Salad Days -because they're only young once! Spring 2023 issue

Spring 2023 Issue 97 FREE e k to ta y awa

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

Stephen Perse Sixth Form Cambridge 80% of A Levels graded A*-B in 2022 Stephen Perse Senior School Cambridge 79% of GCSEs graded 9-7 in 2022

Start your Stephen Perse journey at

Dame Bradbury’s Stephen Perse is a family of co-educational independent schools from Nursery to Sixth Form in Cambridge and Saffron Walden.

Rated ‘Excellent’ for pupils’ achievements and pupils’ personal development - Independent Schools Inspectorate 2021

Richard Girvan, Principal

Find out more

stephenperse.com

in this issue 1

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

Hello Spring!

Hello Spring! How much we missed you and the abundance that you bring. The smell of fresh mud and freshly cut grass, the chattering of the little critters and the flagrant sprouting flowers. We have been dreaming of spring since the middle of the winter. Thank goodness we can finally get out in the garden now that spring has sprung, as the saying goes!

Spring traditionally calls for renewal and rejuvenation, things we especially now welcome as it gets a little warmer and we can go steady on the heating. This issue is

blooming with interesting articles and full of lovely celebratory things to do this spring, especially over Easter.

Contents:

We have everything covered from Education and FREE open days. An Easter book review, places to go and see and ideas on how to host an Easter tea party for your little ones!

Articles & Features

There are many activities to participate in, including what’s on at the cinema and local theatres for all ages. Perhaps you might be considering a new club or hobby for you child. After all, spring plays a positive role in all our lives and we might just feel the need to have a fresh start and try something new.

Stoke College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 & 9

Find the listings of activities in the sports, performing arts and toddler pages.

Contents opposite for your reference.

Living with an invisible illness . . . . .13

Salad Days continues to distribute 10,000 magazines for the school book bags and our online readerships has also grown with our digital publication reaching a wide spread demographic. If you have a story, event or would like to advertise for the summer, be sure to contact us!

Enjoy this issue. Lisa & Tam X

“ ”

saladdays.info

Saladdaysmag

Saladdaysmag

© Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart 2023 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: Nick Crawley. Printed by Indigo Ross, Spectrum House, Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1WH.

Education

EHCP transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Primary schools . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 4 Tutors and support . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Book review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 & 11 Leisure & Features . . . . . . . . . .10-20 Diary Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Performing Arts Dance, drama, theatre, music .23-26 Easter tea-party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Make your dog a Superdog! . . . . . .18

Pre School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 - 29

Skills for life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Babies and Toddlers . . . . . . . .30 - 31

Rural Cost of Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 - 22

Copy Date for Summer issue

1st May 2023 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

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Primary schools n Bishop’s Stortford

Northgate Primary & Nursery T: 01279 652376 E: admin@northgate.herts.sch.uk W: northgate.herts.sch.uk

Felsted Primary T: 01371 820215 E: admin@felsted-pri.essex.sch.uk W: felsted-pri.sch.uk

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

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

Avanti Meadows Primary School T: 01279 598575 E: avantimeadows@avanti.org.uk W: www.avanti.org.uk/avantimeadows

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

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

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

n Great Dunmow

Dunmow St. Mary’s Primary T: 01371 872340 E: admin@dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk W: dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk

Great Dunmow Primary T: 01371 873184 E: admin@greatdunmow-pri.essex.sch.uk W: greatdunmowprimary.co.uk The Flitch Green Academy T: 01371 822330; E: admin@flitchgreen.net W: theflitchgreen.net

n Saffron Walden Dame Bradbury’s T: 01799 454700 E: office@stephenperse.com W: www.stephenperse.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

OPEN G MOrdRayN25ItNh March,

on Satu 0 to 11.30am. from 9.3call or email us at use.

Please reenho @howeg e c ffi lo o .uk scho essex.sch interest. r u yo to register

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

SD

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 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

education 5

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

W O N PEN O

ROCKING HORSE NURSERY For babies from 3 months old.

Within the beautiful grounds of Saint Nicholas School, Old Harlow.

7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round.* *excluding bank holidays

ROCKING HORSE NURSERY: www.rockinghorsenursery.net • 01279 215965 SAINT NICHOLAS SCHOOL: www.saintnicholasschool.net • 01279 429910

SAINT NICHOLAS

6 education

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Tutors & support n Academic

Presents

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

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ees re ntr e t t ree s nes t r t e n D n e r t t n s n s n s Dr r s t n n n rr t e st r te n A r st ents n e er en e n er r n n e en r e r ees t er r n e ents n s s e re r t t r n est ees e e e s sse AMDA n n A e M s n Dr t Arts t ss r te n t e r e s

n t r n en

DANCE

£90

Karen Kellet KS2 maths, specialising in SATS maths preparation; T: 07813 577590 E: karen.kellet7@gmail.com

SINGING

DRAMA Per er

Glenis Toms Qualified and experienced teacher.

Maths and English; 7-11 years T: 01799 540833

S

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9:00

10:30

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10:30

1:00

t rt n ter ster

#PPL OPX UP BWPJE EJTBQQPJOUNFOU #PPL OPX UP BWPJE EJTBQQPJOUNFOU

Call Tamara on +4 4 ( 0) 7 900 7 35 566 or email: tam@stingperformingart s.com

Kumon Bishop’s Stortford Contact: Nicola Norbury T: 01920 461457; W: kumon.co.uk Sue Herd BEd (Hons) Experienced primary school tutor for Key stage 1 & 2 English & Maths T: 01799 510 995; M: 07836 687376 Caron Johnson Qualified teacher, experienced in supporting children with learning difficulties in KS1. Maths and English.

T: 07305 353720

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 Sammons, ITEC. IIHHT. DIP. SMT. Y.M Teaching relaxation and well-being skills for life.Outdoor and indoor courses for children, teens, 1 -1 and families.

T: 07966 579345 E: nikki@nikkisammons.co.uk W: www.nikkisammons.co.uk

Mini Mindfulness programmes teaching young people skills for life.

Relaxing in nature, and being in the present moment can improve sensory awareness. Our sessions raise self esteem, confidence and concentration, whilst reducing anxiety. For summer bookings at Noakes Grove, Nature Reserve .

Contact -Nikki Sammons M: 07966 579345

education 7

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

Polly Kerr, Senior Associate, Tees Law www.teeslaw.com PHASE TRANSFER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH AN EHCP EHCP stands for Education, Health, and Care Plan. It’s a legal document in the UK that outlines the support a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will receive.

Introduction – Phase Transfer The law states that an EHCP, must be reviewed ahead of a child moving between key phases of education to allow for planning and preparation for transition and provision at the new educational setting. The key transfers are: Early years provider to school Infant school to junior school Primary school to middle school Primary school to secondary school and Middle school to secondary school.

The deadline for EHCPs to have been reviewed, amended (where necessary), finalised, and issued for the above phase transfers is 15 February. For those who have not yet received their amended plan, it can be an anxious wait until then.

The above deadline and associated timescales mean that reviews for these phase transfers should have commenced in the Autumn term. Therefore, those children undergoing a phase transfer in September 2023 should have undergone a review of their EHCP by now, and some may have already received an amended EHCP naming placement from September 2023 in Section I. Phase Transfer from Secondary School to a Post-16 Institution For transfers for young people from secondary school to a post-16 institution or apprenticeship in 2023, the deadline to review and make any amendments to

the EHCP is 31 March. Where the transfer is taking place at a different time of the year to September, the local authority must take this into account and review and amend the EHCP at least five months before the transfer takes place.

The Review Process The review for phase transfers should follow the process of a usual annual review. It must focus on the child or young person’s progress towards achieving the outcomes listed in Section E of the EHCP. The review process should also: review the effectiveness of any special educational provision made for the child or young person where applicable, review the health and social care provision made for the child or young person consider the continuing appropriateness of the EHCP in light of the child’s progress, and consider whether any changes are required to outcomes, provision, educational establishment, and whether the EHCP plan should be discontinued.

Reviews must be undertaken in collaboration with the child and their parents, and the local authority must also cooperate with professionals.

The local authority should notify the child and their parents of its decision within four weeks of the review meeting (and within 12 months of the previous review or date of issue of the EHCP plan).

What if you are not happy with the amended EHCP? If the local authority has issued a final EHCP and you are unhappy with the special educational needs reflected in Section B, the special educational provision listed in Section F, or the setting named in

Expect more Expert legal services and independent financial advice Call Cambridge – 01223 311141 Bishop’s Stortford – 01279 755200 Saffron Walden – 01799 527299 section I, you have the right to appeal the local authority’s decision in the First Tier Tribunal. You can also ask the tribunal to make non-binding recommendations in respect of health and social care needs and provision (known as an Extended Tribunal).

You have two calendar months to lodge the appeal.

Before doing so, and where your appeal includes sections B and F of the EHCP, you must obtain a mediation certificate. This can be accessed using the contact details provided on the letter from the local authority enclosing the final EHCP. Once obtained, you have a further calendar month from the date of the mediation certificate to lodge the appeal.

However, you should act quickly once you have received the EHCP because time is of the essence ahead of transition in September and the tribunal may well receive an influx of these appeals at the same time.

If you are only appealing Section I of the EHCP

(educational placement) you do not need a mediation certificate.

What should you do if a review has not been carried out?

If your child is transferring schools and the local authority has not yet arranged a review, you should contact your local authority representative as soon as possible to arrange this as the local authority is in breach of its statutory duty.

You have a right to complain to the local authority if they have not issued an amended EHCP following review by 15 February or otherwise may consider a public law remedy arising from the Judicial Review process.

Contact If you would like advice or assistance in relation to the above, please contact Senior Associate, Polly Kerr, who leads the Education team at Tees, on 01763 295854 or by email at polly.kerr@teeslaw.com.

8 education

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Why consider a small independent school?

As Principal of Stoke College, this is a question that I am often asked by prospective parents, and it is a pleasure to answer as I love our school so much.

As a small day and boarding school of 160 students, with a strong international outlook and a growth plan that will still ensure we remain small, we know every child by name. We are very proud of the strong triumvirate relationship between school, student and parent. Parents certainly appreciate our affordability, too!

Classes are small, ensuring attention to each child, where the quality of teaching is of the highest calibre, with excellent learning outcomes, across a broad range of subjects.

Just as important as academic results are the students’ extra-curricular activities, delivered via the Diploma in Character and Resilience, and the Sixth Form Diploma in Global Competencies. Sport, music, drama, science & technology, personal finance & healthy lifestyle, and communication skills in a range of areas, all feature strongly.

‘Healthy Body, Healthy Mind’ is a powerful concept: our uniquely beautiful grounds – sports fields, woodland, river walks, exceptional wildlife including our resident otters, walled and secret gardens brimming with an abundance of rare trees and flowers – in a very safe and secure environment, are

complemented by outstanding food (never underestimate the importance of this!) and a terrific sports programme.

I believe that any self-respecting parent ultimately wants one thing for their child (and I say this as the father of three adult children myself), and that is happiness. A happy child will be a productive child, secure in their learning, valued for who they are, celebrated for their achievements, and wishing to have a positive impact on the lives of others.

All of this is made possible at Stoke College. Our older students proudly interact with younger students – they all belong to one of two ‘Houses’, Lions and Unicorns, who regularly do battle with

each other in sports, music, drama and cerebral competitions, that can range from the annual House Tug O’ War, to Science Olympics! As our students mature, guidance and support are given with extraordinary attention to detail regarding GCSE and A level options, opportunities for work experience, University and apprenticeship applications.

If the above messages speak to your heart and head, then Stoke College may prove to be the right environment to allow your child to fulfil their dreams.

Dr Gareth Lloyd, Principal, Stoke College.

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

education 9

Inspired minds | Individual A en on |Academic Achievement • • • •

Small classes in a beau ful rural se ng Unique Diploma in Character and Resilience Year 7 and Year 9 entry (few places for 2023) Transport across Su olk, Essex, Cambs.

Open Classrooms Event Tues 14th March, 9am Register now: stokecollege.co.uk

In Independen Independe Independ Indepen Indepe Indep Inde Ind Independent C Co CoCo-E Co-Ed D and Da Day a Boarding an B Bo Boa Boar Board Boardi Boardin S Sc Sch Scho Schoo School f 11-18 fo for 1 11 1111-1 year ye yea y olds o ol old

10 leisure and features

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Looking up, looking around, looking out, just looking, and

I’ll start with a book which warns of the danger of not looking out. I can’t resist Jon Klassen’s humour. He’s the awardwinning author-illustrator of This is Not My Hat and I Want My Hat Back and several other picture books in which the tension between the minimal storyline, the pared-back text, the spare illustrations, the subdued colour palette, the minimal action, and the huge comic richness of the drama, builds that kind of unsuppressible hysterical giggle which you get when you’re supposed to be silent. The Rock From The Sky is another of his instant classics.

There are five chapters or mini

stories, all involving a large rock. In the first, there is a bowler-hatted tortoise who asserts, ‘I like standing in this spot. It is my favourite place to stand. I don’t ever want to stand anywhere else’. We turn the page to see a large rock falling through space. Nothing else. Nothing else is needed: the drama is set, and tension immediately builds. On the following pages, the meerkat (possibly, though it could be an armadillo), also bowler-hatted, has a bad feeling about that spot and invites his friend to stand in a different spot. The tortoise refuses, adamantly. Turn the page and we (but not they) see the rock falling lower. Their exchanges continue, disrupted because the friends can’t quite hear each other from their two spots. The tension builds.

I’m not going to tell you the outcome but will reassure you that both creatures survive to the next chapter.

Jon Klassen’s fabulous dark, deadpan humour works for all ages.

Potentially dark but also bright with ideas and hope for a better future is Jess French’s What a Waste: rubbish, recycling, and protecting our planet, which includes inspiring examples of waste-reduction projects from countries

all around the world. Lots of colourful illustrations, bite-sized chunks of information, and some super ideas of how children can help to improve the prospects for the planet. It has the expected pages on water, air, and light pollution but also includes sections on space pollution, fashion, sewage treatment, and landfill (including how Israel turned ‘Garbage Mountain’ into the Ariel Sharon Park with cycling trails, a zoo, and an outdoor auditorium). I loved the page on the Orchestra of Recycled Instruments of Cateura – a children’s orchestra which plays using instruments made from repurposed items of rubbish.

And I thought the project to turn an old tshirt into a tote bag was ingenious – all instructions included, and no sewing required. This is a book with a serious message but importantly, serious encouragement.

From looking around to looking up. Weather, Camera, Action: A Meteorologist’s Guide to the Sky

by TV weatherman Liam Dutton and Giordano Poloni includes a lot of stuff which I didn’t know, presented in clear detail with vibrant illustrations. Did you know that there were upside-down rainbows? Do you know the difference between a hurricane, a typhoon, and a

maybe licking

This selection of children’s picture books celebrates the pleasure (and learning) to be had in using one’s eyes – to look around us; to look up at the skies; to look out for litter; to look at art; and to look at cuisines from around the world.

tropical cyclone? There are sections on the jet streams, cloud formations, how lightning works, dust storms, how satellites help weather reports, how computers help the accuracy of weather forecasts and much more. This book will fascinate any child of perhaps 8 and older and is handy for any adult who needs a quick briefing on anything meteorological. Fun to read is the ‘Day in the Life of a Weather Presenter’. I’m sure it isn’t just me who has wondered what they do all day between their 5-minute appearances. I’m not going to tell you – you’ll have to read the book!

Now for a book about ‘looking at’. Dr Seuss’s Horse Museum: A Canter Through Art History illustrated by Andrew Joyner.

The book is based on a manuscript and sketches found among Dr Seuss’s papers after his death. It is brimming with his spirit and his genius for opening children’s eyes and minds to new possibilities. It begins with the statement that ‘Art is when an artist looks at something…like a horse for instance…

T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk and they see something in that horse that excites them…so they do something about it. They tell you about it…in any one of a number of ways.’. The book then explores those ways, illustrating each school of art with a representative (and often famous) artwork depicting a horse.

Because each painting has a horse in it, it is very easy to see the different approaches. For example: ‘These artists looked and they saw SPEED’ (shown are’ The Horse in Motion’ by Edward Muybridge and ‘The Derby at Epsom’ by Gericault); ‘Cubism is a way of looking at things from different angles all at the same time (Picasso’s study of a horse for his painting, ‘Guernica’ is the example).

It is not all serious art history: I like for example the comment about Meissonier’s ‘1807, Friedland’ – ‘Horses to him were something necessary to carry generals into battle. He loved to paint generals going into battle. To him the horse was a Jeep, in the days before the Jeep was invented’. What a refreshingly interesting angle for children to explore when they are thinking about art.

The Dr Seuss message about art is ‘Look it over. Think it over. Talk it over’. ‘By doing so, you may

learn a different way of looking at the world. Or not. And that’s OK.’ I said this review included books about looking and one about licking. Here it is.

Take a Bite: Eat Your Way Around the World by Aleksandra and Daniel Mizielinska and Natalia Baranowska, translated by Agnes Monod-Gayraud offers a culinary trail across the world and through time, ‘from the first wheat fields ever planted to the space age meals served up to astronauts in orbit’. As well as fascinating accounts of different countries’ culinary traditions, the book includes easy to follow recipes for some of their traditional dishes and a fascinating foodie timeline. For example, I discovered that popcorn was being made in Mexico in 4000 BCE; that we started cultivating beetroot at the same time as the Chinese developed their fish sauce (about 300 BCE); and that Tiramisu only became popular in Italy in the 1970s.

The combination of cultural and food histories has been very nicely judged.

While the book is entertaining to read, it offers a valuable resource in the kitchen for anyone interested in exploring and tasting dishes from around the world and learning about their background.

As always, I found all these books on the shelves at Hart’s Books in Saffron Walden.

If they are not what you are looking for, the wonderful and knowledgeable bookshop staff will be able to help you find equally fascinating and fabulous books to suit all tastes, interests, and ages of the children in your care. I hope you enjoy looking.

Jo Burch

leisure and features 11

12 leisure and features

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Diary Dates March

19th Mothers Day

4th Pinocchio Acclaimed puppet director Steve Tiplady as Geppetto, tells the tale of the puppet who wants to be a real boy. Book tickets at Fairfield Road, Chelmsford

15th Pop Divas Take on the role of Little Mix at South Mill Arts in Bishops Stortford

9-10th Spring Joust!

Knights of middle England are coming together for fun and jousting at Hedingham Castle

May 26th Meet Bing and Flop!

Colchester Zoo is celebrating their 60th birthday. They have invited preschool TV characters Bing and Flop! Why not pop along to say Hi?

April

16th-18th 3foot People Festival PARTY In Central Park, Chelmsford little and big people alike are invited to kick off Summer 2023 with a mini warm-up Spring party.

9th Easter Sunday

1st-18th Easter Trail Cammas Hall in Hatfield Broad Oak Farm is hosting an Alice iWonderland themed (Easter) Trail

6th The King's Coronation This is going to be an unforgettable weekend…Get ready to Ring for the King!

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

leisure and features 13

Living with an “invisible illness”

times this illness has required poorly twin to be treated in hospital as she has required IV fluids to combat dehydration. Princess Alexandra Hospital (Dolphin Ward) feels like an extension of our family. We have been told she may outgrow this condition, or she may grow into it which may lead to sever migraines.

Trying to maintain any sort of normalcy proves to be quite difficult for our family. We have a set of twins, and one twin’s illness affects all the family. It has taken three years for the healthy twin to begin understanding as to why the poorly twin requires all the attention and why we may have to miss out on holidays, days out, birthday parties.....the list is endless.

For now, it’s a learning curve for us as a family and essentially a waiting game! These pictures are just an insight as to how our life changes within days. This is what we are living with Nivedita Sahins

The poorly twin has been suffering for the last five years with a rare and often misdiagnosed (up until eighteen months ago) disorder called Cyclic Vomitting Syndrome.

It has been difficult to diagnose, as it was hardly heard of - even among doctors - and because there is no specific test for it.

Imagine throwing up three or more times in a hour, for days at a time (usually anywhere between 7-10 days), and reliving that experience every few weeks, for no apparent reason. Add to that severe nausea and stomach pain, and you have a peek inside poorly twin’s world! In addition to having no known cause and no cure (as of yet), one of the most difficult aspects of this syndrome is having an ill child who looks healthy. We have been told it can be treated with medication, however nothing has worked so far. The majority of

14 leisure and features

www.saladdaysmag.uk

How to plan a Kids Easter tea-party.

Easter is the perfect time to gather and create a little party for your littles ones, which the grown ups will also enjoy. Kids love to emulate adults, spending hours playing tea parties with friends, so tea should be served from a teapot and with a tea cup. There are lots of caffeine - free choices that have no added sugar or nasties.

The Decor A spring tea party table/setting is often a collection of various colours, plates and cups, creating an eclectic look. Secondhand shops are a great place to find china and serving pieces that can work for the party. Children love a classic tale, so why not style your Easter tea party around Beatrix Potters famous rabbit, Peter? Or if you prefer a whimsical affair, Alice in wonderland is always magic and fitting! If its your little Easter bunnies birthday

and you’re thinking of doing a birthday party you could go the extra mile and hire a teepee, and they will do all the decor for you.

Fun & Games To keep things fun for everyone involved download a few games and activities like an Easter egg hunt, or quiz.

We suggest Bunny Tales, which is one of favourites. You can check how to play this game on our website in the “news and articles” tab for details. Another great website to find lots of inspiration is thebestideasforkids.com The Food Serving a selection of small foods both savory and sweet – are essential. From macarons and scones to tea sandwiches and shortbread. Finger sandwiches can be cut into different shapes like rabbits.

For fun why not try our carrot croissant rolls ( see below).

Simply buy ready Just-rol croissant dough and cut the sheet into 8 strips. Use heavy duty tinfoil, form cone shapes and wrap each strip around the cone. This will go into the oven for 25-30 minutes. Once cooled fill your carrot croissant with egg salad, ham or anything else you may like and top with dill / parsley or celery leaves to make it look like a rabbits carrot! The kids will love it.

What ever you choose to do, we hope we have given you a little inspiration.

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

leisure and features 15

16 leisure and features

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Easter Holiday

3rd - 14th April

This Easter we’ve got a festival of fun lined up for you and your family!

Sing along with ‘The Three Little Pigs’ on their wild adventures, experience the wonders of the forest through the eyes of an acorn with ‘Breathe’, witness miraculous feats of science with ‘Top Secret: The Magic Of Science’, and sing your hearts out with ‘Pop Divas Live!’ Plus our museum is offering plenty of fun crafts too!

Box Office: 01279 710 200 Southmillarts.co.uk

Supported by:

1- 3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3JG. South MIll Arts is a trading styling of Bishop’s Stortford Museum & Arts CIO, Registered Charity No.1189853

Family The Three Little Pigs

Get those trotters tapping and those snouts a-squealin’ with new catchy songs, dancing and plenty of audience participation for piglets of all ages!

Tue 4th Apr | 11.30am & 2pm | £14 Family £52

Breathe

An extraordinary journey through a busy forest, all beautifully realised through a combination of puppetry, detailed sets, and live camera work.

Wed 12th Apr | 2.30pm | £12 Conc £10 | Family £40 | Ages 5+

leisure and features 17

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

Museum Top Secret: The Magic Of Science

A fast moving colourful magical science show lled with mystery, suspense & lots and lots of mess!

Thu 13th Apr | 2pm | £14 Family £52

Pop Divas Live!

The UK’s number one pop concert experience featuring tributes to all your favourite female pop stars on the same stage for the rst time ever! It doesn’t matter if you’re 4 or 64, don’t miss Pop Divas Live!

Sat 15th Apr | 6pm | £17.50

To book your tickets please visit

southmillarts.co.uk

or call our Box Of ce: 01279 710 200

Plant and Flower Museum Trail

There are some objects in the museum with plants and owers on. Can you nd them and draw your favourite one?

Free Museum Trail from 3rd April

Grow Ahead

Create a smiley plant pot and make a grass seed head!

Tue 4th, Wed 5th & Thu 6th Apr 10am - 2pm | Free | No need to book

Storytime - Alan the Alligator

Join us for Storytime at the Museum.

Enjoy a story and some colouring.

Wed 5th April | Ages 2.5 to 5 | Free Join us at 10am | No need to book

Prickly Plants

Make your own card cactus and discover how plants adapt to their surroundings.

Tue 11th, Wed 12th & Thu 13th Apr 10am - 2pm | Free | No need to book Children under 16 attending the crafts sessions need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

s

18 leisure and features

Saffron SuperDogs

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Make your dog a Superdog!

Puppy and Dog Training Make you dog a super Dog!

Modern, Positive, reward based dog www.saffronsuperdogs.co.uk training. Fun for all the family! All emma@saffronsuperdogs.co.uk ages, sizes, and breeds welcome.

07970 254896 Weekley, local classes and worshops.

Classes held at Littlebury Village Hall, CB11 4TA

I’m Emma who owns and runs Saffron SuperDogs in and around Saffron Walden. I am a fully qualified dog and puppy trainer. I have a toddler, four dogs and two ponies - we’re outdoors and training a lot!

It’s coming up to the ninth year of running training classes and I’ve had thousands of local dogs through the door. I run a selection of classes; puppy through to older dogs. Recall, scentwork, rescue dogs and tricks. Classes to suit all ages, sizes and breeds. They’re fun and interactive for the whole family. Children and families are all welcome to come along and join in. Owners and dogs learn more and enjoy it if it’s kept fun and relaxed; while still learning lots! It’s modern, reward based, positive training (lots of sausages!) I cover everything from

teaching your pups to walk nicely without pulling to teaching them to fetch a tissue when you sneeze!

Not jumping up at you to playing dead. I can work on all issue areas you have and teach some pretty impressive tricks! I specialise in building confidence in rescue dogs - I actually foster, train and find perfect homes for rescued and abandoned puppies and dogs too.

I regularly attend behaviour seminars and courses which keep my methods of training fully up to date. I am a fully accredited trainer and member of the “Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour”. I have completed courses under “Puppy School”, “School of Canine Science”, “The IMDT”, “Scentwork UK”, “UK Sniffer Dogs” and “The British College of Canine Studies” Dogs are my life!

I also dog walk in the local area through the week days - rain or shine! I do group walks; personalities matched perfectly, they get so much out of our super long walks - training, play and lots of miles covered! I love my job. So please contact me for any advice, help or for your dogs training need.

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

CBeebies

leisure and features 19

Sun 23 Apr, 1.30 & 3.30pm

Ocean Adventure www.saffronhall.com or 0845 548 7650 (7p per minute + access charge)

20 leisure and features

Teaching young people skills for life.

For more information call

07966579345

email nikki@nikkisammons.co.uk www.nikkisammons.co.uk IHHT.SMT. Youth mindfulness trained.

DBS and first aider.

Mindfulness in nature, being in the present moment, raising selfesteem, improving resilience, confidence, concentration and reducing anxiety. Teaching gratitude and compassion. Improving sleep and managing difficult thoughts and emotions.

Sessions run indoors or at a beautiful local nature reserve.

Young adults, 1 to 1 and family sessions available.

Tuesday’s and Thursday mornings 9.15 – 10.15 I run a Mini Mindfulness outdoor toddler group.

www.saladdaysmag.uk Here’s something really simple you can do to improve your child’s chance of future health and success: make sure your children spend plenty of time playing outside!

There are many ways in which this generation’s childhood is different from that of the last generation, but one of the most abrupt contrasts is the degree to which it is being spent indoors. There are lots of reasons, including the marked increase in time spent interacting with electronic devices, the emphasis on scheduled activities and achievements, concerns about sun exposure – and, for many families, the lack of safe outdoor places to play. It’s not just children; adults are spending less time outdoors as well.

Here are 4 ways playing outside can help children.

Learning to appreciate nature. So much of our world is changing, and not for the better. If a child grows up never walking in the woods, digging in soil, seeing animals in their habitat, climbing a mountain, playing in a stream, or staring at the endless horizon of an ocean, they may never really understand what there is to be lost. The future of our planet depends on our children; they need to learn to appreciate it.

Socialization. Children need to learn how to work together. They need to learn to make friends, how to share and cooperate, how to treat other people. If they only interact in very structured settings, such as school or sports teams, they won’t — they can’t — learn everything they need to know. Children need to take some risks. As parents, this makes us anxious; we want our children

to be safe. But if we keep them in bubbles and never let them take any risks, they won’t know what they can do – and they may not have the confidence and bravery to face life’s inevitable risks.

Yes, you can break an arm from climbing a tree – and yes, you can be humiliated when you try to make a friend and get rejected. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try; the lessons we learn from failure are just as important as those we learn from success.

Exercise. Children should be active for at least an hour every day, and getting outside to play is one way to be sure that happens. They can certainly exercise indoors, but sending them outdoors – especially with something like a ball or a bike – encourages active play, which is really the best exercise for children.

Executive function. These are the skills thats help us plan, prioritise, troubleshoot, negotiate and multitask; they are crucial for our success. Creativity falls in here, too, and using our imagination to problem-solve and entertain ourselves. These are skills that must be learned and practiced – and to do this, children need unstructured time.

They need time alone and with other children, and to be allowed (perhaps forced) to make up their own games, figure things out, and amuse themselves.

Being outside gives them opportunities to practice these important life skills.

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

sport 21

22 sport Sports clubs n Boxing

10 Rounds Boxing Club Saffron Walden T:01799 218 924 E: hello@10roundsboxing.co.uk W: www.10roundsboxing.com

n Cricket

www.saladdaysmag.uk Plantation FC, Saffron Walden T: 01799 500821 E:paulbr88@googlemail.com Saffron Walden FC T: 01763 836928 E: chairman@psgfc.co.uk W: www.swcfc.club Saffron Walden PSG Girls FC T: 07595328816 E: newplayercontact@psgfc.co.uk W: www.psgfc.co.uk

Dunmow Cricket Club E: paulreid10@talk21.com W: www.dunmowcricketclub.co.uk

Thaxted Rangers Youth FC T: 07976 670409 E: martintritton@hotmail.com FB: thaxtedrangersyouthfc

Saffron Walden Cricket Club E: saffronwaldencricketclub@gmail.com W: www.saffronwaldencricketclub.co.uk

Kidzteens Football Academy Bishops Stortford, M: 07955259030 E: kidsteens15@gmail.com

n Football

Saffron Walden PSG Girls FC E: newplayercontact@psgfc.co.uk

Bishop’s Stortford Football Club E: tim.moylette@bscfc.co.uk

n Hockey

Bishop Stortford Football Club E: jim-duggan@hotmail.co.uk/ jclift@birchwoodhigh.org.uk

Blue Hornets, Felsted and Braintree W: braintreehc.co.uk/bluehornets

Bishops Stortford `Youth FC E: tim.molette@bsctc.co.uk M: 07740 945117 W: www.bscfc.co.uk

n Martial arts

Dunmow Rovers Youth FC M: 07595 445425 E: secretary@dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk W: www.dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk Elsenham Youth FC E: info@elsenhamyfc.co.uk W: www.eyfc.org

Saffron Walden Junior Hockey Club W: saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk

Associated Karate Schools (AKS) E: barrettbusiness@aol.com W: karateschools.co.uk Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai W: bishopsstortfordjudo.com B.L.Tae Kwon-Do Schools E: bruce@tkd72.plus.com W: bl-taekwondo-schools.co.uk Budo Taijutsu, Saffron Walden W: mushinzui.com

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

performing arts 23

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

Dance & drama n Dance

JCL School of Dance M: 07753 607 523 E: julialast8@gmil.com W: jclschooldance.webden.co.uk KBD Dance M: 07305 113 187 E: katie@kbddance.com W: kbddance.co.uk Kate Plummer School of Dance M: 07832 212 593 E: kateplum@hotmail.co.uk Tempos Performing Arts M: 07956 211 909 E: info@temposperformingarts.co.uk W: temposperformingarts.co.uk

Pauline Quirk Academy M: 07958 913 456 E: paula.templeman@pqaacademy.com W: pqaacademy.com Pure Rhythm Performing Arts T: 07952 993288 E: sue@purerhythm.co.uk W: purerhythm.co.uk

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

Music

Graham School of Dance T: 01279 654 423 E: info@grahamschoolofdance.co.uk W: grahamschoolofdance.co.uk Hyperfusion Theatre Co M: 07909 960 490 E: sarah@hyperfusion.co.uk W: hyperfusion.co.uk

FIRST LESSON FRE ENROL YOUR CHILD TODAY!

Stagecoach T: 01799 588 246 E: saffronwalden@stagecoach.co.uk W: stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden

n Drama

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

Classes in ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Commercial, Musical Theatre, Singing and Adults Tap in Bishops Stortford and surrounding villages.

Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company M: 07799 628 977 E: swmtcyg@gmail.com, W: swmtc.net

Sting Performing Arts M: 07903 192 094 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com

n Theatre schools

TRACEY WALKER SCHOOL OF DANCING

n Choirs, orchestras Cantate Youth Choir E: info@cantate.co.uk W: cantata.co.uk

E!

Contact Tracey on

07773 062338 dancecrazy.tracey1@gmail.com traceywalkerschoolofdance.co.uk

Dance & drama n Dance

JCL School of Dance M: 07753 607 523 E: julialast8@gmil.com W: jclschooldance.webden.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

Joyful Noise T: 01799 520 083 E: annecass@btinternet.com

KBD Dance M: 07305 113 187 E: katie@kbddance.com W: kbddance.co.uk

Saffron Walden Town Band M: 07779 266 853 E: stephthake@gmail.com

Kate Plummer School of Dance M: 07832 212 593 E: kateplum@hotmail.co.uk

Graham School of Dance T: 01279 654 423 E: info@grahamschoolofdance.co.uk W: grahamschoolofdance.co.uk

Sting Choir M: 07484 865 763 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com

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

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

24 performing arts

t

www.saladdaysmag.uk AWARD WINNING

Parent and child music and dance classes in Saffron Walden and surrounding areas

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 Newport www.tinytempos.co.uk and info@tinytempos.co.uk Saffron Walden Tel: 07956 211909

BOOK ONLINE

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

performing arts 25 and choreography, when the chance came to start her own dance school, she wanted to take a different approach…

KBD is a relaxed, nurturing dance family where all abilities, genders, personalities and body shapes are not only welcome, but embraced!

We specialise in KBD Dance was born in 2017 with two classes on a commercial and street as well as contemporary Tuesday evening with about 15 students. Jump to styles, with a focus on self expression, confidence 2023 and we now have building and performance.

130+ students, classes running on five days of the Our shows have been week and we produce two described as “magical” and we are so proud of successful shows a year.

KBD Dance is, and always has been, full of love, friendship, happiness and lots of laughs. Katie, founder of KBD, comes from a strict dance background of leotards, tights and ballet buns and, although this all led to a successful career in dance

everything that we’ve achieved so far.

We offer dance classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings as well as on Saturday mornings for age 3+ in the spacious, air conditioned studios at South Mill Arts in Bishops

Stortford. There is plenty of free parking. Free trial sessions are available across all classes.

Thanks for reading and check out our instagram for our dance videos @kbddance

26 performing arts

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Sing Dance Act

School of Performing Arts

Ages 7 to 18 Contact: Sue Raven 07952 993288 sue@purerhythm.co.uk

s

Believe, Achieve, Succeed.

EVERY WEDNESDAY 3.30pm to 4.30pm

LAMDA EXAMS

An elite performing arts company delivering industry professional training in Thaxted aged 7-18 years.

Sting Performing Arts is an affiliated LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) centre, providing annual examinations. *Annual showcase in local theatre* *Talent agency & representation

DANCE

SINGING

www.purerhythm.co.uk

ACTING

(Stage, Film & TV)

THAXTED CHURCH HALL MARGARET STREET

Book your space now!!

To book: Call Tamara on 07900 735566 or email tam@stingperformingarts.com

pre-school 27

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

Pre-schools

Appletree Pre-School Windhill21 School; Ages: 2-5 Contact: Hayley Lynskey T: 07745 262676/01279 771367

Little Ladybirds All Saints School; Ages: 2-4 Contact: Hayley Lynskey T: 07745 262676/01279 771367

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

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

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

n Albury

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

Apple Green Montessori Nursery Ages 2-5 years old T: 07788 913444 E: info@applegreenmontessori.co.uk W: applemontessori.co.uk

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

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 Managers: Donna Methven & Olivia Methven-Pink; T: 01279 503895 E: admin@thorleypreschool.co.uk W: www.thorleypreschool.co.uk

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

Thorn Grove Little Acorns Thorn Grove School; Ages: 2-5 Contact: Sam Stedman; T: 01279 653233 E: tglittleacorns@aol.com

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

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

n Chrishall

n Clavering

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

n Farnham

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

n Finchingfield

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

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

28 pre-school

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n Great Chesterford

n Hatfield Broad Oak

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

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

n Great Chishill

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

n Great Dunmow

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

Pips Nursery - see page 37 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 34 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

pre-school 29

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

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 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

Meadow Montessori Nursery Ages: 2-5; Head: Colette Loveday T: 01799 513858 W: montessorimeadows.co.uk Saffron Walden Nursery School Ages: 1 year to school age; T: 01799 522108 Nursery managers: Barbs James & Caroline Clark 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 Thomas More Montessori Ages: 1-5 yrs; Manager: Rachel Salt, Vanessa Thompson T: 01799 523248- ext.3 E: stm@mymontessori.org.uk W: stthomasmoremontessori.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 Stansted

Saffron Walden Playgroup E: barbourkj@yahoo.co.uk

Bentfield Nursery Ages: 3-5; T: 01279 813626 E: admin@bentfield.essex.sch.uk W: bentfield.essex.sch.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.

Rainbow Preschool Ages: 2½-5; Administrator: Gill T: 01279 814242 W: rainbowpreschool-stansted.co.uk

I am Jade and together with my daughter who turned 2 just before Christmas we run your local Little Learners Classes. It’s startling to see how confident she is and is already showing a good understanding of the different lines we create. Even managing to write an A when asked. I absolutely love watching the progression of Ariella and her peers during classes. Seeing them socialising, sharing, learning and gaining so much confidence in a short space of time.

What is Little Learners?

Little Learners is a multi awardwinning children’s activity provider which offers educational messy play classes for babies to preschoolers. It was created and founded by a qualified primary teacher who designed an innovative mark making programme following the journey of four fun characters – ‘The Mark Makers‘.

During each class a variety of different substances are provided for the children and their grown up to investigate. They are free to move between stations in their own time and will be encouraged to use hands, fingers, feet and toes to make marks.

Everything we do in class is centered around giving the children a head start on their early writing journey before they go to school.

Building muscle structure with motor skills vital for holding and controlling a pencil.

A variety of substances and textures to investigate for confidence building and learning about the world around them.

Mark Makers programme which will give them the necessary building blocks for letter and number formation.

Most importantly it is about having fun, socialising and learning through play.

Our classes are welcoming, friendly and relaxed and our main aim is to make writing fun by following the Mark Makers Programme and provide you and your child the necessary skills to start their early writing journey before school in a fun, safe and sociable setting.

www.littlelearnersuk.com Jade 07712 116286

30 toddlers and babies

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Music and Movement classes for Babies - Preschoolers in Saffron Walden Please visit www.boogiewoogies.co.uk for details of upcoming blocks of classes and to book your space Or contact Sarah Jones directly for more info Email: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk

Tel: 07837 176823

n Monday

Boogiewoogies United Reform Church, Saffron Walden Music & Movement classes from 9:30am M: 07837 176823 E: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk W: www.boogiewoogies.co.uk Mini Monster Sensory Explorers Little Monsters House of Fun, Gt Dunmow From 9:30am Focus on enhancing language and listening skills through storytime, creative play and music.

E: info@minimonsterclasses.co.uk W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

n Tuesday Boogiewoogies Margret Street Hall, Thaxted.

From 9:30am.

Unique music and movement classes for babies and pre-school aged children.

M: 07837 176823 E: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk W: www.boogiewoogies.co.uk Tiny Tempos St Barnabas Centre, Thorley 10:45am-11:30am.

Music and movement classes suitable from birth.

M: 07956 211909 E: info@tinytempos.co.uk W: www.tinytempos.co.uk Little Learners Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford New Life Church, Saffron Walden.

9:30am M: 07712 116286 E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com W: www.littlelearners.com

www.saladdaysmag.uk Mini Monster Rhyme Time Little Monsters House fo Fun, Gt Dunmow From 9:30am Introducing action rhymes to enhance a sense of rhythm and love of music E: info@minimonsterclasses.co.uk W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

n Wednesday Tiny Tempos Golden Acre Community Centre, Saffron Walden. 11:15-11:45. Tiny Tutus toddler ballet classes for parent and child.

Suitable from 18months old.

M: 07956 211909 E: info@tinytempos.co.uk W: www.tinytempos.co.uk Boogiewoogies United Reform Church, Saffron Walden from 9:30am. Unique music and movement classes for babies and preschool aged children. M: 07837 176823 E: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk W: www.boogiewoogies.co.uk Ruggerbugs Saffron Walden Teaches basic Rugby skills and movement for babies and toddlers.

Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Bishops Stortford 9:05-11:15 T: 01279 797777 E: andyp@ruggerbugs.co.uk W: www.ruggerbugs.co.uk Little Learners Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford Parsonage Lane, Bishops Stortford 9:30am M: 07712 116286 E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com W: www.littlelearners.com

T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Mini Monster Bright Minds Little Monsters House fo Fun, Gt Dunmow From 9:30am Introducing pre-school learning through play, giving toddlers the opportunity to learn through play and to engage socially.

E: info@minimonsterclasses.co.uk W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk Mini Monster Baby Meet Up Little Monsters House fo Fun, Gt Dunmow From 9:30am A relaxed structured session offering the opportunity to meet new people, chat about your early day experiences and build friendships.

E: info@minimonsterclasses.co.uk W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

n Thursday Jo Jingles Sewards End Village Hall from 9:30am Jo Jingles offers fun, interactive music, singing and movement classes for babies and pre-school children. M: 07485 721393 E: westsuffolk@jojingles.co.uk W: www.jojingles.com Tiny Tempos Baptist Church, Saffron Walden 10:45 – 11:30. Music and movement classes suitable from birth.

M: 07956 211909 E: info@tinytempos.co.uk W: www.tinytempos.co.uk Mini Mindfulness Outdoors Noakes Grove Nature Reserve, Sewards End, Saffron Walden 9:15-10:15 Playing, interacting and exploring in nature via all 6 senses. Sessions end with learning calming and settling methods

(term time only except where stated)

for the whole family. M: 07966 579345 E: nikkisammons.co.uk W: www.nikkisammons.co.uk Little Learners Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford Stansted Quaker Meeting House, Stansted Mountfitchet 9:30am M: 07712 116286 E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com W: www.littlelearners.com Mini Monster Musical Movers Little Monsters House fo Fun, Gt Dunmow From 9:30am Exercise and Movement is essential for general wellbeing, our sessions engage a sense of rhythm whilst exploring movement and play.

E: info@minimonsterclasses.co.uk W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

n Friday Little Learners Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford Great Hallingbury Village Hall, Nr Bishops Stortford 10am M: 07712 116286 E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com W: www.littlelearners.com Mini Monster Adventurers Little Monsters House fo Fun, Gt Dunmow From 9:30am Themed adventure play with wonderful activities to stimulate your child’s learning through fun, play and imagination.

E: info@minimonsterclasses.co.uk W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

toddlers and babies 31

Rural Cost of Living Whilst Uttlesford is a beautiful place to live, our location can present a challenge.

The cost of living in a rural area is higher because we have to travel further to shops and services – this is particularly hard for anyone trying to find work, access education or navigate the benefits system. A quarter of the houses in Uttlesford are ‘off-grid’ and many are old and poorly insulated, which means that fuel poverty is more prevalent. We also have to contend with patchy connectivity, no job centre and poor public transport links.

A survey commissioned by the Rural Services Network (RSN) last year shows rural areas are also suffering more acutely from the rise in the cost of living compared to urban areas. So, to understand more about rural household budgets, they have launched a Rural Cost of Living Household Survey. If you can spare a few minutes, your input will help the RSN to engage more effectively with Government Departments, MPs and other policy makers. You can access the survey here until 31st March 2023: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Rur al_Households_Cost-of-Living As a local charity, we work hard to help everyone in the community overcome, or at least mitigate, these challenges. You can read more about how we make a difference in our Insight Report 2022, available on our website https://www.uttlesfordca.org.uk/ about-us/

If you are worried about rising costs and struggling financially, our friendly advisers are here to help. We offer free advice and support and can help you to access: • Warm homes advice, help with fuel debts and energy efficiency measures • Benefits applications and entitlements • Information about council tax support • Budgeting & debt advice • Support with housing and homelessness issues • Emergency funds for fuel, food, prescriptions and essential travel • Local food banks and children’s clothes banks • upport for carers • Employment advice & access to support for job seekers Our advice is available to everyone and is always free, confidential and impartial.

For online advice go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk Call us on 01799 618840 Email help@uttlesfordca.org.uk Or visit our one-touch video access points in Great Dunmow and Stansted libraries and at the Old School House, Takeley To access over 150 local health, wellbeing and community groups go to www.uttlesfordfrontline.org.uk

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