FREE
Issue 33 : January/ February 2014
Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing Lewes, Littlehampton and everywhere in between! www.familiessussexcoast.co.uk
Half Term Listings and Days Out! Keeping Fit & Healthy Competitions & Give-Aways
Photo Credit: Andrea Shelton at Photonoodle.net
The really useful magazine and website for families with children
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editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
Whats inside? Happy New Year
I hope you have all had a fantastic holiday and that you were on the “good list?” I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Editor of Families Sussex Coast and to also say a huge thank you to Vicki for passing over an excellent magazine for me to work on. Included in this issue are ideas of where to go over the Half Term break and also a complete What’s On guide for January and February. We are also focusing on keeping fit and healthy with some excellent articles and a clubs listing as well. If you should have any events or any local news then please do get in touch or if you are interested in advertising in Families Magazine then please email me at editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk I look forward to hearing from you.
Lucy Printed by Warners Midlands Plc www.warners.co.uk Please recycle your copy of Families Sussex Coast when you have finished with it.Copyright: Families Sussex Coast December 2013 . Data protection: If you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the samples or prizes. If you would prefer us NOT to do so, please state this clearly on your entry. Disclaimer: We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families Group: Families Sussex Coast is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All magazines in the Group are independently owned and operated under licence.
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News
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Education News and School open days
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Encouraging your child to read - and Book News
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Keeping Fit and Healthy
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Club Listings
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Choosing the right nursery for your child
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Play Therapy
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Competitions and Crafts
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New Year’s Resolutions for the family
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Half Term Days out
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What’s on near you.
Families Sussex Coast covers: Brighton, Hove, Eastbourne, Worthing, Lewes, Burgess Hill, Hassocks,East Preston, Rustington,Littlehampton and everywhere in between. Next Issue March/April: Advertising and editorial deadline is 31st January 2014. You can contribute to Families Sussex Coast through advertising, editorial and our whats on pages. Contact Families Sussex Coast 01903 620257
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk
Design by Sanderswhite. Contact sue@sanderswhite.co.uk
01903 620257 Sussex Coast
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News
Local Church Hall Wins the
Peoples Millions..... to Build a New Roof!
A couple of years ago our local church announced plans to sell the church hall in Exeter Street and it was to be turned into flats or a commercial development.
This would mean the loss of our local hall which was, although in a bit of a sorry state, used by members of the community from babies upwards. So with the help of the community and local groups we started to raise money to buy the hall from the church. Two years later, we had raised £185,000 through selling shares and holding many fundraising events, and eventually bought the hall from the church for the community. The biggest problem was the cost of a new roof, so the community applied to the Peoples Millions which is a daily regional ITV phone vote between two charities –the charity with the winning votes each day, wins £50,000 lottery money.
Amazingly we won, so can now put a new roof on and do some essential repairs to the hall that we really can call ‘ours’!!
Vicki from the Little Swim School
National Childbirth Trust
is launching shorter, more affordable antenatal courses in Brighton called NCT Essentials. The courses will run from January 2014 and be held at Peacehaven Town Hall and The Church of The Good Shepherd. NCT Essentials courses are designed to meet the needs of busy parents and parents on a budget. The new classes will be more structured than traditional NCT courses, and are designed to equip new parents with important information and tips for early parenting. The charity wants to reach out to parents in new areas, whatever their background or income. NCT currently supports around 100,000 parents a year and, as the birth rate in the UK continues to rise, it aims to reach 20 million parents by 2020. Areas covered over the six structured two-hour sessions will include the impact of birth on relationships, feeding and nutrition, and birth and labour. The cost of the course starts from £110 for a couple or £70 for a new mum attending alone. These new courses will sit alongside traditional NCT Signature antenatal courses. Signature courses focus more on preparation for birth and are more bespoke, designed around the needs of the mums and dads taking part. All NCT courses are led by specially trained practitioners. To find out more about NCT courses go to
www.nct.org.uk/courses/antenatal
Tickets are now on sale for Elderflower Fields Festival in Sussex at early bird prices for December only.
With new research showing that kids now spend an average of 4.5 hours a day glued to TV and their devices, tickets to the Elderflower Fields Festival are the perfect Christmas gift to give the kids an outdoor, festival experience with the whole family. Located at new venue Ashdown Forest over the 23rd-26th May, the Elderflower Fields Festival has been completely designed for families with young kids in mind, allowing parents to relax in the knowledge that their kids are not only looked after but learning new skills from Frisbee throwing, martial arts and dance classes. To buy tickets go to
www.elderflowerfields.co.uk/tickets
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
Maths, English, Science and...birdwatching on school lesson plans Big Schools’ Birdwatch 20 January – 14 February 2014
Big Schools’ Birdwatch, which has been helping to track bird populations in schools for over a decade. Running from 20 January – 14 February 2014, the survey encourages schoolchildren of all ages, and their teachers, to discover which birds they share their school grounds with and learn about their behaviour. The results help the RSPB build a picture of birds visiting school grounds and any population changes. Almost 2,500 classes, involving 75,000 children and teachers, took part in the survey across the country last year.
Worthing
Have set a New World Record?
On Saturday 7th December myself and my family went to Steyne Gardens to help Worthing break a new world record –
dressed as an Elf!
The target needed was over 792 although there was talk of another town smashing this figure with a 1,100 turnout, so really anything over that was going to put Worthing back on the map! It was an excellent afternoon, the sun shone and lots of little and large Elves wondered about clearly not caring how we looked – and although it is yet to be officially confirmed it seems that Worthing broke the record with over 1,270 Elves gathered in one place and we could well be World Record Breakers – whoop, whoop! This amazing event was organised by Robert Luff Estate Agents with all of the proceeds going to St Barnabas Hospice.
Travel Together with Worthing Leisure
Liftshare.com Children in East Sussex and around the UK will be adding ‘birdwatching’ to their list of lessons this winter, as they take part in the biggest school wildlife survey in the world. Schoolchildren will be counting the birds in their school grounds as part of the RSPB’s
What would you do with an extra £974 a year? That’s how much a typical
commuter saves when they car-share to the gym. We’ve recently set up a new car-sharing scheme with Liftshare.com, especially for Worthing Leisure at all four sites (Worthing Leisure Centre, Splashpoint Leisure Centre, Davison Leisure centre and Field Place), designed to
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Community Angels Buster’s Call for Adur and Worthing Councils help you reduce your daily travel costs while helping to reduce CO2 emissions at the same time.It is totally free to use and enables you to findothers going your way, so you can share the journey. You can take turns driving, offer someone a lift (in exchange for a contribution to the fuel costs) or look for someone to give you a lift. Once registered, you can access your account from work or home, making searching as convenient as possible. You can also choose whether to search for matches among Worthing Leisure members or from the whole Liftshare nationwide database, and you don’t have to do it every day. It’s completely flexible; once you’ve found others going your way, you decide between yourselves how often it suits you to share. Discover for yourself just how much money you can save by car-sharing. To sign up and find a car-share companion or two, just go to
www.worthingleisure.liftshare.com
This is a brand new scheme so please don’t be put off if there are not many people registered as yet.
have launched their very first awards for our communities unsung Angels. We all know somebody who works tirelessly in our communities for the good of others.
We want to celebrate those special people! In each area there are three categories: Young volunteer this is open to anyone aged 25 or under Community Group of the year this is open to any group in either area Most inspiring volunteer of the year - this is open to anyone All you have to do is go onto the website
http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/community-angels/ and tell us exactly why you think
your nominated person is a Community Angel.
All winners will receive:
An award for themselves A family ticket for 4 to the Splash FM Garden party in July 2014 A meal voucher for a celebratory night out Plus £100 for their group Nominations open – 1st January 2014 and close 3rd March 2014
Discounted Coach Trips for Schools
Fishers Farm Park have teamed up with Knights Travel and Sussex Coaches who’ll give you 20% off the normal cost of a coach in January if you book a visit to Fishers! On top of that… Fishers will take an extra 10% off your admission if you book before 31st January 2014. That’s a whopping 30% saving!
Pampered Pooches, Marvellous Mongrels and Do-gooding Dogs The Martlets Hospice’s four legged mascot, Buster, is calling on the city’s dogs to join him on the Martlets first ever sponsored dog walk. ‘Pooches on the Prom’ will take place on Brighton seafront at 11am on Sunday 19th January. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are invited to join Buster and help him raise money for patient care. The walk will start at the Hove Lawn Café and there are two routes (to the pier or Madeira Drive and back) depending on how energetic the dogs and their owners are feeling. All the pooches taking part will be rewarded at the end with a doggy treat and a medal. Buster, who turns 6 on Sunday 24th Nov, has been a supporter of the Hospice since he was adopted at the age of 1 by his owners, Robert & Corinne Blass.Talking about Buster, Corinne said: “Despite losing his eye in an accident two years ago Buster is a very pampered pooch. He is the ‘King’ Charles Spaniel in our house and enjoys fresh chicken, followed by cuddles on the sofa every night. Stepping up to be the Martlets mascot is his way of giving something back. He will be in his element on the day as he loves to be the centre of attention.” For many patients having their pets visit them at the Hospice makes a huge difference to their wellbeing and it is just one of the ways the Hospice enables people to live well. All of the money raised by the Hospice’s furry friends will go towards funding these vital services. Registration is just £5 per dog, although all the pooches taking part are being asked to raise as much sponsorship as possible. To be part of the Hospice’s first ever sponsored dog walk visit www.themartlets.org.uk, contact Clem on 01273 747455
Call 01403 700063 for details.
Improve your child’s study skills Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to improve your child’s skills, develop their confidence and inspire a passion for learning. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment. Brighton Hanover Study Centre Kumar Suresh 01273 900059 kumon.co.uk
01903 620257 Sussex Coast
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School Open days
WINDLESHAM SCHOOL PAVES THE WAY FOR EARLY LEARNING
Parents who are looking for the best possible start for their children need look no further than Windlesham School in Dyke Road, Brighton. For over 65 years, this truly independent school has been instrumental in paving the way towards further education for children from Brighton, Hove and the surrounding areas. Famous in the city for its chestnut brown uniform, the School provides innovative teaching and facilities for boys and girls from 3 -11 years old, ensuring high levels of academic achievement together with key skills that include swimming, French, music, drama and other arts. At Windlesham, we are dedicated to ensuring that each pupil learns to read with accuracy and confidence, fostering a love of reading that will last a lifetime. From the age of 4 children follow the Read Write Inc. phonics programme where they learn how to sound-blend the 44 most common sounds in the English language to enable them to read. At the same time they develop handwriting and spelling skills and as their confidence grows they are taught to understand and compose ideas for their own writing. The children have the pleasure of reading exciting storybooks perfectly matched to their level. Pace, praise, purpose, participation and passion are the underlying principles of the Phonics programme and ensure early achievements in these fundamental skills. Windlesham parent and Humanities Teacher and mother Liz Coego says: “Windlesham is a friendly school where traditional values underpin a modern
approach to teaching. Children can explore interests and develop skills and learning in order to grow into well-rounded young people. As a member of staff here, walking in each morning is like meeting a second family every day! It fills me with delight that my daughter can now be part of Windlesham – and she is loving every minute!” Don’t wait for one of our Open Days to experience some of our ‘magic’ – phone 01273 553645 and arrange to come and see us. You’ll be glad you did!
School Open days Annan Farm Small School
January 22nd 2014 Easons Green, Uckfield - 01825 841410
Brighton & Hove High School
February 8th 2014 Radinden Manor Road, Hove - 01273 280170
Brighton College Prep
January 25th 2014 Eastern Road, Brighton - 01273 704210
Brighton College
March 1st 2014 and April 26th 2014 Eastern Road, Brighton - 01273 704200
Brighton Steiner School
Hurstpierpoint College Prep School
March 15th and May 10th 2014 Hurstpierppoint, BN6 9JS – 01273 836936
Lancing College
May 3rd 2014 Lancing, West Sussex – 01273 465805
Lewes Old Grammar School
January 28th 2014 Juniors - 7 King Henry’s Road, Lewes 01273 473246 Seniors and 6th Form - 140 High Street, Lewes - 01273 472634
Moira House Girls School
Every Wednesday Morning Roedean Road, Brighton - 01273 386300
February 1st 2014 Upper Carlisle Road, Eastbourne 01323 644144
Burgess Hill School for Girls
Newlands School
March 8th 2014 Keymer Road, Burgess Hilll - 01444 241050
The Dharma Primary School
February 7th 2014 The White House Ladies Mile Road Patcham Brighton - 01273 502055
Dorset House
The Manor, Church lane, Pullborough Call 01798 831456 to arrange a visit
Great Walstead School
February 7th and 8th 2014 East Mascalls Lane, Linfield – 01444 483528 editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
February 7th 2014 Eastbourne Road, Seaford - 01323 490 000
Our Lady of Sion School Juniors – Westbrooke Road, Worthing Seniors – Gratwicke Road, Worthing Call 01903 228638 to arrange a visit
Roedean School
Sompting Abbotts Church Lane, Sompting Call 01903 235960 to arrange a visit St Andrew’s Prep School Meads Street, Eastbourne Call 01323 733203 to arrange a visit
St Bede’s School
April 26th 2014 Holywell Mount, Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne 01323 746416
St Christopher’s School
33 New Church Road, Hove Call 01273 735404 to arrange a visit
St Leonards Mayfield School
March 14th 2014 The Old Palace, Mayfield – 01435 874642
March 1st 2014 Roedean Way, Brighton – 01273 667500
Shoreham College
January 18th 2014 St Julian’s lane, Shoreham-By-Sea 01273 592681
The Towers Convent School
Upper Beeding, Steyning Call 01903 812185 to arrange a visit
Windlesham School February 13th 2014 190 Dyke Road, Brighton – 01273 553645
How to encourage reading By Elisabeth Dolton Many of us know the value and enjoyment of reading. Good readers become better writers, better learners and well rounded individuals. Taking an active part in helping your children become interested in reading is vital. Despite busy days, tired kids, limited time and many distractions, we outline five simple steps that can help.
Step one- Set up reading time every day
. Decide when and where a reading session will take place, which fits into .
your household schedule, and keep it. 10 minutes is fine. Encourage your child to read aloud and make it fun. Children love sound effects, different voices, pulling faces.
Step two- During reading time
. Listen to audio books (in the car too). These help develop visualisation, .
a critical pre-reading skill. Let them choose their own books. Don’t worry that the books are too young or too easy, early reading success can came from several “non-traditional” sources such as comics.
Step three - See the teacher and judge where they are
. Find out what reading program the school follows, get to know the levels, .
and aim to supplement the program at home. Prepare a timetable. Know what level your child is at and the next, with some idea of when it can be achieved. There is no race to be the first to read, it just puts things into context.
Step four - Plan specific reading linked activities . Extend your child’s positive reading experiences, e.g. If they enjoyed reading about dinosaurs, visit the natural history museum.
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. Encourage activities that require reading, e.g. read a recipe, instructions, .
and directions, play games that require reading, use a reference book to look up something you have seen. Visit the library and give your child their own library card. They can choose their own library book or listen in on story-time.
Step five – Be a role model
. Let your children see you reading for pleasure. . Read aloud everyday items - menus, road signs, food labels. . Give books as gifts. . Write short notes for your child to read. Reading opens up new worlds to your children and gives them a chance to use their imaginations. There are many ways to encourage your child to read, and the best ways always include participation on your part.
Helping reading for children with learning difficulties
. Books and Audio . Follow a book as the audio book plays. Listen to a chapter, and then read it together
. Turn on the TV subtitles . Sub-titles on your TV or DVD help increase sight word vocabulary, whilst . . . . .
developing a sense of flow of written and spoken language Make your child the star of their own audio book Your child can read into a recorder, then follow the book together during playback Everyone joins in Reserve thirty minutes each evening for family reading time. Each family member reads different material and then shares information about it, or take turns reading aloud from the same book.
Recommended Books from
The Book Trust’s Roald Dahl Funny Prize
The Roald Dahl Funny Prize is unique: launched to honour those books that make young people, and all of us, roar with laughter.
I Am Still Not a Loser by Jim Smith has been crowned the funniest book for children aged 7-14, with Monkey Nut by Simon Rickerty winning for children aged 6 and under in this year’s Roald Dahl Funny Prize.
Nominations for the 0-6 years were:
Nominations for 7-14 year olds were:
Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo by Amy
Fish-Head Steve! (DFC Library) by Jamie Smart
Sparkes, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Red Fox,
Random House Children’s Books) Monkey Nut by Simon Rickerty (Simon and Schuster) Noisy Bottoms by Sam Taplin, illustrated by Mark Chambers (Usborne) Spaghetti With the Yeti by Adam &Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Lee Wildish (Egmont) Troll Swap by Leigh Hodgkinson (Nosy Crow) Weasels by Elys Dolan (Nosy Crow)
(David Fickling Books) Geek Girl by Holly Smale (HarperCollins) The Grunts All At Sea by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Axel Sheffler (Nosy Crow) I Am Still Not a Loser by Jim Smith (Egmont, Jelly Pie) My Parents Are Out of Control by Pete Johnson (Yearling, Random House Children’s Books) Pants Are Everything by Mark Lowery (Scholastic)
01903 620257 Sussex Coast
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Keeping Fit & Healthy
Why Be Active? Written by Debbie Webb, Owner of Activ8 For Kids
www.activ8forkids.co.uk All children need opportunities to take part in daily physical activity, involving physical free play and more structured physical development classes. Physical play allows children to create their own movements and games and build on and refine the basic skills they have already learnt. The more structured sessions (PE lessons or outside school clubs) give opportunities for the teaching and nurturing of fundamental movment skills, which are important for physical development and long term health and well-being.
Research has shown that children who feel inadequate in their ability to perform these basic physical skills often put up barriers to participation in physical activity. As a result these children are then missing out on the opportunities to learn and practice and therefore their skill acquisition continues to be slower than that of their peers. As these children get to the higher end of primary school they may decide not to take part in organised sport and find it even harder to develop the skills needed to take part in physical activity.
“ This in turn creates adults who do not enjoy or feel able to take part in sport.”
They may also have higher self-esteem, good social skills, improved health and well-being and are more likely to continue with an active lifestyle as they get older.
“ Physical activity is so important due to the health benefits it brings, it is imperative that our children grow up enjoying being active.“ As parents, it is our role to provide them with the opportunities to develop these basic (fundamental) movement skills and therefore create a solid base for future skill development. As well as all the clubs and classes that are available to your child, it is so beneficial to find something active to do together as a family. If your child sees the adults around them enjoying physical activity, they will want to do the same. A walk along the beach, in the countryside, a bike ride, a Sunday swim…….the choices are endless. Have fun finding out what you as a family enjoy and try out some new activities.
The most important thing is to have fun and to develop a healthy lifestyle for your child.
On the other hand children who develop secure fundamental movement skills and are confident in their ability to perform them often have a positive attitude to physical activity.
Samurai Ninja Centre
Balance is the key; exercising the mind as well as the body is an ancient concept that has seen aresurgence in popularity recently. If you ever thought about trying something different, for you or your children, then you have to try the Samurai Ninja Family Martial Arts Centre in Brighton. Classes for children and adults combine the fun of learning with a mind, body, spirit and balance ethos. We have a café serving some of the best herbal teas, natural foods and for those wanting an extra kick, some great quality coffee to enjoy whilst your child is enjoying their class. For mums who need to get out and about there is even a soft play area too for the really little ones to enjoy. Our school and classes do wonders for self-confidence, helping combat the spectre of bullying, giving practical skills to protect students including techniques for escaping
being grabbed, blocking techniques to protect from being hit and in essence turning provocation back against the aggressor.
having all studied in Japan with our grand master, to ensure the highest level of teaching.
All classes are age specific, helping develop mental focus, co-ordination, concentration and self discipline whilst being amazing and energetic fun for children and adults alike.
For the adults there is also a range of fitness and martial arts programs for mums and dads including unarmed self-defence and traditional Samurai sword, Yoga, Pilates,a freeweights gym and massage therapist.
The classes start for pre-school ‘Ninja Tots’ as young as 3 ½ years during the day, then after school for our ‘Mini Ninjas’ ages 5-7 years and ‘Mighty Ninjas’ 8-11 years. There are also classes specifically for teenagers and adults who want the benefit of stress busting fitness as well as effective self-defence. The specific martial arts we teach are Jujutsu, Ninjutsu, and very traditional non-competitive Karate. The instructors here are all CRB checked and are highly trained,
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
For a complimentary children’s taster class just call the Samurai Ninjutsu Centre on 01273 570950.
Samurai Ninja Centre
49 New England Street Brighton BN1 4GQ Tel 01273 570940
Club Listings
Clubs and Classes Near You Brighton & Hove Dance Academy 07500 724236 www.brightonandhovedanceacademy.co.uk East Sussex Dance 07901 962163 www.eastsussexdance.com Grace Dance Academy Worthing 07746 240621 www.gracedanceacademy.com Little Luvvies Hove 01273 400245 www.pssa.co.uk Pointe Rocks Littlehampton 01903 731877 www.pointerocks.co.uk Bee-Fit Worthing 01903 241740 www.bee-fit.co.uk Activ8 Worthing 01903 785785 www.activ8forkids.co.uk Teenie Tigers Worthing 07717 666304 www.teenietigers.com Gymboree Brighton 01273 772900 brighton@gymboree-uk.com I-Star Adacemy in Henfied, Steyning, Shoreham, Brighton 07843 666251 www.istaracademy.co.uk
Little Kickers East and West Sussex 01323 749640 01293 226201 www.littlekickers.co.uk Pro Coaching Football Academy Littlehampton and West Sussex 01903 718400 www.procoachingfootballacademy. com Little Rugby East Sussex 01323 749640 www.littlerugby.co.uk Smarties Musical Theatre Brighton and Hove 07909 834586 www.thelittlesmarties.co.uk Sing and Sign Brighton and Hove 01273 540266 www.singandsign.co.uk Stagecoach East and West Sussex www.stagecoach.co.uk Samurai Karate Brighton & Hove 01273 570940 or 01273 571055 Sama Karate East & West Sussex 01273 607090 www.samabrighton.co.uk Woodlands Stables Riding School Worthing 01903 871339 www.woodlandsstables.co.uk Bonjour Kids French Classes Brighton and Hove 0173 921821 www.bonjourkidz.com Les Franglophones Hove and Lewes Email: info@lesfranglophones.co.uk www.lesfranglophones.co.uk
Shinewater Gymnastics Club Eastbourne 01323 768614 MXT Swim School East & West Sussex 01903 532765 www.mxtswimschool.com Seriously Fun Swim School East and West Sussex 0844 3511409 www.seriouslyfun.com The Little Swim School Brighton and Hove 01273 207992 www.thelittleswimschool.co.uk 01903 620257 Sussex Coast
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How to Choose a Nursery
How to choose your Child’s Nursery It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know? Joanna Moorhead shares some tips
“ There are all sorts of different nurseries to choose from, so when you s tart out looking for one, the plethora of what’s out there can make it all seem very daunting.” But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice. Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right or wrong for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice. The truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best.
To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or perhaps in the area where you work). Comb through the nurseries in your area online; look at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising. Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery our and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies.
Does it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced by what they’re telling you?
“Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most important person in your life, your child, here in the care of the people you’ve met? “
If the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have any doubts whatsoever about this most crucial thing, whether you’re confident about leaving your baby there, cross it off your list at once.
When you look round, don’t be too anxious about all the questions you need to ask or whether you’re going to miss something vital. Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and take in the holistic sense of the place.
Nursery Listings a small selection within the Sussex Coast
Tarnerland Nursery School
Puddleducks Day Nursery
Little Rascals Day Nursery
The Dolphins Day Nursery
Acorn Nursery
The Castle Day Nursery
Boundstone Nursery School
The Wishing Tree Children’s Nursery
Beach House Day Nursery
Tom Thumb Day Nursery School Ltd
Bluebell Barn Day Nursery
Wren House Nursery
Brightstart Nursery
Just Learning Nursery
St Peter’s Community Infant & Nursery
Little Foxes Day Nursery
CBabies Safe Nursery
Little Oaks Nursery
St Wilfred’s Nursery Unit
Little Poppets Nursery & Pre-School
Lavender Lodge Montessori Nursery
Oak Cottage Nursery
Little Monkeys Day Nursery
45 Chesswood Road, Worthing – 01903 600577
Maple Lodge Day Nursery
21 St Botolphs Road, Worthing – 01903 236643
Erskine Nursery
Brighton Road, Hurstpierpoint – 01273 833248
Grays Nursery
Railway Road, Newhaven – 01273 515230
Happy Days Nursery
Coleman Street, Hanover – 01273 694447
Hillbury House Nursery
Denmark Villas, Hove – 01273 730004
Hillcrest Nursery
Hillcrest Road, Newhaven – 01273 611831
St Gregory’s Montessori Nursery
Victoria Drive, Eastbourne – 01323 639164
St George’s Nursery
St George’s Road, Brighton – 01273 530880
Strawberry Hill Nursery
Grantham Road, Brighton – 01273 561100 editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
St John’s Place, Brighton – 01273 294199 Chesswood Road, Worthing – 01903 537755 Angola Road, Worthing – 01903 234679 Carden Avenue, Brighton – 01273 551515 The Avenue, Eastbourne – 01323 647630 Salehurst Road, Eastbourne – 01323 731530 Larkspur Drive, Eastbourne – 01323 743838 Horsham Road, Steyning – 01903 810100 Islingword Road, Brighton – 01273 694847 Wilkinson Way, Seaford – 01323 896069 Warren Road, Woodingdean – 01273 680541
Chaucer Road, Worthing – 01903 609986 Mile Oak Road, Portslade – 01273 293980 Upper Boundstone Lane, Lancing – 01903 753995 The Burrells, Shoreham-by-Sea – 01273 441100 Stonecross, Pevensey – 01323 487081 North Road, Brighton – 01273 291570 St Peter’s Road, Portslade – 01273 418069 Manor Road, Worthing – 01903 770441 Station Road, Burgess Hill – 01444 871107 Park Road, Burgess Hill – 01444 253422 Grosvenor Road, Worthing – 01903 202847
Play Therapy
The Power of Play
It needn’t be time-consuming either- just ten minutes a day of joint play will give your children the message that you are interested in them, that they are valuable and will help to strengthen your relationship.
By Shani Blumenfeld,
Registered Play Therapist,
Manchester Play Therapy Tel: 07812 089 760 email: info@manchesterplaytherapy.co.uk. www.manchesterplaytherapy.co.uk
“As adults we generally don’t take much notice of what children are doing when they are playing. In fact we may just be grateful for those moments when our children are occupied in playing and there is finally some respite from demands on our attention. But if we do stop to watch our children playing, we see that it’s not ‘just playing’ – there is something magical, spontaneous, uninhibited, creative and rejuvenating happening.”
Play is a child’s natural, spontaneous way to
explore the world and express themselves. It has long been recognized by educators and psychologists as vital to children’s development, helping them to grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Free play (unstructured) in particular, provides opportunities for children to play out and rehearse roles and feelings, try out new ideas, practice facing challenges, rethink experiences and work out solutions. Play also has the power to heal, especially when children have problems that are disrupting their lives and those around them. Children’s thoughts and emotions naturally come to the surface during play and it is a good way for children to find solutions to problems. It’s generally easier for children to make positive changes when they are playing and playing allows chilldren to express feelings and anxieties that may be difficult to put into words.
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Play Therapy – helping children &
families feel better through the power of play
Playful families
Whilst play comes so naturally to children, as adults we have often lost the ability to play and joining children in their play doesn’t feel ‘comfortable’ as it requires putting aside our familiar ‘adult’ roles, letting go of our authority and realism for a while, and risking appearing (to the adult world only), silly. But research clearly shows that playing with our children has enormous benefits. It allows family members to relax and laugh together, we can change roles, bend the rules a bit, and go where the fun takes us. And kids just love it when parents step out of parental mode and join them as equals in play. You don’t need any specialist skills or equipment to join your child’s play. Just give your undivided attention, watch and listen, comment occasionally on what you see and if you want to get involved allow your child to ‘direct’ you like a film director would an actor. Resist the temptation to teach, criticise/praise or guide the play (unless for safety reasons) as this will help your child express themselves without the anxiety of failure or judgement. And don’t worry – letting your child take charge in their play for a while isn’t going to turn them into ‘bossy’ children.
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All children encounter challenges in their life and most children manage to weather these emotional storms with the support of parents, carers, friends and family. However sometimes children experience problems with their feelings or behaviours that are harder to work out even with the support of those around them, and they may need additional help. Play Therapy is an effective way of helping children to work through muddled feelings or upsetting events that they haven’t had the chance to sort out properly and that are disrupting their lives or the lives of those around them. Rather than having to talk about what is troubling them - as an adult might do in a counselling session - in Play Therapy children use play and expressive activities to communicate deeper feelings or worries that may be hard for them to put into words.
Parents and carers may seek extra support from a Play Therapist when their child seems unduly sad, disruptive, rebellious, unable to cope or inattentive or when parents are concerned about their child’s development, eating or sleeping patterns and how they are getting along with family, friends or at school. Play Therapy can help children affected by a variety of difficult life experiences, such as low self-esteem;separation issues; loss or bereavement; bullying or school-related issues; family changes or breakdown; domestic violence; abuse or traumatic experiences; issues relating to disability/ illness (of the child or family members).
“Play Therapy not only helps children make sense of difficult feelings or experiences but also to feel better about themselves, get on better with friends and family and find healthier ways of coping with challenges life inevitably brings. Play Therapists can also work with children and their parents together.”
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Competitions and Crafts
Just So Stories In their acclaimed production of The Just So Stories (Connaught Studio Worthing, March 2), Red Table Theatre brings four of Rudyard Kipling’s best-beloved tales vividly to life. Each of the four actors uses everyday items from a dusty attic to transform into fantastical creatures living in every corner of the earth. From songs to poetry, hula-hoops to a tarpaulin, the classic stories are used to reveal to children why the moon pulls the tides, why the camel has a hump, why the whale no longer eats men (or women, or little boys and girls), and the reason why the elephant’s nose is so long. The cast creates magical, interactive story-time for young audience-members aged four and over. As each story draws to a close, another swiftly begins as each tale blends seamlessly with the next until each of the tales is told in full. For the chance to win one of two family tickets to The Just So Stories on Sunday March 2 at theConnaught Studio at 2pm simply answer this question correctly:
Which of these animals will children discover in The Just So Stories?
a) Cat and whale b) Cat and zebra c) Fish and lima
HOW TO POTTY TRAIN WITHOUT GOING POTTY Potty training can be one of the most stressful stages of being a parent but a new, beautifully illustrated and easy to use book, ‘How to Potty Train’, by Judith Hough and Diane Titterton, aims to make it simple and even enjoyable for parents and children. Judith and Diane gained their potty training knowledge after their own experiences led them to create the award-winning potty training pads, Dry Like Me. Over the last few years, speaking to hundreds of health visitors, continence experts and parents, they realised that there are times when parents just do not know where to turn for help and information, and so set about writing a common sense book to guide parents through their five stages of potty training – from preparing to potty train, right through to getting dry at night. The book contains lots of ‘read together’ sections to parents and children can learn together, as well as stickers to reward progress. How to Potty Train is published by Brewin Books and costs around £8.95. It is available from a range of retailers including Amazon and from the Dry Like Me website www.drylikeme.com. For your chance to win a copy of this book please send your name and address to editor@familiesussexcoast.co.uk
Send your answer, name and daytime telephone number to Families Just So Stories Competition, Pavilion Theatre, Marine Parade, Worthing. BN11 3PX or
Fishers Adventure Farm Park
Sussex Coast
All you will need is newspaper and tape. Each group of people will choose one person to be the mummy. The group then wrap the person up like a mummy head to toe. You can mark out a start and finish line and the mummy who gets to the finish quickest, with the least damage to their newspaper is the winner! You may want to include other materials such as pipe cleaners, lollipop sticks, felt tip pins
Newspaper snake game
Give each person a sheet of newspaper, the aim of the game is to tear the newspaper into the longest ‘snake’ possible. It has to be a continuous length of newspaper, so tear carefully!
Hawaiian paper party
Make Hawaiian costumes by making ‘grass skirts’ by threading lengths of newspaper on a piece of string and tie it around your waist. Make a Hawaiian necklace by scrunching up balls of newspaper and painting them. You can then thread them onto string to make a necklace. How about trying a Hawaiian shirt? Why not decorate the room with newspaper painted different colours, paperchains are simple to make and hang across the room. Mini palm trees or perhaps a bigger palm tree competition could be fun! Each group tries to make the tallest tree. Roll the newspaper up and tape it, then cut into each end. One end for roots, the top for the palm tree leaves. How about a coconut as a prize ?
Please have a look at our website for future events and to subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Twitter ‘playmosaic or find us on facebook – PlayMosaic Ltd
with ‘Families Just So Stories Competition’ in the subject line. Entries must be received by Friday February 21.
editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk
Newspaper mummy game
‘Have some cheap family fun from the PlayMosaic team’
competitions@adur-worthing.gov.uk
Officially announced as the ‘Best Family Day Out 2013’ and with all rides and activities included in your admission, Fishers is undoubtedly the ultimate, great-value day out for any family, and promises a farm-tastic day of fun come rain or shine! The exciting new ‘Indoor-Soft Play Centre’ has recently been added at Fishers too, with a Toddler’s Squishy Farmyard, Giant Super-Slides and Baby Sensory Room!
Fun with Newspaper
To win a family ticket to Fishers Farm just answer the following question:
They now offer an ‘Indoor Only’ pass for the months when you don’t want to venture outside so much! It’s just £2 per adult and £6 per child – perfect for rainy days! A unique mixture of animal adventures and exhilarating indoor and outdoor play, it’s no wonder that Fishers is still “Where The Family Comes First”!
What sort of room have they just openeded for Babies at Fishers Farm? Email you answer plus your name and address to: editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk before 31st January.
New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions for all the family The secret behind keeping your New Year’s resolutions is not to aim too high – the more realistic and do-able the resolution, the easier it’ll be to keep it. This year, resolve to make one or more small changes that will bring your family together and give you a stronger, more positive outlook as a group. Here are a few of our favourites:
Eat together
There are so many proven benefits of eating a regular family meal together, from better manners to happier kids. Turn off the TV and mobile phones and concentrate on talking, laughing and sharing – even if it’s only once a week, for Sunday lunch.
Take on a charity challenge
Give any fitness goals a boost by getting the family involved in a team challenge for charity. Not sure what to do or who to support? Try http:// www.charitychallenge.com/ or http://www.timeoutdoors.com/challenges/UK-challenges. The idea of raising money for a worthy cause will help you all pull together through the tough bits.
Stop shouting!
No-one likes to be shouted at, and no-one likes to live in an angry atmosphere, so make the change yourself. Resolve to keep your cool and talk out any problems. Anger only breeds resentment, which can lead to long-term family rifts - talking, in contrast, leads to better understanding and closer families.
Get out in nature
It’s been proven that playing and learning outdoors has profound benefits for children, but most of them don’t have the freedom that was taken for granted just a generation ago. Get outdoors as much as you can (why not join the National Trust and take advantage of their gorgeous grounds?), and improve your family’s health and wellbeing. You could even take a leaf out of the book of Tim and Kerry Meek, from Nottingham, who set their two daughters (aged 8 and 10) 100 challenges, such as canoeing down a river and sleeping under the stars. Their inspirational blog is at dotrythisathome.com.
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Focus on the positive
Resolve to look on the bright side in 2014 – it’s better for you and sets a great example. Seeing the silver lining to every cloud helps people cope and doesn’t need to be unrealistic.
Make one night of the week Family Games Night
The humble board game has many benefits - it brings the family together, it teaches sharing, counting and turn-taking, and most of all it’s fun! Wean the children off their screens for one night and get them around a table, and you should soon see an improvement in everyone’s mood.
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Places to go in February Half Term
East Sussex
mountain biking. There are also fun days, mad days .
The Little Mermaid
The Royal Hippodrome,Eastbourne Wednesday 19th February – Saturday 22nd February 4th .Various times please check the website.In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her home & live in the world above. Take your children to a magical world under the sea .They can watch the adventures of Ariel as she falls in love with Prince Eric & fights for his love in return.With all the Disney songs your children know & love - this half term promises to be a magical one at RHT
www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk Extreme Ventures
In and around East Sussex Open all year. For something completely different why not go rock climbing, rock scrambling, indoor climbing, abseiling, mountain biking or do an extreme venture package! Some activities are suitable from 5 years of age others from 7+.
www.extremeventures.co.uk
The Observatory Science Centre
Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN Open all year – suitable for all ages Come along to the open evening , or try one of the different workshops available. As well as the interactive hands on exhibits and telescope tours there is also a twilight special. Booking is essential 01323 832731
Knockhatch Adventure Park
Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham BN27 3PR Open all year - suitable for all ages.During the half terms holidays not all of the attractions are open so you may wish to check their website for further details, but prices reflect this which is an excellent idea.
www.knockhatch.com Treasure Island
Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AE Open all year – suitable for all ages Ideal for wet days! There is a large indoor soft play area and for the older children a crazy golf pitch and also the Hungary Pirate Cafe!
Sealife Centre
Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TB Open all year – suitable for all ages Visit the worlds’ oldest aquarium dating back to 140 years.You can go underneath the water and watch the giant sea turtles swimming with the sharks!!!
ww.aoac.org.uk
Wild in the Woods at Pulborough Brooks Lewes Castle
High Street, Lewes Open all year– not suitable for babies or very young children The Castle has a wonderful view from the top of the Keep. Next door is the Barbican House Museum with displays of the history of Sussex.
Brighton Science Week
Various Venues 18th-22nd February – various age ranges An amazing week of science activities including forensics, beach themed activities, exploring your senses and many more – not to be missed. Please go to their website to find out what is going on each day.
www.brightonscience.com Peppa Pigs Big Splash!
Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD 19th-20th February - suitable for all ages. Wed 1pm and 4pm, Thu 10am and 1pm Come and join Peppa and her friends for another all singing and all dancing adventure full of fun, games and muddy puddles Tel: 0844 871 7627
Booth Museum of Natural History
194 Dyke Rd, Brighton, BN1 5AA Open all year (excluding Thursdays) suitable for 5 yrs+(early year sessions for 2-5’s on selected Fridays) An amazing museum which is all about birds, butterflies, fossils, bones and skeletons. Natural history is brought to life with interactive displays and ‘hands on’ activities. Tel 03000 290902 - Brighton
Wild Child at Birdwatching at Pulborough Brooks
RSPB Pulborough Brooks Wiggonholt, Pulborough, RH20 2EL Wednesday 19th February 10.30 am – 1 pm for 10 – 14 year olds 11.30 am – 1.30 pm for 6 – 9 year olds Booking essential , cost: £6 per child (£3 for Wildlife Explorer Members) Leave your parents at home (or in the cafe) and discover how to find and identify birds more easily and put your new skills to the test through a mixture of activities and games!
Wild Families – Hide and Seeking at Pulborough Brooks
RSPB Pulborough Brooks Wiggonholt, Pulborough, RH20 2EL Saturday 22nd February – suitable for all ages 10.30 am – 1 pm. Cost: £3 per child (£1.50 for Wildlife Explorer members); Adults pay the normal nature trail entry fee. Follow the poetry trail down to the hide, where our friendly team will help you to seek out some wonderful wildlife. There will be activities and puzzles in the hide and you could write your own wildlife poem.
Country Parks and Beaches
Open all year - suitable for all ages We live in beautiful Sussex where we have the South Downs and the Beaches - here are just a quick reminder of some of the places you could visit: Seven Sisters Country Park, Beachy Head, Ashdown Forest, Pooh Bridge, Wilderness Woods and of course the Beach!
West Sussex
Adur Outdoor Activities Centre
Brighton Rd, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5LT Open all year - suitable from 8+ years Either try a 5 day course or you can try daily sessions of archery, climbing,
www.visitsealife.com/brighton editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast
RSPB Pulborough Brooks Wiggonholt, Pulborough, RH20 2EL Monday 17th February - 3 years + 1 pm – 3 pm Cost: £3 per child (£1.50 for Wildlife Explorer members); Adults pay the normal nature trail entry fee. Kick through the leaves and help us build a woodland den as we go ‘wild in the woods’! Go on a woodland treasure hunt, hug an oak tree and make some woodland arts and crafts. We’ll also build a den for mini-beasts and help give nature a home.
Arundel Wetlands Centre
Mill Road, Arundel Open all year – suitable for all ages There will be daily boat safaris and duck diving feeding where you can watch the ducks diving for fish Fee payable please check website
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ arundel
Arundel Museum
Mill Road Arundel Open all year – suitable for all ages An excellent day out for children, with lots of interactive activities and clothes for them to dress up in. You can follow them on their facebook page Arundel Museum for regular updates of forthcoming events. Or visit their website.
www.arundelmuseum.org The Flying Fortress
Ford, BN18 0HY Open all year – suitable for all ages An excellent place to spend a wet day in the holidays, during busy times there may be a time restriction and on a Thursday there is a special morning for the under 5’s only between 9.30 and 12.00.
Play
Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing, BN11 1HE Open all year – suitable for all ages A popular soft play centre with areas for all ages, great for parties and a very nice cafe.
www.playleisureagilityyouth.com Worthing Museum
Chapel Road, Worthing, BN11 1HP Open all year – suitable for most ages You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at this friendly museum that is packed with so much to see! Worthing residents are proud of this historical gem in their town centre and rightly so.
www.worthingmuseum.co.uk
Amberley Working Museum
On the B2139, BN18 9LT Saturday 15th February the museum reopens for the year – suitable for all ages. On Wednesday 19th February there will be a hands on activity day for all children accompanied by an adult. During the rest of the week you can have a look around the museum and ride the free bus and train around the grounds.
www.amberleymuseum.co.uk Harbour Park
Littlehampton Sea Front Open all year – suitable for all ages Seaside amusement park with rides and arcades right next to the seafront. You will need to check the website to see what rides are running.
www.harbourpark.com
What’s On?
January
search for a very special starry friend. An irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling for small people aged 3-7 and grown-up stargazers. www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
Theatre Aladdin
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne Ongoing until January 12th (various times) A story full of East-bourne promise! Join the Eastbourne Theatres creative team for a fun-filled family pantomime extravaganza.With all your favourite characters including Wishee Washee, Widow Twankey, Princess So-Shi and the fabulous Genie of the Lamp, bring all your family along to enjoy this Geni-us show!
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
The Windmill Theatre, Littlehampton Wednesday January 15th – Sunday January 19th 7.30 pm and Saturday Matinee at 2pm and Sunday Matinee at 4pm A must see show for all the family
Museums
Chilled to the Bone
Brighton Museum Ongoing until January 18th 2014 A new display at Brighton Museum explores ice age Sussex and discovers how past ice ages have shaped life. Also covers the Victorian ‘great bone rush’, an intensive search by scientists and gentleman collectors across Europe.
Events
Open Evening for BBC Star Gazing
The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux Friday January 10th and Saturday January 11th 6.30-11pm If weather permits, come and observe the universe through the centre’s historic telescopes. Also available are smaller, modern telescopes operated by a local astronomy society, who are always keen to answer questions about the cosmos. As with a daytime visit, all the hands-on science exhibits are available as usual, but bathed in red light so as not to interfere with night vision needed for astronomical observing. Normal admission prices apply. No booking is required.
www.the-observatory.org
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Royal Pavilion’s Ice Rink
Royal Pavilion, Brighton Ongoing until the 19th January Brighton’s Royal Pavilion ice rink is back for Christmas 2013. It promises to be as romantic and twinkly as ever. With the former Royal pleasure palace as a backdrop, the 800 square metre rink has space for 250 skaters per session, offering seasonal fun and a unique and special Christmas experience.
Drawing Workshop
Paradise Park, Newhaven Saturday January 24th 11am – 1pm A drawing workshop for all the family.
Craneberry Fest
Arundel Wetland Centre Ongoing every Saturday and Sunday until January 26th 9.30am – 4.40pm Visit the Arundel Wetland Centre and make cranberry crafts, enjoy cranberry treats in the cafe and discover why our favourite berry is named after cranes, the endangered wetland bird that WWT works to protect.
Wolstonbury in Winter
Saddlescombe Farm Devil’s Dyke Sunday January 19th 10am-1pm A guided walk exploring the woods and ancient downland of this enigmatic hill. Charges apply www.nationaltrust.org.uk
February Theatres
Dance Til’ Dawn
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Saturday February 20th- February 22nd Evening 7.30pm Saturday Matinee 2.30pm Fresh from wowing audiences across the country with Midnight Tango, TV’s Strictly Come Dancing favourites Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacase are back with a brand new show. Dance Til’ Dawn, a sensational dance show straight from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Events
The Inventor’s Workshop
Worthing Pavillion Theatre Monday February 17th 10am-1pm Use your imagination to create new useful inventions or create disguises and play sneaky drama games in these combined arts and drama workshops. Become the props, scenery and scriptwriting departments before performing your own show! www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
Brighton Modelworld 2014
Secret Spies
Kids Go Wild – Wetland Bird Bingo
Worthing Pavillion Theatre Tuesday February 18th 10am-1pm Use your imagination to create new useful inventions or create disguises and play sneaky drama games in these combined arts and drama workshops. Become the props, scenery and scriptwriting departments before performing your own show! www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
Brighton Centre Friday February 21st – Sunday February 23rd 10am – 5.30pm A unique exhibition showcasing models of all types from around the country. Charges apply and tickets can be booked online
www.brightoncentre.co.uk
Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve Saturday February 15th – Sunday February 23rd 10am – 3pm Come and play Wetland Bird Bingo, take a walk on the harbours edge and complete your bingo card to win a prize.
Wiggly Week
Fishers Farm Park Friday January 15th – Sunday January 23rd Wiggle your way to Fishers this Half Term to meet a fang-tastic selection of creepy critters! Hug a bug, cradle a corn-snake, giggle with a gecko or tickle a tarantula…there’s so many new creatures to meet this week, we’re already trembling with excitement! Discover the exhilarating new indoor soft play centre or snuggle inside the Barn Theatre for a special on“Magic Show”
www.fishersfarmpark. co.uk
How to Catch a Star
Worthing Connaught Theatre Sunday 16th February 11am and 2pm Follow Boy on his incredible journey across land, sea and skies in his
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editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast