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

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

Spring 2023 Issue 97

FREE to take away

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

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!

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.

Find the listings of activities in the sports, performing arts and toddler pages Contents opposite for your reference.

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

Lee Smart 2023

The copyr ght of the contents ncluding artwork, advertisements, logos and articles when generated by Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart t/a Sa ad Days remain with Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart t/a Salad Days except where spec fica ly stated otherwise. No part of this pub icat on may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publ sher Views expressed n articles are those of the contr butors and not necessarily of the pub isher The istings, content and advertis ng n Sa ad Days are for information only and must not be used for commercia purposes. nc us on does not imply a recommendation from Salad Days. A l 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 Protect on Act Registration Number Z9533787 T: 0790 073 5566 E-ma

© Lisa Cureton & Tamara

Primary schools

n Bishop’s Stortford

All Saint C of E Primary & Nursery

T: 01279 836006

E: admin@allsaints.herts.sch.uk

W: allsaints.herts.sch.uk

Avanti Meadows Primary School

T: 01279 598575

E: avantimeadows@avanti.org.uk

W: www.avanti.org.uk/avantimeadows

Bishops Stortford College see back cover

T: 01279 838575

E:general.enquiry@bishopsstortfordcollege.org

W: bishopsstortfordcollege.org

Far nham C of E Primary

T: 01279 771339

E: admin@farnham essex sch uk

W: Farnham.essex.sch.uk

Hillmead Primary

T: 01279 656876

E: admin@hillmead.herts.sch.uk

W: Hillmead herts sch uk

Howe Green House School see opposite page

T: 01279 657706

E: schooloffice@howegreenhouse essex sch uk

W: howegreenhouseschool.co.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

St Michael Primary & Nursery

T: 01279 652607

E: admin@stmichaelsjmi herts sch uk

W: stmichaelsjmi.herts.sch.uk

Summercroft Primary & Nursery

T: 01279 307477

E: admin@summercroft.herts.sch.uk

W: summercroftherts.sch.uk

The Richard Whittington Primary

T: 01279 657778

E: admin@whittington.herts.sch.uk

W: Whittington.herts.sch.uk

Thorley Hill Primary

T: 01279 654496

E: admin@thorleyhill.herts.sch.uk

W: thorleyhill.sch.uk

Thor n Grove Primary

T: 01279 653002

E: admin@thorngrove.herts.sch.uk

W: thorngrove.herts.sch.uk

Windhill Primary

T: 01279 696850

E: admin@windhill herts sch uk

W: windhill.herts.sch.uk

n Great Dunmow

Dunmow St. Mary’s Primary

T: 01371 872340

E: admin@dsmprimar y essex sch uk

W: dsmprimar y.essex.sch.uk

Felsted Primary

T: 01371 820215

E: admin@felsted-pri.essex.sch.uk

W: felsted-pri sch uk

Felsted preparatory school

T: 01371 82260; E: info@felsted.org

W: felsted org

Great Dunmow Primary

T: 01371 873184

E: admin@greatdunmow-pri.essex.sch.uk

W: greatdunmowprimar y.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-mar yscofe.essex.sch.uk

W: stmar yssw.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-mar ys-stansted.essex.sch.uk

W: stmar ysstansted.co.uk

n Villages

Albury C of E Primary

T: 01279 771253

E: admin@albur y.herts.sch.uk

W: albur y.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

Continued from page 2

Debden C of E Primary

T: 01799 540302

E: admin@debden.essex.sch.uk

W: debdenprimar y.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

Fur neux 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: greateastonprimar y.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: manudenprimar y.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

s t r t e e r n n n D n e r t t n s n s n s D r r s t n n n r r t e s t r t e n

A r s t e n t s n e e r e n e n e r r n n e e n r e r e e s t e r r n e e n t s n s s

e r e r t t r n e s t e e s e e e s

s s e A M D A n n A e M s n D r t A r t s t

s s r t e n t e r e s

Tutors & support

n Academic

Anna Clarke BA(Ed) Hons

Qualified and Experienced Tutor Primar y 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

Karen Kellet

KS2 maths, specialising in SATS maths preparation; T: 07813 577590

E: karen.kellet7@gmail.com

Kumon Bishop’s Stortford

Contact: Nicola Norbur y

T: 01920 461457; W: kumon.co.uk

Sue Herd BEd (Hons)

Experienced primar y 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, primar y 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 Primar y 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 sensor y awareness. Our sessions raise selfesteem, confidence and concentration, whilst reducing anxiety. For summer bookings at Noakes Grove, Nature Reser ve .

Contact -Nikki Sammons

M: 07966 579345

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

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

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.

Why consider a small independent school?

omplemented by outstanding food never underestimate the importance of his!) and a terrific sports programme believe that any self-respecting parent ltimately wants one thing for their child and I say this as the father of three adult hildren myself), and that is happiness. A appy 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 extraordinar y 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.

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 ever y child by name. We are ver y 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 ver y safe and secure environment, are

Dr Gareth Lloyd, Principal, Stoke College.

Small classes in a beau ful rural seng • Unique Diploma in Character and Resilience

Year 7 and Year 9 entry (few places for 2023)

Transport across Su olk, Essex, Cambs.

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.

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 stor yline, 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

hysterical giggle

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 sur vive to the next chapter.

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.

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!

The Rock From The Sky is another of his instant classics

There are five chapters or mini

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

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

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…

unsuppressible

which you get when you’re supposed to be silent.

Looking up, looking around, looking out, just looking, and m a y b e l i c k i n g

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 ver y 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 histor y: I like for example the comment about Meissonier ’s ‘1807, Friedland’ – ‘Horses to him were something necessar y to carr y 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

Diary Dates

March

19th Mothers Day

9th Easter Sunday

15th Pop Divas

9-10th Spring Joust!

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

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

1st-18th

Easter Trail

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

Cammas Hall in Hatfield Broad Oak Farm is hosting an Alice iWonderland themed (Easter) Trail

Take on the role of Little Mix at South Mill Arts in Bishops Stortford

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

May

6th The King's Coronation

This is going to be an unforgettable weekend…Get ready to Ring for the King!

Living with an “invisible illness”

Tr ying 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.

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 ever y 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

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.

For now, it’s a learning cur ve 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

leisure and features

How to plan a Kids Easter tea-party.

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

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 ser ved 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 ser ving 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

To keep things fun for ever yone 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

Ser ving a selection of small foods both savor y 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 tr y 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 celer y 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

s

The Three Little Pigs

Get those trotter s t apping and those snouts a-squealin’ with new catc hy songs, dancing and plenty of audience par ticipation for piglets of all ages!

Tue 4th Apr | 11 .30am & 2pm | £14

Family £52

Breathe

An extraordinar y journey through a busy fores t, all beautifully realised through a combination of puppetr y, det ailed sets, and live camera work.

pr | 2.30pm | £1 2 | Family £40 | Ages 5+

Top Secret : The Magic Of Science

A fas t moving colour ful magical science show lled with mys ter y, suspense & lots and lots of mess!

Thu 1 3th Apr | 2pm | £14

Family £52

Pop Divas Live!

The UK’s number one pop concer t experience featuring tributes to all your favourite female pop s tar s on the same s tage for the r s t time ever! It doesn’t matter if you’re 4 or 6 4, don’t miss Pop Divas Live!

Sat 15th Apr | 6pm | £17.50

To book your tickets please visit or call our Box Of ce: 01279 710 200 southmillarts.co.uk

M u s e u m

Plant and Flower Museum Trail

There are some objects in the museum with plants and ower s 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

Stor ytime - Alan the Alligator

Join us for Stor ytime at the Museum. Enjoy a stor y 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 1 2th & Thu 13th Apr 10am - 2pm | Free | No need to book

Children under 16 attending the craf ts sessions need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Saffron SuperDogs Saffron SuperDogs Saffron SuperDogs Puppy and Dog Training

Make your dog a Superdog!

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 ever ything 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.

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.

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.

Lear ning 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 ver y structured settings, such as school or sports teams, they won’t they can’t learn ever ything 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 braver y to face life’s inevitable risks. Yes, you can break an arm from climbing a tree – and yes, you can be humiliated when you tr y to make a friend and get rejected. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tr y; 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 ever y 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.

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!

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

Dunmow Cricket Club

E: paulreid10@talk21.com

W: www dunmowcricketclub co uk

Saffron Walden Cricket Club

E: saffronwaldencricketclub@gmail.com

W: www saffronwaldencricketclub co uk

n Football

Bishop’s Stortford Football Club

E: tim.moylette@bscfc.co.uk

Bishop Stortford Football Club

E: jim-duggan@hotmail.co.uk/ jclift@birchwoodhigh.org.uk

Bishops Stortford `Youth FC

E: tim molette@bsctc co uk

M: 07740 945117

W: www.bscfc.co.uk

Dunmow Rovers Youth FC

M: 07595 445425

E: secretar y@dunmowroversyouthfc co uk

W: www.dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk

Elsenham Youth FC

E: info@elsenhamyfc.co.uk

W: www.eyfc.org

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

Thaxted Rangers Youth FC

T: 07976 670409

E: martintritton@hotmail.com

FB: thaxtedrangersyouthfc

Kidzteens Football Academy

Bishops Stortford, M: 07955259030

E: kidsteens15@gmail.com

Saffron Walden PSG Girls FC

E: newplayercontact@psgfc.co.uk

n Hockey

Blue Hor nets, Felsted and Braintree

W: braintreehc co uk/bluehornets

Saffron Walden Junior Hockey Club

W: saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk

n Martial arts

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

T: 0790 073 5566

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 Perfor ming 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 Perfor ming Arts

M: 07900 735 566

E: hello@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

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

Pauline Quirk Academy

M: 07958 913 456

E: paula templeman@pqaacademy com

W: pqaacademy.com

Pure Rhythm Perfor ming Arts

T: 07952 993288

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 Perfor ming Arts

M: 07903 192 094

E: hello@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

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

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

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 Perfor ming 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 Perfor ming Arts

M: 07900 735 566

E: hello@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

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

KBD Dance was born in 2017 with two classes on a Tuesday evening with about 15 students. Jump to 2023 and we now have 130+ students, classes running on five days of the week and we produce two 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

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 commercial and street as well as contemporar y styles, with a focus on self expression, confidence building and performance. Our shows have been described as “magical” and we are so proud of

ever ything 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

Pre-schools n Albury

Albury Seedlings Pre-School

Albur y C of E Primar y School

Ages: 2 to school age

T: 01279 771253

E: admin@albur y.herts.sch.uk

n Ashdon

Ashdon Childrens Nursery

Ages: 3mths-5yrs; Contact: Annette Bel

T: 01799 584848

E: info@ashdonchildrensnurser y.com

W: ashdonchildrensnurser y 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

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

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@doodledodaynurser y com

W: doodledodaynurser y.com

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: nurser y@mencapgrovecottage.org

High House Montessori Nursery

Takeley Rd, Herts CM22 6PL

Ages: 0-5, Contact: Vanessa Callan

T: 01279 870898

W: highhousenurser y.co.uk

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

Sunflowers Pre-School Ages: 3 & 4 yrs

Thorley Hill Primar y 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@ sycamorehousedaynurser y.co.uk

W: sycamorehousedaynurser y.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

Thor n Grove Little Acor ns

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 Far nham

Saplings Far nham (Preschool)

Term Time: Mon-Fri 09 00-15 00

Contact: Jess Boyten

E: admin@saplingsnurser y.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

n Great Chesterford

Great Chesterford Community Preschool

Ages: 2-5

Manager: Debbie Allard; T: 07840 341551

E: admissions@chesterfordspreschool. org.uk

n Great Chishill

Great Chishill Nursery School

Gt Chishill Cricket Pavillion

Ages: 2-5

Head: Anita Street; T: 01763 836968

W: chishillnurser y.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 Hatfield Broad Oak

Under 5s Preschool

High Street, Hatfield Broad Oak

Manager: Sharon; T: 01279 718998

n Hempstead

Pips Nursery - see page 37

Boytons Farm, Boytons Lane, Hempstead.

T: 01279 295296 M: 07866 469471

E: pippa@pips-nurser y.co.uk

M-F Flexible hours

Registered child minding setting. Extension of PIPS Nurser y 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: Cher yl Rae; T: 01279 851998

E: admin@saplingsnurser y.co.uk

W: saplingsnurser y.co.uk

n Little Hallingbury

Little Hallingbury Playgroup

Village Hall; Ages: 2-rising 5

Contact: Debbie Roberts; T: 01279 726578

E: debbieroberts35@virginmedia.com

T: 01763 838687 E: info@saladdaysmag.uk 790 073 5566 E: 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

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

Saffron Walden Playgroup

E: barbourkj@yahoo.co.uk

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

Ages: 1 year to school age; T: 01799 522108

Nurser y managers: Barbs James & Caroline Clark

E: info@saffronwaldennurser y.org.uk

W: saffronwaldennurser y.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

n Stansted

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

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 skillsvital 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.littlelear

30 toddlers and babies

(ter m time onlyexcept where stated)

www.saladdaysmag.uk

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 stor ytime, 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 Lear ners

Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford

New Life Church, Saffron Walden.

9:30am M: 07712 116286

E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com

W: www littlelearners com

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 Lear ners

Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford

Parsonage Lane, Bishops Stortford 9:30am M: 07712 116286

E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com

W: www.littlelearners.com

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 Reser ve, 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

for the whole family M: 07966 579345

E: nikkisammons.co.uk

W: www nikkisammons co uk

Little Lear ners

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 Lear ners

Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford

Great Hallingbur y 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

(ter

toddlers and babies

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 ser vices – this is particularly hard for anyone tr ying 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 sur vey commissioned by the Rural Ser vices 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 Sur vey. 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 sur vey 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 ever yone 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

To access over 150 local health, wellbeing and community groups go to www.uttlesfordfrontline.org.uk

m time onlyexcept where stated)

MEDIA PACK - 2023

Salad Days - because they’re only young once!® is the single point of reference for parents and carers of children featuring information on schools, day-care, sports, performing arts, events, extracurricular activities, health, books and more

Distribution is free 4 times a year through primary schools, pre-schools, toddler groups, Tourist Information Centres, libraries, and health clinics in the towns and villages shown on the map

Rates are fair and competitive and long term loyalty is recognised, there is professional help with art-work (if necessary) and there is no VAT to pay We accept completed artwork as high resolution pdf (Please ensure that fonts are embedded for correct output), high resolution (300ppi) jpeg or tiff files are also acceptable

Please note: Microsoft Word or Apple Pages files are NOT an acceptable format for artwork, they are only suitable for supplying raw text Email to hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk, send on CD or via WeTransfer (or similar service) www saladdaysmag uk

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Listing

Professional artwork (up to 3 amends) £15

Covers 210 x 148mm + 3mm bleedplease enquire if available. Terms: Payment on presentation of invoice Salad Days reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at its discretion

(ter m time onlyexcept where stated)