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IN THIS ISSUE RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.
If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle
The Kent 11+ Test Holidays with a difference What’s on in March & April
please call Vicki King 07501 433 922
Issue 8 March/April 2019 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent
East Kent Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieseastkent.co.uk 07789 882 467 Advertising Amanda Biggs amanda@familiespublishing.co.uk 07835 848066 What’s On Guide Laura Vass assistant@familieseastkent.co.uk Contributors Rose Heather Next issue May/June Booking deadline 1 April Printed By Holbrooks Printers Ltd Cover image: ©2016 Next Distributing 20,000 copies to: Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Broadstairs, Margate, Ramsgate, Deal, Dover, Folkestone and all the areas in between.
Contents 4. News & views 6. The Kent 11+ Test 8. Clubs & classes 9. Family friendly working 10. Holidays with a difference 12. What’s on in March & April 14. Easter holiday fun 15. What’s on at the Theatre
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Stay in touch Families east kent magazine © Families East Kent 2019 Families East Kent is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families East Kent are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families East Kent. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families East Kent ; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
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Right now there is a shortage of foster carers in our area and we have children who need a caring, nurturing, stable home. You can apply to be a Foster Carer if you: • Are single, married or in a same sex relationship • Employed or unemployed, self employed • Are flexible and have the ability to care for children with a range of different needs • Have good support networks • Have a spare bedroom in your house • Have an ability to work with professionals • Are over the age of 21 years (there is no upper age limit)
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Families East Kent 3
Families news
Family Safety Week Accidents are the biggest killer of children and young people with at least one child under 5 killed each week. Every year, over 2 million children under the age of 15 have an accident in and around the home which takes them to A&E and half of the under 5s visiting do so as a result of a preventable accident. Family Safety Week, which commences on 1 April, is run by the RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) to help raise awareness of the “simple things you can do to stop your child becoming an accident statistic.”
Sign up to residential netball tournaments with adventure at Kingswood Schools and groups have the chance to take part in fun-filled residential netball tournament with Kingswood Camps. The two-night camps at Kingswood Grosvenor Hall, in Ashford, Kent, are suitable for U12 to U16 age groups and will be hosted by HC Tournaments. As well as brushing up on skills and technique and taking part in round-robin matches with teams of a similar age, adventure-seeking students will also be able to enjoy the many exciting activities on offer. These include zipwires and archery, evening entertainment and even marshmallows by the campfire. The netball tournaments take place 15-17 March, 27-29 September, 4-6 October and are priced at £135 per person. Visit www. kingswood.co.uk for more information.
At what age can children be home alone? Parents often wonder when it is safe to leave a child unsupervised at home. The law does not specify an age at which a child can legally be “home alone.” However, parents commit an offence if leaving the child unsupervised at home puts him or her at risk. Given that maturity and understanding at specific ages differs from child to child, there is no set age at which leaving a child home alone would be risk free. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has published a guide “Is My Child Ready to Be Left Alone?” This states that: •
children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time
•
children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight
•
babies, toddlers and young children should never be left alone
More info at www.nspcc.org.uk
4 Families East Kent
RoSPA provides free resources and advice to help families keep children safe in their homes. Its free Keeping Kids Safe packs also enable schools, nurseries, playgroups and children’s centres to hold child safety session for parents. Visit www.rospa.com for more information.
Enjoy British Science Week Families can enjoy wonder-full time together during British Science Week 2019 which will take place from 8 - 17 March. Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths with fascinating, entertaining and engaging activities for all ages taking place across the UK. Last year there were over 2,100 events involving almost 1 million participants. You can also download a series of free activity packs at www.britishscienceweek.org filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school, without the need for a science background or expensive equipment. To find an event close to you, visit www.sciencelive.net
Open days at Junior King’s and The King’s School, Canterbury Our schools are steeped in history, yet our teaching methodologies are advanced, innovative and modern. Founded in 1879 as the preparatory school to The King’s School, Canterbury, Junior King’s expanded to the stunning eighty-acre countryside location at Milner Court in 1929. The Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep departments at Junior King’s provide a very happy, caring and nurturing environment for our pupils with the majority moving on to The King’s School, Canterbury, Britain’s oldest day and boarding school, at the end of Year 8. Open Days are an ideal occasion to explore the opportunities on offer at Junior King’s and The King’s School for your son or daughter. The schools offer natural entry points at Pre-Prep, and Years 3, 5, 7 at Junior King’s and Years 9 & 12 at King’s and welcome enquiries for both day and boarding pupils. Scholarships and generous bursaries are available for talented pupils. Call Junior King’s on 01227 714000, or visit www.junior-kings.co.uk or call The King’s School on 01227 595501, visit www.kingsschool.co.uk for more infomation.
An arts education for all ages St Lawrence College in Ramsgate is delighted to be sponsoring the latest Turner Contemporary exhibition: ‘A place that exists only in moonlight’ - the largest UK exhibition of Scottish artist Katie Paterson, paired with a group of works by JMW Turner. The independent school for three to 18 year olds has worked with the prestigious Margate art gallery for the past four years as its official Learning Partner. This exhibition, featuring Paterson’s work with scientists and researchers across the world, fits perfectly with the recent opening of the school’s £6M Science, Art and Design Technology Centre. Even the very youngest St Lawrence pupils benefit from many of the school’s exceptional facilities and are taught by specialist teachers. They too are able to experience a wide range of art, design technology, drama and music opportunities from a young age, giving them a real head start in their understanding of the arts. To find out more about St Lawrence College visit www.slcuk.com
If you have any local news to share with our readers and would like to include it in our March/April issue, please email it by 1 February for consideration to editor@familieseastkent.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Families news
Ditch the junk with a monthly Treat Trunk Take the hassle out of family snacks with a monthly Treat Trunk - a brand new subscription box filled with healthy snacks for all the family to enjoy together. Launching the only healthy subscription snack box in the UK created for both children and parents, founder and local mum Sally Wade’s vision is to take the hassle out of healthy snacking by providing products packed with goodness for all the family. With families becoming increasingly aware of what they eat, Treat Trunks mean parents no longer need to spend precious time trying to decipher the complex labels of each product or making homemade snacks. The Trunk will be carefully curated and delivered to your door on a monthly or quarterly basis ready for you to enjoy as you please. Priced from just £19.99 per Trunk, the boxes provide quick, easy and healthy snack solutions for busy families and the boxes are vegan friendly too. To order a Treat Trunk visit www.treattrunk.co.uk
Inspirational outdoor learning at Brockhill Country Park Outdoor learning is proven to have a positive effect on children, from well-being to social development and achievement. Brockhill Country Park offers a wide range of outdoor learning experiences for preschool and primary children that work alongside the national curriculum, all in the natural surroundings of the park. Their sessions and activities encourage and engage children to use key skills whilst adding an extra dimension to the classroom. They inspire children to Love Literacy and Maths outdoors, become a River Ranger and use natures playground and discover hidden habitats. For more information email kentcountryparkslearning@kent.gov.uk, call 03000 413500 or visit www.kent.gov.uk/ kentcountryparks
Naturally dyed hardboiled eggs ~ almost too pretty to eat Red cabbage results in blue colours, turmeric in a vibrant yellow, beetroot in shades of pinky purple and red onion skins make a reddish brown. Brown eggs shells make a muted colour and the white shells a vibrant colour.
Ingredients • • • • • •
Free range white and brown eggs Red cabbage, chopped Turmeric, about 4 tablespoons of powder Beetroot Red onion skins (sift through the veg box and fill a bag with the fallen shells) White vinegar
Method 1.
Place eggs and the dye ingredient of choice in a saucepan, cover with cold water. Cook for 12 minutes.
2.
Strain the liquid into a jar, add a tablespoon of white vinegar and put the eggs back into the liquid.
3.
Let the eggs cool in the strained dye solution then place in the fridge overnight.
4.
Carefully remove the eggs with a spoon to not damage the dye coating, place on paper towel and do not touch until they are dry.
Use code BCP19 to get a 25% discount between 1 April – 23 July
Helping parents keep their children through fostering Fostering has evolved over the years to now include fostering unaccompanied asylum seekers and parents with their children. For each type of fostering, different skills are required. In this article we discuss parent and child fostering.
Can you foster? Our foster carers come from different backgrounds and experiences. Working with FSG is like one big happy family where you are provided with 24/hour support, guidance and training.
What is parent and child fostering? Not everyone grows up in a loving and nurturing environment to know what it means to provide good parenting for their child. Many are faced with challenges on how to parent their child, and that is where parent and child fostering comes in.
Foster carers can be employed or unemployed (even if you are on benefits), single or married, have children or not, homeowners or renting, from a faith background or not. We want to hear from you. FSG offer a competitive fostering allowance with robust 24-hour support from a dedicated supervising social worker, ongoing training and encouragement. Working from home as a foster carer has never been so rewarding.
Essentially, parent and child fostering is supporting parents to have their children remain in their care. A mother, father or both come into care with their babies or toddlers to receive guidance and life skills such as cooking, providing stimulation and providing a routine for their child. A parent and child foster placement offers a parent the opportunity to learn these valuable life skills in a home environment.
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What is entailed? Parent and child fostering is different to other types of fostering because the parent is responsible to care for their child, the role of the foster carer is to provide guidance and support to help the parent care for their child effectively. With specialist training from the Fostering Support Group (FSG), our foster carers share their skills with young parents who have different difficulties.
Get in touch with us to discuss your individual circumstance and to learn how you can foster. Call 020 8778 9669 or visit www. fosteringsupportgroup.com
Families East Kent 5
The Kent 11+ Test It can be a daunting time preparing your child for the Kent Test with it being the first major exam they will experience and do. Rose Heather takes you through the process, answering some common questions you may be wondering and give you important information. have also seen what your child has achieved in school and are shown examples of the work they carried out, including the writing task all children complete on the day of the Kent Test. If this does not happen, you can still make an appeal; providing they have a score of 107 or higher, for each section. Parents are advised to speak with their child’s Head Teacher, who will have all the information and advice for them to make the appeal. If your application is turned down and you do decide to appeal, you will start a process whereby you explain to the school why you believe your child is a suitable enough option to attend a Grammar School. However, some parents do choose to send their child to a Comprehensive School instead and find it can be a better fit and option for their child once they start Secondary School.
What is the 11+ Kent Test? The Kent Test is an exam taken by 10 to 11 year-olds at the beginning of the year 6 school year. It is designed to assess whether a Grammar School would be a suitable option for your child in the future. The exam is written and designed by specialist experts in the tested areas to see how you perform using a wide range of skill sets. The Kent Test is split into two separate booklets – Reasoning, and English and Maths. The Reasoning exams consist of varying questions about non-verbal, verbal and spatial skills. In addition, both of these booklets are timed tests; with Reasoning taking an hour and English and Maths altogether, taking 1 hour and 25 minutes. All of the tests are multiple choice questions with one question sheet and then an answer sheet which is marked by a computer.
What does each test involve? Reasoning
In the Reasoning test you will be tested on how well you can apply and work out rules and relationships between different words, number and shapes. It is split into three sections. The first, how well you can think using the words and symbols. Another, how well you can think about the relationship between the said shapes and patterns, and lastly, how well you can manipulate the shapes and patterns.
Maths and English
Whereas, in the English and Maths test you will be tested on what you have been taught in the lessons at school, in the English test, there will be some questions asking you to fill in a missing gap with the best suited word 6 Families East Kent
or words, spot the mistake or read a passage and answer questions on it. In the Maths test, there will be multiple choice questions covering topics that your child has been taught up to Year 6, varying in difficulty.
How should you prepare your child? There are many things that can help prepare your child. One option is to buy practice books in a local bookstore or online. These can be found easily and have lots of different options depending on the skill set of your child. Meanwhile, some parents choose to put their child in a ‘Plus Club’/’Kent Test Club’, or to have a tutor that solely works on improving your child’s skills and to prepare and inform them on the questions that may be in the exam. This can be the most effective option which has benefited many children and parents. Lastly, you can also find lots of information and practice questions online which can be found easily and can also be effective. This makes not just the child help to prepare, but also the parent, as it is accessible to everyone, no matter what their age.
What to do if your child does not pass The Kent Test? If your child was tested and did not pass the Kent Test (the pass mark being 323 or more, with no single score lower than 107. The lowest possible score on the different tests is 69 or 70. The highest score on each test is 141, so the highest possible total score is 423 marks (in 2018), depending on the result received by your child, it may go straight to appeal and if successful, they will be told they can apply for a Grammar School. They will
What material is available to help your child prepare? Kent Test Familiarisation Booklet (Free) This includes helpful information for parents and children to read and a few practice questions. It can be found on the Kent County Council Website. www.kent.gov.uk New Kent Test 11+ GL Practice Papers (£9.95) This pack comes with two sets of realistic Kent Test practice papers, an answer paper for the tests, a separate Parents’ Guide, with helpful notes and information and can also be accessed online through the CGP website. It can be bought on amazon or through the CGP site. ISBN – 789082218 Kent County Council Website This website has lots of information on varying queries that a parent may have. www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/ schools/school-places/kent-test
More Information You can find more information on the following websites: Kent County Council Website www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/ schools/school-places/kent-test Elevenplusexams www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/schools/ regions/kent-11-plus
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Education
Local Mum Interview about her experience with the Kent 11+ Test
may be asked. I also found my child’s school very supportive post Kent Test results as well.
Rose Heather met with local parent Jen Brammer to ask her about what she thought about her experience with the Kent 11+ exam.
I think in all honesty there probably should. However, I think the difficulty is that no one ever gets to see a copy of the Kent Test. You don’t get to see a copy of your child’s test once they’ve done it and it is also quite hard to see a copy of a test once the results have come out. They change the content each year too, so I think it would be quite difficult to write a syllabus for it. Also, I assume that the whole point of the Kent Test is to throw some things in to see how the child is going to react, think and problem solve.
How did you find the Kent Test process? I think the process begins way before you register your child in the summer of the year the test is taken, as some parents choose to think about the Kent Test before the process is happening as there is a lot to consider: tuition, (whether you go down that route or not), researching the schools, (grammar or non-selective schools) and to just get all the information you need. Did your child’s school support you? Yes, I would say they did. They held information evenings and sent letters out to parents of children they felt would potentially have a chance of passing, or sit the Kent Test, to tell them they were running special after-school clubs to help familiarise them with things like non-verbal and verbal reasoning. This is really helpful for those parents who are not familiar with the process, in some cases, whereby English is not the first language spoken at home and for parents who have chosen not to go down the route of tuition. It means no-one who is potentially capable from taking the Kent Test, is excluded from gaining a greater understanding of the kind of questions they
Do you feel there should be a syllabus, for example, for ‘Reasoning’, to help you and your child?
Do you believe your child’s education will be affected by them not passing the Kent Test? Yes, I do because if you look at the grammar schools where I am based in Thanet, and if you look at the non-selective schools, there is a big difference between the level of money that is put into the schools and also the academic results. There is going to be a difference in results from the grammar and non-grammar because the grammar students are more likely to score more higher in their GCSE’s. However, the gap doesn’t make sense when you work it out mathematically - it shouldn’t be so low. The non-selective schools shouldn’t be so underperforming, there should be less of a gap. My feeling and experience of the Kent Test, as my daughter didn’t pass and I was continuously told that she is grammar level, is that on a different day she might have passed the test. That is why I feel her education will
be affected because she will most likely go to a non-selective school and have a different potential, not as great potential that she would at a grammar school. What do you think could be added to the Kent Test process? Some kind of coursework, instead of the one exam, or perhaps taking an average score of the three exams, across the three-core subjects but taken at different times of the year perhaps, so that you have tested the child a number of times and can categorically say that this is their level. Is there any advice you would give the other parents going through the process? I would say never assume what everyone always assumes, that your child is going to pass if they are at a certain level because anything can happen on the day. Also, make sure your child understands that it is important, but not the end of the world if they pass or not and that you have got to be relatively relaxed and just see what happens. It is quite a nailbiting time between when the test is taken and the results. I would also make sure you go and visit all the schools, even if you think they are not going to pass just so you can make an informed choice as there are lots of things to think about and a short space of time to do it. Also, research the schools, not just for their results, but for their admissions criteria - are they a religious school or an independent school? What other things do they consider with applicants? Does it depend on the area? This is so you can try to understand what your chances are.
www.kings-school.co.uk
OPEN MORNINGS
13+ - Saturday 9th March Sixth Form - Saturday 22nd June
Use code BCP19 to ge ta 25% discou between 1 Ap nt ril – 24 July 2019
Inspirational outdoor learning at Brockhill Country Park
A 21st Century education within the historical City of Canterbury OPEN MORNING Saturday 18th May
Explore our beautiful park whilst learning and inspiring children to appreciate and protect the natural environment. We offer a wide range of activities and sessions that work alongside the national curriculum, come and get learning outside the classroom! Discovery Den and Sensory Garden I Maths and Literacy Naturally River Rangers and Hidden Habitats I Way Finding I Art Naturally
For more information contact: kentcountryparkslearning@kent.gov.uk 03000 413500 www.kent.gov.uk/Kentcountryparks
www.junior-kings.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk The King's School_Families East Kent_March 2019.indd 1
Families East Kent 7 1/18/2019 4:35:11 PM
Clubs & Classes
How extra-curricular activities boost learning
Taking part in extra-curricular activities after school can have a positive impact on children academically and socially. Claire Winter explores how.
Learning something outside of the classroom can give children a sense of wonder about the world, and more time to explore their wider interests. Extra-curricular activities are also useful for broadening their academic and social lives. Fiona Todd, Executive Head teacher from The Rural Church Schools Academy Trust (www. rcsat.cheshire.sch.uk) explains that with a much narrower curriculum than in years gone by, children need to do extra-curricular activities to experience a wide range of disciplines and to develop socially. “Pupils who focus entirely on their studies do so often at the expense of their development as social beings. Rather than distracting pupils from their learning, extra-curricular activities complement study and help to develop key skills that will support them in their future.” Lots of studies have shown that extra-curricular activities can boost academic performance in children. They also have better organisational and time management skills because they have to balance their hobbies and school work. Being part of a team or an after-school activity can also be a great boost to their self-esteem. Teamwork and being part of a group, like a Brownie pack, also helps children understand about loyalty and showing up for other people. Stepping away from the curriculum also means your child will enjoy their academic work more because they have had a break and can look at it with fresh eyes. Joel Sadler, engineer and founder of Piper (www.playpiper.com), the award-winning STEM DIY Computer Kit, is passionate about giving kids time to explore and make things.
Join All Stars Cricket today All Stars Cricket is a programme aimed at children aged 5-8 years old to give them a great first experience in cricket. Sessions are accredited by the England & Wales Cricket Board and delivered nationwide at over 2,000 centres. All Stars Cricket will help your child develop key skills in a fun and safe environment where parents can join in too and help create #BigMoments you’ll both treasure!
“Think back to your early childhood and visualise the learning moments you cherished most. Do you see a dusty chalkboard with math equations? Or do you see that thing you did or built that made you feel proud? Joel says what he learned outside of school shaped what he did as an adult. “I don’t remember the equations - but I do remember being creative with my hands with LEGO blocks, making mischief with DIY potato canons, and trying to hack bootleg floppy disk video games to run on my family DOS computer.” Extra-curricular activities also equip children with skills they need later in life. Doing something like leading a scout group or learning first aid to help others encourages responsibility and shows children how to look after others. External clubs and classes also provide important social opportunities. Making friends outside of school means exposure to new and different people and the opportunity to learn about different individuals, cultures and lives. But how much extra is too much? Fiona Todd emphasises the importance relaxation time. “Children need to achieve a balance and have some ‘downtime;’ sometimes it is good for them to sit and be bored! In schools, we often see tired children due to parents over-scheduling the number of out of school activities their child takes part in.” Getting that balance right can be tricky. Spend some time with your child and talk to them about what interests them, do some research on the local clubs and classes in your area and go and try them out. Many will offer a free trial session. Being passionate and committed to something outside of school will really help your child in later life when it comes to choosing further education and a career.
Here are some extra-curricular activities that boost learning: Music Learning an instrument helps improve language skills and memory. Fiona Todd says, “Learning a musical instrument develops a child’s ability to think creatively and improves memory skills, along with perseverance, selfreflection, and self-discipline.” Dance Whether it’s ballet or Bhangra, dance helps to improve confidence in children and adults alike. It also helps build co-ordination and kinaesthetic intelligence. Sport Being involved in a sport helps children understand responsibility and commitment, and develop resilience. They get stronger mentally and physically. If they are part of team they learn to think about the bigger picture and have empathy for their teammates. Exercise and practice also focuses the mind and helps concentration at school too. Martial Arts Karate and other martial arts encourage selfdiscipline as well as boosting self-confidence and respect. Gymnastics The physical and mental demands of gym help to improve focus, flexibility and coordination. Languages Learning a foreign language will broaden your child’s job prospects and introduce them to a different culture. It also helps develop communication and social skills. Coding There are some great clubs that will engage a child who loves gaming. Why not create a game or build a robot instead of playing FIFA, Fortnite or Minecraft? Art Creating a masterpiece, sewing or throwing a pot can help improve a child’s coordination and focus, and encourage creativity. Cricketers will receive a brand-new kit bag full of goodies to help them get their summer of cricket started and fully look the part when they attend their 8 weekly sessions. This year, they have a brand-new Cricket World Cup themed activity book that is full of top tips, games and, it’s a great place to keep those weekly stickers to celebrate your All Star’s achievements. Plus, it’s all delivered straight to your door. To find out more about how to get involved this summer, simply visit www. allstarscricket.co.uk and get your place booked as session begin May 2019.
Following successful registration, All Stars
8 Families East Kent
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Family & work
Finding family friendly work
Perform’s four ways to boost your child’s self-esteem Bo
ok a A child’s self-esteem is Free Trial influenced by feeling loved, valued and Today! believing good things about themselves. Perform have teamed up with positive parenting expert, Anita Cleare, to bring Families top tips for boosting self-esteem. Encourage independence
When children do things for themselves and are praised for this, they feel proud. Teach your child to dress themselves and wash their own hair.
Use believable praise
It’s not believable to tell your child he did something well when he clearly didn’t. Praise concrete achievements. Saying ‘Well done for keeping on running’ (even when he lost the race) tells your child exactly what they have done well.
Listen to their ideas
Expressing ideas and being listened to help children feel valued. Involve them in practical family problem-solving by asking for their input. This helps them feel they are making a positive contribution.
Encourage laughter and show you care
Play, chat, share jokes and funny stories. Laughter helps children relax and feel good about themselves. Be affectionate. Snuggle and cuddle! Show your child they are utterly lovable exactly as they are. More tips from Anita can be found at www. anitacleare.co.uk To book a FREE confidence-building Perform drama class in Ashford, Faversham or Folkestone, visit www.perform.org.uk/try
Local classes available in your area Ashford
St Mary’s Community Centre Rylands Road, TN24 9LH Drama 4-7s, Tuesdays at 4pm Drama 7-12s, Tuesdays at 5pm
Faversham
West Faversham Community Centre Bysing Wood Road, ME13 7RH Drama 4-7s, Fridays at 4pm Drama 7-12s, Fridays at 5pm
Folkestone
St George’s Church 8 Audley Road, CT20 3QA Drama 4-7s, Fridays at 4pm Drama 7-12s, Fridays at 5pm familiesonline.co.uk
Flexible working is one of the top three benefits that today’s jobseekers look for – particularly if they are parents. Meanwhile, employers are being encouraged to publish their parental leave policies and increasing numbers of employers are offering family friendly parental leave policies, from carer’s leave to the ability to buy extra holiday. It’s not just women who want family friendly working. Workingmums.co.uk’s recent survey of dads shows 73% say they are considering seeking flexible working. The truth is that modern family life requires flexibility and employers who don’t offer it will lose out. Employers also need to do more than offer flexible working policies; they need to back this up with a culture that normalises different ways of working. Otherwise employees often feel sidelined or end up working overtime because expectations are not reduced in line with hours. Samantha Hamilton-Davies is a Senior Associate [Due Diligence] in the homeworking legal team of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, based in Manchester. Samantha works four days a week from home and has been promoted since joining the homeworking team. In her previous role Samantha had faced a long commute. She says that without her homeworking role she might have eventually left the legal profession. Claire Brown left a ‘million miles an hour’ job in the City and is now working part time as Internal Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Carpetright. The post means she can use her skills and experience in a senior role AND still has enough time for her family and voluntary job running her village’s residents association. Such cases are not confined to the big corporates. SMEs like IT firm, Hireserve, has grown by employing experienced professionals on flexible hours. Their hours have increased as their families and the firm has grown. So how do you land this kind of job? The answer is research and being clear about what you want and why it is good for your employer. Research the best family-friendly employers. Don’t just look at their policies everyone can look good on paper, but read
what others say about them; talk, if possible, to people who work there; find out what the companies offer beyond the statutory requirements; and l look at whether they are shouting out about it on their careers page or LinkedIn. Does it matter to them? Do they really get it? It’s not just the provision of a flexible role that matters. It is about the employers’ overall attitude to flexible workers. Line managers’ attitudes, in particular, are crucial to ensuring flexible working doesn’t mean career stagnation. With regard to clarity, it is best to be upfront about what you need and to put a business case for why it is in both your interests and that of your potential employer. What do they get by allowing you flexi hours? What do you bring to the organisation that they need? Remember not to downplay or apologise for skills gained outside the workplace. When Visa in Europe was advertising the post of Director of Talent, mum-of-four Pippa Edwards, who was a Talent Manager, expressed her interest but told her manager that she didn’t want to work full time. He said: “Have you considered a job share?” “In that one sentence everything changed for me,” says Pippa. “I started to believe I could have my cake and eat it.” Pippa now job shares with mum-of-three Vicki Mawson, former Talent Acquisition Director at L’Oréal. Both women think the company has benefited from the job share, getting a depth of expertise that one person alone would not provide. “Before I thought that I would have to make a choice between working part time and having a career” states Pippa. I had come to accept that that was the reality, but my boss showed me that I could have both and that was so powerful. So many women should have that opportunity and not have to make that choice.” Mandy Garner is Editor of www. workingmums.co.uk, which links top family-friendly employers with female professionals and highlights examples of best practice to encourage greater innovation across sectors. They have just launched a partner website for dads at www.workingdads.co.uk
Families East Kent 9
Family travel
Holidays with a difference
Are you looking for an alternative holiday to the usual package or resort-based holidays? Why not try some of these quirky suggestions by Claire Winter for a short break or alternative summer holiday destination.
Go on a Cretan Adventure This beautiful island is a fabulous family holiday destination with an ancient culture, excellent cuisine, and all-but-guaranteed sunshine. Kids will love learning about the island’s past on a simulated archeological dig and will learn to care about its future too when visiting a sea turtle nesting habitat with a local conservationist to hear about the threats these endangered species
face. Other days are spent trying diving, paddle boarding, snorkelling to shipwrecks and even Cretan dancing, all while staying in a beach-side apartment with a swimming pool. Prices start from £899 per adult and £849 per child, including seven nights’ B&B accommodation, one lunch, one dinner, and guided activities. Depart 29 June, 27 July or 17 August 2019.
More information at www.familiesworldwide.co.uk
Discover Belgium and Holland These family-friendly destinations offer clean, wide beaches and an easy journey time. They’re a short flight or a 35-minute tunnel crossing away. Both countries are small, varied and easy to get around. Little Clogs Holidays offer baby and toddler-friendly breaks in holiday parks and glamping farm holidays. Families can explore a wide range of toddler-friendly theme parks, water parks, and zoos as well as magical woodland trails, sand dunes and playgrounds on the beach. Prices start at £818 per family for a week in the summer holidays.
More information at www.little-clogs-holidays.co.uk
Choose Quirky Locations There are many quirky locations from castles to islands that offer accommodation in the UK and further afield. Why not experience lighthouse life in Norfolk? Boasting extensive sea and inland views, this Grade II listed former lighthouse keeper’s cottage built in 1791, offers visitors a unique coastal location adjoining Happisburgh’s working lighthouse. Within a short drive of the Norfolk Broads, Lighthouse Cottage is ideally situated for rural, and beach walks. Prices £1171 for seven nights’ self-catered accommodation arriving 13th July 2019. It sleeps five in two bedrooms, with two pets welcome. Visit www.
cottages.com for more info and booking. You could also try a fantastic converted Railway Carriage in west Somerset. The carriage is 100 years old and has recently been refurbished. Once upon a time, it was a Great Western Railway camping coach. Today it sits in a quiet siding at the Blue Anchor station on the West Somerset Railway line. It is a working railway - so guests beware! But situation wise, everything is on the doorstep, and it’s a short walk to Minehead’s sand and shingle beach. The carriage sleeps six and costs start at £715 a week in the summer.
More information at www.lovecottages.co.uk 10 Families East Kent
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Family travel
Hit the Road Why not discover Europe in a camper van? The UK’s largest VW camper van hire company Campervantastic is based in Forest Hill, south-east London, just over an hour from the Channel Tunnel and south-east ferry ports. Staff are experienced in catering for a variety of European adventure tours; you could explore the Alps, cycle in the Dordogne or explore vineyards in Bordeaux. You can hire out the relevant equipment, such as bike racks and wine storage to suit your plans. Some of the campers have electrically powered pop-up roofs, bike racks, comfortable beds, folding picnic table, satnavs, and media ports. They also have a Mercedes Marco Polo campervan for hire and will have the brand new Grand California Motorhome available in the Spring of 2019. Prices start from £910 a week in July.
More information at www.campervantastic.co.uk
Try Treehouse Life
How about a House Swap?
The Garden Village in Slovenia is a beautiful eco-village of treehouses, glamping tents, Finnish Sauna, Massage Pavillion and a garden, which supplies the on-site restaurant with fruit and vegetables. The tree houses are raised cabins with two levels and have indoor nets to lounge about on, kitchenettes and bathrooms. The wooden-floor pier tents are by a stream and fishpond, while glamping tents have a mezzanine level, bathrooms, TV and hot tub. Lake Bled, which offers a vast array of activities, is
A house swap can be a great way of exploring the world and cutting holiday costs. You lend your home to another family, while you live in theirs. All you have to do is buy your flights or ferry ticket. You do need to clean and tidy your home so another family can live it. You also have to empty some cupboards and drawers for their clothes and leave a manual about the house. You can negotiate to swap cars and look after each other’s pets too.
just a short walk away. Treehouses are expensive in peak season (€360 a night) but tree tents which sleep four and have shared bathrooms/ toilet facilities, are less at €260 a night.
More information at www.homeexchange.com or www.lovehomeswap.com
LIES APPRO I M
The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green in the mountains and blue in the sky to set you up for the whole year, with plenty of fresh air to enjoy.
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More information at www.gardenvillagebled.com
LIES APPRO MI
With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva and a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet Au Coin du Feu, plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups, or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace. Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home. For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit http://en.morzine-avoriaz.com/activities/summer-activities
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Families East Kent 11
What’s on
What’s on Your essential guide to family events this March & April. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.
Every Saturday Stagecatz Musical Theatre Astor Community Theatre Deal CT14 6AB This musical theatre class meets every Saturday during term time, teaching singing, acting and dance. 9am–1pm. £15 with discounts available for lower income families.
Compiled by Laura Vass Easter at Hever Castle
Every Saturday The Sewing Club Beach Creative Herne Bay CT6 5PT From 11.15am until 12.15pm, the children’s sewing club meets on a Saturday morning for creative fun. To book or enquire contact thesewingclub@outlook.com
Throughout March & April Baby Rhyme Time Local libraries across East Kent Songs, nursery rhymes and fun at libraries across the region for 0 – 4 years and all events are free. Throughout March & April Library Storytime Local libraries across East Kent Stories, activities and more for under 7s and their parents/carers. All events are free. Please check with the library before visiting as some sessions may not run during school holidays. Throughout March & April Explorer Trail Westgate Parks, Canterbury Pick up an Explorer Trail map from the Beaney Museum or Westgate Towers museum and join Julius on a tour through Westgate Parks. The pack costs £2.50. Throughout March & April Big Scream Ashford Picture House Ashford TN23 1AE Big Scream is exclusively for parents and carers with babies under age 1. Every Week Toddler Time Ashford Picture House Ashford TN23 1AE Exclusively for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Toddler time screenings introduce your little ones to the cinema with a 30-minute screening. Every Monday NCT Drop-in Antenatal Exercise Barton Court Church Canterbury CT1 1YQ Relax, stretch and breathe. Call 07831 615998 for details. 6.30-8pm. Every Monday (term time) Claytime Playtime Beach Creative Herne Bay CT6 5PT Running from 4.30-5.45pm. Discover your sculpting talents using clay. Every Monday (term time) Cinebabies Cineworld, Ashford, TN23 1AE 10am, special screenings exclusively for parents and babies. Every Monday, Tuesday & Friday (term time only) Pre-School Trampoline Sessions Aire Trampoline Club Wincheap, Canterbury CT1 3RB This is a hugely popular drop in session for toddlers and parents that runs throughout term time only. The session is for pre-school children. Every Tuesday NCT Mother and Baby Yoga Lower Hardres Village Hall, Canterbury, CT4 5NP Mother and baby yoga postnatal drop-in every Tuesday morning. £8 per session or £30 for a batch of four sessions. 11am-12.30pm. 12 Families East Kent
Every Tuesday The Astor Youth Theatre Astor Community Theatre Deal CT14 6AB The Astor Youth Theatre is open to young people between the ages of 13 and 18. They meet Tuesdays during term time from 5-7pm, and work on at least two productions each year. Contact Guy on 07956 403440 for more information. Every Wednesday (term time) Playtime Theatre Drama Workshops The Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable CT5 1AF These fun workshops include mime, improvisation, theatre games, movement and voice work for all ages. 7-11 years meet 4-5pm. 12-16 meet 5-6.15pm. Contact to book. Every Thursday NCT Bumps & Babies Westgate Hall, Canterbury, CT1 2BT Group for expectant mums, and parents with babies or children under three. Refreshments are available from the café and some toys will be provided. 12-2pm.
10–10.45am. Contact Audrey on 07813444991 for details. Every Friday (term time only) Coffee & Chaos Canterbury Baptist Church, Canterbury, CT1 1UT A group open to all parents with children below school age. Includes free play, crafts, singing, stories and snacks. First visit is free and £1 per family after this. 10-11.30am. Every Saturday (term time) Saturday Mornings Art Club Espression Interactive Arts Café, Canterbury, CT1 2DZ A creative arts club for primary aged children (5-11 years) to try out different art and craft techniques, learn new skills and make new friends. Booking required. Call 01227 765665. 10am-12noon. Every Saturday Kids’ Club Ashford Picture House Ashford TN23 1AE Saturday morning Kids’ Club is exclusively for children and their parents or carers. Enjoy a family friendly film and activities.
Every Thursday (term time) After School Young Makers’ Club The Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable CT5 1AF Suitable for age 6+, this after school club runs from 4-5pm on Thursdays in term time. Each week children will make a new small craft project. £3 for one child, £5 for two. Every Thursday Curzon Baby Club Curzon Cinema Canterbury CT1 2BT A regular screening for parents or guardians with children under 12 months. Babies are free of charge. Every Thursday The Marlowe Dance Company The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury CT1 2AS Marlowe Theatre have designed classes that offer opportunities to develop dance skills and performance. 11-16yrs, 6–7.30pm. Every Thursday Let’s Go Escargot Astor Community Theatre Deal CT14 6AB A fun French club for children 0-5.
Every Saturday The Marlowe Minis The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury CT1 2AS Meeting every Saturday from 10-11am. Aimed at 5-7 year olds, these sessions provide a basic understanding of devising theatre, developing skills and working together as an ensemble, through drama games, storytelling and exploring texts. Every Saturday The Marlowe Youth Company The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury CT1 2AS The Marlowe Youth Company gives participants the chance to express themselves, increase confidence and learn new skills through professional actor training in a fun and friendly environment. 7-10 years 11am-12pm or 12-1pm. 10-13 years 1.30-3pm. Every Sunday Junior Park Run Betteshanger Park Deal, CT14 0BF A free 2K junior park run takes place every Sunday at 9am and is suitable for ages 4 –14 years. Pre-register at www.parkrun.org.uk/betteshangerjuniors Every Sunday Betteshanger Bikers Betteshanger Park Deal, CT14 0BF Join Betteshanger Bikers weekly cycle club for young mountain bikers. Get expert coaching, learn awesome cycling skills and take part in fun and exciting games from qualified coaches. Ages 8–14. 10-11.30am.
Spring at Smallhythe Place
Add some colour to your weekend this autumn at Gibside
Weave your way through an explosion of colour as daffodils and bluebells flow through the gardens. Discover new exhibitions in the house and grounds, catch a family show brought to you by Theatre of Widdershins and explore the nature trail over the fallen Easter Go crunching through leaves and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, weekend. There is something for with walking routes for all ages and abilities. everyone this season.
nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
Call 01580 762334 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your
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What’s on Every Sunday Junior Park Run Reculver Country Park Herne Bay, Kent CT6 6SU A free 2K junior park run takes place every Sunday morning at 9am and is suitable for ages 4 – 14 years. Preregister at www.parkrun.org.uk. Every Sunday in March and April Easy Sunday Family Workshop: Painterly Planets / Galaxy Jars Turner Contemporary Margate CT9 1HG Free for CT9 residents or £4 for other visitors. Inspired by Katie Paterson’s explorations of galaxies and cosmos, create your own 3D planet. Take your cosmic creation home after travelling through space and time in the exhibition. Runs alternate weeks. 1–4pm 2–3 & 9-10 March Day Out With Thomas Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden TN30 6HE Join Thomas and Friends for a day of family fun at the Kent & East Sussex Railway. To book www. dayoutwiththomas.co.uk 4, 18 March & 1 April Animal Assisted Therapy Sessions Whitstable Umberella Centre Whitstable, CT5 1DD Meet Therapy Rabbits, Robbie and Dylan! £6 per session. Booking required, call 07563915981. 6, 13, 20 & 27 March Storytelling Rare Breeds Centre Ashford, TN26 3RJ Read stories and sing and dance. Sessions last for about 30 mins so bring your little ones and join the fun. 11.30am & 1pm.
9 March Thanet Spring Baby and Children’s Market St Peter’s Church Hall Broadstairs CT10 2TR Lots of stalls bursting with top quality baby and children’s items from birth to 5 years - plus a small selection of unique businesses. £1 per adult, children under 16 free. 9 March Baby and Children’s Nearly New Sale St Mary’s Arts Centre, Sandwich CT13 9HN Top quality new and nearly new items from 0-12 years Admission is £1 for adults, children are free. Refreshments will also be available. 9 – 10 March MineVention Party Tour Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ With the popular Build Battles, Tournaments, YouTuber meet and greets, craft activities and on-stage fun and games, there is lots to do and enjoy. There will be four separate and identical ticketed sessions across the two days, with the Sunday morning session specifically aimed at families with children with Autism. Visit MineVention.com for further information and tickets. 10 March This Girl Can Family Day The Gulbenkian, University of Kent CT2 7NB As part of the festival to celebrate International Women’s Day, you can join a family day of dancing, music, talks, workshops, films and visual arts which celebrate women and equal rights. £5 entry. pre-booking may be required for additional workshops.
16 March Meet Francesca Simon and Horrid Henry Waterstones, Bluewater DA9 9SE Meet Francesca Simon as she signs the latest Horrid Henry adventure, ‘Horrid Henry: Up, Up and Away’. There will be a special appearance from Horrid Henry himself. 16 March Create Grassheads Romney Marsh Visitor Centre New Romney, TN28 8AY Get all creative as you make your grass head. Also plant some wildflowers and go on a bug hunt. £5. 16 March – 16 June Gerald Scarfe Family Activities The Beaney Canterbury CT1 2RA To celebrate the Gerald Scarfe exhibition, the Beaney are offering several family activities from making your own 3D mask, to creating puppets and a puppet show, or even take on the labours of Hercules to inspire the artwork for the film, decoration your own Greek vase. 16 – 17 March Lambing Weekend Hadlow College, Hadlow Road, Tonbridge Celebrate the arrival of spring at the ever-popular lambing event. You can see a variety of other animals and reptiles, take a tractor and trailer ride, enjoy a bird of prey display and hear interesting commentary from lecturers. Tickets can be purchased in advance for discounted prices at www.hadlow.ac.uk/events 24 March Create a Cloud of Bats Samphire Hoe Education Centre, CT17 9FL Join the Green Gang for another fun event. Bats like to hunt for moths at dusk, so join in to create a cloud of bat mobiles. Meet at 2pm. The session runs for 1.5 hours. 24 March Paws 4 Pilgrims The Bandstand, Deal CT14 7EB This spring, join hundreds of dog walkers for the popular 5K sponsored dog walk along the beautiful Deal coastline towards Walmer, before returning to the bandstand. After the walk, why not enter your furry friend in some of the many classes in the fun dog show? Re-freshments and stalls will also be open. The walk begins at 10.30am, with registration at 8.30am. The dog show is scheduled to start at 12pm. 24 March Run Whitstable Spring 2019 Whitstable With a choice of 5K, 10K or a kids’ 1.5K run, there is something for everyone to get involved with. The course is a nice flat, fast run along the waterfront. It’s all in good fun and you can walk, jog or run! 24 March A World of Wildlife – Exotic Animal Show Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3BD Experienced and knowledgeable keepers from the Kent Owl Academy will be telling you all about the animals they care for which you may not see every day. Meet an array of exotic animals from a Tenrec to a skunk. Book in advance on the Kent Wildlife Trust website.
30 March Visitor Centre Re-Opening Betteshanger Park, Nr Deal CT14 0BF Having been renovated over the winter months, the new café and visitor centre will be able to cater for more people using locally sourced ingredients. This will provide a perfect rest stop after a lovely cycle or walk across the extensive park grounds. 30 – 31 March Mother’s Day Weekend Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Mum can be treated to a delicious meal or simply enjoy quality family time; the historic castle and stunning gardens is a lovely place to say thank you and enjoy a family day out over the weekend. 31 March Make Mum’s Day Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks Postcode Make this Mothering Sunday special with a visit to Ightham Mote. For £2 per craft, children can pop into the Squire’s Room to make mum a present. Or why not treat her to lunch or a cream tea in the café? Mum’s can also enjoy a touch of luxury with a hand massage in the shop. 31 March Mothering Sunday on the Railway Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden TN30 6HE Treats for mum are available on the trains, or at the station, on this special day. Enjoy a roast dinner or cream tea aboard a beautiful steam train, as you enjoy the spring views of Kent and East Sussex. Booking required. 31 March Mums Drive a Train Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, New Romney TN28 8PL Not only will Mum be able to take a seat and travel along the line being pulled by a world famous steam locomotive, she will also get the chance to drive the train! Mums ‘Drive a Train’ takes place at New Romney Station. 31 March Mother’s Day Lunch Chequers Kitchen Cookery School Deal CT14 6RG Sunday lunch at Chequers Kitchen is a convivial, friendly event with long communal tables. Arrive at 12.30pm.. £18 for three courses. Book via their website www.chequersdeal.co.uk 31 March & 28 April Cliftonville Farmer’s Market Margate, CT9 2HL Award-winning Farmers Market, producers will be selling bread, cheese, honey, fruit, vegetables, wild game, fruit juices, fresh meat and much more. 10am – 1pm.
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25 March Stay and Play Session Whitstable Umberella Centre Whitstable, CT5 1DD Come and meet other parents and carers at our weekly playgroup for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Free entry. 9.30-11am.
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What’s on 6 April Ice Cream Parlour Summer Opening Solley’s Farm, Ripple, Deal CT14 8JL The Ice Cream Parlour and Farm will open its doors to visitors for the summer season. Open daily until the end of September. 10am to 4pm. 6 – 7 April Kent Big Weekend Across the County Kent’s Big Weekend is back for 2019. To celebrate National Tourism Week, Kent residents have the opportunity to ballot for tickets to a wide range of popular attractions across the county. www.kentbigweekend.co.uk 7 April Dover Family Aquathlon Dover District Leisure Centre Dover CT16 1LN An ideal opportunity, whatever your age, to try out and experience your first multi-sport event. With a variety of competition options to suit any age or ability, you can enjoy this event. For ages 8 and up. For further details visit www.nice-work.org.uk 7 April Ashford Farmer’s Market Ashford Town Centre Visit Ashford town centre between 10am and 2pm to see a wide variety of locally produced artisan goods and foods. 7 April Steam Operating Day East Kent Railway Shepherdswell CT15 7PD The first steam running day of 2019, including the first steam hauled passenger train in over ten years. With miniature ride-ons and a playground on site, this can be a fun day out for all the family. 8 April Making Nature Magic Spring Fun Romney Marsh Visitor Centre New Romney, TN28 8AY Discover the magic of nature through this session full of adventure and crafts. Go on a bug hunt, learn where mythical creatures come from on a trail, and then create natural dream catchers, woodland wands and plaster of paris animal tracks! 9 April Kids Felting Workshop Brogdale Farm Faversham ME13 8XZ Children age 8 and older can learn how to make their own woodland creature from felt. Bookings must be made in advance and all children should be accompanied by an adult. 12 April Snow White, Rose Red and Brown Bear Smallhythe Place Tenterden, TN30 7NG Suitable for children age 4 and above, this puppet-based theatre show is a delightful spring treat. This is a beautiful tale of kindness and friendship. Tickets are £8 and can be purchased from the National Trust website. 13 April Inflatable Fun Day Pencester Park, Dover, CT16 1NS Join in the fun with the inflatables in the park for this exciting, family event. £2.50 for a 10 minute session or £5 for an all-day wristband. There will also be refreshment stalls.
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Easter holiday fun Throughout April & Easter Falconry Displays Leeds Castle, ME17 1RG Free flying demonstrations take place in the Falconry Arena in front of the Maze. The demonstration lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and features a range of birds including Hawks, Vulture, Falcon and Owls. Daily at 2pm. 6 – 21 April Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Various National Trust Locations Re-live the adventures of the Hussey children at Scotney castle, explore the nature trail at Smallhythe Place, or take a stroll through the grounds of Sissinghurst Castle this Easter. In each location, you will have the opportunity to collect clues to claim your Cadbury chocolate prize. 6 - 21 April Easter Trail Maidtone Museum Maidstone, ME14 1LH Follow the Easter bunny trail to find the secret phrase and claim your prize! 6 – 21 April Lambing Open Days Broadlees Farm Swingate, Dover CT15 5DL Open from 1pm until 4pm every day over the Easter holidays, this is a wonderful experience for the whole family. Broadlees Farm welcomes visitors to educate and share the experience of lambing. You will have the opportunity to hold a lamb and may even get to see one being born. 6 – 22 April Easter Holiday Activities Royal Engineers Museum Gillingham ME7 1UR Discover the unusual hats, caps, helmets and more worn by the Royal Engineers over the last 300 years. There will be a chance to try on some old-style uniform hats as they tour the Museum. For an additional £2, children can create their own design on a mug or a coaster and egg cup. 6 – 22 April Easter Adventure Quest Dover Castle Dover CT16 1HU
Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail around the castle and grounds. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and there’ll be a chocolate treat too. £1 per child. 6 – 22 April Easter Adventure Quest Walmer Castle Deal CT14 7LJ See Dover Castle for full details. 6 – 22 April Spring into Easter Kent Life Maidstone ME14 3AU Celebrate the springtime baby boom at Kent Life: meet the lambs, goat kids and piglets! You can have a go at bottle feeding the lambs. Farm rides, play areas, donkey rides, animal feeding sessions and owl flying demonstrations, as well as the chance to catch an Easter Show in the Big Top or create the perfect Easter gift. If you visit over Easter weekend, you can also participate in Easter egg hunts and meet the the Easter bunny. 6 – 22 April Easter Fun at the Farm The Hop Farm Tonbridge TN12 6PY This Easter, enter the magical Hop Farm Family Park from 10am every day. The £3 per person entry fee includes all day indoor soft play, outdoor adventure play, crazy golf and all day entry into the animal farm and activities. Plus, over the school holidays there will be egg-citing Easter games for the kids, as well as the opportunity to get up close to the gorgeous lambs, bunnies and chicks.
8 – 12 April Spring Week Godinton House and Gardens Ashford TN23 3BP Every day between 1pm and 4pm there will be a variety of activities for all the family to enjoy. You can also walk the garden trail, take part in traditional garden games and children’s crafts. 13 April Easter Craft Fair & Village Egg Hunt Woodnesborough Village Hall Sandwich CT13 0FB Open from 10am until 2pm, with a range of craft stalls to browse. There will be an Easter egg hunt, which will be free to take part, and also a range of refreshments on sale. 15 April Animal Assisted Therapy Sessions Whitstable Umberella Centre Whitstable, CT5 1DD Meet Therapy Rabbits, Robbie and Dylan! £6 per session. Booking required, call 07563915981. 19 – 21 April Easter at Brogdale Brogdale Farm Faversham ME13 8XZ Hop along to Easter at Brogdale! Hunt for the giant Easter eggs, meet the Easter bunny, have a go at fun Easter crafts and ride the miniature railway. An egg-cellent Easter fun weekend for the whole family. 19 – 22 April Easter Fun with the Junk Orchestra Leeds Castle, ME17 1RG Join the Junk Orchestra on the Pavilion Lawn for daily musical ‘jamming sessions’. Children can make and play instruments constructed from bits of old rubbish. Add your litter to an in-credible sculpture created by award winning eco-artist Sarah Turner. 19 – 22 April Easter £2 Days The East Kent Railway Shepherdswell CT15 7PD The ever-popular annual event is back. For Easter weekend only. Don’t forget to check with the venue before leaving incase times or prices have changed since we went to print
Hop into Easter fun at Hever Castle from 6 –22 April Family fun at Hever Castle & Gardens throughout the Easter holidays promises to put a spring in your step. Hunt for the colourful carrots around the grounds in our fun free Easter trail or spot the bunnies in the Castle (free with Castle entrance). Celebrate spring by making and decorating an Easter bonnet at daily craft workshops (small additional charge) with a chance to show off your creations in a parade in front of the Castle every day with prizes for the best bonnets. Children can also have their faces painted (small additional charge). As well as the Easter themed activities a visit to Hever Castle in spring offers a great chance to explore the stunning gardens. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of spring blooms from daffodils to hyacinths, camellias and early tulips. Visitors aged 7-14 can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets. It features three slides and two poles and lots of interactive elements including musical instruments, a maze and hidden boxes to find. Or the under 7s can enjoy the natural play area, Acorn Dell with its 2 metre high living willow structure, a giant sandpit, a mound with tunnels to clamber in and a climbing frame. For further information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
What’s on Puppet Theatre present a colourful retelling of the classic Grimms’ fairy tale, serving up a feast of delicious music, dynamic scenery and knockyour-socks-off puppetry. A show to tickle your eyes, your ears, and your taste buds. Recommended 3yrs+.
14 April Hanami Festival Brogdale Farm Faversham ME13 8XZ Celebrate the blossom Japanese style: come and experience the traditional Japanese festival of the cherry blossom at Brogdale. With over 4000 varieties of fruit tree, it really is a sight to see! Sample Japanese food, learn about Bonsai and Japanese culture, watch the traditional tea ceremony demonstration, plus sword and drumming displays. 17 April Kent MOMI Children’s Workshop Kent Museum of the Moving Image, Deal, CT14 6AD Activities vary but include making thaumatropes and zoetropes, practising shadow puppetry and performing shadow theatre. The workshop is led by local teacher Lyn Faber. A charge of £5 is made to cover the cost of materials (plus squash and biscuits) and includes access to the upstairs exhibitions for an accompanying adult. Suitable for ages 6 – 12. 19 April Hot Cross Buns – Family Baking Chequers Kitchen Cookery School Deal CT14 6RG Book in for what has become a Chequers Kitchen tradition to bake hot cross buns together. You will leave with plenty of hot cross buns and a skill for life, having had lots of fun in the process. Book on the cookery school website. Bookings are per family (up to four people with at least one adult). 20 April Canterbury Detective Day Canterbury City Centre ‘Sneaky Finders’ is the latest virtual detective adventure from CluedUpp and it’s coming to Canterbury this spring. You’ll need a team of detectives (up to 6 adults) and access to a Smartphone to play. Kids under 16 play free and do not count towards your team total, but usually enjoy dressing up and taking part. A team ticket is £36 and can be booked in advance at www.cluedupp.com 20 April Herne Mill Opening Weekend Herne Mill, Herne CT6 7DR Opening on Sunday afternoons for the summer season, Herne Mill is a Kentish smock windmill dating from 1789. Children can visit free, whilst accompanying adults pay £2 to tour the mill. Please note that only cash payments can be taken. 27-28 April Autism Arts Festival The Gulbenkian, University of Kent CT2 7NB A two day festival of arts. It aims to be both a celebration of autistic creativity and an attempt to develop the idea of a relaxed performance to create an entire festival that’s accessible to neurodivergent people. The festival will also include an exhibition in the Studio 3 gallery curated by the WEB works collective which will run from 18-28 April. More information available on the website. 28 April Spring Food Festival Whitstable Castle Whitstable CT5 2BW A collection of food stalls to browse and visit, whilst enjoying the special ambiance and unique views of Whitstable castle. familiesonline.co.uk
12-13 April Annie The King’s Hall, Herne Bay CT6 6BA Box Office: 01227 374188 Joining with the newly-formed Herne Bay Youth Theatre, this production promises to be a smash with audiences young and old alike. Featuring unforgettable songs and music, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love this one.
THEATRE AND CINEMA Until 16 March War Horse Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, CT1 2AS Box Office: 01227 787787 This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage. 5 March Kaleidoscope The Gulbenkian, University of Kent CT2 7NB Box Office: 01227 769075 Reds and blues, yellows and greens. Twinkling lights that glisten and gleam. Inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops and how they instinctively begin to categorize colour, watch as your baby enters the multi-coloured world of Kaleidoscope. A show for babies 6–18 months. 9 March Morgan and West’s Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show for Kids Theatre Royal, Margate, CT9 1PW Box Office: 01843 292795 Time travelling magicians Morgan and West present a jaw dropping, heart stopping magic extravaganza! Fun for all ages. 12-13 March Dinosaur World Live Margate Winter Gardens, Fort Crescent CT9 1HX Box Office: 01843 292795 Grab your compass and join the exploration across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing dinosaurs. 23 March Wow! It’s Night Time The Gulbenkian, University of Kent CT2 7NB Box Office: 01227 769075 The curious little owl is back, and this time she’s ready to discover the wonders of night time, from the big, bright moon to the bats in the sky and the foxes deep in the forest. Ages 2–5. 24 March & 17 April Bite-Sized Ballet: The Three Little Pigs Ashford Picturehouse, Elwick Road, Ashford TN23 1AE Box Office: 0871 902 5747 With playful characters and
spellbinding music, this adorable ballet is sure to have your little ones dancing all the way home with excitement. 25–26 March Room on the Broom The Orchard Theatre, Dartford DA1 1ED Box Office: 01322 220000 Join the Witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and fun for children aged 3+. 27 – 28 March Bing Live! Theatre Royal, Margate, CT9 1PW Box Office: 01843 292795 Join Bing, Coco and Panda as they learn how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. 27 - 30 March White The Gulbenkian, Canterbury, CT2 7NB Box Office: 01227 769075 Two friends look after the birdhouses and make sure the eggs stay safe. Ages 2–4. 6 April The Boy and the Mermaid The Gulbenkian, University of Kent CT2 7NB Box Office: 01227 769075 Based on an original story by Alex Kanefsky, and featuring original songs and music from Darren Clark, this new play explores the fate of one little fishing town, exposed to the mercy of sea monsters, mercreatures and spectacularly bad town planning. 10 April Bite-Sized Ballet: The Elves and the Shoemaker Ashford Picturehouse, Elwick Road, Ashford TN23 1AE Box Office: 0871 902 5747 Northern Ballet’s Elves and the Shoemaker stomps onto the big screen as part of our fantastic season of interactive ballets for children, narrated by Anita Rani. With playful characters and spellbinding music, this adorable ballet is sure to have your little ones dancing with excitement.
13 April Morgan and West: Utterly Spiffing The Studio at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury CT1 2AS Box Office: 01227 787787 Time travelling magicians Morgan and West present a jaw dropping, heart stopping magic extravaganza! 5 years+. 13-14 April The Jungle Book Theatre Royal, Margate, CT9 1PW Box Office: 01843 292795 Wicked Productions in association with Jordan Productions present a brand-new hilarious family production of The Jungle Book. With brand new songs, creative staging and bags full of fun. 18 – 22 April In the Night Garden The Orchard Theatre, Dartford DA1 1ED Box Office: 01322 220000 Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their brand new live show: Igglepiggle’s Busy Day. 20 April The Selfish Giant The Gulbenkian, University of Kent CT2 7NB Box Office: 01227 769075 Powerful storytelling, captivating puppetry, beautiful design, enchanting music and a sprinkling of magic sums up this very special show. 1 – 2 May Dear Zoo Leas Cliff Hall, The Leas, Folkestone CT20 2DZ Box Office: 01304 228600 Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982, and has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. This production will delight all those who have read the book as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.
12 April Hansel and Gretel The Kit, part of The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury CT1 2AS Box Office: 01227 787787 Goody and Storey and Norwich Families East Kent 15
Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England
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