Salad Days - Summer 2023

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

Summer 2023 Issue 98

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

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

Are you ready for summer fun?

Summer is a wonderfully kinetic time, a season of youth, activity, celebration and revolution. It encourages dancing under sprinklers, sparklers and stars.

It beckons us to go outside and take up activities as a family or book fun things for the kiddies to do. But conversely, it’s also the time to do as little as possible. It’s the season to just … be and waste time without guilt.

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability” the philosopher Sam Keen wrote.

‘Tis the season for laying in a hammock, sipping iced tea or a seasonal beer, and staring up at tree limbs swaying in the breeze.

It’s for blockbuster movies, entertaining book and magazine indulgences, and outdoor festivals.

This summer issue has got all the above covered! If you're wanting activities for the whole family or wanting to find the perfect read for your little one, a theatre outing or a simple recipe to try, then look no further than the newly designed pages of Salad Days. A big thank you and a warm welcome to our new designer Chanel Holmes we think you have done a marvellous job.

This issues front cover is curtesy's of local photographer Erin May Photography. The picture is of two local sisters Jemima and Matilda.

Erin May offers many different packages including nursery, mini and family packages. For more please visit www.erinmay.co.uk

Contents Summer

2023

2

18

Education

Leisure & Features Theatre

9

22

Benefits of Sleep

Sports Clubs

10

23

Book Review

Performing Arts Clubs

12

27

Diary Dates

Pre-Schools info

13

30

Swimming is a lifesaving skill

Toddlers and Babies info

16

32

What is Cottagecore?

Media Package

Copy Date for Autumn issue

3rd July 2023

saladdaysmag

Have a wild summer!

Lisa & Tam x

in this issue 1

saladdays.info saladdaysmag

Advertisers: BOOK NOW to feature in our next issue.

Contact Lisa or Tam on 0790 073 5566 or hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk © 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 Services: Chanel Holmes @designedby_chanel Printed by Indigo Ross, Spectrum House, Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1WH.

2 education

Primary Schools 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: https://avanti.org.uk/avantimeadows Bishops Stortford College T: 01279 838575 E: general.enquiry@bishopsstortfordcollege.org W: bishopsstortfordcollege.org Farnham 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 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

www.saladdaysmag.uk 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great Dunmow

Saffron Walden Dame Bradburys 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

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

St Marys C of E school T: 01799 523384 E: info@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk W: stmaryssw.org.uk

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

St Thomas More Catholic School T: 01799 523248 E: admin@stmsw.co.uk W: stmsw.co.uk

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

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 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

education 3

HOWE GREEN HOUSE SCHOOL Independent Co-ed Prep School for 4 to 11 years and Little Oaks Nursery School for 2 to 4 years

www.howegreenhouseschool.co.uk 01279 657706 Salad Days.1 2023.indd 1

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Debden C of E Primary T: 01799 540302 E: admin@debden.essex.sch.uk W: debdenprimary.co.uk

Much Hadham C of E Primary T: 01279 842626 E: admin@standrews236.herts.sch.uk W: standrews236.herts.sch.uk

Elsenham C of E Primary T: 01279 813198 E: admin@elsenham.essex.sch.uk W: elsenham.essex.sch.uk

Newport Primary T: 01799 540055 E: admin@newport.essex.sch.uk W: Newport.essex.sch.uk

Finchingfield C of E Primary T: 01371 810423 E: admin@finchingfield.essex.sch.uk W: finchingfield.essex.sch.uk

Radwinter C of E Primary T: 01799 599248 E: admin@radwinter.essex.sch.uk W: radwinter.essex.sch.uk

Furneux Pelham C of E Primary T: 01279 777344 E: admin@furneuxp.herts.sch.uk W: furneuxp.herts.sch.uk

Reed First School T: 01763 848304 E: admin@reed.herts.sch.uk W: reed.herts.sch.uk

Gt Chesterford Primary T: 01799 530292 E: admin@greatchesterford.essex.sch. uk W: greatchesterford.essex.sch.uk

Rickling C of E Primary T: 01799 543274 E: admin@rickling.essex.sch.uk W: rickling.essex.sch.uk

Great Easton Primary T: 01371 870219 E: admin@greateaston.essex.sch.uk W: greateastonprimary.co.uk

Steeple Bumpstead Primary T: 01440 730220 E: officemanager@steeplebumpstead.essex. sch.uk W: steeplebumpstead.schooljotter2.com

Great Sampford Primary T: 01799 586280 E: admin@greatsampford.essex.sch.uk W: greatsampford.essex.sch.uk

Takeley Christian School T: 01279 871182 E: office@takeley-christian.essex.sch.uk W: tcst.org.uk

Henham & Ugly Primary T: 01279 850213 E: admin@henhamugly.essex.sch.uk W: henhamugly.essex.sch.uk

Takeley Roseacre School T: 01279 879599 E: admin@roseacres.essex.sch.uk W: roseacre.co.uk

Manuden Primary T: 01279 842626 E: admin@manuden.essex.sch.uk W: manudenprimary.co.uk

Takeley Primary T: 01279 870541 E: admin@takeley-pri.essex.sch.uk W: Takeley-pri.essex.sch.uk

education 5

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

Inspired minds | Individual Attention |Academic Achievement • • • •

Small classes in a beautiful rural setting Unique Diploma in Character and Resilience Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 entry Transport across Suffolk, Essex, Cambs.

2023 Open Events Weds 13th Sept, 5.30pm Sat 7th Oct, 9.30am Registration essential.

Independent Co-Ed Day and Boarding School for 11-18 year olds

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Tutors & Support Academic

Languages

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

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

Glenis Toms Qualified and experienced teacher. Maths and English; 7-11 years T: 01799 540833 Karen Kellett KS2 maths, specialising in SATs maths preparation; T: 07813 577590 E: karen.kellett7@gmail.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 Qualifed teacher, experienced in supporting children with learning difficulties in KS1. Maths and English.

T: 07305 353720

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

Luciana Ferreira Day Spanish all levels E: lucianafday@gmail.com T: 07930 525079

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: 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

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

When school attendance becomes a legal matter.

Local authorities are taking legal action more frequently against parents who fail to ensure their children’s attendance at school. For any parent, the threat of legal action can be a daunting prospect. Jamie Hare, Associate Solicitor at Tees, looks at what legal action a local authority can take against you and what to do if you have received a court summons.

What action can a Local Authority take against a parent?

In the first instance, the school and local authority should work with you to provide support and to help understand the barriers to your child attending.

Where this is not successful, a local authority can take several actions to address the situation for failing to ensure your child attends school regularly, these include: •Issue each parent with a Penalty Notice, for each child. This is issued without the need to go to court •Serve a School Attendance Order, which is a legal order requiring you to ensure your child attends school regularly. If you fail to comply with the order, you could be prosecuted and fined •Take legal action against you which, depending on the offence charged, could result in a fine or imprisonment for up to three months

If you would like advice or assistance in relation to any of the above, please contact Jamie Hare or the education law team at Tees on 0800 0131 165.

education 7 I have received a summons to the Magistrates Court – what should I do?

If you have received a summons to the Magistrates Court, it is important to take it seriously and respond promptly. You should consider these actions to take: •Read the summons carefully and understand the details •Seek legal advice from a solicitor; they can advise you on what to do or how to proceed •Decide on your plea. This means whether you will plead guilty or not guilty. Your plea will determine the course of the case, so make an informed decision •Respond to the summons within the timeframe specified in the document.

Failure to do so may result in further legal action being taken •Prepare for your court appearance. If you plead not guilty and proceed to trial, gather evidence or witnesses that may support your defence and present your case in court A summons is a legal document that should not be ignored.

Expect more Expert legal services and independent financial advice Call Cambridge – 01223 311141 Bishop’s Stortford – 01279 755200 Saffron Walden – 01799 527299

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Engaging with the Saffron Walden community James McCaughran, Head of Junior School Dame Bradbury’s As a Saffron Walden resident, I am a proud advocate for our bustling market town which, having been recently named the best place to live in the East of England, also provides a happy and safe backdrop for pupils’ learning at Dame Bradbury’s, our vibrant Junior School, located right in the heart of the community.

I firmly believe that education needs to involve the broader community beyond the school gates. From sport to volunteering, our pupils are involved in many local clubs and activities, and all of them have a social responsibility to be the best they can be by supporting and engaging with the community.

Our wonderful facilities are here to be enjoyed and shared with everyone in the local area.

Dame Bradbury’s aims to encourage more girls into sport and has supported Wenden’s Ambo Cricket Club to invite girls from local primary schools to enjoy free cricket opportunities on the school grounds. On the musical side of things, the school supports and works with other schools taking part in musical events, hosting events at the brilliant venue at Saffron Hall, and we have strong links with a local dance group that uses Dame Bradbury’s 130-seat theatre as additional rehearsal space.

Our pupils get out and about at every opportunity – in our gardens, grounds, and on educational trips – for lessons and fun.

We aim to give them meaningful learning opportunities within the community, whether a trip to Waitrose to see what goes on behind the scenes, a visit to a local bookshop, or exploring Walden Castle. While we are keen to ensure our boys and girls have access to high quality education and opportunities, we also want to encourage them to give back and engage with the community. I’m proud of the partnerships that we have forged so far in Saffron Walden and beyond.

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

leisure and features 9 night often causes parents to fear the run up to bedtime, which further adds to the stress levels and the ability to fall asleep easily. Many parents have reported that they lay there awake for hours on end simply waiting for their child to wake, knowing they aren’t going to get anywhere near a few hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Benefits of sleep I have had the pleasure of working closely with families for nearly 17 years, and through my roles as both a night nanny and a sleep consultant, I have been able to support many parents. This has given me a broad insight into why families choose to prioritise sleep in the early months and years, through education, advice, support and hands on sleep services.

Getting your child to ‘sleep through the night’ is often deemed as the holy grail of parenting, and is always a hot topic in social media groups and at coffee mornings.

As a sleep professional, but also as a parent, I understand that babies and children won’t necessarily achieve this goal each and every night. But likewise, struggling with multiple wakings night after night just isn’t something you need to accept as a parent.

In every difficult sleep situation I’ve come across, improvements to both child and parent sleep can be made. Here’s just some of the benefits to be had from improving sleep duration and quality…

Enhanced attachment to your child Getting the right amount of sleep is always beneficial for our relationships with those around us, but did you know that it also increases your bond with your child? Many of the bonding rituals that help you to improve attachment require a certain amount of energy, calm and mental availability. These include eye contact, playing games and singing/reading/talking, bathing together, being available and attentive to their needs, and responding with warmth, positivity, care and empathy. Even getting a chunk of a few hours of sleep at a time can dramatically improve your ability to carry out (and enjoy) these bonding techniques.

Improved attention span and concentration It’s no wonder that Mums so often seek my help when either they are nearing the end of maternity leave or in the first few weeks of returning back to work. Managing to juggle the day with your child is difficult enough, but when you’re trying to concentrate on work, home life and every thing else thrown your way, it’s another level. A good night sleep can improve the ability to concentrate on one task at a time, prioritise what’s important, and reduce the overwhelm that is felt.

Reduction in stress levels Stress on the body often ends up in a viscous cycle. The less sleep you get, the higher the levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, that are released by the body.

These in turn keep you awake even when your child is sleeping. Conversely, a good nights sleep can produce an anti-stress effect, enabling you to manage challenging situations with a calmer and more positive response. Anxiety of an impending difficult

Healthier body and mind The physical and mental health benefits to getting adequate night time sleep are almost endless.

Better heart health, boosted immune system to ward off viruses and bugs, and reduced risk of serious illnesses including diabetes and cancer. A body clock that’s functioning as it should stabilises our metabolism, leading to healthier food choices and less excess weight gain. The benefits to your psychological wellbeing are just as great, and a reduction of sleep can increase the chances of poor mental health. The more sleep you get, the better your mood, anxiety is reduced, and mental health disorders such as depression are kept at bay.

Keeps you and your child safer Did you know adults that suffer with poor sleep are at a much higher risk of injuries at work, at home and on the move. Driving in particular can be particularly challenging, with many accidents per year as a direct result of drowsy drivers. You are also far more likely to carry out safe sleep practices with your child if you have had more sleep.

The chance to actually enjoy parenthood Who says you just have to survive the early years with children? Yes being a parent is all consuming and exhausting at times. Yet tackling everything that parenting throws your way on a good knights sleep definitely makes it all the more bearable, and day I say, enjoyable! I remember when my son started sleeping through the night, I actually missed him! Both he and I would wake up refreshed and ready fro the day, and it is a though echoes by many parents that I’ve worked with.

“Within three days of speaking with Emma our little boy’s bedtimes went from something I would worry about all day to become a really pleasant part of my day which allowed me to have more quality time with my little one.” Jane Pryor, Brentwood.

So if you’re struggling with sleep, please get in touch for a free assessment call to find out how we can support you in getting all the benefits of a good nights sleep. We also have a wealth of free sleep information on our website through blogs, and resource downloads.

HushaBoo was founded in 2013, by Emma Osborne, a qualified and experienced sleep consultant and night nanny. In recent years, we have expanded into a team of sleep professionals to help even more parents. We work with families from before birth to 8 years old, finding the perfect solution to suit your individual needs.

Based in Bishops Stortford covering London, Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire for in person support and UK wide for remote support. You can quote ‘Salad Days Summer Sleep’ for 10% discount off our 1:1 consultation packages - offer ends 1st August 2023.

Emma Osborne Paediatric Sleep Specialist & HushaBoo Founder www.hushaboo.co.uk 07540 222521

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Oh, What a Wonderful World!

Hooray for summer! As I write it is sunny and bright, the birds are singing and the meadow in front of my desk is a carpet of yellow cowslips! I thought therefore, I’d choose books for you which celebrate the outside world and inspire all sorts of investigations and activities for sunny weekends and holidays.

First is All Change: a Book of Nature’s Transformations, by Harriet Evans and Linda Tardoff, an ingenious lift the flap board book for very young children. Lift the flaps and the bare winter tree has leaves and blossom; the caterpillar becomes a butterfly; the sleeping volcano erupts; and the tide comes in. With very simple explanatory text and lovely clear pictures, this is an excellent way to inspire even the youngest children to notice these changes when they are out and about.

Songs of the Birds by Isobel Otter and Clover Robin, with its 24 bird calls at the press of the buttons is a delightful resource when you’re trying to identify the birds in your garden or local park. Or even just to cheer you up when you’re inside on a dull day. Each page offers a different representative habitat (dawn chorus in the garden; water birds by a pond; woodland; town birds; evening bird calls). The illustrations offer clear and accurate likenesses of the birds, so you have visual matches as well as the calls, and there is some simple text with basic facts about the birds in question. I haven’t tried taking the book outside and playing the calls to see if the wild birds will respond, but it is worth a try! When you’ve had enough, there’s a discreet ‘off’ button on the back cover.

Another clever lift the flap book is See Inside Evolution by Emily Bone and Ana Sender. What a brilliant way to illustrate the history of life on earth for children – the flaps showing the shift from the boiling mud pools and poisonous gases on earth four billion years to the development of the first cells deep under the ocean and then, in simple terms, how clusters of cells became creatures in the water, and then on land; how the meteor crash wiped out the dinosaurs but how other animals survived; and then on to the evolution of humans and to some of the extraordinary evolutionary adaptations in nature. The final double-page spread explains how we know about evolution – again with flaps to lift to help illustrate the science. This is an Usborne STEM publication and reflects the publisher’s understanding of the right balance of serious scientific information in text and pictures to interest and inspire children aged 6 and upwards about the world around them.

’Do try this at home’ is the invitation in Sunday Fun Day: a Nature Activity for Every Weekend of the Year by Katherine Halligan and Jesus Verona. It includes, as it says, 52 seasonal activities for children – from spring morning yoga (be a tree, be a downward-facing dog) to making autumn leaf-lullaby mobiles and winter pine-cone bird feeders. Some activities will need a bit of adult help to get going (or at least to provide the necessary supplies) and some require adult attendance (eg some of the cookery) but all will inspire and absorb children in creativity, teach them about the world around them, and encourage them to caring for their environment. The instructions and illustrations are bright and clear, and the projects should all produce pleasing results for display. I particularly liked one of the longerterm and larger projects to make a secret garden by creating a wigwam circle of bamboo canes and growing peas or runner beans, nasturtiums or honeysuckle up them. A large enough circle would allow this to be a child’s secret hideaway - which could also furnish its own healthy snacks!

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T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk I couldn’t resist A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu, and You: A laugh-out-loud Guide to Life on Earth by Mike Barfield and Jess Bradley -a cartoon-style, funny, but no less very informative account of everything from how the human body works, to what goes on in the animal kingdom to the science behind the world around us, including how clocks, lightbulbs, tornadoes and clouds work. The book was the deserved winner of the 2021 Blue Peter Award for the best factual book and will appeal to children who love reading comics. As the Introduction explains, there are comic-book style snapshots of what ‘things get up to’ all day, ‘Bigger Picture’ pages with more detailed facts, and ‘Secret Diaries’ with even more inside knowledge (for example the secret diary of the space probe Voyager 1). The text is informal and is great fun to read with plenty of groan-inducing jokes which will help the science to stick - for example, Bella, the vampire bat explains that when her friend Velma visited her, feeling hungry, Bella vomited up some of her own stomach contents into Velma’s mouth. ‘It’s good to share. And good deeds like that helps keep the colony – our group – together.

Would you be that generous with your friends?’. Children are unlikely to forget that sort of fact in a hurry! But maybe there should be a ‘don’t try this at home’ warning!

Finally, there’s The Trouble with Earth by Alex Latimer, a rhyming story about how the other planets come to recognise the amazing variety of life on earth. The planets are heading off for their annual holiday ‘out somewhere in the Milky Way’. They leave Earth behind because they think she has fleas as they have seen things moving around on her surface.

She then shows them just what marvels there are. ‘” It’s true”, said Earth, “I am infested just as Mars has suggested. And its not just fleas, there’s so much more! From mountain top to ocean floor! I LOVE each creature, plant and bug, Each human, tree, and tiny slug” ‘. Earth then explains why the other planets can’t ‘catch’ any of these infestations – Neptune is too cold, Mercury too hot, Pluto too small etc – but that they are welcome to hear more of her stories about all her creatures. What a joyful and very clever celebration of our wonderful world, even including its fleas!

All these books are on the shelves at Harts Books in Saffron Walden along with hundreds of others to choose from to help inspire children to explore and cherish the world around them. I hope you will find something to suit the children in your care.

Jo Burch - Founder of Words in Walden

Saffron Walden Museum Until Sunday 9 July 2023 Special exhibition Feeding the Family : a history of dining from Roman times to the present day, from Saturday 1 April and. With recipes, typical dishes and tableware from each time period. Challenge your sense of smell with the mystery food smells to identify!

1 August Geology Rocks! Craft session: paint your own fossils. With local geologist Gerald Lucy and Saffron Walden Library. Get hands on with geology! Have your rocks and fossils identified, find out how pigments are made. 30 min sessions between 10.10-12.50pm or between 2– 2.30pm. £2.40 per child 24 August Crafts Demonstrations.

Join us in the castle grounds for a day of tradition craft demonstrations and a chance to get hands on with some of them £5.00 adult (over 18s), £2.50 concessions Summer Holiday Activities - A Summer of Art - Family activities 30 min sessions between 10.10-12.50pm or between 2– 2.30pm) £2.40 per child 25 July: Clay tile 2 August: Seashell Self-portrait 8 August: Relief printing 22 August: Flower Collage Age ranges for the craft sessions are ages 4+ but may be suitable for younger children with extra support from their adults.

ONLINE BOOKING for Activities Art Tickets page https://saffron-walden-museum.arttickets.org.uk/ MUSEUM CONTACT DETAILS FOR ALL: Saffron Walden Museum Museum Street Saffron Walden Essex CB10 1BN T: 01799 510333 | E: museum@uttlesford.gov.uk | www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org

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Diary Summer Dates 2023 8th July

Go Tots!!!

Dance at a festival with your little one in Hertfordshire

1st June

National Say Something Nice Day We have an opportunity to make June 1st extra pleasant for everyone. #SaySomethingNiceDay

4th July 3rd June

Thaxted Fayre & Fun Dog Show

I’m late! I’m late! For a very important date!

Celebrate Alice in Wonderland Day

13th July

10th June

Boogie wonderland at Home and Eat in Bishops Stortford

Takeley school fete

16th July

10th June

The Umbrella Big Band in Bishops Stortford

11th June

18th June

Old Macdonald had a Farm!

Father’s Day

World Snake Day If you have a pet snake, show them a little extra love and pampering.

Help end the stigma around snakes, and see what you can do to help endangered species.

Booking a party; Salad Days Mag highly recommends reptiles etc

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

Hello Summer!

Let’s go swimming…

SAS swimming have been running Children’s swimming lesson for nearly 25 years and know the importance of learning to swim.

Learning to swim should be paramount for every child. The earlier the child can start to get use to the water the better.

Swimming is the perfect exercise for all ages, but most importantly, it is a lifesaving skill.

leisure and features 13 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

Children will always be fascinated by water without knowing the potential dangers. We believe every child should be given the opportunity to learn and enjoy swimming. With the holiday season fast approaching and so much fun to be had with family and friends it’s a perfect time to consider lessons. National Statistics for drowning are not good and could easily be improved upon.

It is never too late to learn to swim or improve your swimming as many adult lessons can be found locally as well.

If you are interested in our Childrens lessons at either Linton or Fulbourn we run small groups from the age of 4 yrs. SAS Swimming a great starting block for learning a skill for life.

SWIMMING IS A LIFESAVING SKILL

For further information please contact Steve 01799 501293 or Sue 07947 730287 sasswimmingcambridge@googlemail.com http//www.sas-swimming.co.uk.

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KD Theatre Productions & Saff ron Hall Presents

Audley End Miniature Railway THURSDAY 27TH – SATURDAY 29TH JULY 2023 www.saffronhall.com | 0845 548 7650

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What is Cottagecore?

Cottagecore is still very much as popular as it was during the height of covid, and it’s still very much a trend that is here to stay!

But what is it?

Cottagecore

Cottagecore is a movement hearkening back to articultural life, skills and crafts. It s a concept that embraces a simpler sustainable existence that is more harmonious with nature. Aesthetically, it’s a nod to the traditional English countryside style of romantic and nostalgic lifestyles which date back as far as the eighteenth century pastoral English poetry, where writers harkened back to the intrinsic value of nature through romanticism as a way to ease anxieties that came with living an industrialised society.

During covid we saw society at large staying in and slowing down made headway to a whole coast of activities with a bygone era, like knitting, baking and gardening. This became a grounding experience that served as a way to feel connected with earth during a complicated time in human history and its here to stay as it proves that slow living, cozy atmospheres, and pleasing aesthetics have a big impact on our mental health.

Here’s some ideas to Cottagecore this summer.

1. Go on a picnic outdoors in the wild flowers, ditch the plastic and use a basket. Make your own bread or other baking goods, like pies, scones, or biscuits is a lot less intimidating than it may look and over time, you’ll perfectyour own personal recipe.

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

2. Get crafty with the children and make your own Jam Jar fairy garden or make your own bug hotel which is a great organic way to encourage wildlife to your garden.

leisure and features 17

4. Buy the dress! Feminine shapes and details are integral to this aesthetic. Milkmaid necklines, puff sleeves, ruffles, florals, stripes and even lace give us that whimsical romanticism.

Dress by Malina Lani in French Ditsy Pink found at the shop Blue Boutique in Saffron Walden @bluessaffronwalden

3. Read an old fairy tale or novel We love this book “Godmersham Park” by Gill Hornby.

5. Make a nature journal with the children, make nature stamps in your journal, leaf of tree rubbing. List all the birds, insects, leaves or flowers observed. Draw and use berry juice for your drawings. Get creative!

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Summer at

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Cinderella Junior Ensemble Auditions Sun 25th June | 2pm

Auditions are open to Children aged 9 - 16 who can act, sing and dance! Being part of the Junior Ensemble is a great opportunity but involves a lot of rehearsals and commitment (including Sundays!). The overall show dates include schools performances and Tech and Dress rehearsals. Please note: Junior teams will begin much earlier than the overall dates.

Dress Rehearsal starts on Thurs 30th Nov - Tue 2nd January.

Register your interest with Sue Scott Davison at: sscottdavison@southmillarts.co.uk

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain

Wed 30th & Thu 31st Aug 1.30pm & 4.30pm Full: £16 | Concs: £14 | Family: £56 New Show! We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!

So BARMY BRITAIN is back with the hit West End show, full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past!

Britain’s favourite history show is back! It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

Box Office: 01279 710 200 southmillarts.co.uk

Supported by:

Sponsored by:

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

Museum

Kids Crafts Museum Talks - Lunchtime Lectures

Relax Like Victorians

History of St James Church at Thorley, Bishop’s Stortford | Tue 20th Jun | 12.30pm | Free

Tue 25th, Wed 26th & Thur 27th Jul Drop in between 10am & 2pm | £1 per child

George Morghiste Ottea

Join us to experience life as a Victorian this summer! Dress up for a photo, try out our original 3d viewers and make a spinning picture toy. No need to book tickets.

Tue 18th Jul | 12.30pm | Free

Dog training Secrets

Tue 15th Aug | 12.30pm | Free

Museum Walks

Wash like Victorians

Cemetery walk

Tue 15th, Wed 16th & Thur 17th Aug Drop in between 10am & 2pm | £1 per child

Entertaining Bishop’s Stortford

Its Victorian wash day! Use our washtub, dolly and mangle then make a wooden peg character. No need to book tickets.

Sun 25th Jun | 11am | Free - booking essential Sun 30th Jul | 11am | Free - booking essential

Slow Walk

Sun 27th Aug | 11am | Free - booking essential

Storytime

Play like Victorians

First Weds of each month | 10am | Free

Tue 22nd, Wed 23rd & Thur 24th Aug Drop in between 10am and 2pm | £1 per child

Join us for Storytime at the Museum. Enjoy a story, songs and some colouring or craft. We can welcome up to 12 children at a time and will read the story several times if needed and provide activities whilst you wait. For ages 2.5 - 5.

Summer 2023 Museum Trail Duration of Jul - Aug | no tickets needed | Free Can you find the Victorian items whose first letters spell out ‘Victoria’?

Try out Victorian toys and make some for yourself.

No need to book tickets.

Please note: all children must be accompanied by an adult when attending our Museum activities

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sport 21

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Sports clubs Boxing

Summer Camps from 24th July - 18th August 2023

Saffron Walden PSG Girls FC T: 07595328816 E: newplayercontact@psgfc.co.uk W: www.psgfc.co.uk

This fabulous venue in Bishop’s Stortford is conveniently located, just 1.5 miles from the train station and convenient for commuters.

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

Our activity holidays are Ofsted registered giving parents peace of mind, whilst ensuring maximum FUN for kids. This camp is for children aged 4 ½ to 14 years and offers 80+ FUN and EXCITING activities.

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

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

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

Hockey

Hockerill Anglo-European College has all the facilities to accommodate our exciting activities including archery, fencing, dance, drama, art and much more! Set within beautiful grounds and with recent renovations including a new sports hall, they’ll be well served at this new Barracudas camp. Barracudas Bishops is rated MET by Ofsted, providing peace of mind for parents!

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

Cricket

Football 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: secretary@dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk W: www.dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk Elsenham Youth FC E: info@elsenhamyfc W: 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

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

Skills Builder courses are also available during the summer holidays at this site which include Discovery Squad, Motor Mania & Dance Fusion!

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

Haverhill & Saffron Walden Shotokan Karate E: gill.payne@talktalk.net

Martial arts

Judo E: iskjc@yahoo.co.uk

Associated Karate Schools (AKS) E: barrettbusiness@aol.com W: www.karateschools.co.uk

Koryoda Kids W: www.koryoda.com

Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai W: www.bishopsstortfordjudo.com

SW Judo Club E: saffronwaldenjudoclub@hotmail.co.uk FB: “Saffron Walden Judo Club”

B.L.Tae Kwon-Do Schools E: bruce@tkd72.plus.com W: www.bl-taekwondo-schools.co.uk Budo Taijutsu, Saffron Walden W: www.mushinzui.com Dunmow Shotokan Karate Club W: www.eska.org.uk

Shotokan Karate Ryu W: www.skr.org.uk Te-Ashi-Do Karate, Bishop’s Stortford M: 07826 849388 E: allan.worrell@sky.com W: www.teashido.co.uk

Rugby

Wendens Ambo Mini Rugby E: chair@wendenrugby.com W: www.wendenrugby.com Saffron Walden Rugby Club, Henham M: 07703 532822 E: info@swrfc.co.uk W: www.swrfc.co.uk

Squash

Bishop’s Stortford Squash Club E: andrewmulvey@stortfordsquash.co.uk W: www.stortfordsquash.co.uk Saffron Walden Squash Club E: george.atterbury@hotmail.com

Swimming

Bishops Stortford Swimming Club E: membership@bsswimclub.org.uk

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

Performing arts Dance

Theatre Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tempos Performing Arts T: 07956 211 909 E: info@temposperformingarts.co.uk W: temposperformingarts.co.uk Tracey Walker School of Dance T: 07773 062 338 E: doancecrazy.tracey1@gmail.com W: traceywalkerschoolofdance.co.uk

Drama

Pauline Quirk Academy T: 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

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

Perform Bishops Stortford T: 02072 559 120 E: performforschools@perform.org.uk W: perform.org.uk

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

Stortford Performers T: 07949 029 967 E: emmacremnitz@gmail.com W: stortfordperformers.com

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

performing arts 23 How does performing arts help young people?

The theatre, dance and other performing arts can teach people how to express themselves effectively, and can also be a tool through which people with disabilities can communicate. Many performing arts students suffer from shyness when they start attending classes and gradually become more confident as they find ways to communicate. In addition to teaching self-expression, the performing arts helps young people as a whole in self-knowledge and understanding. Above all else, the performing arts are about being creative. Without a creative voice, a society may become all but dead inside, and a social group without any creativity is likely to be repressive and tyrannical rather than a force for good.The performing arts encourages young people to explore their emotions, expand their imagination and helps them develop their vocabulary. Each discipline of music, dance and drama engage a child’s brain, body and emotions in different ways to encourage their confidence and find joy in self-expression. Many studies have also concluded that children who participate in performing arts enjoy improved performance in their academic subjects and because of the confidence gained and enhanced communication skills they Music become empowered in whatever career Cantate Youth Choir path they decide to take up as young E: info@cantate.co.uk adults.

W: www.cantate.co.uk Joyful Noise T: 01799 520 083 E: annecass@btinternet.com Saffron Centre For Young Musicians E: kllewellyn@cym.org.uk W: saffroncym.org Saffron Walden Town Band T: 07779 266 853 E: stephthake@gmail.com Sting Choir T: 07484 865 763 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com

The importance of having people in society who can express themselves creatively is without doubt. Biologists have argued that the formation of creativity was the most important step in human development and that society cannot move forward without creative people. Most social groups have some kind of performing arts courses, whether that is learning how to perform traditional dance, or speaking Shakespeare in Stratford-uponAvon. What is vital is that performing arts continue to be nurtured and encouraged.

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Outstanding Performing Arts classes for all ages & abilities in Bishops Stortford, Church Langley, Flitch Green, Hertford, Saffron Walden, Sawbridgeworth & Stansted

RAD Ballet | ISTD Tap & Modern | GCSE Dance LAMDA Drama & Musical Theatre | Acrobatic Arts Commercial & Street | Contemporary | Adult Classes

Contact us now for your free trial lessons!

01279 654423 | info@grahamschoolofdance.co.uk @grahamschooldancetheatre www.grahamschoolofdance.co.uk

www.saladdaysmag.uk

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

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pre-school 27

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

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

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

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

Birchanger Birchanger Butterflies Preschool Birchwood; Ages: 2-5; T: 01279 810800 E: admin@birchangerbutterflies.org.uk

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

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

Clavering Clavering & Arkesden Preschool Head: Cara Donker; Ages: 21⁄2-5 T: 01799 550380 E: claveringarkesdenpreschool@gmail.com W: claveringarkesdenpreschool.org.uk

Farnham

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

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

Sycamore House Day Nursery Manager: Courtney Skeggs T: 01279 465097; E: manager@sycamorehousedaynursery.co.uk W: sycamorehousedaynursery.co.uk

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

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

Chrishall

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

Finchingfield

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

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

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Great Chesterford

Hempstead

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

Pips Nursery 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.

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

Great Dunmow Flitch Green Montessori Preschool T: 01371 823293 E: flitchgreen@mymontessori.org.uk W: flitchgreenpreschool.co.uk Freedom Daycare Nursery T: 01371 873663 Maynard Montessori Pre-School T: 01371 856995 E: maynard@mymontessori.org.uk W: maynardmontessori.co.uk Puffin Preschool T: 07712 858878 Wrens Pre-School Quaker Meeting House T: 01371 874457 E: joannamardell@yahoo.co.uk W: wrenspreschool.co.uk

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

Henham Henham & Ugley Nursery School Ages: 3-5 T: 01279 850213 E: admin@henhamugley.essex.sch.uk W: henhamugley.essex.sch.uk Saplings Nursery Ages: 3 months - 5 years T: 01279 851998 E: admin@saplingsnursery.co.uk W: saplingsnursery.co.uk

Little Hallingbury Little Hallingbury Playgroup Ages: 2-5 Village Hall T: 01279 726578 E: debbieroberts35@virginmedia.com

Much Hadham Faraway Tree Kindergarten Ages: 2+ Hadham Cross Congregational Ch Hall T: 07488 333820 E: info@farawaytreekindergarten.co.uk W: farawaytreekindergarten.co.uk

T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Much Hadham Pre-School Ages: 2-5 Oudle Lane, Much Hadham T: 01279 842614 E: muchhadhampreschool@yahoo.co.uk W: muchhadhampreschool.co.uk

Stehen Perse Nursery Ashdon Road, CB10 2AL Ages: 1-5 T: 01223 454762 E: admissions@stephenperse.com W: stephenperse.com

Newport

St Thomas More Montessori Ages: 1-5 years T: 01799 523248 E: stm@mymontessori.org.uk W: stthomasmoremontessori.co.uk

Olivers Lodge Nursery Ages 0-4 T: 01799 540709 E: info@olivers-lodge.co.uk Olivers Lodge Pre-School Ages 3-4 T: 01799 540709 E: info@olivers-lodge.co.uk

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

Stansted Bentfield Nursery Ages: 3-5 T: 01279 813626 E: admin@bentfield.essex.sch.uk W: bentfield.essex.sch.uk Rainbow Preschool Ages: 2 1/2-5 T: 01279 814242 W: rainbowpreschool-stansted.co.uk

Bell Day Nursery Ages: 0-5 T: 01799 528051 Bright Horizons Crocus Saffron Walden Nursery and Preschool Ages 3months - 5 years T: 01799 522522 E: saffronwalden@brighthorizons.com W: brighthorizons.com Meadow Montessori Nursery Ages: 2-5 T: 01799 513858 W: montessorimeadows.co.uk Saffron Walden Nursery School Ages: 1 year to school age T: 01799 522108 E: info@saffronwaldennursery.org.uk W: saffronwaldennursery.org.uk

Uttlesford Citizens Advice Barnards Yard, Saffron Walden CB11 4EB 01799 618840 help@uttlesfordca.org.uk www.uttlesfordca.org.uk

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Are you missing out?

It is estimated that UK households are missing out on £15 billion a year of means-tested benefits. Even if you feel you can manage, you have a right to claim your benefit entitlements - sometimes claiming can also help you access other support. You can check quickly and easily, using an online benefit calculator such as the one on the UDC website: https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/article/5078/Online-BenefitCalculators If you don’t have internet access, or need a little extra help, call our friendly advisers on 01799 618840 and they will carry out a benefit check for you.

Low-cost broadband - Ofcom figures show that just 5% of eligible families have signed up for ‘Social Tariffs’ - discounted packages for households on Universal Credit or other types of financial support.

These offer superfast speeds for as little as £12 a month. For more information go to https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/guides/ broadband-deals-for-low-income-families/ Healthy start vouchers - Half of the eligible families in Uttlesford are missing out on vouchers for milk, vitamins and healthy food. These may be available to you if you are on a low income and are pregnant or have a child under the age of 4. Speak to your midwife or health visitor or go to https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/ Discounted Travel - If you’ve been claiming some income-related benefits for three months, you may be entitled to a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card, which can cut the cost of rail and bus fares by up to 50%. Ask at your local Jobcentre Plus.

Help with energy costs or grants to reduce the amount of energy you use are available if you are struggling to pay your bills. Contact our warm homes team for more information 01799 618858 warmhomes@uttlesfordca.org.uk

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Baby and toddler groups 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

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

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

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

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T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Term time only except where stated 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

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 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 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 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

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

Saffron Walden Playgroup Saffron walden playgroup is a volunteer run, established playgroup in the heart of Saffron Walden. Held in the spacious hall at the Quaker Meeting house on the High Street, we offer a warm and friendly place for parents and carers to bring their little ones. Our sessions consist of free play with a variety of fun toys, as well as a cosy baby area and two exciting messy play/craft tables. We have snack time for those big enough and finish every session with a story and songs (including sleepy bunnies of course!). Tea and coffee is provided for the grown ups so you can hopefully have a chance for a chat, sip and a sit while you watch your little ones join in the fun.

We’d love to meet you and your small people so if you haven’t visited us yet, check out our Facebook page. Booking opens every Tuesday at 8:30pm for the following week via Facebook messenger. www.facebook.com/saffronwaldenplaygroup Every Tuesday during term time from 10:00-11:30am.

Quaker Meeting House, High Street Saffron Walden CB10 1AA Ages 0-preschoolers. £3.50 6 months+ £1.50 under 6 months £3.50 per family group (if one or more is 6 months+)

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Helping children believe they can do anything Stagecoach Saffron Walden Singing, dancing and acting classes for 5 - 18 year-olds stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden 01799 588246 Chesterfords Community Centre, CB10 1NS

Creative Courage For Life® Stagecoach Performing Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Performing Arts Limited.