawaited vacation abroad with the kids, but for many parents the lead up to a holiday is anything but relaxing.

work collaboratively and accept that there may have to be compromises if challenges around COVID continue.

However, we recognise that sometimes it can be difficult to reach an agreement and you might need assistance in planning contact and holiday time.

Putting aside the challenges of the everchanging COVID-19 safe travel zones – not to mention scheduling necessary days’ mandated quarantine on your return – the preparation involved in planning a holiday can be daunting, especially agreeing with your co-parent the timings and whereabouts of your break with the children.

Mediation

Therefore, before you embark on this journey, we would like to offer some guidance and tips on how to calm the waters of co-parenting in 2021.

Flexibility and planning-ahead With the introduction of the vaccine, the hope is that there will soon be a return to normal. However, if we have learned anything over 2020, it’s to always plan ahead and have contingencies in place, as well as to be flexible with your coparent about holiday arrangements.

It is important that parents do try and

Family Mediation enables you to meet with your co-parent in the presence of an impartial professional; it may be familiar to you if you are already formally separated. This form of structured discussion can also be valuable postseparation, when you must make decisions that are essential to your children’s wellbeing. Mediation provides both you and your ex-partner with a neutral meeting space, and a professional who will listen to you both and help you reach amicable decisions.

You can use mediation to discuss holiday arrangements as well as the school routine. When discussing how your children split their time, both at weekends during term-time and during the school holidays, you both need to consider what is best for them. Time spent with each parent, holiday sharing, looking to your extended families for help

Expect more Expert legal services and independent financial advice Call Cambridge – 01223 311141 Bishop’s Stortford – 01279 755200 Saffron Walden – 01799 527299 and keeping safe during the pandemic can be formalised in this way.

Specific Issue Order However, you may encounter a specific issue which you cannot resolve through these methods. For example, one parent may have concerns about an upcoming holiday abroad and does not want the children to go. In such a situation – or any situation where you do not agree, and mediation has not resolved this – it is possible to make an application to court to ask that they determine the issue. The court will consider the proposed arrangement, and both parties’ concerns. The driving factor will always be the children’s welfare; their best interests will determine the outcome.

Bear in mind that, if timing is an issue, you will need to seek legal advice as soon as possible – e.g. as far in advance of a holiday as possible – in order for your application to be considered by a court.

However you come to an agreement, spending some time now to plan out the year may help prevent unnecessary tensions that could arise while navigating the uncharted waters into 2021.

10 leisure and features Books You Will Want But I Hope You Won’t Need This is a review of some fabulous books which I hope you won’t need - because the lockdowns will be over, schools will be open, and you won’t be desperately looking for help in educating and entertaining your children.

However, there are always times when parents and carers need a bit of inspiration and the books I’ve chosen will certainly come to the rescue.

A lovely book at any time, but one which seems particularly relevant in the dark days of Lockdown Three as I write, is The Book of Hopes: Words and Pictures to Comfort, Inspire and Entertain, edited by Katherine Rundell with contributions from over 100 children’s authors and illustrators. The proceeds of sales of the book go to support NHS Charities Together, which may be good enough inspiration for you to buy it, but it is also a joyful collection of poems, short stories, and pictures. Katherine Rundell’s brief to her contributors was that whatever they wrote or drew should make readers feel like ‘possibilityists’: something that would make them ‘laugh or wonder or snort or smile’ to ‘kickstart the engine of delight inside the human heart’. The authors and

illustrators who responded understood immediately and the book is testament to this.

There’s everything from James Campbell’s ‘How to Start a Story’ which gets tangled up in bananas and hamsters, to A F Harrold’s poem ‘Say Something Nice’ which ends ‘The world is sometimes grey /and things go wrong /but a kind word, /and a smile, /can turn it back around. Say something nice like: ‘That wasn’t a very good poem/ but I liked it when it stopped.’’ Not, as you see, a saccharine-sweet book but funny, feisty and, as requested, delightful. Definitely a cheeryou-up sort of book for everyone.

One of the important losses for children through lockdown is that they haven’t been anywhere; they’ve missed getting to know their country, its history, its cities, museums, galleries and landmarks. To remind us of these sorts of delight and to introduce children who haven’t had the chance to see them yet, the Usborne Lift the Flap See Inside series is a brilliant resource with its lively illustrations and perfectly judged text. I was particularly impressed with See Inside London by Rob Lloyd Jones and Barry Ablett which tells the history of the city from Roman times through to the present day.

There’s lots to look at and just enough to read and explore under the flaps to make it ‘proper’ history.

Young children will have the

www.saladdaysmag.uk pleasure of recognising the landmarks and showing off their knowledge when, eventually, they have a chance to go and visit the capital for themselves.

Other losses include getting to know about music – going to concerts and playing in music groups. I’m very sad that we had to cancel our annual big Children’s Concert with children’s author James Mayhew and the Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra at Saffron Hall in 2020 – and this was just one of many missed opportunities for children to get to know and enjoy classical music. To make up for this, I suggest you have a look at (and enjoy a listen to) The Most Beautiful Pieces of Classical Music, one of a rather lovely series of papercut books by Elodie Fondacci and Lili la Baleine. The book includes ‘press the button’ excerpts from six famous pieces such as Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’, Strauss’s ‘The Blue Danube’, and Debussy’s ‘Clair De Lune’, illustrated with intricate papercut scenes. I hope this will inspire children to explore the music further – perhaps joining in on any instruments they may have to hand, or even to making a musical instrument (I’m thinking spoon and milk bottle or cornflakes in a tin can rather than anything more complicated, though there will be budding violin makers out there, I’m sure!).

In the absence of school, parents and carers may be tying themselves in knots trying to find the age-appropriate way to answer some of those questions which primary school teachers deal with so well. From the easier ones, like ‘Why are my friends taller than me?’ and ‘When can I drive a real car?’ to the trickier ones like ‘What’s the point of

sweat?’ and ‘What’s the point of willies?’. As usual, Usborne Books comes to the rescue with another of their lift-the-flap books: Questions and Answers about Growing Up

by Katie Daynes and illustrated by Shelly Laslo. For the sweat question, for example, they explain, under the flap, that it is to help us cool down by evaporation – and then goes on to say that after about the age of 10, people’s sweat can be smelly so they should make sure to wash well. Job done. I would have taken a lot longer to deal with that – and probably strayed into talking unnecessarily about pheromones. So, if you’re struggling with finding suitable answers to these sorts of question, give this book a try.

Baking with children has been a big part of many people’s lives during lockdown. If

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk you’ve reached the stage when you never want to see another banana muffin, fairy cake, or gingerbread man again, I suggest you invest in David Atherton’s My First Cookbook, illustrated by Rachel Stubbs.

David was a Great British Bake Off winner and it shows in his imaginative use of ingredients in recipes which I think will intrigue children. How about, for example, his edible bowls made from oat and chia seeds, which can be filled with yogurt and fruit? Octopizzas? Homemade veggie hotdogs (using kidney beans, tofu, sweet potato and cheese)? Peanut butter bones?

And No-Cream Ice Cream (the best use for overripe bananas that I’ve found). As a way to introduce children to some unusual and healthy foods using easy and fun-looking recipes, I think this is a real winner. I already have shelves of cookery books but I’m looking forward to trying out some of these new ideas. The whole family’s mealtimes could be invigorated by this book.

Finally, for light relief (and relief indeed!) there is The Secret Life of Farts by Malin Klingenberg illustrated by Sanna Mander.

There is absolutely no educational aspect to this book, other than the fact that flatulence is universal, but there is plenty of entertainment. It begins ‘The life of a fart is tragically short / So let’s take a moment and spare them a thought. / Farts can feel lonely

once out of the bum / But amazing adventures are waiting for some.’ There follows a series of environments in which farts appear: up mountains; in lifts; during running races and in the following context which I can’t resist sharing with you. ‘There’s not often time for a fart to make friends / One moment to shine, then its lonely life ends / But they stand a good chance at a middle-aged party / When grown-ups get going, they often get farty.’ Roll on the end of the lockdown and the return to farty parties!

All these books can be found on the shelves at Hart’s Books in Saffron Walden, who kindly loaned them to me so I could write these reviews during lockdown. You can order them from Hart’s online (www.hartsbooks.co.uk), but I sincerely hope that by the time you read this, the shop doors will be wide open again and you will be able to browse their shelves for yourselves.

Jo Burch

leisure and features 11

12 leisure and features

Too Hip to Hop!

These little crème egg fillable bunnies are great for the little ones.

You can find them @thelittlebrownmouse Etsy shop online, or pop over to instagram for more.

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Littleuns’ Easter Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients 60g butter (at room temperature) 60g granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 60g plain flour 1 ⁄2 tsp baking powder 300g icing sugar 130g butter (at room temperature) 50g milk chocolate (melted) Mini eggs Method Preheat the oven to 170°C and prepare 6 cupcake cases on a tray.

Whisk the butter until fluffy and lighter in colour. Add in the sugar and beat in until smooth.

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract and half

of the flour.

Sift in the remaining flour and baking powder and mix into the batter until just combined.

Pour the cake batter into 6 cupcake cases (or double all of the ingredient quantities for double the cupcakes)! The cases should be about ¾ full.

Bake the cupcakes for 15 minutes, or until slightly golden on top and an inserted skewer comes out clean.

Once cooled, start making your buttercream icing.

Whisk the remaining butter

until fluffy and lighter in colour and slowly add in the icing sugar. If the frosting gets too stiff, add small amounts of milk until the frosting softens.

Slowly pour in the melted chocolate and continue to whisk. The chocolate will partly mix in, and partly cool as small solids to give the buttercream frosting a ‘nest’ like texture!

Now to decorate! If you have the equipment, use a piping bag and open start nozzle to pipe the frosting onto the top of the cupcakes. If not, add the frosting to the top of the cupcakes with a spoon, and then use a fork to ‘fluff’ it up to create a nest!

Add your little Easter eggs into your nest…and enjoy!

Recipe by Tara Geraghty @littleunscakes | littleunscakes.com

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

leisure and features 13 Our supermarket shelves are also generally populated by brown eggs.

Why is this and what is the difference?

Egg-tra egg-tra read all about it How do you like your eggs in the morning? Poached, scrambled, fried, in pancake form; the list is endless. Since pagan times, eggs have been synonymous with Spring. An important season for food production, animals are also coming out of their winter dormancy and are beginning to nest and mate. Eggs represent new life and the regenerative power of nature. Traditionally, eggs were prohibited during Lent alongside other animal products as a fasting penance.

Today they remain pivotal to the Easter narrative with egg hunts conducted across the globe.

We don’t often spend the time thinking about how our food gets into our shopping baskets, aside from perhaps a cursory glance at whether a product might be healthy and marginally ethically produced. With Easter on the approach, chocolate eggs are everywhere, but what do we know about the boxes of eggs we consume and purchase every day? In Britain, 13 billion eggs are eaten every year and during the Covid-19 pandemic, demand soared to new heights.

Unable to contact the Easter Bunny for comment due to scheduling issues, I’ve instead chatted with self-confessed eggfanatic Harriet Smith, a Poultry specialist who was willing to answer my calls.

I had to... What came first?

Chickens are descendants of Dinosaurs, but if we’re looking only superficially into

the science of this, then the egg came first.

Whatever animals came before the chicken, mated and laid a ‘chicken egg’ which then hatched a chicken.

What effect has the Covid-19 pandemic had on the egg industry so far?

Initially, the global egg market was anticipated to decline by 2.4 billion from 2019 into 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 economic slowdown. However an unanticipated benefit of the first lockdown was the rise in home baking, with eggs becoming an integral commodity. Sales of baking products were up by over twothirds. Demand for eggs in supermarkets rose by 100% in the first lockdown and remains at 30% above normal volumes. In terms of the wholesale market, the pandemic has been less kind with restaurants closing. Before the pandemic consumers were price conscious and as a general rule of thumb bought large brown eggs. However, during the lockdown people didn’t care what size or colour egg they bought, they just needed an egg.

People are just now beginning to return to their old egg buying habits.

You tend to have a choice between large or medium eggs. Does size matter?

Size does matter in terms of hen welfare.

Egg size increases over time as a hen gets older; naturally a hen will lay a small egg first and their egg production will gradually increase in size over time. Egg sizing can be affected by many variables,

including weather, diet, and lighting.

However, as more consumers buy large eggs over medium or mixed weight boxes, this pushes demand for large eggs. To produce more of these larger eggs, some poultry farmers adapt lighting patterns in sheds to make their hens lay larger eggs, which mimics the natural change of the seasons, but this isn’t natural. Unfortunately the cost of this is the risk of increased mortality and the amount of eggs these hens can lay, as the bigger the egg the less of them they can produce. Farming is driven by consumer habits rather than a desire by producers, although there is an incentive to provide larger eggs. The only discernible difference between a large and medium egg is the amount of white in the shell.

You don’t get more for your money, you actually contribute to hen welfare. In the case of eggs, smaller is actually better.

White eggs generally aren’t sold on UK supermarket shelves but are sold internationally and this is due to consumer perception. White eggs were popular in the UK up until the 1970’s when shoppers began to switch to brown eggs. This was mostly down to the misconception that they were more natural or rustic. Unfortunately, this now means there are very few white layers in the UK- around 300,000 hens out of the 40 million UK hen population.

Having said this, due to the first Covid-19 lockdown and the drastic surge in demand for eggs by consumers, Tesco has reintroduced white eggs to their shelves. This is a good thing as white eggs are often more efficiently farmed and more cost effective. The hens also lay for longer, eat less and are less aggressive than brown hens. There is no nutritional difference between white, brown or even blue/green eggs.

Packed full of amino acids, vitamin D and B12, eggs are an excellent source of natural vitamins whether consumed for breakfast, lunch, dinner or in cake form.

Take it from a true egg-pert.

Mia Schiller Blogger @behindthereverie

14 leisure and features

Dates for your diary March 1

Secondary School placements.

Today is the day when secondary school placements are notified to parents across the country. Good luck to everyone and hope you receive your first choice. To make an appeal visit www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk

4 World Book Day World Book day was invented to encourage young people to discover the pleasure of reading.

Spending just 10 minutes a day reading and sharing stories with children can make a crucial difference to their future success and its fun for all involved. Children all over the UK can enjoy dressing up as their favourite character and bring the story to life. Follow us on social media for tips and ideas. Books are available

from www.worldbookday.com for just £1 this year.

5-14 British Science week British Science week is run by the British Science association with a ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEAM). This year’s theme is ‘innovating for the future’. You can download a free activity pack via the website www.britishscienceweek.org 8 International Women’s Day International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2021 is 'Choose to Challenge'. A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. So, let's all #ChooseToChallenge.

www.saladdaysmag.uk 14 Mothering Sunday Mothering Sunday, is a day to show appreciation to our mothers and other mother figures, such as grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers-in-law.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the special mums out there.

19 Comic Relief The new plastic free nose has arrived!

The very first 100% plastic-free, plant based “Red Nose” made from a natural by- product of sugarcane.

There are 10 different woodland noses in total. Red Nose Day is going to bring us all fun and we know this is a charity that changes lives.

To get involved get your fundraising pack here: www.comicrelief.com

20 First Day of Spring The March equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator line, heading

north in the sky. This event marks the start of spring in the northern half of the globe. After this date, the northern hemisphere begins to be tilted more toward the sun, resulting in increasing daylight hours and warming temperatures.

21 World Down Syndrome Day World Down Syndrome Day. World Down Syndrome Day is annually observed on March 21 to raise public awareness of Down syndrome, a congenital disorder caused by having an extra 21st chromosome.

leisure and features 15

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk 21 World Poetry Day Salad Days fact… Salad Days is a Shakespearean, idiomatic expression meaning “Days of our youth!”

National Pet Month Every year National Pet Month brings together animal welfare charities, professional bodies, businesses, and schools to promote good pet ownership, raise funds for good causes and have fun!

The Parts of Speech Poem Every name is called a noun, As field and fountain, street and town.

In place of noun the pronoun stands, As he and she can clap their hands.

The adjective describes a thing, As magic wand or bridal ring.

The verb means action, something done, As read and write and jump and run.

How things are done the adverbs tell, As quickly, slowly, badly, well.

The preposition shows relation, As in the street or at the station.

Conjunctions join, in many ways, Sentences, words, or phrase and phrase.

The interjection cries out, “Hark!

I need an exclamation mark!”

28 Clocks go forward.

17 National Children’s Day National Children’s Day UK is all about the importance of a healthy childhood and how we need to protect the rights and freedoms of children to ensure that they can grow into happy, healthy adults. It’s a day of celebration, but it’s also a great opportunity for councils, local services, community groups, sports clubs, schools, charities, families, carers – anyone involved with children – to raise awareness about projects they are running or things they care about.

April

7

1

World Heath Day Everyone’s favourite PE teacher!

29 May- 6 June National Children’s Gardening week National Gardening week is a great time to get children outdoors and connect with nature. For resources and ideas check out www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk a fun website to support your little ones and their green fingers!

April Fool’s Day

2 World Autism Awareness Day World Autism Awareness Day celebrates the unique talents of those with autism. WAAD activities are planned every year to further increase and develop world knowledge of children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

4l Easter Sunday Sunday is one of the biggest celebrations of Christianity. There are many non-religious traditions linked to Easter for all to enjoy. Easter egg hunts, family roast dinners, crafting and bonnet making. Look out for events taking place locally too. Check our social media for more ideas on where to go this Easter.

May 3 May Day Bank Holiday

16 leisure and features

Kindness Matters It’s so important to be helpful, generous and thoughtful towards others and yourself.

Now, more than ever, we need to be kind to each other and support those around us.

Our wonderful team at Stortford Gymnastics are fantastic at pulling together, making our environment a fun, friendly and inclusive place for children to meet, feel safe, happy and grow in confidence. We continuously aim to play a part in making our gym a kind and friendly place.

In between lockdown, Stortford Gymnastics launched a campaign encouraging our gymnasts to be kind and to think about how they can do small things which might make a big difference.

This might be: A smile Holding the door open Giving a compliment Thanking someone who you appreciate Being a good listener Offering your help to someone Thinking before you speak Considering others before ourselves Making cards and drawing pictures with a kindness message.

Being kind is an important way of bringing meaning to our own lives. It also brings joy to the lives of others around us. Being kind allows us to communicate better, be more compassionate, and also to be a positive force in people’s lives. Kindness has its true

source deep within you, and while some people are innately kind, it’s something that everyone can learn by choice.

Here are some tips to develop a kinder perspective.

Care for others genuinely. Kindness is warm, resilient, patient, trusting, loyal, and grateful.

Kindness is deep caring for all beings.

Be kind to yourself. Many people make the error of trying to be kind to others while at the same time not focusing on being kind to themselves. It can lead to burn-out because you’ve put everyone else first.

Learn kindness from others. Think about the truly kind people in your life and how they make you feel. Are there things that they do that you can replicate from your own heart?

Cultivate kindness for the good of your own health. Improved psychological health and happiness comes from thinking more positively, and kindness is a positive mental state.

Be kind to everyone. Expand your circle of kindness beyond your friends and family.

Minimize judgment. Work on being positive

www.saladdaysmag.uk and compassionate and avoid being critical.

How can we improve our kind qualities?

Be compassionate toward others. Take in the message, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle”.

Be present. The greatest gift of kindness to another person is to be in the moment in their presence, to be listening with care, and to be genuinely attentive to them.

Be a good listener. When talking to someone, learn to listen with your whole being and sincerely pay attention to them until they’re done revealing their thoughts and story.

Be optimistic. Being optimistic and staying positive will not only put you in more of a mindset to be kind, but it will also bring joy to those around you. If you spend much of your time complaining, then it will be more difficult to bring happiness to the people in your orbit.

Be friendly. Friendly people are kind because they expect the best from people. They talk to new people and friends alike in an easygoing, reassuring way that makes them feel at home.

Be polite. Although being polite is not an indication of kindness in itself, genuine politeness demonstrates your respect for those you’re interacting with.

Be grateful. If you’re more observant of all the

nice things other people do for you, then you’ll be more ready to do nice things for others.

Take Action Love animals and the living world. Loving animals and caring for pets is kindness in action. Look after and respect the natural environment surrounding you.

Share. People who are kind are happy to share with others.

Smile more. Smiling is a simple act of kindness that can go a long way. Make a habit of smiling at strangers, or at your friends or acquaintances.

Take an interest in people. Work on developing an interest in other people and show them that you care by being attentive, asking questions, and paying attention to them.

Perform a random act of kindness. Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.

Transform your life through kindness.

Through being kind, you recognize that we are all in this together. When you harm another person, you also harm yourself.

What you do to support others also supports you.

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Visit the Easter Bunny in his Enchanted Woodland Home at the Audley End Miniature Railway Area and also look out for the other clues in their Activity Booklet.

“Eggsellent” locally sourced food and drink will also be available at the Woodland Café.

Finally, once your children have completed their Activity Booklets, you can head to the Gift Shop on your way out to collect a special sticker!

Looking for something to do with the children this Easter? Join in the fun at the Audley End Miniature Railway and take a miniature train ride deep into the woods to visit the Easter Bunny at his Spring Home!

Hop aboard one of our trains and venture deep into the woods to visit the Easter Bunny, receive a special gift and meet his other furry friends too.

Throughout the train ride you can also test your I Spy skills and look out for the various Easter themed displays along the route!

Once you return from your train ride you will then wander into our magical Easter Trail. Using your Activity Booklet you can tick off all of the Animals, Nests and Eggs as you find them!

Easter Trail complete, you can now explore our Picnic Field. Your children can let off steam on the Adventure Play

Included in the ticket price: Train Ride to meet the Easter Bunny and his friends, Easter Trail, Adventure Play Area, Gift for every child.

Booking is required, tickets will not be available on the day. Tickets on sale Monday 22nd February 2021.

leisure and features 17

18 sport Sports clubs n Archery

Stortford Archery Club Ages: 10+ E: secretary@stortfordarchers.org.uk W: stortfordarchers.org.uk

n Badminton

Bishop’s Stortford Badminton Club Ages: 12+ Contact: Phil Barton; T: 01279 654464 W: stortfordbadminton.net

n Cricket Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club Jnr Section Ages: 5+ Contact: Graeme Sumner E: gsumner@arroweurope.com T: 07768 368773 Dunmow Cricket Club Ages: 5-16 Contact: Matt Gibson T: 01371 872652

Turpins Indoor Bowls Club Ages: 10+ accompanied T: 01799 525959

Saffron Walden Cricket Club Ages: 4-any age (boys, girls, disabled) Contact: David Barrs; T: 07760 484390 E: saffronwaldencricketclub@gmail.com W: saffronwaldencricket.co.uk At the clubhouse, Anglo American Playing Fields (off Catons Lane) All children aged 4+ welcome

Wimbish Carpet Bowls Ages: 10+ Contact: D Vettewinkel T: 01799 732098 E: d.vettewinkel@sky.com

Stansted Cricket Club Ages: 8-15 Contact: Keith Ayres T: 01279 814471 E: batsman1uk@yahoo.co.uk W: stanstedcc.hitscricket.com

n Bowls

n Canoeing

Bishop’s Stortford Canoe Club Ages: 8+ by discretion Contact: Angela Aldam T: 01279 755089 E: info@stortfordcanoe.org.uk W: stortfordcanoe.org.uk Whoosh Explore Bishop’s Stortford Contact: Peter Nash T: 01279 817453 (evenings) E: peter.nash@yahoo.co.uk W: whooshexplore.co.uk

Thorley Cricket Club Bishop’s Stortford Ages: 8+ Contact: Nigel Pack T: 07984 006012 W: pitchero.com/clubs/thorleycricketclub/ Wenden Kwik Cricket Ages: 4-12 Contact: Ed Welch T: 07825 210021 E: wendenjuniorcricket@gmail.com

n Fencing

Saffron Walden Swords SWCHS Gym Sat am. Ages: 7-adult Contact: David Aronsohn T: 01799 500593 W: saffronwaldenswords.com

n Fitness Lift Off Academy Bishop's Stortford (Twyford Business Centre) Ages: 4 years plus Contact Name: Anne-Lise Fitzgerald E: anneliseblum@gmail.com Instagram: @thekookycoach Fitness classes for children teaching them how to move safely, whilst having fun.

n Football

Bishop’s Stortford Football Club Ages: 8+ Contact: Tim Moylette T: 07740 945117 E: tim.moylette@bscfc.co.uk Bishop Stortford Football Club 2 year BTEC extended diploma in sport Birchwood High School, Bishops Stordford Contact: Jim Duggan T: 07870 970925 E: jim-duggan@hotmail.co.uk/ jclift@birchwoodhigh.org.uk Elsenham Youth Football Club Ages: 4-18 Contact: Paul Jarvis T: 01279 814434 E: pajemiki1@hotmail.com W: eyfc.org Plantation Youth Football Club Saffron Walden Ages: 4-16 Contact: Adrian Marsh M: 07980 946424 E: adrian.marsh1@virginmedia.com W: mypartnerclub.co.uk/plantation-youth-fc

Saffron Walden Community FC Boys: ages 4-18; Various venues T: 01763 836928/07775 944664

www.saladdaysmag.uk E: chairman@PSGFC.co.uk Saffron Walden PSG FC - see top left Ages: 6-16 Herbert’s Farm, Saffron Walden T: 01763 836928/07775 944664 E: chairman@PSGFC.co.uk Thaxted Rangers Youth Football Club Ages 7+ Contact: Martin Tritton; T: 07976 670409 E: martintritton@hotmail.com FB: thaxtedrangersyouthfc

n Golf

Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club Ages: 5+ Pro: Simon Sheppard; T: 01279 651324 W: bsgc.co.uk Golf World Stansted Contact: Colin Pharaoh T: 01279 812865 Great Hadham Golf & Country Club Ages: 4+ Pros: K Lunt/P Hetherington T: 01279 843558 W: greathadham.co.uk Saffron Walden Golf Club Pro: Rob McNicholas; T: 01799 527728 E: sarah@smithpeformancegolf.co.uk Junior coaching programme open to all ages and abilities of children!

n Gymnastics

Lift Off Academy and listed under Fitness

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

www.cnmadvisory.com • 01799 521 301

sport 19

20 sport Stortford Gymnastics Ages: up to 12 T: Janine Peart 07808 808815/ Karen Perkins 07976 124095 E: enquiries@stortfordgymnastics.com W: stortfordgymnastics.com Stortford Gymnastics Satellite Club All Stars, Church End; Little Hadham Ages: 9+ Thursdays 18.00-19.00 Tumbling for All 19.00-20.00 Gym Fest T: Janine 07808 808815 E: enquiries@stortfordgymnastics.com W: stortfordgymnastics.com

n Handball

Bishop's Stortford Handball Club Tuesdays at Herts and Essex Sports Centre, Beldams Lane, CM23 5LH 5-6pm Mini Handball 6-7pm u14 and u16 7-9pm u19 and Seniors Contact: Annica; T: 07940 392894 E: stortfordhandball@gmail.com

n Hockey

Blue Hornets Felsted and Braintree W: braintreehc.co.uk/bluehornets Saffron Walden Junior Hockey Club Ages: 7-15 Contact: Andy MacIntosh; T: 01799 550878 W: saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk

n Martial arts Associated Karate Schools (AKS) Bishop’s Stortford - St Michael's Mead & Bishop's Park Contact: Anthony Barrett 5th Dan T: 07929 100612 E: barrettbusiness@aol.com W: karateschools.co.uk Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai W: bishopsstortfordjudo.com B.L.Tae Kwon-Do Schools Saffron Walden; Contact: Bruce Lapthorn T: 01354 693554/07816 032265 E: bruce@tkd72.plus.com W: bl-taekwondo-schools.co.uk Budo Taijutsu Saffron Walden W: mushinzui.com Dunmow Shotokan Karate Club Instructor: Garry Hutton T: 07770 854154; W: eska.org.uk Haverhill & Saffron Walden Shotokan Karate Ages: 5+ Contact: Gill Payne; M: 07939 138665 E: gill.payne@talktalk.net Judo, Ickleton and Sawston Ages: 6+ Contact: Richard Drage T: 01763 838203; M: 07860 331081 E: iskjc@yahoo.co.uk) Koryoda Kids Martial Arts for Little Ninjas Ages: 6-11 W: koryoda.com

www.saladdaysmag.uk SW Judo Club Ages: 7+ E: saffronwaldenjudoclub@hotmail.co.uk Thursdays Dame Bradbury's School SW Contact: Michelle Camp FB: "Saffron Walden Judo Club".

Saffron Walden Squash Club Ages: 8-adult; Junior coaching Saturdays Contact: George Atterbury T: 01799 530695 E: george.atterbury@hotmail.com

Shotokan Karate Ryu Bishop’s Stortford & Stansted Ages: 4+ Contact: Sensei Donna Ring 5th Dan or Sensei Michael Ring, 6th Dan T: 01279 731752 W: skr.org.uk

Bishop’s Stortford Swimming Club Bishop's Stortford College Sunday 3-6pm Ages 3-Adult E: membership@bsswimclub.org.uk www.bsswimclub.org.uk

Te-Ashi-Do Karate - see far right Bishop’s Stortford Ages: 3-adult Sensei Alan Worrell, 4th Dan T: 07826 849388 E: alan.worrell@sky.com W: teashido.co.uk Wendens Ambo Mini Rugby Ages: 5-12 Joyce Franklin Academy Contact: E: chair@wendenrugby.com www.wendenrugby.com

n Running

Bishop’s Stortford Running Club Ages: 11-16 Contact: Ian McClymont; T: 01279 723786 W: bsrc.org.uk

n Squash

Bishop’s Stortford Squash Club Juniors Ages: 5 years+ Contact: Andrew Mulvey; T: 01279 652897 E: andrewmulvey@stortfordsquash.co.uk W: stortfordsquash.co.uk

n Swimming

see right

Dolphin Swim Linton, Fulbourn & Bishops Stortford Ages: 6 weeks + Contact: Amanda Gawthrope T: 07975 719 444 E: dolphinbabyswim@gmail.com W: dolphinbabyswim.com & bishopsstortforddolphinswim.com SAS Swimming - see opposite page Linton and Fulbourn classes Ages: from 3 ½ yrs+ T: 01799 500142 or 07947 730287 E: mail@sas-swimming.co.uk W: sas-swimming.co.uk Saffron Walden Swimming Club (Saffron Seals) Ages: 8-16 E: trials@saffronseals.org.uk W: saffronseals.org.uk Meets at Lord Butler Fitness & Leisure Centre, Saffron Walden with training sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Competitive club with an element of fun.

sport 21

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Warm water pools ideal for beginners & improvers • Friendly, experienced teachers • Fun and progressive • Small classes (max. 6 pupils) • Free award scheme Linton & Fulbourn Ages 3½ onwards Call 01799 500142, Mob: 07947 730287 sasswimmingcambridge@gmail.com

www.sas-swimming.co.uk Te-Ashi-Do

Karate Get fit, gain confidence, learn to defend yourself, have fun!

Classes for 5+ years – adults Markwell Pavilion, Bishop’s Stortford, Thursdays @ 5.30pm

Sensei Alan Worrell, 4th Dan

T: 07826 849 388 “ ”

E: alan.worrell@sky.com www.teashido.co.uk facebook.com/TeAshiDoKarateBishopsStortford

22 tooth fairy Tooth Collecting Box

www.saladdaysmag.uk

The Tooth Fairy – A story for parents A Thursday: “Mummy, Sienna lost another tooth today!”. My five-year-old, Fox is incredibly competitive and looks deflated that her friend had lost not one, but two teeth now compared to her zero loses. “Mummy, why haven’t I lost a tooth yet?” The grown-up Mummy voice in me wanted to say that it’s because you’re not brushing your teeth properly and the fairies do not want teeth unless

£35.90 from www.Notonthehighstreet.com

they are beautifully sparkling and gleaming white. Do not worry, I was not that mean. Instead I told her that it was because we all grow at different times and in different ways! While you may be on a red level reading book, your fellow classmate may be on the yellow level. It does not mean that you’re not reading well just that you’re reading at different paces. Everyone learns, grows, discovers, and flourishes at various times. Just like loosing teeth I guess, its not a race its just a journey. My daughter looked at me like I had two heads and was morbidly disappointed that she wasn’t going to receive money under her pillow tonight from the tooth fairy in replace for her tiny, little tooth. It did get me thinking however…..

Who and what is the tooth fairy and where did it come from?

Tooth Fairy coins at Etsy.com

Is it just a clever ploy dreamt up by a stressed mother to get her children to brush their teeth? Like Santa Claus only brings presents to you if you have been good ALL YEAR ROUND!!! And like all good concepts and ideas it just caught on? Or is it more

traditional than that? Different cultures around the world have other stories and myths including in the middle ages that baby teeth were left for rodents to eat.

Despite being pests, people believed that if a rat ate your baby tooth your adult teeth would grow heathy and strong. So, after exploring the bizarre tooth tales I turned my thoughts to another question.

What do the fairies do with the teeth they collect from our children?

I tell my child that they build Fairy houses and castles to live in and that is why you must brush them… they only like to live in clean palaces! I have also heard that they are melted down to make piano keys (I like this

tooth fairy 23

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

A Wednesday: My little girl could not wait to show her best friend Roma her gap. He, like she did, asked when his first tooth was going to fall out, she said smugly, “when you’re grown up like me”. There is exactly 6 months age difference between them, and she always enjoys lording her maturity over him. An hour later, Roma lost his first tooth. We couldn’t find it anywhere, so we assumed he swallowed it. I told him he needed to write a letter to the tooth fairy and tell him/her what had happened and then, to my friend’s dismay, would get a fivepound note under the pillow. Strangely enough Roma lost the same tooth as Fox did. She said “Wow, we’re twins.” With that Roma replied showing off his new gap, “that means we have to get married”. My first thought was, well at £5 per tooth, between them they can afford to pay for their own wedding!

one but I cant change my story now!!) another story is that they may be given to new born babies as they are born toothless. A week later my daughter finally lost her first tooth. Now I have another dilemma: How much do teeth go for these days?

When I was a wee girl, many hundreds

of moons ago I used to get a pound.

Seems reasonable? Not to a child these days, oh no. The rate of inflation has gone up and some of my friend’s kids are telling me they get up to a tenner for a tooth!!!! What? £10? That’s extortionate! Well what can you get for a pound these days? Definitely not a milk

tooth in seems. So, I met in the middle and gave Fox £5 for her first tooth.

However, she did tell Grandma that she was expecting £10 and that she had been “diddled” by the Tooth Fairy and needed some help writing a letter of complaint to Fairy HQ!

24 performing arts Dance & drama n Dance

Dance classes for young children from the age of 3 years upwards.

Registered teacher of the R.A.D, A.I.S.T.D. Exams in ballet, tap and modern, and contemporary dance.

Graham School of Dance T: 01279 654 423 E: info@grahamschoolofdance.co.uk W: grahamschoolofdance.co.uk JCL School of Dance M: 07753 607 523 E: julialast8@gmil.com W: jclschooldance.webden.co.uk Karen Howarth School of Dance T: 01279 651535 E: balletkaren@hotmail.co.uk Kate Plummer School of Dance M: 07832 212 593 E: kateplum@hotmail.co.uk

Saxophone, Clarinet, Guitar and Flute Lessons BA (Hons) Music 20 years teaching experience.

All levels and ages including beginners

James Free Based in Saffron Walden

T: 07818 334592

Tempos Performing Arts M: 07956 211 909 E: info@temposperformingarts.co.uk W: temposperformingarts.co.uk

n Drama Drama Wise T: 01223 832 288 E: frances.wyse@btinternet.com W: dramaclasses.biz

n Theatre schools Buzzy Bees Sting Performing Arts M: 07900 735 566 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com

www.saladdaysmag.uk Hyperfusion Theatre Co M: 07909 960 490 E: sarah@hyperfusion.co.uk W: hyperfusion.co.uk

Compose yourself

Pauline Quirk Academy M: 07958 913 456 E: paula.templeman@pqaacademy.com W: pqaacademy.com Pure Rhythm Performing Arts T: 01799 501 579 E: sue@purerhythm.co.uk W: purerhythm.co.uk Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company M: 07799 628 977 E: swmtcyg@gmail.com W: swmtc.net Stagecoach T: 01799 588 246 E: saffronwalden@stagecoach.co.uk W: stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden Sting Performing Arts M: 07903 192 094 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com

Faber Music and Sound & Music are offering ten young composers (aged 14 - 18 years) the opportunity to learn composition and develop skill on the Sound & Music Summer School 2021.

The bursaries are focused on those who may face financial barriers to participate.

Please visit www.soundandmusic.com

Instrumental information for young musicians

Music n Choirs, orchestras Cantate Youth Choir E: info@cantate.co.uk W: cantata.co.uk Joyful Noise T: 01799 520 083 E: annecass@btinternet.com

Chelmsford Cathedral Choirs are currently recruiting for boys (school years 3-5) and girls (school years 6-9). All of the choirs are free to join. To find out more about the choirs and how to audition email music@chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

performing arts 25

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

School of Performing Arts

Sing Dance Act Ages 5 to 17 Contact: Sue Raven 07952 993288 or 01799 501579

Believe, Achieve, 'sue@purerhythm.co.uk ' www.purerhythm.co.uk Succeed

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Saffron Walden Town Band M: 07779 266 853 E: stephthake@gmail.com Sting Choir M: 07484 865 763 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com St. Mary’s Church Junior Choir T: 07928 339 310 ' E: choirsmsw@gmail.com ' ' '

n Music tutors

Dan Ketteridge (Guitar) M: 07862 278 404 E: fig6@hotmail.com Elizabeth De Vile (piano) All ages. Offers practical exams and aural test coaching for instrumentalists.

T: 01799 500 111; E: edevile@hotmail.co.uk James Free (sax, flute, guitar) See page 24 M: 07818 334 592 E: jamesfsax@gmail.com W: schoolofeverything.com

n Music schools Kodaly Classes; E: info@saffroncym.org W: Kodaly.org.uk Instrumental and vocal tuition is available, as well as composition, music production, song writing and general musicianship classes. We offer a wide variety of ensembles for every age and level of player from age 4 to 18. Online lessons are also available.

To see our fees and to find out more about SCYM go to: www.saffroncym.org or email info@saffroncym.org

Saffron Centre for Young Musicians E: info@saffronmusicschool.com W: saffronmusicschool.com St Marys C of E school T: 01799 523 384 E: info@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk W: stmaryssw.org.uk

Singing teaches communiction skills.

For toddlers and children, singing strengthens their lips and toungues which encourages clear speaking, and also expands their vocabulary and teaches them about creative language and rhyme.

26 performing arts

www.saladdaysmag.uk AWARD WINNING

Parent and child music and dance classes in Saffron Walden and Bishops Stortford

FRl cElaEsses

tria able avail

Fun, friendly and affordable performing arts classes taught by local professional teachers.

Wide range of classes for students ages 3+ years. www.temposperformingarts.co.uk Classes in info@temposperformingarts.co.uk Stansted, www.tinytempos.co.uk Ugley, info@tinytempos.co.uk Newport and Saffron Walden Tel: 07956 211909

BOOK ONLINE

Performing Arts in the Pandemic Like all small local businesses, Tempos has had to adapt this last year and we have been able to run our classes online and with the continued support of our Tempos families and the local community we have been able to provide a full timetable of over 35 classes a week as well as special West End Workshop and Dance Parties and raise over £1000 for charity too!

Classes are, of course, totally different online but the benefits are still huge – We have found our Performing arts students have been able to really focus on technique, strength & flexibility and are really seeing the benefits of sticking with their classes over this new medium.

Being able to connect with classmates and other families has been a great boost to everyone especially parents with young babies. We have been especially pleased with how our Tiny Tempos classes have adapted to the new Tempos Online format with parents finding new ways to invent instruments and props usually found in classes – Saucepans for drums and bottles for shakers!

With our social media pages and groups, we have continued to try and inspire all the children with fun, crazy challenges and competitions from Best Family Dance

to Funniest Jokes all of which keeps us active and happy – physically and mentally which is the most important thing.

With our 2020 show postponed, we have reimagined classes to include Pop Video street dance class projects and “Zoomsicals” for Musical Theatre classes in place of live performance, but we are already planning our next big show and we cannot wait to be back in the venues with our Tempos families. In the meantime – Keep smiling, keep connected and keep dancing and singing!

pre-school 27

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Busy Bees Thorley Park 16 The Thorley Centre Ages: 3 months-5 yrs Contact: Stacy Kersey T: 01279 654830 Doodle Do Day Nursery The Old Church Hall, Portland Road Ages: Babies-5 Contact: Colleen Guiver T: 01279 653318 E: manager@doodledodaynursery.com W: doodledodaynursery.com

Pre-schools n Albury

Albury Seedlings Pre-School Albury C of E Primary School Ages: 2 to school age T: 01279 771253 E: admin@albury.herts.sch.uk

n Ashdon

Ashdon Childrens Nursery Ages: 3mths-5yrs; Contact: Annette Bel T: 01799 584848 E: info@ashdonchildrensnursery.com W: ashdonchildrensnursery.com Forest School sessions in Ashdon E: Sarah@natureoflearning.co.uk W: natureoflearning.co.uk

n Bartlow

Little Hands Nursery Ages: 0-4; Head: Marion Kell T: 01223 897945 E: lh-bartlow@btconnect.com

n Birchanger Birchanger Butterflies Preschool Birchwood; Ages: 2½-5 T: 01279 810800 E: admin@birchangerbutterflies.org.uk

n Bishop’s Stortford

Grove Cottage (Special needs) 151 London Road. Bishop’s Stortford.

M-F (offers 15hr and 30hr funded places) Ages: Birth-5 Contact: Maria Sims T: 01279 656085 E: nursery@mencapgrovecottage.org

Busy Bees Nursery St Michael’s Mead Ages: 0-5 Contact: Mandy Caslake T: 01279 755522

Little Ladybirds All Saints School; Ages: 2-4 Contact: Hayley Lynskey T: 07745 262676/01279 771367 Little Oaks - See page 3 Howe Green House School; Ages: 2-3 Contact: Julie Sellears; T: 01279 657706 E: julie.s@howegreenhouse.essex.sch.uk W: howegreenhousseschool.co.uk

SAPLINGS NURSERY

Appletree Pre-School Windhill21 School Ages: 2-5 Contact: Hayley Lynskey T: 07745 262676/01279 771367 Blues Pre-School Nursery Bishop’s Stortford High School Ages: 2-5 Contact; Kim Craythorne T: 01279 755422 E: admissions@bluespreschool.co.uk W: bluespreschool.co.uk

High House Montessori Nursery Takeley Rd, Herts CM22 6PL Ages: 0-5 Contact: Vanessa Callan T: 01279 870898 W: highhousenursery.co.uk

‘where children play to learn' Waltham Hall Cottage, Bambers Green Road, CM22 6PF

Beautiful, family environment Flexible child care options Funded places 15 & 30 hours All-inclusive affordable prices

01279 851998 saplingsnursery.co.uk

28 pre-school Sunflowers Pre-School Ages: 3 & 4 yrs Thorley Hill Primary School Park Lane, CM23 3NH. Manager: Louisa Cowler T: 07752 562206 E: sunflowers.preschool17@gmail.com W: sunflowerspreschool.co.uk Sycamore House Day Nursery Manager: Courtney Skeggs T: 01279 465097; E: manager@ sycamorehousedaynursery.co.uk W: sycamorehousedaynursery.co.uk Thorley Pre-School & Thorley Tree Tots Manager: Jean Palfreman T: 01279 503895; M: 07722 129073 E: admin@thorleypreschool.plus.com W: thorleypreschool.co.uk Thorn Grove Little Acorns Thorn Grove School; Ages: 2-5 Contact: Sam Stedman; T: 01279 653233 E: tglittleacorns@aol.com

n Chrishall

Chrishall Pre-School Manager Mrs Sonia Mckenna T: 01763 838592 E: preschool@chrishall.essex.sch.uk W: chrishall.essex.sch.uk

n Clavering

Clavering & Arkesden Preschool Head: Cara Donker; Ages: 2½-5 T: 01799 550380 E: claveringarkesdenpreschool@gmail.com W: claveringarkesdenpreschool.org.uk

n Farnham

n Great Chishill

Saplings Farnham (Preschool) Term Time: Mon-Fri 09.00-15.00 Contact: Jess Boyten E: admin@saplingsnursery.co.uk W: saplingsfarnham.co.uk

Great Chishill Nursery School Gt Chishill Cricket Pavillion Ages: 2-5 Head: Anita Street; T: 01763 836968 W: chishillnursery.co.uk

Finchingfield Pre-school Ages: 2-5 Manager: Christine Lambert T: 01371 811593; M: 07713 189801 E: finchingfieldpreschool@gmail.com

Flitch Green Montessori Preschool Manager: Carly Gold T: 01371 823293 E: flitchgreen@mymontessori.org.uk W: flitchgreenpreschool.co.uk

n Finchingfield

n Ford End

Ford End Pre-School Village Hall Prorietor: Joanna Mardell T: 01371 874457 M: 07754 876330 E: joannamardell@yahoo.co.uk W: fordendpreschool.co.uk

n Great Bardfield

Great Bardfield Pre-School Ages: 2 to school age Manager: Kathy King T: 01371 811580; M: 07971 429386 E: KathyKing32@btinternet.com

n Great Chesterford Great Chesterford Community Preschool - see page 29 Ages: 2-5 Manager: Debbie Allard; T: 07840 341551 E: admissions@chesterfordspreschool. org.uk

n Great Dunmow

Freedom Daycare Nursery Contacts: Joules Abraham & Kath Gibson T: 01371 873663 Maynard Montessori Pre-School Managers: Becky Sadler, T: 01371 856995 E: maynard@mymontessori.org.uk W: maynardmontessori.co.uk Puffin Preschool Head: Carolin Dodkins T: 07712 858878 Wrens Pre-School Quaker Meeting House Proprietor: Joanna Mardell T: 01371 874457; M: 07754 876330 E: joannamardell@yahoo.co.uk W: wrenspreschool.co.uk

n Hatfield Broad Oak

Under 5s Preschool High Street, Hatfield Broad Oak Manager: Sharon; T: 01279 718998

n Hempstead

www.saladdaysmag.uk Pips Nursery - see page 34 Boytons Farm, Boytons Lane, Hempstead.

T: 01279 295296 M: 07866 469471 E: pippa@pips-nursery.co.uk M-F Flexible hours Registered child minding setting.

Extension of PIPS Nursery in Strethall.

Ages: 3 months to 3 years.

After school care from 4-9 years.

Holiday club with a variety of activities.

Norland Nurse; NNEB, RSH.

n Henham

Henham & Ugley Nursery School Ages: 3-5; Head: Mrs Kim Hall T: 01279 850213 E: admin@henhamugley.essex.sch.uk W: henhamugley.essex.sch.uk Saplings Nursery- see page 27 Ages: 3 mths-5 yrs Contact: Cheryl Rae; T: 01279 851998 E: admin@saplingsnursery.co.uk W: saplingsnursery.co.uk

n Little Hallingbury

Little Hallingbury Playgroup Village Hall; Ages: 2-rising 5 Contact: Debbie Roberts; T: 01279 726578 E: debbieroberts35@virginmedia.com

n Much Hadham

Faraway Tree Kindergarten Ages: 2+ Hadham Cross Congregational Ch Hall Manager: Kristie Chesters T: 07488 333820 E: info@farawaytreekindergarten.co.uk W: farawaytreekindergarten.co.uk Mo, Tue, Thur, Fri. 08.30-16.30. All year

pre-school 29

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Much Hadham Pre-School Ages: 2+ -5 years Oudle Lane, Much Hadham SG10 6DQ Contact: Maria; T: 01279 842614 E: muchhadhampreschool@yahoo.co.uk W: muchhadhampreschool.co.uk Monday-Friday 09.00-15.00

n Newport

Olivers Lodge Nursery Ages: 0-4 07.00-18.30; Head: Alex Suffolk T: 01799 540709 E: info@olivers-lodge.co.uK Olivers Lodge Pre-School Ages: 3-4; 09.00-15.00 Head: Alex Suffolk T: 01799 540709 E: info@olivers-lodge.co.uk

n Saffron Walden

Bell Day Nursery; Ages: 0-5 Head: Jenny Rivers/Glenys Goodwin T: 01799 528051 Bright Horizons Crocus Saffron Walden Nursery and Preschool Ages: 3 mth-5 yrs Manager: Anne Hunt T: 01799 522522 E: saffronwalden@brighthorizons.com W: brighthorizons.com.

Meadow Montessori Nursery Ages: 2-5; Head: Colette Loveday T: 01799 513858 W: montessorimeadows.co.uk Saffron Walden Nursery School see right Ages: 1-5 Head: Kirsty Curtis; T: 01799 522108 E: info@saffronwaldennursery.org.uk W: saffronwaldennursery.org.uk

Stehen Perse Nursery (Dame Bradbury’s) Ashdon Road, CB10 2AL; Ages: 1-5 T: 01223 454762 E: admissions@stephenperse.com W: stephenperse.com St Mary’s Church Pre-School Ages: 2-5 Head: Faye Jeff; T: 01799 520358 E: smcpreschool@btconnect.com W: stmaryschurchpreschool.co.uk St Thomas More Montessori Ages: 1-5 yrs; Manager: Catherine Hunter T: 01799 523248 Manager: Martina Pariskova T: 01799 523248- ext.3 E: stm@mymontessori.org.uk W: stthomasmoremontessori.co.uk

n Stansted

Strong outdoors ethos; based on Forest School Principles

Bentfield Nursery Ages: 3-5; T: 01279 813626 E: admin@bentfield.essex.sch.uk W: bentfield.essex.sch.uk Rainbow Preschool Ages: 2½-5; Administrator: Gill T: 01279 814242 W: rainbowpreschool-stansted.co.uk Ugley Duckling Pre-School Ages: 2½-5; Head: Caroline Dawson T: 01279 812621

n Steeple Bumpstead

Blois Meadow Day Nursery Ages: Birth-5 years; T: 01440 730520 W: bloismeadowdaynursery.com

Saffron Walden Nursery School

Shirehill Industrial Estate, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3AQ

01799 522108

Child-centred, Discovery based approach

High quality “home from home” Now welcoming children aged from environment 12 months to 5 years at our friendly with free-flow child-centred setting. access to the outdoors Highly qualified and experienced Staff

led by a Qualified Early Years & Open from Primary Teacher.

8am-4pm Follow us on Facebook Term time only www.saffronwaldennursery.org.uk swnschool@aol.com

30 pre-school Steeple Bumpstead Pre-School Ages: 2½-5; Manager: Carol Bradley T: 07376 079254; W: sbpsp.co.uk

n Strethall

Pips Nursery; Ages: 3 mths-3 yrs Head: Pippa Doherty; T: 01799 522782

n Thaxted

The Barn Nursery, Barn Kids Ages: 3 mths-5 yrs; Head: Claire Simpson T: 01371 831262 E: info@thebarnnursery.co.uk Westwood Montessori Ages: 3 mths-5 yrs; Managers: Clair Snell-Smith, Jo Gaught; T: 01371 831902 E: westwood@mymontessori.org.uk W: westwoodmontessori.co.uk Windmill Pre-School Ages: 2½-5; Contact: Anne Gurey T: 01371 831457 (session times) E: windmill_preschool@yahoo.co.uk W: thewindmillpreschool.co.uk

n Wendens Ambo

Wendens Ambo Pre-School Ages: 2-5; Head: Sara Herring T: 07543 651343 E: manager@wendensambopreschool.co.uk W: wendensambopreschool.co.uk

n Wimbish

Busy Bee Childcare Centre Ages: 2-school Manager: T: 01799 523542 E: bees.busy@yahoo.co.uk

www.saladdaysmag.uk Why Early Years Education matters Early years education promotes social and emotional development. An important aspect of going to school is learning how to interact with others.

Indeed, many nursery teachers feel that developing social and emotional skills is more important to a toddler’s success than developing early academic skills.

Early years education will teach children to take turns, listen and value what others have to say. Children learn to problem- solve appropriately and how to demonstrate respect for others through sharing, cooperation and collaboration. Early years education encourages independence and trust.

Many toddler aged children are understandably dependant on their parents as the primary trusted adults in their lives. In early year settings, however young, children will learn to rely on other adults as well. As teachers present ideas for students to assist their peers in different tasks naturally children will gain self-confidence.

Children can learn to take chances and trust themselves, their peers and their teachers.

If you are checking out any local providers, we could not help but notice all the wonderful activities and growth that has happened over at the Bardfield Montessori. T: 01371 811 088

Social media: a parent’s guide

With social media growing faster than your children, you may feel that with the hectic life of a parent you aren’t completely caught up in this new type of playground. Social media is the favourite pastime for many children. So, as someone who was a child not too long ago myself and has had a career on social media, I am more than qualified to bring you up to speed. If you read most of the articles about social media, you will more than likely know about Instagram.

It’s an app that has had more criticism

pre-school 31

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk expectations. Young people may not know about photoshop, so explaining how it works can aid them in feeling better about their imperfections and show them that everybody has their own, but you can’t always see others on social media. Even though the issues mentioned above are real and worrying to a lot of parents, it is worth noting that posting images of oneself has been proven to boost self-confidence. The reasoning behind this is that feeling empowered is a result of being in control, and Instagram allows you to be in control of your image. It creates a sense of confidence as you can portray what you want people to see and it can put your creativity and personality on display as well. Additionally, as someone who has than any other, yet it is the most popular social media platform of today. Instagram revolves around picture and video sharing and therefore many attack the platform for breeding image obsessed teens and damaging self-esteem.

However, the negatives of Instagram can be tackled by parents and their children can enjoy the many benefits that Instagram has to offer. Firstly, as the app relies so heavily on imagery, it can understandably worry many parents about the effects this may have on their young children. This is because it can create a dependency on comments, likes and follows to fuel self-esteem. Creating a dialogue about whether these likes are authentic feedback can help control the want for instant gratification through

likes. Encouraging this real-life communication and talking about their posts and what they like about it, can allow your child to receive satisfaction genuinely and relieve the dependency on automatic likes. Also, with many others on the app using photoshop to ‘fix’ any imperfections there’s a tendency to compare oneself to these unrealistic

watched Instagram grow, I have seen an increasing number of accounts that focus on empowering users and social change to combat the negativity that Instagram can create. On top of this Instagram is a great connector for young people allowing them to communicate with their friends and satisfy social needs. I can also vouch for the educational tool that Instagram can be. The network is overflowing with accounts that cover world news, politics, geography, science and many more that give learning opportunities that are in a fun and exciting format.

Lucy Maguire Physics student & “TikToker”

32 toddlers and babies

www.saladdaysmag.uk

“Thomas is an incredible young man with an interest in animals but also a strong dedication to ensure the zoo can survive, he is an inspiration. On behalf of everyone at the zoo and the animals, thank you!”

Dr. Tropeano, Managing Director, Colchester Zoo

TJs q ue s t t o s av e C ol c h es t er Z o o TJ is a 5-year-old boy from Great Dunmow. His dream is to become a zookeeper as he LOVES animals. He has been visiting Colchester Zoo since he was a baby and it is his favourite place to visit.

Due to the second lockdown the zoo has had to close. Meaning funding for animal food and bedding is in short supply.

TJ is selflessly trying to raise money to help feed as many animals as possible.

He has set up a mini Colchester zoo outside the front of his house and made some posters on his Mum’s computer.

To help with the fundraising please visit TJ’s funding page https://gf.me/u/y7wicu

Are you reading this advert?

So are thousands of potential clients.

Advertise your business here.

07900 735 566 Call to book your space

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Let’s talk eyes…

toddlers and babies 33 Interior & Exterior Tiling Specialists We focus upon providing tiling services to the highest levels of customer satisfaction to ensure we always meet your expectations. With 29 years experience of Domestic and Commercial tiling we guarantee a professional finish and total satisfaction on all work we undertake. With a complete range of services to choose from we are sure you will be happy working with us. Guaranteed!

I just wanted to draw attention to a concern I have. Over the past year or so I’ve noticed a large increase in the number of children developing myopia (short-sightedness). I understand that kids love their electronic devices more than oxygen, but it is imperative that they spend at least an HOUR outdoors where that can gaze into the distance instead of up close.

Poor indoor lighting combined with incessant games and videos is causing a change of approximately 1 Diopter of myopia per year. That is WAY too much.

Please folks, get them outside and into natural light – I cannot stress how important that is for healthy visual development!

Naturally, you’ll be met with tantrums and hysteria (and a few well-aimed projectiles) but they’ll thank you when they’re older. I promise.

Greg, Wanstead Opticians

We undertake all types of Domestic and Commercial interior or exterior tiling work.

We accept 'supply and fit' or labour only work.

CALL US NOW FOR A FREE QUOTATION AND EXPERT ADVICE.

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34 toddlers and babies PIPS

s Lane, Boyton W P s Farm, Boyton stead. CB10 2 Hemp 9 2 5 6

29 t: 0127696 469471 k 8 7 0 : m ery.co.u ips-nurs

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Toddler & Baby group s ready for your return.

With Toddler and baby groups being closed fo r so long, we are certainl y looking forward to these local business of fering their sevices once again. These orga nisations are not only great for our little ones physical development but they are going to be key to getting us back socialising with people in the same situation.

R TODDLE STEAM

Y A L P

gineering, chnology, en les and (science, te es, todd bi ba Free Steam r fo ns hs) sessio y at 9am. art and mat every Monda the sessions preschoolers 20 20 ch ar M ckdown in d include Since the lo er zoom an ld online ov rmation have been he ren too. For more info child 8157326. To 70 07 primary age on act Sandra visit please cont ssion please view the se ersteam/ /sandratoddl om .c m ra www.instag

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

(term time only except where stated)

toddlers and babies 35

GROW LEARN

36 toddlers and babies Don’t Struggle Alone – Citizens Advice Can Help If you are worried about money, or struggling in other ways at the moment, you are not alone - one in three households has lost money over the last year. But even if problem feels insurmountable, there is always a way out.

The old saying goes that a problem shared is a problem halved and this can very often be the case. In the first instance, take the time to talk to friends and family who know you well; they may be able to offer valuable advice and practical support.

If you need more specialist support, our trained staff and volunteers can help with issues relating to benefit entitlements and applications, money worries, employment rights, including issues related to redundancy, problems with housing such as landlord disputes or homelessness, discrimination issues, domestic violence situations and other relationship challenges. Our advice is free, independent, and confidential and can help you and your family to find a way forward.

If it is difficult for you to manage financially due to a drop in your income, we can

make sure that you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.

We can also check your eligibility for a wide range of local support schemes that may help to cover the cost of food, heating, travel, children’s clothes, medical supplies, educational resources or support you to access education or training opportunities that could help get you back into work. Remember, if you need to selfisolate and cannot work from home you can also apply for a £500 support payment.

Our advisers will never tell you what to do but will explain your options and help you to make informed decisions about how best to manage your problems by focusing on your needs and priorities. Our advice costs nothing, so you really have nothing to lose by giving us a call.

To speak to an adviser, call 01799 618840 or email help@uttlesfordca.org.uk and leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as they can.

Uttlesford Citizens Advice Barnards Yard, Saffron Walden, CB11 4EB www.uttlesfordcab.org.uk

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Antenatal and postnatal n Uttlesford

Mummy MOT A womans health check with physio Contact: Fiona 07757 609091 W: www.fionaoleareyphysio.co.uk Winstanley House, Saffron Walden, CB10 1HQ, M:07757609091, E: hello@fionaolearyphysio.co.uk.

l Essex Child & Family Wellbeing Service

Healthy Family Drop-Ins T: 0300 2470122 Appointments only

Do Doyou youwant want your child childto torealise realise their true truepotential? potential?

Come to our Pre-Prep School Open Morning Come to our Pre-Prep Open Morning ForFor Reception/4+ Reception/4+entry. entry.

Please register online for an opportunity to attend Pre-Prep Come to the Pre-Prep Open Morning and the view our Open Morning and view our facilities for both inside and outside facilities for both inside and outside learning. Meet the learning. Meet the Head, staff and current parents to gain a feel for Head, staff and current parents to gain a feel for the the environment and the breadth of opportunities we can offer.

environment and the breadth of opportunities we can offer.

Register at www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org Saturday 24th April – Open Morning 9.30am - 12.00 noon

Pre-Prep School: Saturday 25th April 2020 9.30am – 12 noon SatNav for parking CM23 4BT

Building Con dence for Life.

Building Con dence for Life.

01279 838626 ppadmissions@BishopsStortfordCollege.org 01279 838626 ppadmissions@BishopsStortfordCollege.org