Salad Days - Spring issue 101

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

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the vibrant pages of our Spring issue!

As the season unfolds and nature comes to life, we are thrilled to present a bountiful collection of ideas, inspirations, and stories that capture the essence of spring.

In this edition, we have curated a delightful array of content that celebrates the joyous spirit of Easter, embraces educational pursuits, and cherishes the importance of family bonds. As the world blossoms around us, we invite you to embark on a journey through the refreshing and uplifting articles and features that make up the heart and soul of Salad Days Magazine.

Discover half term events and what’s going on in the community. Dive into educational content that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning in readers of all ages.

As you flip through the pages, let the vibrant colours and lively stories transport you to a world filled with the promise of new beginnings. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for gatherings, educational activities, or simply looking for heartwarming family stories, we believe this issue has something for everyone.

Thank you for being part of the Salad Days community. We hope this Spring issue brings a sense of renewal, joy, and togetherness into your homes.

Happy reading!

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

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

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

Dunmow St. Mary’s Primary

T: 01371 872340

E: admin@dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk

W: dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk

Felsted Primary

T: 01371 820215

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

W: felsted-pri.sch.uk

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: greatdunmowprimary.co.uk

The Flitch Green Academy

T: 01371 822330;

E: admin@flitchgreen.net

W: theflitchgreen.net

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

W: rabutleracademy.org.uk

St Marys C of E school

T: 01799 523384

E: info@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk

W: stmaryssw.org.uk

St Thomas More Catholic School

T: 01799 523248

E: admin@stmsw.co.uk

W: stmsw.co.uk

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

4 education

www.saladdaysmag.uk

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

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

Rochelle Cutler Mont Dip AMI

I Can Do It Montessori

Positive parenting support and gentle family mentoring to solve all your parenting challenges between 0-12 years.

T: 07950 995771

E: rochelle@icandoitmontessori.co.uk

W: icandoitmontessori.co.uk

Kidslingo

Have fun learning Spanish through songs, games, drama and stories from 0-11 years. Classes also available for nurseries, primary schools & child minders

T: 07926 007797

E: jessicalp@kidslingo.co.uk

W: kidslingo.co.uk

Luciana Ferreira Day Spanish all levels

E: lucianafday@gmail.com

T: 07930 525079

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

SandStory

Therapeutic approach, using sand and story telling, to working with children suffering with anxiety. I currently offer sessions for ages 4 to 9 years. For more information about the method check, www.lowenfeld.org/videos

M: 07779718223

E: Larena22@protonmail.com

Family mediation specialists

For many families or couples, working with a mediator can help to resolve issues in a more amicable way, where possible. At Tees the family law team includes people who are both experienced mediators and highly qualified, experienced solicitors.

What are the benefits of family mediation?

There are three main benefits:

1.It can help to keep things amicable; the approach of mediation focuses on good communication and understanding from everyone and that can support a more amicable solution being achieved.

2.Final decisions are made by you and not on your behalf. If you go to court to sort out your arrangements a judge will make the decisions, which will then be imposed upon you, whether you like them or not.

3.It’s often quicker and cheaper than other options. Resolving matters through the courts or solicitors can take months, whereas mediation can be at your preferred pace.

If you are married and considering divorce or separating from your partner, our mediators can help you.

We’re here to help

At Tees, we can come up with a tailored arrangement that suits your individual needs. If you want to find out more about mediation, please give us a call. Our mediators are based in:

•Cambridgeshire: Cambridge

•Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden

•Hertfordshire: Bishop’s Stortford and Royston

•

• Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 entry

• Transport across Suffolk, Essex, Cambs.

2024 Open Events

Weds 20th March, 9.30am

Tues 23rd April, 5.30pm Registration essential

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

Small classes in a beautiful rural setting

8 education

Roots of Happiness

It’s Spring so, as you might expect, I have gone outdoors to find books to review for this issue of Salad Days. Each of the books has, however, unexpected delights.

The first is What is Mud? by Katie Daynes and Mark Chambers. It is small lift-the-flap board book in the Usborne ‘Very First Questions and Answers’ series. It starts with mud being the familiar ‘soft, squelchy brown stuff’ which can be ‘gloopy and sticky’ and is ‘mostly…marvellous’, and leads to simple explanations of the range of ways in which mud is important – in growing cocoa pods to make chocolate; soaking up rain, storing carbon; allowing fungus trails in the soil to allow trees to send messages to each other; and containing microbes used to make antibiotics. There is a lot of information packed into this little book which will inspire children to get out and investigate – to understand how we should protect the soil and, no doubt, get marvellously muddy!

Children generally like being outdoors but sometimes parents need a bit more encouragement. My Dad is a Tree by Jon Agee made me laugh a lot. In this bright colourful picture book, Madeleine asks her dad to stand and pretend to be a tree with her, ‘because a tree gets to stand outside all day long’. Dad stops sweeping leaves and joins in ‘just for a minute’ but immediately things start to happen – a baby owl nestles up in his collar, a spider spins a web in his armpit, a slug crawls on his shoe, and Dad has to stay put because, as Madeleine says, ‘trees aren’t bothered by things like that’. The contrast between Madeleine’s blithe attitude to her father’s predicament and his increasing despair is a delight – and a tribute to the power of children’s imagination.

Another very patient tree is the subject of The Oak Tree by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy. ‘Way back in time, a thousand years ago, An acorn on the ground began to grow’. Julia Donaldson’s trademark rhymes tell the story of an oak tree over its thousand-year lifetime. We see medieval children playing hopscotch around the seedling, Tudor children with oakleaf garlands in their hair, Victorian children making snowmen with acorn buttons, and today’s children climbing on its fallen trunk while a new acorn sprouts. This is both a glorious celebration of nature and a humbling recognition of the history one tree will have witnessed. It is a treasure.

Roots of Happiness by Susie Dent and illustrated by Harriet Hobday is not strictly about the outdoors but there is a tree on the cover and there are plenty of references to nature inside. Subtitled ‘100 words for Joy and Hope’, it is a selection of unusual, forgotten, or newly minted happy and uplifting words which I guarantee you will want to use at the first opportunity. ‘Flother’ for example, is the single flake of snow which suggests more is on its way; ‘erumpent’ refers to the bursting out of life in Spring; ‘plodge’ is the old English word for wading across muddy ground; and ‘thunderplump’ is the Scots word for the sudden downpour of fat raindrops accompanied by rumbles of thunder. I’ve quoted four words – you have another ninety-six words to discover for yourselves, which I know will ‘happify’ you! Just one more to keep you going as I can’t resist it: there are also familiar words whose origins (or roots) are unexpected – did you know that the word ‘muscle’ comes from the Latin word musculus, which means ‘little mouse’ and refers to Ancient Romans who imagined a mouse scurrying about under an athlete’s bicep! Isn’t that charming?!

Roots of Happiness is the result of word expert Susie Dent’s years of research in dictionaries, and my final book, Life on the Thames by Emma Shoard is the result of the author’s years of research about the river on which she has lived for the last ten years. It is also filled with the joyful, passionate close observation of nature which inspired some of the words which Susie Dent discovered.

Life on the Thames starts at the river’s source and is an account of the natural and human history which has existed along its winding course to the sea. Illustrated with the author’s own observational sketches, this is a beautiful account of the Thames and the life it has sustained and continues to sustain today. Emma Shoard writes about the ducks and coots, otters and water voles, locks and narrowboats, mudlarking, oysters and eels, salt marshes and mudflats which are all part of the life on and of the river. She also writes about some of the conservation projects along the Thames and suggests ideas for how children, their friends and families and schools can help to improve the rivers where they live. As the blurb on the back suggests, this book would be a gift that any young conservationist will treasure.

Jo Burch - Founder of Words in Walden

SAINT NICHOLAS

Windhill21 Nursery

Are you looking for a nursery place for your child?

Please contact the school for further information and to arrange a tour

“The extremely stimulating learning environment helps to ensure that children are well motivated, interested in their activities and able to make strong progress” - OFSTED 2018

Grove Cottage: Supporting Children with Special Needs and Nurturing Potential

Grove Cottage offers a specialist nursery, speech and language therapy and Saturday clubs for children with learning disabilities and special additional needs, to develop their potential and to provide respite for their families.

Our Ofsted-regulated special needs nursery provides tailored education and social support for pre-school children, offering a fully inclusive educational and care setting, offering:

• one-to-one provision as required

• extra-curricular activities

Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2NE or Scott Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3QJ 01279 696850 admin@windhill.herts.sch.uk www.windhill.herts.sch.uk

• fully qualified staff who liaise with a range of support professionals and therapists

• extensive parental support

The children in our nursery follow the national Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in an environment dedicated to children with additional needs. Our nursery staff teach and develop skills which the children may be delayed in, such as speech and mobility and encourage them to make friends with other children. Our speech and language therapy programme can be offered alongside our nursery provision, enabling the children to get the most from their early years’ education. Children may be referred to us by parents or specialists, usually when there is evidence of a developmental delay, or the child is struggling in a mainstream setting. However, we do not need a diagnosis – if there are specific areas where your child is not meeting specific outcomes, there is global developmental delay or specific medical care needs, we may be able to offer your child a place at our nursery. Our Saturday clubs give children and young people the opportunity to have fun, meet and make friends and provides vital respite to families. To enable us to give the children and young people the best experience possible, we hold different Saturday clubs according to age and need, covering 5 to 12 years and 13 to 25 years.

“Grove Cottage was our light at the end of a dark tunnel when our son got diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. We can’t thank the Nursery and Saturday Club staff enough for the support they’ve given us up until now and I know for years to come. Our son always comes home beaming and smiling from ear to ear after a day at Grove Cottage, it’s helped him build up his confidence and allows him a safe space to be himself.”

5 Easter ideas to upgrade your athome celebration

Easter time is for gather together and eat otherworldly amounts of chocolate. Our homes provide the main setting for celebrations and just as we do for Christmas, Easter provides the opportunity to have some fun and transform spaces, which can easily be achieved with different ideas and layers of pastel colours, spring blooms and dainty decs. Whether you’re hosting an Easter egg hunt in the garden or a weekend filled with hot cross bun brunching here are some simple ideas for you to create an Easter in Style!

1.Create a hanging branch centre piece

Create a unique branch style Easter tree, decorated with painted baubles, or small chocolate Easter eggs. You can foraged your own branches and add them to large vases or as most DIYers would suggest, hanging the branches from small ceiling hooks. Adding colourful ribbon and fake blossom will really pull the look together.

2. Easter dessert board for a crowd

Charcuterie boards are a fun festive desert idea for any occasion and these dessert or cheese and meat boards are perfect to feed lots of guest. You can be as creative as possible, thee is no wrong way to make a charcuterie board…you really can’t go wrong! Choose your ingredients and just keep layering, adding fruits, veggies, chocolates and Easter biscuits.

3. No sew odd sock bunny

5. Fresh cut flowers

Easter flower arrangements prove sometimes simple is best. Showcase the bounty of spring with a trio of cut blooms in simple vases. Look for early spring flowers like hyacinths, anemones, and irises.

4. Bunny Napkin

Keeping budget in mind and creative mind you can make your table shine and impress guests with simple but beautiful presentations. Add your folded napkins around your Easter eggs or decorative eggs and tie with some string to secure.

Put your odd sock in a glass and fill with rice. Add some string to tie the top of the socks, then add some string to the centre to make two parts. (The head and the body) draw with a felt tip pen the eyes and a cross for the nose. Cut the top to make ears. Hoppy Easter!

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Spring at

Storytime

First Tues of each month | 10.30am | Free

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

Kids Craft - Make your own Victorian Police Lamp

Tue 2nd | Wed 3rd & Thu 4th Apr

10am - 2pm | Ages 4+ | £1 per child

Your lamp centre turns to block or reveal the light.

Kids Craft - Fingerprint Fun

Tue 9th | Wed 10th & Thu 11th Apr

10am - 2pm | Ages 4+ | £1 per child

Discover why the police take fingerprints then use yours to make some artwork.

Kids Craft - Mini Maypoles and Streamers

Tue 28th | Wed 29th & Thu 30th May

10am - 2pm | Ages 4+ | £1 per child

Its May! Make some colourful decorations to welcome the summer. No need to book tickets

Don’t miss our Free Easter Museum Trail 1st Apr - 24th May | Anytime

Bishop’s Stortford Museum Activities

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

The Little Mermaid: An Underwater Musical Adventure

Tue 2nd Apr | 2pm

£19.50 | £17.50 Conc. | £70 Family | 5+

From the producers of Rapunzel, it’s time to make a splash and join Ariel; her father, King of the Seven Seas; Ursula, the evil sea witch, and a whole host of fabulous characters in this brand-new adaptation. Expect lots of fun, singing and dancing! Plus, sparkling scenery, beautiful costumes and an exciting opportunity to meet the characters after the show!

Morgan and Wests Massive Magic Show

Thu 30th May | 2pm

£15 | £13 Concs. | £52 Family | 5+

Roll up, roll up! Morgan & West are back with a massive magic show for kids (and their childish grown-ups)! Expect gawps, gasps, and guffaws in this relentlessly funny and fantastical magic filled extravaganza, guaranteed to delight those aged five and 105, and indeed everyone in between!

“Hilarious and good for all ages” - Primary Times

Mark Thompson Spectacular Science

Tue 28th May | 2.30pm

£19 | £17 Conc. | 5+

You think science is boring? Think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

Dinosaur Adventure Live - Trouble

On Volcano Island

Sat 1st Jun | 2pm & 4.30pm

£16 | £18 Premium ‘Danger Zone’

DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE is back and even more ROARSOME!

Join our brave Rangers for another action packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show: TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND. This amazing, immersive and interactive show is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

Check out our Family Film selection online!

It’s the perfect way to keep the kids entertained at the weekend. Bring the whole family to our cinema and enjoy some of the best animations and films out there. Tickets: £8 | £6 under 16’s

Why is the sky blue?

Why do we have a leap year?

Where do we go when we die?

Where do babies come from?

As parents we’re supposed to know the answers to EVERYTHING!! As the Easter holidays are fast approaching, why not take some time to explore some of our favourite movies and books to help open conversation with your little one…. from starting your periods to mindfulness it’s good to talk. Let’s celebrate our differences and encourage being kind to each other.

Why are people different colours?

Why do I get nervous going to school?

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

Sports clubs

Boxing

10 Rounds Boxing Club

Saffron Walden

T: 01799 218 924

E: hello@10roundsboxing.co.uk

W: www.10roundsboxing.com

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

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

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

Hockey

Blue Hornets, Felsted and Braintree

W: www.braintreehc.co.uk/bluehornets

Saffron Walden Junior Hockey Club

W: www.saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk

Martial arts

Associated Karate Schools (AKS)

E: barrettbusiness@aol.com

W: www.karateschools.co.uk

Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai

W: www.bishopsstortfordjudo.com

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

Haverhill & Saffron Walden

Shotokan Karate

E: gill.payne@talktalk.net

Judo

E: iskjc@yahoo.co.uk

Koryoda Kids

W: www.koryoda.com

Saffron Walden Judo Club

T: 07815126393

Saffron Walden Judo Tots

T: 07460424506

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

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

Rugby 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

Performing arts

Dance

JCL School of Dance

T: 07753 607 523

E: julialast8@gmil.com

W: jclschooldance.webden.co.uk

KBD Dance

T: 07305 113 187

E: katie@kbddance.com

W: kbddance.co.uk

Kate Plummer School of Dance

T: 07832 212 593

E: kateplum@hotmail.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

Theatre Schools

Buzzy Bees Sting Performing Arts

T: 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

T: 07909 960 490

E: sarah@hyperfusion.co.uk

W: hyperfusion.co.uk

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

Perform Bishops Stortford

T: 02072 559 120

E: performforschools@perform.org.uk

W: perform.org.uk

Stortford Performers

T: 07949 029 967

E: emmacremnitz@gmail.com

W: stortfordperformers.com

Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company

T: 07799 628 977

E: swmtcyg@gmail.com

W: swmtc.net

Stagecoach

T: 01799 588 246

E: saffronwalden@stagecoach.co.uk

W: stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden

Sting Performing Arts

T: 07903 192 094

E: hello@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

1st, 2nd August -HARLOW 10am-1pm

5th August - TAKELEY 11am-1:30pm

6th August - THAXTED 10am-1pm

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

Dance For All

Dance and movement hold profound benefits for individuals across all age groups, fostering physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From toddlers joyously exploring rhythm to seniors gracefully swaying to music, the transformative power of dance is undeniable.

For children, dance cultivates coordination, balance, and motor skills while encouraging self-expression and creativity. It instills discipline and teamwork through group choreography, laying a foundation for social development. Furthermore, dance provides an outlet for emotional expression, aiding in the development of emotional intelligence and resilience.

In adolescence, dance becomes a means of self-discovery and identity formation. It boosts self-confidence and body positivity, combating negative body image perceptions often prevalent during this stage of life. Additionally, engaging in dance fosters a sense of belonging and community, offering teenagers a supportive environment to connect with peers who share similar interests and passions.

As adults, the benefits of dance extend beyond physical fitness. It serves as a stress reliever, promoting relaxation and mindfulness as individuals immerse themselves in movement. Moreover, dance offers a creative outlet for adults to reconnect with their inner child, igniting a sense of joy and passion often lost in the demands of daily life.

In conclusion, dance and movement are not just activities reserved for the stage; they are essential components of a holistic approach to health and well-being for individuals of all ages. Whether twirling in a ballet class or swaying to a favourite song, embracing dance enriches lives and promotes vitality across the lifespan.

22 pre-school 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

Sunflowers Pre-School Ages: 3 & 4 yrs

Thorley Hill Primary School

Park Lane, CM23 3NH.

Manager: Louisa Cowler

T: 07752 562206

E: sunflowers.preschool17@gmail.com

W: sunflowerspreschool.co.uk

Sycamore House Day Nursery

Manager: Courtney Skeggs

T: 01279 465097;

E: manager@sycamorehousedaynursery.co.uk

W: sycamorehousedaynursery.co.uk

Thorley Pre-School & Thorley Tree Tots

Managers: Donna Methven & Olivia Methven-Pink; T: 01279 503895

E: admin@thorleypreschool.co.uk

W: www.thorleypreschool.co.uk

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

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Clavering

Clavering & Arkesden Preschool

Ages: 2-5

T: 01799 550380

E: claveringarkesdenpreschool@gmail.com

W: claveringarkesdenpreschool.org.uk

Farnham

Saplings Farnham (Preschool)

Term Time: Mon-Fri 09.00-15.00

Contact: Jess Boyten

E: admin@saplingsnursery.co.uk

W: saplingsfarnham.co.uk

Finchingfield

Finchingfield Pre-school

Ages: 2-5

Manager: Christine Lambert

T: 01371 811593;

M: 07713 189801

E: finchingfieldpreschool@gmail.com

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

Great Chesterford

Great Chesterford Community

Preschool

Ages: 2-5

T: 07840 341551

E: admissions@chesterfordspreschool.org.uk

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

Registered Charity: 1180905

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

Saffron

Takeley

Road (CM22 6RA) 1.30pm-3pm

Park

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

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Hempstead

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.

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: Village2-5Hall

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

Newport

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

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

Stehen Perse Nursery

Ashdon Road, CB10 2AL

Ages: 1-5

T: 01223 454762

E: admissions@stephenperse.com

W: stephenperse.com

St Thomas More Montessori

Ages: 1-5 years

T: 01799 523248

E: stm@mymontessori.org.uk

W: stthomasmoremontessori.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

Steeple Bumpstead

Olive Barn Nursery

Blois Meadow Business centre, Steeple Bumpstead CB9 7BN

T: 01440 784 269

W: www.thebarnnursery.co.uk/olivebarn-steeple-bumpstead

Thaxted

The Barn Nursery

Stanbrook, Thaxted, CM6 2NJ

T: 01371 831 262

W: www.thebarnnursery.co.uk

26 toddlers and babies

MUSIC & MOVEMENT DANCE

Boogiewoogies

United Reform Church, Saffron Walden 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

Jo Jingles

Sewards End Village Hall. 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 Monster Musical Movers

Little Monsters House fo Fun, Gt Dunmow. 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

Mini Monster Sensory Explorers

Little Monsters House of Fun, Gt Dunmow. Focus on enhancing language and listening skills through storytime, creative play and music.

E: info@minimonsterclasses.co.uk

W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

Babby Ballet

Bishop’s Stortford

M: 07984 124404

E: easthertsandwestessex

@babyballet.co.uk

W: babyballet.co.uk

Buzzy BeesSting Performing Arts

Saffron Walden

M: 07900 735566

E: tam@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

Tappy Toes Dance School

Bishop’s Stortford. various classes

M: 07770 084 373

E: stortford@tappytoes.com

W: www.tappytoes.com

Tiny Tempos

Baptist Church, Saffron Walden Music and movement classes suitable from birth.

M: 07956 211909

E: info@tinytempos.co.uk

W: www.tinytempos.co.uk

SPORT

Baby Baller

We offer football and child development sporting activities for girls and boys.

Bishop’s Stortford

M:07596345275

E: b.stortford@babyballers.com

W: babyballers.com

Mini Athletics

Our classes are high energy and full of imaginative play. We focus on athletic movement, running, throwing & jumping, these are fundamental sporting skills for all children to learn.

Saffron Walden

E: rmoclair@miniathletics.com

W: miniathletics.com

Mini Swimming

Dunmow

T: 01371 532080

W: miniswimming.co.uk

Ruggerbugs

Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Bishops Stortford

Teaches basic Rugby skills and movement for babies and toddlers.

M: 01279 797777

E: andyp@ruggerbugs.co.uk

W: www.ruggerbugs.co.uk

www.saladdaysmag.uk

SEND FRIENDLY

Stortford Gymnastics

Offer SEND and Sibling session on the FIRST Sunday of every month from 9.30-10.45am. The SEND friendly sessions are for children from walking up to 10 years of age.

Bishop’s Stortford

M: 07808 808815

E: enquiries@stortfordgymnastics.com

W: stortfordgymnastics.com/contact

Kaizen Aikido club

Saffron Walden

M: 07795 477678

E: chris-swarbrick@hotmail.co.uk

CHIPS Playscheme

CHIPS are for children and their siblings ages 3 - 19years. Bishop’s Stortford

T: 01992 804952

W: chipsplay.org

Cafè Cornell

An Inclusive Family Friendly Café. We are welcoming and fully accessible, and we aim to meet any dietary requirements. The cafe is open Monday- Friday 09:00am – 4:00pm. Saffron Walden

M: 07535 609248

E: info@cafecornell.co.uk

W: enterpriseeast.org

Changes to childcare support

From April, the amount of help you can get with the cost of childcare is increasing. Currently, all parents and carers of 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours a week childcare with registered childcare providers. Working parents and carers of children aged 3-4 can get an additional 15 hours childcare, providing they work more than 16 hours a week and earn less than £100,000. Some eligible parents of 2-year-old children may also be entitled to 15 hours childcare, if they receive additional forms of government support.

From April, the scheme will be expanding.The changes are being introduced gradually:

• From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support.

• From September 2024, 15 hours childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents of children from the age of 9 months to 3-year-olds.

• From September 2025, eligible working parents of children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.

Like the existing offer, depending on your provider, these hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year or up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total hours per week.

You can sign up for more details, or find out how and when to register for support with childcare costs at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

To find out what other help you may be able to get with childcare costs go to https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

Uttlesford Citizens Advice is an independent, local charity. Advisers can check benefit entitlements, help with budgeting or money worries, provide energy efficiency advice, offer support with housing problems, employment or discrimination issues and help you access emergency support if needed.

28 Media Pack

MEDIA PACK - 2024

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

Advertising rates - print

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.

Pre-Prep Open Event

(Reception to Year 2)

Saturday 20 April 2024

9.45am – 12.00pm

The Modern Face of Independent Education

Co-Educational Day and Boarding 4 to 18 Years

bishopsstortfordcollege.org

/bishopsstortfordcollege /thebishopsstortfordcollege /BSCollege